Sequencing Reproductive Health

A new initiative led by Singapore’s KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital and involving leading medical centers in Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and South Korea, aims to use high fidelity long-read sequencing technology to boost fertility research in the Asia-Pacific region.

Specifically, the collaboration will focus on improving the diagnosis and treatment of subfertility and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), conditions that affect millions of individuals globally. Approximately one in six people experience subfertility, while RPL impacts 1 to 2 percent of women, often leading to significant emotional and financial burdens.

Long-read genome sequencing offers greater precision than traditional methods, such as karyotyping, chromosomal microarrays, and whole-exome sequencing, aiding with the identification of complex chromosomal rearrangements and subtle abnormalities that may be missed by other technologies. Such a comprehensive genetic picture is particularly valuable in diagnosing fertility cases, where multiple genetic factors are involved, and could help reduce the lengthy and often frustrating diagnostic journey many patients endure.

The project, set to run through 2025, will not only provide immediate benefits in reproductive health but also aims to influence clinical practices worldwide, contributing to peer-reviewed publications and sharing findings at international conferences.