In this article..
Eppin Pharma Inc has been developing a non-hormonal male contraceptive for the last 20 years.
Last week in ‘Why Hasn’t Big Pharma Pulled Out A Male Contraceptive Pill?’, we discussed the need for a male contraceptive pill and the reasons why we haven’t seen one on the market yet. In that article, we focused on hormone-based contraceptives. This week we will briefly go through a promising Non-hormonal Male Contraceptive that is currently in development at EPPIN Pharma.
Side Note, Eppin Pharma Inc is the name of the company, however Eppin/EPPIN is the name of the drug and protein target in this contraceptive method
Hormonal Contraceptives Can Have Undesirable Side-Effects
Although it has allowed for significant reproductive choice and control, the oral contraceptive pill can have some undesirable side effects that may cause some women to seek other alternative contraceptive methods. Many of these side effects are a result of the pill causing changes in the hormone balance within the body, allowing for contraception, whilst causing unpleasant side effects.
Therefore, when it comes to making a male alternative, some biotech innovators such as Eppin Pharma, have chosen to use the non-hormonal route in creating a contraceptive.
Who is Eppin Pharma?
Eppin Pharma is a pharmaceutical company that is focused on developing a novel, safe and effective non-hormonal oral contraceptive pill for males. Based in North Carolina, the biotech company is headed by Dr Michael G. O’Rand, a retired professor from the University of Carolina. Dr O’Rand has over 35 years of experience in reproductive biotechnology, studying human fertilisation.
Their Concept: Targeting and inhibiting the Protein EPPIN
EPPIN is a small disulphide-bonded extracellular protein that contains WAP and Kunitz protease inhibitor domains. It is released in the testis and epididymis and coats sperm throughout the reproductive tract.
EPPIN has many functions related to male fertility, including its role as a binding partner of semenogelins (SEMG), which are vital components of semen, and crucial for male fertility.
The SEMG-Eppin binding is important for sperm maturation and motility, which is vital to their ability to travel to and fertilise an egg.
Therefore, EPPIN Pharma is developing a drug that will interfere with the interactions of EPPIN that will keep sperm motile, which in turn acts as a non-hormonal contraceptive for males.
Of course, it is not that simple, therefore for more info on EPPIN and its mechanics, visit their website
Eppin Pharma has Developing a Novel Male Contraceptive Pill Since 2001!
As previously discussed, drug development is a long and expensive process. The figure below highlights some key milestones during the development of the male contraceptive pill from Eppin Pharma.
Funding is the key driver to the success of novel biotech drugs. Eppin Pharma has received various Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) in the US. However, the MCI grants have provided the most financial support.
Unfortunately, Eppin Pharma will need a whole lot more funding, if they are to progress into Phase I clinical trials, aimed to start in 2025.
An Exciting Innovation…Coming Soon…
Although there is still a long way to go, Eppin Pharma may be the first to the finish line in the race to produce a male contraceptive. This feat alone will revolutionise the reproductive biotech industry, however, their development of a non-hormonal contraceptive takes this innovation a step further, providing a contraceptive that is safe, reversible and has minimal side effects.