Development of the World’s First Non-Invasive, Pre-Implantation Genetic Test (PGT-M) for Genetic Disorders in Embryos

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Genetic disease results in significant morbidity and mortality in the population and early detection is key to improving outcomes and reducing suffering for affected individuals and their families. Couples at risk of transmitting serious genetic disorders to their children currently have the option of undergoing IVF and testing their embryos (using an invasive biopsy method) to prevent the birth of affected children. However, there is a significant lack of cost-effective, accessible and, specifically, an absence of non-invasive embryonic genetic disease detection methods. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has further impacted the existing challenges for current detection methods because of IVF clinic closures and redeployment of resources in the NHS. Igenomix, led in the UK by Professor Alan Thornhill (working alongside technical, scientific and entrepreneurial experts Seema Dhanjal, Darren Griffin, Alan Handyside and Roy Naja) aims to provide a non-invasive test to diagnose genetic disease in human embryos (ni-PGT-M). This test will provide an innovative, cost-effective and sustainable solution that will significantly improve the outcomes for couples at risk of transmitting genetic disease.