A new class of spermicides was announced this month by researchers at the University's Center for Research and Contraceptive and Reproductive Health. This new type of spermicides called "spermistatics" will be safer and cheaper than many of the older spermicides on the market, said Dr. John C. Herr, professor of cell biology and director of the Center for Contraceptive and Reproductive Health. RASA, or "Recombinant Anti-Sperm Antibody," is the first type of spermistatic being developed. It renders the sperm immobile and makes it unable to fertilize eggs, Herr said.
The new type of spermicide does not actually kill the sperm. Instead, it stops the sperm and prevents it from reaching the female egg.
RASA, a genetically engineered protein that binds onto the sperm surface, causes the sperm to become entangled with other sperm.
Many types of spermicides have been linked with high rates of urogenital infections and inflammation of the vagina because of detergents used to kill the sperm, Herr said.
However, RASA is much more natural than older products because it is developed from a protein that occurs naturally in the body.
Researchers are making plans to produce large amounts of RASA through engineered bacteria or plants, such as tobacco.
Future plans for the RASA spermistatic include formulating it as a cream, gel or foam.
-Brad Harrison
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