The company’s patented technology enables the male germ cells to become fully matured spermatozoa in vitro, from patient biopsies
Kallistem, a French biotech company working in the area of male infertility, recently announced successful production of fully formed human spermatozoa in-vitro, using patient testicular biopsies containing only immature germ cells called spermatogonia.
Kallistem is, reportedly, the first company in the world to make a viable in-vitro spermatozoa.
The company’s patented technology enables the male germ cells to become fully matured spermatozoa in vitro, from patient biopsies. The biopsies are frozen so they can be shipped to a GMP ( good manufacturing practice) cell culture centre. The culture’s maturation process lasts for 72 days. The spermatozoa are then cryopreserved and stored in a cell banking centre. Kallistem provides the kit for the biopsies and the cell culture media. Kallistem is yet to finish the clinical trials and is at the preclinical trials stage.
According to research report published by Allied Market Research the global male infertility market was valued at $216 million in 2013, and it is estimated to reach $301.5 million by 2020, registering a CAGR of five per cent during 2014-2020.
The news has brought relief to patients with non-obstructive azoospermia, associated with very low levels of fertility or even sterility, which affects one per cent of the male population. It is reported that almost a third of men in India have fertility problems, and a significant 20 per cent of them are azoospermic.
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