To achieve this, scientists used JQ1, a small molecule inhibitor originally developed to study cancer and inflammatory diseases. While JQ1 is not suitable as a treatment due to neurological side effects, it is known to interfere with a stage of meiosis called prophase 1. This allowed researchers to demonstrate, for the first time, that targeting meiosis can safely and reversibly shut down sperm production.
It sounds like calling the treatment “safe” might be a bit of a stretch.
And I question how viable it is given this:
It sounds like calling the treatment “safe” might be a bit of a stretch.
I think they meant “safe” with regard to reproductive ability. It sounds like they’re happy with targeting meiosis, not with using JQ1 specifically.