Meiosis-Targeted Breakthrough Moves Toward Reversible Nonhormonal Male Contraception

Cornell researchers in mice used the small molecule JQ1 to block meiosis at prophase 1, halting sperm production for three weeks with fertility and normal offspring restored within six weeks after stopping treatment, providing a proof of principle for a safe, reversible, nonhormonal male contraceptive; the team plans to pursue additional meiosis targets and aim to develop a long-acting delivery method (injection or patch) and even launch a company to advance these candidates.