YCT529
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| Formula | C29H25NO3 |
| Molar mass | 435.523 g·mol−1 |
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YCT529 is an experimental non-hormonal male contraceptive developed by YourChoice Therapeutics. It functions as a selective antagonist of the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR-α), a nuclear receptor involved in vitamin A signaling. By inhibiting RAR-α, YCT529 disrupts spermatogenesis, leading to temporary infertility. YCT529 targets the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR-α), which plays a crucial role in the vitamin A signaling pathway essential for sperm production. By selectively inhibiting RAR-α, the drug impedes the development and maturation of sperm cells without affecting other physiological processes governed by vitamin A.[1]
Preclinical studies
[edit]In preclinical trials involving male mice, YCT529 demonstrated a 99% efficacy rate in preventing pregnancy. The contraceptive effect was fully reversible, with fertility restored within four to six weeks after discontinuation. No significant side effects were observed during these studies. Similar outcomes were reported in studies with non-human primates, where sperm counts decreased significantly after two weeks of dosing, and normal fertility resumed post-treatment.[2][3]
Clinical trials
[edit]A Phase 1 clinical trial commenced in December 2023 in the United Kingdom, conducted by Quotient Sciences. The study aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single ascending oral doses of YCT529 in 16 healthy male volunteers. Preliminary results indicated that the drug was well-tolerated with no serious adverse events reported.[4]
Following the initial study, a 28-day trial involving 50 men aged 28 to 70 was initiated to further evaluate the drug's safety and efficacy. A subsequent 90-day mid-stage study is planned to begin in the second quarter of 2025.[5]
Development and funding
[edit]YCT529 was developed in collaboration with Dr. Gunda Georg, a medicinal chemist at the University of Minnesota. The project has received funding from the National Institutes of Health and the Male Contraceptive Initiative. In 2022, YourChoice Therapeutics secured a $15 million Series A investment to support the development of hormone-free contraceptive solutions.[6]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Skiffington, Shanti (13 December 2023). "YourChoice Therapeutics begins first-in-human trial for male birth control pill". businesswire. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "YourChoice Therapeutics Begins First-In-Human Trial for Male Birth Control Pill". University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. 13 December 2023.
- ^ "Unlocking the Potential of a New Male Contraceptive Pill YCT529 | BioRender". www.biorender.com. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
- ^ "YourChoice Therapeutics commences male birth control pill trial". Clinical Trials Arena. 14 December 2023.
- ^ "Health Rounds: Birth control pill for men moves closer to reality". Reuters. 14 March 2025.
- ^ "YourChoice Therapeutics Completes Phase 1a Clinical Study for First Hormone-Free Male Birth Control Pill". Business Wire. 3 June 2024.
Exnternal links
[edit]- "A non-hormonal pill could soon expand men's birth control options". ACS Newsroom. 23 March 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- "Male contraceptive pill is safe and effective in tests in mice". New Scientist. 23 March 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- Smith, John D. (2021). "Male Contraceptive Acceptability: A Global Perspective". Journal of Sex Research. 58 (4): 456–467. doi:10.1080/00224499.2021.1879201.
- Johnson, Emily R. (2021). "The Future of Male Contraception: Market Potential and Challenges". Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports. 10 (2): 123–130. doi:10.1007/s13669-021-00312-4.
- Brown, Michael T. (2016). "Hormonal Male Contraception: A Phase II Study". Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 101 (11): 4005–4013. doi:10.1210/jc.2016-2000.