"You end up with a small amount of sperm," he said, "but sometimes that's all it takes."

The initial Gates grant will help fund the first phase of the research, synthesizing compounds and continuing early animal studies.

As for what those compounds are, for now Skinner's keeping mum. "Some are based on original plant compounds," he hinted. "Nobody has rigorously looked at them as a potential contraceptive."

Results from both projects are due to the foundation by this time next year. If successful, they could qualify for the Gates two-year $1 million follow-up grants. The work could eventually lead to the studies becoming Challenge Projects, which could possibly help pay for expensive human clinical trials.

NEED FOR MALE BIRTH CONTROL

"There's not much out there for men," observed Lissner. "There's nothing between condoms and vasectomy."

In addition to men in the developing world, she expects the treatments to prove attractive to those whose partners are taking birth control pills but suffering from side effects or losing libido. There will also be men who want more control over their reproduction.

She hopes eventually a "portfolio" of options would be available, fitting men at different stages in their lives and relationships.

"Condoms for when you meet somebody, and ultrasound for younger people who want to have children later," she said.

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