Overview

• Phase 1 trial of single oral doses ranging from 10 mg to 180 mg in 16 men showed YCT-529 was well tolerated with no cardiac, hormonal or mood effects and demonstrated favorable bioavailability.
• The non-hormonal compound targets retinoic acid receptors by preventing vitamin A metabolites from binding in the testes, halting sperm formation without altering sex hormones.
• Preclinical animal studies found that fertility was fully restored after discontinuation, underpinning the drug’s reversible contraception profile.
• Communications Medicine published the safety data, and plans are under way for larger trials to assess the pill’s real-world effectiveness in preventing pregnancies.
• Researchers must address a projected three-month lag to full contraceptive effect and the financial hurdles of bringing a new male pill to market.