FARDILHA'S
LAB

FERTI$CAN aims to develop and validate an innovative diagnostic device for the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic guidance of male infertility.

 

Male infertility accounts for nearly half of infertility cases worldwide, yet its clinical evaluation still relies predominantly on conventional semen analysis — a method with limited diagnostic and prognostic value. FERTI$CAN proposes a disruptive solution: a molecular-based diagnostic array capable of characterizing sperm quality at the protein and RNA level, complementing traditional semen assessment.

 

By integrating validated biomarkers into a customizable diagnostic platform, FERTI$CAN seeks to improve patient stratification, predict assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes, and support personalized treatment strategies.

 

The Challenge & Motivation

Infertility is a growing global health concern, affecting approximately 1 in 6 individuals worldwide. Despite major technological advances in reproductive medicine, the diagnosis of male infertility remains insufficient.

 

• The Problem: Around 30–40% of male infertility cases are classified as idiopathic, meaning that no clear cause is identified after routine clinical evaluation. Conventional semen analysis cannot detect molecular defects that compromise fertilization potential.

 

• The Gap: There is currently no clinically validated molecular diagnostic platform capable of predicting reproductive success or guiding treatment selection in male infertility.

 

• The Opportunity: Advances in proteomics and transcriptomics have revealed distinct molecular signatures in sperm associated with infertility-related conditions. Translating this knowledge into a diagnostic tool represents a major step toward precision reproductive medicine.

​

Scientific Innovation

FERTI$CAN is built upon years of research in sperm molecular profiling conducted at the University of Aveiro, particularly within the Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED).

 

Our approach integrates:

 

1. Biomarker Identification

Systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature combined with previous in-house discoveries to identify robust candidate biomarkers (proteins and RNAs) associated with sperm quality and infertility phenotypes.

 

2. Molecular Validation

Validation of selected biomarkers in well-characterized human cohorts, including fertile donors and patients with infertility-related conditions.

​

3. Diagnostic Array Development

Design of a prototype molecular array capable of simultaneously evaluating multiple validated biomarkers in human sperm samples.

​

4. Clinical Stratification

Establishment of threshold values for each biomarker to enable:

 

• Diagnosis of idiopathic infertility

• Prediction of ART success

• Selection of the most appropriate reproductive technique

• Monitoring of treatment efficacy

 

Unlike conventional semen analysis, FERTI$CAN evaluates sperm at the molecular level, providing objective and reproducible data to support clinical decision-making.

​

Objectives

1. Systematic Literature Review & Meta-Analysis: Identify candidate molecular biomarkers with diagnostic and prognostic relevance.

2. Cohort Recruitment & Standardization: Recruit participants across collaborating clinical centers and implement standardized protocols.

3. Biomarker Validation: Validate molecular targets in sperm samples from fertile and infertile individuals.

4. Prototype Development: Develop and optimize the diagnostic array and establish biomarker thresholds.

5. Data Integration & Valorization Strategy: Define the clinical application model and intellectual property strategy.

​

Impact & Sustainability

FERTI$CAN has the potential to transform male infertility management across multiple dimensions:

​

Clinical Impact

• Improve diagnosis of idiopathic infertility

• Predict ART outcomes

• Reduce unnecessary invasive treatments

• Support personalized reproductive medicine

​

Economic Impact

Male reproductive disorders represent a significant burden on healthcare systems. By improving diagnostic precision and treatment selection, FERTI$CAN may reduce repeated ART cycles and associated costs.

​

Scientific Impact

• Advance knowledge in reproductive biology

• Stimulate biomarker-driven diagnostics

• Open avenues for future therapeutic interventions

​

Societal Impact

Male infertility remains underdiagnosed and underprioritized. FERTI$CAN promotes greater awareness and contributes to improved reproductive health outcomes.

​

The Consortium

This project brings together multidisciplinary expertise in biomedicine, reproductive biology, embryology, and clinical urology.

 

Leading Institution:

• University of Aveiro (UA) - Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED): Responsible for project coordination, advanced molecular biology execution, bioinformatics, and prototype development.

 

Partner Institutions:

• Centro Hospitalar do Baixo Vouga (CHBV), Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho (CHVNG/E), Ferticentro, and Procriar: Responsible for clinical participant recruitment, ethical oversight, and biological sample collection.

 

Key Team Members:

• Joana Santiago (PI): Lead Researcher, specializing in human reproduction, cellular biology, and sperm proteomics/transcriptomics.

• Margarida Fardilha: Associate Professor and coordinator of Fardilha's Lab, expert in male fertility biomarkers.

• Maria Teresa Herdeiro: Associate Professor and specialist in systematic reviews, clinical epidemiology, and public health.

• Pedro O. Corda & Madalena Cabral: PhD students actively involved in biomarker discovery; Madalena provides specific expertise as a clinical embryologist.

 

Consultants:

• Vladimiro Silva: CEO of Ferticentro and Procriar.

• Dr. António Patrício: Urologist at CHBV.

• Dr. Mário Oliveira: Gynecologist and Director of the Gynecology and Obstetrics Service at CHBV.