To achieve this, scientists used JQ1, a small molecule inhibitor originally developed to study cancer and inflammatory diseases. While JQ1 is not suitable as a treatment due to neurological side effects, it is known to interfere with a stage of meiosis called prophase 1.

[–] kungen@feddit.nu 14 points 1 month ago (3 children)

So the substance isn't a possible treatment for cancer because of neurological side effects... and their next step is "let's sell it to guys who aren't able to use condoms"?

[–] monotremata@lemmy.ca 7 points 1 month ago

I think the idea is that this particular drug isn't suitable as birth control, but having identified that this mechanism/biological pathway can work for birth control, they can look for a less toxic compound to achieve the same effect.

[–] HubertManne@piefed.social 5 points 1 month ago

sounds that way to me. I think the thing like always is the title. its something they noticed and now a track to find something that does a similar type of mechanism without the bad side effects.

[–] racketlauncher831@lemmy.ml 3 points 1 month ago

If I read it correctly it's double win for guys who have cancer and don't want to reproduce.

[–] Zacryon@feddit.org 3 points 1 month ago

Yes, I know some of these words and concur.

[–] JcbAzPx@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

While JQ1 is not suitable as a treatment due to neurological side effects

That doesn't sound very safe.

[–] LaLuzDelSol@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago

Should have just used bleach if they don't care about it actually being a viable treatment. Or, for that matter, we've already invented spermicidal foam...

[–] zlatiah@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Bruh the cancer lab (prostate cancer out of all things) I worked in as an undergrad was studying JQ1. Couldn't believe I'd ever hear this drug name again. Really hope this can go somewhere, reversible contraceptive sounds exciting

[–] HubertManne@piefed.social 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

You still in the field or did you go another way?

[–] zlatiah@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

I'm back in cancer research for my current job again. But not in prostate... and more importantly, I'm on the computational side of things instead of experimental now

Also as to the topic... there were a few people in my undergrad lab who were actively studying JQ1 (back in 2017-18), but I've never heard much about the drug after I left. Thanks to you I finally found out why I never heard about it again (neurological side effects) so

[–] HubertManne@piefed.social 2 points 1 month ago

its just a feeling I can relate to. I moved from blood diagnostics to it looooooonnnng ago.