Care Fertility and U-Ploid Biotechnologies launch research into age-related egg quality decline
Research could lay the groundwork for future therapies
One of the UK’s largest providers of fertility treatment, Care Fertility, has announced a new research partnership with reproductive health biotech U-Ploid Biotechnologies, aimed at improving egg quality and tackling age-related infertility.
Egg quality is widely recognised as a key factor in conception, with its decline often linked to age. The partnership seeks to accelerate research into potential treatments that could help address this issue, with the long-term goal of enhancing success rates in fertility care. This research collaboration has the potential to validate novel therapeutics and offer hope to millions struggling to conceive.
"We are thrilled to begin this collaborative research with U-Ploid Biotechnologies," said Prof. Alison Campbell, Chief Scientific Officer of Care Fertility.
"Advancing knowledge and treatments to support women facing age-related infertility is a priority for Care Fertility and to think that this research could help prevent the most common cause of infertility is extraordinary."
First-in-class therapeutic under development
Under the agreement, U-Ploid will gain access to Care Fertility’s clinical expertise, as the biotech firm works to bring its lead programme - a first-in-class therapeutic - closer to clinical trials. The drug, still in preclinical stages, is designed to target the biological deterioration of eggs as people age.
"We are excited to partner with Care Fertility on this research as we enter the next stage of development," said Dr. Jordan Abdi, Co-founder & CEO of U-Ploid Biotechnologies.
"This collaboration provides us with the opportunity to work closely with a highly respected leader in fertility care and to gain valuable clinical insights."
U-Ploid Biotechnologies' lead programme has shown promising preclinical activity in addressing age-related natural egg deterioration. The collaboration is a long-term research effort, and the partners are planning on enrolling patients into the first study later this year.
A growing challenge
Age-related fertility decline is an increasingly prominent concern, as more people delay starting families due to personal, social, or economic reasons. The search for solutions has gained urgency, with many turning to IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies.
Care Fertility, which operates clinics across the UK as well as in Ireland, Spain and the US, has been at the forefront of innovation in fertility treatment for more than two decades. Its services include IVF, egg and sperm donation, and genetic testing.
U-Ploid, meanwhile, is part of a new generation of biotech firms looking to address gaps in reproductive health through novel therapeutics. Founded by scientists and industry professionals, the company is focused on improving egg quality as a way of boosting IVF outcomes and expanding reproductive choice.
While the partnership is still in its early stages, both organisations say they are optimistic about the potential of the research to bring meaningful change to fertility care.