Clinical Reproductive Trial Shows Major Advances in Fertility Options Yielding Successful Pregnancies Using New Vitrification Technique
Acclaimed fertility doctor compares egg freezing reproductive methods and gives new insight into slow freezing versus Vitrification. Santa Monica, CA (PRWEB) April 29, 2008 –- Acclaimed fertility specialist and leading expert in the field of reproductive medicine Dr. John Jain, MD, FACOG announced today that he is conducting new clinical trials of egg freezing technology at Santa Monica Fertility Specialists (SMFS) and Egg Freezing Center (EFC). Dr. Jain’s study is the first in the United States to compare the two most promising methods of egg freezing—the more established slow-freeze method and a newer flash-freeze technique known as vitrification. Preliminary reproductive results are especially encouraging for the vitrification technique with six pregnancies already established, including the first triplet pregnancy from this FDA approved trial. While the slow-freeze method has already yielded positive results at EFC, the formation of intracellular ice crystals has traditionally presented certain obstacles to the advancement of the technology. Vitrification, which is a newer flash-freezing technique, allows eggs to be frozen so quickly that potentially damaging ice crystals cannot form. Previously, the potential for viral contamination of the liquid nitrogen tanks used in the vitrification procedure, plus a lack of a comprehensive study of the technique had slowed acceptance of vitrification in the United States. However, with Dr. Jain’s clinical trial, a new vitrification method is employed using closed containers, approved by the FDA for investigation, which protects the eggs from viral contamination. “Our success in egg freezing has yielded one of the highest published pregnancy rates in the country, with the birth of more than twenty babies,” explains Dr. Jain. “We are optimistic that following this trial, we will be able to expand our abilities, simplify the reproductive process and increase the rates we are currently seeing.” “We hope to dramatically alter the fertility preservation options for women—particularly for cancer patients,” added Dr. Jain. “And because we have seen no increase in the overall rates of miscarriage, birth defects and chromosomal defects for babies born from frozen eggs over the rates seen with natural pregnancies, the results of this trial are even more relevant.” Background on Study Participants
Participants in the study were women with tubal factor infertility who underwent ovarian stimulation as part of a procedure that follows the same protocol as IVF, and takes approximately four to six weeks to complete. The reproductive eggs were frozen for one month, after which time they were thawed and fertilized. Embryos were then transferred to the uterus. Full results from the trial are expected to be announced this fall. About Dr. John K. Jain
John K. Jain, MD, FACOG is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and a pioneer in the field of reproductive medicine. Dr. Jain completed his medical training at the University of Southern California, where he remained for nearly a decade as a tenured professor of obstetrics and gynecology. His egg freezing work has earned him international recognition and he is one of only four reproductive endocrinologists to be named to the National Scientific Advisory Council of Fertility Preservation by the National Institutes of Health. In addition to his many important publications, he is the author of the most current and complete scientific review article on egg freezing. In 2006, his work earned him the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society’s top research prize. Dr. Jain has also consulted for numerous television projects, including Private Practice, Boston Legal and Deliver Me. About Egg Freezing Center
The Egg Freezing Center (EFC), directed by Dr. John Jain, is committed to providing exceptional reproductive choices by combining innovative technology, accountability and quality personal care. Through its dedication to research and clinical trials, EFC remains at the forefront of reproductive medicine, furthering the science of cryobiology and fertility preservation methods for women with cancer. The center’s philosophy is one of wellness through individualized medicine, integrating research, personal care, and holistic programs. Because egg freezing is new and considered experimental by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, all egg freezing activities at EFC and its affiliates are conducted under the oversight of a research ethics board to assure patient safety. For more information, visit eggfreezingcenter.com. About Santa Monica Fertility Specialists
Santa Monica Fertility Specialists provides individualized reproductive medicine and fertility services for men and women. The center offers a comprehensive range of care from basic testing to advanced IVF techniques, including egg freezing, tubal embryo transfer, egg donation, and gestational surrogacy. With its strong commitment to research, SMFS is at the forefront of reproductive medicine, continually working to further the science of fertility treatment. The center’s philosophy is one of wellness through individualized medicine, integrating research, personal care, holistic programs and community outreach. For more information, visit santamonicafertility.com. For additional information regarding fertility specialist Dr. John Jain or this reproductive study, please contact:
Tina Vukovic (in Los Angeles)
(323) 660-7678
tina @ deluxemg.com Jeena Choi (in New York)
(917) 968-4833
jeena @ deluxemg.com ###
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