A device that automates the freezing of eggs for fertility treatments
Official title: OvaSafe: A microfluidic device enabling automated oocyte vitrification
Funded at Autoivf, INC. · NIH-10914691 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new device called OvaSafe that helps freeze eggs more easily and affordably, making it easier for couples to access fertility treatments like IVF.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Autoivf, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Natick, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $998,710 |
| NIH project number | 5R44HD111134-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914691 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are couples seeking fertility treatments or individuals interested in egg banking for future use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not considering fertility treatments or do not require egg preservation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a microfluidic device called OvaSafe, which automates the process of vitrifying oocytes (eggs) to improve accessibility and reduce costs associated with in-vitro fertilization (IVF). By streamlining the preparation and freezing of eggs, the device aims to minimize the need for expensive equipment and highly trained personnel in embryology labs. The goal is to make fertility preservation and IVF treatments more accessible to couples who may currently face barriers due to high costs and limited availability of services.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower the costs of IVF treatments and make fertility preservation more accessible to a larger number of couples.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in automating processes in embryology, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in fertility treatments.
Where this research is happening
-
Autoivf, INC.
Natick, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ozkumur, Ismail Emre — Autoivf, INC.
- Study coordinator: Ozkumur, Ismail Emre
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.