ViaCell Inc has obtained a worldwide exclusive license from Gamete Technology Inc and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) for use of patented technology to cryopreserve unfertilized human oocytes (eggs). The technology designed to help freeze, store and later fertilize oocytes is the result of an eight-year development effort led by Thomas Toth, Mehmet Toner, and Ali Eroglu of MGH.

Under the terms of this exclusive agreement, ViaCell will control the patent rights and clinical applications of Gamete Technology's oocyte cryopreservation technology for use in in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics around the world. Gamete retains rights for applications related to other human cells and all veterinary applications. Drs. Toth and Toner will also serve as consultants to ViaCell and assist in developing educational and clinical training programs for the company.

"Cryopreservation of oocytes could represent a major advance in the treatment of many of the most severe fertility problems affecting women today. This agreement with Gamete Technology positions ViaCell as a leader in the development of oocyte cryopreservation services, which has the clear potential to be one of the most significant advances in reproductive medicine since the introduction of IVF. With this technology, women who experience infertility because of aging or other factors, such as radiation or chemotherapy treatment, could have the ability to freeze their eggs and then have those eggs available for fertilization many years later," said Marc Beer, chairman and chief executive officer of ViaCell.