JQ1

JQ1 is a chemical compound which is under development as a non-hormonal male contraceptive drug. Its chemical structure is a triazolothienodiazepine, a series originally discovered by Mitsubishi Pharma [WO/2009/084693], related to benzodiazepine derivatives such as etizolam, however JQ1 does not produce sedative or anxiolytic effects and is instead a potent and selective inhibitor of the bromodomain testis-specific protein BRDT, which is essential for chromatin remodeling during spermatogenesis. By blocking BRDT, JQ1 effectively blocks the production of sperm in the testes and consequently produces effective contraception, without the negative side effects associated with previously researched hormonal contraceptives for men. JQ1 has also been investigated for other applications in the treatment of HIV infection, heart disease, and some forms of cancer.