Reducing Multiple Pregnancies with IVF - Isis Project No 7586

A tool which quantitatively grades human embryos.

The invention

Researchers from the University of Oxford have developed an automated method for quantitatively grading human blastocysts, based on morphological analysis of the blastocyst structures. This tool is able to both define and measure the quality of 5-day embryos via morphological criteria. The tool therefore aids in providing high pregnancy rates with low risk triplets, during blastocyst transfer with In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).

Advantages

• Precise quantitative embryo grading based on the measurement of embryo features instead of subjective visual evaluation.

• Software tool which assists in the selection of a singlehigh grade embryo for IVF transfer.
  

Clinical background

IVF is one of the principal methods employed for the treatment of infertility. However, the efficiency of the treatment remains relatively poor, mainly due to the low probability of an individual embryo successfully implanting and producing a child. For this reason, IVF clinics generally transfer more than one embryo per cycle. While this approach has helped to maintain IVF pregnancy rates at an acceptable level, it has also led to an increase in the number of multiple pregnancies. Multiple pregnancies are associated with significantly elevated risks of serious complications. Mothers carrying twins or triplets have an increased incidence of pre-eclampsia, maternal haemorrhage, operative delivery, uterine rupture, and preterm labour.

Multiple pregnancies can easily be prevented by transferring fewer embryos to the mother’s uterus in each cycle; the ideal strategy being single embryo transfer. However, restricting the number of embryos transferred reduces the likelihood of a patient becoming pregnant each cycle. In cases of single embryo transfer it is therefore essential that the embryo chosen for transfer has the greatest potential for forming a pregnancy and producing a healthy child. This innovative tool aids in the selection of single high grade (i.e. healthy) embryos.

Commercial potential and licensing

A 2009 MarketResearch.com report found that the infertility services sector is worth $4 billion, with artificial reproductive technology producing 50,000 babies in the USA per year. In other countries, including China, the market need for infertility treaments is increasing. Isis would like to talk to companies that are interested in licensing this technology. To contact the Project Manager, please click on the link below.

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