North Raleigh Today

On March 6, 2025, Rahima Benhabbour, PhD, a tenured associate professor of biomedical engineering at NC State University and UNC-Chapel Hill, is making strides in women's health. She aims to improve treatments for conditions like infertility with innovative solutions such as a new 3D printed drug delivery system.

Benhabbour's background in Algeria and her ties to Africa have driven her research focus since she started her lab at Carolina in 2017. Her work centers on developing cost-effective drug delivery systems that empower women globally. "Women’s health is an underserved area of research," said Benhabbour. "My research has centered around women’s health for three main reasons: empowerment, access, and choice."

Her lab has explored various technologies including ultra-long-acting injectable formulations for HIV and biodegradable implants. Among these innovations is AnelleO PRO, a self-administered intravaginal ring designed to aid infertility treatment. This device releases progesterone over 28 days and can be used alongside other IVF drugs.

The development of AnelleO PRO was supported by several entities at UNC, allowing Benhabbour to transform years of research into a practical product. She founded the startup AnelleO in 2016 with Rima Janusziewicz, PhD. The team uses continuous liquid interface production (CLIP) technology to create the rings.

"With an injection molded ring, the best you could achieve for infertility treatment is a week worth of release," explained Benhabbour. "With CLIP, we are able to overcome the limitations of traditional intravaginal drug delivery systems."

The AnelleO team now seeks FDA approval and plans to expand their technology's applications beyond assisted reproductive technology to address other women's health issues.

In her editorial for the Journal of Controlled Release, Benhabbour emphasized collaboration among researchers and stakeholders to advance women's healthcare. “The road ahead is clear: researchers, clinicians, policymakers... must work together,” she wrote.

AnelleO's team primarily consists of women dedicated to improving women's health needs. Rima Janusziewicz noted that addressing unmet needs is both noble and fundable regardless of gender.

Benhabbour values the community at UNC where many pioneering women contribute significantly to advancing technologies in women's health. “Women’s health requires more women to actually work in this field,” she stated.