Project SLIP: Innovating Condom Technology to End the HIV Epidemic
Project SLIP represents a groundbreaking interdisciplinary effort to revolutionize condom technology in support of HIV prevention. This initiative was a collaboration between Eidos, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the Penn Center for AIDS Research. With a focus on enhancing both user experience and protection, Project SLIP developed a next-generation condom utilizing a self-lubricating, drug-eluting hydrogel. This case study highlights the challenges addressed, the innovative work accomplished, and the profound impact of Project SLIP’s research.
The Challenge
Despite condoms being one of the most effective methods of preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), many individuals experience discomfort due to friction, lack of lubrication, and material properties that diminish pleasure. These issues contribute to inconsistent condom use, increasing the risk of HIV transmission. Traditional condoms made from latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene require additional lubrication, which can degrade performance, cause allergic reactions, or reduce adherence. Addressing these concerns was central to Project SLIP’s mission to reimagine condom materials for superior protection and user satisfaction.
The Client
Project SLIP was a multidisciplinary research endeavor spearheaded by Eidos, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the Penn Center for AIDS Research. The project brought together leading experts in behavioral medicine, material science, and mechanical engineering to develop an innovative self-lubricating, drug-eluting condom designed to improve user experience while enhancing HIV prevention efforts.
The Work
Rather than relying on traditional condom materials, Project SLIP pioneered a novel double-network hydrogel that is:
- Intrinsically lubricating – Reducing friction and improving comfort without the need for additional lubricants.
- Highly elastic and strong – Providing superior stretchability and durability compared to conventional latex.
- Drug-eluting – Capable of delivering tenofovir, a widely used antiretroviral medication, directly at the point of contact for added protection.
The research team at Penn conducted rigorous mechanical and tribological testing, proving that the hydrogel-based condoms offered significantly lower friction coefficients, meaning less discomfort and a more natural feel. Additionally, drug-release studies demonstrated the feasibility of delivering tenofovir effectively over time, providing a dual-layer protection strategy against HIV transmission.
The Results
Project SLIP has pushed the boundaries of condom technology and achieved several key milestones:
- Patent Recognition: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted Project SLIP a patent in 2022, marking a significant achievement in material innovation for sexual health.
- Enhanced User Experience: The hydrogel condom demonstrated superior lubricity, improved elasticity, and greater durability, addressing common barriers to condom use.
- HIV Prevention Potential: The integration of tenofovir into the hydrogel matrix presents an exciting new approach to combination HIV prevention strategies.
- Scientific Impact: Findings from Project SLIP have contributed to peer-reviewed publications, advancing biomedical research in STI prevention and condom innovation.
Project SLIP exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling global health challenges. By leveraging cutting-edge material science, biomedical engineering, and public health expertise, the initiative has set a new standard for condom innovation. With the potential to increase condom adherence and reduce HIV/STI transmission, Project SLIP stands as a transformative step toward ending the HIV epidemic.
“Some of the most important advances to benefit health and society at large can only happen at the interface between disciplines. Thanks to José, I’ve been able to bring my work as a mechanical engineer together with collaborators in public health, medicine, materials science, and social science to advance new and viable technology to reduce the spread of HIV.”