Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) received a $715,513 Project Grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) under the Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.865) to develop small molecule inhibitors targeting RBM46 as a novel male contraceptive. Awarded on February 11, 2026, with completion targeted for January 31, 2029, this research initiative addresses the NICHD's mission to develop effective contraceptive strategies by targeting a germ cell-specific RNA binding protein essential for spermatogenesis. The project combines expertise in drug screening and development from UTSA and UT Health San Antonio with leading male reproduction and spermatogenesis research capabilities, leveraging proximity to a National Institutes of Health-designated marmoset breeding colony at the Southwest National Primate Research Center to enable advanced preclinical testing and assessment of proposed therapeutic candidates.

The grant supports the development of oral, non-hormonal contraceptive drugs designed to induce RBM46 degradation as a means to block spermatogenesis at the differentiating spermatogonial stage. Deliverables include drug screening and development activities, preclinical efficacy and safety testing in animal models, single-cell genomics assessments to evaluate spermatogenic cell normality, and expertise in spermatogonial stem cell transplantation methodologies. This project aims to advance safe, reversible male contraceptive options toward clinical development while maintaining reproductive safety profiles comparable to RBM46 knockout mouse models, which demonstrate male infertility without additional phenotypic effects.