Paterna Biosciences Announces Lab-Grown Human Sperm Breakthrough

Paterna Biosciences has announced what it describes as the first successful generation of functional human sperm grown entirely outside the body. According to the company, the lab-grown sperm were used to fertilize human eggs and create embryos with results comparable to standard IVF procedures.

The Salt Lake City-based biotech is developing an in vitro spermatogenesis platform aimed at treating male infertility. Its process starts with a small testicular biopsy, using stem cells and lab-recreated biological signals to guide sperm development. Paterna said the resulting sperm are structurally and genetically comparable to sperm produced naturally in the body.

The company’s initial focus is men with non-obstructive azoospermia, a condition in which patients produce no sperm and which accounts for up to 20% of infertile men. Current treatment options often involve invasive surgical procedures with uncertain outcomes. Paterna said its approach could replace that process with a standard office biopsy. The company also expects the technology could be used for patients with low sperm count or sperm quality issues where IVF fails to produce viable embryos.

Paterna has raised $11.4 million to date from investors including IVIRMA Global, Mayo Clinic, and SpringTide Ventures. The company is currently raising a $12 million Series A round and said it aims to enter international markets in 2029 before seeking FDA approval shortly afterward.

“We can offer men who've been told there are no options a path forward that starts with their own biology,” said Alexander Pastuszak, the company’s co-founder and CEO.