ReproUnion

What an achievement in 2024! A few months ago, the public fertility clinics in Denmark started offering up to six IVF attempts and last week they opened the doors for fertility treatment to those also needing it for a second child.🚼🎉    The Danish healthcare system and Danske Regioner - Danish Regions have thereby expanded the fertility treatment offer, in line with what was recommended by several political parties and reinforced by the Danish prime Minister in her New Year’s speech. This came after years of work from multiple angles to increase awareness of involuntary childlessness, amongst others by ReproUnion at Folkemødet in 2022.💡   In Sweden, the pressing issue of one in six couples facing infertility has also prompted discussions around increasing public funding for additional IVF treatment. A proposal was sent to the Swedish Parliament in October, and it will be exciting to follow this in 2025.📢 BUT, fertility treatment is only one important part of the infertility puzzle – we also need to understand the ‘why’s’! Thus, research and collaboration is equally important, as pointed out in various opinion pieces by ReproUnion researchers and partners during 2024:  ▶️ Don’t forget male reproductive health // Glöm inte bort männens dalande spermiekvalitet - Altinget .se ▶️ The fertility debate should focus on addressing the root causes rather than quick fixes // Fertilitetsdebatten bør fokusere på årsagsbehandling frem for snuptagsløsninger - Altinget .dk ▶️ Record-low birth rate - lack of knowledge threatens Sweden’s future // Rekordlågt barnafödande - brist på kunskap hotar Sveriges framtid – Sydsvenskan ▶️ Politicians don’t talk enough about the poor semen quality of Danish men // Politikerne taler ikke nok om danske mænds dårlige sædkvalitet - Altinget .dk During 2024 ReproUnion has taken important steps towards a new Innovation Platform to increase the understanding of infertility and move more research towards innovative and personalized solutions. As part of the initiative new diagnostic tools and preventive activities are being developed to help men, women and couples.   Ultimately, continued research into both men's and women's fertility across the Swedish-Danish border is essential and ReproUnion is proud to contribute to this through our esteemed network of researchers. This effort is not only bringing valuable insights, but also helping future generations in Scandinavia and beyond to avoid fertility challenges. 👇Please take a minute to watch some additional 2024 highlights and receive our best wishes for this festive season from all the valued partners in ReproUnion 🎇 Region Hovedstaden, Københavns Universitet - University of Copenhagen, Lund University, Malmö University, Region Skåne, LU Holding, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Medicon Valley Alliance, Interreg Öresund-Kattegat-Skagerrak.

🌟Highlights from ReproUnion’s First Innovation Workshop 🌟   Yesterday, we held our first Innovation Workshop, where Cecilia Jädert Widblom and Per Mercke from LU Innovation guided our researchers on a transformative journey—shifting their mindset from viewing research as an invention to seeing it as innovation. The workshop challenged them to think deeply about the core driver of their work: What needs are they solving for their target population? How does their approach address these needs? And most importantly, what tangible benefits will it bring? The attending seven ReproUnion researchers then pitched their ideas using the NABC framework. 🤓 If you are not familiar with NABC, check it out here: https://lnkd.in/ddsmFiKj   Christine Widstrand, CEO of LU Holding, shared inspiring stories of successful research entrepreneurs - including one of our own, Yvonne Lundberg Giwercman -  while underscoring the significant investment required to turn a proof of concept into a market-ready solution (140+ Million SEK 😵).   👩🎓 Key lessons from the workshop: 🔹 Innovation starts with understanding the need—it’s more than just invention. 🔹 Scalability is essential for impactful innovation. 🔹 Commercialization isn’t the goal—it’s the tool to bring societal benefits. 🔹 The broader perspective of innovation should consider not just the patient but also the payer. 🔹 Patenting strategy is critical, as is finding the right funding.   Navigating cross-border projects requires addressing differences in intellectual property (IP) rights between Denmark and Sweden. During the discussion, previous experiences and practical solutions were shared. Common misconceptions about the challenges of cross-border IP strategies were clarified thanks to Niels Lysholm Engelhard from KU Lighthouse‎ and Niels Henrik Clausen from Region Hovedstaden's Technology Transfer Office. 👉 The key is early collaboration with the right experts to address rights, ownership, and craft effective agreements.   💫 This workshop marks an exciting step forward in fostering innovation in reproductive health research. Together, we’re creating a future where cutting-edge ideas become life-changing solutions. #InnovationWorkshop #ReproUnion #FromIdeaToImpact #ReproductiveHealthInnovation

We want to share some great news from Dx4Life and Professor Yvonne Lundberg Giwercman 👏 as they have reached an incredible milestone! 🎉 Dx4Life have successfully closed its first funding round marking an exciting step forward in personalized reproductive medicine, offering new hope to couples facing infertility challenges. At ReproUnion, we deeply value innovation that bridges cutting-edge research with impactful solutions. It’s inspiring to see the strides being made in collaboration with Lund University and LU Holding. We wish you continued success as you bring this breakthrough test to life and make a real difference in reproductive health.

Important insights shared by the Swedish media today, in the light of a recent proposal to the Swedish parliament to enhance support for those facing infertility - including added IVF attempts and education on involuntary childlessness. In the opinion piece Aleksander Giwercman, Lars Rylander and Anette Steenberg also highlight how a significant decline in sperm quality over recent decades suggests an urgent need to prioritize research on male reproductive health - not only to assist more couples in conceiving but also to reduce the strain of fertility treatments on women💡👇

🌉 The story about Medicon Valley and the Building of Bridges in Science was recently featured by the Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat. Go to www.reprounion.eu/media to find a translation of the article with credit to journalist Noona Bäckgren and photographer Anton Kunnas. The unique collaborative ecosystem of Medicon Valley and ReproUnion was highlighted in the in-depth article, as a dynamic life sciences hub bridging Denmark and Sweden: Backed by partnerships with top universities and life sciences players on both sides of the bridge Øresundsbron, Medicon Valley is setting a global example in reproductive health innovation. The EU-supported project ReproUnion not only tackles a complex issue, but embodies Medicon Valley’s unique cross-border spirit, creating healthcare solutions with worldwide resonance. 🌐💡 Medicon Valley exemplifies the region’s “triple helix” approach, where universities, industry, and the public sector unite to drive healthcare solutions. As Niels Abel Bonde, Executive VP of Novo Nordisk and chairman of Medicon Valley Alliance, explained: the innovation framework fosters close collaborations and is a proven approach, inspired by Silicon Valley, which Medicon Valley is leveraging to bring new solutions to patients. The article further highlights ReproUnion to be in the forefront with the aim to broaden both female and male infertility research and treatment. In the interview with Henriette Svarre Nielsen, Amager og Hvidovre Hospital she underlines the importance of expanding this research: Infertility is just as common in men as it is in women... yet treatments and research often overlook this. We need a more comprehensive approach that addresses both men’s and women’s health, including factors like the microbiome and lifestyle. The article was also based on interviews with additional ReproUnion board members Eva Elmerstig, Malmö University and Kelle Moley, Ferring Pharmaceuticals. And it includes several pictures from Ferring's new and unique office building in Copenhagen, where the journalist also met Jan Peutzfeldt, Country Director for Denmark. Take a look at the original article here: https://lnkd.in/d6wyR3SY (In Finnish and behind payment wall) #MediconValley #ReproUnion #overgransen

Medicon Valley Alliance Summit 2024 yesterday featured ReproUnion in the afternoon session: RUBIC – The Golden Egg in Women’s and Men’s Fertility Research. By collecting and analyzing biological data from couples, we are paving the way for more personalized, effective fertility treatments - and ultimately, solutions for men and women struggling with infertility.💥 Henriette Svarre Nielsen and Aleksander Giwercman presented how research using the cross-border biobank can bring us closer to understand the reasons for infertility, and they underlined the importance of the couple-centric approach, which makes RUBIC a true pioneer in this field. They further presented topial research on the complex role of the microbiome in reproductive disorders and the links between DNA damage in sperm and the increased risks of preeclampsia and premature birth in IVF pregnancies.🧬 In his talk Aleksander further highlighted how infertility is not just one condition - it’s a complex web of diseases. Despite advances in IVF and ICSI, treatments are still far from personalized, and the cost is rising rapidly. In the light of evidence showing the high proportion of men with reproductive disorders, Alexander also raised the point of inequality in care and prevention, with no real screening process for men, since they don't have a similar option to women seeing the gynecologist.🩺   In the concluding panel talk moderator Lisa Kirsebom asked what the success factors will be going forward. While the momentum is building for RUBIC, Aleksander and Henriette agreed that the key to success lies in continuously growing the RUBIC dataset. Researchers are increasingly successful in attracting funding to use the RUBIC biobank material, but the challenge remains in more funding for the cross-border collection of samples, which is crucial to keeping the dataset rich and relevant. They further agreed that solving the infertility puzzle isn’t only about funding, but also about building a collaborative ecosystem in #MediconValley - one that brings together researchers, healthcare professionals, and innovation-focused partners to close the knowledge gap in women's health and develop new reproductive health solutions.🎯 Attending the MVA Summit in Copenhagen were also others from #ReproUnion: Jens Sønksen, Anette Steenberg, Kristine Koppelhus, Katalin Vikuk, Sofia Amin, Mette Bach Dyremose #ReproductiveHealth #Innovation #overgransen ReproUnion Partners: Region Hovedstaden, Københavns Universitet - University of Copenhagen, Lund University, Malmö University, Region Skåne, LU Holding, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Medicon Valley Alliance

Highlights from the BII Symposium on Women’s Health 🌟 Yesterday ReproUnion was strongly represented at the BioInnovation Institute symposium on "Women's and Reproductive Health" held yesterday. It was great to be part of the critical discussions shaping the future of women’s health. The BII Symposium offered valuable insights into the areas that demand attention, innovation, and collaboration. Here are some key takeaways: 🔹 Addressing Unmet Needs: Krina Zondervan highlighted the importance of shifting focus from diseases with high mortality to diseases causing disability—such as PCOS and endometriosis—underscoring the need for broader attention beyond high-mortality conditions. 🔹 Innovation through AI: Martin G Tolsgaard urged the use of AI for complex challenges, (and not for what a 5-year old can do;-) advocating for technology that drives real, impactful progress in healthcare. 🔹 Expanding Knowledge on the Menstrual Cycle: @Thomas Hansen presented the Cyclome project, which is mapping the menstrual cycle's influence on health factors like migraines, adding depth to our understanding of women’s health. 🔹 Spotlighting Startups: Winnie E. Svendsen introduced emerging diagnostic companies one for Thyroid patients and an other for urinary tract infections, an encouraging sign of innovation in women’s health. 🔹 Extending Reproductive Health: Eva Hoffmann, ReproUnion board member and founder of OvartiX, shared her insights on reproductive lifespan disparities, pointing to the urgent need for research into the biological mechanisms of fertility and menopause. Thank you to a great panel Trine Winterø Johanna Roostalu Kelle Moley Stephanie Munk elegantly led by Cathrine Nygaard Christensen who shared insights on how to successfully work with innovation also stating that a collaborative approach is needed to push the boundaries of women’s health research. Thank you to all the great speakers for inspireing "Ligthning talks" and congratulations to the winner Stine Gry Kristensen board member of ReproUnion who earned a well-deserved spot at the BII Summer School! 🎉 Let’s continue to push forward with purpose and dedication. Great to see so many from @ReproYoung✨ Cathrine Voigt Dalgaard Ida Behrendt-Møller Lea Bejstrup Jensen Hannah Schorle Kathrine Hviid Cristina Subiran Adrados and Katalin Vikuk

🌍 It is European Fertility Week, so let’s recognize that over 25 million people in Europe face infertility, as stated by Fertility Europe. With infertility on the rise, collaborative initiatives like the ReproUnion Biobank and Infertility Cohort (RUBIC) are paving the way to improve reproductive health outcomes. 📊 RUBIC has so far enrolled 1,627 couples across Denmark and Sweden who are facing infertility. This bi-national cohort is unique in that it collects valuable data (biological samples and questionnaires) from both men and women in couples seeking infertility treatment. RUBIC is now at a critical data mass that allows ReproUnion researchers to delve into deeper questions about the causes and impact of infertility. 🎬 Earlier this year, Euronews highlighted ReproUnion and RUBIC as part of their Smart Regions series, recognizing it as a project with significant impact for European citizens. ReproUnion is dedicated to continue providing essential insights to help address infertility, an issue affecting so many people in Europe and beyond. 👉 As research advances, we're excited to share how data based on RUBIC will contribute to new knowledge and solutions in reproductive health. So stay tuned for future developments, and join us in raising awareness during this #EuropeanFertilityWeek! ReproUnion partners: Region Hovedstaden Region Skåne Ferring Pharmaceuticals Københavns Universitet - University of Copenhagen Malmö University Lund University LU Holding Medicon Valley Alliance Interreg Öresund-Kattegat-Skagerrak #ReproductiveHealth #overgransen #ReproUnion #ReproYoung

We’re thrilled to welcome back Mette Bach Dyremose to the ReproUnion Management Team as she takes on a part-time role to lead ReproUnion's communication efforts! With over 20 years of experience in strategic communication, business development, and life sciences, Mette has a unique talent for turning complex scientific insights into compelling, impactful messages. She began her journey with Ferring Pharmaceuticals, where she developed her expertise in event management and translating research into meaningful narratives. In her previous role with ReproUnion and Medicon Valley Alliance, Mette was instrumental in shaping the ReproUnion brand and building awareness around key initiatives within reproductive health, including the successful launch of RUBIC. Recently, she contributed to the HALRIC Hanseatic Life Science Research Infrastructure Consortium project, establishing its communication strategy and driving engagement across academia, hospitals, and industry. With her deep insights and strategic vision, Mette’s return marks an exciting new chapter for ReproUnion as we continue to build an innovative reproductive health platform bridging science, technology, and clinical practice. Alongside ReproUnion, Mette will also work with DiaUnion, supporting their communication and public affairs initiatives. Welcome back, Mette! We look forward to all that’s ahead with you on the team! Katalin Vikuk Anette Steenberg Sofia Amin Simon Lindén Finn Stensbjerg Kristensen Jens Sønksen Aleksander Giwercman Anja Pinborg Henriette Svarre Nielsen Eva Elmerstig Stine Gry Kristensen Eva Hoffmann Margareta Kitlinski Niels Jørgensen Lærke Priskorn Sandra Søgaard Tøttenborg Kelle Moley

New Fertility Research Grant: Investigating Paracetamol’s Impact on Early Pregnancy Development Congratulations to Professor David Møbjerg Kristensen and the fertility clinics in the capital region who is receiving approximately 3 million DKK from the Independent Research Fund Denmark for a new research project that will focus on fertility. Marie Louise Groendahl Laboratory Director at the Fertility Clinic Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, one of the fertility clinics in the project explains that in this project, unique material and data from RUBIC the ReproUnion BioBank & Infertility Cohort will be used to investigate more closely whether paracetamol is safe for women aiming at becoming pregnant. Marie Louise Groendahl further explains that “We will now investigate whether the embryo development before implantation as well the chance of becoming pregnant and give birth are reduced in women who are exposed to paracetamol. The study can contribute to knowledge regarding safety of paracetamol use in women aiming at becoming pregnant, and in the long term potentially help to reduce time to successful pregnancy for the benefit of women and their families.” In ReproUnion we look forward to following the continuous advancements of this research and the valuable insights this project will bring to women’s reproductive health. ReproUnion Partners: Interreg Öresund-Kattegat-Skagerrak Region Hovedstaden Region Skåne Ferring Pharmaceuticals Københavns Universitet - University of Copenhagen Malmö University Lund University LU Holding Medicon Valley Alliance #overgransen