Principal Investigator of World's First, Prospective Randomized, Multi-Centered PGD Study Cautions `PGD Not Just for Sex Selection!'

Dr. Lawrence Werlin Presents Findings from PGD Study To Give Media and Public Accurate Perspective Regarding PGD's Role in Reproductive Medicine

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 30, 2004

PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) may be getting a bum rap.
Just ask the principal investigator of the world's first prospective, randomized PGD study, Dr. Lawrence Werlin. According to Dr. Werlin, the reputation of PGD is under close scrutiny and needs to be defended.

Published last year, the study provided groundbreaking new data about the significance of PGD as a technological breakthrough in reproductive medicine. Conducted by GENESIS Network for Reproductive Health, a team of nationally noted fertility specialists, the study's findings garnered national acclaim.

"For the first time in the history of reproductive medicine, our study proved that PGD is indeed beneficial for women in high-risk pregnancies," said Dr. Werlin. "Right now, PGD is being singled out for its role in sex selection. But, in order to provide accurate reporting, it is important to note that as a result of our study, conclusive factual and statistical data now exists that validates that benefits of PGD as a technological breakthrough that go far beyond sex selection."

The GENESIS team's study evaluated the effects of PGD on women from three high-risk categories: advanced maternal age (AMA), recurring pregnancy loss (RPL) and women suffering from two or more failed in-vitro fertilization cycles (FC). The study's findings concluded that PGD is beneficial for women of advanced maternal age or those who are suffering from recurring pregnancy loss. A second phase of the study is near completion with findings expected to be announced soon.

The GENESIS leader is immediately available to comment about PGD's impact on the future of reproductive medicine and society including:

• Benefits for women of advanced maternal age (38 years+)
• Benefits for women who suffer from reoccurring pregnancy loss
• PGD's ability to reduce genetic diseases by a whopping 88%
• PGD's possible newest use... reducing the occurrence of multiple births and associated health and financial risks

Dr. Werlin, is a leading researcher and the principal investigator of GENESIS Network for Reproductive Health. The founder and medical director of Coastal Fertility Medical Center and a noted international authority on the uses and study of PGD is a media savvy authority available for media interviews.