Merck Serono agrees licensing deal for embryo viability test

Merck Serono has signed an exclusive license agreement with Auxogyn for the commercialisation of the Early Embryo Viability Assessment (Eeva) Test.

Under the terms of the new deal, Merck Serono will obtain exclusive rights to commercialise the Eeva Test in Europe and Canada, with the option to extend the arrangement to additional selected countries and regions.

The product received European CE Mark approval in 2012 and is a non-invasive diagnostic test used adjunctively to traditional morphology. It utilises time-lapse imaging and computer software to analyse embryo development.

It provides reproductive endocrinologists and embryologists with objective information that can help to assess embryo development and viability, leading to better in vitro fertilisation patient outcomes.

Dorothea Wenzel, head of the global fertility business franchise at Merck Serono, said: "This new agreement further underscores our commitment as a leader in fertility treatment to develop innovative science, medicines and technologies that have the power to improve outcomes for patients throughout the in vitro fertilisation process."

This comes after the company also recently announced that it will be allying with Pfizer and the Broad Institute on new research into the genetic causes of lupus.