Conceivable Life Sciences Uses AI to Transform IVF Procedures

Automating IVF

In the heart of Guadalajara, Mexico, a revolution in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is underway. Conceivable Life Sciences, a little-known startup, is developing robots and AI models to automate the crucial stages of IVF. This groundbreaking technology aims to streamline and enhance the IVF process, challenging an industry long criticized for arbitrary decision-making.

A Radically Different Process

Traditionally, IVF involves a manual process where a doctor retrieves eggs from a patient, which are then combined with sperm in a lab. However, this process is being transformed at a small clinic in Guadalajara. Once the eggs reach the lab, robots and a vast AI infrastructure take over. Scientists now supervise rather than directly handle the procedure, as the technology handles everything from sperm injection to embryo freezing.

Achieving Breakthroughs

Conceivable Life Sciences has already seen significant successes. Their robots, still in the prototype stage, can immobilize sperm with lasers, inject them into eggs, and incubate the resulting embryos. These embryos are then frozen using a microscopic tennis racket. Eleven women have become pregnant with the help of these robots, marking a promising start for the technology.

The World’s First Autonomous ICSI

In a major breakthrough, Conceivable became the first company to perform intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) robotically. The procedure, guided by Jacques Cohen, the startup’s chief scientific officer, was performed remotely from New York while the patient was in Mexico. This transcontinental ICSI has now become routine for Conceivable, which has also achieved autonomous ICSI, which is a first in the industry.

Addressing IVF Demand

The demand for IVF is surging globally, yet the treatment remains slow, uncertain, and prohibitively expensive. Conceivable’s automation aims to address these issues. The startup plans to offer IVF at $15,000 per cycle, only charging if the procedure is successful, potentially saving patients tens of thousands of dollars.

Expert Skepticism

While some experts are skeptical, many acknowledge the potential of automation to address the supply-demand mismatch in fertility care. Dr. Lora Shahine, a Seattle-based fertility physician, emphasized the need for automation to maintain high success rates and patient care standards.

Transforming Fertility Care

The founders of Conceivable, troubled by the manual and error-prone nature of current IVF labs, have drawn inspiration from other industries. They toured various labs and observed the use of robotics in chip manufacturing and DNA processing. These insights helped them design an IVF lab that automates every process step, from egg preparation to embryo freezing.

Conceivable’s Future Plans

Conceivable plans to expand its automated IVF labs globally, providing a scalable and efficient solution to infertility. The startup has already raised $20 million in venture capital and is preparing for more extensive clinical studies. This September, they will launch a study in Mexico City with 250 patients to test their technology further.

Regulatory and Market Challenges

Conceivable’s journey is not without challenges. Integrating their technology into the existing healthcare system and meeting regulatory standards will be crucial. The startup aims to collaborate with existing IVF centers and private equity-backed clinics to enhance their growth and expand access to fertility care.

A Promising Future

With the potential to revolutionize the IVF industry, Conceivable Life Sciences is poised to make fertility treatments more accessible, affordable, and efficient. If successful, their technology could change the lives of millions of people struggling with infertility, making the dream of parenthood a reality for many more families around the world.

Source: Insider

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