INSTEAD, Inc. is a privately held women’s healthcare company located in La Jolla, California.  INSTEAD develops and markets innovative new products that provide women with more choices and greater control of their reproductive and personal healthcare.  To date, INSTEAD has focused its efforts on vaginal applications; conception, contraception, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, and menstrual care. 

The INSTEAD Softcup®  is currently marketed as a feminine hygiene (“fem hy”) product that is used during a woman’s menstrual cycle instead of tampons or pads (www.softcup.com).  Management believes it is the first real innovation in the fem hy category since the tampon was introduced 70 years ago.  Market studies have shown that 1/3 of women who try the Softcup become customers. It can be worn comfortably for up to 12 hours, without risk of toxic shock, and it is also the only Over-the-Counter (“OTC”) product that allows women to have clean, comfortable sexual intercourse during their menstrual cycle.  

 Instead is seeking partners who would be interested in distributing or licensing the Softcup in international markets.