Gene therapy for male infertility

Project III

NIH-funded research Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation · NIH-10992993

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMagee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10992993 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include men diagnosed with nonobstructive azoospermia or other severe forms of male infertility.

Not a fit: Patients with infertility caused solely by female factors or those without a genetic component may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Pittsburgh, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.