Academic team: Sophie Petropoulos, PhD. (Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal), Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Functional Genomics of Reproduction and Development; Associate Professor Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm Sweden; Co-Director of The Research Center in Reproduction and Fertility in Québec
Receptor organization team: Dr. Jeremy Grushcow(Juniper Genomics)
Around four million people use in vitro fertilization (IVF) every year, but only 34% of IVF cycles succeed. Patients in Canada and the U.S mostly pay out of pocket for this expensive procedure, with the average patient undergoing 2-3 cycles at a total cost of C$40,000-$60,000. The genetics of the embryo itself cause (at least 85% of the time) the high rate at which transferred embryos fail to implant or to carry to term. However, patients and clinicians currently do not have the technology to perform comprehensive embryo genetic testing. IVF is the only human genetics area that still uses low-resolution approaches (chromosome counting, genotyping) instead of high-resolution next-generation sequencing (exome or whole genome).
Currently Dr. Petropoulos holds a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Functional Genomics in Reproduction and Development and has extensive expertise with mammalian embryos, including human embryos for over 10 years. The Petropoulos Lab’s work is regularly published in prominent journals and is an ideal academic leader for the project. Together with Juniper Genomics, the team aims to develop a comprehensive single-cell whole-genome sequencing-based genetic test for embryos to give IVF patients and clinicians as much certainty as possible that the first embryo they choose to transfer will be successful. The specific goal of this project is to deliver a scalable biopsy processing workflow for cell handling and sample preparation that delivers optimal sequencing results in a cost-effective manner.
By reducing the financial and mental health burden of IVF, the project will transform IVF without changing clinical workflows. The project’s success will establish Canada as a world leader in embryo genetics – improving IVF outcomes and increasing access for patients in Canada and worldwide.
