The Initiative for Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (IMPT) is the first and only initiative dedicated to advancing the field of multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs)—combination products designed to simultaneously prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and/or pregnancy.
We are a global network of multidisciplinary and multinational stakeholders—including scientists, product developers, policymakers, advocates, and funders. Leaders from these stakeholder groups came together with CAMI Health in 2009 to create the IMPT as a way to bridge silos between the fields of HIV prevention, other STI prevention, and contraception, and expand comprehensive prevention options for women. Together, we seek to foster an enabling environment for the successful advancement of female-initiated MPTs.
Housed at CAMI Health, a program of the Public Health Institute in California, USA, the IMPT is a product-neutral learning network that serves as a platform for information sharing and collaboration, awareness raising and advocacy, and identifying field-wide priority action areas and gaps, and innovative approaches to address them and advance the field.
Comprised of members from across disciplines and continents, the IMPT is the central body that researchers, product developers, funders, policymakers, and advocates rely on for objective technical guidance and strategic planning related to MPTs. By facilitating interdisciplinary and international partnerships, the IMPT enables experts from across the HIV, STI, and contraceptive fields to strategize around the unique technological, market access, and regulatory challenges presented by developing combined prevention, thus refining the pathway to impactful MPT development (Figure 1).
Figure 1: IMPT Learning Network
Specifically, the IMPT:
- Cultivates partnerships among multisectoral IMPT Learning Network partners from across geographical regions
- Serves as the MPT communications and information ‘hub’
- Advances the MPT scientific and technical agenda by identifying MPT fieldwide action areas and gaps and approaches for remedying these gaps with input from MPT stakeholders
- Facilitates learning events that bring together experts across disciplines to contribute to field-wide conversations and collaborations
- Tracks and publishes the up-to-date status of MPT products in development
- Publishes findings and recommendations in peer-reviewed publications
- Engages with mainstream media to raise awareness and support for MPTs
- Partners with researchers to translate data into practical tools and guidance
- Fosters professional development for early and later stage MPT researchers and other stakeholders
- Facilitates supporting agency collaborations relevant to MPTs
An array of MPT product candidates are actively funded and in various stages of development, including rings, gels, inserts, films, implants, patches, and pills. While we have witnessed enormous growth of the MPT field in just over a decade, MPT development is scientifically and logistically complex, and financial and technical resources remain limited. The IMPT continues to work alongside its Network Partners to address remaining gaps and help ensure the most promising MPTs reach the hands of women.
Download our IMPT fact sheet
Browse our publications below
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- Hemmerling et al. (2020). Towards a Roadmap to Advance Non-Hormonal Contraceptive Multipurpose Prevention Technologies: Strategic Insights from Key Stakeholders. Biology of Reproduction.
- Young Holt et al. (2020). Bridging the Gap: Advancing Multipurpose Prevention Technologies from the Lab into the Hands of Women. Biology of Reproduction.
- Young Holt et al. (2018). Strategic Action Framework for Multipurpose Prevention Technologies Combining Hormones and Antiretroviral Drugs to Prevent Pregnacy and HIV. The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care.
- Lusti-Narasimhan & Young Holt (Guest Editors). (2014). Special Issue: Multipurpose Prevention Technologies: Maximizing Positive Synergies. International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
- Lusti-Narasimhan et al. (2014). Advancing the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Human Rights of Women Beyond 2015. International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
- Young Holt et. al. (2014). Ensuring successful development and introduction of multipurpose prevention technologies through an innovative partnership approach. International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
- Romano et al. (2013). Prioritizing Multipurpose Prevention Technology Development and Investments Using a Target Product Profile. Antiviral Research.
- Harrison et al. (2013). Developing Multipurpose Reproductive Health Technologies: An Integrated Strategy.
- Young Holt et. al. (2010). Multipurpose Prevention Technologies for Sexual and Reproductive Health: Gaining Momentum and Promise. Contraception.
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- IMPT. (2018). Critical actions to achieve the value potential of MPTs for prevention of HIV, other STIs and unintended pregnancies among young women. Report from workshop at International AIDS Conference.
- IMPT. (2017). Status of Modelling Efforts in the Field of Multipurpose Prevention Technologies: Summary Report.
- IMPT. (2016). Laying the Groundwork for a Strategic Evaluation Framework (SEF) for HIV Prevention & MPT Development.
- IMPT. (2016). Technical Meeting on Hormonal Contraception (HC) in MPTs. Report from Think Tank.
- IMPT. (2016). Clinical Trial Evaluation Workshop for MPTs: Strategic Steps to Ensure Success.” Report from Symposium.
- IMPT. (2014). MPT Dosage-Form Specific TPPs.
- IMPT, Wellcome Trust, USAID, & Population Council. (2012). Global Forum on Multipurpose Prevention Technologies for Reproductive Health.
- IMPT & USAID. (2012). Multipurpose Prevention Technologies for Reproductive Health Product Prioritization Stakeholder Meeting.
- Indian Council of Medical Research, USAID, WHO, & IMPT. (2012). International Symposium on Accelerating Research on Multipurpose Prevention Technologies for Reproductive Health.
- USAID, CAMI Health, & AVAC. (2011). Multipurpose Prevention Technologies for Reproductive Health: Advancing the Scientific and Product Development Agenda.” Report from a Think Tank.
- CAMI Health, USAID, Population Council. (2011). Multipurpose Prevention Technologies for Reproductive Health 2011 Symposium.
- PATH & CAMI Health. (2010). Saving Lives With Multipurpose Prevention Technologies: Turning Ideas Into Solutions for Sexual and Reproductive Health.
- Stone A. (2009). Advancing Prevention Technologies for Sexual and Reproductive Health: Report of a Symposium, Berkeley, CA.
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- MPTs & the IMPT featured in Strange Bedfellows: Adventures in the Science, History and Surprising Secrets of STDs by Ina Park (Macmillan Publishers, 2021)
- Article in Stanford Social Innovation Review featuring MPTs & the collaborative action of IMPT learning network by David Ehrlichman & David Sawyer (2018)
- Op-ed in Our Bodies Our Selves that raises awareness about MPTs (2017)
- Op-ed in Women in the World, in association with the New York Times, featuring MPTs and the ‘Zena warrior princesses of women’s health (2017)
- Op-ed in STAT News discussing MPTs as necessary innovative method for ending HIV among women (2016)
- Op-ed in The Guardian exploring MPTs as the new prevention option that can help satisfy the needs and desires of diverse women (2014)
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