Irvine Scientific launched the first vitrification product for blastocysts (day 5 human embryos from an in vitro fertilization procedure) and has recently received clearance from the US FDA. The product, known as Blastocyst Vitrification Kit or Vit Kit is claimed to be the first medical device of its kind to be introduced in the United States following nearly a five year development and regulatory review process.
Vitrification is an innovative technique for cryopreserving oocytes (eggs) and embryos. According to the release, this new cryopreservation method results in much higher pregnancy rates than conventional methods. Vitrification involves dehydrating the cells and very rapidly cooling them in liquid nitrogen, which avoids any ice crystal formation, thereby eliminating the potential for cell damage.
The Vitrification procedure has been widely used in Europe, Japan and South America with outstanding success.
"We are pleased that we are able to offer an innovative product to fertility clinics that will change the future of reproductive medicine," stated by Dr. Michael Kelly, Irvine scientific president and CEO.
Irvine Scientific, which has provided IVF products to the medical community for over thirty years, is located in Santa Ana, California and is a subsidiary of Japan Energy Corporation.