MINNEAPOLIS – For men not seeking parenthood, the choice has been abstinence, or the not always reliable condom, or the very permanent vasectomy. Now a pharmaceutical scholar at the University of Minnesota, Gunda Georg, has what she considers a better idea: A birth control pill for men. Georg and her team have completed testing on animals. They plan to ask for federal approval to begin clinical trials on humans by the end of the year. How long to wait? Probably seven years for final approval to market the product, Georg said. The pill would neuter a particular protein in sperm, reducing spermatozoa counts for 99% effectiveness. Georg said. It would be similar to contraceptive for women but non-hormonal.
Verbatim
Georg: “We have not seen any side effects that would prevent us from thinking that we shouldn’t we moving forward with a clinical trial. It would provide men with more autonomy and more options to control their own fertility, so I think that’s a good thing.”
Georg. Researcher at University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy.