OOVA, a Mount Sinai Health System spinout and diagnostic device company, is piloting an AI-based fertility tool that measures and monitors the concentrations of luteinizing hormone and progesterone—two key fertility hormones. The program is being piloted in collaboration with Thorne Research.
“OOVA is empowering patients to take control over their own fertility,” Alan Copperman, MD, director, division of reproductive endocrinology and infertility, and vice chair of the department of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive science at the Mount Sinai Health System, said in a prepared statement. “This product combines technological innovation and human behavior to meet an unmet demand in the market. The technology is a sophisticated, direct-to-consumer test with widespread partnership opportunity and potential for impact.”
The tool will combine biotechnology with machine learning as part of a two-part process. With a paper-based test strip, users will test their urine daily to look for luteinizing hormone and progesterone. Using AI and a smartphone, the test strip is scanned and interpreted in real-time. The data collected will track daily hormone levels in an effort to predict optimal fertility times, monitor changes over time and provide “goal-based recommendations.”
“Our main mission is to help women and families by creating a brand of trust,” said Aparna (Amy) Divaraniya, PhD, co-Founder and CEO. “Women’s bodies shouldn’t be a black box. Our technology gives women the means to take control of their health.”
The company claims OOVA’s method can help women get pregnant and identify reproductive issues including polycystic ovarian syndrome—all from the comfort of their own home. Additionally, it can be used as a personalized detection tool for cycle management, menstrual assessment after pregnancy and pre-menopause.
“This is one of the first products in the field of personalized, precision women’s health,” said Joel Dudley, PhD, director, Mount Sinai Institute for Next Generation Healthcare and vice president for precision health at Mount Sinai Health System. “While the platform started in fertility, the core technology can be applied in many different areas.”
As a senior news writer for TriMed, Subrata covers cardiology, clinical innovation and healthcare business. She has a master’s degree in communication management and 12 years of experience in journalism and public relations.