Evaluation of Tolerance and Acceptability of Xanthan Coated Condom

• To demonstrate dermatological tolerance.
  To determine the in-use genital tolerance of Xanthan gum coating on a standard natural rubber latex (NRL) condom, as a lubricant for vaginal intercourse
  
  

• User acceptability.
  To assess user acceptability of Xanthan gum coating on standard NRL condom as defined by 70% of subjects selecting the top two boxes in applicable questions of acceptability questionnaire.
  
  
• Assessment of safety profile. [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
  To determine in-use safety of Xanthan gum coating on standard NRL condom in terms of frequency and severity of device deficiencies, malfunction, or adverse device effect.
  
  

Xanthan gum is widely used in the cosmetics industry. It is often found in personal care products (including personal lubricants) and toothpaste. Xanthan gum powder has been chosen to be used as the dry lubricant on the Project Unusual self lubricating condom as during the early stages of Project Unusual development it exhibited better lubricity, acceptable yield as compared to condoms that have been coated with other type of dry powders

The Investigational Device is a standard Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) condom with a coating of Xantham gum on the inside and outside. The Investigational Device is dry to the touch on removal from the foil. When the Xanthan gum coated condom comes into contact with body fluids upon penetration it absorbs the moisture and forms a lubricious (slippery) layer on the condom. From this point, the Xanthan gum and the standard NRL condom feel and behave like a standard pre lubricated condom.

Condoms are a widely used, cheap and effective contraceptive and an important primary prevention strategy that can substantially reduce the likelihood of transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STI's) (Holmes et al, 2004). Consumer studies have revealed that the 'messiness' associated with pre lubricated condoms can be off putting to the consumer and possibly deter use completely. It is thought that as Project Unusual is initially dry to the touch this may remove the 'messiness'.

The duration of the Investigation is 3 days. In that time subjects will attend the clinic 3 times, (Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3) for baseline assessments and subsequent Clinical Assessments. Clinical Assessments will include an examination of the external genitals (both male and female subjects) and internal genitals (female subjects only) in order to make an assessment of dermal tolerance of the area when exposed to a Project Unusual Condom in-use.

Couples will be provided with Investigation Device at visit 1 and Visit 2. There is a 24 hour period after receipt of Investigational Device in which couples are asked to use the condom for 1 act of vaginal intercourse, recording compliance and their experience of the Investigational Device in a Diary Card and questionnaire.

Assessments of tolerance will be made by the PI throughout the Investigation. The PI is a Physician with extensive Dermatology training. Assessments of dermal tolerance will include scoring particular sites according to a Total Irritancy score, providing a Global Assessment of Tolerance and at the end of the Clinical Investigation the Investigator will make an Overall Tolerance Rating Statement.