HELES Patch: Novel Microneedle Patch for Treatment of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Margaret Ilomuanya of the University of Lagos in Nigeria will develop a multifunctional microneedle patch for delivery of agents that treat heavy menstrual bleeding while preventing disease from sexually-transmitted viral infections. The patch will be designed for use on the abdomen or thigh, and it will have a layered architecture to deliver multiple drugs: tranexamic acid and the progesterone-mimic levonorgestrel to reduce bleeding (with levonorgestrel also having contraceptive activity) and the antiviral drug tenofovir. Microneedle-delivered tranexamic acid and levonorgestrel will be tested, both for their safety and their ability to control bleeding, in assays including clotting in vitro, a rat model, and a rabbit model of menstruation. Women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding will be engaged for group discussions to assess the acceptability, usability, and desirability of the microneedle patch compared to existing treatment options, such as oral tranexamic acid and hormonal intrauterine devices.