In what could be termed as a major innovation in the field of male contraception, the Indian Institute of Technology-Kharagpur (IIT-KGP) has invented a unique male contraceptive that can have a continued effect for 10 years.

Speaking to Business Standard, Manoj Mondal, senior administrative officer, finance and project management, sponsored research and industrial consultancy (SRIC) cell, IIT-Kharagpur, said, "We have been trying to develop a non-surgical male contraceptive for ten years now. The contraceptive works through an injection that affects the sperm's ability to fertilise. Simultaneously, we have also invented an antidote which guarantees its immediately reversibility."

A single 60 mg injection can be effective for at least 10 years. A single dose, which may cost the manufacturer Rs 50, is expected to be marketed at close to Rs 200. This innovation will be made public along with around 50 others patented by the institute on April 5-6.

The institute will host IndAc 2008, a two-day curtain-raiser, to showcase these innovations to pharma majors, corporate entities and entrepreneurs.

"We plan to either sell the technology to corporates and entrepreneurs or get into a revenue-sharing model for their use. All our innovations are ready for commercialisation," Mondal said.

"Currently, we are testing the contraceptive on humans in Pune and Kolkata. We will disclose the results and a complete report during IndAc 2008," he added.

Technologies to be showcased include a nano particle drug against prostate cancer. The institute is looking for industry partners to engage in collaborative research to take this forward.

Prostate cancer is said to be the most common form of cancer among men, with the incidence of the latent form going beyond 60 per cent in the age group above 70 years. Till date, there are no proven preventive drugs for this type of cancer.

The institute has also invented an artificial substitute for a human heart, made of polymer and is powered by battery. The innovation is ready for clinical trials.

Other innovations include a heart sound analyser, a knee joint simulator, packaged coconut water, technology to manufacture curd powder, a device for cryogenically freezing fish, meat, fruits and vegetables and a device for cryogenic grinding of spices, vegetables and foodgrain.

High dose

• A single 60 mg injection can be effective for at least 10 years
• A single dose, that may cost the manufacturer Rs 50, is expected to be marketed at close to Rs 200
• This innovation will be made public along with around 50 others patented by the institute on April 5-6
• Technologies to be showcased include a nano particle drug against prostate cancer