Eppin

Product Overview

Alternative Name: EP007

Development Status: Active Development

Target: Male

Mode: Non-hormonal

Delivery Type: Oral

Duration Type: Short-acting

Description: The Eppin protein is specific to male reproductive tissue (secreted by Sertoli cells and epididymal epithelial cells) and covers the surface of spermatozoa. Eppin binds semenogelin and is critical for the protection of sperm from the enzymatic degradation of the semen coagulum, which frees the spermatozoa for motility and capacitation. Eppin is the contraceptive target for a small organic compound that binds Eppin and inhibits sperm motility. Blocking Eppin has been shown to inhibit the motility required for fertilization by decreasing the sperm pH and reducing calcium levels.

Updated date: May 30, 2018

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Status

Project Phase: Early Development

Project Stage: Pre-clinical

Began discovery in: 2009

Status Details:
  • Contraceptive efficacy has been shown in a non-human primate model. Anti-Eppin antibodies from male monkeys have been shown to inhibit human sperm motility (in vitro).
  • High throughput screening has been conducted to identify compounds that bind to Eppin and cause inhibition of sperm motility, similar to the effects of anti-Eppin antibodies. Lead compounds are currently being tested for PK and toxicology.

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