(dr) Gametes
The first baby was born using the innovative Fertilo technique
This new technology eliminates approximately 80% of the hormonal injections required for fertilization in vitro conventional.
a biotechnology company dedicated to creating reproductive health treatment options, announced the first human birth using Fertilo, an ovarian support cell (OSC) technology that matures eggs outside the body.
The birth took place at Clínica Santa Isabel, in Lima, Peru.
“We are delighted to celebrate the world’s first live birth conceived using Fertile”, said Dina Radenkovic, CEO and co-founder of Gameto, quoted by .
“By overcoming the main challenges of fertilization in vitro (IVF), such as long treatment cycles, significant side effects and emotional and physical strain, Fertilo provides a solution faster, safer and more accessible for families. This milestone marks a turning point in reproductive health and highlights the first application of iPSC technology [células estaminais pluripotentes induzidas] in IVF and the immense potential of our technology”, he added.
In fertilization in vitro Conventionally, mature eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilized by sperm in the laboratory. After spending about five days in a protected laboratory environment, the fertilized egg (embryo) is transferred to the uterus in the hopes that pregnancy will happen “naturally” from then on.
Before egg collection, the ovaries are stimulated to produce more eggs than normal by administration of one or two hormonal injections per day, with treatments reaching around 90 injections per cycle. A complete IVF cycle takes about two to three weeks.
Among the biggest disadvantages of this treatment is the fact that it does not guarantee the birth of a baby. There is also the risk of multiple pregnancies and the fact that hormone injections can cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, in which the ovaries become swollen and painful.
Furthermore, it also adds the physical and emotional stressassociated with regular exams, injections, the cost and constant doubt.
O Fertilo procedure It differs from traditional IVF because it uses ovarian support cells (OSCs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and co-cultures them with an immature egg to mimic the natural process of egg maturation in the laboratory.
A study last year showed that this method significantly improved egg maturation and embryo formation. Gameto itself mentions that this procedure avoids 80% of hormonal injections and reduces the duration of a treatment cycle to three days.
“The ability to mature eggs outside the body with minimal hormonal intervention significantly reduces risks such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and alleviates side effects caused by high doses of hormones,” said Luis Guzmán, leader of Pranor Laboratories.
The mother of the first “Fertilo baby” couldn’t be happier. “With fewer injections and a gentler, less invasive egg retrieval process, this process gave me hope and security at this stage. Fertilo’s innovative approach made the physical experience easier and also eased the emotional burden. I am deeply grateful to Pranor Clinic and the Gameto team for their care and dedication in making my dream of having a family a reality”, she reacted.
Gameto recently announced a partnership with the network of fertility clinics in vitro IVFAustralia (IVFA), which will make this approach available to patients across the country. This means that Gameto has regulatory authorization in Australia, Japan, Argentina, Paraguay, Mexico and Peru.
Next could be the United States, with the company preparing to carry out Phase 3 tests in this country.
