Contraceptive vaccines

Three major approaches to contraceptive vaccine development are being pursued at the present time. The most advanced approach, which has already reached the stage of phase 2 clinical trials, involves the induction of immunity against human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). Vaccines are being engineered based on conjugates incorporating tetanus or diphtheria toxoid linked to a variety of hCG-based peptides centred on the beta-subunit of this molecule. Clinical trials have revealed that such preparations are capable of stimulating the production of anti-hCG antibodies. However, the long term consequences of such immunity in terms of safety or efficacy are, as yet, unknown. The alternative approaches to contraceptive vaccine development involve the induction of immunity against gamete-specific antigens found on the surface of the human spermatozoon or the zona pellucida. There is an abundance of experimental and clinical data to suggest that this approach is feasible although the biochemical characterization and synthesis of candidate antigens is still incomplete.