Improving sperm selection to enhance assisted reproduction success
Official title: Selecting sperm with distinct metabolic phenotypes to increase ART efficiency
Funded at East Carolina University · NIH-11086071 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Carolina University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greenville, United States) |
| Project start | April 19, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $505,226 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD110170-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086071 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are couples experiencing infertility who are considering or undergoing assisted reproductive technology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not seeking fertility treatments or those with conditions unrelated to sperm quality may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
East Carolina University
Greenville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Geyer, Christopher Bennett — East Carolina University
- Study coordinator: Geyer, Christopher Bennett
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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.