Ovation Fertility study finds no clinical benefit from ‘embryo glue’ in frozen transfers

Ovation Fertility presented new research at the 2026 ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo in Baltimore showing that hyaluronan-enriched transfer medium, often marketed as “embryo glue,” raises IVF costs without improving implantation in frozen embryo transfer cycles. The multicenter study analyzed 5,661 FET cycles from two IVF centers and could influence how labs and patients choose transfer media.

Why it matters: - The findings could push IVF labs and patients to rethink use of hyaluronan-enriched transfer medium in frozen embryo transfer cycles. - If labs stop using the product, IVF cycles could cost less without sacrificing implantation outcomes. - The study adds new evidence to a recurring fertility question: whether “embryo glue” improves results or mainly increases spending.

What happened: - Ovation Fertility presented new research at the 2026 American Society for Reproductive Medicine Scientific Congress & Expo, held Oct. 24-28 in Baltimore. - The study appeared as a poster titled “High Cost Without Clinical Gain: Multicenter Evaluation of Hyaluronan-Enriched Transfer Medium Versus Low Lactate Medium for Transfer in Frozen Embryo Transfers.” - The research examined the effectiveness of “embryo glue” as transfer media for frozen embryo transfer, or FET. - Lindsey VerMilyea of Nexpring Health and Matthew “Tex” VerMilyea, PhD, HCLD/CC (ABB), vice president of scientific advancement at Ovation Fertility, co-authored the study. - Nirvika Singh Sharma, PhD, MD, HCLD/ELD(ABB), associate laboratory director at Ovation Fertility San Antonio, authored the study and presented its key message.

The details: - The retrospective multicenter cohort study reviewed all FET cycles from two IVF centers between 2022 and 2025. - The analysis covered 5,661 FET cycles. - Researchers compared two transfer media: hyaluronan-enriched transfer medium, commonly called “embryo glue,” and CSCM-NX, a low-lactate medium supplemented with protein. - The study evaluated embryo implantation and related factors. - The research found that hyaluronan-enriched transfer medium substantially increases cost without improving embryo implantation in FET. - Dr. Singh Sharma said embryo glue does not make an embryo stick to the uterus. - Dr. Singh Sharma said implantation depends on embryo quality, euploidy and the quality of the uterine lining. - Dr. Singh Sharma said the uterus already contains what an embryo needs to grow and implant. - The study conclusion was that hyaluronan-enriched transfer medium adds cost without clinical gain.

Between the lines: - The result undercuts marketing claims that suggest the transfer medium itself improves pregnancy potential. - The study reinforces a broader theme in reproductive medicine: expensive add-ons do not always translate into better outcomes. - The findings may matter most for clinics looking to cut avoidable costs while keeping protocols evidence-based.

What's next: - IVF labs and patients may consider eliminating embryo glue from frozen transfer protocols. - Ovation Fertility points readers to more information about the study. - Ovation Fertility says the new findings could significantly lower the cost of an IVF cycle if the product is removed from routine use.

The bottom line: - In this multicenter review, embryo glue raised costs but did not improve implantation outcomes in frozen embryo transfer cycles.