Gene therapy for male infertility
Official title: Project III
Funded at Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation · NIH-10992993 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to help men with infertility caused by a condition called nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) by using gene therapy techniques, which could eventually lead to better treatments for couples trying to have a baby.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $472,999 |
| NIH project number | 2P50HD096723-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992993 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include men diagnosed with nonobstructive azoospermia or other severe forms of male infertility.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infertility caused solely by female factors or those without a genetic component may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing gene therapy techniques to address male infertility, particularly in cases of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), which affects a significant number of couples. The project aims to understand the genetic causes of NOA and explore innovative treatment options through gene editing and therapy in mouse models and patient-derived stem cells. By utilizing advanced methodologies like CRISPR, the research seeks to create transplantable germ cells or sperm from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), potentially offering new hope for couples struggling with infertility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new, personalized treatment options for men facing infertility due to genetic factors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using gene editing techniques for treating genetic disorders, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in infertility.
Where this research is happening
-
Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Orwig, Kyle Edwin — Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation
- Study coordinator: Orwig, Kyle Edwin
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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.