PS Fertility has completed a $3.5 million Series A funding round to support the launch of PS Detect, a mail-order diagnostic test that measures phosphatidylserine levels in sperm cells. The company targets gaps in male fertility testing where standard semen analysis may miss infertility issues.
Flourish Investments LLC and the Cassiopeia Foundation led the round, with participation from Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation, Moses Gate Holdings LLC, and CAV Angels. The funding will support scaling of PS Detect and development of additional male fertility diagnostics.
PS Detect measures the percentage of sperm cells containing phosphatidylserine (PS), which the company identifies as a critical biomarker for fertilization capability. Research published by PS Fertility in JU Open Plus in November 2024 demonstrated correlation between this biomarker and fertilization success rates.
“PS Fertility is excited to bring meaningful new science, diagnostics and treatments to the male population experiencing fertility challenges,” said Kevin Combs, co-founder and CEO of PS Fertility.
According to the company, the test addresses limitations in standard semen analysis, where studies show 20-30% of men with normal results are actually infertile. PS Fertility’s research indicates that low PS levels are particularly prevalent in men with varicocele, a common cause of male infertility involving enlarged scrotal veins. One study found 44% of men with varicocele had below-normal PS scores.
PS Fertility was co-founded by Combs alongside researchers Kodi Ravichandran, PhD, and Jeff Lysiak, PhD, leveraging patent-pending research conducted at the University of Virginia Medical School. The company positions PS Detect as providing a more complete assessment of male fertility beyond traditional testing methods.
“With infertility impacting 1 in 6 couples, the need for improved fertility diagnostics has never been greater,” said Lysiak, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer. “PS Fertility is proud to lead the way with tests that go beyond traditional semen analysis.”
The mail-order format allows patients to complete testing at home before consulting with physicians about results and potential treatment options. PS Detect represents the first commercial product from PS Fertility, with additional diagnostics and treatments planned for development.
