Serono Announces Significant Advances in Identifying Most Viable Embryos for Transfer During IVF Procedures
October 17 2005 - 9:02AM
PR Newswire (US)
ROCKLAND, Mass., Oct. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Serono (virt-x:
SEO and NYSE: SRA) announced today the results of two research
studies investigating methods that may ultimately improve the
implantation rate of embryos transferred during in vitro
fertilization (IVF) procedures. Using embryo fingerprinting and
genomics technologies, scientists identified genomic markers that
may indicate the likelihood of a successful implantation and
single-birth pregnancy. The results will be announced this week at
the conjoint meeting of the American Society of Reproductive
Medicine and the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society in
Montreal, Quebec. "These studies represent significant advances in
developing more reliable techniques to assess the most viable
embryos for transfer," says Richard Scott, MD, from the
Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, NJ, who
collaborated on both the studies with the Serono Research
Institute. "The new methods explored in these studies have the
potential to impact clinical practice by increasing implantation
rates and decreasing multiple pregnancies through fewer transfers
of higher quality embryos." Excluding preimplantation genetic
diagnosis, the only method available for embryo selection is
morphological appearance. The first study undertaken by Serono
scientists identified a new method designed to enable clinicians
and embryologists to distinguish between embryos that successfully
implant from those that do not. Single cells, called blastomeres,
were obtained from several embryos that had been randomly selected.
Using the new methodology, researchers were able to genetically
match the cells to their original embryos, correlating a genetic
pattern with embryo quality. In the second study led by scientists
from Serono, a process was identified to amplify RNA from a single
blastomere to obtain sufficient material to measure expression of
all the genes in the human genome -- a critical step forward in
embryo phenotyping. Once the RNA is amplified, a lab is able to
screen for markers in viable embryos. Eventually, proteins
corresponding to the relevant genes can be measured to distinguish
higher quality embryos from less viable embryos, a procedure
suitable for all embryos. These studies demonstrate Serono's
leadership and continued momentum in the area of reproductive
health. "We're confident Serono and our collaborators will bring to
IVF clinics a simple, accurate set of tools that will enable them
to select the most viable embryo for transfer," says Steve
Arkinstall, Vice President of Research and Head of Serono Research
Institute. "We are committed to the development of technologies
that can advance assisted reproductive technologies and ultimately
improve pregnancy rates." About Serono, Inc. and Fertility Serono,
Inc., a subsidiary of Serono S.A., is a leader in fertility health,
dedicated to developing patient-friendly, innovative products that
help people build families. It is the only company to offer a full
portfolio of fertility medications for every stage of the
reproductive cycle and recombinant versions of three hormones used
in the treatment of infertility, including the newly approved
Gonal-f(R) RFF Pen (follitropin alfa injection). For more
information, please contact Fertility LifeLines(TM), a toll-free
educational service that offers customized information and support
to people with fertility health concerns, available at
1-866-LETS-TRY (1-866-538-7879). About Serono Serono is a global
biotechnology leader. The Company has eight biotechnology products,
Rebif(R), Gonal-f(R), Luveris(R), Ovidrel(R)/Ovitrelle(R),
Serostim(R), Saizen(R), Zorbtive(TM) and Raptiva(R). In addition to
being the world leader in reproductive health, Serono has strong
market positions in neurology, metabolism and growth and has
recently entered the psoriasis area. The Company's research
programs are focused on growing these businesses and on
establishing new therapeutic areas, including oncology. Currently,
there are approximately 25 ongoing development projects. In 2004,
Serono achieved worldwide revenues of US$2,458.1 million, and a net
income of US$494.2 million, making it the third largest biotech
company in the world. Its products are sold in over 90 countries.
Bearer shares of Serono S.A., the holding company, are traded on
the virt-x (SEO) and its American Depositary Shares are traded on
the New York Stock Exchange (SRA). Some of the statements in this
press release are forward looking. Such statements are inherently
subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors
that may cause actual results, performance or achievements of
Serono S.A. and affiliates to be materially different from those
expected or anticipated in the forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are based on Serono's current
expectations and assumptions, which may be affected by a number of
factors, including those discussed in this press release and more
fully described in Serono's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2005.
These factors include any failure or delay in Serono's ability to
develop new products, any failure to receive anticipated regulatory
approvals, any problems in commercializing current products as a
result of competition or other factors, our ability to obtain
reimbursement coverage for our products, the outcome of government
investigations and litigation and government regulations limiting
our ability to sell our products. Serono has no responsibility to
update the forward-looking statements contained in this press
release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date
of this press release. For more information, please contact:
Serono, Inc., Rockland, MA Media Relations: Dana Jessup Tel. +1 781
681 2443 Fax: +1 781 681 2935 http://www.seronousa.com/ DATASOURCE:
Serono CONTACT: Media Relations: Dana Jessup of Serono, Inc.,
+1-781-681-2443 Web site: http://www.seronousa.com/
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