Development of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived ovarian support cells as a clinical-grade product for in vitro fertilization

Paulsen B.; Barrachina F.; Piechota S.; Noblett A.D.; Johnson M.; Kats S.; Lew C.; Marchante M.; Figueroa A.B.; Garcia Granada I.; Ingalls Lopez E.; Martinez E.; Ricra P.; Carlos C.; Meza J.; Montanchez W.; Pino P.; Reategui C.; Noriega E.; Elias A.; Noriega-Portella L.; Haddad G.; Radenkovic D.; Moran E.; Villanueva P.; Guiterrez J.; Guzman L.; Bortolleto P.; Albertini D.F.; De Vos M.; Kramme C.C. · Cell Stem Cell (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2025.12.020

Resumen

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) show promise in the development of novel strategies to alleviate reproductive diseases and improve reproductive outcomes. Here, we detail the clinical development and application of an ovarian support cell (OSC) product, Fertilo, to improve the in vitro maturation (IVM) of human oocytes. First, we demonstrate that transcription factor-mediated hiPSC differentiation produces OSCs that improve the oocyte MII maturation rate. To support clinical application, we describe raw material upgrades and the generation of clinically suitable hiPSC seed and master cell banks, with transcriptomic analysis of resultant OSCs showing consistent and reproducible outcomes. Next, we detail analytical release testing and development of a murine oocyte maturation assay to assess product potency. Finally, application of Fertilo in a longitudinal cohort analysis shows improvement in key outcomes, compared with traditional IVM. Our findings demonstrate the first-time clinical development and application of an hiPSC-derived product to promote successful reproductive outcomes.