Male infertility is a well-known issue in both developing and developed countries worldwide. It has been a significant concern through the ages and is still a problem today. It varies from region to region and is estimated to affect about 10-15% of couples globally.
The condition is commonly associated with low sperm production, poor sperm motility, abnormal sperm morphology or blockage of sperm transport. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, drugs intake, poor dietary practices, and excessive coffee consumption, health issues such as obesity and psychological stress, and conditions such as the absence of vas deferens, varicocele and epididymis thickening can play a role in causing male infertility.
Other factors causing male infertility include heat stress, lack of sleep, and exposure to heavy metals, electromagnetic radiation, mycotoxins or industrial chemicals. The treatment for male infertility depends on its cause. The treatment can be done via surgery, hormone therapy, assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
The treatment for male infertility witnesses a growing demand due to the increased rates of male infertility worldwide and technological advancements in treatments, which in turn, contribute to the growth of the male infertility market. According to Allied Market Research, the male infertility industry is likely to accrue a sum of $301.5 million by 2020, thereby growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% from 2012 to 2020.
Developments such as acquisitions, partnerships, and launches made by the leading players in the male infertility market lead to market expansion, thereby contributing to the growth of the industry. In May 2018, DNA Diagnostics Center, a leading provider of DNA and paternity testing announced the acquisition of ContraVac, Inc., a developer of male reproductive healthcare products in the U.S. with the aim of gaining access to the latter’s SpermCheck brand of products. In March 2018, Aytu BioScience, Inc., an emerging specialty pharmaceutical company received approval for the marketing of MiOXSYS System for male infertility in Mexico.
In January 2018, Nova IVI Fertility, a leading provider of fertility services launched its new center in Lucknow, India which offers a wide range of services associated with fertility treatment for men and women. In March 2018, Callitas Health, Inc., a clinical-stage focused on weight management and female health has been granted a patent for it’s in vivo sperm selection for treating male infertility.
DNA Diagnostics Center Acquires ContraVac, Inc.
The acquisition of ContraVac, Inc., by DNA Diagnostics Center, allows the latter to gain access to all the assets of the former company, including its products such as SpermCheck Fertility, SpermChseck Vasectomy, and FertileCheck Fertility Gel.
The SpermCheck brand of products is the first FDA-approved immunoassay home-diagnostic test to measure sperm count. SpermCheck Fertility, which is currently sold nationwide, checks for fertile or sub-fertile sperm count of a male. SpermCheck Vasectomy, which is specifically designed for men, tests the success of their vasectomy at home.
Ed Leary, Chief Executive Officer of ContraVac, Inc. said, “We are pleased to have the SpermCheck products in the DDC product portfolio. DDC’s worldwide sales, marketing and distribution networks will enable us to create global awareness of the frequency of male factor infertility, accounting for up to 50% of couple infertility, and increase the availability of SpermCheck Fertility for couples who have been trying to conceive without success.”
Aytu BioScience Received Market Approval MiOXSYS System
Aytu BioScience, Inc. recently announced the grant of registration for its MiOXSYS System in Mexico from the Secretary of Health at Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios (COFEPRIS). The product will be distributed to urologists, andrologists, and fertility centers across Mexico and in key markets in Latin America seek with the intention of helping them better identify and treat men with infertility.
Nova IVI Fertility Launches New Facility in India
Nova IVI Fertility’s new state-of-the-art facility is home to highly skilled clinicians and provides services pertaining to infertility treatment for men and women. The facility also offers counseling, ultrasound monitoring, male and female fertility evaluation, IUI, IVF, ICSI, and donor programs. Naresh Rao, CEO of Nova IVI Fertility said, “Our center here in Lucknow offers the best-in-class treatment for both men and women. I am extremely happy to announce the launch of our first center in the city, enabling us to help couples embrace parenthood in the most memorable manner.”
Callitas Health Receives Grant for a Patent Relating to Infertility
Callitas Health has been recently granted notice of allowance for its patent application for in vivo sperm selection for treating male infertility. The grant expands the company’s property portfolio and helps in the development of the patent-protected formula and uses of the ToConceive product, allowing its use for the treatment of male infertility or sub-fertility caused by a reduced concentration of sperm in a male.
