Generation of viable human embryos in a protein-free embryo culture (ART-7b) medium enhances clinical pregnancy rate and prevents disease transmission in assisted reproduction

Objective: To perform a clinical trial to evaluate human embryos generated in the protein-free medium (PFM).
Materials and methods: The quality of embryos generated in medium with (control; Medi-Cult^TM) and without protein (test; ART-7b) and their viability were compared. Sperm was prepared in control or test media as appropriate. Effect of different antibiotic supplements in the PFM was investigated. The efficacy of the PFM following frozen-storage for 2 years was also determined. Investigations and clinical trial in the human were performed with approval of the hospital management.
Results: The fertilization rate and the quality of embryos (IVF and ICSI) in the test PFM were either statistically higher or similar in comparison to control medium containing protein. The clinical pregnancy rate from embryos generated in the PFM (with +ve fetal heart beat) was 54.7% (52/95) in women 39 years and below. The clinical pregnancy rate from embryos generated in frozen-thawed PFM or that supplemented with different antibiotics was similar to fresh test medium.
Conclusion: An efficacious PFM has been formulated which could be useful in the elimination of transmission of protein-bound pathogens and prions to IVF patients.