Accelerating Fertility Research: New Reproductive Health Assays

Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced two advanced next-generation sequencing-based assays, available on the Ion Torrent Genexus Integrated Sequencer, to support preimplantation genetic testing-aneuploidy (PGT-A) in reproductive health labs. These assays, the Ion ReproSeq PGT-A Kit and the Ion AmpliSeq Polyploidy Kit, facilitate comprehensive aneuploidy analysis and offer complete workflows from sample to result.

Infertility affects approximately 17.5% of the adult population worldwide. Consequently, the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), has more than doubled in the past decade.ii PGT-A testing plays a vital role in IVF and ICSI research by identifying chromosomal abnormalities in embryo samples and paving the way for future advancements in fertility care.

The availability of the ReproSeq PGT-A Kit on the Genexus Integrated Sequencer enables more laboratories to explore comprehensive PGT-A analysis. Researchers can gain essential scientific and genetic insights using this kit, potentially enhancing the success rate of future pregnancies and promoting the health of future generations.

Garret Hampton, President of Clinical Next-Generation Sequencing and Oncology at Thermo Fisher Scientific, emphasised the significance of this launch, stating: “Building on Thermo Fisher’s existing reproductive health offerings, today’s launch brings the benefits of next-generation sequencing to more research labs with the potential of rapid, in-house testing and analysis. Considering the far-reaching implications for those struggling with infertility, researchers must have reliable and accurate testing available to advance the fertility field and ultimately improve reproductive health for all. We’re committed to delivering comprehensive, complete solutions that can make this type of exploration a reality.” 

The Genexus Integrated Sequencer provides an end-to-end solution, streamlining the reproductive health research process by offering templating, sequencing, and analysis capabilities on a single platform. When paired with the optional Ion AmpliSeq Polyploidy Panel kit, researchers utilising the ReproSeq PGT-A Kit gain access to additional quality control features that detect contamination, prevent sample mix-ups, and identify triploidy in embryos.

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