Non-Hormonal Fertility Modulation for Ovulation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current contraceptive methods cause unpleasant side-effects and inconvenience, leading to high discontinuation rates among women in low- and middle-income countries, necessitating improved compositions and methods for controlling ovulation.
Innovation Solution
Administering non-hormonal agents that selectively modulate the expression and/or activity of specific polypeptides in ovarian cells, such as cumulus, endothelial, granulosa, luteal, myeloid, oocyte, and theca cells, to alter ovulation processes by reducing or eliminating ovulation, or increasing fertility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hormonal contraceptive methods are used, then ovulation is controlled, but unpleasant side-effects and inconvenience occur leading to high discontinuation rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical nature of the contraceptive agent from hormonal to non-hormonal (small molecule compounds that are not steroids or steroid-like molecules). This parameter change eliminates the harmful side effects associated with hormonal methods while maintaining ovulation control effectiveness through a different mechanism of action targeting ovarian cell functions.
2Reliability
If daily medication is required for contraception, then ovulation is controlled, but convenience is reduced due to daily administration burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic administration of the non-hormonal contraceptive agent at extended intervals (such as monthly injections or quarterly implants) rather than requiring daily dosing. This periodic action maintains effective ovulation control while significantly improving administration convenience and reducing the burden on users.
3Reliability
If frequent clinic visits are required for contraceptive prescriptions, then ovulation is controlled, but burden increases due to travel and scheduling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes long-acting non-hormonal contraceptive formulations that are administered in advance (such as monthly injections or quarterly implants) to provide continuous protection without requiring frequent follow-up visits. This preliminary action ensures sustained ovulation control while eliminating the need for repeated clinic visits for refills, thereby reducing time loss and administrative burden.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure features methods for modifying fertility. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides contraceptive compositions and methods of using the same.