New Study Investigates Use of PGD's Role in Reducing Multiple Birth Rates in U.S. While Increasing Pregnancy Success Rates by Implanting 'Healthiest' Embryo

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 22, 2004--Study Expected to Advance Recent Findings Reported in New England Journal of Medicine, Study Supports Guidelines Recommended by President's Council on Bioethics

    WHAT:   On the heels of a new study published last week in the New
            England Journal of Medicine noting a nationwide reduction
            in the occurrence of multiple births in women undergoing
            In-vitro Fertilization (IVF), a grant for a new study by
            GENESIS Network for Reproductive Health has been
            announced. The study falls inline with the President's
            Council on Bioethics recommendations to limit the number 
            of embryos transferred. Led by GENESIS Network, a group of
            leading independents fertility specialists, the study will
            soon be underway that is expected to advance the recent
            findings and increase pregnancy success rates by
            implanting the healthiest embryo(s).

            The study, entitled "Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis as
            a Tool to Lower Multifetal Pregnancy Rates," is the
            world's first study established to investigate the role
            that Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) combined with
            in-vitro fertilization (IVF), will play in reducing the
            occurrence of multiple births (multifetal pregnancies)
            while increasing pregnancy success rates.

            PGD is a therapeutic and genetic testing tool that aids
            in the IVF process by screening for abnormal chromosomes
            or genetic defects in embryos before implantation. It is
            speculated that PGD will aid in increasing pregnancy
            success by analyzing and implanting only the healthiest
            two or less embryos in the woman while serving to reduce
            the occurrence of multiple births.

    WHY:    Recent news reports have shed light on the subject of
            multiple births. Dr. Werlin's upcoming study as well as
            his role as a leading researcher, makes him ideally suited
            to comment on:

            --  Current research and findings as illustrated by the
                New England Journal of Medicine
            --  How the study will complement guidelines put forward
                by the President's Council on Bioethics to limit the
                number of embryos transferred
            --  The role that PGD will play in minimizing multiple
                birth rates while increasing pregnancy success rates
            --  New advancements for the next stage in reproductive
                research and factors such as the possibility of an
                increase in insurance coverage for fertility
                treatments

            "Recent findings have illustrated the advancements made
            in the last 25 years of IVF; PGD is one of the next
            milestones whose true potential is now being tapped into,"
            Dr. Werlin said. "PGD is an important factor to
            analyze in the reduction of multiple births as it is
            designed to analyze through advanced technology which
            embryos are the healthiest and likely to lead to a
            successful pregnancy. In some cases, embryos analyzed
            without PGD have appeared healthy, only to show later
            that they had an abnormality."

    WHO:    Dr. Lawrence Werlin is a leading researcher and co-founder
            of GENESIS Network for Reproductive Health. Last year, Dr.
            Werlin validated PGD as a therapeutic and genetic testing
            tool that allows for the transfer of healthy embryos back
            to the uterus. Dr. Werlin is the founder of Coastal
            Fertility Medical Center and a noted international
            authority on the uses and study of PGD. For additional
            information on the study or to request an interview,
            please contact Christine Welch, 714-573-2744 or
            [e-mail]

“Recent findings have illustrated the advancements made in the last 25 years of IVF; PGD is one of the next milestones whose true potential is now being tapped into”