This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm parallel-group clinical study evaluating the efficacy and safety of INTIMIQUE OVULI, a Class IIa vaginal medical device, in adult women (18-60 years) diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis (BV) or vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Participants are randomized 1:1 to receive the active device or a placebo ovule, in addition to standard-of-care antibacterial or antifungal pharmacological treatment, depending on diagnosis. Treatment is administered in three cycles (7 consecutive days, then 4 consecutive days, then 3 consecutive days, each separated by washout periods), followed by a 2-month follow-up. The study is a post-market clinical investigation conducted as part of the device's transition from MDD to MDR.
INTIMIQUE OVULI is a Class IIa vaginal medical device supplied as vaginal ovules (7 ovules per pack, 2 g each), intended as an adjuvant in the prophylaxis, and prevention of vaginal infections and their recurrence (fungal vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis), and for vaginal environment alterations. Each ovule contains tyndallized Lactobacillus rhamnosus LRH020, sodium hyaluronate, lactic acid, essential oils (Melaleuca alternifolia and white thyme), galactoarabinan, vitamin E acetate, vitamin A palmitate, and semisynthetic triglycerides. The device is intended to restore the vaginal environment and physiological pH, counteract vaginal dryness, and protect the mucosa, reducing irritative symptoms (itching, redness, burning, edema, pain). Device safety has been previously assessed through preclinical testing: an in vitro cytotoxicity test (NRU assay, ISO 10993-5), a skin sensitization test (Local Lymph Node Assay in mice, ISO 10993-10/OECD TG 429), and a vaginal irritation test in rabbits (ISO 10993-10), all with favorable (non-cytotoxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant) results. Clinical diagnosis of BV or VVC will be established at the screening visit based on clinical history, vaginal pH, and characteristics of vaginal discharge, with microbiological confirmation by vaginal swab for VVC. Treatment duration is 7 consecutive days (T-7d), followed by a 3-week washout, a second 4-day treatment, a further washout of 3 weeks and 3 days, a third 3-day treatment, and a 2-month follow-up period (T-112d). Efficacy will be assessed in the overall population and, post-hoc, in the two diagnostic subgroups (BV and VVC).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
80
placebo ovules (inert lipid base, free of active functional substances - no lactic acid, tyndallized probiotics, or sodium hyaluronate)
Clinica Mediterranea
Naples, Italy
Change in Vaginal Health Index (VHI) score.
Composite score assessed by the investigator across 5 clinical parameters (vaginal elasticity, vaginal secretions, pH, epithelium, moisture), each scored 1-5 (total range 5-25).
Time frame: Baseline (T0), end of first treatment cycle (T-7 days), end of first month (T-28 days), end of follow-up (T-112 days).
Vaginal pH
Vaginal pH measured by rapid semiquantitative dry chemical method.
Time frame: Baseline (T0), end of first treatment cycle (T-7 days), end of first month (T-28 days), end of follow-up (T-112 days)
Subjective symptoms
Subjective symptoms (itching, burning, pain) via Visual Analog Scale (VAS 0-10) using daily diary.
Time frame: Baseline (T0), end of first treatment cycle (T-7 days), end of first month (T-28 days), end of follow-up (T-112 days).
Quality of life SF-12
Quality of life short form questionnaire SF-12 (5 domains: sleep quality, daily activities, emotional wellbeing, sexual activity, social interactions; 0-10 scale each, referring to the previous 7 days)
Time frame: Baseline (T0), end of first treatment cycle (T-7 days), end of first month (T-28 days), end of follow-up (T-112 days).
Tollerability
All treatment-related adverse reactions (mild, moderate, severe) over the three treatment phases (7+4+3 days) will be recorded.
Time frame: Baseline (T0), end of first treatment cycle (T-7 days), end of first month (T-28 days), end of follow-up (T-112 days).
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.