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 type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Inherent Biosciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,167,156 |
| NIH project number | 1R44HD121294-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-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
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.