Archive · 19 Sep 2026
University of Hyderabad Patents Multi-Purpose Women’s Health Formulation
Researchers at the University of Hyderabad created a possible medicine for women’s health.
It combines several drugs with curcumin in one vaginal formulation.
The formulation may help prevent some sexually transmitted infections.
It may also reduce inflammation and provide contraception.
A natural protein called lactoferrin carries the ingredients in tiny particles.
These particles are designed to release the ingredients slowly where they are needed.
Early tests in laboratories and animals showed promising results.
The formulation appeared to be compatible with helpful vaginal bacteria and caused less tissue damage in animal studies.
However, it has not yet been shown to be safe or effective for people.
The University of Hyderabad received an Indian patent on September 16 for a vaginal formulation combining curcumin with efavirenz, tenofovir and dapivirine.
The formulation is designed to potentially help prevent sexually transmitted infections, reduce inflammation and provide contraception through one application.
Researchers used lactoferrin, a naturally occurring protein, to carry the compounds in small particles that gradually release them at the application site.
Laboratory and animal studies reported sustained antiviral activity, compatibility with vaginal Lactobacillus and lower tissue damage.
The formulation has not been tested sufficiently in humans, so further research is needed to establish its safety and effectiveness.
- Who
- A University of Hyderabad research team comprising Prof. Anand K. Kondapi, Dr Prashant Kumar and Dr Yeruva Samrajya Lakshmi.
- What
- The team received an Indian patent for a multi-purpose vaginal formulation combining curcumin with the antiretroviral drugs efavirenz, tenofovir and dapivirine.
- When
- The patent was granted on September 16; the articles do not specify the year.
- Where
- The research was developed at the University of Hyderabad in Hyderabad, India.
- Why
- The formulation is intended to combine potential STI prevention, inflammation control and contraception in one local application.
- Patent status
- Indian patent granted on September 16
- Research institution
- University of Hyderabad
- Key ingredients
- Curcumin, efavirenz, tenofovir and dapivirine
- Drug carrier
- Lactoferrin nanoparticles
- Potential uses
- STI prevention, inflammation reduction and contraception
- Testing completed
- Laboratory and animal studies
- Human readiness
- Not established; further safety and effectiveness research is required