THE MALE PILL… WITH NO SIDE EFFECTS

A new contraceptive pill is being developed. So far, it seems to be free from side effects – and it’s for men, not women. The drug, named EP055, contains a protein that binds to the surface of the sperm and slows those little swimmers down.

“Simply put, the compound turns off the sperm’s ability to swim, significantly limiting fertilisation capabilities,” said lead researcher Michael O’Rand. “This makes EP055 an ideal candidate for nonhormonal male contraception.”

The scientists gave macaque monkeys high-dose intravenous infusions of the compound. Thirty hours after the infusion, the researchers found no indication of normal sperm movement in any of the macaques, and they didn’t observe any physical side effects.

Around three weeks later, the macaques’ sperm were moving normally, although it took them a little longer to get back to full speed. The researchers suggest that this treatment could provide a contraceptive window effective 24 to 48 hours after administration of the drug.

The researchers say the next stage is to conduct a mating trial with the macaques, to measure the compound’s effectiveness against pregnancy. They have also begun testing the compound in pill form but it is as yet unclear how long it’ll be before the drug becomes publicly available.