About Prolistem
The Prolistem® Story…
The Story Behind Prolistem®
Prolistem® is the result of years of dedicated research, driven by one mission: to offer real solutions to men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA).
Thirty years ago, azoospermia left men with no hope of biological fatherhood. But in the 1990s, the field changed with the development of surgical sperm retrieval techniques. As technologies advanced, TESE evolved into microTESE—opening a door for more men to become fathers.
Spermatogenesis, the process of sperm development, remains one of the most complex and heavily studied systems in reproductive medicine. Like solving a puzzle, each new discovery brings us closer to understanding—and treating—the root causes of male infertility.
Our Breakthrough Research
While studying spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), we developed a novel technique to isolate and culture these cells in vitro—producing sperm in a laboratory dish. This groundbreaking work was conducted in collaboration with the Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology in Münster, Germany, with the vital contribution of Prof. Stefan Schlatt and Dr. Jan-Bernd Stukenborg.
One of our most unexpected findings was the role of testosterone: while essential for sperm function, it actually inhibited SSC growth and induced cell death in early stages. This observation opened new possibilities.
Later, in collaboration with Prof. Marvin Meistrich and Prof. Gunapala Shetty at MD Anderson Cancer Center, our research confirmed that temporary suppression of testosterone stimulates the regeneration of SSCs. However, without testosterone restoration, sperm production does not resume. This two-step hormonal strategy became the core of what is now Prolistem®.
From Discovery to Treatment
Founded in 2012, our company was built on this scientific foundation. By 2017, we secured a patent and launched Prolistem®—a unique, natural supplement designed specifically for men with non-obstructive azoospermia. It offers a structured six-month protocol that applies the principles of testosterone suppression and restoration to reactivate dormant sperm-producing cells.
Our Vision
We aim to make Prolistem® the gold standard in azoospermia treatment worldwide. But our journey doesn’t stop here. We remain committed to ongoing research, developing new therapies, and giving hope to those told there were no options left.
A Vision Born from Experience
Driven by a deep commitment to helping men with infertility, Dr. Abuelhija pursued advanced training at the renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. During his two-year research fellowship, he gained extensive experience in azoospermia and stem cell biology—further shaping his understanding of the condition and its untapped treatment potential.
Frustrated by the slow pace and limitations of purely academic research, Dr. Abuelhija made a pivotal decision: to translate science into real-world solutions. Armed with over a decade of research and promising results, he founded a company with a single mission—to offer hope where there was none. That mission became reality with the development of Prolistem®, a groundbreaking, science-backed treatment for men with non-obstructive azoospermia.
New Ventures
At Prolistem®, we are dedicated to research. Since the birth of our original Prolistem® for azoospermia (no sperm), we have developed Prolistem® for oligospermia (low sperm count) and Prolistem® for women.
Our experts are currently developing tests for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. These will help you learn about the health of your baby without the risks associated with traditional testing. Sign up for the Prolistem® newsletter to stay up to date with new product releases and keep in touch by following us on Instagram and Twitter.
