About

The Gates Foundation is soliciting applications that contribute to development of vaginal formulations that promote optimal drug delivery within the vaginal compartment while positively supporting the vaginal milieu, and that also possess beneficial effects, even if unrelated to the API intended effect, that a user might consider desirable, such as enhancement of sexual pleasure.

The initiative focuses on creating discreet, effective, and user‑friendly products for vaginal delivery that not only treat or prevent conditions but also support vaginal health and align with women’s preferences and cultural contexts.

Projects are expected to be grounded in rigorous science, realistic translation pathways, and outcomes that can lead to scalable, accessible solutions.  offering a significant funding opportunity for up to approximately USD 250,000 over two years for projects that meet the challenge’s objectives.

Despite clear benefits—such as local efficacy, reduced systemic side effects, and improved autonomy for women—vaginal drug delivery remains underutilized and understudied in many high‑burden settings. This opportunity seeks to bridge that gap by supporting projects that leverage the biology of the vaginal microenvironment, explore new formulation technologies, and integrate real user experiences and preferences into design and development.

Applicants are encouraged to propose novel approaches that might include advanced delivery systems (like films, inserts or slow‑release formats), components that support or improve the vaginal microbiome, or qualitative research aimed at defining what characteristics make a vaginal product truly desirable to women. The aim is to move beyond “tolerable” products and create solutions that women actively choose to use.

Eligibility

Eligible organisations include research institutes, academic institutions, non‑profits, and for‑profit companies in eligible geographies, with special encouragement for women‑led teams and those based in or collaborating with partners in low‑ and middle‑income countries. 

Post Date: October 31, 2025