AFTER years of trial and error, Melbourne scientists are one step closer to giving men more options than just condoms or the snip.
The team at Monash University has cracked the molecular structure of their hormone-free male contraceptive pill, with its lead researcher Dr Sab Ventura saying the game has turned from what was "throwing darts at a dartboard and hoping for success" into a more targeted medical approach.
The researchers previously discovered that male infertility could be achieved by blocking two proteins responsible for sperm transport - without, thankfully, messing with overall health or, more importantly, the long-term viability of sperm.
But until now, designing a drug to hit one of those proteins, P2X1, was like trying to throw a perfect strike with a blindfold on.
Using cryo-electron microscopy, the research team finally saw what P2X1 actually looks like.
"Now we know where to aim," Dr Ventura said, probably with a sigh of relief after two decades of trying.
The hope is to give men a reliable birth control option that doesn't involve hormones or permanent measures.
"It's time for men everywhere to share the responsibility," Dr Ventura added.
In the meantime, let us hope the darts finally start hitting their target.
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