University of Hyderabad Secures Patent for Nanotechnology Based Multipurpose Women’s Health Platform

Indian Patent No. 602689 was granted on September 16, 2026. The patent covers methods and compositions based on lactoferrin nanoparticles loaded with curcumin, in combination with antiretroviral drugs including efavirenz, tenofovir or dapivirine.

Lactoferrin Used as a Nanoparticle Delivery Vehicle

The technology uses lactoferrin, a naturally occurring protein, as a nanoparticle-based delivery vehicle for local vaginal administration.

The patented formulations combine antiviral and anti-inflammatory components while incorporating the contraceptive potential of curcumin. The patent specifically covers these combinations.

The approach is intended to bring multiple functions together within a single topical platform rather than relying on separate strategies for different needs.

Studies Show Controlled Drug Release and Antiviral Activity

Laboratory and animal studies described in the patent reported several findings supporting the potential practical application of the nanoformulations.

The nanoparticles demonstrated:

• Controlled, pH-dependent drug release.
• Sustained antiviral activity.
• Compatibility with Lactobacillus.
• Increased local drug availability following vaginal administration.
• Lower systemic drug absorption compared with corresponding soluble formulations.
• Reduced tissue damage in the reported animal studies.

These findings are based on the laboratory and animal studies described in the patent and indicate the reported performance of the formulations in those study settings.

Multipurpose Approach to Women’s Health

The key feature of the patented technology is its proposed multipurpose approach.

A locally administered formulation could potentially combine components intended to address several needs, including:

• Prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
• Local anti-inflammatory activity.
• Contraceptive potential.
• Localised delivery of active compounds.
• Reduced systemic exposure compared with soluble formulations, as reported in the studies.

The platform therefore represents an effort to develop a single topical approach rather than separate products or strategies for infection prevention, inflammation and contraception.

Indian Patent Granted to University of Hyderabad

The granting of Indian Patent No. 602689 on September 16, 2026, formally protects the methods and compositions described in the patent.

The technology combines nanotechnology-based delivery using lactoferrin with curcumin and selected antiretroviral drugs, including efavirenz, tenofovir and dapivirine.

The reported laboratory and animal findings provide evidence for further development of the approach, while the patent itself establishes protection for the specific claimed formulations and methods.

Key Facts

• Institution: University of Hyderabad
• Patent number: Indian Patent No. 602689
• Patent granted: September 16, 2026
• Core technology: Lactoferrin nanoparticles loaded with curcumin
• Antiretroviral drugs mentioned: Efavirenz, tenofovir and dapivirine
• Administration: Local vaginal administration
• Potential applications: STI prevention, inflammation management and contraception
• Reported study findings: Controlled pH-dependent release, sustained antiviral activity, Lactobacillus compatibility and increased local drug availability
• Animal-study findings reported: Lower systemic drug absorption and reduced tissue damage compared with corresponding formulations

FAQs

What patent has the University of Hyderabad received?

The University of Hyderabad has received Indian Patent No. 602689 for methods and compositions based on lactoferrin nanoparticles loaded with curcumin and combined with selected antiretroviral drugs.

When was the patent granted?

Indian Patent No. 602689 was granted on September 16, 2026.

What drugs are included in the patented formulations?

The formulations described in the patent combine curcumin-loaded lactoferrin nanoparticles with antiretroviral drugs such as efavirenz, tenofovir or dapivirine.

What is the proposed use of the technology?

The technology is designed as a potential multipurpose topical platform addressing STI prevention, inflammation and contraceptive needs through local vaginal administration.

What is the role of lactoferrin?

Lactoferrin, a naturally occurring protein, is used as a nanoparticle delivery vehicle for local administration of the active compounds.

What did the laboratory and animal studies show?

The studies described in the patent reported controlled pH-dependent drug release, sustained antiviral activity, Lactobacillus compatibility and increased local drug availability. The reported animal studies also showed lower systemic drug absorption and reduced tissue damage compared with corresponding soluble formulations.

Does the patent mean the technology is already an approved treatment?

No. A patent protects the claimed invention and does not by itself establish regulatory approval or clinical effectiveness in humans. The information provided describes laboratory and animal studies associated with the patented technology.

Why is the technology described as multipurpose?

The platform combines components intended to provide antiviral and anti-inflammatory functions while also incorporating the contraceptive potential of curcumin, potentially addressing multiple needs through one locally administered formulation.