ADAM: The Hydrogel Contraceptive That Could Change Who Plays The Game

For decades, the burden of contraception has been placed on women, ever since the release of

the first oral contraceptive pill in the 1960s and even before. On the other hand, men, till this

day, only have condoms and vasectomy as their contraceptive options. Even with ‘perfect use’,

the failure rate of condoms is still over 10% and vasectomy is largely irreversible. With changing

socioeconomic beliefs and more men seeking to actively participate in family planning, there is a

growing need for safe, effective and reversible male contraception.

Now, a new approach is currently undergoing clinical trials in Australia and it’s not a pill, not a

patch, nor a hormonal option.

It’s a hydrogel.

ADAM is a non-hormonal, long-acting contraceptive and reversible injective contraceptive for

men. Currently being developed by Contraline, bridging the historical gap in reproductive

options between temporary barrier methods and permanent surgeries.

Instead of altering hormone levels or stopping hormone production, ADAM uses a hydrogel that

gets injected directly into the vas deferens.

First, let’s take a brief look at the journey of sperm through the male reproductive system.

Sperm is produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testes and matures in the epididymis.

During the time of ejaculation, sperm travels through the vas deferens and eventually reaches

the urethra. Along the way it mixes with fluids produced by accessory glands to form semen,

which is then expelled from the body.

So, how does ADAM work?

The ADAM system consists of the ADAM Hydrogel and the ADAM Injector. The ADAM hydrogel

is a proprietary, injectable, co-polymer hydrogel that is designed to provide long lasting but

temporary occlusion of the vas deferens in men. The ADAM injector automates the dose and

speed at which the ADAM Hydrogel is delivered into the vas deferens. The vas deferens may be

accessed using a minimally invasive no-scalpel technique.

The hydrogel gets injected directly into the vas deferens with the injector.

Once injected, the hydrogel forms a soft, flexible plug that can provide long-lasting blockage

while gradually breaking down over time.

ADAM is designed to block sperm from travelling through the vas deferens without affecting sensation or ejaculation.

Sperm that are blocked, naturally degrade and become absorbed. At the end of its lifespan, the

hydrogel liquifies, removing the barrier to let the sperm flow.

The procedure is minimally invasive, done by a urologist, and is intended to be similar to a

vasectomy, but here’s the plot twist; it’s designed to be reversible. When someone decides

they’re ready to conceive, the gel can be flushed out in a follow-up procedure to restore fertility.

Clinical Trial Milestones

ADAM is currently undergoing clinical developments and has successfully completed Phase 1

clinical trials. Feasibility studies for Phase 2 are currently underway, marking the next step in

evaluating its safety, efficacy and potential as a male contraceptive.

First-in-Human Trial evaluated on healthy male volunteers, showed strong reduction in sperm

counts. The 90-day safety analysis reported no procedural adverse events, with most adverse

events being mild and occurring within the first 14 days. Positive 24-months findings from the

ADAM trial were presented indicating sustained blockage of sperm transport and stability up to

two years. Some participants even reached azoospermia at 24 months.

The road ahead

ADAM is promising but not the final answer to male contraception. Researchers still need more

data on long-term safety, efficacy, effectiveness, fertility recovery and the consistency of the

effect of contraception across a larger population.

For now ADAM represents something more important than simply a new contraceptive; it

represents a shift of responsibility from people with ovaries to the other half of the population.

More options for men means more balance in relationships, fewer hormonal side effects on one

side, and a broader spectrum of choice for everyone.

The future of birth control may not be another pill.

It might be a polymer, forming the three dimensional network between chemistry and freedom of choice.

By Tanaya Darade (TY BPHARM)