LTS wins US$4.3m grant to develop contraceptive microneedle array patches

The technology company LTS has bagged a US$4.3m grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop contraceptive microneedle array patches (MAP) for women in low- and middle-income countries.

Poor access to contraceptives presents a significant burden for women living in low- and middle-income countries.

According to a 2022 study, one in 14 women worldwide who want to use contraceptives cannot access them. This amounts to an unmet need of 162 million women, the majority of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

MAPs are an innovative drug delivery technology that offers advantages in comparison to established drug delivery applications for contraception such as fewer side effects and potentially improved bioavailability with therapeutic and cost benefits.

The MAP contraceptive is planned as a long-acting application. Compared to other existing long-acting forms, it can be self-administered, is discreet and does not require healthcare provider visits.

“The LTS MAP team is excited to have support from the Gates Foundation for the development of a long-acting contraceptive microneedle array patch with LTS”, said Dr Frank Theobald, head of MAP programme at LTS.

“LTS has made great progress recently with respect to pre-clinical and clinical data, taking major steps towards the up-scaling and commercialisation of the MAP technology. Based upon those progresses made, we would like to emphasise that our MAP technology is no longer a vision, but real alternative for drug delivery of small molecules, vaccines, biologics, and mRNA.

“Support from the foundation will help to develop the MAP technology further and bring it to the next level of maturity and it will allow women in low- and middle-income countries to get access to a reliable and effective way of contraception and improve their economic situation. That will support them in establishment of gender equality in their communities.”

Bas van Buijtenen, CEO of LTS, said: “At LTS, we care passionately about bringing patient friendly drug delivery to people worldwide. We are honoured to receive support from the Gates Foundation in creating solutions for populations that would otherwise be at risk of being left behind.

“With this programme, we aim to deliver improved access to contraception, boosting health and empowering women.”

LTS has also received funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support new formulation methods for mRNA, such as dissolvable microneedle array patches.