Our Services
Services we offerHands-on courses and trainings
In Vitro maturation of human oocytes (IVM)
We bring to you the most advanced strategies on Oocyte In Vitro Maturation, which will expand your expertise on Assisted Reproduction technologies and Oncofertility.
Conventional IVM
The conventional IVM consists of the maturation of Cumulus-Oocyte-Complexes (COCs), aspirated (on purpose) in an immature stage (Germinal Vesicle) and therefore need to be matured in the lab. Under this protocol, patients receive minimal ovarian stimulation and ovulation is not triggered*.
Conventional IVM protocol
Key points:
Size of ovarian follicles: 6 to 12mm
Ovarian stimulation: Minimal (3 to 4 gonadotrophin shots)
*A variant of this stimulation protocol includes ovulation trigger with hCG. Because this stimulus causes the maturation process to begin In Vivo (within the follicle) and that at the time of follicular aspiration a fraction of the oocytes are already mature (Metaphase II), this strategy does not fit the current definition of In Vitro Maturation.
Biphasic IVM (CAPA- IVM)
Our team has dedicated many years to the study of the ovarian follicle, as well as to the design and optimization of techniques for the "In Vitro" culture of oocytes, in order to provide a more physiological microenvironment (recreating the follicular environment) that ensures optimal development, maturation and oocyte quality.
Thanks to this approach, we designed and developed CAPA-IVM, a Biphasic In Vitro Maturation system that involves: (1) An oocyte Capacitation phase in which the bi-directional communication between ovocyte and cumulus cells is maintained and prolongued, promoting the synchronization of the meiotic and cytoplasmic maturation. (2) A Maturation phase that allows the Cumulus-Oocyte-Complexes to respond synchronically to a physiological ovulatory stimulation.
The CAPA-IVM protocol substantially improves the embryological and clinical results. By 2025, more than 1000 live births will have been reported with this technology.
Principle of the CAPA-IVM protocol
Key points:
Size of ovarian follicles: 2 to 10mm
Ovarian stimulation: None or minimal (2 to 4 gonadotrophin shots)
Rescue IVM
As a result of follicular aspiration in conventional assisted reproduction treatments (IVF/ICSI), a small percentage of the recovered ovocytes will be at the Metafase I or Germination Vesicle stages (usually less than 20%).
The goal of Rescue IVM is to provide the necessary time for such immature oocytes to reach the Metaphase II stage.
While this strategy may generate additional mature oocytes (especially in patients with few ovocytes), the rescue of oocytes that initially did not respond to the ovulatory stimulus (in Vivo) is unphysiological and therefore not recommended by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embriology (ESHRE).
Key points:
While rescue IVM can generate additional Metaphase II ovocytes, the quality of those oocytes is questionable.
Ex-vivo IVM (OTO-IVM)
Freezing ovarian tissue allows for the preservation of fertility in patients suffering from a disease whose treatment threatens their own fertility (e.g., chemotherapy or radiotherapy).
OTO-IVM refers to the IVM of oocytes obtained from ovarian tissue that is processed / frozen for the purpose of preserving fertility.
Once patients have overcome the disease, the latent risk of reintroduction of malignant cells through ovarian tissue transplantation makes the mature oocytes obtained through OTO-IVM the first option for restoring fertility.
Training for IVM includes:
- Theoretical classes on the chosen method
- Preparation of culture media and plates
- Recovery of COCs:
- From small follicles (< 6 mm) in unstimulated cycles and / or
- From follicles < 6 mm and 6-12 mm in stimulated cycles
- Follicular fluid processing and COCs management: search, collect and place in culture.
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Other trainings
Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation
We count on years of experience on strategies to preserve the fertility in oncological female patients or in patients whose fertility is affected by some other etiology.
Among them, the cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is one of the most valuable tools to preserve ovarian reserve when facing gonadotoxic treatments.
We have a program designed to help you implementing this technology.
Our professionals have extensive expertise working in reproductive and embryology laboratories. We offer training services in techniques applied in research.
Here are some examples:
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- Handling of small animals (mice, guinea pigs), injections and minor surgeries.
- In vitro fertilization in animals.
- Immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence and confocal microscopy.
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Scientific advice
Our team of professionals has extensive experience in the area of basic research, translational research and clinical research.
Methodological advice
Our team has long experience in planning, designing and implementing research projects, as well as in publishing results in high impact factor scientific journals in the area of animal and human reproduction (including assisted human reproduction).
We offer scientific support and customized proposals according to the research needs of each centre or laboratory (scientific support for the development of research projects and / or for the publication of clinical results, among others).
We are open to collaborate as researchers and / or strategic partners in your research projects.
Data analysis
We advise you on:
- Planning and design for data collection
- The processing of information and the statistical analysis of data.
- The interpretation of the results and the drafting of meaningful conclusions.
Drafting and translation of scientific texts
Our professionals will help you to make the most of the results of your research, so that they can be presented at congresses and / or as scientific publications.
We advise you in the drafting of:
- Basic research projects
- Clinical research projects
- Thesis projects
- Scientific abstracts
- Scientific articles
Moreover, since English is crucial for scientific dissemination, we provide high-quality scientific translations, ensuring precise and reliable results.
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Consulting for IVF laboratories
Implementation and improvement of IVF laboratories
We count on highly trained technical staff willing to assist you in finding anwers and solving problems.
If you plan to implement an IVF laboratory (for routine or research), we can advise you on the design, quality controls, tuning and safety measures.
If you do not find the reason for your results not to be as usual, we help you to assess and determine the potential sources of problems... a third opinion can be very useful.
Analysis and management of KPis
Key performance indicators (KPIs) are essential tools for measuring and evaluating the capacity, quality of processes and results of laboratory processes.
Continuous monitoring of KPIs allows to identify trends and, when needed, take early corrective action. These KPIs also help clinics to identify areas of improvement, optimize processes and ensure the best care for patients.
We offer:
- Advice on the implementation of the most suitable KPis for your laboratory
- An external monitoring service for KPIs, which also provides early alerts and suggestions for improvements.
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Courses and Scientific Events
Courses, workshops, congresses
We promote, manage and organize scientific - academic workshops, bringing together renowned professionals in their respective areas of expertise.
These events are specially addressed to students and professionals in the different areas of reproductive biology and are of interest to public and private institutions.
Traditionally, our training workshops have included practical sessions with invited teachers (national and international).
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