Financial Support of Research on Male Reproduction

Abstract

In 1974 the year for which the most complete data are available only 11% of the $60.6 million in international expenditures for reproductive research was allocated specifically to the male. 38% was designated for females; 39% was designated for both sexes. Funds for male-related research were allocated primarily (75%) for opportunity development (preclinical laboratory evaluation of possible new aproaches for fertility control). 12% each were spent on product development and on studies of effects of available methods. 1% was allocated for research professionals in the male research field. Money for male reproductive research was used in the United States (86%) with 12% going to other industrialized countries and 1% to developing countries. 68% of U.S. funds came from the U.S.; 30% from industrialized countries; 1% from developing nations. The major supporter of each group was the government. 61% of U.S. funds were from government; the rest was equally divided between private foundations and pharmaceutical companies. In other industrialized nations government spending was even greater. In 1975 the preponderance of male research money was spent for new opportunities by WHO (80%) and by U.S. government agencies (71%). Less was spent on product development by most agencies except for the Population Council which allocated 55% for development research.