Developing RNA therapies to help mature eggs for fertility
Official title: Designing effective RNA therapies for oocyte maturation
Funded at Old Dominion University · NIH-11178134 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Old Dominion University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Norfolk, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $303,504 |
| NIH project number | 6R21HD112742-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11178134 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women experiencing infertility related to oocyte arrest, particularly those with genetic variants affecting egg maturation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues with oocyte maturation or those with infertility due to other causes may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alvarez, Nehemiah Seth — Old Dominion University
- Study coordinator: Alvarez, Nehemiah Seth
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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.