ROCKLAND, Mass., Oct. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Serono
(virt-x: SEO and NYSE: SRA) announced today the results of two research
studies investigating methods that may ultimately improve the implantation
rate of embryos transferred during in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures.
Using embryo fingerprinting and genomics technologies, scientists identified
genomic markers that may indicate the likelihood of a successful implantation
and single-birth pregnancy. The results will be announced this week at the
conjoint meeting of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and the
Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society in Montreal, Quebec.
"These studies represent significant advances in developing more reliable
techniques to assess the most viable embryos for transfer," says Richard
Scott, MD, from the Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, NJ, who
collaborated on both the studies with the Serono Research Institute. "The new
methods explored in these studies have the potential to impact clinical
practice by increasing implantation rates and decreasing multiple pregnancies
through fewer transfers of higher quality embryos."
Excluding preimplantation genetic diagnosis, the only method available for
embryo selection is morphological appearance. The first study undertaken by
Serono scientists identified a new method designed to enable clinicians and
embryologists to distinguish between embryos that successfully implant from
those that do not. Single cells, called blastomeres, were obtained from
several embryos that had been randomly selected. Using the new methodology,
researchers were able to genetically match the cells to their original
embryos, correlating a genetic pattern with embryo quality.
In the second study led by scientists from Serono, a process was
identified to amplify RNA from a single blastomere to obtain sufficient
material to measure expression of all the genes in the human genome -- a
critical step forward in embryo phenotyping. Once the RNA is amplified, a lab
is able to screen for markers in viable embryos. Eventually, proteins
corresponding to the relevant genes can be measured to distinguish higher
quality embryos from less viable embryos, a procedure suitable for all
embryos.
These studies demonstrate Serono's leadership and continued momentum in
the area of reproductive health. "We're confident Serono and our
collaborators will bring to IVF clinics a simple, accurate set of tools that
will enable them to select the most viable embryo for transfer," says Steve
Arkinstall, Vice President of Research and Head of Serono Research Institute.
"We are committed to the development of technologies that can advance assisted
reproductive technologies and ultimately improve pregnancy rates."
About Serono, Inc. and Fertility
Serono, Inc., a subsidiary of Serono S.A., is a leader in fertility
health, dedicated to developing patient-friendly, innovative products that
help people build families. It is the only company to offer a full portfolio
of fertility medications for every stage of the reproductive cycle and
recombinant versions of three hormones used in the treatment of infertility,
including the newly approved Gonal-f(R) RFF Pen (follitropin alfa injection).
For more information, please contact Fertility LifeLines(TM), a toll-free
educational service that offers customized information and support to people
with fertility health concerns, available at 1-866-LETS-TRY (1-866-538-7879).
About Serono
Serono is a global biotechnology leader. The Company has eight
biotechnology products, Rebif(R), Gonal-f(R), Luveris(R),
Ovidrel(R)/Ovitrelle(R), Serostim(R), Saizen(R), Zorbtive(TM) and Raptiva(R).
In addition to being the world leader in reproductive health, Serono has
strong market positions in neurology, metabolism and growth and has recently
entered the psoriasis area. The Company's research programs are focused on
growing these businesses and on establishing new therapeutic areas, including
oncology. Currently, there are approximately 25 ongoing development projects.
In 2004, Serono achieved worldwide revenues of US$2,458.1 million, and a
net income of US$494.2 million, making it the third largest biotech company in
the world. Its products are sold in over 90 countries. Bearer shares of
Serono S.A., the holding company, are traded on the virt-x (SEO) and its
American Depositary Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (SRA).
Some of the statements in this press release are forward looking. Such
statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties
and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements
of Serono S.A. and affiliates to be materially different from those expected
or anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements
are based on Serono's current expectations and assumptions, which may be
affected by a number of factors, including those discussed in this press
release and more fully described in Serono's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed
with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2005. These
factors include any failure or delay in Serono's ability to develop new
products, any failure to receive anticipated regulatory approvals, any
problems in commercializing current products as a result of competition or
other factors, our ability to obtain reimbursement coverage for our products,
the outcome of government investigations and litigation and government
regulations limiting our ability to sell our products. Serono has no
responsibility to update the forward-looking statements contained in this
press release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of
this press release.
For more information, please contact:
Serono, Inc., Rockland, MA
Media Relations:
Dana Jessup
Tel. +1 781 681 2443
Fax: +1 781 681 2935
http://www.seronousa.com
SOURCE Serono
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Related links:
http://www.seronousa.com
CONTACT:
Media Relations: Dana Jessup of Serono,
Inc., +1-781-681-2443
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