Paterna Biosciences Reports Lab-Grown Human Sperm and Embryo Creation

Paterna Biosciences, a Utah-based startup, claims it has successfully grown human sperm in the lab and used it to create embryos that appear healthy, as first reported by WIRED. The findings have not yet been peer-reviewed or independently verified, but represent a potential step forward in treating male infertility.

The company’s approach focuses on isolating sperm-forming stem cells from testicular tissue and guiding them through the full sperm development process outside the body. Using computational biology, Paterna identified the molecular signals required at each stage of spermatogenesis and applied a combination of growth factors to replicate these conditions in vitro.

Male factors contribute to roughly half of all infertility cases, with 10–15% of infertile men producing no sperm at all. Paterna is initially targeting this group, aiming to generate viable sperm from small tissue biopsies. Early results suggest the lab-grown sperm are “effectively identical” in appearance to natural sperm, according to CEO Alexander Pastuszak.

To validate functionality, the company has already used the sperm to fertilize eggs and create embryos in the lab. It plans further studies comparing fertilisation outcomes between natural and lab-grown sperm, including analysis of genetic integrity and potential mutations. Clinical trials aimed at initiating pregnancies could begin as early as next year.

If successful, the technology could replace invasive surgical sperm retrieval procedures with a simpler biopsy-based approach. Paterna expects to price the procedure between $5,000 and $12,000.

While still early, the development addresses a long-standing challenge in reproductive medicine. Experts note that access and cost may limit adoption, particularly in markets where fertility treatments are not widely covered by insurance.