A significant investment of £3.5 million has been secured by the University of Leeds spinout company, IVFmicro, to improve the outcomes for patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). This funding, led by Northern Gritstone with support from the Innovate UK Investor Partnerships Programme, aims to advance the company’s microfluidic technology, which is designed to enhance both the quality and quantity of embryos during IVF cycles.
Founded in 2018 by Dr. Virginia Pensabene and Professor Helen Picton, IVFmicro has developed a microfluidic device that optimizes the embryo culture process. Currently, globally, one in six couples encounters fertility challenges, with IVF success rates ranging from 25% to 30% for women under 35. These low success rates are attributed to the limitations of traditional embryo handling methods, which often involve subjective selection and high operational costs.
The newly acquired funds will facilitate the verification and validation phase of IVFmicro’s technology, leading to trials involving human embryos in fertility clinics. Average costs for a single IVF cycle in the UK typically amount to around £5,000, making the need for more effective solutions imperative.
The company’s innovative microfluidic device allows for safer management of embryo culture using minimal amounts of nutrient-rich fluid. This advancement is projected to enhance embryo quality and quantity by 10% to 15%, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful implantation and pregnancy.
Professor Picton, who serves as the Scientific Director of IVFmicro, emphasized the importance of their research. “My career has focused on understanding the reproductive biology of eggs and embryos, how they develop and, crucially, why things sometimes go wrong,” she stated. “At IVFmicro, we are harnessing years of research into reproductive biology to create a practical, accessible solution that can improve outcomes for patients undergoing fertility treatment.”
Dr. Pensabene, the CEO of IVFmicro and an Associate Professor at the University of Leeds’ School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, shared her perspective on the journey towards creating this technology. “As a biomedical engineer, I began exploring the potential of this technology in 2017, when Helen and I first met at the University of Leeds,” she noted. “From the start, our goal was to translate our research into a real solution for patients.”
The backing from Northern Gritstone has been pivotal in IVFmicro’s growth. This investment company focuses on supporting ambitious science and technology businesses in the North of England. Duncan Johnson, CEO of Northern Gritstone, remarked on the significance of IVFmicro’s work. “IVFmicro is a brilliant example of the world-class innovation emerging from the Northern Arc’s universities, combining scientific excellence with a clear commercial vision to tackle the societal challenge of infertility,” Johnson said.
IVFmicro operates from Nexus, a hub for innovators and entrepreneurs at the University of Leeds. Professor Nick Plant, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University, expressed pride in the team’s achievements. “The hard work and expertise of the IVFmicro team will change the lives of those experiencing infertility,” he stated, highlighting that this investment further underscores the exceptional talent within their research community.
As IVFmicro progresses toward clinical trials, the potential to reshape the landscape of fertility treatments becomes more tangible. With a commitment to making IVF more effective, predictable, and hopeful for individuals seeking to start a family, the company stands at the forefront of innovation in reproductive health.
