Ravata

May 2022 Ravata Newsletter

Introduction

Thank you for reading Ravata’s monthly newsletter where we aim to keep our friends, customers, and collaborators informed of Ravata’s news.  In this issue, we will cover transgenic, bovine, and human embryo selection needs. 

Join our newsletter mailing list for updates here!

Product News - Bovine and Human Bio-Chip

Ravata’s most recent bio-chip comes from input taken directly from the Assisted Reproduction Market Survey we’ve been so passionately soliciting responses for. The purpose of this innovative design is to enable the electrical labeling of single cells from a single donor and allow each embryo to be isolated after analysis. 

The bio-chip uses the same electrical impedance spectroscopy and pneumatics platform as our flagship cell sorter and is now entering production. It will be available for first adopters and partners this summer! In contrast to our cell sorter platform which processes 500 zygotes in 15 minutes, the Bovine and Human Bio-Chip will allow us to process 8 blastocysts immediately before the transfer and provide transfer technicians with cell-specific data on each blastocyst. Our first validation will be in the automation of morphological grading for consistency of assessment across technicians and IVF labs. With this platform complete we will be able to launch a commercial product in the bovine industry and begin collecting data on human embryos with our partner IVF clinics. 

Please visit our website to contact us for more information regarding specs and purchasing options.

Transgenic Mouse Models Feedback

In June of 2021 Ravata was funded by the NIH to produce a system that would determine viable and non-viable embryos on Day 1. As we come to the completion of our research we have begun to survey NIH funded labs for their perceived value. In total, we have reached out to 78 different laboratories with 50% of respondents performing 4 or more days of embryo transfers a week. Furthermore, 60% of respondents see the value of the system and the main concern for them is the cost which was not defined. In terms of other key findings: 

• Facilities that have greater volumes or difficulty finding staff are more likely to respond positively to an automated system

• Locating and hiring qualified staff for labs is incredibly difficult. Managers often end up training new hires themselves!

• >90% of survey respondents are in some way NIH funded

With an annual increase of 5% for biomedical research through the NIH, the creation and evaluation of transgenic models of human disease are on the rise and labs are struggling to find qualified individuals. The niche for cell sorters is broadening and can greatly alleviate the strain on busy labs.

National Infertility Awareness Week 

In 1989, National Infertility Awareness Week was founded by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association with the goal of bringing infertility conversations into a positive light. Currently, infertility affects 10-15% of the American population, it is one of the most prevalent but misunderstood medical conditions. 

Struggles with infertility are an immense burden, but with the support of friends, family, and the scientific community, there are ways to get assistance. Together, we can help spread the truth about infertility struggles.

WE STILL NEED HELP!

We are surveying the assisted reproduction landscape to identify the needs of embryologists, lab techs, and directors nationwide regardless of the mammalian species they work with.

Please help us gain traction in this endeavor by forwarding our survey to anyone you believe fits the demographic. Survey results will be shared with respondents and via newsletter!

Regards,

Ravata Team