Insight
Round up: Trial to evaluate ovarian cancer drug candidate and more
Femtech World explores the latest research developments in the world of women’s health.
Fertility treatments linked to higher mutations than natural conception
Mice that were conceived with IVF in the lab have slightly increased rates of DNA errors, or mutations, compared to pups conceived naturally, a new study suggests.
While the results do not directly apply to humans, they highlight the importance of understanding how fertility treatments affect an offspring’s DNA.
The researchers compared genome sequences of lab mice conceived naturally and mice conceived through assisted reproductive technologies, including hormone treatments, IVF, and embryo transfer.
They discovered pups born through these fertility treatments had about 30 per cent more new single-nucleotide variants, or tiny changes in DNA sequences.
Nucleotides are DNA’s building blocks or “letters.” Arranged in specific sequences, these letters compose the instructions cells use to grow and function.
Single-nucleotide variants are simply genetic differences (or mutations) involving a change in just one DNA letter. They can occur when cells replicate their DNA.
The mutations observed in the study are unlikely to be harmful.
Scientists estimate that fewer than 2 per cent of new mutations arising in a genome are deleterious or have an impact on an individual’s phenotype or disease susceptibility, the researchers said.
The mutations appeared spread across the genome, rather than clustered in particular genes.
The timing of when these new mutations appeared in early embryos also looked similar between fertility-treated and natural groups, implying that fertility treatment increases the overall chance of new DNA changes but does not impact when they occur during development.
Even with a 30 per cent increase in new mutations, the absolute number of harmful new mutations per mouse remains low.
For about every 50 mice conceived with IVF, scientists expect roughly one additional harmful DNA change compared to natural conception.
That is one problematic change out of many possible ones, since the mouse genome is about 2.7 billion DNA letters long.
A similar effect is expected if the male parent’s age increased by about 30 weeks, since paternal age is a major driver of mutation rates in mammals.
The biological mechanisms underlying these genetic changes are not clear.
Further research is needed to study whether the new mutations come from a specific step in the IVF process or from the combined effects of several steps.
One possible factor is the use of hormone treatments that stimulate the ovaries, since these hormones push eggs to restart meiosis, a stage of cell division known to be prone to mistakes.
Other aspects of the fertility treatment protocol could also play a role, such as physical handling of embryos or the chemical conditions of the lab culture environment.
The study does not show whether the same effect happens in humans. Fertility procedures vary between mice and humans, and both have different reproductive biology.
For example, mice do not menstruate. Also, people seeking IVF will likely encounter environmental factors that may already have affected their genetics.
First patient enrolled in study evaluating sofetabart mipitecan in recurrent ovarian cancer
The GOG Foundation has announced the enrollment of the first patient in GOG-3133, a Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating sofetabart mipitecan in recurrent ovarian cancer.
Sofetabart mipitecan is a novel folate receptor alpha-targeting antibody-drug conjugate featuring an exatecan payload.
In early-phase studies, sofetabart mipitecan demonstrated robust and durable clinical activity with an ORR of 50 per cent among 104 heavily pre-treated patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC), across all range of FRα expression levels, and in patients previously treated with mirvetuximab soravtansine with negligible rates of interstitial lung disease and peripheral neuropathy and no ocular toxicity or alopecia.
This clinical trial, sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company, has two parts; it tests a potential new medicine called sofetabart mipitecan for people with certain types of ovarian, peritoneal, and fallopian tube cancers.
Part A looks at participants whose cancer no longer responds to platinum-based chemotherapy (platinum resistant).
Part B looks at participants whose cancer has a higher chance of responding to platinum-based chemotherapy (platinum sensitive).
The FRAmework-01 study aims to address the need for more effective therapies in both platinum-resistant and platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer.
Young people in Wales to receive new information about women’s health
The Women’s Health Network has worked with school nurses and learners across Wales to develop resources for women’s health.
Girls and boys contributed to ensure they reflect the information young people need.
The resources, which were launched this week by the Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, cover 4 key areas including menstrual health, endometriosis, pelvic health, and menopause.
Secondary schools will be able to adapt the resources to include their own branding.
The materials work across multiple platforms, including email, leaflets, posters, social media and QR codes.
They are designed to reduce stigma around periods, help young people recognise when to seek medical help, and raise awareness of conditions like endometriosis.
They also provide information on pelvic health and menopause to support understanding of health issues throughout their lives.
Members of the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board youth panel who helped create the materials were at the launch event at the Children’s Hospital in Cardiff.
Sarah Murphy, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, said: “These new resources will help to support the health and wellbeing of young people across Wales.
“By working directly with young people to develop these materials, we’ve ensured they address the real questions and concerns they have.
“I’m grateful to all the young people who have contributed their insights and experiences to make these materials relevant and accessible.
“This is part of our commitment to address the gender health gap and improve health outcomes for women and girls across the country.”
Nestlé joins UN-led coalition supporting women’s health
Nestlé has announced it has joined the Coalition for Reproductive Justice in Business, led by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The coalition aims to drive private-sector investment into advancing comprehensive health policies and measurable standards for women’s health across workplaces, supply chains, and broader business ecosystems.
“We are proud to join this initiative and collaborate with UNFPA and other coalition members to redefine how businesses address women’s health,” said Serena Aboutboul, global head of nutrition division at Nestlé.
“From maternal health to menopause, our commitment is unwavering.
“We provide innovative and tailored nutrition solutions, ensure respectful workplace conditions, and increase support to women. When women thrive, families, communities, and economies flourish.”
The coalition’s work supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals on Good Health and Wellbeing and Gender Equality.
By becoming a coalition member, Nestlé will help strengthen broader corporate action in line with the UNFPA’s scorecard of metrics and indicators for women’s health and wellbeing in the workplace.
“We welcome companies taking concrete steps to strengthen women’s health and rights in the workplace,” says Mariarosa Cutillo, UNFPA private sector and civil society branch chief.
“By joining the Coalition, Nestlé signals its commitment to advancing measurable standards and supporting a future where women’s health is recognised as central to business success and societal well-being.”
News
From Hologic to Ark Surgical: Why Joseph LaBruzzo is betting on the future of women’s surgical innovation
After more than two decades leading organisations at some of the world’s most respected medical device companies, including Hologic, SenoRx Breast Care, and BTL Industries, Joseph B. LaBruzzo is embarking on a new chapter as President & CEO of U.S. Operations and Board Member at Ark Surgical.
We sat down with Joseph to discuss what drew him to Ark Surgical, why he believes women’s surgical innovation is entering a transformative era, and what it takes to bring meaningful technologies from concept to standard of care.
You have held leadership positions at some of the biggest names in MedTech. What attracted you to Ark Surgical?
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with organisations that developed technologies capable of changing the standard of care.
What attracted me to Ark Surgical is the opportunity to help address a meaningful unmet need in gynecologic surgery with an innovation that has the potential to improve patient outcomes while preserving the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.
Opportunities like that don’t come along very often.
FemTech World recently highlighted that many women remain unaware of gynecologic cancers and that unexpected diagnoses continue to have a profound impact on patients and families.
How has your own experience shaped the way you think about innovation in women’s health?
Earlier in my career, I witnessed many women receive life-changing cancer diagnoses.
Those experiences stayed with me and reinforced my belief that if there’s an opportunity to reduce risk through better innovation, it’s one worth pursuing.
That’s one of the reasons I was drawn to Ark Surgical.
The vast majority of minimally invasive gynecologic procedures are performed for conditions believed to be benign. Unfortunately, in rare cases, pathology later reveals an unexpected malignancy.
LapBox was designed with a proprietary dual-wall tissue containment system to help facilitate contained specimen retrieval and minimise the risk of tissue spillage during laparoscopic procedures.
I believe innovations like this can help surgeons manage the unexpected while preserving the many benefits of minimally invasive surgery for women.
Women’s health has gained significant momentum in recent years, yet surgical innovation often receives less attention than diagnostics or therapeutics. Why do you think that is?
Women’s health has historically been underfunded and underserved across many areas of medicine, and surgery is no exception.
While we’ve seen tremendous advances in diagnostics and pharmaceuticals, there are still important opportunities to improve the surgical experience for both physicians and patients.
Innovation that enhances safety, efficiency, and outcomes has the potential to make a lasting impact.
What excites you most about LapBox?
LapBox addresses a very real challenge that gynecologic surgeons face during minimally invasive procedures.
It was thoughtfully designed to integrate seamlessly into the surgical workflow while providing an added layer of confidence when tissue retrieval is required.
I believe technologies that solve real clinical challenges in a practical way have the greatest potential to become part of the standard of care.
What do you see as the biggest unmet needs in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery today?
The future of surgery isn’t simply about making procedures less invasive. It’s about making them smarter and safer.
Surgeons need technologies that integrate seamlessly into their workflow while helping them navigate increasingly complex clinical situations.
Every advancement that helps reduce risk while preserving the benefits of minimally invasive surgery has the potential to improve outcomes for both physicians and patients.
That’s where I believe the greatest opportunities for innovation exist.
As you take on this new role, what are your priorities over the next 12 months?
Our focus over the next 12 months is to build a strong foundation for growth. That means expanding physician partnerships, driving early clinical adoption, growing our team, and ensuring that more surgeons have access to technologies like LapBox.
At the same time, we’re focused on building strategic relationships with investors, healthcare systems, and industry partners that support our long-term vision.
What advice would you give entrepreneurs building the next generation of women’s health companies?
Start with a real clinical problem and never lose sight of the patient.
Great technology alone isn’t enough. You also need strong clinical evidence, physician advocates, and a clear market strategy. The companies that succeed are the ones that bring all of those pieces together while remaining focused on improving patient care.
About Joseph B. LaBruzzo
As President & CEO of U.S. Operations and Board Member, Joseph LaBruzzo is leading Ark Surgical’s U.S. growth strategy, physician partnerships, strategic investment initiatives, and organisational expansion, supporting the company’s mission to advance safer minimally invasive gynecologic surgery through innovative technologies.
Cancer cells may hijack a fertility protein to repair damaged DNA and survive chemotherapy, research suggests.
The findings could point to a way of making existing cancer treatments more effective.
SYCP1 is a protein normally involved in producing sperm and eggs.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool found that the protein, previously thought to work only in reproduction, can be reactivated in cancer cells, where it helps tumours survive and grow.
SYCP1 usually helps chromosomes pair during meiosis, the form of cell division that produces reproductive cells.
In cancer cells, however, the protein appears to take on another role. It enters the nucleus, the cell’s control centre, binds directly to DNA and regulates genes involved in cell division and DNA repair.
DNA repair is how cells fix damage to their genetic code. In cancer, this process can help tumour cells survive treatment.
The researchers found that removing SYCP1 made cancer cells much more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs that damage DNA.
The findings suggest cancers may use SYCP1 to repair damage caused by treatment and continue growing.
Dr Urszula McClurg, lecturer in biochemistry, cell and systems biology at the University of Liverpool, said: “Our findings show that cancer cells can hijack proteins that normally exist only in reproductive tissues and give them completely new jobs.
“Understanding these unexpected functions opens up exciting opportunities to develop new treatments that make existing cancer therapies more effective.”
The work challenges the long-held belief that proteins active only in fertility have no biological relevance outside the reproductive system.
Researchers say these specialised proteins could provide new treatment targets across many types of cancer.
The study also offers a new view of how cancers evolve by repurposing developmental and reproductive processes.
The findings highlight SYCP1 as a candidate for future precision cancer therapies, which are treatments based on the specific biology of a patient’s cancer.
Women’s health has become one of the most searched and shared topics online, from cycle syncing and cortisol management to menopause hacks, supplements, hormone testing and clinician-creator content.
That surge in attention, sometimes dubbed “healthmaxxing,” is changing how women find, evaluate and act on health information, and it is starting to reshape the relationship between patients, clinicians and the companies building products for this market.
For providers, the shift means patients are arriving better informed but also more exposed to unverified claims, putting pressure on clinicians to engage with online narratives rather than dismiss them.
For femtech and pharma companies, it opens a route to reach and educate consumers at scale, but also raises the stakes on credibility: products and messaging that ride the trend without clinical grounding risk eroding the trust the industry has spent years building.
Investors are watching the same dynamic from a different angle.
Attention-driven demand can be a signal of where the next wave of femtech growth will come from, but distinguishing genuine clinical need from viral momentum is increasingly part of due diligence.
The net effect is a widening gap between companies that treat cultural attention as a distribution channel for credible, evidence-based care, and those that risk being swept up in trends with little clinical substance behind them.
How that gap plays out will shape patient trust, clinical relationships and commercial opportunity across the women’s health industry for years to come.
These themes will be explored in more depth in an upcoming webinar, “Women’s Healthmaxxing: The Opportunity & Risks of Cultural Attention for the Women’s Health Industry,” hosted by the Women’s Health Innovation Summit (WHIS), featuring Ellen Wilcox (Listen Ventures), Jessica Bell van der Wal (Frame Fertility), Dr. Tosin Sotubo-Ajayi (NHS, BBC and more) and Nora Lansen (Elektra Health).
Register free for the webinar on 23 July 2026 at https://events.virtualpro.com/womens-health-series-webinar-july-2026/registration
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