Evaluation of Synthetic Nitrile Male Condom Compared to Standard Latex Male Condom
Launched by KAREX INDUSTRIES SDN. BHD. · Oct 9, 2023
Trial Information
Current as of June 27, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is studying the effectiveness and comfort of a new type of male condom made from synthetic nitrile compared to the standard latex male condom. The trial involves participants using both types of condoms during their sexual activities to see how they perform. It is open to men and women aged 18 to 45 who are in a committed, exclusive relationship and are sexually active at least once a week. Participants should also be able to read easily, agree to follow the study guidelines, and provide feedback on their experiences using the condoms.
If you decide to participate, you'll use each type of condom five times over a period of about 2-3 months and complete reports on your experiences. You’ll also need to agree to use only the provided lubricant and follow specific instructions for using the condoms. The study aims to provide valuable information that could help improve condom options in the future. If you're interested, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and are comfortable with the study's requirements before joining.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • 1. Be between the ages of 18 and 45 years (inclusive);
- • 2. Be literate (able to read a newspaper or letter easily);
- • 3. Have been in an exclusive (monogamous) sexual relationship with partner for at least 3 months; and intend to continue to be an exclusive (monogamous) sexual relationship with their spouse or partner while participating in this research study;
- • 4. Be sexually active (defined as having at least one vaginal coital act per week);
- • 5. Willing to give informed consent;
- • 6. Willing to complete the male condom coital use reports;
- • 7. Willing to use the study condoms as directed;
- • 8. Agree to use only the study lubricant provided;
- • 9. Agree to only use the study condoms sequentially during time of participation
- • 10. Willing to adhere to the follow-up schedule and all study procedures;
- • 11. Willing to provide research study staff with an address, phone number or other locator information while participating in the study;
- • 12. Willing to participate in the study for the duration of 10 condom uses (approximately 2-3 months);
- • 13. Willing to provide photo identification and/or have fingerprint scan to exclude co-enrolment in other research projects;
- • 14. Female partner using hormonal or other non-barrier contraception (e.g. OCs, injectable, implant, Intrauterine device (IUD), or have had a tubal sterilization) or male partner vasectomised;
- • 15. Agree to return any unopened condoms;
- • 16. Male partner willing to ejaculate during vaginal intercourse;
- • 17. Male partner willing to hold on to the condom ring when withdrawing the erect penis after sexual intercourse;
- • 18. Agree to not bring study condoms in contact with genital or oral piercing jewelry
- • 19. EAH: Both partners have valid personal email and operable mobile phones;
- • 20. Former participant in Karex02 Study: male partner measures at least 118 mm in girth of erect penis.
- • 21. Agree that information provided in Karex02 study may be used and combined with the information in this study
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • 1. Female partner is pregnant or desires to become pregnant during the time of the research study;
- • 2. Either partner is known to be HIV positive (based on self report \[EAH\] or documented HIV-negative test result within past two months;
- • 3. Self-reported history of recurrent sexually transmitted infection (e.g. gonorrhea, syphilis, Chlamydia);
- • 4. Male partner has known erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction;
- • 5. Either partner has genital piercing jewelry, uses genital beading or uses sex toys, drugs, medications or non-study devices that can affect sexual performance;
- • 6. Either partner has known sensitivities or allergies to latex, synthetic nitrile, vaginal/sexual lubricants or lubricants used on condoms;
- • 7. Either partner reports symptoms of STI (EAH) or has observable evidence of STI as determined through syndromic diagnosis and vaginal/penile examination (MRU);
- • 8. Either partner is currently participating in another condom study;
- • 9. Either partner is a past or current employee of Essential Access Health, University of the Witwatersrand, or Karex;
- • 10. Either partner is a sex worker.
About Karex Industries Sdn. Bhd.
Karex Industries Sdn. Bhd. is a leading global manufacturer specializing in the production of high-quality latex and synthetic condoms, renowned for its commitment to innovation and safety in sexual health products. With a robust research and development framework, Karex actively engages in clinical trials to advance public health outcomes and ensure the efficacy and reliability of its products. The company is dedicated to promoting safe practices and improving access to sexual health solutions worldwide, aligning its operations with stringent quality standards and regulatory compliance. Through its initiatives, Karex aims to contribute significantly to the global fight against sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Los Angeles, California, United States
Berkeley, California, United States
Durban, , South Africa
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Mags Beksinska, PhD
Principal Investigator
MRU (MatCH Research Unit)
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported