Shanghai, China, 14 March 2022 —Shanghai Horizon Medical Co., Ltd. (HorizonMedical™) has announced that they have obtained medical device registration approval from Zhejiang Provincial Drug Administration for its independently developed CryoX™ Vitrification Device (CryoX™). Suitable for oocytes and embryos vitrification, CryoX™ is HorizonMedical™’s first approved product in the field of cryopreservation for assisted reproduction.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about one in every seven couples have fertility issues and infertility is an increasing problem in China. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) uses artificial insemination (AI), in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), and derivative technologies to help infertile couples achieve a viable pregnancy. As a widely used technique in the field of assisted reproduction, cryopreservation is the process of lowering the physiological temperature of sperm, oocytes, and embryos and storing them at a low temperature to prevent cell metabolism and energy depletion. When sperm, oocytes, or embryos are needed, they are thawed to their physiological temperature. Vitrification is a cutting-edge technique for preserving oocytes and embryos. It features ultra-rapid freezing, which limits the formation of ice crystals during the freezing process, thereby preventing damage to cells and tissues, which helps to improve oocyte recovery and embryo transfer success rates.
Designed for vitrification in ART, the independently developed HorizonMedical™ CryoX™ vitrification device consists of a carrier, a handle, and a protective sleeve. CryoX™'s transparent carrier has good mechanical performance in ultra-low temperatures, and improves oocyte and embryo visibility, making it easier for embryologists to find the oocyte or embryo on the carrier. The multi-color handle allows the doctor to readily locate and indentify samples, making it suitable for a variety of clinical applications.
“Vitrification techniques for oocytes and embryos are an essential part of assisted reproduction as they enable future in vitro fertilization or embryo transfer at the appropriate time.” Said Dr. Guo Zong, General Manager of HorizonMedical™ commented “Previously, HorizonMedical™ has received market approval for its ovum aspiration needle, embryo transfer catheter and intrauterine insemination catheter. The approval of CryoX™ vitrification device will further expand the company's product line and provide a more comprehensive solution for doctors and families in need. In the future, HorizonMedical™ will accelerate the integration of resources and continue to invest in research and development as well as product innovation to provide more accessible and complete medical solutions for assisted reproduction.”
About HorizonMedical™
HorizonMedical™ is a subsidiary of MicroPort Scientific Corporation (MicroPort®, 00853.HK). Founded in November 2018, HorizonMedical™ is focused on medical solutions in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Its business covers the R&D, manufacturing, marketing, and technical support of products at every step of the ART treatment process, including egg and sperm collection, fertilization, embryo culture, cryopreservation, and embryo transfer. HorizonMedical™ has established strong relationships and collaborations with many well-known IVF centers and universities across China, and it continues to engage with doctors and engineers to research and develop innovative products, to create a sound and open environment for innovation, and accelerate the commercialization and application of innovative medical products in the field of ART.