Biotech
Tuesday, December 5th, 2023 3:00 pm EDT
Key Points
- Groundbreaking Genetic Test for Embryos: Orchid, a reproductive technology startup, has introduced the first commercially available whole genome sequencing report for embryos. The test is specifically designed for couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), providing a comprehensive analysis of the embryo’s genome to identify genetic risks, such as birth defects, neurodevelopmental disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, and pediatric or adult-onset cancers. Orchid’s technology sequences over 99% of an embryo’s genome, representing a significant advancement compared to existing tests that typically read around 0.25%.
- Enhanced Control and Confidence in IVF Process: The genetic test aims to give prospective parents more control and confidence in the IVF process, which historically involves chance. Noor Siddiqui, Orchid’s founder and CEO, emphasizes that the test provides a major advance in the amount of information parents can have, allowing them to make more informed decisions during a process that has traditionally been left to chance. The test comes at an additional cost of $2,500 per sequenced embryo but does not introduce new steps or risks to the IVF process.
- Accessibility and Funding: Orchid plans to make its genetic test accessible to a broader audience. While the initial cost may be considered steep, investors, including prominent figures like Anne Wojcicki (23andMe), Dylan Field (Figma), Fidji Simo (Instacart), and Brian Armstrong (Coinbase), have backed Orchid with $12 million in funding. Orchid’s primary focus after the launch is on scaling up its technology and making it more accessible to redefine the landscape of reproductive decision-making. The company aims to reduce costs as operations scale up and introduce more automation, ultimately making the test available to a wider population.
Orchid, a reproductive technology startup, has unveiled a groundbreaking genetic test aimed at providing prospective parents undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with valuable insights into their embryos. The company’s commercially available whole genome sequencing report is designed to identify genetic risks, such as birth defects, neurodevelopmental disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, and pediatric or adult-onset cancers, offering information previously only attainable after birth.
In the IVF process, a woman undergoes hormone injections for about two weeks to stimulate egg production. The mature eggs are then extracted, fertilized in a lab, and viable embryos are transferred into the uterus. Orchid’s genetic test helps couples assess the genetic health of embryos, enhancing control and confidence in a historically chance-driven process.
Orchid’s technology boasts sequencing over 99% of an embryo’s genome, a significant advancement compared to existing tests, which typically read around 0.25%. While IVF is a costly and uncertain process, with an average cost exceeding $12,000 in the U.S., Orchid’s genetic test adds $2,500 per sequenced embryo without introducing new risks or steps. The company aims to make the test accessible to a wider audience, with potential cost reductions as operations scale up.
The genetic test is available at IVF clinics in major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and Austin, with expansion possible upon patient request. Couples can expect their reports within approximately three weeks, and a board-certified genetic counselor will assist in interpreting results.
Orchid has secured $12 million in funding from prominent investors, including Anne Wojcicki (23andMe), Dylan Field (Figma), Fidji Simo (Instacart), and Brian Armstrong (Coinbase). The technology has garnered attention for providing peace of mind to parents, allowing them to make informed decisions about their child’s genetic health. Orchid’s approach has received praise from investors like George Church, a genetics professor at Harvard Medical School, who emphasizes the substantial information boost Orchid offers compared to traditional methods. Orchid plans to focus on scaling up its technology post-launch, aiming to redefine the landscape of reproductive decision-making.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/05/startup-orchid-launches-test-to-identify-genetic-defects-in-ivf-embryos.html
