S&R-001 - [Funding] Ovom Care

[Expedited Voting: If approved, we'll have to sign the agreement with Ovom Care in the presence of a notary in Germany (German law requires a notarized document in person or a very long process). This week, some members of the AthenaDAO team are in Berlin for a Molecule event. Due to this, we are expediting the process to ensure we can sign the agreement while here.]

Overview: Ovom Care's application to AthenaDAO's Call for Submissions, focusing on Ovarian Aging, has successfully passed through various stages of review. Both the Science & Dealflow and Senior Reviewers recommend funding the project.

Below are project details and feedback from Senior Reviewers.

Project Information: Funding Proposal Type: Funding Project Title: Ovom Care Short Synopsis: Ovom Care aims to revolutionize patients’ fertility journey by bringing together tech, fertility specialists, the power of AI, and cutting-edge research. Therapeutic Area: Fertility, Reproductive Health, Assisted Reproduction Research Lead: Dr Lynae Brayboy Institution: Ovom Care Clinical Stage: Operational

Project Summary: Ovom Care stands at the forefront of revolutionizing fertility care through the integration of cutting-edge technology and AI, enhancing the efficiency and personalization of fertility treatments. This technological advancement is further exemplified by their proprietary technology for oocyte quality assessment, focusing on mitochondrial viability, a key indicator of oocyte health. Their commitment to expanding access to specialized services is evident in their comprehensive range of fertility solutions, which includes assessments, preservation options, treatments, LGBTQIA+ options, and donor services, catering to the diverse needs of their clients.

With a team of world-class experts in embryology, IVF research, and patient care, Ovom Care ensures top-tier fertility services. They blend digital and physical support seamlessly, offering a digital ecosystem that includes a Fertility Companion App to support patients throughout their journey. This is complemented by hands-on care at partner clinics, ensuring a holistic approach to fertility treatment.

The patient-centric approach of Ovom Care focuses on comfort, transparency, and personalized care, enhancing the overall patient experience during the fertility journey. Financial accessibility is also a cornerstone of their model, with success-based and per-cycle pricing models that offer transparency and flexibility, including financing options to ease the financial burden on patients.

Their state-of-the-art facilities feature the latest in embryology and andrology technology, providing optimal conditions for reproductive procedures. Ovom Care's global reach extends to various regions, including the UK, Greece, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, UAE, Kuwait, and the US, with plans for further expansion. Moreover, their commitment to continuous care extends beyond the success of fertility treatments, offering ongoing reproductive care to support patients in every step of their journey towards parenthood.

IP Status: NA

Problem: The problem being addressed by Ovom Care is multifaceted, revolving around the challenges in the current landscape of fertility care:

• Technological Limitations: Existing fertility services may not fully leverage the latest technological advancements, such as AI, for improved outcomes. Ovom Care will make a difference here.
• Financial Constraints: The high cost of fertility treatments and lack of transparent pricing models can be significant barriers for many.
• Patient Experience: The fertility journey can be emotionally and physically taxing, with many clinics not providing adequate support and empathy.
• Lack of Personalization: Traditional fertility treatments often follow a one-size-fits-all approach, which may not be effective for everyone.
• Access and Convenience: Difficulty in accessing comprehensive fertility services, especially for diverse groups like LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Solution: The solution provided by Ovom Care addresses these issues and encompasses several key elements:

• Advanced Technology Integration: Utilizing AI and cutting-edge research to personalize and enhance the effectiveness of fertility treatments.
• Comprehensive Service Range: Offering a wide array of services, including fertility assessments, preservation options, various treatment methods, and donor services, to cater to different needs.
• Patient-Centric Care: Emphasizing a compassionate and personalized approach to care, ensuring that patients feel supported and understood throughout their journey.
• Digital and Physical Accessibility: Implementing a digital ecosystem for easy access to information and support, complemented by physical care at well-equipped partner clinics.
• Financial Accessibility and Transparency: Introducing innovative pricing models like success-based and per-cycle pricing, making treatments more financially accessible and reducing the burden of uncertainty in costs.
• Global Accessibility: Expanding services to multiple regions, making it easier for patients from different parts of the world to access top-tier fertility care.

In essence, Ovom Care's solution is to provide a more personalized, technologically advanced, accessible, and empathetic approach to fertility care, addressing the gaps and challenges in the current fertility healthcare system.

Timeline: ongoing

Team:

Dr. Lynae Brayboy: As the Chief Medical Officer and an IVF Researcher, Dr. Brayboy plays a crucial role in overseeing the medical aspects of Ovom Care. Her expertise in reproductive medicine and research ensures that the clinic stays at the forefront of scientific advancements. Her previous work experience includes being the Chief Medical Officer of Clue.

Felicia von Reden: The Chief Executive Officer and a Patient Care Expert, Felicia is responsible for the overall strategic direction and operation of Ovom Care, ensuring a focus on patient-centric care and effective service delivery.

Dr. Cristina Hickman: Serving as a Clinical Embryologist and IVF Consultant, Cristina brings a wealth of knowledge in embryology and in vitro fertilization, contributing significantly to the technical and clinical aspects of fertility treatments.

Dr. Ahmed Amer: A Senior Embryologist and Medical Engineer, Ahmed contributes his expertise in both the biological and engineering aspects of reproductive technology, providing a unique perspective on integrating technology in fertility treatments.

Dr. Lisa Stradiotto: Serving as the Medical Director and a Fertility Specialist, Lisa oversees the medical services at Ovom Care, ensuring high standards of care and treatment effectiveness.

Dr. Rami Wakim: As a Clinical Director and Fertility Consultant, Rami is instrumental in providing clinical guidance and consulting services, bringing a wealth of experience in patient care and fertility treatments.

Budget: $65,000 Budget Currency: USD

Highlights:

• Integration of AI and Technology: Ovom Care leverages AI and cutting-edge technology in fertility treatments, potentially enhancing success rates and personalizing care.
• Comprehensive Service Range: Offers a wide spectrum of services, including fertility assessments, preservation, various fertility treatments, LGBTQIA+ options, and donor services.
• Expert Team: The team comprises world-class professionals in embryology, IVF research, and patient care, ensuring high-quality services.
• Patient-Centric Approach: Focuses on personalized and empathetic care, aiming to improve the overall patient experience in fertility treatment.
• Digital Ecosystem: The use of a digital Fertility Companion App enhances patient engagement, information access, and communication with healthcare providers.
• Innovative Pricing Models: Introduces success-based and per-cycle pricing, offering financial transparency and potentially reducing the economic burden on patients.
• Global Accessibility: Services are available in multiple regions, making it accessible to a wider range of patients.

Risks:

• Financial Viability: Success-based pricing, while beneficial for patients, might pose financial risks for the organization, especially in cases of high treatment success rates.
• Complexity of Treatments: Fertility treatments can be inherently complex and unpredictable, with no guarantee of success, despite technological advancements.
• Regulatory Compliance: As a global service provider, Ovom Care must navigate varying regulations in different countries, which can be complex and challenging.
• Market Competition: The fertility care sector is highly competitive, and maintaining a competitive edge requires constant innovation and adaptation.

Senior Review Digest

Reviewer information: VC, Biotech, Academia

Qualitative assessment: The reviewers provided a generally positive assessment of Ovom Care's application, expressing support for its progression. However, they also raised several concerns and questions that need addressing:

• Clarity on Commercialization: There's a need for clearer understanding of what aspects (services, technology, clinics) will be commercialized and the specifics of the revenue plan in relation to development costs.
• Market Penetration and Improvement Rate: Concerns about challenges in market penetration, particularly if improvements over current methodologies are marginal and require significant clinic investments.
• Technology Optimization for Human Oocytes: The novel concept of live imaging for oocyte quality assessment is promising but requires further optimization, especially for human immature oocytes.
• Assessment Techniques and Effects: Questions regarding the assessment of mitochondrial dysfunction beyond nanomotion, and the potential effects of the technology on oocyte quality and viability.
• Data on Mice vs. Human Oocytes: Current data is based on mice oocytes; testing on human IVF oocytes would add more value.