HEALTHCARE STRATEGIES | Advancing Reproductive Choices for Men
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON TECH TARGET
For more than half a century, the burden of contraception has largely fallen on women. Since the first oral contraceptive pill received FDA approval in 1960, the field of female birth control has expanded significantly, with options ranging from hormonal intrauterine devices and implants to injections and vaginal rings. In contrast, men have had only two choices: condoms, which have a relatively high failure rate, and vasectomies, which are surgically invasive and difficult to reverse.
Despite decades of research into male hormonal contraceptives, progress has stalled due to challenges in achieving consistent sperm suppression, unwanted side effects, and lack of sustained investment. Yet, demand for non-permanent male birth control has never been stronger, particularly following shifts in U.S. reproductive policy.
In the latest episode of Healthcare Strategies, Darlene Walley, CEO of NEXT Life Sciences, explains a novel approach to a long-acting, reversible male contraceptive, Plan A. Unlike most female contraceptives, Plan A does not rely on hormonal manipulation. Instead, it employs Vasalgel, a high molecular weight polymer composed of styrene-alt-maleic acid, which is injected into the vas deferens to form a semi-solid barrier that blocks sperm while permitting the passage of seminal fluids. The polymer can be dissolved at any time within 10 years using dimethyl sulfoxide.