Oocyte SOS: can we save the egg?
At Aria, we believe that research isn’t just data — it’s hope in the shape of numbers. It’s a quiet revolution happening behind microscopes and within conversations between scientists asking What if?
As we celebrate Research Appreciation Day, this year we reflect on the journey of discovery that has brought us closer to understanding the very building blocks of life. But we are also looking forward. From the heart of our lab to the global stage at ESHRE 2025 in Paris, our team continues to challenge dogmas, embrace innovation, and push the boundaries of fertility science.
A conversation with Dr Xavier Vinals Gonzalez, Laboratory Manager at Aria Fertility:
Q: Xavier, you’ve just returned from ESHRE 2025 in Paris. What stood out to you most?
This year’s ESHRE was a glimpse of what’s to come in ART. The conversations weren’t just about data — they were about redefining the future of fertility care. We talked about AI in the lab, ethical dilemmas, reproductive autonomy, and how to reduce time to pregnancy without compromising safety. We explore those first steps we have taken as a community and challenges in the new area we have entered.
Q: Aria has been working on a unique research project with UCL presented at the conference. Can you tell us more?
Absolutely. Our latest study, ‘Oocyte SOS: Can NMN Save the Egg?’, looks into how NAD+ metabolism affects egg quality. Together with Dr Seshadri, we looked at NMN, a well-known anti-ageing supplement, and its potential to restore mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress in eggs. What’s exciting is that we didn’t stop at animal models—we analysed human data to see how these mechanisms translate.
Q: Why is this important for fertility patients?
Egg quality is one of the starting points in fertility journeys. It’s the foundation of successful fertilisation and embryo development. What we’ve found is that even within the same cycle, egg quality can vary dramatically. By understanding and potentially improving this variability—especially in older patients—we’re opening doors to better outcomes.
Q: What makes this research unique to Aria?
This is the first study of its kind to combine a systematic review of NMN in animal models with human transcriptomic analysis. It’s a collaboration between Aria and the Institute for Women’s Health at UCL, and it reflects our commitment to translational research.
Q: What’s next for the Aria lab?
We’re continuing to explore AI integration, non-invasive embryo assessment, and IVM (in vitro maturation) strategies. But more than that, we’re building a lab culture that values curiosity, compassion, and collaboration. Research isn’t just about answers — it’s about asking better questions. What truly sets Aria apart is how we ensure robustness and ethical integrity in everything we do.
Q: How do you balance innovation with patient safety and autonomy?
Innovation in fertility science is moving fast. We approach every new technology or research direction with a simple question: Does this serve the patient’s best interest, and can it be delivered safely, ethically, and transparently? We have established a dedicated Institutional Review Board (IRB) — a diverse and independent panel composed of scientists, professors, laypeople, genetic counsellors, and individuals from religious backgrounds.
This ensures that every research project is not only scientifically sound but also ethically grounded and socially responsible. We also prioritise informed consent and patient autonomy. That means giving patients clear, honest information about what a new technique involves, what we know, what we don’t know yet, and what it might mean for their journey.
To find out more about the Aria lab and our commitment to fertility science, please contact us.