Male Contraceptive Pill Patent Signals Progress in Gender Equality
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a gene in the testes that could lead to the development of a male contraceptive pill. Disabling the gene in mice caused infertility by changing sperm shape and movement. The gene, called ARRDC5, is expressed only in testicular tissue and is abundant in the testes of humans, mice, cattle, and pigs. The discovery could lead to a reversible male contraceptive pill that targets only sperm and has fewer side effects than interfering with male hormones. The researchers have filed a provisional patent for the male contraceptive pill based on this gene discovery.