New male contraceptives that work without hormones
ALDH1A1/A2 Inhibitors for Male Contraception
This study is working on a new kind of birth control pill for men that doesn't use hormones and can be easily reversed, aiming to give men a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy without interfering with alcohol use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10651653 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new oral contraceptives for men that are reversible and non-hormonal. The approach involves creating specific inhibitors that target certain enzymes (ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A2) responsible for sperm production, without affecting another enzyme (ALDH2) that can cause adverse reactions with alcohol. The researchers will optimize these inhibitors for better effectiveness and safety through advanced chemical modifications and extensive testing. If successful, this could provide men with a reliable contraceptive option.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are healthy adult males who are seeking a reversible contraceptive option.
Not a fit: Patients who are not male or those who are not seeking contraceptive options may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide men with a safe and effective non-hormonal contraceptive method.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on male contraceptives, this approach using specific inhibitors is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amory, John K. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Amory, John K.
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.