Developing a new male contraceptive that works on demand
Official title: Optimization of lead candidates for an on-demand male contraceptive
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10933039 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new non-hormonal birth control option for men by looking at a specific enzyme that helps sperm move, with the goal of finding a safe and effective pill that can help prevent pregnancy without using hormones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| 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 21, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $682,405 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD111549-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933039 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men who are seeking a non-hormonal contraceptive option.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not male or those who do not wish to use contraception may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a non-hormonal male contraceptive by targeting a specific enzyme called soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), which is crucial for sperm activation and motility. The researchers will design and test various inhibitors of sAC to determine their effectiveness in blocking sperm functions while minimizing side effects. Through a combination of laboratory and animal studies, they aim to identify the most promising candidates for further development into a safe and effective oral contraceptive. If successful, this could provide men with a reliable method of contraception that does not involve hormonal treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide men with a safe, effective, and reversible method of contraception.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting sAC is novel, similar research in developing non-hormonal contraceptives has shown promise in preliminary studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buck, Jochen — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Buck, Jochen
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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.