On-demand nonhormonal male birth control targeting the sperm enzyme sAC (ADCY10)

On-demand nonhormonal male contraception via ADCY10 inhibition

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · NIH-11101382

An oral, nonhormonal pill for men to take shortly before sex that temporarily stops sperm from moving to prevent pregnancy.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11101382 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Sperm need an enzyme called sAC (ADCY10) to start swimming and fertilize an egg, and blocking this enzyme can make males temporarily unable to father children. Researchers are developing short-acting drug molecules that block sAC so a man could take a pill shortly before sex and have reversible contraception. The work includes improving how well the molecules bind sAC, making them absorbable by mouth, and checking safety and effectiveness in lab and animal tests as a step toward human testing. The ultimate aim is a safe, fast-acting, orally available male contraceptive that is used only when needed.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Men who are biologically male, sexually active, and seeking a temporary, on-demand contraceptive option would be ideal candidates for future participation.

Not a fit: This approach would not suit people seeking permanent sterilization, women, or men who plan to conceive soon or who cannot take oral medications.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could give men a safe, reversible, on-demand nonhormonal contraceptive they take shortly before sex.

How similar studies have performed: Animal studies and genetic knockout experiments show blocking sAC makes male mice infertile, but an on-demand pill for people remains experimental and unproven in humans.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.