Previous Research Studies

Progestogen only pill over the counter

The ‘Bridge it study’ trial led by team at Chalmers, provided support for pharmacist provision of the progestogen only pill along with emergency contraception in Scotland (2021) as routine care. This also informed recent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency regulatory change in the UK to make the progestogen only pill available to purchase from the community pharmacy.

The paper for this study can be found here.

Emergency contraception

A large trial we undertook with ulipristal acetate for emergency contraception demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of this medication and led to it becoming marketed and available over the counter from community pharmacies throughout 23 European Union countries in 2015 for emergency contraception.

The paper for this study can be found here.

Contraceptive development

A study undertaken of self-administration of the progestogen only injectable (subcutaneous depo medroxyprogesterone acetate) led the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) UK to approve this progestogen-only injectable for home self-administration in 2015.

Simplifying access to contraception after birth

Studies we conducted resulted in improved access to contraception for women after birth and informed national guidelines in this area and supported the roll out of antenatal contraceptive counselling and provision of postpartum contraception from maternity services across the UK.

You can access the paper for this study here.

Improving care for women seeking abortion

Research we conducted led to improvements in the pathway for early medical abortion including use of telemedicine, support for self-management at home and development of confirmation of success using urine pregnancy tests. The research was cited by FDA (USA) and UK Governments to support home use of mifepristone. This research has informed national and international guidelines including those of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Royal college of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare and World Health Organization.

You can access the paper for this study here.

The RIO study looked at whether a new type of treatment can keep viral load undetectable without ART. This involved asking all participants to stop ART for a short time.

The study measured how long viral load stays undetectable without ART. It also looked at what happens to the HIV virus and immune system in blood samples.