Innovative Fertility Research with Next Generation Sequencing to Support Higher IVF Success Rates and Fewer Miscarriages

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Oct. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey (www.rmanj.com), a world-renowned leader in the field of infertility, announced that it will use the Ion Proton System from Thermo Fisher Scientific in a study to research genetic markers of predisposition to infertility.  

This new research initiative, funded by EMD Serono Grants for Fertility Innovation, will sequence the exome of 700 female subjects in order to identify genetic factors which influence the risk of aneuploidy, the most common genetic abnormality in humans. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, inheriting one copy of each chromosome from either parent. When sperm fertilizes an egg, it creates an embryo which should consist of 23 chromosomes from the mother and 23 chromosomes from the father. But often, embryos are created with too many or too few chromosomes and considered to be unbalanced or aneuploid.

"Aneuploidy is the most common cause of miscarriage. This study will provide a foundation for establishing, in the future, a personalized diagnostic for all women to better manage their fertility and reduce the incidence of miscarriage," said Dr. Nathan Treff, who will lead the study along with Dr. Richard T. Scott, Jr., a founding partner and scientific director at RMANJ.

Much of the work on this project will be conducted through services provided by the Foundation for Embryonic Competence (www.FAEEC.org) Inc., a non-profit organization that provides services for preimplantation genetic testing, including comprehensive chromosomal screening, balanced translocations, and single gene disorders.

"We're pleased that our Ion Proton Sequencer will play a key role in this important research project," said Chris Linthwaite, head of Genetic Sciences Research for Thermo Fisher Scientific. "It underscores our commitment to provide innovative products to advance the field of genetic analysis."

The Ion Proton System is for research use only; not for use in diagnostic procedures.

About Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey

Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey (www.rmanj.com) has pioneered and successfully implemented a cutting-edge technology, known as Comprehensive Chromosome Screening (CCS) to more accurately detect healthy embryos that will lead to successful pregnancies and ultimately healthy babies. Other centers have attempted similar testing methods, but RMANJ is the only fertility center in the world to have developed a system of unprecedented accuracy, fully validated through years of rigorous clinical research.  The fertility experts at RMANJ have among the highest IVF success rates in the country. Since 1999, they have helped bring more than 30,000 babies to loving families. In addition to serving as the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, NJ (www.reifellowship.com), the practice has seven locations in New Jersey. For more information please call RMANJ at 973-656-2089, or visit www.rmanj.com.

About the EMD Serono Grant for Fertility Innovation

The aim of the EMD Serono GFI program is to identify and fund promising translational research projects related to innovative areas of technological improvement within the Embryology and Andrology laboratories – from oocyte retrieval, insemination, in-vitro development, embryo selection, to transfer and implantation. These projects should potentially impact the final outcome of patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology ("ART") treatments by increasing pregnancy and take home baby rates. Visit www.grantforfertilityinnovation.com to learn more.

About the Foundation for Embryonic Competence

Established in 2014, the Foundation for Embryonic Competence is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving outcomes and advancing knowledge in the area of embryonic research, diagnosis, and education.

The FAEEC has several missions in support of infertility patients and healthcare providers alike including; Sponsor cutting edge translational research into new embryo diagnostics that improve outcomes and reduce complications related to assist reproductive technologies (ART).Provide access to well-validated, safe, and highly accurate embryo screening diagnostics that improve implantation and delivery rates. Provide access to single gene defect diagnostics to individual carriers of specific genetic disorders to reduce the transfer of potentially debilitating and life-long health disease. Support continuing medical education (CME), graduate level educational initiatives, and other educational activities that advance our understanding of embryonic competence and increase access to embryonic testing for infertility patients. Visit www.faeec.org  to learn more.

SOURCE Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey

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