Evaluation of the novel vaginal contraceptive agent PPCM in preclinical studies using sperm hyaluronan binding and acrosome status assays.

Background: Polyphenylene carboxymethylene (PPCM) sodium salt is a promising multipurpose technology for prevention of both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy. In preclinical studies, PPCM has demonstrated significant (1) antimicrobial activity against several important viral and bacterial pathogens and (2) contraceptive activity associated with premature acrosome loss.

Objective: To further evaluate a vaginal antimicrobial compound as a contraceptive agent in preclinical studies utilizing a repurposed hyaluronan binding assay (HBA).