Acute, on-demand male contraception using sAC inhibitors
Official title: Clinical testing of sAC inhibitors in humans
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11451842 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A drug-based approach aims to temporarily block sperm function in men so they can choose to prevent pregnancy when desired.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $286,742 |
| NIH project number | 1P50HD123367-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11451842 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adult men who meet standard healthy-volunteer or contraceptive trial eligibility criteria and are interested in on-demand contraception.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals seeking long-term, daily contraception or those with contraindications to the investigational drug may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on testing acutely acting sAC inhibitors in humans to create a safe, on-demand male contraceptive. The plan is to advance a clinical lead into first-in-human safety studies, using a single ascending dose to understand tolerability and reversible effects. Participants would receive short-term treatment to temporarily reduce or halt sperm motility, with the expectation of no lasting impact once the drug wears off.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could provide men with a reversible, on-demand method to prevent unintended pregnancies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows that acutely acting sAC inhibitors can transiently affect sperm function in animal models, with the potential for translation to humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kopf, Gregory S. — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Kopf, Gregory S.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.