A canceled USAID grant ended work on promising user-centered contraceptive innovations, including a first-in-class biodegradable implant nearing human trials.
Kenya
A USAID award termination in early-2025 ended Project UChoose, a research effort led by CONRAD at Old Dominion University to advance contraceptive innovation. The disruption halted development of long-acting, user-center contraceptive innovations intended for women in low-resource settings, including those with limited access to routine care. At the time of the stop-work order, the program was supporting:
- a clinical trial in Kenya comparing four existing contraceptive products and their effects on vaginal health, given changes can increase risk off certain infections;
- development of a first-in-class long-acting biodegradable subdermal contraceptive pellet designed to eliminate the need for removal;
- advancement of a human-centered insertion device for the pellet intended to be easier for use by mid-level service provides; and
- a contraceptive innovation incubator supporting early proof-of-concept development of novel tools, including a 3D printed IUD with multipurpose prevention potential for pregnancy and sexually-transmitted diseases.
Initial analysis of the Kenya trial was delayed by the stop work order and termination. Researchers have since completed primary endpoint analyses, but more advanced planned laboratory analyses were abandoned. More significantly, the termination effectively ended development of the biodegradable pellet and insertion device just as the team was preparing for a first-in-human trial, cutting off a potential new option with relevance not only globally but also for women in the United States. The project ended roughly 18 months early, eliminating up to $10 million in remaining funds.
Beyond the scientific losses, the termination contributed to broader staffing and financial strain at CONRAD, which has reduced its staff by nearly 30 percent even with the university stepping in directly to provide additional financial support. USAID played a unique role in funding user-centered contraceptive innovation and multipurpose tools, research areas where alternative funders are limited, making this loss especially damaging to the field.