Yvonne Lundberg Giwercman, Professor at Lund University, Clinical Research Center, Malmö
We have interviewed Yvonne Lundberg Giwercman about her research. Yvonne is the principal investigator for one of the seven innovation projects in the ReproUnion Platform for Driving Reproductive Health, for its high potential to bring an invention forward.
The goal of the project is to develop an efficient, cheap, and simple method to be able to predict optimal hormone treatment for women who are to undergo assisted reproduction or egg donation.
Tell us what has happened?
We have further developed a previously described technique for genotyping parasites and bacteria to also work for detecting a gene variant in human DNA. This will guide the selection of which type of hormone to be used in ovarian hyperstimulation of women undergoing assisted reproduction or egg donation.
How far are you in the process?
We have applied for an international patent regarding the product, and currently, the method is being fine-tuned.
What happens next?
The product will be prospectively tested on women undergoing assisted reproduction. This will take place during the autumn of 2024.
Who has helped you in this process?
Lund University’s innovation department (LU Innovation) initially assisted with a patent application and a market analysis. Subsequently, in partnership with Lund University’s investment company – LU Holding – I have formed a company. Within the framework of that collaboration, I continue to receive support with, among other things, all regulatory aspects involved before we have a finished product ready for the market. I also have my fantastic research group to thank for how far we have come.
What is your recommendation to colleagues in ReproUnion who are curious about advancing an innovation?
Reach out to the actors within your own organization and start a discussion about the opportunities available! This will prepare and help you to decide on how you can and want to move forward.
What impact will this innovation have for couples undergoing fertility treatment?
The hope is that more couples will succeed with the treatment on the first attempt, and have their much longed for baby, and avoid going through repeated, exhausting hormone stimulations.
What has the ReproUnion collaboration meant for your innovation journey?
All current collaboration partners, including LU Innovation and LU Holding, are part of the ReproUnion collaboration, and therefore have played a crucial role in the ongoing procedure of taking the invention to market. Previous grants within the consortium have made it possible to conduct clinical studies and generate the results that later became the foundation for the idea behind this innovation. Beyond that, the RU collaboration has also been valuable for establishing contacts and networks, especially for the younger members of my research group.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
After many years of research, finally being able to create a product that can benefit patients is incredibly satisfying. The practical help and support I receive from LU Innovation and LU Holding are vital in that process. It’s like running a marathon as a team, and while we are not at the finish line yet, it’s also a fantastic and enjoyable race -I wouldn’t want to undo it.