Pictured L-R: David T Hansen, Dr Kato, President of Kato Ladies Clinic and Freddy Svane, Danish Ambassador

In conjunction with CooperSurgical Fertility and Genomic Solutions, Japan’s largest IVF hospital—Kato Ladies Clinic, will embark on a new research project that focuses on improving pregnancy rates and the future development of IVF in Japan.

On 27 November, both parties signed an agreement at the Danish Embassy in Tokyo at an event hosted by the Ambassador, Freddy Svane.

The project aims at improving IVF success rates of Japanese patients through trialing a new system, the details of which the two companies hope to make available at a later date. If successful, IVF patients across the country will be offered new treatments and services.

According to an International Committee Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ICMART) report, in 2016, the number of IVF cases in Japan was the highest in 60 developed countries worldwide, surpassing the United States. For the same year, the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG), confirmed the total number of IVF cycles reached 447,790.

“We are very much looking forward to starting this project with Kato Ladies Clinic,” says David T Hansen, President of CooperSurgical Fertility and Genomic Solutions.

“Testing a new IVF solution with the biggest clinic in Japan will create a great opportunity for us to work closely together while tackling important fertility challenges such as lowering miscarriage rates.”

Kato Ladies Clinic has gained popularity in Japan for helping empower patients when they are considering fertility treatment options, reducing mental and physical stress. They have over ten facilities in Japan and have recently set up in China and the Philippines.

CooperSurgical Fertility and Genomic Solutions have been working with clinics in Japan (formerly ORIGIO Japan) since 1999 and employ 35 people in Yokohama and Kobe.