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Business Wire - November 5, 2007
Designed to be more comfortable and safer for women than currently available options, the new applicator provides better distribution via its rounded "showerhead" tip. It features a standard plunger to distribute up to 4cc of product and a domed tip with multiple pores for better distribution of the gel and easier insertion. The Instead applicator was developed as a response to concern in the past over potential trauma to vaginal tissue due to the shape of other applicators, according to Joe Pike, president of Instead.
"What sets this applicator apart are its comfort and more effective distribution," Pike said. "Its unique design not only minimizes potential irritation to vaginal tissue, but it also promotes an even distribution of lubricant internally."
Another bonus of the distinctive design is its universality. "We have designed this applicator so it can be used with other products, such as yeast infection creams, spermicides and microbicides," Pike said.
Instead's FDA-cleared lubricant, Amphora, is an all-natural, long-lasting formulation that promises to enhance vaginal health and intimacy. It is water-based and safe to use with all condoms. Also an acid-buffering candidate microbicide with promise to prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections including HIV, Amphora, along with the "showerhead" applicator, represents important progress for women's health.
Amphora has been under development at TOPCAD since 1995 and has undergone a series of laboratory (in vitro) studies, animal studies and two Phase I clinical trials. Animal studies showed that the microbicide prevented the transmission of gonococci, herpes virus and chlamydia when it was placed in the vagina before inoculation of the pathogens.
"Our mission is to develop better products for women's health," said Pike. "The vaginal applicator is the newest addition to our catalog, which we hope will encourage adoption of Amphora and continue the expansion of women's options everywhere."
Instead's new applicator will be available for purchase in their online store this fall at www.softcup.com, and will retail for approximately $2.95. Amphora is expected to be launched in 2008.
About Instead, Inc.
Instead, Inc. is dedicated to developing and marketing over-the-counter products that focus on women's sexual health and quality of life. Instead is best known for the Instead® Softcup®, a feminine hygiene product that collects, rather than absorbs, menstrual flow. The Instead Softcup is sold at retail outlets nationwide, including Target and Walgreens, as well as select regional drug stores and groceries. In May, Instead signed a national distribution agreement with Wal-Mart. The Instead Softcup is also sold online at www.softcup.com. In addition to the new superior personal lubricant Amphora®, the company currently has under development a vaginal itch cream. Instead is wholly owned by Akcess Pacific Group, a private investment group whose principals have a long history of investing in socially responsible products in the fields of reproductive health. It is headquartered in San Diego, CA.
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