Australian reproductive biotech firm Memphasys Limited (ASX: MEM) is setting its sights on Brazil’s rapidly expanding in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) sector, engaging with leading andrology clinic Laboratorio Androscience to evaluate its Felix™ System. The move comes as Brazil’s IVF market is projected to grow to US$413.6 million by 2032, driven by increasing demand for assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Memphasys’ Felix™ System is a patented sperm separation device designed to improve fertility treatment outcomes by selecting the highest-quality sperm for use in IVF. Unlike conventional methods such as density gradient centrifugation, which can generate oxidative stress and damage sperm DNA, Felix™ uses an electrophoretic process that isolates motile, high-morphology sperm with minimal cellular damage. The system is non-invasive, rapid, and designed to improve pregnancy rates by ensuring only the best sperm are selected for fertilisation.
Felix™ System
A clinical trial of the Felix™ System has already been completed, with results expected to be released in the coming month. The company has also cited numerous scientific papers supporting Felix™’s positive capabilities, reinforcing confidence in its effectiveness. Memphasys managing director David Ali said the growing body of research confirms the system’s potential to transform sperm preparation in IVF.
“Felix™ has undergone extensive testing, and the evidence continues to mount in favour of its ability to deliver superior sperm selection,” Ali said. “We are now focused on commercialising this breakthrough technology, and Brazil presents a compelling opportunity.”
The company has now supplied Laboratorio Androscience with a Felix™ console and 20 cartridges for an initial three-month evaluation period. Professor Jorge Hallak, one of Brazil’s leading andrologists, will oversee the trial, which will benchmark Felix™ against existing sperm selection methods. The study will focus on men with poor semen quality, a key factor in male infertility.
“Male infertility remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in Latin America,” Hallak said. “While some conditions can be managed medically, many cases require high-precision sperm selection to improve reproductive outcomes. The Felix™ System has the potential to make a real difference in this space.”
Professor Jorge Hallak
Pending positive results from the evaluation, Memphasys hopes to negotiate a licensing agreement for Brazil, allowing for commercial distribution of Felix™ across the country. Investor interest in the technology is already building, with sophisticated investors associated with Laboratorio Androscience conducting due diligence. Although no formal proposals have been made, Ali remains optimistic about the potential for local investment to support the company’s expansion.
“We are seeing strong interest from both clinicians and investors who recognise the need for better sperm selection technology,” Ali said. “Felix™ addresses a critical gap in the market, and we believe Brazil can be a launchpad for further expansion into Latin America.”
In addition to the ongoing clinical evaluation, Memphasys is leveraging industry engagement to build momentum in the region. The company will have a commercial presence at a major Brazilian reproductive medicine conference in 2025, where scientific director Laureate Professor John Aitken will present on the importance of sperm selection in ART. Professor Hallak will also share insights from the Felix™ evaluation, with the goal of increasing awareness and clinician adoption.
Brazil’s IVF sector is experiencing strong growth, with 137,920 assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures recorded in 2022. Despite this, male infertility remains a relatively neglected area, with few targeted solutions available. Memphasys believes that Felix™ could fill this gap, offering a cost-effective and scientifically validated method for improving sperm selection.
While the company’s immediate focus is on the Brazilian market, regulatory approvals and commercial partnerships will be crucial to its long-term success. Memphasys is currently assessing Brazil’s licensing and registration requirements to ensure a smooth path to market entry. The release of the clinical trial results in the coming month could also be a turning point, influencing both regulatory and commercial discussions.
Ali acknowledged that challenges remain but remains confident in the company’s strategy.
“This is a long-term play for us. We are taking a disciplined approach, ensuring that we have the right partners, the right regulatory approvals, and a clear pathway to commercialisation,” he said. “The Felix™ System has already demonstrated its capabilities in previous trials and publications. Now, it’s about making it accessible to the clinicians and patients who need it most.”
With a growing IVF market, scientific backing, and strong industry interest, Memphasys’ push into Brazil could be a pivotal moment for the company. Investors will be watching closely for the clinical trial results, potential licensing deals, and regulatory updates that will determine the next phase of its expansion.
