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​Contraceptive Accelerator Network Press Kit

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​Contraceptive Accelerator Network (CAN) is an agile pharmaceutical company committed to accelerating the development of the next generation of sperm-targeting contraceptives.

Introduction

Contraceptive Accelerator Network is a for-profit subsidiary of Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI), a private non-profit foundation that provides funding and advocacy support for non-hormonal, reversible male contraception research and development. The small, mission-centric pharmaceutical company was created with the specific intent of ensuring that promising non-hormonal, reversible contraceptive targets receive the support necessary to develop them as next generation birth control methods delivered to those who produce sperm.

Light green text reads Contraceptive Accelerator Network next to a design with a circle and three rightward arrows on a light gray background.
A graph shows funding levels across the male contraceptive product development pipeline. Funding is high in early and late stages but drops significantly in the middle, labeled the Valley of Death. CAN fills this funding gap.

CAN Overview

​Contraceptive Accelerator Network works in parallel with Male Contraceptive Initiative to identify appropriate programs to support through the testing and evaluation processes required prior to Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies and clinical trials. The company’s operations are streamlined and intentionally designed to maximize cost efficiency in all activities, taking advantage of the many drug discovery resources commercially available to increase our impact while reducing overhead costs and allowing for an expanded portfolio of projects as and when appropriate. Founded in December 2021, the company has already raised over $1 million in funding to support promising male contraceptive targets.

Project Profile

Triptonide

Triptonide is a natural compound originally derived from Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F that has displayed reversible male contraceptive effects in both mice and monkeys. A single daily oral dose of it has shown to induce deformed sperm with minimal or no forward motility and, consequently, male infertility. This effect has also been shown to wear off in a matter of weeks after animal models ceased consuming the compound. This indicates that there is significant potential for Triptonide to be a natural, reversible, non-hormonal contraceptive targeting sperm.

MCI’s Lemonade Stand: “Triptonide as a Non-hormonal Male Contraceptive”

MCI Overview

​Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Durham, North Carolina, and founded in 2014. The organization provides funding and advocacy support for the development of new methods of non-hormonal, reversible male contraceptives in order to empower men and couples with the resources they need to meaningfully and equitably contribute to family planning goals.

Staff & Board Profiles

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a dark green cardigan over a black top and a beaded necklace, stands indoors near a white wall with soft natural light coming from the left.
Heather Vahdat President & Executive Manager

Bio coming soon.

A man with dark hair and a beard is smiling while standing indoors. He is wearing a maroon checkered button-up shirt and is positioned between a white pillar and a light-colored wall.
Logan Nickels, PhD Chief Science Officer

Bio coming soon.

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a dark green cardigan over a black top and a beaded necklace, stands indoors near a white wall with soft natural light coming from the left.
Heather Vahdat President & Executive Manager

Bio coming soon.

A man with dark hair and a beard is smiling while standing indoors. He is wearing a maroon checkered button-up shirt and is positioned between a white pillar and a light-colored wall.
Logan Nickels, PhD Chief Science Officer

Bio coming soon.


Board of Directors

​

Susan M. Rich
Board Member
Principal at Alafiya Consulting Services in Public Health and Philanthropy

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Connie Moreadith
Board Member
Public Health Consultant

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