Israeli startup AiVF unveils a groundbreaking scientific study which shows for the first time that genetic characteristics in embryos can be extracted using novel AI-based computer vision technologies. The study, presented this week at the prestigious ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) annual conference, was carried out by researchers at AiVF, which specializes in AI technology for digitizing IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) clinics, together with researchers led by Dr. Marcos Meseguer from the world-renowned IVIRMA clinic in Valencia, Spain.
Today, physicians or embryologists often test the genetic makeup of the embryo through an invasive process called PGT-A, which is growing in popularity worldwide especially in the United States. PGT-A tests for the embryos’ genetic status to help identify the best embryo for transfer and improve a patient's chance of a successful pregnancy. PGT-A is done by biopsying each embryo, a time consuming and challenging micromanipulation that may damage the embryos and prevent them from successfully implanting in the uterus.
The new research is based on a retrospective study involving 2,500 embryos with PGT-A results - 1,000 euploid (genetically normal) embryos and 1,500 aneuploid (genetically abnormal) embryos. The study tested the effectiveness of EMATM, AiVF's multi-module integrated platform, which combines AI, computer vision, and big data. According to the study, EMATM detected significant differences between aneuploid and euploid embryos during the first five days of embryonic development. Aneuploid embryos were significantly more likely to reach each specific embryo developmental event later than euploid embryos and the time gaps between developmental milestones were also statistically longer in aneuploid embryos.
