British men pioneer the world’s first trial of a new hormone-free male contraceptive pill
In contrast to the female pill, a novel male alternative, YCT-529, is devoid of hormones and inhibits sperm production by impeding access to vitamin A. Pending successful trials, researchers aspire to distribute the responsibility for contraception more equally between genders.
A cohort of British men has become the pioneering group worldwide to test a novel hormone-free contraceptive pill for males.
Distinct from the female contraceptive pill, this male counterpart, YCT-529, operates without hormones and inhibits sperm production by impeding access to vitamin A.
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It is anticipated that successful trials could pave the way for the equitable sharing of contraceptive responsibility between genders through the daily use of this pill.
Past iterations of male contraception attempted to suppress testosterone to cease sperm production, yet this method proved partially effective and was associated with complications.
Studies spanning nearly a century have revealed that depriving mice, rats, and monkeys of vitamin A can induce infertility—a discovery that serves as the basis for this innovative hormone-free pill.
Developers assert that a novel approach might prove more efficient than condoms
Preclinical investigations have revealed that YCT-529, as per experts from its manufacturer, YourChoice Therapeutics in San Francisco, demonstrates a “99% efficacy rate and complete reversibility, free from any adverse effects.”
This novel hormone-free medication is undergoing trials involving 16 British men, with the initial phase overseen by Quotient Sciences, a drug development company based in Nottingham.
Currently, men have limited options such as condom use or vasectomy to prevent unintended pregnancies, while women have a range of choices including the pill, coil, contraceptive injection, and female condoms or diaphragms.
YourChoice Therapeutics claims that their daily male contraceptive pill yields a higher contraceptive efficacy compared to condoms. However, the NHS asserts that condoms are 98% effective when used correctly.
The world is prepared for a contraceptive pill for men
The YCT-529 pill, conceived by Gunda Georg, a distinguished professor at the University of Minnesota’s College of Pharmacy, marks a significant development in contraception.
According to Georg, the most recent breakthrough in contraception dates back over 60 years to the introduction of the birth control pill for women. She emphasises the readiness of the world for a male contraceptive option, particularly one that is free from hormonal influence. Georg highlights the necessity for such an advancement, considering the enduring side effects that women have faced for decades due to contraceptive pills.
The decision to target the vitamin A signalling pathway in the testis was deliberate, drawing upon nearly a century of research that has consistently supported this pathway’s role. Georg asserts that infertility linked to this pathway can be easily reversed based on extensive validated research.
In pre-clinical trials, the drug exhibited a remarkable 99% effectiveness in preventing pregnancies in mice and notably reduced sperm counts in monkeys within two weeks of dosing, as relayed by Ms Georg.
Furthermore, she reported that the drug displayed a robust safety profile, and upon cessation of treatment, both monkeys and mice showed complete reversibility, affirming its potential as a reversible contraceptive option.
“We anticipate this will be more appealing to men”
Akash Bakshi, co-founder and chief executive of YourChoice Therapeutics, explained, “YCT-529 obstructs a protein rather than hormones to inhibit sperm production.
“We anticipate this approach will appeal more to men, as many perceive pregnancy prevention as a shared responsibility, notwithstanding the limited contraceptive options available today, which tend to be either permanent or moderately effective.
“The scarcity of choices reinforces the age-old notion that preventing pregnancy is solely ‘a woman’s responsibility’.
“However, it isn’t, and our commitment lies in advancing the first hormone-free birth control pill for men that’s both effective and temporary, while also being convenient.”
Men interested in participating in the study can get in touch with Quotient Sciences via weneedyou.co.uk.
This drug represents one among several medications undergoing trials in an effort to distribute responsibility equitably and move closer to alternative birth control options. These include a male contraceptive gel and a monthly gelatine pill.
A March study unveiled an elevated breast cancer risk in women using any form of hormonal contraception.
Furthermore, research indicates that women who take certain common painkillers, like ibuprofen, alongside the pill might heighten their risk of developing blood clots.
