Global chemical and specialty materials company Celanese has announced the receipt of a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to produce and characterize a working prototype for a refillable contraceptive implant. According to the company, the research and development will be conducted within the Celanese Pharmaceutical Development and Feasibility Lab, and the project is expected to produce a functional prototype that meets all established project parameters within an 18-month timeframe.
The development of a refillable contraceptive implant has the potential to benefit women in low- and middle-income countries who currently either do not have access to modern contraceptive options or could benefit from the flexibility and control of the contraception this product design affords. Through this grant, Celanese will be providing critical research and development activities intended to facilitate and accelerate access to long-acting contraceptive options.
“We have a long history working in the area of women’s health and are honored by the trust placed in our team through this grant from the Gates Foundation,” said Laura Brand, vice president of the Celanese medical and pharmaceutical business. “The project concept is based on our VitalDose drug delivery platform, a controlled release technology with decades of commercial use in the US and Europe.”
“We are proud to be part of this opportunity to expand access to solutions for women’s health to many more women globally,” Brand added.
Celanese provides a range of medical and pharmaceutical material solutions and development support to pharmaceutical and medical device companies worldwide. With more than 40 years of experience supporting key applications and the demanding requirements of healthcare, Celanese continues to invest in this area, including by finding new ways to deliver a sustained dose of medication over time.
According to Celanese, the company’s expanding portfolio includes solutions and technologies for applications across drug delivery, medical devices, orthopedics, advanced surgical instruments, and connected devices.
