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The Ovarian Contraceptive Discovery Initiative

A significant barrier to discovering novel contraceptive agents that target ovulation and fertilization-associated processes is a lack of robust systems for exploring the biology of these processes in a sophisticated manner, particularly with respect to target validation and translational potential.

The Ovarian Contraceptive Discovery Initiative (OCDI) supports the development and deployment of an integrated platform for the systematic study of ovarian biology with the purpose of delivering a robust and optimized series of follicle- and oocyte-focused contraceptive targets, pathways, and screening tools. This comprehensive and enduring biological platform is part of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's broader efforts in female contraceptive discovery within the Contraceptive Drug Accelerator (CoDA) initiative. 

Ovarian Biology Coordinating Center

Program PI

A headshot of Francesca DuncanFrancesca E. Duncan, PhD
Northwestern University, Associate Professor

Scientific Lead

A headshot of Jeff PeaJeff Pea, PhD
Northwestern University

Initiative Phases

News

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