Born in the Santa Isabel Clinic in Lima, Peru, a baby has been born using a new technique called Fertilo. This uses ovarian support cell (OSC) technology, which helps to mature eggs outside of the body.
“We are delighted to celebrate the world’s first live birth conceived using Fertilo,” said Dr Dina Radenkovic, CEO and co-founder of Gameto, who developed the method, in a statement.
“By overcoming the major challenges of conventional IVF [in vitro fertilization], such as long treatment cycles, significant side effects, and the emotional and physical strain, Fertilo provides a potentially faster, safer, and more accessible solution for families. This milestone marks a turning point in reproductive health and highlights the first application of iPSC [induced pluripotent stem cell] technology in IVF and the immense potential of our technology.”
Since the development of the IVF procedure, over 12 million babies have been born using some form of the IVF method. For some, only the hope of IVF brings them the chance of having a baby. IVF can often be a long journey, full of injections and egg-retrievals, without a guarantee of pregnancy or a baby.
What is the traditional IVF method?
For egg retrieval, typically the person has to undergo multiple injections in the stomach to help stimulate the ovaries to produce mature eggs. This can last between 10-14 days with very high-dose hormone stimulation, along with constant internal monitoring to make sure that egg collection can happen at the optimum time for mature eggs.
Once the medical staff determines that the eggs are ready, the person goes through a procedure (sometimes under general anesthetic) to retrieve them.
There are risks with this. The amount of hormones that are pumped into the body can cause a rare complication called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This occurs when the person is too sensitive to the medication taken to increase egg production, causing too many eggs to develop and making the ovaries very large and painful.
OHSS symptoms can include nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, pain and bloating in the stomach, and severe discomfort. It can be very dangerous and cause the person to have to go into the hospital for treatment or to cancel the current treatment.
How does this new method improve things?
The Fertilo method has been developed by Gameto, a female-led biotech company. This is the first application of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology in IVF. They use engineered, young OSC’s to help recreate the natural maturation process but in a laboratory setting. This method helps replicate the eggs’ natural maturation that you would usually see in the body.
The engineered line of ovarian support cells is developed using iPSCs – which behave like the body’s own cells and produce and respond to key hormones. One study back in 2023, found that this method significantly improves the rates of maturation of eggs.
This method has the benefit of reducing the typical 10-14 day hormone injections to just three days, which means that it is a less invasive experience, reduces the risk of OHSS, is more comfortable for the patient, and less expensive for people having to pay privately for the medications.
“The Fertilo method was the preferred option compared to traditional approaches. With fewer injections and a gentler, less invasive egg retrieval process, it gave me hope and reassurance during a deeply personal journey,” said the mother of the first baby born through Fertilo. “Fertilo’s innovative approach made the physical experience easier and also lightened the emotional burden of many hormone injections.”
The ultrasound of the baby born using the Fertilo method.
Image credit: Gameto
“This breakthrough represents a historic milestone in reproductive medicine,” said Dr Luis Guzmán, Lead at Pranor Labs & Science, who oversaw the Fertilo-enabled IVF cycle that enabled the first live birth.
“The ability to mature eggs outside the body with minimal hormonal intervention significantly reduces risks such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and alleviates the side effects caused by high hormone doses. Fertilo is a major advancement for women who cannot tolerate or do not want to undergo the burden of the traditional IVF protocol, bringing hope and new possibilities to a broader patient population.”
The company is currently expanding the availability of this method and has secured regulatory clearance in Peru, Japan, Australia, Mexico, and Paraguay. They are also preparing for Phase 3 trials in the US.
This breakthrough represents a monumental step forward in reproductive health, offering hope to individuals and families who face fertility challenges. By simplifying the process, reducing risks, and making treatment more accessible, this innovative approach could change countless lives. For those dreaming of starting or growing their families, the future is looking brighter than ever.
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