A new test to diagnose male fertility issues
Official title: Synthetic Egg:Sperm Fusion Assay (SEFA): A Diagnostic Test for Male Fertility
Funded at Ps-Fertility, INC. · NIH-10821689 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new test to help doctors learn more about male fertility by looking at how well sperm can fuse with eggs, which could lead to better treatments for couples trying to conceive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ps-Fertility, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | February 9, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $195,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R43HD114303-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10821689 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men experiencing infertility or difficulties in conceiving with their partners.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing fertility issues or those who have already achieved successful pregnancies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a diagnostic test called the Synthetic Egg:Sperm Fusion Assay (SEFA) to better understand male fertility. It investigates the role of phosphatidylserine (PS) on sperm cells, which is crucial for the fusion of sperm and egg. By refining this assay, the goal is to provide clinicians with more meaningful insights into sperm health and function, beyond what traditional semen analysis offers. This could lead to improved strategies for assisted reproductive techniques for couples facing infertility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more accurate diagnostic tool for assessing male fertility, potentially leading to better treatment options for couples trying to conceive.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, it builds on preliminary findings regarding sperm function and has the potential to fill a gap in existing fertility diagnostics.
Where this research is happening
-
Ps-Fertility, INC.
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lysiak, Jeffrey J — Ps-Fertility, INC.
- Study coordinator: Lysiak, Jeffrey J
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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.