Improving Ovarian Response in Refractory Infertility with Pulsatile FSH
Official title: Improving Ovarian Response in Refractory Infertility with Pulsatile Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11339129 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study testing pulsatile FSH treatment in women facing obesity-related subfertility to help their ovaries respond better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 5, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $343,217 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD121539-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11339129 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adult women with obesity-related infertility or diminished ovarian reserve who are considering IVF.
✕Less likely to help
Women without obesity-related fertility issues or diminished ovarian reserve may not experience the same benefit.
What this research studies
If you are an adult woman dealing with obesity-related fertility challenges or diminished ovarian reserve, this project will test whether a pulsatile pattern of FSH can improve how your ovaries grow follicles compared to the standard daily injections. Researchers will translate findings from a mouse model to humans and compare hormone output and follicle response between pulsatile and daily FSH delivery across a treatment cycle. The study aims to identify a potential, more effective way to boost fertility potential in this high-need group. Participation would involve a controlled treatment cycle with careful hormonal monitoring and outcomes related to ovarian response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, pulsatile FSH could improve ovarian response and fertility outcomes for women with obesity-related subfertility and aging-related ovarian reserve decline.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data in obesity-exposed women suggest improved follicle growth with pulsatile FSH, but human-confirmed benefits require confirmation in this trial.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Santoro, Nanette F. — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Santoro, Nanette F.
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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.