section_path: Research directions/Males
section_name: Males
paragraph_text: Males
  
  Despite high levels of interest in male contraception, progress been stymied by a lack of industry involvement. Most funding for male contraceptive research is derived from government or philanthropic sources.
  
  A number of novel contraceptive methods based on hormonal and non-hormonal mechanisms of action are in various stages of research and development, up to and including clinical trials, including gels, pills, injectables, implants, wearables, and oral contraceptives.
  
  Recent avenues of research include proteins and genes required for male fertility. For instance, the serine/threonine-protein kinase 33 (STK33) is a testis -enriched kinase that is indispensable for male fertility in humans and mice. An inhibitor of this kinase, CDD-2807, has recently been identified and induced reversible male infertility without measurable toxicity in mice. Such an inhibitor would be a potent male contraceptive if it passed safety and efficacy tests.