Researchers from RWTH Aachen University, the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and the Universities of Bonn, Giessen, and Münster are working in the new interdisciplinary network “ContraPur” on the development of a novel, non-hormonal contraceptive method for men. The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) is funding the project, which is coordinated by RWTH Aachen University, with around three million euros over three years.

The project aims to temporarily and reversibly block sperm transport in the testicles. The focus is on purinergic signal transmission, which is triggered by the body’s own molecule ATP and controls contractions of muscle cells around the seminiferous tubules. These contractions are crucial for the transport of mature but still immobile sperm within the testicle.

Professor Marc Spehr, Chair of Chemosensory Science at RWTH Aachen University and coordinator of the project, explained that ContraPur is pursuing a completely new approach to contraceptive research. The goal is a safe, reversible and non-hormonal method that opens up new possibilities for men in family planning and contributes to a fairer distribution of responsibility.

A central subproject led by Professor Artur Mayerhofer at LMU’s Biomedical Center is concerned with the development of potential drugs. The LMU researchers conduct proof-of-concept experiments with human testicular cells (peritubular cells) and test drug candidates for their effect on the contractile ability of these cells. The aim is to gain new insights into testicular physiology and to specifically identify substances that can temporarily interrupt sperm transport without permanently affecting fertility.

The researchers emphasize that the new approach should better understand testicular physiology and lead to an accepted alternative to existing contraceptive methods in the long term. The project combines molecular, cell biological and pharmacological approaches and aims to translate them into clinical application.

The new research network responds to society’s need for safe, reversible and non-hormonal contraceptive options for men. So far, only a few methods are available to men, which are often accompanied by side effects or are not reversible. ContraPur is intended to contribute to a fairer distribution of responsibility for contraception and to strengthen self-determination in family planning.

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New research project PREVENT is looking for non-hormonal contraceptives with few side effects – MedLabPortal

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