Project Grant R33HD114161

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development awarded Oregon Health & Science University $826,077 on August 1, 2026, under the Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.865) to investigate CFTR inhibition as a nonhormonal contraceptive approach.

The research project examines how blocking the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in cervical cells increases mucus viscosity, rendering it impenetrable to sperm. The investigator's preliminary work has documented that CFTR is expressed in endocervical cells, is hormonally regulated, and controls cervical mucus consistency; further research will evaluate whether the CFTR inhibitor INH-172, which blocks endocervical CFTR activity in vitro and in vivo, can be developed into a contraceptive method that preserves normal ovulatory cycles without hormonal side effects. This approach builds on the observation that women with certain CFTR gene mutations develop cervical factor infertility, and that thick, impenetrable mucus—induced by progestin-only methods like the levonorgestrel IUD—serves as an established mechanism of contraception.

The award runs through July 31, 2029, with place of performance in Portland, Oregon. Oregon Health & Science University, a public academic medical center and research institution, receives the funding as the prime recipient.