RHS completes ASX listing and progresses European patent application

THE ROADHOUSE PHARMACY: Australian IVF-focussed company Reproductive Health Science (ASX: RHS) has completed its listing on the Australian Securities Exchange following a capital raising and a reverse takeover of AO Energy Ltd.

RHS wasted no time in announcing the European Patent Office (EPO) has issued a Notice of Intention to Grant the company’s microarray genetic testing under Comparative Genomic Hybridization (Patent no. 04 725 230.9).

The company explained that following the granting of this patent, it will hold patents across Europe, Australia, USA, China and New Zealand.

RHS’ lead product is ‘embryo select’ which is to be launched in mid-2014 as a two component system.

RHS claims embryo select has an immediate application to improve the success rate of In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).

The company explained 10 years of research and development has led to the development of a test to assess embryos for chromosomal abnormalities prior to implantation as part of an IVF cycle.

“We are delighted to have received the Notice of Intention to Grant from the European Patent Office, particularly given it is one of the first cases to be examined following recent revisions of procedures relating to the patenting of diagnostic technologies for genetic testing of embryos,” RHS Managing Director and CEO Dr Michelle Fraser said in the company’s announcement to the ASX.

“We have been responsible for the prosecution of this patent family since 2007 and we are pleased to have achieved such a milestone following our successful listing on the ASX.”

Having finalised its listing on the ASX, the company indicated its focus is now on the commercial roll out of ‘embryo select’, which it said is aimed at improving the outcome for IVF participants.

The launch of the kits for the lead product requires no further trials or research.

“We are highly encouraged by the strong support received during our transition onto the ASX with a substantially oversubscribed capital raising,” Dr Fraser said.

“We look forward to now concentrating on delivering on our key lead product ‘embryo select’ and anticipate first sales during the third quarter of 2014.”

Website: www.rhsc.com.au