New Frontiers in Fertility: A Shift in Reproductive Technology

A company is challenging the notion that biology should dictate who can become a parent.

This organization claims it has taken steps to make that vision a reality.

Fertility innovator Conception revealed last week that it has accomplished a feat previously only achieved in mice: the creation of early human egg cells.

According to Conception’s website, “Biology limits who can have children and when. With birth rates decreasing globally, the availability of eggs is diminishing, and medical restrictions may entirely hinder fertility.”

In response to these challenges, Conception asserts it has “generated the first early human egg derived from stem cells.”

CEO Matt Krisiloff mentioned that a simple blood draw allowed his team to convert blood cells into stem cells and then “coax” those into “miniature human ovaries containing nascent eggs.”

Krisiloff is open about his motivations. In a 2023 interview, he explicitly stated his commitment to enabling biological children for same-sex couples. “My biggest concern is the opportunity for same-sex couples to have biological children,” he remarked. “Yes, I’m gay, and that’s what initially piqued my interest.”

Conception refers to its method as “in vitro gametogenesis,” and believes it represents a “significant advance” in reproductive science.

This announcement follows a successful experiment in 2016, in which viable eggs were created from mouse stem cells. Co-researcher Katsuhiko Hayashi demonstrated that mouse skin cells can transform into stem cells that have the potential to create any cell type, including usable eggs.

“These eggs led to healthy pups that lived normal lifespans, bred naturally, and produced healthy offspring of their own,” Conception reported.

The company notes that while this process is easier in mice, they consider it worthwhile to pursue similar technology in humans.

Details about their experiments with other animals remain undisclosed.

Conception has secured financial support from various notable investors, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Skype founder Jaan Tallinn, contributing to a substantial $20 million funding round last year.

Co-founders Pablo Hurtado Gonzalez and Bianka Seres have shared their thoughts on this initiative. “There’s something deeply meaningful about creating a life that’s part of me and part of my partner,” Hurtado Gonzalez expressed. “At present, that isn’t possible for me, and I’m committed to changing that,” he added. Seres described the project as likely having a considerable worldwide impact, stating, “I think it will change lives for individuals.”