Male pill: gene discovery may lead to contraceptive

DHAKA: It may be possible to develop a new male contraceptive pill after researchers in Edinburgh identified a gene critical for the production of healthy sperm.

Experiments in mice found that the gene, Katnal1, was vital for the final stages of making sperm.
The authors of a study in PLos Genetics said a drug which interrupts Katnal1 could be a reversible contraceptive.

A fertility expert said there was "certainly a need" for such a drug.

Contraception in men is largely down to condoms or a vasectomy.

BDST: 1009 HRS, May 29, 2012
Edited by: Tilka Binte Mehtab, Newsroom Editor