Australian-based reproductive biotechnology company, Memphasys Limited (ASX: MEM), has received promising new study results highlighting the quality of its Felix system.
The study titled ‘Analysis of sperm separation protocols for isolating cryopreserved human spermatozoa’ (the ‘Study’2) has revealed that only cells separated using the Felix system exhibited significantly lower levels of DNA fragmentation following cryopreservation.
Felix is a patented, automated system with a single-use cartridge that gently separates high-quality sperm from a semen sample in six minutes for use in human IVF procedures.
The results of the Study were recently released at the annual Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) 2023 Conference and have also been published in the medical journal ‘Reproduction and Fertility.
The cryopreservation of sperm in semen samples enables the preservation of fertility that might otherwise be compromised as a result of chemotherapy, vasectomy or other factors. Sperm is separated from the cryopreservation medium prior to clinical use, with the aim of maximising successful conception and minimising the risk of genetic defects. The most common separation techniques currently used in the assisted reproductive technology industry are density gradient centrifugation (DGC) and Swim-up.
The Study found that the cryopreservation of sperm led to lower levels of motility and vitality and created higher levels of DNA and cell membrane damage. More specifically, it found:
- Felix Significantly lowered the levels of DNA fragmentation observed in cryostored human sperm populations, while maintaining relatively high levels of motility and sperm recovery
- DGC Sperm recovery rates were high, but the spermatozoa were damaged in terms of their motility and DNA integrity.
- Swim-up Generated highly motile sperm populations, but recovery rates were extremely low and DNA damage levels were not lowered.
Memphasys said peer reviewed papers and studies underpin the value of Felix, support regulatory filing material and ultimately enhance its commercialisation.
