<p>📋 <strong>Episode Summary:</strong><br>In this cutting-edge episode, Dr. Brittany Barreto sits down with Dr. Rahima Benhabbour—chemist, biomedical engineer, and founder of <strong>AnelleO</strong>, a UNC spinout transforming intravaginal drug delivery. With her roots in Algeria and her scientific training spanning three continents, Dr. Benhabbour brings a global, deeply human perspective to women&#39;s health innovation.</p><p>Together, they discuss how outdated vaginal ring technology inspired the development of <strong>AnelleO PRO</strong>, a 3D-printed, customizable progesterone ring designed for women undergoing fertility treatment. Unlike traditional rings that waste over 85% of the active drug, AnelleO&#39;s platform maximizes drug release and allows for multi-drug, multi-use configurations—including <strong>HIV prevention and contraception</strong> in a single product.</p><p>This episode is a must-listen for those interested in biotechnology, platform therapeutics, and the engineering breakthroughs reshaping reproductive care.</p><p>🧠 <strong>What You’ll Learn:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Why traditional intravaginal rings are inefficient and outdated</p></li><li><p>How AnelleO’s 3D printing technology allows for better drug release, fit, and personalization</p></li><li><p>The clinical and regulatory milestones leading to first-in-human trials for fertility care</p></li><li><p>How multi-purpose prevention technologies could transform global contraception and HIV care</p></li><li><p>The growing movement toward <strong>non-hormonal contraception</strong> and the future of <strong>male birth control</strong></p></li></ul><p>💬 <strong>Quotable Moment:</strong><br><em>&quot;Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it. Someone has to pave the way.&quot;</em> – Dr. Rahima Benhabbour</p><p>🔗 <strong>Resources Mentioned:</strong></p><ul><li><p>AnelleO: <a href="https://anelleo.com" target="_new" rel="noopener">www.anelleo.com</a></p></li><li><p>Dr. Benhabbour’s Lab: <a href="https://benhabbour.web.unc.edu" target="_new" rel="noopener">benhabbour.web.unc.edu</a></p></li><li><p>Nature Reviews Bioengineering article on AnelleO’s technology</p></li></ul><p>🧪 <strong>Episode Sponsor:</strong><br>This episode is brought to you by:<br><strong>Withum</strong> – A forward-thinking accounting and advisory firm supporting innovators in the Women’s Health and Wellness industry. Learn more at <a href="https://www.withum.com" target="_new" rel="noopener">withum.com</a>.</p><p>🍼 <strong>Nest Collaborative </strong>– The pioneers in telehealth lactation support. Book your virtual appointment with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant at . Same-day visits often available and hundreds of insurance plans accepted, including Medicaid. <a href="www.nestcollaborative.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">www.nestcollaborative.com</a></p><p><br></p>