Memphasys ambassador meets our market champions
The first major global commercial agreement to sell and distribute the FelixTM sperm separation device, the new infertility treatment innovated by Memphasys, is well underway in Japan, with many signs of significant early success.
For a hands-on update across the very latest news on the FelixTM journey in Japan, Associate Professor Hassan Bakos, Director of Operations for Memphasys, went out there to meet our partners, Vitrolife Japan KK, and check in on how we’re helping Japanese families.
We met Hassan fresh off the plane and asked him all about it.
Q:
How did you get involved with FelixTM?
A:
I was working with Felix on the other side at first, in a clinical context and contributed to its development, helping with the design of the clinical trial. I then I fell in love with the device because of how well it worked.
Q:
Was there any personal interest or passion that got you into the infertility space?
A:
Way back when I was a second-year university student, there was an overhead slide shown by one of my old university Professors detailing the process of fertilization. And I went, wow, this is the beginning of life and how it works. How a human being starts to become a human being, if you like.
I was obsessed with the whole biology of it.
Q:
When you’re explaining FelixTM to the general public and other stakeholders, how do you describe the tangible difference it makes compared to other infertility treatments?
A:
Firstly there’s the scientific findings, which are easy to explain. We’ve shown through in vitro studies that, at least compared to DCG (density gradient centrifugation), the Felix treatment results in better DNA quality. So that’s the scientific piece. Secondly, there’s the efficiency piece, Felix takes only six minutes as opposed to at least 45 minutes with other treatments.
The biggest thing from my perspective is that Felix reduces the risk of error, because there are less steps involved and therefore less opportunity for a mix-up in the lab.
Q:
FelixTM is available in a number of early access countries. What’s special about Japan?
A:
Japan is in the top three infertility markets worldwide. Japan is our number one market, thanks to our agreement with Vitrolife to sell the device there commercially.
Q:
Can you tell us a bit more about the Japanese stakeholders. Who did you see while you were there?
A:
Our host was Vitrolife, and together we launched the Felix device in Japan at the Japanese Society for Reproductive Medicine Conference. Vitrolife is our distributor and profiled the Felix device.
We got to meet skey clinical opinion leaders in Japan including some of our key collaborators who use the device commercially already. There were many opportunities to discuss the benefits of the Felix device and its advantages over current treatment modalities.
Q:
What feedback did those stakeholders give you about the FelixTM device?
A:
It’s been all positive, very complimentary of the device in terms of its efficiency. The people who use it like it. Once they start using it, they love using it and they want to continue using it because they can see the advantages over other methods. The low risk, the fewer steps, the faster process and the better-quality DNA, all of that. WHat is even more exciting is that early indications from some of our key opinion leaders show that Felix may also have an advantage clinically in terms of embryo development.
Q:
Why do you think the Japanese culture has early-adopted the FelixTM device?
A:
Great question. Yeah, as well as the great food, and the incredibly friendly and helpful nature, there is a culture of embracing new technology in Japan. Everything is automated and efficient, and I think the Felix device just fits into that culture very well.
Q:
What’s next in the plan for FelixTM in Japan?
A:
We’re considering a range of events in Japan, including at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo, with a view to reaching more prominent clinicians and scientists and showing them that we have the Australian Government’s support behind us.
In collaboration with Vitrolife, we’re also focussing on partnerships with the Japanese Society of Fertilisation and Implantation, and the International Society for In Vitro Fertilization.
Q:
What’s next for FelixTM globally?
A:
Felix™ is just the beginning of our long-term solution for the delivery of best practice in reproductive health around the world. One look at the Memphasys product development pipeline over the next few years, which includes a range of reproductive solutions is a clear proof that there are very exciting times ahead.