New contraceptive is first of its type in a half-century

CONRAD clinical trials

EVMS researchers had a role in the development of the new non-hormonal contraceptive known as Caya.

The contoured, single-size diaphragm is the first new design to enter the U.S. market in more than 50 years, according to Gustavo Doncel, MD, PhD, scientific and executive director of CONRAD, a program of EVMS Obstetrics and Gynecology. CONRAD conducted clinical trials that demonstrated the safety, acceptability and effectiveness of the diaphragm that can be used for up to two years.

Caya has been available since 2013 in several countries. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the diaphragm last fall for marketing in the United States. Caya is available by prescription.