Reprogenetics Announces Strategic Collaboration for Next-Generation In-Vitro Fertilization Sequencing Systems

LIVINGSTON, NJ--(Marketwired - Oct 16, 2014) -   Reprogenetics, the largest U.S. genetics laboratory specializing in Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), announced today that the company has signed a collaboration agreement with genomics leader Illumina as its preferred partner for the research and development of in-vitro fertilization (IVF)-related sequencing technologies. Illumina's next-generation sequencing (NGS) capabilities will enable Reprogenetics to maximize the potential of NGS-based testing for PGD, PGS and infertility in its laboratories worldwide.

Through the collaboration agreement, Reprogenetics will expand its current array-based PGS service to NGS using Illumina's VeriSeq™ PGS, an NGS solution that offers highly sensitive, comprehensive screening of all 24 chromosomes to identify embryos with the greatest potential to produce a viable pregnancy. Reprogenetics will lead research collaborations with Illumina scientists to expand the application of this NGS technology in IVF at its U.S. and U.K. sites by investigating the accuracy of NGS protocols and performing randomized clinical trials in subsets of patients who are candidates for comprehensive chromosome screening.

"Reproductive technology is rapidly advancing due to a growing global demand for better fertility solutions," says Santiago Munné, M.D., Founder and Director of Reprogenetics. "By combining our more than 20 years of expertise in preimplantation screening and diagnosis with Illumina's cutting-edge NGS platform, we have the right tools to deliver breakthroughs that improve the likelihood of positive pregnancy outcomes and we look forward to reporting on our progress in the future."

"VeriSeq™ offers improved assay workflow, higher throughput and enhanced performance that complements Reprogenetics' portfolio by streamlining and improving the PGS process," said Tristan Orpin, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Reproductive and Genetic Heath, Illumina. "We look forward to realizing the potential of our Reprogenetics collaboration as we work together to discover and bring forth new advancements in the IVF field."

Reprogenetics will present data at the upcoming American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) meeting being held in Honolulu, Hawaii from October 18-22, 2014.

About PGS
In PGS, embryos created through in-vitro fertilization are tested for chromosomal abnormalities prior to replacement in a woman's uterus. This process allows the reproductive endocrinologist to select only chromosomally healthy embryos for replacement with the goal of increasing the chance of successful implantation, reducing spontaneous abortion, reducing the chance for a fetus to have a chromosomal abnormality and improving delivery rates for assisted reproduction.

Chromosome abnormalities are the primary cause of miscarriage and failure to implant. This percentage increases with maternal age, and studies have shown that 82% of embryos from women 40 years and older will be chromosomally abnormal. However, once normal (euploid) embryos are selected, they implant equally well at any age up to 42 years of age.

About Reprogenetics
Reprogenetics is the largest genetics laboratory in the US specializing in preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), with over 41,000 performed procedures and hundreds of publications. Dr. Santiago Munné and Dr. Jacques Cohen founded Reprogenetics in 2000 after extensive experience in PGD and IVF. Reprogenetics offers a comprehensive and personalized service to its referring IVF centers and their patients. Genetic counselors are intricately involved in the process and interact routinely with patients pursuing all diagnostic tests and services to improve pregnancy outcomes. Reprogenetics has locations all over the world including locations in the USA, Spain, UK, Japan, Peru and South America.