NIH-funded research Sbir 2 grant

Epigenetic Test for Severe Spermatogenic Failure and Cancer Risks

Official title: Epigenetic Diagnostic for Severe Spermatogenic Failure and Associated Malignancy Risks

Funded at Inherent Biosciences, INC. · NIH-11314862 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A new epigenetic test aims to help men with severe infertility understand their cancer risk and guide future treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionInherent Biosciences, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Salt Lake City, UNITED STATES)
Project startSeptember 1, 2026
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$1,167,156
NIH project number1R44HD121294-01
Project IDNIH-11314862 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

American men with severe infertility due to NOA who are undergoing diagnostic evaluation and may later be considered for targeted therapies or risk monitoring.

Less likely to help

Men with infertility not linked to NOA or who are not considering cancer-risk assessment may not benefit from this diagnostic approach.

What this research studies

This project develops an epigenetic diagnostic tool for men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), a severe form of infertility. The test looks at DNA repair–related epigenetic changes, such as MSH5 epimutations, to identify those at higher risk for related health issues. If successful, doctors could use the test to inform prognosis, monitor health, and explore targeted therapies in the future. The work builds on prior findings and moves from discovery toward a Phase II SBIR product with clinical relevance. Participation would involve a blood or semen-derived sample and a clinical setting that supports CLIA-compliant testing.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients may gain a clearer understanding of infertility-related cancer risks and receive a clinically actionable diagnostic tool.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research supports a link between DNA repair defects and NOA, and epigenetic markers like MSH5 have been associated with NOA, indicating potential for this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Inherent Biosciences, INC.
    Salt Lake City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Brogaard, Kristin R — Inherent Biosciences, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Brogaard, Kristin R

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.