USA — Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have published a study showing that an experimental contraceptive drug was effective in temporarily disabling sperm in male mice, bringing science a step closer to developing a short-term, fast-acting birth control pill for men.
The compound used in the study, called TDI-11861, temporarily inhibited soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), an enzyme essential for activating sperm cells, making them unable to travel through the female reproductive tract and fertilize an egg.
The male mice were infertile for up to 2.5 hours, and regained full fertility within 24 hours, with no side effects observed.
The effects of the inhibitor can also last in the female reproductive system after mating, making the treated mice unable to impregnate females despite repeated mating attempts.
The study’s coauthors said that the research showed that male contraception is an achievable goal, and that the new method of contraception could provide equity between the sexes, unlike condoms and vasectomies, which have been men’s only birth control options until now.
Nearly half of all pregnancies are unplanned, according to the United Nations’ sexual and reproductive health agency, with the burden of preventing pregnancy disproportionately falling on women.
Hormonal regimens have been about 94% effective at preventing pregnancy in clinical trials, the study notes, but have been abandoned, given the side effects, such as acne and mood swings.
The medication used in the study has a nonhormonal approach, which means it does not lead to the unwanted side effects of conventional hormonal birth control pills.
The significance of the discovery is that the sAC inhibitor works rapidly and wears off quickly, enabling men to make fertility decisions on a daily basis.
The team is actively improving the inhibitor for human use and intends to repeat experiments in a new preclinical model. If successful, the authors believe that the male pill could become a reality.
The researchers are now testing the sAC-inhibiting compound in rabbits and hope to start clinical trials in humans in two to three years. They anticipate that the first pill will be on the shelves in six to eight years.
Introducing a male contraceptive could have significant positive impacts on both reproductive health and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Currently, over 60% of unintended pregnancies end in abortion, with an estimated 45% of all abortions being unsafe and contributing to maternal deaths.
This situation is hindering the planet’s ability to reach the SDGs by the 2030 target date.
By providing a new, reliable method of contraception for men, the burden of preventing pregnancy could be more equally shared between partners, potentially reducing unintended pregnancies and the need for unsafe abortions.
Furthermore, in regions affected by conflict and crises, where access to contraception is disrupted and sexual violence increases, a male contraceptive could provide an alternative and effective option for individuals seeking to prevent unintended pregnancy.
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