Male Birth Control Trials

Research and approval status

Investigational male contraceptive pills are drugs in clinical or preclinical development that target sperm production, motility, or fertilization. Unlike hormonal male contraceptives in development, these pills do not affect testosterone or other hormones. They work through different biological pathways, such as blocking retinoic acid receptors needed for sperm production.

Several non-hormonal compounds are in early clinical trials, including retinoic acid receptor-alpha antagonists. A first-in-human Phase 1a study of YCT-529 reported safety and pharmacokinetics, and a Phase 1b/2a repeat-dose study is recruiting. A Phase 2a study of NLS-133 is also recruiting. These approaches target receptors or proteins sperm development needs without affecting testosterone. Other compounds are still in earlier research.

None of these pills are FDA-approved or available by prescription; enrollment in a clinical trial is required to access them. Check ClinicalTrials.gov or groups like Male Contraceptive Initiative for current status and enrollment information.