Vaitranas have had great success in the experiment of making contraceptive drugs for men. This new tablet, called YCT-529, has passed the First Human Safety Trial Test. This drug prevents the process of forming sperm without hormones in men. This was just an early test, in which 16 people were tested whether the pill reached the body or not whether it would cause any serious side effects.
The results of the test were published in the Communications Medicine Journal on July 22, 2025. The pill was made by the University of Minnesota and the University of Columbia. Yorchois Therapeutics Company is doing its tests.
The good news is that no major side effects have been observed. Now the drug is moving towards large tests, where both its safety and effectiveness will be tested.
Dr. The Stephanie Page (University of Washington) said this is the first step towards bringing a new contraceptive option for men. We strongly need reversible methods for men.
What is this new discovery?
Until now, men had only two options for contraception: condoms and sterilization. Men have to use condoms during sex so that their partner does not get pregnant. On the other hand, sterilization is a permanent method, which is difficult to reverse. Once the sterilization is done, a man will never be able to conceive even if he ever wants his partner in the future. But now this pill called YCT-529 can bring a new and easy option for men.
This drug prevents sperm production
This new drug works without hormones. Women’s contraceptive pills contain hormones, which can sometimes cause side effects such as mood swings or weight gain. There is nothing in the YCT-529. Also, this drug prevents sperm production. It temporarily shuts down the process of sperm production in the male body. The third benefit is that it can be reversed. Male fertility returns at 4-6 weeks after closing the pill.
How does this YCT-529 drug work?
The YCT-529 tablet prevents the sperm formation process in men’s body. The male body contains a protein called retinoic acid receptor alpha. This protein plays an important role in making sperm. Understand it a lock. It acts as a vitamin A (retinoic acid) key. When the key fits into the lock, the sperm formation begins. The YCT-529 drug prevents the key from fitting the palate. This prevents the process of sperm production. Men suffer from infertility for a while. Also, this pill does not touch hormones, so it does not cause hormonal changes such as mood swing, weight gain or reduction in sexual desire. Scientists understand the composition of a retinoic acid receptor to make this pill. Many molecules were tested so that the right medicine could be made.
What happened in the Human Test?
The first Human Test was performed on 16 men from 32 to 59. The purpose of this test was whether the drug could reach the body in the right amount. What a change in heart rate, hormones, swelling, mood or sexual health was a change. It is noteworthy that each man had already sterilized. So there was no risk of affecting their fertility.
During the test, some men were given a placibo (drugless pill), some low dose (90 mg) and some more dose (180 mg) tablet. Some took empty stomach, some took after eating. Therefore, it is also known how food affects the drug.
The result was that in all doses the pill reached the body in the right amount. 180 mg dose remained optimized. No side effects were seen. Hormones did not change. The mood also did not change. Sexual health was also good. Whether the pill can be taken once a day can now be known after the next tests.
What after the first experiment was successful?
A new trial is currently underway in which men will take YCT-529 for 28 and 90 days. It will see the safety as well as the impact on the calculation of sperm. The next tests will include more men so that the side effects can be thoroughly examined. In the future, couples will be tested how well the pill prevents pregnancy. If all goes well, the pill can come to the market by 2030.
