The drug, under the code name YCT-529, is being developed by YourChoice Therapeutics in collaboration with researchers at the University of Minnesota and other partners. In the first human trial results, published this week, YCT-529 was found to be safe and well tolerated. It is currently being tested in larger clinical trials, reports Sombor.info.
Blocks a protein important for fertility
YCT-529 (previously known as GPHR-529) works by affecting the way the body uses vitamin A, which plays a crucial role in maintaining fertility in mammals. The drug blocks a protein that binds to a form of vitamin A known as retinoic acid, targeting the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR-α).
The goal is to selectively block only this receptor, and not related proteins, in order to stop sperm production – without serious side effects. The process should be reversible: after stopping the drug, fertility should return.
Phase I completed without side effects
The first clinical trial of YCT-529 began in late 2023, and findings were published this week in the journal Communications Medicine. The study included 16 healthy men who received either a placebo or various doses of YCT-529, with some doses taken with food.
Since the primary goal of the first phase of testing is to determine safety, the results are very encouraging: compared to the control group, men who took YCT-529 experienced no changes in heart rate, sex drive, mood, or levels of hormones related to fertility.
Moreover, no adverse events were documented that could be linked to the drug.
The only observation was that food may slow the absorption of the drug, but further research will be needed to draw a definitive conclusion.
"The results support the continued clinical development of YCT-529," the study authors concluded.
Race for the first reversible male contraceptive
Although still very early in the testing phase, the data look promising. YourChoice Therapeutics has already launched a larger phase 2 trial, and the global race for the first reversible male contraceptive is heating up.
