Merck KGaA (Merck) and Calla Lily Clinical Care have announced a strategic partnership to advance Callavid, an intravaginal drug delivery platform.

This marks the first industry partnership for Callavid, which aims to address challenges linked to the self-administration of vaginal therapeutics.

Callavid is a medical device designed to offer leak-resistant administration of vaginal medications. It targets issues such as patient anxiety regarding positioning, dosing accuracy, and potential leakage, particularly for therapeutics used in oncology, hormone therapies, and fertility treatments.

The Calla Lily-developed device features a patented design that includes a small, tampon-shaped component paired with an integrated absorbent liner. It allows for hygienic insertion, remains in place throughout drug absorption, and permits clean and easy removal.

The platform is intended to support consistent drug delivery while minimising leakage concerns and simplifying positioning.

Callavid is adaptable to various therapeutics and has initial target indications in fertility and pregnancy, including preventing threatened miscarriage and providing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) luteal phase support.

The device can also deliver therapies for menopause, infectious diseases and live biotherapeutics to reduce repeated antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Calla Lily Clinical Care co-founder and CEO Thang Vo-Ta said: “This collaboration with Merck marks an important milestone in the development of Callavid, our novel vaginal drug delivery platform. Merck’s scientific heritage and forward-looking approach to innovation make it an ideal partner as we work to address long-standing unmet needs in women’s health.

“By improving how vaginal therapeutics are delivered and experienced, Callavid has the potential to enhance both patient outcomes and quality of life. We see this collaboration as a meaningful step toward translating our technology into real-world clinical and patient impact.”