NCT07181486 · Craig Cohen, MD, MPH
Safety Study of MucoCept-CVN
What this study is about
MucoCept-CVN uses a Lactobacillus strain native to the human vagina that is modified into a live biotherapeutic product (LBP) that continuously expresses a potent anti-HIV drug. If research shows that MucoCept-CVN is safe and effective, it could become a self-renewing, female-initiated prevention product for women that promotes vaginal health and provides protection from HIV.
View original scientific description
MucoCept-CVN uses a Lactobacillus strain native to the human vagina that is modified into a live biotherapeutic product (LBP) that continuously expresses a potent anti-HIV drug. If research shows that MucoCept-CVN is safe and effective, it could become a self-renewing, female-initiated prevention product for women that promotes vaginal health and provides protection from HIV. The goal of this first-in-human Phase 1 dose-ranging, randomized, placebo-controlled study of MucoCept-CVN is to collect data on safety, colonization, changes to the vaginal microbiota and clearance of the strain with antibiotics. Twelve healthy women will be enrolled and take either one or three doses of MucoCept-CVN or placebo, and a week later will receive antibiotics to clear the Lactobacillus strain. If research shows that MucoCept-CVN is safe and effective, it could become a self-renewing, long-acting, female-initiated prevention product for women that promotes vaginal health and provides protection from HIV.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Healthy pre-menopausal women 18-45 years of age, inclusive, with regular predictable menstrual cycles
- Ability to read and consent in English
- Previous experience of gynecological examinations
- Consent to participate and adhere to all procedures, including frequent visits at the UCSF Clinical Research Center (CRC) facility for at least 53 days
- Agree to get tested for STIs and a Pap Smear
- Agree not to use any other vaginal product during the course of the study, including spermicides
- Agree to sexual abstinence (no vaginal, anal, and receptive oral intercourse) until the elimination of L. jensenii 1153-1666 is confirmed and for 12 hours prior to the final study visit after clearance is confirmed
- For participants with male sexual partners: Agree to use two forms of contraception, condoms plus hormonal or permanent method (intrauterine device \[IUD\] or tubal ligation) during vaginal intercourse from the time clearance is established to the Final Visit 30 days after clearance. Use of spermicides is not permitted.
- For participants with female sexual partners: Agree to use female condoms during intercourse from the time clearance is established to the Final Visit 30 days after clearance. Use of hormonal or permanent method of contraception (IUD or tubal ligation) is not required.
- Agree to inform their sexual partner about the goals of the study and importance of sexual abstinence (no vaginal, anal, and receptive oral intercourse) and present with their partner at enrollment visit for separate consent procedure for partners Current sexual partners of participants must meet all the following criteria to be enrolled:
- Ability to read and consent in English
- Consent to participate and adhere to all procedures for sexual partners should exposure to L. jensenii 1153-1666 be suspected, including multiple visits at the UCSF Clinical Research Center (CRC)
- Agree to sexual abstinence (no vaginal, anal, and receptive oral intercourse) until the elimination of L. jensenii 1153-1666 is confirmed, and for 12 hours prior to the final study visit after clearance is confirmed
Exclusion criteria
- Urogenital infection, including UTI, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Treponema pallidum, HIV-1/2, BV, or vulvovaginal candidiasis
- Abnormal Pap smear result
- Pregnancy or within two months of last pregnancy or lactation
- Antibiotic or antifungal therapy (vaginal or systemic) within 30 days of enrollment
- Investigational or immune-suppressive drug use within 30 days of enrollment visit or 10 half-lives, or planned during the study
- Intrauterine device insertion or removal, pelvic surgery, cervical cryotherapy, cervical laser or loop electrosurgical procedure, abortion, labioplasty within three months prior to enrollment
- Findings during the pelvic exam at the enrollment visit involving significant deep disruption of the epithelium (e.g., Herpes genitalis lesions)
- Known allergy to any component used in MucoCept-CVN or clindamycin and azithromycin in participant or sexual partner(s), including azithromycin-associated cholestatic jaundice.
- History of transplant surgery, cancer, HIV, diabetes or condition that could facilitate the growth of microorganisms
- Recent history of drug or alcohol abuse
- Unwillingness to abstain from sexual activity during study by participant or sexual partner(s)
- If in a sexual relationship, inability to present with their sexual partner before enrollment
- If in a sexual relationship, having multiple concurrent partners or anonymous partners.
- Any other condition which the study clinician feels would limit the participant's ability to be an appropriate study subject
- History of regional enteritis (Crohn's disease), ulcerative colitis, or "antibiotic-associated" colitis For sexual partners of study participants, the following exclusion criteria apply:
- Known allergy to any component used in MucoCept-CVN or clindamycin and azithromycin, including azithromycin-associated cholestatic jaundice.
- Having multiple concurrent sex partners or anonymous sex partners.
- HIV-1/2 infection
- Any other condition which the study clinician feels would limit the ability of sexual partner(s) to complete the study
- Co-enrollment in clinical trials testing study drugs
Where
- San Francisco, California
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 3, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations