For many undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), the process is marked by intense emotional swings. Hope and joy can quickly turn to despair, a pattern particularly common for women over 35, when IVF success rates decline significantly. Now, research presented at the Fertility 2026 conference in Edinburgh suggests a potential breakthrough in addressing a core cause of age-related infertility: egg quality.
Reversing Age-Related Egg Defects
Scientists at a leading lab in Germany have announced progress in reversing a common age-related defect in human eggs. Dr. Agata Zielinska, co-CEO of Ovo Labs, stated, “Currently there are no methods for improving the ageing egg. It is a very large unmet need.” The team believes this could be the “first-in-class solution for improving egg quality.”
The research centers on a protein called Shugoshin 1, which acts as a binding agent for the egg’s chromosomes. As eggs age, they produce less of this protein, causing chromosomes to become unstable and potentially leading to embryos with an incorrect number of chromosomes. These embryos may initially appear viable, only to fail later in development – a phenomenon described as an “IVF rollercoaster” by Dr. Güneş Taylor of the University of Edinburgh.
Supplementing eggs with Shugoshin 1 in laboratory settings reduced the occurrence of this chromosome defect by almost half, suggesting a potential window for intervention during IVF treatment, between egg harvesting and fertilization.
What’s Next?
Ovo Labs aims to reduce the time it takes for women to achieve successful conception, potentially allowing more women to conceive within a single IVF attempt. However, the research remains experimental and requires years of further testing to confirm its safety and efficacy. The team has not provided a timeline for potential clinical application, acknowledging that it could take “a couple of years, five years or a decade.”
Professor Richard Anderson, head of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Edinburgh, who was not involved in the research, noted the results have “great potential for improving IVF success rates,” while emphasizing the need for further clinical trials and safety assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current success rate of IVF for different age groups?
According to the most recent figures from UK clinics, women under 35 have an average birth rate of 35% for each embryo transferred, while women aged 43-44 have a birth rate of just 5%.
What role does egg age play in IVF success?
The age of the egg, not the woman, is the most significant factor in IVF success. Using younger donor eggs or frozen eggs from a younger age dramatically improves success rates, regardless of the woman’s age.
What is Shugoshin 1 and why is it important?
Shugoshin 1 is a protein that acts as a “glue” to keep the egg’s chromosomes neatly paired. As eggs age, they produce less of this protein, leading to chromosome instability and a higher risk of failed IVF cycles.
Given the emotional and physical toll of IVF, could a potential improvement in egg quality offer renewed hope for individuals and couples navigating the challenges of infertility?
