A single mRNA injection can halve the rate of chromosome errors in human eggs from older women, according to new research presented at a London conference. The treatment targets a protein deficiency that contributes to aneuploidy, a common cause of IVF failure and miscarriage. Researchers say the approach shows promise for improving fertility outcomes.
The findings were shared by Agata Zielinska of Ovo Labs at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology conference in London on 6 July. In experiments with 111 immature eggs from women aged 22 to 43, the injection of mRNA encoding the shugoshin-1 protein lowered premature chromosome separation from 53 per cent in untreated eggs to 29 per cent in treated ones.
For donors over age 35, aneuploidy rates averaged 65 per cent without treatment and 44 per cent with it. Although the difference was not statistically significant due to small sample sizes, the results align with earlier mouse studies that produced healthy offspring.
No side effects appeared in either the human or mouse tests. The team, which calls the therapy EmbryoProtect, plans to adapt it for standard IVF using immature eggs and expects it to cost far less than a full treatment cycle.