AnelleO: 3D Printing the Future of Vaginal Drug Delivery

📋 Episode Summary: In this cutting-edge episode, Dr. Brittany Barreto sits down with Dr. Rahima Benhabbour—chemist, biomedical engineer, and founder of AnelleO , a UNC spinout transforming intravaginal drug delivery. With her roots in Algeria and her scientific training spanning three continents, Dr. Benhabbour brings a global, deeply human perspective to women's health innovation. Together, they discuss how outdated vaginal ring technology inspired the development of AnelleO PRO , a 3D-printed, customizable progesterone ring designed for women undergoing fertility treatment. Unlike traditional rings that waste over 85% of the active drug, AnelleO's platform maximizes drug release and allows for multi-drug, multi-use configurations—including HIV prevention and contraception in a single product. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in biotechnology, platform therapeutics, and the engineering breakthroughs reshaping reproductive care. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: Why traditional intravaginal rings are inefficient and outdated How AnelleO’s 3D printing technology allows for better drug release, fit, and personalization The clinical and regulatory milestones leading to first-in-human trials for fertility care How multi-purpose prevention technologies could transform global contraception and HIV care The growing movement toward non-hormonal contraception and the future of male birth control 💬 Quotable Moment: "Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it. Someone has to pave the way." – Dr. Rahima Benhabbour 🔗 Resources Mentioned: AnelleO: Dr. Benhabbour’s Lab: benhabbour.web.unc.edu Nature Reviews Bioengineering article on AnelleO’s technology 🧪 Episode Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by: Withum – A forward-thinking accounting and advisory firm supporting innovators in the Women’s Health and Wellness industry. Learn more at withum.com . 🍼 Nest Collaborative – The pioneers in telehealth lactation support. Book your virtual appointment with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant at . Same-day visits often available and hundreds of insurance plans accepted, including Medicaid.

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AnelleO: 3D Printing the Future of Vaginal Drug Delivery is an episode from FemTech Focus by Dr. Brittany Barreto.

This episode is 00:50:01 long.

This episode was published on May 21, 2025.

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