Health

Novel Male Birth Control Shows 2-Year Effectiveness in Trial

Published APR 25 2025

Story

Above: Technical platform of the Inovie 34 laboratory. Image credit: TREMELET/Contributor/IMAGE POINT FR/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The Facts

A non-hormonal male contraceptive called ADAM reached a critical milestone, demonstrating in clinical trials that it can remain effective in preventing sperm from mixing with semen for at least two years.
Daily Mail
guardian
ADAM works by injecting hydrogel into the vas deferens — the tubes that carry sperm — artificially inducing azoospermia. CEO Kevin Eisenfrats says the hydrogel either naturally dissolves over time or can be removed with a simple, minimally invasive procedure.
Archive
MedCity News
Contraline, the company behind ADAM, announced on Thursday that two of the 25 participants in the first phase of clinical trials had reached azoospermia at 24 months, in what it called "a potential breakthrough in male contraceptive options," with other participants demonstrating ongoing efficiency at 12, 15, 18, and 21 months.
The Times (UK)
Independent
Archive
Contraline also reported no serious treatment-related adverse effects amongst the trial participants and no unexpected safety concerns, with the only observed adverse effects "consistent with the expected treatment profile," which it likened to a no-scalpel vasectomy.
Archive
The company has received approval to pursue a second phase of clinical trials in Australia in Q3 2025. Contraline stated that there will be between 30 and 50 participants and that the study will aim to build upon the first trial’s "promising safety and feasibility results."
Archive
guardian
The Times (UK)
Some researchers have stated that it remains unclear how long a single implant lasts and argued it has yet to be shown if it can be removed.
guardian
Daily Mail

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Contraline's successful clinical trials are a medical breakthrough. The Phase 1 study demonstrated that ADAM is effective for up to 24 months and safe, with no serious adverse effects or unexpected medical concerns. If the Phase 2 clinical trials and beyond prove just as successful, Contraline could make a generational leap forward in contraceptive medicine.

Narrative B

While Contraline's Phase 1 results are promising, significant questions remain unanswered concerning ADAM. Presently, there is no data to clarify just how long an ADAM implant lasts, no evidence to show if it can be removed, and no insight into what side effects a long-term blockage of the vas deferens could have. For ADAM to be successful, Contraline must answer these important questions.