Spermosens is developing a new generation of functional diagnostics designed to improve how male infertility is assessed and treated. With support from the ReproUnion ecosystem, the company has been able to clinically validate its JUNO-Checked technology at the Reproductive Medicine Center (RMC) in Malmö – an important milestone on its journey from scientific discovery to clinical application. The collaboration illustrates how ReproUnion connects industry with leading clinical environments to accelerate innovation in reproductive health.

Male factor infertility contributes to almost half of all infertility cases. Yet current diagnostic tools primarily rely on conventional semen analysis, assessing concentration, motility and morphology. These parameters do not necessarily reflect the sperm cell’s functional ability to fertilize an egg.

JUNO-Checked addresses this gap by measuring the biological interaction between the sperm protein Izumo1 and the egg receptor JUNO – a critical step required for fertilization. By assessing sperm binding capacity, the technology provides insight into the sperm’s functional potential rather than relying solely on indirect indicators.

Through the clinical studies conducted at RMC Malmö, Spermosens has validated the technology in a real IVF setting using fresh sperm samples from patients undergoing fertility treatment. The studies demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation between JUNO binding and fertilization rates. Importantly, the latest validated setup now enables delivery of a result much faster after sample preparation, making the technology compatible with clinical workflows.

Access to patients, fresh samples and an experienced clinical environment have been essential in achieving the first validation in 2024 and further proof of concept in 2025.

Supporting better treatment decisions

JUNO-Checked is the first functional test that reflects the sperm’s biological ability to interact with the egg and a central ambition of Spermosens is to support more precise treatment stratification.

While JUNO-Checked is a vital tool for choosing between standard IVF and ICSI*, its potential reaches further into the diagnostic process. The measuring of the critical sperm binding capacity can be used early on to determine the cause of infertility for those having difficulty conceiving. This molecular insight is equally valuable for donor selection and the classification of sperm at sperm banks, ensuring a biological “match” before a treatment cycle even begins. Rather than a simple choice between two procedures, JUNO-Checked acts as a foundational map for navigating the complexities of human conception.

Contributing to a more balanced approach to infertility

The development of improved male diagnostics also supports a broader shift in reproductive healthcare.

Infertility affects both women and men, yet male diagnostics have historically been limited. Strengthening functional assessment of sperm contributes to a more evidence-based and balanced approach to fertility treatment – reflecting the growing recognition that women’s and men’s reproductive health are closely interconnected.

By facilitating structured collaboration between industry and leading fertility clinics, ReproUnion helps translate scientific innovation into clinically validated solutions. In the case of Spermosens, this has contributed to advancing tools that address male infertility more directly – with the shared ambition of improving outcomes for couples and supporting a more equitable fertility care pathway.

👉 Read more with quotes from Tore Duvold, CEO: Advancing functional male fertility diagnostics with Spermosens