Revolutionary IVF treatment uses artificial intelligence to find healthy embryos

A new technology that identifies healthy embryos has been labelled a game changer for couples struggling to conceive.

The world-first IVF technology developed in South Australia uses artificial intelligence to compare images of new embryos with those that have previously led to successful pregnancies.

Currently, doctors have to rely on the naked eye, and a microscope, to determine the healthiest embryo.

The ‘Life Whisperer’ software, which helps doctors to select which embryos are transferred to a patient, is set to slash costs for potential parents worldwide.

Designed by South Australian company Presagen, the IVF technology can be applied in any clinic.

“Clinical studies have shown that (the technology) is 30 per cent more accurate than current manual visual assessment,” said Presagen CRO Dr Michelle Perugini.

Life changing

For many couples, it may prove life changing.

“There are many couples that can only afford one round of IVF,” said Perugini.

“This means they’ll have the best possible chance of success.”

With a $1.5 million funding injection from the SA government, its hoped the product’s roll-out will go global.

‘This means they’ll have the best possible chance of success.’

“We’ve got this company starting, here in Adelaide, that will grow to be an international company with, potentially, billions of dollars of revenue,” said SA Innovation and Skills Minister David Pisoni.

The company says the technology will be rolled out in Australian IVF clinics over the next few months – then through the US by the end of the year, before being made available worldwide.

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