What is Embryo glue? An introduction to this IVF Innovation.
“IVF- a blessing and an improved prospect for many couples”.
The best possible outcome in the journey toward achieving a successful pregnancy is IVF. IVF
stands for in vitro fertilization. In vitro means outside the body. Fertilization means the sperm
has attached to and entered the egg.
Embryo transfer is an important phase of an IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) cycle. After the embryo
transfer, the embryo moves towards the uterine lining or the endometrium, interacts, and attaches
to it for further growth. This process is called implantation. A good quality embryo implants
itself when the environment within the uterus is favorable, without uterine defects and the uterine
receptivity is supportive. Sometimes, even in conditions of good uterine receptivity and embryo
quality, the embryo fails to implant itself. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the joining of a woman’s
egg and a man’s sperm in a laboratory dish. During in vitro fertilization, mature eggs are
collected from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then a procedure is done to place one or
more of the fertilized eggs, called embryos, in a uterus, which is the place where the babies
develop. One full cycle of IVF takes about 2 to 3 weeks. Sometimes these steps are split into
different parts and the process can take longer.
For such conditions of implantation failure, researchers have found a medium of embryo growth
called the embryo glue. The embryo glue is a highly concentrated hyaluronan medium with
recombinant human albumin. Studies have shown that the uterine layer develops a chemical
substance called hyaluronan or hyaluronic acid at the moment of implantation that aids
communication between the embryo and endometrium. Hyaluronan is a protein complex present
and developed within the body to keep the tissues well-hydrated and lubricated. The hyaluronan
acts as glue between the embryo and endometrium.
What is embryo glue?
Embryo Glue, as the name suggests- a glue, but honestly saying it’s not an actual
glue. It is a solution of hyaluronan used when transferring the embryo back into the
uterus. The solution has an optimal composition by having a high concentration of
hyaluronan to support the implantation of the embryo into the womb. Typically, in the
lining of the woman’s uterus, there is hyaluronan or hyaluronic acid, a gooey, slippery substance
that the body produces naturally, found mostly during the time of embryo implantation. Embryo
Glue is a hyaluronan-enriched embryo transfer medium developed for use in the laboratory to
help with embryo implantation, creating an environment that replicates the natural conditions of
the uterus.
Hyaluronan, also known as hyaluronic Acid or hyaluronate, is a substance called a
glycosaminoglycan which is present within ovarian follicles, the fallopian tube and
the uterus. Hyaluronan binds to its receptor, which is present on the lining of the
uterus, hence the trade name Embryo Glue. Embryo Glue has been shown to
promote successful implantation and increase the pregnancy and live birth rate
without increasing the risk of a adverse events.
During the time of practice, the high concentration of hyaluronan thickens Embryo
Glue so that it becomes more similar to the texture of the fluids in the womb. Thus, it
is believed that improved mixing of these fluids may minimize embryo drifting.
Embryo Glue has the basic composition of a rich blastocyst culture medium and contains
recombinant albumin and a high concentration of hyaluronan. It can be used for the transfer of
all embryo developmental stages, including cleavage embryos, blastocysts after assisted
hatching, biopsies embryos, and cryopreservation.
Hyaluronan binds to molecules on the uterine surface and acts like a bridge between
the embryo and the womb. This helps the embryo to implant in the womb much like
during natural conception.
What are the benefits of using Embryo Glue?
According to statistics, the embryo glue technique has shown good, prominent results.
Some of the noted benefits of embryo glue are:
1. Enhanced chances of successful implantation by 34%.
2. Improved clinical pregnancy rates by 21% and live birth rates by 10%.
3. The thickening of the embryo due to the viscous hyaluronan prevents the
drifting of embryos and reduces the possibilities of an ectopic pregnancy.
Studies have proven that hyaluronan causes no harm to the embryo structure or
quality. Embryo Glue has been in use since 2003. Studies have shown that the use of Embryo
Glue increases the implantation success rate as well as the chance of pregnancy and live birth
rates. Data on live births from more than 4,000 transfers shows a 20% increase in chance if using
Embryo Glue.
Indications of embryo glue–
Embryo Glue helps in improving pregnancy rates in In-Vitro Fertilization-ET cycles (IVF-ET).
It has been shown in several randomised controlled trials that hyaluronan improves
pregnancy rates in some couples having an embryo transfer. The trials showing
benefit of the addition of hyaluronan have all been in a media (nutrient solution in
which embryos are grown) by Vitrolife. The mechanism by which the addition of
hyaluronan works is uncertain.
Using hyaluronan has been shown to benefit couples who are aged over 35 years,
those who have poor quality embryos and who have had three unsuccessful embryo
transfers (failed implantation).
Boost your IVF success rates with Embryo Glue at Sapling IVF! Specially designed for couples over 35, those with poor quality embryos, or who’ve experienced multiple failed transfers, Embryo Glue provides the optimal environment for embryo implantation. Take the next step towards your dream of parenthood with our advanced IVF solutions.
