The first child conceived with the help of an unusual conception technology was born (3 photos)

An innovative fertilization technique that uses stem cells to help an embryo mature outside the body has led to the birth of the world's first living human. Gameto, the company behind the method, claims it is faster, safer and more affordable than conventional IVF.





Since the birth of the world's first "test tube baby" in 1978, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has helped millions of people around the world overcome fertility issues and become parents. But while the procedure aims to bring joy into the world, it also has its downsides.

A new fertilization technique developed by Gameto, a company dedicated to improving women's reproductive health, is an alternative to traditional IVF and, according to the company, has fewer downsides. In fact, the first live baby conceived using the method, called Fertilo, was recently born.



IVF does have some downsides. As with most things in life, there are no guarantees; IVF does not guarantee a baby. There is a risk of multiple pregnancies, which carries its own risks. Also, the injections of the necessary hormones can cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, in which the ovaries become swollen and painful. Couples experience physical and emotional stress associated with regular check-ups, injections, and the constant question of “Am I pregnant?” On top of that, IVF is an expensive procedure.



The Fertilo procedure differs from traditional IVF in that it uses ovarian support cells (OSCs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and co-cultures them with an immature egg to mimic the natural process of egg maturation in the lab. A 2023 study found that this method significantly improved egg maturation and embryo formation. The authors of this method say that the Fertilo procedure allows to avoid 80% of hormone injections required in traditional IVF and reduces the duration of the “treatment” cycle to three days.