Initiative for Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (IMPT)
What is the IMPT
The Initiative for Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (IMPT) for sexual and reproductive health evolved out of an international symposium held in Berkeley, CA in March 2009 where about 150 delegates from 11 countries gathered to discuss challenges and opportunities inherent in advancing prevention strategies for sexual and reproductive health. Attendees represented a wide range of disciplines: basic sciences, engineering, family planning, sociology, public health, and international development.
The IMPT was created to provide a neutral home through which researchers, policymakers, product developers, providers, advocates and donors can work together to facilitate increased support, funding and coordination for the development of multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) that prevent unintended pregnancy; sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV; and other reproductive tract infections. IMPT partners include ARHP, CAMI, CONRAD, Guttmacher Institute, PATH, MAPP Biopharmaceutical, MEDSA Ltd, Population Council, Public Health Institute, UCSF Bixby Center, as well as Dr. Polly Harrison (Sr. Advisor to AVAC), and Dr. Ariane van der Straten (San Francisco, CA). Seed support for the IMPT has been provided by the US Agency for International Development (USAID); the Mary Wolford Foundation is also supporting this new initiative.
What are MPTs?
Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) for sexual and reproductive health, also referred to as “combinations” or “dual” technologies include vaccines, microbicides and devices (e.g ., intravaginal rings, diaphragms, etc ) and are designed to address multiple sexual and reproductive health needs, including prevention of unplanned pregnancy; prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV; and/or prevention of other reproductive tract infections (RTIs), such as bacterial vaginosis or urinary tract infections. Women could be protected against multiple risks, even if their intention was to address just one health need. MPTs that are acceptable, affordable, and widely available would greatly improve health and save resources across the globe.
Male and female condoms are MPTs currently available and are effective at both pregnancy and STI prevention when used correctly and consistently. However, condoms are typically not used consistently, especially in long term relationships where trust and power make it more difficult for women to negotiate. Existing vaccines, microbicides and devices (e.g., intravaginal rings, diaphragms, etc) provide the building blocks for new MPTs which could empower women to protect themselves, some of which are already in development by biotech developers, NGOs, and academic researchers.
IMPT Mission
The mission of IMPT is to raise awareness about and support for new and existing multipurpose prevention technologies that can be used in various combinations to address multiple sexual and reproductive health needs.
IMPT Vision
IMPT's uniqueness is to focus on emerging technologies, which include those that are currently available in combination with new technologies. While there are not many existing MPTs other than condoms, there are single purpose technologies that can be combined either with each other or with new technologies/drugs and other novel technologies are in development.
Our vision is to advance these promising technologies as quickly and efficiently as possible through an integrated development program from pre-clinical investigation to, clinical testing, regulatory approval, scale-up, public readiness, and product evaluation.
IMPT strives to:
1) Mobilize financial, scientific, and political resources to advance the development and access of MPTs;
2) Build synergy and cooperation between scientific disciplines that will help facilitate collaborations and expedite product development and implementation;
3) Develop a cross-disciplinary advocacy strategy and promote increased support for MPTs.
