IVF 2.0 aims to support human fertility treatment, using Artificial Intelligence, to maximise the chances of conception.
- Two CE mark / MHRA registered medical software applications which use deep machine learning AI to assist Embryologists with human fertility treatment.
- The first AI IVF baby was born with IVF 2.0 in 2020.
- The software takes 0.3 seconds to identify the best sperm.
NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Professor. Andrew Drakeley is an NHS Consultant, subspecialist in reproductive medicine in Liverpool, and co-founder of IVF 2.0 LTD.
Founded in 2018, IVF 2.0 Limited is a UK registered company, who was co-founded with colleagues from Mexico and the USA, to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) for assisted reproductive technologies.
Artificial Intelligence for assisting precious decisions.
Andrew and the team observed that whilst fertility treatment is improving, it remains quite an inefficient process, with various steps being manual and subjective. The understanding of the pitfalls in the current treatment process led to the establishment of IVF 2.0. Supported by their team, including mathematicians and data scientists, they developed two CE mark / MHRA registered medical software applications which use deep machine learning AI to assist Embryologists with human fertility treatment:
- ERICA is a tool created to assist professionals prioritise embryos without biopsies or media sampling. The prioritisation is based on known ploidy (genetic health) training sets, utilising machine learning to make the best selection.
- Established users have found that ERICA saves time (embryo annotation) and increases confidence in embryo selection.
- SiD is an AI sperm-selector assistant which can judge human spermatozoa in real time with more accuracy and consistency than the human eye, based on motility patterns and velocity.
- Established users have found increased fertilisation and useable blastocyst embryo development over standard techniques by 15%.
The team utilises deep machine learning, as it allows fast reproducible analysis of large quantities of data to provide a greater depth of information than the naked eye can assimilate.
ERICA and SiD are commercially available and tested in USA, Canada, Malaysia, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, India, Greece, Spain and the UK.
“By choosing the best eggs, sperm and embryos, whilst optimising male and female health, I believe that the couple’s chance of conceiving will improve. Not only that, but the knowledge generated by IVF 2.0’s products ERICA and SiD will help manage the couple’s expectations and assist both the physician and patient.”
Professor Andrew Drakeley
The team also have further medical software applications under development.
IVF 2.0 supports clinics around the world
Through the programme Andrew has received dedicated support with legal, Intellectual Property and finance, which have been essential to the growth and development of his innovation.
”Regulation can be a minefield and legal advice is very important. If your company’s sustainability will rely on an income stream, you should consider sales, distribution, and marketing costs. It is also important to ask yourself the question around if the field is ready for your product even if it is great.
I would highly recommend the programme. When I first started this journey, I knew I had a good idea, but I was pretty naïve about what it takes to develop a commercially viable product and take it to market, as well as observing regulatory compliance, liability insurance, IP and approaching funding rounds. From the first pit stop, where you repeatedly perform mini pitches, you are being taught. I am still on a learning curve but have a depth of knowledge that is in large part due to the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur programme.”
Professor Andrew Drakeley
Looking to the future
The team are exploring fertility clinics within the UK and a funded randomised controlled clinical trial on the application of AI in fertility medicine. Additionally, they are aiming to further progress with commercialisation, seed funding investment and marketing around IVF 2.0.
For more information, please click on the links below.
TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE THROUGH INNOVATION
