On-demand, nonhormonal birth control pill for men (sAC inhibitor)
Official title: In vitro, ex vivo and in vivo Efficacy Core
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11451841 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research grant aims to advance a nonhormonal, on-demand birth control pill for men by testing and validating a lead compound through lab studies and early human-ready development.
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) | $420,951 |
| NIH project number | 1P50HD123367-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11451841 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are men seeking nonhormonal, on-demand contraception who are healthy enough to participate in early-stage development studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals unable to participate in early-phase testing or with contraindications to the compound may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project centers on soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) as a nonhormonal target to block fertility in men. It aggregates in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assays to characterize the lead sAC inhibitor, ensuring robust efficacy and safety profiles as preparation for first-in-human trials. The work supports optimizing formulations and understanding how the drug breaks down in the body, with a focus on delivering an effective dose shortly before intercourse. By consolidating assays across GMP and non-GMP batches, the team aims to move toward an on-demand, easy-to-use oral contraceptive for men.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide men with a reversible, non-hormonal option for birth control.
How similar studies have gone: Previous iterations have validated the target and methods, with progress toward human trials.
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
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.