A Study on Mice Showed Promise for a Reversible Pregnancy Prevention Drug
Cadhla Gray — October 8, 2015 — Tech
References: sciencemag.org & refinery29
A study recently posted in the "Science" Journal shows promise for a reversible, reliable form of male birth control. While the participants in the experiment were mice, the results have the potential to be transferred to human bodies since they contain the same sperm proteins.
The experiment first genetically modified some mice so that they couldn't make a sperm-necessary protein. Then, an immunosuppressant drug was given to non-genetically altered mice that had a similar effect. After just five days of taking the drug, those mice became infertile. However, the most exciting part is that after just a week with no drug, they became fertile again.
This is promising because it would lend to making a reversible male birth control -- providing an alternative to permanent methods like vasectomies and less reliable ones like condoms.
The experiment first genetically modified some mice so that they couldn't make a sperm-necessary protein. Then, an immunosuppressant drug was given to non-genetically altered mice that had a similar effect. After just five days of taking the drug, those mice became infertile. However, the most exciting part is that after just a week with no drug, they became fertile again.
This is promising because it would lend to making a reversible male birth control -- providing an alternative to permanent methods like vasectomies and less reliable ones like condoms.
Trend Themes
1. Reversible Male Birth Control - A new, reliable and reversible form of male birth control is in development, utilizing immunosuppressant drugs to selectively target sperm
2. Genetic Modification for Fertility Control - The use of genetically modified mice to develop male birth control methods is a potential disruptive innovation opportunity for pharmaceutical companies
3. Sperm Protein-based Birth Control Method - The discovery of sperm proteins used in the male birth control method presents opportunities for medical researchers to develop new contraceptives
Industry Implications
1. Pharmaceutical - Pharmaceutical companies have the potential to develop innovative, safe and reliable reversible male birth control pills, as well as to expand the scope of fertility treatments in general
2. Biotechnology - Biotechnology companies can utilize the genetic modification of mice to develop new contraceptive strategies for both men and women
3. Medical Devices - The development of new male birth control methods could lead to disruptive changes for medical device manufacturers in the field of fertility control
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