Developing RNA therapies to help mature eggs for fertility

Designing effective RNA therapies for oocyte maturation

['FUNDING_R21'] · OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY · NIH-11178134

This study is exploring a new way to help women who have trouble with their eggs maturing properly due to genetic issues, using a special treatment that involves injecting a type of RNA into the eggs to improve their chances of fertilization and pregnancy.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorOLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NORFOLK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11178134 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on addressing infertility in women, particularly those whose eggs (oocytes) fail to mature properly due to genetic issues. By utilizing innovative mRNA therapies, the study aims to restore the maturation process of these eggs, which is crucial for successful fertilization and pregnancy. The approach involves microinjecting synthesized RNA into oocytes, a method that has shown promise in previous studies. The goal is to provide new fertility options for women facing challenges with oocyte maturation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women experiencing infertility related to oocyte arrest, particularly those with genetic variants affecting egg maturation.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues with oocyte maturation or those with infertility due to other causes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer new therapeutic options for women struggling with infertility due to oocyte maturation issues.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success in generating viable embryos from oocytes with genetic variants through RNA injection, indicating potential for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

NORFOLK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.