Developing a new on-demand male birth control pill
Optimization of lead candidates for an on-demand male contraceptive
This research is working to create a new, non-hormonal birth control pill for men that can be taken only when needed.
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 ID | NIH-11103315 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Sperm are usually stored in a dormant state and become active and able to fertilize an egg after ejaculation. This activation process relies on a specific enzyme called sAC, which is essential for male fertility. Our team is testing different compounds that can block this sAC enzyme, aiming to temporarily make sperm unable to fertilize. We will study how effective and safe these compounds are in laboratory and animal models. The ultimate goal is to find the best compound to move forward into human testing for a new male contraceptive.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This early-stage research is not yet recruiting patients, but future studies would likely involve healthy adult men interested in new contraceptive methods.
Not a fit: Individuals not seeking a male contraceptive or those with existing fertility issues unrelated to the sAC enzyme would not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new, non-hormonal, on-demand birth control option for men, offering more choices for family planning.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that blocking the sAC enzyme can temporarily make male mice infertile, suggesting this is a promising and validated target.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- 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
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 below.