A new male contraceptive pill called YCT-529 has shown promising results as a hormone-free option. It works by blocking a protein important for sperm production, which stops sperm from being made while leaving testosterone untouched.
In animal studies, the pill made male mice temporarily infertile within four weeks and was 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. The drug advanced to safety trials with 16 men aged 32 to 59, all vasectomized to avoid permanence. The trial aimed to check side effects and how the pill behaves in the body rather than effectiveness.
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No serious side effects were reported, a positive contrast to previous hormone birth controls linked with mood swings and other issues. Nadja Mannowetz of YourChoice Therapeutics noted that the drug stayed active for a good period.
CEO Akash Bakshi said men want more contraceptive choices and currently only have condoms as a temporary, non-hormonal option. YCT-529 could fill this gap and offer a new, reversible way for men to take control over contraception.
