The launch of a male contraceptive pill could be a step closer, with leading research firm New Zealand Clinical Research set to launch a study to determine the effects of the potential new drug.

Lead researcher Dr. Rohit Katial said the non-hormonal oral contraceptive on which the study is based has already shown positive results in a single-dose phase 1 study.

“This drug has already demonstrated safety and good tolerability after a single dose, so we are now evaluating how well men tolerate multiple doses of the contraceptive, as well as its effect on sperm counts over the longer term of the study,” Dr. Katial said.

Ideal candidates for the study are healthy men aged 28–70, weighing over 55 kg, who are currently awaiting a vasectomy or have decided not to father a child in the future.

The paid study will be conducted at NZCR’s state-of-the-art research facility in Auckland, with screening, dosing and follow-up periods spread over several weeks.

The study will be conducted in two phases, each of which will require two multi-day overnight stays and a series of follow-up visits and telephone calls to assess the effects of the study drug.

Participants may receive up to $10,700 pre-tax for taking part in the study. Men who meet the criteria and are interested in advancing men’s health globally are encouraged to register their interest at www.nzcr.co.nz.

Currently in New Zealand male contraception is limited to abstinence, condoms or vasectomy as a permanent surgical solution.

If the trial results are positive, the new drug could be the world’s first reversible, non-invasive contraceptive designed exclusively for male birth control, Dr. Katial said.