Organon and Cirqle Biomedical to develop new non-hormonal contraceptive

The women’s healthcare company Organon and Cirqle Biomedical have announced a research collaboration to develop a non-hormonal on-demand contraceptive. 

Encouraging pre-clinical research suggests that the Danish developer, Cirqle Biomedical, has discovered a method that has the potential to create a temporary barrier to sperm transport by topically reinforcing the existing cervical mucus barrier.

The contraceptive is a non-hormonal gel applied to cervical mucous with an active ingredient that interacts with the mucous to make it impenetrable.

Through the recently announced partnership, the two companies aim to address the demand from millions of women with minimal side-effects.

Under the terms of the agreement, Cirqle will be responsible for conducting pre-clinical studies according to the mutually agreed research plan while Organon will obtain exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialise the asset.

“As a leader in contraception, we believe it is critically important to bring forward new options for women, especially in the space of non-hormonal contraceptives, a category preferred by many with limited available options,” says Sandra Milligan, Organon’s head of research and development.

“Organon is committed to driving innovation across women’s health and collaborating with companies like Cirqle Biomedical to support early science and bring forward new solutions that address the unmet needs of women.”

Frederik Petursson Madsen, Cirqle Biomedical CEO, says that the collaboration is an important opportunity to advance the pre-clinical research exploring the asset’s first-in-class potential.

He adds: “We are excited to join Organon to leverage [the company’s] deep expertise in women’s and reproductive health to drive potential change for women who use contraception everywhere.”

Cirqle is entitled to receive a US$10m upfront payment, potential milestone payments of up to US$360m and royalties based on net sales.