An intensive material on recent advances on contraception including the current contraceptive methods and a brief overview on immunocontraception and contraceptive vaccines
3. Contraception : need of the hour
• World’s population expected to reach 9 billion
by 2050
• India accounts for 17% of world’s population
• 21% of all pregnancies resulting live births are
unplanned
• Around 2/5 th of all pregnancies are
unintended
• If unmet need for contraception was met, we
can avoid
• 55 million unwanted pregnancies(71%)
• 22 million fewer abortions
• 90,000 fewer maternal deaths
4. IDEAL CONTRACEPTIVE
Safe Effective Acceptable
Inexpensive Reversible
Simple to
administer
Independent
of coitus
Long lasting to
avoid frequent
administration
Requiring little
or no medical
supervision
7. Hormonal
contraception
•All hormonal birth control
measures act via same
mechanism
•Stops ovulation
•Prevents uterus lining from
build up
•Making the cervical mucous
thick to prevent penetration of
sperm
11. Yaz
• 20 μg EE and 3 mg Drosperinone
regimen
• 24 pills with active medication
• Once daily for 24 days in a row
• Only COC with reported evidence
for and approved indication in the
treatment of emotional and
physical symptoms of
premenstrual dysphoric disorder
12. Multiphasic pills
• Comparable in efficacy to monophasic pills
• Introduced with an aim of reducing the total dose of hormones per
cycle and to ↓ BTB
• Better carbohydrate and lipid profile
Type Estrogen Progesterone
Triphasic EE – 30 ug (D1-6) Levonorgestrel 50 ug
EE – 40 ug (D7-11) Levonorgestrel 75 ug
EE – 30 ug (D12-21) Levonorgestrel 125 ug
13. 4 phase pills
• Estrogen-estradiol valarate along with newer progestin (dienogest-
DNG) is used
• Step down doses of estrogen and step up doses of progestin
preparation is used
• Qlaira
• Dosing schedule
Days E₂ V DNG
E₂ V-DNG 1-2 3mg
3-7 2mg 2mg
8-24 2mg 3mg
25-26 1 mg
27-28 placebo
14. • DNG- least CVS & metabolic effects
• More increase in HDL(8%), LDL ↓(6.5%)
• Stability in carbohydrate metabolism
• No glucocorticoid, anti-mineralocorticoid or anti
estrogenic effects
• Reduced breakthrough bleeding
• Effective in treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding
• Significant improvement in Hb, hematocrit, ferritin
levels
ADVANTAGES-
• VTE ??
• Amenorrhea more common
DISADVANTAGES
15. Extended cycle regimen
SEASONALE
• 150µg of LNG + 30µg of EE
• Taken continuously for 84 days,
break for 7 days
• Fewer periods (4 in a year)
• Breakthrough bleeding/ spotting
– First few cycles
CONTINUOUS
• For 365 days
• No break
• 0.09mg LNG+20μg EE
• Diminished breakthrough
bleeding after 8-9 months
16. Advantages of continuous use
Decreased
incidence
of:
1. Pelvic pain
2. Headaches
3. Bloating/swelling
4. Breast tenderness for women who experience these symptoms during
the pill-free interval
Improved control over symptoms of endometriosis and polycystic ovary
syndrome
Greater convenience due to fewer withdrawal bleeds per year
17. Disadvantages
• little information on :
• Long-term safety (although there
are long-term data for comparable
total estrogen- progestin doses per
month)
• Slightly higher cost for medications
(an extra 3 pill packages per year
for a 91-day cycle
18. Adverse effects of OCP
Mild
• E-Nausea,
vomiting, breast
tenderness, mild
edema, migraine
• P- increased
appetite, wt.
gain, acne,
hirsutism,
decrease in
libido, increased
body temp.
Moderate
• E- vertigo, leg &
uterine cramps,
ppt of DM
• P- BTB, monilial
vaginitis,
amenorrhea
Severe
• E- TE, cholestatic
jaundice,
cholelithiasis,
hepatic
adenoma
• P- MI,
cerebrovascular
thrombosis
19. Progestin only pills
• Reducing the dose to the lowest possible without reducing efficacy (10
fold reduction)
•Dosing schedule-
• Started on 5 th day of menstruation
normally
• Strict compliance(< 3 hrs window)
• 21 day of post partum period
• Soon after abortion
• lactation
• Extra precaution for
2 days to be taken
Norethisterone
350μg
Norgestrel
75μg
PoP
LNG
30μg
20. Desogestrel
• Suppress ovulation(97-100%) vs 40% with other pop
• 0.75 mg
• Thick mucus plug in the cervix
• ↑ tubal peristalsis
• Can be taken within 12 hrs window
Stringent time
not necessary
No androgenic
S/E-Acne
No ectopic
pregnancy
No altered
carb/lipid met
Failure rate is
low
22. Ortho evra patch
• Effectiveness-98-99%
• 28 day regimen
Replaced every week
No patch free interval if only LNG 40μg is in it
• 21 day regime
Replaced every week
7 day patch free interval if EE 30μg + LNG 100 μg
ADV DISADV
Once a week dosing- good compliance High cost
Avoid first pass metabolism Minor skin reaction
Progestin with minimal androgenicity Breakthrough bleeding and mastalgia
23. Gel
• Nestorone(NES) a progestin is used
• Applied in dose 2.3 mg/day once for
21 days with 7 free days
• Nestorone®/Estradiol Transdermal
Gel(Phase 3)
• Adv-
-No skin irritation
- Regular bleeding pattern
maintained
-No serious adverse event
24. Spray• Metered Dose Transdermal System (MDTS) to administer a
pre-set dose of the Nestorone once daily to the skin (forearm)
• Phase 1
• Fast-drying spray & drug is slowly absorbed in the blood
over a period of hours
• Suitable for
• Breastfeeding mothers
• Who cannot tolerate contraceptive pills with estrogens
• Leaves no visible residue & less irritation than patches
• S/E- bruising at the site, breast tenderness, tiredness,
headaches, dizziness
25. Vaginal contraception- Nuva ring
• Effectiveness- 92-97%
• NES 150μg + 15μg EE/day
• 21day/7 day
• ADV-
-reused for a year
-reduced cost
-excellent bleeding control
-rapid return of fertility
-no changes in weight
DISADV-
-feeling of ring on place
-difficulty in remembering
to reinsert
26. Vaginal gel
C31G Glyminox 1% Gel(savvy)
50-60% effective
Vaginal microbicide(carrageenan, betacyclodextrin) contraceptive along with spermicidal
agent(nonoxynol-9)
Applied 15 minutes prior to intercourse
Prevent from sexually transmitted diseases
MOA-
• -boost bodies natural defense against infection
• -damage and disable disease pathogen
• -entry and fusion inhibitors
ADV-
• -Easy to use
• -No serious side effects
27. AG200-15 (Twirla™)
• Transdermal Contraceptive Delivery System
(TCDS)
• Low-dose, once-weekly patch
• EE + LNG
• Once weekly for 3 weeks, followed by a
week without a patch
• Minimizes seepage of adhesive around edge
of patch & ↓ chance of residue on skin
• Promote enhanced patient compliance
• Completed phase 3(FDA approval awaited)
28. IUD: LNG20
•Levonova
• 20mcg/day LNG -- Mirena
(52mg) over 5 years
• It releases 15µg of LNG per day
in vivo and is effective for 7-10
years
• Purpose:
• ↑ use from 5 to 7 years
• ↓ cost
• Study completion ~Dec. ‘18
29. Cyclofem
• Monthly injectable
• Pre-filled estradiol cypionate and
medroxyprogesterone syringes
• 25 mg MPA, 5 mg estradiol cypionate
• 94% to 99% effective at preventing
pregnancy
• Still to be introduced in US
• India- completed phase 3
30. Nestorone/EE 1 Year Ring (CVR)
• Nestorone/Ethinyl Estradiol
• 1-Year Ring (CVR)
• Releases 150 mcg Nestorone & 15 mcg ethinyl estradiol/day over 3-
week period
• 3 weeks in and 1 week out for 13 cycles
• Used like NuvaRing
• Lasts 13 cycles
• Awaiting FDA approval
33. Intramuscular
• Testosterone enanthate
• Dose interval-1–2 wk
• Overall contraceptive efficacy of
94.7%
• Potential concern-
• Delay in onset of full
contraceptive action for almost
3-4 months.
• Injections can be painful, high
peak levels
• Side effects from weekly injections
of 200 mg of TE in healthy men
include weight gain, a reversible
25% reduction in testicular
volume, a 6% increase in
hemoglobin, and a 10–15%
decrease in serum HDL cholesterol
34. Testosterone
decanoate
• Dose interval- 4–6 wk
• Potential concern-
Injections can be
painful, high peak
levels
01
Testosterone undecanoate
• Dose interval- 8–12 wk
• Potential concern- Injections
can be painful
• Weight gain, a 9% increase in
hemoglobin, and a 14%
decrease in HDL
02
35. Subcutaneous
• Dose interval- 4 months
• Dose of 600 mg is usually able to maintain plasma
testosterone level within physiological range for 4-5 month
• Potential concern- Surgical placement, occasional painful
expulsions
Testosterone implants
• Phase 2
• Dose interval- 6 months
• Surgical placement, poor sperm suppression, concern
regarding bone effects
MENT(7α-methyl-19-nortestosterone) implant
36. Transdermal
Testosterone
patch(non scrotal)
• Dose interval- daily
• Potential concern-
Poor efficacy, high
frequency of skin
irritation
Testosterone gel
• Dose interval- daily
• Potential concern-
Possibility of
partner transfer,
daily application
needed
Dihydrotestosterone
gel
• Dose interval- daily
• Potential concern-
Poor efficacy
37. Testosterone buccal
system
• Buccal
• Manufactured under trade
name Straint
• Applied twice a day
• Dose interval- Daily
• S/E-allergic reaction , Liver
toxicity
39. Adjudin
Non hormonal
Analogue of lonidamine
Phase 2
Disrupt the interaction of spermatid-Sertoli cells
Binds to FSH receptor on Sertoli cell
As it does not affect spermatogonia themselves
the loss of fertility is reversible
Inj/ implant/ gel
Low oral bioavailability
Also know to be a potential anticancer drug
40. RAR
Antagonist
Sperm production
needs retinoic acid
Failure of
spermatids to align
and be released
into the lumen,
and aberrant
orientation to the
sertoli cells
1 week RAR
antagonist t/t– 3
month block
100% effective &
reversible in
animal models
41. Indenopyridine
Targets both sertoli cells and germ cell
Promising preclinical data for a potential
oral, non hormonal male contraceptive
MOA
• It activates the ERK/MAPK pathway, reduces
expression of prosurvival factors
• Alters expression of sertoli-germ cell adherens
junction proteins disrupts sertoli cell
microtubule structure
• Induces the proapoptotic factor, fas-result in
germ cell loss
42. Intra VAS device
• Non hormonal
• Injectable silicone plugs(Shug)
• 2 plugs blocks the sperm flow in vas deferens
• Reversibility not known
• There are two tested types of injected plugs
• Medical-grade polyurethane (MPU)
• Medical-grade silicone rubber (MSR)
• USA- silicon(phase 1)
• China- Polyurethane stent+ nylon mesh(phase 2)
• lower efficacy rate when compared to traditional
vasectomy
43. RISUG
Reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance
Polymer gel of styrene maleic anhydride+ DMSO
Injected into the lumen of the vas deferens using
a no-scalpel technique
Both partially occlude the vas deferens, while also
deactivating the sperm that are able to pass through
the partially occluded vas deferens, thereby preventing
successful fertilization
India- phase 3
Reversible by flushing with NaHCO3
S/E- transient painless scrotal swelling
44. Targeting sperm
motility
• Catsper blocker
• Sperm-specific transmembrane
proteins-allow Ca++ entry in sperm
tail
• The rise in intracellular calcium
mediated by the catspers is directly
responsible for the increase in
flagellar beat frequency that
characterizes sperm hyperactivation
46. ANTI-SPERM VACCINES
2 types of sperm antigens
Functional antigens as the enzymes known to be required for sperm
metabolism (lactic dehydrogenase-XLDH-C4)
Involved in sperm-egg interactions and the processes leading to fertilization
(acrosin and hyaluronidase)
Structural antigens- expressed on the sperm cell membrane and which
may be involved in gamete interaction and fusion
Two sperm antigens identified- SP-10 and PH-20, have been shown to have
promising antifertility effects when injected into laboratory animals
47. ANTI-OVUM
VACCINES
Antigen-focused on the
surface antigen zona
pellucida
Causes an inflammatory
reaction in the ovary which
might be indicative of a risk
of acute ovarian
disturbances or long-term
immunopathology
48. ANTI-CONCEPTUS VACCINES
PLACENTA-SPECIFIC ANTIGENS/structural antigens
Forma a part of the trophoblast cell membrane
Pregnancy-specific ß1 glycoprotein (SP-1 ) an antifertility effect was observed
when female baboons and cynomolgus monkeys were actively immunized with
human SP-1, in the majority of cases (50-80%), this effect was manifested as a late
abortion.
Placental antigen PP-5,when animal is actively immunized with human PP-5 and a
substantial reduction in fertility was shown
49. HORMONAL PLACENTAL ANTIGENS
Production or function of hCG can be inhibited immunologically, the
corpus luteum would regress
Type 1- developed by the Population Council in New York and by the
National Institute of Immunology (NII) in New Delhi, is based on the
whole beta subunit of the hormone (ß-hCG)
Type 2- developed with support from the WHO Task Force on Vaccines
for Fertility Regulation, is based on a portion (carboxyterminal
peptide) of the beta subunit of the hormone (ß-hCG-CTP)
All of these anti-hCG vaccines require multiple injections to achieve
and maintain levels of immunity that are considered effective
50. Conclusion
• From a global standpoint, there is clearly a desire and need for more
contraceptive options
• Couples desire more choices for fertility control as unplanned
pregnancies continue to occur at alarming rates
• Paucity of research in male hormonal contraceptive control
• Government and not-for-profit sponsors are needed to devote
necessary resources for long-term efficacy studies of newer molecules
7.6 billion- world
India is the 7th largest country but 2nd populous country in the world--1.32 billion(2016)
We should take proper measures to control population other wise we may run out of food and basic facilities
Delay the first, postpone the second and prevent the third
cafeteria choice"
Most popular effective– 99.5% success
MOA- suppress FSH/LH(E effect), Also inhibit LH surge– no ovulation
P- ensure withdrwal bleed on stoppage of OCP+ makes mucus thick
Combined E+P- - disrupts the pro and sec phase of endomet – decreased chances of nidation
Low doses of E and P so that S/E are minimized without affecting the contraceptive efficacy
Comb pill- suppress the FSH/LH release (E)
P- to ensure withdrawl bleeding
Disruption of the proliferative and secretory phase
No phasic inc/ dec in E/P content during 21days
start at 5 day –21 days then 7 days pill free period
Anovulatory(E) regular cyclical bleeding on withdrawl(P)
If missed 2 pills next day. If more than 2 days then use barrier
Some newer formulations have 24 days of active hormone pills, followed by 4 days of placebo (examples include Yaz 28 and Loestrin 24 Fe)
4 reminder pills
(without hormones) at the end of the pack. Take one active pill (with hormones)
Biphasic and triphasic
Mimics the hormonal changes during the menstural cycle as physiologically as possible
Biphasic – fixed dose E+ D1-10—D11-21– 2 phases inc doses of P(not in INDIA)
Triphasic- bit higher dose of E near midcycle+ Inc dose of P for 3 successive phases
Breakthrough bleeding is most commonly caused by an excessively thick endometrium
new class of birth control pill quadriphasic
more physiological since they simulate the woman's natural cycle.
Available in India
Only Ocp with 17β-estradiol (E2)-same estrogen produced in the female body
26/2 regimen that provides reliable contraception together with a good bleeding profile
inc risk of pill-taking errors caused by the array of different color pills, complicated directions for catching up when a pill is missed, and the higher price.
Step down e2v and step up dng
No large trials
Extended cycle use of COCPs may also be called menstrual suppression
used for many years to treat endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, and menstruation-associated symptoms personal preference to avoid menstruation has also become a common reason for use.
Available in India -- lupin
Pearl index- 0.78
Personal preference is the most common reason extended cycle or continuous use COCPs are prescribed to adolescents
Women take pill for every day for 84 days(12weeks), and then take hormone –free pillsfor 7days
Mild – no need to withdraw
Mod- may warrant discontinuation
Severe- needs stoppage of OC
C/I- px, genital ca, te, renal/ gb dis,
brca, dm, htn, porphyria, epilepsy(dec seizure threshold)
Norethi- 5 mg- 350, Nor-300- 75, LNG- 250/150—30,
Place the endometrium prematurely to the secretory phase and inc viscosity of the cervical mucus- unfavorable for sperm penetration
S/E- acne, hirsutism, amenorrhoea, depression, ectopic px, functional ovarian cyst
3rd gen- strong antiovul, dec antiandrogenic
Disadv- DVT, brca, pul embolism, liv dis apart from other pop se
estrogen and progesterone inhibit prolactin activity during pregnancy. After delivery of the placenta, when estrogen and progesterone levels markedly decrease, prolactin levels increase and milk production is initiated.[4] There is a theoretical concern that giving hormones before 6 weeks postpartum, or before breastfeeding is well established, could interfere with optimal lactation
It is hypothesized that hormones ingested by the infant in breast milk may result in circulating levels that are higher than expected because of an immature liver that cannot metabolize the hormones, immature kidneys that may not be able to excrete the hormones, and a plasma-binding capacity that may be low, resulting in higher levels of free and biologically active hormones.
Pearl Index is sometimes used as a statistical estimation of the number of unintended pregnancies in 100 woman-years of exposure (e.g. 100 women over one year of use, or 10 women over 10 years). It is also sometimes used to compare birth control methods, a lower Pearl index representing a lower chance of getting unintentionally pregnant.
S/E:
Spray delivers drug NES in skin with the aid of safe enhancers forms reservoir in skin
Australian biotech company Acrux has come up 3×90μl of
with a world’s first — a contraceptive spray for women.
This T shape & device has a collar attached to vertical arm containing 52 mg of levonorgestrel dispersed in poly dimethyl siloxane.
Combined injectable contraceptives (CICs) also known as Lunelle, Cyclofemina, Feminena, Novafem, Lunella, and Cyclo-Provera).
silicone elastomer ring with 2 cores. It is left in place for 21 days and removed for seven days, for up to 13 cycles (one-year).
SC implant: 100-600 mg
MENT has been shown to be more potent than testosterone and to be resistant to 5α-reduction.
Apply to the back, abdomen, thighs, upper arms as directed.
Efficacy, safety, acceptibility??
Testosterone buccal systems only work when applied to the upper gum. Although the systems look like tablets, you should not chew or swallow them.
Testosterone buccal systems will soften and mold to the shape of your gum and will gradually release medication. However, they will not dissolve completely in your mouth and must be removed after 12 hours.
You may brush your teeth; use mouthwash; use tobacco products; chew gum; eat; and drink alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages while you are wearing a testosterone buccal system. However, these activities may cause the system to fall off your gum. After you are finished the activity, check
Can target either sperm production (testicular targets) or sperm motility
Theoretically, agents targeted to these processes might be very specific, thus lacking the systemic side effects that plague hormonal method
weakens the adhesion between the Sertoli cell and maturing sperm leading to a sloughing and loss of the latter.
The oral dose effective for contraception is so high that there have been side effects in the muscles and liver
properties that inhibit cancer growth by targeting mitochondria and blocking energy metabolism in certain kinds of tumor cells in mice,
Vitamin A (dietary retinol) is essential for normal spermatogenesis. Defects in spermatogenesis (as a result of RARa knock-out) include.
Preclinical phase
Indenopyridines(CDB4022) with GNRH antagonist
preclinical
some studies have demonstrated irreversible testicular effects in rodents• longer-term studies in nonhuman primates will likely be necessary before testing in humans
Fluid passes and sperm traps
have similar side effects to vasectomy, such as formation of sperm antibodies,
Often used by men in China as a potential alternative to vasectomy
The polymer is injected directly into the vasa differentia, Once injected, the polymer solidifies in place, forming a flexible plug
by coating the inner walls of the vas deferens with the polymer chemical
Preclinical and clinical studies have failed to demonstrate reversibility
Sperm rely on ca for motility and fertilization
Blocking catsper – effective birth control
Early Development
may be an attractive addition to the currently available range of family planning methods in that they would:
PH-20, a sperm surface protein shown to give 100% effective contraception in animal model (guinea pig)
(mice and rats ~ 55%, rabbits ~ 70%, and baboons ~ 30%)
the jelly-like glycoprotein coat surrounding the egg
No convincing data have been presented to indicate that it can inhibit fertility without causing an inflammatory reaction in the ovary
Hcg- acts as a support/ maintains/ fortify the fetus – if we withdraw hcg- fetus/ conceptus dies
The hormonal approach to male contraception has made significant progress in the last decade in terms of clinical development
Unfortunately, over the last few yr, the major pharmaceutical sponsors of male hormonal contraceptive research have withdrawn their support in this area of product development, making it difficult to complete the final phases of clinical development