From investigations into an ancient African compound traditionally used to poison arrow tips, to a topical gel that is currently undergoing human clinical trials, there are an intriguing variety of methods being investigated for male contraception. Now promising results from a Phase 1 study into the safety and efficacy of a new male birth control pill are in, revealing the prospective drug to be safe and effective.

This new male contraceptive pill is a drug called dimethandrolone undecanoate, or DMAU. Unlike other forms of oral testosterone, which classically are cleared from the body quickly, this compound contains a specific long-chain fatty acid that slows this clearance making it a perfect "once-a-day" pill.

"DMAU is a major step forward in the development of a once-daily 'male pill'," says senior investigator on the study Stephanie Page. "Many men say they would prefer a daily pill as a reversible contraceptive, rather than long-acting injections or topical gels, which are also in development."