Addressing Age-Related Infertility

For women over 40,more than 70% of their eggs develop chromosomal defects,considerably reducing the chances of conception,even with IVF. Actually, IVF fails for 8 out of 10 women in their late 30s, according to the American Society for Reproductive medicine. Ovo labs is setting out to change that reality.

Instead of relying on multiple IVF cycles with low success rates, Ovo Labs aims to increase the chances of successful conception from the first attempt by improving the quality of eggs before fertilization. The seed funding round was co-led by Creator Fund and LocalGlobe, with additional backing from Blue Wire Capital, Ahren Innovation Capital, and Antonio Pellicer, founder of the world’s largest chain of IVF clinics.

“Ovo Labs’ mission is to make the dream of parenthood a reality for millions of couples who struggle to conceive,” said Professor Melina Schuh, Ovo Labs Co-Founder & Scientific Advisor. “By helping to increase the number of viable eggs, we aim to extend the reproductive window, empowering more couples to have children at a time that feels right to them.Ovo Labs’ technology also offers a potential solution for declining birth rates,which is a trend observed in many countries worldwide.”

The Science Behind the Innovation

Ovo Labs’ approach is based on two decades of research led by Prof. Schuh.using advanced microscopy and molecular tools, her team uncovered how and why egg quality declines with age. These insights led to the development of three potential methods for improving egg quality,which have already been validated in aged mice and in isolated human eggs.

The company’s therapeutics are designed to address aneuploidy, the genetic abnormalities that frequently enough affect eggs in older women. preclinical data have shown that these therapies can significantly reduce genetic errors, laying the groundwork for a new class of fertility treatments.

Ovo Labs’ therapeutics have shown promising results in enhancing the quality of unfertilized human eggs ex vivo. The therapy is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing IVF workflows without adding cost or complexity for patients while offering new hope to those facing age-related infertility.

Leadership and Vision

Ovo Labs was co-founded by Professor Melina Schuh, a globally recognized leader in reproductive biology from the Max Planck Institute. Her pioneering research into egg quality and chromosome segregation has laid the foundation for Ovo Labs’ breakthrough approach.She is joined by Dr. Agata Zielinska, a clinician-scientist with NHS and Francis Crick Institute experience, and Dr.Oleksandr Yagensky, a biologist-turned-strategy consultant and former rising star at Bain & Company in Germany.

This leadership trio brings together an exceptional combination of scientific rigor, clinical insight, and strategic vision, placing Ovo Labs at the cutting edge of fertility innovation.

Investor Confidence

Investors are optimistic about Ovo Labs’ potential impact on the fertility field.

Jamie Macfarlane who co-led the deal from Creator Fund, added: “This company has been twenty years in the making. It is the product of decades of pioneering scientific work to understand the origin of human life and why age impacts our ability to reproduce. it is inspiring to see European scientists of this calibre launch a company solving such a essential question facing humanity. We believe that the science at the heart of this business has the potential to change whether, when and how couples have children.”

Emma Phillips, Investment Partner, Local Globe, who co-led the investment, also said: “Women and couples deserve better odds of IVF success, which Ovo Labs delivers. LocalGlobe is thrilled to support this team of world leading scientists tackling the core challenges of fertility with groundbreaking solutions.”

Global Implications and the U.S.Market

Ovo Labs is leading a much-needed wave of innovation in reproductive health, a space historically underserved by biotech investment. With a strong scientific foundation,visionary founders,and substantial investor backing,the company is reimagining what’s possible in fertility care.

while based in Europe, Ovo Labs’ technology has important implications for the U.S.market, were the demand for fertility treatments is high and growing. According to the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 5 married women in the United States experience infertility. The cost of IVF in the U.S.can range from $12,000 to $17,000 per cycle, making it a significant financial burden for many couples.

As it advances toward clinical trials, Ovo Labs could redefine what IVF success looks like, offering renewed hope to women and families navigating infertility later in life.

Addressing the Skepticism

While Ovo Labs’ research shows great promise, some experts urge caution, noting that improving egg quality is a complex and multifaceted challenge. Some argue that focusing solely on egg quality may overlook other critical factors influencing IVF success, such as sperm quality, uterine health, and embryo implantation. Additionally, the long-term effects of the therapies being developed by Ovo Labs are not yet fully understood, and further research is needed to ensure their safety and efficacy.

Though, the company maintains that its approach complements existing IVF methods and addresses a fundamental issue contributing to infertility. By improving egg quality, Ovo Labs aims to increase the likelihood of successful fertilization and healthy embryo development, ultimately leading to higher pregnancy rates.

FAQ: Understanding Egg Quality and IVF

What is egg quality and why does it decline with age?

Egg quality refers to the genetic health and overall viability of a woman’s eggs. As women age, their eggs are more likely to develop chromosomal abnormalities, making them less likely to fertilize or result in a healthy pregnancy.

How does Ovo Labs aim to improve egg quality?

Ovo Labs is developing therapies designed to correct chromosomal defects in eggs and improve their overall quality before fertilization. These therapies have shown promising results in preclinical studies.

How could Ovo Labs’ technology impact IVF success rates?

By improving egg quality, Ovo Labs aims to increase the chances of successful fertilization, healthy embryo development, and ultimately, higher pregnancy rates for women undergoing IVF.

Will Ovo Labs’ therapies be available in the U.S.?

While currently in the preclinical stage,Ovo Labs has the potential to expand its reach to the U.S.market pending successful clinical trials and regulatory approvals. The company’s technology could offer a valuable solution for American women struggling with age-related infertility.

How will Ovo Labs’ therapies affect the cost and complexity of IVF?

According to Ovo Labs, their therapies are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing IVF workflows without adding significant cost or complexity for patients.