Improving a reversible male birth-control pill that targets a sperm enzyme
Optimization of in vivo validated ADCY10 inhibitors
Developing a fast-acting, reversible male pill that temporarily blocks a sperm enzyme so men can prevent pregnancy on demand.
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 ID | NIH-11101387 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on improving drugs that block soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), an enzyme sperm need to move and fertilize an egg. Researchers are optimizing chemical compounds already shown to make male mice temporarily infertile to make them more potent, safe, and easier to take by mouth. The work includes lab tests and animal studies to improve how long the drug lasts in the body and reduce side effects. The goal is to produce one or more oral compounds suitable for later human testing as an on-demand male contraceptive.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Healthy adult men who want a reversible, on-demand contraceptive option would be the ideal candidates for future testing.
Not a fit: People seeking permanent sterilization, those needing protection against sexually transmitted infections, and people assigned female at birth would not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could give men a safe, non-hormonal pill they take before sex to temporarily prevent pregnancy.
How similar studies have performed: Related compounds have produced temporary infertility in mice, showing preclinical proof-of-concept, but human effectiveness has not yet been demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levin, Lonny R — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Levin, Lonny R
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.