EWING, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Antares Pharma, Inc. (AMEX:AIS) and the Population Council (an international, non-profit research organization) announced the initiation of a Phase II trial for a novel contraceptive advanced transdermal delivery (ATD™) gel containing the progestin Nestorone® and a form of estrogen, called estradiol, that is chemically identical to the estrogen made by a woman’s body. Population Council scientists discovered years ago that when Nestorone is orally ingested, the body rapidly inactivates it. The drug remains active, however, when applied to the skin. The new contraceptive candidate uses Antares ATD™ gel system, which is a clear and cosmetically acceptable drug delivery gel. After application, the drug is slowly absorbed across the skin into the systemic circulation.
