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In development • Preclinical testing
PHLYXR - a contraceptive sexual lubricant that prevents STI transmission
A New Era in Sexual Health
Microbiome friendly • Non-hormonal • Designed for vaginal pH • Vegan

In development

PHLYXR is currently in preclinical testing and is not yet approved for STI prevention or contraception. We are designing it to be used alongside safer sex choices whilst we plan our clinical trials.


STIs remain high and drug resistance is rising

STI diagnoses remain high across England, and antibiotic resistance is a growing threat, particularly for gonorrhoea where treatment options are narrowing.

+506%
Gonorrhoea cases in Europe since 2010
16,050
Gonorrhoea diagnoses in England (Apr-Jun 2025)
2,040
Infectious syphilis diagnoses in England (Apr-Jun 2025)
24
Ceftriaxone resistant gonorrhoea cases (to 28 Nov 2025)
Ceftriaxone resistant gonorrhoea cases are accelerating
13 24 2024 2025*
*Provisional to 28 Nov 2025. Total reported in England to this date: 62 cases, including 22 extensively drug resistant (XDR). Source
What this means: people want protection that fits real life. Something that is easy, on demand, and does not interrupt intimacy.

What we are building

PHLYXR is a next generation lubricant concept designed to combine a premium feel with an added protective function.

💧
Feels like a premium lubricant

Texture and sensation matter. We are designing PHLYXR to be enjoyable to use, not a compromise.

🦠
Designed around the vaginal microbiome

pH aligned to the typical vaginal range and avoiding common irritants, so it is gentler on vaginal comfort.

🛡️
A new layer of prevention

Our formulation approach aims to bind and neutralise pathogens whilst acting as a spermicidal too. This is being tested in vitro.


How it works

1
Apply like any other lubricant.
No new behaviour, no interruption.
2
Creates a protective layer.
Designed to stay in place during sex.
3
Targets transmission in the fluid layer.
Lab testing is focused on pathogen binding and viability reduction.

Progress

  • ✅ MVP created and initial formulation work completed
  • ✅ Characterisation work completed (rheology and stability checks)
  • 🔄 In vitro testing and formulation refinement ongoing
  • 📅 Next: patent filing, manufacturing scale up, and clinical planning
  • 🎯 Target launch: 2027 (subject to trials and MHRA pathway)

For investors

Snapshot

  • Stage: Preclinical in vitro testing
  • Primary wedge: Premium lubricant with added prevention functionality
  • Planned pathway: MHRA aligned clinical evaluation and regulatory strategy
  • Raising: £1.8M (to fund safety work, clinical feasibility, and regulatory preparation)

Use of funds

  • Preclinical efficacy and safety packages
  • CRO supported safety data
  • Early feasibility clinical trial
  • Regulatory submission preparation and quality systems

Contact


Team

Meet the PHLYXR Team
Core Team
Sophie Stephens

Sophie Stephens, MSc, MIBMS

Biomedical Scientist & PhD Researcher

Women's health microbiology specialist

James Warren

James Warren, PhD

Biomaterials Engineer

Bioengineer with biofluids expertise and IP know-how

Advisors
Rebekah Lloyd

Rebekah Lloyd

Women's Health Business Consultant

Founder of Rela

Dr. Charlotte Eve Short

Dr. Charlotte Eve Short, MRCP

Clinical Advisor

Imperial STI Microbiota Group Leader


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