On-demand male contraception that works shortly before sex
Official title: Formulation and chemistry studies supporting clinical development
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11451843 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A nonhormonal, easy-to-use pill-like formulation is being developed to temporarily block fertility in men right around the time of intercourse.
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 start | September 10, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $514,420 |
| NIH project number | 1P50HD123367-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11451843 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are men seeking a nonhormonal, on-demand contraceptive option who are willing to participate in early clinical development and related safety assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals seeking long-term daily contraception or non-on-demand methods may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project focuses on turning a promising nonhormonal target, soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), into an orally available, acutely acting contraceptive for men. Researchers will work on creating suitable formulations and performing the chemistry, manufacturing, and controls needed to move into clinical trials and eventual commercialization. The work aims to produce a safe, effective option men can take when needed, with rapid onset and reversible effects on sperm motility. If successful, this could expand contraceptive choices for couples by adding a male-directed, nonhormonal method.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Patients could have a reversible, nonhormonal option for contraception that is taken just before intercourse.
How similar studies have gone: Previous genetic and pharmacologic work supports sAC as a viable target, and this project builds on that foundation with formulation and CMC steps toward clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
-
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.