Babies From a Blood Draw

In vitro gametogenesis (IVG), the creation of eggs and sperm from ordinary cells, could fundamentally reshape reproductive medicine. Almost a decade ago, mouse studies proved the concept, and researchers are now pursuing two main strategies to translate IVG to humans: cytokine signaling and transcription factor overexpression. Each involves distinct tradeoffs in efficiency, safety, and scalability. We will examine where the science stands today and what the near future holds. The potential market starts with women for whom IVF egg retrieval is ineffective, but will eventually expand to include most IVF patients as IVG will be less invasive and cheaper over time. Regulators around the world are preparing for the arrival of IVG; nonhuman primate births will be the first milestone. After these safety studies, IVG will enter trials and become available at different rates around the world depending on each country’s regulatory environment.