Contraline Licenses “NES/T Gel”: A Short-term Game-Changer Male Contraceptive Option For Shared Family Planning
In a long-overdue breakthrough in the world of contraception, Contraline, Inc. has exercised its exclusive license option to develop and commercialize NES/T, the world’s most advanced male contraceptive gel. Developed by the Population Council and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NES/T marks a milestone for global sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), ushering in a new era of contraceptive responsibility—shared equally by men.
What Is NES/T and Why It Matters
NES/T (short for Nestorone/Testosterone) is a once-daily topical gel that men apply to their shoulders. The gel works by suppressing sperm production while maintaining healthy testosterone levels, ensuring both effectiveness and hormonal balance.
In a Phase 2b global clinical trial, 462 couples participated, showing strong evidence of safety, reversibility, and acceptability. If successful in Phase 3, NES/T will become the first FDA-approved hormonal contraceptive for men.
“The world is ready for male birth control,” said Kevin Eisenfrats, CEO of Contraline. “This is a pivotal moment—not just for us, but for the future of reproductive health.”
A Leap for SRHR and Gender Equality
The contraceptive burden has long fallen disproportionately on women, despite male fertility being equally responsible for unplanned pregnancies. According to UNFPA, nearly 121 million unintended pregnancies occur each year worldwide. Yet male contraceptive options remain limited to condoms or vasectomy, both either temporary or permanent, with limited reliability or reversibility. NES/T could reshape that dynamic.
“With NES/T and our other program ADAM, we are driving toward a future where men share equal responsibility in family planning,” added Eisenfrats.
The move also reflects a deeper shift in the global SRHR landscape towards gender equity, autonomy, and innovation. The Population Council called NES/T “a product decades in the making,” and praised Contraline’s leadership to “bring it into the hands of users.”
Looking Ahead: From Lab to Life
Contraline will now transition the NES/T program in-house and prepare for Phase 3 trials and FDA submission. If approved, it would be the first major male contraceptive innovation in over six decades, since the condom became widespread.
This development carries particular relevance for countries like Bangladesh, where male involvement in family planning remains minimal, despite high rates of unintended pregnancies and pressure on female-driven contraception. Expanding contraceptive choice is a core SRHR priority, and NES/T may become a model for shared responsibility in reproductive decisions.
It’s More Than a Gel—It’s a Shift in Mindset
NES/T isn’t just a product. It represents a cultural turning point—from contraception being a “woman’s job” to a shared responsibility. For decades, SRHR advocates have called for male contraceptive innovation, and now that call is finally being answered.
As Phase 3 begins, all eyes will be on how fast and equitably this innovation reaches those who need it most.
Source: Population Council
