Adelaide-based biotechnology company Reproductive Health Science (ASX:RHS) is launching its second product, DOPlify onto the global market.
DOPlify was introduced at the recent European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology Conference (ESHRE) held in Helsinki in July.
According to the company, performance data for DOPlify using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was presented at the conference by RHS’ Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Melinda Jasper.
Managing Director, Dr Michelle Fraser said, “since the conference there has been significant interest in the product and we are excited to be launching DOPlify locally”.
The first product for the Adelaide-based company, EmbryoCellect, was specifically developed for the IVF industry to allow the analysis of embryos prior to transfer, with the aim of improving IVF success rates.
RHS is one of only four companies with an advanced single cell whole genome amplification product.
“With significant performance advantages over other products, DOPlify provides a platform for RHS to expand our target market into such areas as understanding cancer, plant and animal science and forensics as well as broader clinical and research applications,” said Dr Fraser.
Within the current application focus in IVF of Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS), RHS is marketing DOPlify in parallel with EmbryoCellect to provide its customers with the option of selecting the best technology for their clinical needs. Clinicians can determine on a patient-by-patient basis the extent of genetic information needed and tailor their screening accordingly.
RHS have been able to demonstrate that using DOPlify, it is possible to screen an embryo for changes in chromosome number and at the same time detect the presence of a genetic disease carried by patients that needs to be avoided during embryo transfer, such as Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy.
RHS are also expanding their services to include the option of requesting the EmbryoCellect microarray or NGS assessment using DOPlify and expects to broaden its Australian customer base as a consequence.
RHS said it is also in discussion with a number of overseas clinical groups to determine the feasibility of the establishment of regional PGS services assisted by the RHS expertise and using RHS products.
“The launch of DOPlify is enhancing RHS’ position as a global leader in single cell genomic technologies. We have a number of significant opportunities in progress due to our ability to respond to the advancing genetics market and to expand our focus to other important applications for single cell analysis,” said Dr Fraser.
DOPlify will be formally launched this month at the BioSA Incubator in Thebarton, South Australia.