Advances in the search for the first contraceptive pill for men: up to 99% effective in mice, and without side effects, the actual trial could start within the year. If it goes well, the revolutionary new drug could be on the market in 5 years.

The search for a birth control pill for men dates back to the 1960s licensing of its equivalent for women, said Dr. Abdullah Al Noman, a master's student at the University of Minnesota, who will present this work at the conference. spring of the American Chemical Society.

"Many studies show that men are interested in sharing the responsibility for contraception within the couple," he explains, but to date there are only two effective and recognized solutions: condoms and vasectomy - a lasting solution that is sometimes complicated (and expensive) come back.

The functioning of the female pill is based on hormones that interrupt the menstrual cycle. Researchers have long tried to develop a male equivalent using the same method and by acting on a male hormone, testosterone: but these attempts have caused unwanted side effects such as weight gain, bouts of depression and increased cholesterol levels, resulting in increased risk of heart disease.

Now the team of scientists is aiming to develop a non-hormonal pill that is not expected to incur side effects. Administered orally to male mice for four weeks, the chemical compound “YCT529” dramatically reduced sperm production and was 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, with no side effects observed. Six weeks after stopping the ingestion of YCT529, the mice were able to reproduce again.

(Unioneonline / D)