Schering AG ceases research collaboration into male fertility control

Schering AG is to continue researching male fertility control by itself, bringing to an end its collaboration with Organon.

The companies will conclude their joint research at the end of a phase II clinical trial, after deciding that their proposed administrative procedure would be unlikely to develop a product “acceptable for widespread everyday use”.

Although both state that the collaboration was “constructive”, they found that an annual implant with three-monthly injections would not be viewed by the public as a suitable way of administering the drug.

Phil Smits, head of gynaecology and androcology at Schering AG, says: “For both Organon and Schering, as well as our clinical and scientific colleagues worldwide, this has been a long and demanding research program.

“However, we accept the challenge of developing what we have learned so far into a convenient contraceptive method for men. Male fertility control remains an important research area for Schering,”

The phase II trial will test the reliability and acceptability of progestogenn in combination with testosterone, with studies far showing that they work together as a male contraceptive.

Earlier trials have administered the fertility control as a progestogen etonogestrel subcutaneous implant, developed by Organon, used in conjunction with a long-acting testosterone undecanote, developed by Schering, used to minimise the resulting testosterone deficiency. Results of this trial will be published after analysis has been completed.

Yesterday, it was reported that Schering AG is granting a licence to Bausch and Lomb to develop and market a selective glucocorticoid receptor for the non-systematic treatment of eye disorders.