Our Solution | MelioOneⓇ

How is MelioOne® meant to work? 

MelioOne® is being developed using a polymer-based technology that enables sustained, local release of the drug where inflammation in the uterus is expected. The planned dosage is equivalent to one 400 mg pain-reliever tablet per year. By delivering the drug locally rather than systemically, we aim to reduce systemic exposure that often accompanies oral pain medication.

  1. Oral painkillers (NSAIDs) and Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

  2. How is MelioOne® different from current IUDs?

  3. How does MelioOne® reduce systemic side-effects from NSAIDs?

Oral painkillers (NSAIDs)

Painkiller tablets spilling out of a prescription bottle

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac are widely used to manage period pain. By blocking prostaglandin production, they reduce uterine contractions and ease cramps. Clinical studies show they are effective, but oral dosing means the drug circulates through the whole body, exposing the stomach, liver, and kidneys to higher concentrations and raising the risk of side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort or cardiovascular strain.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

Contraceptive methods: an IUD, a morning after pill blister pack and a birth control pill blister pack

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) have been used for decades in contraception, with over 99% efficacy in preventing pregnancy. They are widely regarded as safe and reliable, and their key strength is longevity: once inserted, an IUD can remain in place for years with little patient effort. This long-acting format provides consistent local delivery, removes daily adherence issues, and offers convenience, making it a strong platform for new therapeutic applications beyond contraception.

How is MelioOne® different from existing IUDs?  

Conventional IUDs are built for contraception.
MelioOneⓇ is currently not intended as a contraceptive.

  • Use hormones to suppress the menstrual cycle to bypass period pain. They are effective; however, they are also associated with hormonal side effects such as ovarian cysts (12% of users), mood changes, hair loss, and weight gain.

  • They are the hormone-free version of IUDs. Designed for contraception and not period pain, as they’re linked to heavier bleeding (70%) and more cramping (60%).

  • Not a contraceptive. It is being developed to offer period pain relief. It is a non-hormonal, drug-eluting IUD intended to address inflammation at its source - the uterus.

Hormonal IUDs, such as those releasing levonorgestrel, are associated with side effects including ovarian cysts (seen in around 12% of users), mood changes, and weight fluctuations. Copper IUDs are hormone-free but often increase bleeding and cramping, with studies reporting up to 70% of users experiencing heavier bleeding and 60% reporting more cramping in the first months after insertion.

MelioOne® is being developed as a non-hormonal, drug-eluting IUD designed to reduce prostaglandin-driven inflammation directly in the uterus. By targeting pain at its source without suppressing the menstrual cycle or relying on systemic medication, MelioOne® aims to broaden options for those who cannot use hormones, complement existing therapies, and help expand the toolkit for managing period pain.

How can MelioOne® potentially reduce systemic side effects from NSAIDs?

Illustration of a uterus with a glow ring in on the uterine cavity and endometrium, indicating drug impact is local to the area

Oral NSAIDs need high systemic concentrations to reach the uterus, which means fluctuating drug levels, repeated dosing, and exposure of the stomach, liver, and kidneys to higher drug loads. This increases the risk of side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort and cardiovascular strain.

MelioOne® is being developed to work differently: by releasing NSAIDs directly in the uterus, it makes use of the uterine first-pass effect, achieving higher local concentrations while minimising systemic exposure. This approach is designed to target pain at its source, reduce the need for high systemic doses, and help lower the risk of side effects.

By targeting the uterus directly, MelioOne® reimagines how period pain is treated. Delivery is only half the story, the true significance lies in the scale of suffering caused by period pain and the gaps left by current solutions.

The Gender Health and Pain Gap