"Male pills" without hormones
Non-hormonal male contraception was tested on monkeys
Natalia Pelezneva, Naked Science
Scientists from the USA have successfully tested the organic compound EP055 on rhesus monkeys, which can reduce sperm motility. Based on this compound, researchers create a male contraceptive that does not affect the hormonal balance of the body. The study was published in the journal PLOS ONE (O'RAND et al., Inhibition of sperm motility in male macaques with EP055, a potential non-hormonal male contraceptive).
Today there are only two "male" methods of contraception: condoms and vasectomy (ligation or removal of fragments of the vas deferens). The first option is not always reliable, and the effect of the second in some cases is irreversible. Many researchers are trying to create an effective contraceptive for men. To do this, synthetic analogues of some toxins are used, as well as polymer plugs blocking the vas deferens. None of these funds have yet entered the market.
The purpose of the new contraceptive is the protein EPPIN (epididymal protease inhibitor), located on the surface of the sperm. This is one of the proteins that regulate sperm viscosity and, accordingly, sperm motility. The mobility of male germ cells largely determines the probability of conception: "slow" spermatozoa often cause male infertility. According to scientists, deliberately slowing down sperm cells will help create a contraceptive that does not affect the balance of hormones in the body. The existing prototypes of male hormonal contraceptives have many side effects – for example, mood swings, fluctuations in body weight, an increase in the risk of depression.
To effectively block the EPPIN protein, the scientists tried several 1,3,5-triazine derivatives. These substances are widely used in chemistry, their compounds are part of dyes and fertilizers. The compound EP055 had the best indicators of solubility and the half-life of the substance from the body: this is necessary so that the effect of the contraceptive is reversible.
Changes in sperm motility in macaques / © PLOS ONE
The substance was injected intravenously into four male rhesus monkeys. After a few hours, sperm motility dropped significantly – in humans, this level is considered insufficient for conception. Mobility began to grow only after three days, and the functions were fully restored after 18 days. No side effects were noted in animals. Now researchers are working on a formula for tablets containing the required amount of EP055. After that, the scientists plan to conduct another series of tests.
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