Daily dose lets men step up in family planning

By Newsflash Writer

A game-changing male contraceptive pill has successfully passed its first human safety trial, offering a new avenue for shared responsibility in birth control.

The pill, known as YCT-529, has shown no adverse side effects, according to a peer-reviewed study published in the scientific journal Nature.

The development signals a potential revolution in reproductive health, particularly for couples looking to balance family planning duties. For Geoffrey Kariuki, the announcement couldn’t be more welcome. His partner has struggled with contraceptive coils, and the pill presents a long-awaited chance to personally contribute to their birth control strategy.

“My woman reacts badly to coils. It’s uncomfortable for her. So the fact that I can now take part in our birth control by using a pill is very good news,” he says.

Developed by YourChoice Therapeutics and tested at Quotient Sciences’ Phase 1 facility in Nottingham, the drug stands out as the first non-hormonal male contraceptive to reach human trials—a major leap after decades of limited male options restricted to condoms and vasectomy.

Safer, non-hormonal alternative for men

Previous male contraceptive developments, such as the 2016 WHO hormonal injection trial, were abandoned due to serious side effects like mood swings and libido changes—despite being 96% effective in preventing pregnancy.

By contrast, YCT-529 works by temporarily and reversibly halting sperm production, while avoiding hormonal interference that often affects sexual function and emotional health. Nadja Mannowetz, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at YourChoice Therapeutics and lead author of the study, confirmed this is the first time a non-hormonal male pill has been clinically tested.

The pill’s non-hormonal approach distinguishes it from conventional female contraceptives, which rely on hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone. It is also designed to allow men to regain normal fertility shortly after discontinuing use—an edge over vasectomy, which may not be reversible.

Currently, non-hormonal contraceptives include condoms, diaphragms, copper IUDs, cervical caps, and spermicides. In contrast, Kenyan women often rely on hormonal options such as Marvelon, Microgynon, Cerazette, or emergency contraceptives like Postinor 2.

Trial results and mixed reactions

The Phase 1a clinical trial involved 16 healthy vasectomised men aged between 32 and 59, divided into two dosing groups. The first group received either 10mg or 30mg of YCT-529 or a placebo, while the second group was administered 90mg followed by 180mg, or placebos. To study how food might impact drug absorption, some participants took a 30mg dose with a high-fat, high-calorie meal.

Participants were instructed to avoid alcohol, grapefruit juice, and other medications during the trial. YCT-529 was manufactured and encapsulated under strict pharmaceutical standards in the UK.

While results showed no adverse effects, reactions from potential users were varied. Joram Ateya, a communications consultant in Nairobi, expressed concern over possible hidden risks:

“We’re told it’s safe, but what if I experience side effects like weight gain, acne, or loss of libido? I wouldn’t want to stop functioning as a man.”

However, others see it as a necessary equaliser in contraceptive responsibility.

“For too long, women have carried the burden of birth control. Men had just condoms or vasectomy as options, which is unfair,” said Margaret Wekesa, a hotelier. “This pill could help us finally share that responsibility equally.”

The trial was approved by the Riverside Research Ethics Committee and UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, and is listed under clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06094283).

What’s next?

The success of this initial trial has paved the way for Phase 2, which will involve testing the pill on a larger scale over longer periods (28 and 90 days). Researchers will monitor not only safety but also effectiveness in reducing sperm count.

However, it’s important to note that YCT-529 does not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), meaning barrier methods like condoms will still be necessary for protection during casual or unprotected sex.

Despite the promising breakthrough, the contraceptive pill remains in development and won’t be immediately available to the public. The study’s authors caution that more data is needed on the pill’s efficacy in real-world scenarios before it can hit the shelves.

If further trials confirm its effectiveness, YCT-529 could dramatically expand contraceptive choices for men and reduce the pressure placed solely on women to manage family planning. As Mannowetz noted, “This marks a historic step forward in gender equity in reproductive health.”