Sperm cells have been grown in the laboratory for the first time, scientists have claimed, raising the prospect of a treatment for infertile men.

A company in France claims to have successfully turned scraps of genetic material into complete fully-functioning sperm - a world-first.

If the breakthrough can be verified, it may prove life-changing for the tens of thousands of men around the world who cannot produce their own sperm.

The procedure may help the many men who cannot develop sperm themselves.

Isabelle Cuoc, the firm's CEO, said: 'Kallistem is addressing a major issue whose impacts are felt worldwide: the treatment of male infertility.

'Our team is the first in the world to have developed the technology required to obtain fully formed spermatozoa [sperm] in vitro with sufficient yield for IVF.

'This is a major scientific outcome that enhances both our credibility and our development potential.