UoH Gets Patent for Multi‑purpose Women’s Health Formulation

Hyderabad: A University of Hyderabad (UoH) research team has secured an Indian patent for a formulation that could potentially help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), reduce inflammation and provide contraceptive action through a single vaginal application.

The patent, granted on September 16, covers a formulation combining curcumin with antiretroviral drugs including efavirenz, tenofovir and dapivirine.

The university said the approach is aimed at bringing several women’s health needs together rather than requiring separate products for each purpose.

The research team comprises Prof. Anand K. Kondapi, Dr Prashant Kumar and Dr Yeruva Samrajya Lakshmi, who worked on the development of the patented formulation at UoH.

“The research uses lactoferrin, a protein naturally found in the body, to carry the drugs and curcumin in very small particles.

These are designed to release the compounds gradually at the site of application,” the researchers explained.

According to the university, laboratory and animal studies found that the formulation could provide sustained antiviral activity, release the drugs in response to changes in acidity and remain compatible with Lactobacillus, bacteria normally found in the vagina.

The studies also found that more of the drugs remained available locally, while less entered the bloodstream, compared with conventional soluble formulations.

The research also reported lower tissue damage in animal studies, suggesting potential for a safer local delivery system.

However, the findings so far are from laboratory and animal research and do not mean the formulation is ready for use in people.

A university official said the work brings together infection prevention, inflammation control and contraception in a single platform, which could make prevention strategies more convenient in the future.

The patent specifically covers the combinations and formulations, while further research would be required to establish their safety and effectiveness in humans.

The work adds to UoH’s research in drug delivery and women’s health, with the university continuing to develop technologies aimed at taking laboratory research towards practical applications.