Long-acting, injectable male contraceptive shows effectiveness of at least 2 years, claims biotech company
Rewritten Article:
Let's dive into the latest news about Contraline's groundbreaking male contraceptive, named ADAM. After 24 months into its first human clinical trial, this non-hormonal, reversible jelly-like implant has proven to be effective and safe, according to Contraline's recent announcement.
Though their findings haven't been published in a scientific journal yet, the company is planning to share more data during the American Urological Association (AUA) meeting on April 26. ADAM is injected into the tubes carrying sperm from the testicles to the urethra via a minor procedure, allowing for ejaculation while blocking the sperm.
Alexander Pastuszak, Contraline's Chief Medical Officer, said, "Our aim was to create a male contraceptive option lasting two years, addressing a genuine need in the market." He continued, "These results prove that ADAM can achieve its intended lifespan, and we're hopeful about its safety, efficacy, and reversibility."
Based on two participants in the trial reaching azoospermia (no sperm in their ejaculate) at 24 months, Contraline claims that ADAM caused a near-total reduction in the number of moving sperm within 30 days of implantation.
Kevin Eisenfrats, co-founder, and CEO of Contraline, mentioned, "These findings bring us a step closer to revolutionizing the contraceptive landscape, implying that comparable levels of efficiency may be achievable as long-acting female contraceptives like IUDs." IUDs are small devices inserted into the woman's uterus for contraception.
So far, none of the participants have reported serious adverse events or faced unexpected safety concerns. Researchers conducting the trial will continue monitoring other participants at 12-, 15-, 18-, and 21-month marks using lab and at-home sperm tests. Contraline has also secured regulatory approval to commence the study's second phase.
However, Jon Oatley, a professor at Washington State University's School of Molecular Biosciences, voiced concerns, stating that there's no public data yet confirming the ADAM implant is reversible, and researchers are still unaware of the long-term effects of blocking the vasa deferentia. He also suggested that most men might prefer a pill or patch over a surgery.
Data from 2017 to 2019 showed that only 10.4% of women aged 15 to 49 used long-acting reversible contraceptives like IUDs or implants, which require procedures. This number trails behind the pill's 14%. If ADAM proves to be safe and effective, it's plausible that a significant number of men could opt for the long-term efficiency of an injection over other temporary contraceptives.
- The groundbreaking male contraceptive, ADAM, developed by Contraline, has shown effectiveness and safety after 24 months in its first human clinical trial.
- The findings of ADAM's trial have not been published in a scientific journal, but the company plans to share more data during the American Urological Association (AUA) meeting on April 26.
- According to Contraline's Chief Medical Officer, Alexander Pastuszak, the aim was to create a male contraceptive option lasting two years, addressing a market need.
- Kevin Eisenfrats, co-founder, and CEO of Contraline, stated that the findings bring them closer to revolutionizing the contraceptive landscape, implying that comparable levels of efficiency could be achievable as long-acting female contraceptives like IUDs.
- So far, none of the participants have reported serious adverse events or faced unexpected safety concerns during the trial, but continued monitoring will be conducted at specific intervals using lab and at-home sperm tests.
- If ADAM proves to be safe and effective, it's plausible that a significant number of men could opt for the long-term efficiency of an injection over other temporary contraceptives, given the low usage percentage of long-acting reversible contraceptives reported from 2017 to 2019.
