Memphasys Reproductive Biotechnology

Memphasys (ASX: MEM) is an Australian-based bio-separations company developing the Felix device – a unique device for quickly separating high quality sperm from a semen sample for use in human IVF procedures. Globally, human fertility rates are in decline and technologies such as IVF are increasingly common, with the industry anticipated to be valued in excess of US$26 billion by 2026. However, the process is inefficient with an average of 2.2 IVF cycles required for success and patients are also at risk of increased potential for miscarriage or genetic impairment. Current methods for sperm cell preparation such as Swim-Up and Density Gradient Centrifugation (DGC) have not changed substantially since the advent of IVF in the 1970’s and 80’s and are costly, time-intensive and require manual labour. The Felix device represents a new approach to selecting the best cells and has been developed in partnership with world renowned fertility expert Professor John Aitken. The process is non-invasive, fully-automated, can be completed within 6 minutes and increases the likelihood of a pregnancy with a healthy baby. In order to deliver these impressive results, the Felix device uses a technology known as electrophoresis, applying a gentle electrical force through a cartridge containing a semen sample. The best quality cells are attracted to the negative charge and a series of polymer membranes help separate debris, such as dead cells, white blood cells and irregular shaped sperm. Following the six-minute process the best cells have been separated and can be used for the IVF process. Memphasys is in the process of commercialising the Felix device with sales anticipated in mid-late 2020 in a series of early access markets, such as Japan, India, Canada and New Zealand. The Company is also investigating the potential of using the Felix device technology on animal cells, including equine, bovine and ovine samples.