Vitrolife, ParentPlus enter collaboration to develop new products for IUI

“If we can develop IUI treatment in the same way as we have contributed to development within IVF, Vitrolife will have a unique position with regard to effect and quality within fertility treatment”

Vitrolife (STO:VITR) is entering into a collaboration agreement with ParentPlus LLC, with the aim of developing new products for IUI (Intra-Uterine Insemination, artificial insemination).

In many countries IUI treatment is a requirement before IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) treatment can begin. It is estimated that there is a market for between 4-6 million treatments a year, with a market value of SEK 1-2 billion. IUI, "artificial insemination", is a process where the sperm are prepared by separating them from the seminal fluid and then injecting them so that a high concentration of active and mobile sperm are introduced directly through the cervix into the uterus and the fallopian tubes, where fertilization of the egg takes place. The method is simple and cost-effective and more or less doubles the chances of getting pregnant compared with intercourse during the estimated ovulation period, but it has limitations concerning which groups the treatment works for.

"The reason that we are now choosing to try to develop products for this part of the infertility market, which Vitrolife has previously not actively processed, is that we see opportunities to be able to increase the value of IUI within assisted fertilization through more effective treatment. The very number of treatments in itself constitutes a great business opportunity," says Tony Winslöf, Director of Business Development at Vitrolife.

"If we can develop IUI treatment in the same way as we have contributed to development within IVF, Vitrolife will have a unique position with regard to effect and quality within fertility treatment," says Magnus Nilsson, CEO at Vitrolife.

Gothenburg, November 11, 2011

VITROLIFE AB (publ)

Magnus Nilsson

CEO

Source Vitrolife AB