New test to help men with severe infertility and improve their health outcomes
Official title: Novel Epigenetic Test for the Treatment and Improvement of Longitudinal Health-Outcomes for Men with Severe Infertility
Funded at Inherent Biosciences, INC. · NIH-11026097 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to create a new test that helps men with severe infertility, especially those with a condition called Non-Obstructive Azoospermia, by understanding the genetic factors that might affect their health and fertility, so they can get better support and treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Inherent Biosciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 5, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $804,660 |
| NIH project number | 5R44HD112264-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11026097 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia who are seeking fertility treatment and have concerns about their long-term health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have severe infertility or those with obstructive causes of infertility may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel epigenetic test aimed at improving health outcomes for men suffering from severe infertility, specifically those diagnosed with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA). The study will analyze genetic factors that may contribute to both infertility and associated long-term health risks, such as cancers and metabolic diseases. By identifying these genetic conditions, the research aims to provide better screening and counseling options for affected men. The methodology includes invasive procedures like microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) to retrieve sperm for potential use in fertility treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved fertility options and better long-term health management for men with severe infertility.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using epigenetic testing in this context is relatively novel, similar genetic screening methods have shown promise in improving fertility outcomes in other populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Inherent Biosciences, INC.
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brogaard, Kristin R — Inherent Biosciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Brogaard, Kristin R
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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.