Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine in the United States are developing a non-hormonal male contraceptive pill designed to take effect approximately 30 minutes after administration and provide a temporary effect lasting six to eight hours. The technology has shown promising results in animal trials but has not yet been clinically tested in humans.

The experimental drug works by temporarily blocking an enzyme known as soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), which is essential for sperm motility. By inhibiting its function, the researchers aim to prevent sperm cells from travelling to the egg and causing fertilisation.

Unlike hormonal methods currently under development, this approach does not directly interfere with sperm production. Instead, it seeks to temporarily suspend the sperm’s capacity for movement without permanently compromising fertility.

In studies conducted with mice, the researchers observed that the compound was able to immobilise sperm within approximately 30 minutes and prevent pregnancy during the period of action. The effects were reversible, with sperm motility subsequently recovering.

The research has now received funding of US$8.2 million from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), intended to support the drug’s development and the studies required to evaluate its safety.

The project is led by professors Jochen Buck and Lonny Levin of Weill Cornell Medicine, who intend to advance to the first clinical trials in healthy men. At this stage, tests are expected to assess possible side effects, the tolerability of the substance, and its capacity to temporarily block sperm motility.

Only subsequent studies will be able to determine whether the drug is effective in preventing pregnancy in humans and establish the appropriate dose and duration of protection.

Should it receive approval, the contraceptive could offer men an alternative to condoms and vasectomy, allowing for on-demand use prior to sexual intercourse.

For now, the pill remains in the experimental phase and is not available on the market. Even if it were to be commercialised, it would not replace the condom in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=557076