Optimization of lead compounds into on-demand, nonhormonal contraceptives: leveraging a public-private drug discovery institute collaboration†.

TitleOptimization of lead compounds into on-demand, nonhormonal contraceptives: leveraging a public-private drug discovery institute collaboration†.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsBalbach M, Fushimi M, Huggins DJ, Steegborn C, Meinke PT, Levin LR, Buck J
JournalBiol Reprod
Volume103
Issue2
Pagination176-182
Date Published2020 Aug 04
ISSN1529-7268
Abstract

Efforts to develop new male or female nonhormonal, orally available contraceptives assume that to be effective and safe, targets must be (1) essential for fertility; (2) amenable to targeting by small-molecule inhibitors; and (3) restricted to the germline. In this perspective, we question the third assumption and propose that despite its wide expression, soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC: ADCY10), which is essential for male fertility, is a valid target. We hypothesize that an acute-acting sAC inhibitor may provide orally available, on-demand, nonhormonal contraception for men without adverse, mechanism-based effects. To test this concept, we describe a collaboration between academia and the unique capabilities of a public-private drug discovery institute.

DOI10.1093/biolre/ioaa052
Alternate JournalBiol Reprod
PubMed ID32307523
PubMed Central IDPMC7401349