Male pill could become reality after scientists discover compound that stops sperm swimming

The cell penetrating peptides could be used both for future IVF and birth control techniques

Medically accurate illustration of human sperm cells (Getty)

Scientists may have brought the development of a male contraceptive pill one step closer to reality by discovering how to slow down or even stop sperm from swimming.

Scientists at the University of Wolverhampton’s Molecular Pharmacology Research Group have discovered that cell penetrating peptides, which are compounds of amino acids linked in a chain, can be used to change the motility of sperm either by making the cells move more quickly or stop swimming.

John Howl, professor of molecular pharmacology at the university, explained that the compounds penetrate the sperm and create an almost instant effect on the cells.

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, he said: “The results are startling – and almost instant. When you take healthy sperm and add our compound, within a few minutes the sperm cannot move.”

The research team have discovered that by designing peptides that alter the way sperm functions the results could be used for both future IVF techniques as well as for contraceptive techniques, as male infertility is often down to low motility of sperm.

The team reported that previous attempts to develop a male contraceptive pill have largely been unsuccessful because they can change men’s hormone levels irreversibly. The advantage of cell penetrating peptides, the researchers state, is that the compounds are able to change the motility of sperm without affecting men’s hormonal control systems.

Dr Sarah Jones, who also works on the project, said “We are basically designing peptides that can alter the physiology of sperm.

“Ironically, sperm are notoriously difficult to penetrate, but with cell penetrating peptides we are now able to cross an otherwise impermeable barrier to manipulate the intracellular biology of sperm so as to enhance or inhibit motility.

“We hope to develop something that will be clinically useful and can be taken forward in the future.”