ADAM Air: a removable, on-demand vas occlusive device for men
Official title: Development of ADAM Air: A Non-Hormonal Vas Occlusive Contraceptive Device
Funded at Contraline, INC. · NIH-11412605 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, reversible male contraception option uses a swelling hydrogel implanted in the vas deferens to block sperm, offering on-demand reversal.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Contraline, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $829,377 |
| NIH project number | 5R44HD115509-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11412605 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are men seeking a reversible, non-hormonal contraception option who are comfortable with a vas deferens implant.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals seeking hormonal methods, non-invasive options, or who are not considering contraception at this time may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to simplify and improve a male contraceptive option by developing ADAM Air, a dehydrated hydrogel implanted in the vas deferens that swells into a blocking gel. It builds on prior human testing to reduce manufacturing complexity and enable straightforward reversal if fertility is desired again. The work includes refining the material, its delivery, and the mechanism to ensure reliable, long-lasting protection with a potential quick return to fertility. If successful, men would have a longer-lasting, adjustable method that can be reversed without surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could provide a long-lasting, reversible contraception option for men, reducing unintended pregnancies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior First-in-Human results showed safety and efficacy, with improvements expected in manufacturing and reversibility.
Where this research is happening
-
Contraline, INC.
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tropsha, Yelena — Contraline, INC.
- Study coordinator: Tropsha, Yelena
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.