Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine Increases Success Rates to 80 Percent with...

Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine Increases Success Rates to 80 Percent with Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening of IVF Embryos

DENVER--(Business Wire)--
The Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine (CCRM) announced
today an increase in in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates to 80
percent from its Institutional Review Board-approved clinical
preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) study involving comprehensive
screening of all 23 pairs of chromosomes on day five embryos
(blastocysts).

In May 2007, CCRM commenced this innovative, world first clinical
study, which screens for all 23 pairs of chromosomes on a few cells
removed from the blastocyst using a technique called comparative
genomic hybridization (CGH). The small number of cells removed are
destined to become future placental cells. The goal of comprehensive
chromosomal screening is to reduce the likelihood of implantation
failure, miscarriage, and/or aneuploid offspring (i.e., Down
syndrome), by only transferring embryos that have the correct number
of chromosomes. Previous PGS techniques involved screening only five
to nine pairs of chromosomes.

"There are many variables that contribute to a successful
pregnancy," said William Schoolcraft, M.D., founder and medical
director of the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine. "One of
them is having an embryo with the correct number of chromosomes. Since
a high proportion of failed pregnancies are due to abnormalities in
chromosome numbers, CGH helps eliminate one variable from the
equation."

As of July 1, 2008, 14 patients in this comprehensive PGS clinical
study have had an egg retrieval and subsequent frozen embryo transfer.
Since all comprehensive chromosomal screening techniques take longer
than a single day, blastocysts are cryopreserved using a new
vitrification technique, which has resulted in 100 percent blastocyst
survival. In addition, the time allows the woman's body to naturally
rid itself of the ovarian stimulation drugs required during an IVF
cycle. Twelve of the 14 patients have had a positive pregnancy test,
and 10 have ongoing pregnancies including one delivery. The first CCRM
baby conceived with this procedure was born in June 2008.

"We are thrilled with the outcome thus far of the center's
comprehensive PGS clinical study," said Dr. Schoolcraft. "With these
promising early results, CCRM is continuing the clinical trial giving
patients access to comprehensive testing of their embryos."

The abstract of this study was one of the top ten submitted to be
considered for the SART Prize Paper award at the American Society for
Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) 64th Annual Meeting in November 2008.

About the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine

The Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine (CCRM) is one of the
nation's leading fertility clinics, providing a wide variety of
infertility treatments ranging from basic care to the most advanced in
vitro fertilization (IVF) technology available. CCRM was founded in
1987 by Dr. William Schoolcraft and since its inception has achieved
national recognition for its clinical excellence and advanced research
in the field of reproductive medicine.

Led by four infertility specialists with national reputations for
excellence in the treatment of infertility, CCRM assists patients from
around the world through its state of the art, compassionate care.

Weise Communications
Beth Hardy, 303-996-9940, ext. 107
bethhardy@weiseideas.com
or
Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine
Joan Youmans, 303-788-9849
JYoumans2@colocrm.com

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