BACKImproving Oocyte Quality for In vitro Fertilization Procedure by Non-Invasive Cellular Transfer
[Licensing negotiation in progress]
[Invitation for Expression of Interest- Deadline: 10 December 2021]
We are inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for commercializing “Improving Oocyte Quality for In vitro Fertilization Procedure by Non-Invasive Cellular Transfer” technology. The innovation is developed by Professor Tin Lap LEE, School of Biomedical Sciences of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Reference: 20/MED/936).
The Technology
Females giving birth at age of 35 or above are classified as ‘advanced maternal age (AMA). Women with AMA usually resort to assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive a pregnancy. However, the success rate is limited by a low number of competent mature oocytes. To circumvent the issue, in vitro maturation (IVM) of immature oocytes into the mature state could substitute or be an adjuvant to standard (in vitro fertilization) IVF protocols for women with AMA. However, this rescue technique usually produces oocytes with limited fertilization potential or embryos with cleavage impairments, which could be attributed to oocyte aging and increased aneuploidy.
The invention addresses the above issues by replenishing biomolecules and cellular components from a donor cell from the same subject using a specialized device. The procedure is non-invasive and does not require donor oocyte. It showed improved reproductive outcomes, including increased maturation rate for producing more usable oocytes for IVF, increased fertilization rate, and reduction of abnormal cellular development.
Commercialization
The technology is now available for licensing on an exclusive basis. In order to fully realize the benefit of the technology, we expect substantial investment is necessary to enable further research and development. In addition to the financial commitment, the licensee is expected to have the appropriate expertise as well as plans in marketing and strategizing the end product to ensure successful transfer of the technology to the society. Previous or existing business involvement and experience in this area is a plus.
This invitation of expression of interest is without prejudice. We also stress that this invitation is not a tender, and the University is not bound to accept any offer, or to accept the highest monetary offer, as there are additional considerations (such as the widest possible benefit to the community) that we, as a public institution, will need to take into consideration.
Improving Oocyte Quality for In vitro Fertilization Procedure by Non-Invasive Cellular Transfer
[Licensing negotiation in progress]
[Invitation for Expression of Interest- Deadline: 10 December 2021]
We are inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for commercializing “Improving Oocyte Quality for In vitro Fertilization Procedure by Non-Invasive Cellular Transfer” technology. The innovation is developed by Professor Tin Lap LEE, School of Biomedical Sciences of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Reference: 20/MED/936).
The Technology
Females giving birth at age of 35 or above are classified as ‘advanced maternal age (AMA). Women with AMA usually resort to assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive a pregnancy. However, the success rate is limited by a low number of competent mature oocytes. To circumvent the issue, in vitro maturation (IVM) of immature oocytes into the mature state could substitute or be an adjuvant to standard (in vitro fertilization) IVF protocols for women with AMA. However, this rescue technique usually produces oocytes with limited fertilization potential or embryos with cleavage impairments, which could be attributed to oocyte aging and increased aneuploidy.
The invention addresses the above issues by replenishing biomolecules and cellular components from a donor cell from the same subject using a specialized device. The procedure is non-invasive and does not require donor oocyte. It showed improved reproductive outcomes, including increased maturation rate for producing more usable oocytes for IVF, increased fertilization rate, and reduction of abnormal cellular development.
Commercialization
The technology is now available for licensing on an exclusive basis. In order to fully realize the benefit of the technology, we expect substantial investment is necessary to enable further research and development. In addition to the financial commitment, the licensee is expected to have the appropriate expertise as well as plans in marketing and strategizing the end product to ensure successful transfer of the technology to the society. Previous or existing business involvement and experience in this area is a plus.
This invitation of expression of interest is without prejudice. We also stress that this invitation is not a tender, and the University is not bound to accept any offer, or to accept the highest monetary offer, as there are additional considerations (such as the widest possible benefit to the community) that we, as a public institution, will need to take into consideration.
N/A
Alison Siu
Office of Research and Knowledge Transfer Services
LEE Tin Lap
LI Tin Chiu
CHAN Yiu Leung, David
LEE Wing Tung
NG Kin Wing Judy
CHAN Ting Hei Thomas
N/A