Don’t miss this insightful Q&A with our specialist fertility partner in Japan
As the first major global commercial agreement to sell and distribute the FelixTM sperm separation device goes from strength to strength in Japan, Memphasys Director of Operations, A/Prof Hassan Bakos travelled out there recently to meet our specialist partners on the ground, Vitrolife Japan KK.
One of many highlights of Hassan’s trip was getting to ask Dr. Tomomoto Ishikawa, esteemed clinician specialising in Reproductive Urology, Andrology, and Infertility, about his experience of the FelixTM device so far and how he sees the future of infertility treatment evolving. Dr. Ishikawa has contributed to a number of peer reviewed research papers while affiliated with Kobe University Hospital and other places, and is currently working with the ① Reproduction Clinic Tokyo & Osaka.
A/Prof. Bakos: Dr. Ishikawa, as you may know, the agreement between Memphasys, the Australian innovator of the FelixTM device, with Vitrolife Japan KK to sell and distribute the FelixTM device in Japan was the first such major global commercial agreement for Memphasys. This also makes Japan a true early-adopter of this technology. Could you please share with us how you first became aware of the FelixTM device?
Dr. Ishikawa: We were approached by Memphasys in ②2019 to see if we were interested in evaluating this technology. Given that we always try to keep up to date with evaluating the latest technology in the field, and our interest in male infertility in particular, we thought that it was a good idea to look into the FelixTM technology.
A/Prof. Bakos: You started, with in vitro testing and most recently you have used it to make embryos. What is the FelixTM device’s impact both on patient outcomes and also on operations within your your clinics?
Dr. Ishikawa: Our research is still on-going. What can be said, however, is that the quick turnaround time for FelixTM is helping our workflow in the lab and results are certainly not compromised.
A/Prof. Bakos: We understand that you plan to incorporate the FelixTM device into your day-to-day treatments soon. Could you please explain why have you decided to make this change?
Dr. Ishikawa: We see the ease of use and time to process samples as two of the major advantages of the FelixTM technology. We are still evaluating the clinical outcome but so far it seems that sperm and subsequent embryo outcomes are good.
A/Prof. Bakos: Following in the footsteps of early access countries such as Japan, Canada and New Zealand, and countries like Australia which is currently undertaking clinical trials for subsequent commercial sale approval, what message about your experiences would you have for the people of countries which have not yet begun the process of evaluating the FelixTM device?
Dr. Ishikawa: The technology is very easy to implement in the lab. Since processing samples is quick, it also means there’s a more secure workflow, with less potential for mistakes.
A/Prof. Bakos: What do you most hope for regarding the reproductive technologies of tomorrow? In your expert view, what are the most important next medical issues to solve to successfully treat infertility?
Dr. Ishikawa: To date, male factors in infertility seem to be ignored. Selection of the healthiest, best-performing sperm, with the lowest possible DNA fragmentation, is of paramount importance. . This is a major future focus, and the FelixTM device is certainly assisting us in that journey.
Everyone at Memphasys is extremely grateful to Dr Ishikawa for his time and insights, and we’re very much looking forward to working with Vitrolife Japan KK as a deeply valued partner on our mission to deliver best practice reproductive health around the world.