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Patent brings possible new fertility treatment closer to reality
March 16, 2016
Drs.
Johné Liu
and Yong Tao have been granted a
U.S. patent
for a novel experimental approach that has the potential to reduce the risk of women producing eggs with the incorrect number of chromosomes. This condition affects about 10-30 percent of fertilized human eggs, and is the leading cause of reduced fertility, miscarriages and birth defects. The patent stems from
Dr. Liu’s research on putrescine
, a compound which is naturally produced in animals, particularly during egg cell maturation (when egg cells divide to get ready for ovulation and fertilization). His team has shown that when older, less fertile female mice drink water supplemented with putrescine, they have twice as many babies. While this approach is still being tested in animal models, Dr. Liu hopes to advance to human clinical trials in the future.
About The Ottawa Hospital
The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals with over 1,100 beds, approximately 12,000 staff and an annual budget of over $1.2 billion. Our focus on research and learning helps us develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, we deliver specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but our techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. We engage the community at all levels to support our vision for better patient care.
For further information, please contact
Amelia Buchanan
Senior Communication Specialist
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Office: 613-798-5555 x 73687
Cell: 613-297-8315
ambuchanan@ohri.ca