Collaboration agreement on Piezo technique for improved ICSI procedure
Vitrolife has entered into a collaboration agreement with Prime Tech to develop and exclusively market the Piezo technique for improved ICSI procedure in human IVF globally except for Japan, Thailand and Malaysia. Vitrolife will as part of the agreement initiate regulatory approval initiatives in various markets to enable future commercialization of the technology.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a specialised form of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) that is used primarily for the treatment of male-factor infertility. ICSI involves the injection of a single sperm directly into a mature egg (oocyte). Conventional ICSI is performed by the mechanical penetration of zona pellucida and the membrane of the oocyte by using spiked micropipette. In the piezo application, a piezo-electric effect (crystal deformation in response to an externally applied voltage) propels a micro capillary forward producing ultra-fast sub-micron forward momentum in a precise and rapid movement that allows the membrane to be penetrated. Hence, the piezo technique has the potential to standardize, simplify and provide for a controlled IVF procedure.
The piezo technique has traditionally been used for research and in animal IVF. More recently, it has proven useful in human IVF as well. “It has been interesting to follow the uptake of Piezo-ICSI in human IVF especially in Japan and we are excited to partner with Prime Tech to take this technology to the global market”, says Thomas Axelsson, CEO of Vitrolife.
Prime Tech is a pioneer and leading manufacturer of high-quality products for ICSI treatments using Piezo-ICSI for animal and human applications based in Japan. “Vitrolife, with its global market presence and ambition to develop the IVF field, is the right partner to commercialise the technology,” says Hirotaka Torii, President of Prime Tech.
July 26, 2019
Gothenburg
VITROLIFE AB (publ)
Thomas Axelsson, CEO
For further information, please contact:
Thomas Axelsson, CEO, 46 31 721 80 01
Mikael Engblom, CFO, 46 31 721 80 14
This is a translation of the Swedish version of the press release. When in doubt, the Swedish wording prevails.
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Vitrolife is an international medical device Group. Vitrolife develops, produces and markets medical devices for assisted reproduction.
Vitrolife has approximately 400 employees and the company's products are sold in about 110 markets. The company is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, and there are also offices in Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom and USA. The Vitrolife share is listed on NASDAQ Stockholm.
Vitrolife AB (publ), Box 9080, SE-400 92 Göteborg, Sweden. Corporate identity number 556354-3452. Tel: 46 31 721 80 00. Fax: 46 31 721 80 99. E-mail: info@vitrolife.com. Website: www.vitrolife.com/
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