Epigenetic test to guide long-term care for men with severe infertility
Official title: Novel Epigenetic Test for the Treatment and Improvement of Longitudinal Health-Outcomes for Men with Severe Infertility
Funded at Inherent Biosciences, INC. · NIH-11370929 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A lab test that reads epigenetic signals to guide care for men with severe infertility called non-obstructive azoospermia.
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 | February 5, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $50,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R44HD112264-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370929 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Men diagnosed with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), especially those undergoing testicular biopsy or genetic evaluation, would be the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Men with obstructive causes of infertility, men with normal sperm counts, or those unwilling to provide tissue or blood samples are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
You would be offered a new lab test that looks at DNA methylation patterns (epigenetic marks) from reproductive tissue or blood to find signals linked to future health risks. The company plans to refine the bisulfite-sequencing–based assay, run it on samples from men with NOA, and compare those molecular patterns to clinical outcomes over time. The work is meant to produce a clinical-grade test and protocols that doctors could use alongside genetic screening and biopsy procedures. If validated, the test would be used at fertility/urology clinics to help tailor monitoring and follow-up.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could flag men with NOA who are at higher risk for cancers, metabolic, or psychiatric conditions so they can get earlier monitoring and care.
How similar studies have gone: Epigenetic tests have shown promise in cancer and reproductive research, but using them specifically to predict long-term health in men with NOA is relatively new and not yet proven.
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.