Startups Develop New Fertility Treatments for Egg Health
Researchers are testing molecules and proteins to reduce chromosomal defects in human eggs during development.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Women’s Health
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New fertility research presented at a medical conference shows promise in reducing chromosomal abnormalities that frequently impact older patients. Startups are utilizing proteins and enzymes to stabilize egg cells during maturation.
Why it matters
Aging is linked to a decline in cohesin, which causes chromosome misalignment in eggs and leads to fertility challenges. These new treatments aim to mitigate these effects by preserving structural proteins during egg cell maturation.
In women over 40, 50% of oocytes have an incorrect number of chromosomes compared to 20% in women in their 20s. Treatment with U-Ploid Biotechnologies' Lyvanta resulted in 66% of human eggs maturing without errors.
The players
Ovo Labs
This startup is developing the EmbryoProtect 1 treatment, which is designed to preserve cohesin levels in egg cells.
U-Ploid Biotechnologies
Based in Oxford, this company developed the Lyvanta molecule to inhibit the enzyme separase and prevent chromosomal errors.
The details
Ovo Labs is developing a treatment called EmbryoProtect 1, which involves injecting a protein to prevent the decay of cohesin. Meanwhile, U-Ploid Biotechnologies uses a molecule called Lyvanta to slow the enzyme separase, which otherwise cleaves Shugoshin 1 to cause defects.
Timeline
2018: 40% of women seeking fertility treatment were over 38.
2023: One in six British fertility patients were over 40.
January 2025: Ovo Labs was founded.
October 26, 2026: The research was presented at a reproductive medicine conference in Baltimore.
November 5, 2026: Expected publication of engineered cohesin results.
Health Landscape
These findings contribute to the growing field of reproductive science focused on cohesin-mediated chromosome alignment. The research marks a departure from traditional IVF methods by targeting the molecular causes of oocyte decay rather than just facilitating fertilization.
These experimental treatments may eventually offer new options for patients struggling with age-related fertility decline. However, as the treatments are still in the developmental phase, patients currently rely on standard clinical practices for managing chromosomal risks.
The takeaway
These breakthroughs highlight the potential to treat the underlying biological drivers of infertility rather than simply managing symptoms. Patients should continue consulting with fertility specialists to understand current evidence-based options available for their unique reproductive goals.
What happens next
Ovo Labs is scheduled to release results regarding their engineered cohesin treatment on November 5, 2026.
Further reading
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