DARMSTADT, Germany /PRNewswire/
--
Not intended for US based media
Merck Serono continues to provide health care
professionals with innovative fertility
technologies thataim
to improve embryo
assessment during ART cycles
The
new Eeva Test 2.3 features the Xtend
Algorithm, utilizing new
parameters to capture a more complete picture of embryo
development
Merck
Serono, the biopharmaceutical business of Merck, today announced
the launch of the new Eeva® (Early Embryo Viability
Assessment) Test with the Xtend Algorithm, the advanced version of
a non-invasive test to aid embryo assessment within assisted
reproductive treatment (ART). The new version builds upon the
scientific and clinical record of Merck Serono's established Eeva
System and utilizes a new algorithm to provide a multi-dimensional
model for assessing and predicting the development of embryos. The
advanced Xtend Algorithm enables ART labs to capture a more
complete picture of embryo development and - when used adjunctively
with traditional morphology - increases the chances of identifying
embryos that have the highest developmental potential compared to
traditional morphology alone. With the launch of the improved
system, Merck Serono further expands its portfolio in fertility
technology which is becoming increasingly important to improve
fertility treatment outcomes.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150526/747165-b )
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150611/748651-a )
"Introducing the Eeva System 2.3 and its Xtend Algorithm shows our
commitment to continuous innovation to ultimately improve success
rates in ART," said Meeta Gulyani, Head of Global Strategy and
Franchises at Merck Serono. "We see strong opportunities for
scientific innovation in fertility technologies and will continue
to invest in developing new products and evolving existing ones,
such as the Eeva Test. As the world's leader and pioneer in
fertility treatment, we are drawing upon our strong heritage in the
field to further support IVF clinicians in helping women and
couples realize their dream of welcoming a baby to their
family."
The
Eeva System uses automated image analysis software to capture and
analyze embryo cell activity that the human eye is not capable of
detecting, providing objective and consistent test results for ART
clinicians. Building upon the robust scientific foundation of its
established predecessor, the improved Eeva System 2.3 includes a
new multi-dimensional algorithm to address the demand for more
objectivity and standardization within ART and optimized outcomes.
The Xtend Algorithm was identified through a rigorous R&D
process, which investigated over 1,000 potential parameters before
determining the most relevant ones for improving the chance of
identifying the embryos with the highest potential of ART success
if used adjunctively with traditional morphology. Extending beyond
measurement of cell division timings, the Xtend Algorithm includes
additional parameters, leading to five parameters overall that are
applied to each embryo and mapped against a multi-dimensional
prediction model. The Xtend Algorithm was developed on a large data
set from 12 sites, 373 women and 3,328 embryos, and validated on an
independent data set to demonstrate objective and consistent test
results. The Eeva System 2.3 further provides a new five-tier
classification system, designed to offer more assessment options to
better distinguish the embryo with highest developmental potential
when used adjunctively with traditional morphology.
About the Eeva Test
The
non-invasive Early Embryo Viability Assessment (Eeva®)
Test when used adjunctively with traditional morphology may improve
IVF outcomes by providing IVF clinicians and patients with
objective information on embryo viability. The Eeva System utilizes
proprietary software that automatically analyzes embryo development
against scientifically and clinically validated parameters. With
Eeva's quantitative data on each embryo's potential development,
IVF clinicians can optimize the treatment path for their patients
undergoing IVF procedures.
Progyny, Inc. formed March
2015 is the combined entity of Auxogyn, Inc. and
FertilityAuthority, LCC. In March
2014, Auxogyn Inc. granted Merck Serono exclusive rights to
commercialize Auxogyn's proprietary Early Embryo Viability
Assessment (Eeva)
Test in Europe and Canada,
with the option to extend to selected countries. Progyny retains
the commercial rights to the Eeva Test in the
United States. The agreement is the latest development in
the ongoing collaboration between Merck Serono and Progyny, which
began in 2010 when Merck invested in Auxogyn through its corporate
venture capital fund, MS Ventures.
Auxogyn received the CE mark for Eeva in July
2012, and at the end of the first half of 2015, Merck will
have launched the test in 13 countries across Europe and Canada.
In the United
States, clearance for the Eeva System was granted by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration through its de novo
classification process in June
2014.
About Merck Serono
Merck
Serono is the biopharmaceutical business of Merck. With
headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany,
Merck Serono offers leading brands in 150 countries to help
patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis, infertility, endocrine
and metabolic disorders as well as cardiovascular diseases.
In the United
States and Canada,
EMD Serono operates as a separately incorporated subsidiary of
Merck Serono. Merck Serono discovers, develops, manufactures and
markets prescription medicines of both chemical and biological
origin in specialist indications. We have an enduring commitment to
deliver novel therapies in our core focus areas of neurology,
oncology, immuno-oncology and immunology.
For
more information, please visit http://www.merckserono.com.
All
Merck Press Releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time
they become available on the Merck Website. Please go
to http://www.merckgroup.com/subscribe to register
online, change your selection or discontinue this service.
Merck
is a leading company for innovative and top-quality high-tech
products in healthcare, life science and performance materials. The
company has six businesses - Merck Serono, Consumer Health,
Allergopharma, Biosimilars, Merck Millipore and Performance
Materials - and generated sales of around € 11.3 billion in
2014. Around 39,000 Merck employees work in 66 countries to improve
the quality of life for patients, to foster the success of
customers and to help meet global challenges. Merck is the world's
oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company - since 1668, the
company has stood for innovation, business success and responsible
entrepreneurship. Holding an approximately 70% interest, the
founding family remains the majority owner of the company to this
day. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany,
holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only
exceptions are Canada and the
United States, where the company operates as EMD Serono, EMD
Millipore and EMD Performance Materials.
Source: Merck Serono
Related Links:
http://www.merckserono.com