One child at a time is a goal for couples seeking fertility. The best pregnancy outcomes and healthiest children are born to women carrying a single child. While twins and triplets usually do well, the risk of a problem in pregnancy dramatically increases for multiple pregnancy.
Can fertility treatment accomplish singleton pregnancies every time? Is it possible to pick out one single best embryo in an in vitro fertilization treatment?
Today, the answer is, sort of. The appearance of an embryo under the microscope has some relationship to its health. But the microscope cannot get to the real treasure chest of the health of the embryo – its genetic code: the quality of the DNA inside the embryo.
That is, until now. A remarkable new test now allows scientists to see into the genetic code of the embryo, to count every chromosome very accurately. Embryos with normal chromosomes can be selected, rejecting those that have made mistakes, and that do not have the proper number of chromosomes.
The technique, Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis with Parental Support, was developed by Gene Security Network (GSN), a San Francisco Bay Area company that specializes in sophisticated genetic testing. A cell is removed from the early embryo; gene chips and computers are used to count every chromosome in that single cell. Informatics analysis and correlation with the parent’s testing allows counting the chromosomes at high accuracy.
The hope is that embryo selection will enable higher implantation rates. If the technique works, more of the embryos transferred will have the potential for pregnancy, and therefore fewer embryos will be transferred. Choosing the best embryo from a group will enable good pregnancy rates with the transfer of one.
This is a technology worth watching. Clinical research studies are just beginning; if the hope proves real, GSN's technology will have a major impact on clinical fertility care.
Comments (3)
We began developing our Parental Support technology nearly FIVE years ago with the goal of giving patients the best chance of having a healthy baby by providing the most comprehensive and accurate testing available. Our PGD test for chromosome abnormalities has now been in use for over a year and the initial results are encouraging - were seeing an overall pregnancy rate of 50% across all patients. Though we believe this is higher than would otherwise be expected, the only way to evaluate the benefit scientifically is by conducting a randomized prospective clinical trial, which we will be launching in collaboration with Ferring Pharmaceuticals in the next few months. Currently we have a separate clinical trial underway to enable reliable simultaneous detection of both chromosome abnormalities and genetic disease from a single embryonic cell (visit ClinicalTrials.gov for more information). -Matthew Rabinowitz, PhD, CEO Gene Security Network
This is an exciting trial. Reducing multiple pregnancy and miscarriage rates after fertility treatment will be an excellent advance in the options we can offer patients.
GSN's PGD service sounds almost too good to be true. Do you know the results of their outcomes? I hope they are successful.
What do you think?
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!