In mouse testing, a new male non-hormonal contraceptive tablet has proved to be 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy with no negative effects.
Because males have fewer contraceptive options, the breakthrough drug could help to balance the contraceptive burden.
Human trials are underway, but some experts are concerned that safety concerns would prevent the drug from reaching the market.
“Despite repeated attempts, no effective and safe male contraception has been tested in humans.”
The majority of contraceptives have been based on hormones, although non-hormonal contraceptives have also been developed “Have less harmful effects,” according to Md Abdullah al Noman of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Scientists gave male mice a daily dose of a drug called YCT529 for four weeks and noticed that their sperm count decreased. After the medicine was stopped, the mice were able to breed normally again between four and six weeks, with no visible side effects.
Different compounds are being tested in clinical studies, but they all target testosterone, the male sex hormone that has been linked to weight gain, depression, and other undesirable effects.
“Because individuals aren’t taking birth control pills for a condition, they are less tolerant of adverse effects,” adds Noman.
According to the team, human clinical trials will begin in the second part of this year.
