Breakthrough male contraceptive gel shows rapid results in clinical trial

A new male contraceptive gel, combining two hormones, has demonstrated faster suppression of sperm production compared to previous experimental methods, according to recent study findings. The results of this ongoing multicenter phase 2b clinical trial will be presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting, ENDO 2024, in Boston.

Image Credit: Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock.comImage Credit: Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock.com

Revolutionizing male contraception

Senior researcher Diana Blithe, Ph.D., who leads the Contraceptive Development Program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), emphasized the importance of this development. "The development of a safe, highly effective, and reliably reversible contraceptive method for men is an unmet need," she stated. Blithe pointed out that while some hormonal agents have shown potential, their slow onset in suppressing sperm production has been a significant drawback.

Study details and findings

Funded by the NIH's Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the study involved 222 men who completed at least three weeks of daily treatment with the contraceptive gel. The gel consists of 8 milligrams (mg) of segesterone acetate, an ingredient also used in the Annovera vaginal birth control ring, and 74 mg of testosterone. Participants applied the gel once daily to each shoulder blade.

Researchers measured sperm production at four-week intervals, defining effective contraception as a sperm count of one million or fewer per milliliter of semen. By week 15, 86% of participants achieved this level of suppression, with a median suppression time of less than eight weeks. This is a significant improvement over prior methods, where hormonal contraceptives given by injection took between nine and 15 weeks to achieve similar results.

"A more rapid time to suppression may increase the attractiveness and acceptability of this drug to potential users," Blithe noted. The addition of segesterone acetate to testosterone not only accelerated sperm suppression but also allowed for a lower dose of testosterone, maintaining normal sexual function and other androgen-dependent activities.

Broader implications

The rapid suppression of sperm production is a key advantage of this new gel, potentially increasing its appeal to users. The ongoing phase 2b trial will continue to assess the gel's effectiveness, safety, acceptability, and the reversibility of contraception after treatment stops.

Testosterone treatment alone decreases sperm production, with a median time of 15 weeks. However, the combination of segesterone acetate speeds up the suppression time and reduces the necessary dose of testosterone. In the daily segesterone-testosterone gel regimen, blood levels of testosterone are kept in the physiologic range, ensuring the maintenance of normal sexual function and other androgen-dependent activities.

Future outlook

As the trial progresses, further insights will emerge regarding the long-term viability and market potential of this contraceptive gel. Its success could pave the way for future innovations in male contraception, addressing a significant gap in reproductive health options for men.

For more detailed findings, keep an eye on updates from the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting and subsequent publications.

Conclusion

This innovative gel represents a significant step forward in male contraceptive methods, promising faster and more effective suppression of sperm production. With continued research and development, it holds the potential to become a widely accepted option, offering men greater control over their reproductive health.

Lily Ramsey

Written by

Lily Ramsey

Lily holds a distinguished academic background, having earned a first-class degree in Microbiology from the University of Nottingham in 2021. Her pursuit of knowledge continued as she completed her LLM in Medical Law and Ethics at the University of Edinburgh. During her master's studies, Lily dedicated her research to the field of public health ethics, with a specific passion for health equity and justice, with a specialized focus on the ethical aspects of antibiotic resistance.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Ramsey, Lily. (2024, June 03). Breakthrough male contraceptive gel shows rapid results in clinical trial. News-Medical. Retrieved on December 14, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240603/Breakthrough-male-contraceptive-gel-shows-rapid-results-in-clinical-trial.aspx.

  • MLA

    Ramsey, Lily. "Breakthrough male contraceptive gel shows rapid results in clinical trial". News-Medical. 14 December 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240603/Breakthrough-male-contraceptive-gel-shows-rapid-results-in-clinical-trial.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Ramsey, Lily. "Breakthrough male contraceptive gel shows rapid results in clinical trial". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240603/Breakthrough-male-contraceptive-gel-shows-rapid-results-in-clinical-trial.aspx. (accessed December 14, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Ramsey, Lily. 2024. Breakthrough male contraceptive gel shows rapid results in clinical trial. News-Medical, viewed 14 December 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240603/Breakthrough-male-contraceptive-gel-shows-rapid-results-in-clinical-trial.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
AI outperforms doctors in diagnostics but falls short as a clinical assistant