In a groundbreaking advancement for reproductive medicine, Gameto has announced the first successful birth using their Fertilo technology, a novel approach that dramatically reduces the need for hormone treatments in IVF procedures. The birth took place at Santa Isabel Clinic in Lima, Peru, marking a significant milestone in fertility treatment.
The Fertilo system represents a major departure from traditional IVF methods by using engineered ovarian support cells (OSCs) to mature eggs in a laboratory setting. This innovation eliminates approximately 80% of the hormone injections typically required and shortens the treatment cycle from 10-14 days to just three days.
The global in vitro fertilization market, valued at US$857 million in 2023, is forecasted to grow at a robust CAGR of 11.7%, reaching US$949 million in 2024 and an impressive US$1,650 million by 2029
“We are delighted to celebrate the world’s first live birth conceived using Fertilo,” said Dina Radenkovic, MD, CEO and co-founder of Gameto. “By overcoming the major challenges of conventional IVF, such as long treatment cycles, significant side effects, and the emotional and physical strain, Fertilo provides a potentially faster, safer, and more accessible solution for families.”
The technology utilizes induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to recreate the natural egg maturation process outside the body. This achievement represents the first successful application of iPSC technology in IVF, potentially opening new avenues in reproductive medicine.
Luis Guzmán, PhD, who led the successful procedure at Pranor Labs & Science, emphasized the medical significance: “This breakthrough represents a historic milestone in reproductive medicine. The ability to mature eggs outside the body with minimal hormonal intervention significantly reduces risks such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.”
The mother who participated in this breakthrough expressed satisfaction with the treatment, citing fewer injections and a less invasive process compared to traditional IVF methods. “Fertilo’s innovative approach made the physical experience easier and also lightened the emotional burden of many hormone injections,” she stated.
Gameto reports that their streamlined process produces high-quality, mature eggs with efficacy comparable to conventional IVF but with potentially fewer complications. The company has already received clearance for commercialization in Australia and several Latin American markets, though regulatory classifications vary by jurisdiction.
This development could make fertility treatments more accessible and less burdensome for women seeking assisted reproduction technology, potentially transforming the landscape of reproductive medicine.
