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Initial preclinical trials have revealed a 99% efficacy of non-hormonal male contraceptive pill, YCT-529, for birth control. The medication proved to be 100% reversible with no side effects. YourChoice Therapeutics developed YCT-529 in collaboration with Dr. Ganda Georg, a globally recognized chemist and laureate of one of the foremost Centers for Contraception at the National Institute of Health in the United States.
Contraception – a shared responsibility
Data indicates that the majority of men and women consider contraception a shared responsibility. However, male options are limited to withdrawal, condoms, and vasectomy, each with significant shortcomings. Current clinical developments involve hormonal methods that suppress testosterone to prevent sperm production. However, testosterone does not completely halt sperm production and comes with side effects, including an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, weight gain, acne, mood swings, and decreased libido.
All these risks are currently predominantly considered women’s issues, as hormonal contraception is widespread among them. Meanwhile, women bear the primary burden of pregnancy and childbirth, often outweighing the risks with the benefits of hormonal contraceptives. Developers see the commencement of trials as a significant step toward equity in healthcare, a long-awaited milestone in the field.
How Contraceptive Pill YCT-529 Works
YCT-529 non-hormonally suppresses spermatogenesis, the development of sperm in male reproductive organs. The pills block the target receptor retinoic acid alpha (RAR-a), necessary for spermatogenesis. Preclinical trials showed 100% efficacy of the drug in mice, rats, dogs, and primates with no side effects.
The pills should be taken daily, and within two to four weeks, a man will become temporarily infertile. Exact timelines will become clearer during clinical trials.
The return in fertility is based on how long it takes to produce sperm. Spermatogenesis in humans takes around 72 days, and we envision that it would take two cycles of that to get your sperm counts back to normal.
Akash Bakshi, CEO of YourChoice Therapeutics
Bakshi anticipates that the process of the three-phase clinical trial will last up to 10 years. Following him, the company is now also working on non-hormonal contraceptives for women and non-hormonal methods to enhance fertility.
