Hervana's technology represents a breakthrough in the development of Multipurpose Prevention Technology.
PARIS (PRWEB) January 31, 2018
Hervana Bio founder and CEO Rachel Teitelbaum, Ph.D. today presented an update on the development of HER-102, an investigational reversible female contraceptive, and the potential utilization of the vaginal microbiome in contraception and disease prevention, at the second annual Microbiome Drug Development Summit Europe in Paris.
"Research has demonstrated that robust antibodies to sperm that some women produce can act as effective contraceptive agents; however, the challenge has been finding an 'off' switch to reverse the contraceptive effect when a woman desires to become pregnant. This fact has stymied efforts to bring a contraceptive vaccine to market," said Dr. Teitelbaum. "Hervana Bio is actively developing HER-102, a once monthly, non- hormonal contraceptive that harnesses the power of these antibodies to prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Hervana's technology represents a breakthrough in the development of Multipurpose Prevention Technology."
Lactobacilli is a naturally occurring probiotic that is present in the female reproductive tract and is proven to promote vaginal health. HER-102 is an engineered version of lactobacilli that binds to an antigen on sperm, preventing sperm motility, fertilization or both and thereby preventing pregnancy. Lactobacilli also promote resistance to pathogenic microorganisms, increasing resistance to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV.
Pre-clinical data demonstrate identification of multiple lead candidates, full characterization of the HER-102 lead including good expression, and high affinity binding of the antibody fragment to sperm and excellent contraceptive efficacy in an animal model. The contraceptive effect has been shown to be fully reversible, with no negative effects in preliminary toxicology studies.
About Dr. Rachel Teitelbaum
Rachel Teitelbaum, Ph.D is the founder and chief executive officer of Hervana Bio, LTD. Rachel earned her Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology at the Sue Golding Graduate Division of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Her academic research career spans more than 15 years and focused on research in infectious diseases, the development of animal models of infection and the development of vaccines for mucosal immunity. Rachel is also a registered patent agent in several jurisdictions and serves as the Intellectual Property Advisor to Hervana.
About Hervana Bio
Hervana Bio Ltd., is an Israeli-based biopharmaceutical company dedicated to innovating products in women's health. Hervana has developed a female contraceptive platform technology, which is non-hormonal in its mechanism of action and offers unique benefits including added protection against STI infection.
HER-102 is a ground-breaking contraceptive technology, which is highly effective, long-acting and most notably, does not suffer the health limitations of existing, hormone-based contraceptives. The safety profile and prolonged action provides for greater compliance and accessibility to contraceptives, especially in populations where available methods are contraindicated, undesirable or socially unacceptable. In addition to the non-hormonal safety benefits, the Hervana contraceptive uniquely offers protection against sexually transmitted infections.
The development of new and improved methods of contraception for women is critical for improving the quality of family planning programs.