Project Grant R33HD114344

Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Yale University received a $787,586 Project Grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development under the Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.865), effective February 1, 2026 through January 31, 2029. The research project focuses on engineering and targeting the sperm-specific calcium channel CatSper for development of non-steroidal male contraception. The funding supports a two-phase research initiative conducted in New Haven, Connecticut, where researchers will perform biophysical and functional characterization of novel chimeric CatSper channels, conduct molecular dynamics studies, and develop high-throughput screening assays to measure CatSper activity. The ultimate objective is to identify and develop CatSper modulators that inhibit human sperm function, addressing a significant unmet need for male contraceptive options beyond vasectomy and condoms.

The R61/R33 phased funding mechanism enables the research team to advance from basic channel characterization and assay development through drug candidate identification. By targeting a sperm-specific ion channel with post-meiotic expression and functional divergence from other calcium channels, the proposed approach minimizes off-target side effects in both male and female users. This project represents investigator-initiated research aligned with the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development's mission to advance reproductive health and address critical gaps in contraceptive technology development.