On‑demand male birth control that blocks a sperm enzyme
Target Engagement
Testing small molecules that block a sperm enzyme to create a short‑acting birth control pill men could take shortly before sex.
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-11101385 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are designing and testing drugs that block soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), an enzyme sperm need to fertilize an egg. They use computer modeling and medicinal chemistry to make compounds, determine how the drugs bind to the enzyme using crystallography, and run lab assays to measure potency and specificity. Compounds are tested in cells and in mice for temporary loss of fertility, and the core measures binding strength and duration to improve candidate drugs. These centralized lab studies support the center's goal of developing a safe, reversible pill a man could use on demand.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men interested in nonhormonal, on‑demand contraception who are willing to join early‑stage research or provide samples may be appropriate candidates in future clinical stages.
Not a fit: People seeking permanent sterilization or those who need an immediately available approved contraceptive will not benefit from these preclinical efforts right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to a safe, reversible, on‑demand male contraceptive pill taken shortly before sex.
How similar studies have performed: Related tool compounds produced temporary infertility in male mice, but human safety and effectiveness remain untested.
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.