Improving sperm selection to enhance assisted reproduction success

Selecting sperm with distinct metabolic phenotypes to increase ART efficiency

NIH-funded research East Carolina University · NIH-11086071

This study is looking at ways to improve fertility treatments by finding sperm that are more likely to lead to successful pregnancies, which could help families have healthier embryos and reduce the number of treatment cycles they need.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEast Carolina University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Greenville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11086071 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the efficiency of assisted reproductive technology (ART) by identifying sperm with distinct metabolic characteristics that indicate higher fertilization potential. The study aims to understand the biochemical mechanisms that influence sperm motility and fertilization competence, which are critical for producing healthy embryos. By optimizing sperm selection methods, the research seeks to reduce the number of ART cycles needed, ultimately lowering costs for families seeking fertility treatments. Patients may benefit from improved techniques that lead to better outcomes in ART procedures.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are couples experiencing infertility who are considering or undergoing assisted reproductive technology.

Not a fit: Patients who are not seeking fertility treatments or those with conditions unrelated to sperm quality may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective sperm selection methods, resulting in higher success rates for assisted reproductive technology and reduced financial burdens for families.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in optimizing sperm selection techniques, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in ART.

Where this research is happening

Greenville, 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 2026-06-13 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.