Researchers are developing a male birth control injection that will provide long-acting reversible contraception – and it is expected to be available as early as 2017.
The injection, containing a substance called Vasalgel, temporarily blocks the tubes which transport sperm from the testes. In essence it acts in the same way as a vasectomy but it is not permanent. According to its creators, the Parsemus Foundation in US, the contraceptive has been tested on baboons and rabbits, ‘metro.co.uk’ reported.
Six months ago, researchers injected Vasalgel into three male baboons. The males were then given an opportunity to mate with females.
The three male baboons were moved into enclosures with 10-15 females a month ago. None of the female baboons were found to be pregnant.Researchers are now planning to flush out the Vasalgel to check whether sperm starts to flow once again.
In another baboon study, five males have received Vasalgel. The baboons will soon be moved to breeding enclosures with fertile females.
Half of the baboons will be able to mate with females for three months, and half of them will be with females for six months. After this, they will all undergo reversal and additional testing. The researchers are planning clinical trials with humans next year.
–PTI