Introducing Orchid

We are thrilled to announce Orchid’s whole genome embryo reports are now available at IVF centers nationwide. This is a massive upgrade– delivering over 100 times the data– for people going through IVF. Orchid’s 30x whole genome reports sequence over 99% of an embryo’s genome, compared to existing options that sequence less than 1%. We’re able to do this with the same number of cells (4-6) used in traditional embryo screening. The Orchid team has been hard at work consolidating advancements across single-cell sequencing, bioinformatics, statistical genetics, and variant analysis to make clinical-grade whole genome sequencing reports for embryos possible.

This is an exciting leap forward in the depth of information available to parents and their clinical team to make an informed decision, and mitigate more genetic risk than was possible before. 

More data powers informed decisions

Choosing to have a baby is life changing. Despite advancements in genetics and reproductive technology, there is still a huge amount left to chance. People worry a disease they suffer from, or a family member suffers from, will harm their future child’s wellbeing. Even when parents are healthy and no family history exists, there is a risk of a new harmful genetic typo impacting a child’s health and development. These fears even lead some couples to decide not to have children at all. With whole genome embryo reports, parents can screen more comprehensively for genetic risks that previously would go undetected. Orchid’s mission is to extend the healthspan of the next generation. Our hope is that these reports ease some of the worries that future parents have, and give them a bit more confidence and control as they grow their families. 

Genetic typos (disease) affect millions of people– even without a family history of disease

In the United States alone, rare diseases—a majority of which are genetic—affect 30 million people, or 1 in 10 individuals. These conditions can be debilitating, progressive, and life-threatening. Despite the large number of people affected in aggregate, treatments are available for only 5% of these diseases.

Scientists have uncovered the genetic basis of many diseases, but treatments and cures lag behind

Over the last decade, as sequencing has gotten less expensive and study sizes have expanded, scientists have been able to add to a growing knowledge base of thousands of specific genetic variants that cause disease. While most conditions are multifactorial (caused by a combination of genetics and environment), many are monogenic (caused by a single genetic variant). Scientists have curated lists of these harmful genetic variants, and use this information to diagnose and, when possible, treat adults and children.

Now, with Orchid’s whole genome reports, these lists of harmful genetic variants can be used for embryo screening. This empowers future parents to learn more about their embryos than ever before.

Whole genome screening is a leap forward in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). Standard PGT screens under 1% of an embryo’s genome, and in rare cases, looks for one known monogenic condition for which the couple are carriers. Orchid reads an embryos whole genome, and screens for 1200+ monogenic conditions simultaneously. 100x more data means screening for many more risks and much more protection for families.‍

Detecting more genetic risks  

Orchid’s Embryo Report uses whole genome data to proactively screen for more genetic risks before an embryo transfer and the start of a pregnancy. The report includes screening for monogenic (single gene) variants linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, congenital defects (birth defects), including heart defects, neuromuscular disorders, vision and hearing loss, as well as pediatric and hereditary cancers. Existing embryo testing misses detecting these risks simultaneously because a very small fraction of the genome is evaluated. 

Shifting from a reactive to proactive approach 

Until now, people going through IVF had limited visibility into the genetic risks of their embryos. Parents had no choice but to react after symptoms emerged. With the introduction of Orchid’s whole genome reports, we hope earlier knowledge can guide better outcomes for babies and their families.  

Building on decades of discoveries

Orchid would not be possible without the decades of incredible scientific advancements in genomics and IVF. We are honored to share this exciting milestone with pioneers in both of these disciplines, who have supported us as advisors and investors.

In particular, we would like to thank George Church, Ph.D, a true legend in genomics. Dr. Church published the first genomic sequencing method in 1984 and has been regularly making foundational contributions to the field ever since.

“The ability to read over 99% of an embryo's DNA is groundbreaking. For the first time, comprehensive screening is made possible for genetic forms of neurodevelopmental disorders, congenital anomalies, and cancers prior to pregnancy. Helping empower families with this critical health information is a game-changer. This is the future of preventive medicine and family planning."
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– George Church, PhD 

Additionally we would not be here without the exceptional guidance from our advisor, Jacques Cohen, Ph.D. Dr. Cohen has been described as the most influential embryologist in the history of IVF. He was the first to successfully freeze a human embryo, along with other discoveries that have made IVF possible for millions of families.

"Orchid's whole genome embryo report marks a significant leap forward in the realm of genetic screening and promises to transform our ability to understand and protect the health of future generations." 
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– Jacques Cohen, PhD

Thank you 

A special thank you to our investors: You have helped build the highest resolution embryo screening on the planet. This is the beginning of a shift toward a healthier next generation, less burdened by genetic disease. 

"Orchid's whole genome sequencing reports for embryos isn't just a technology; it's a game-changer in the way we approach parenthood. It's about giving more folks the chance to be parents and have the most information to guide a healthier future"
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–Carlos Bustamante, MacArthur award winning population geneticist, and Orchid investor. 

Orchid’s investors include Prometheus Fund, Starbloom Capital, Refactor Capital, Pebblebed, Day One Ventures, and Conviction Partners, as well as angels including Elad Gil (Co-Founder of Color Health), Dylan Field (CEO of Figma), Dr. George Church (Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School), Anne Wojcicki (CEO of 23andMe), Vitalik Buterin (Co-Founder of Ethereum), Amjad Masad (CEO Replit), Mario Schlosser (Cofounder Oscar Health), Balaji Srinivasan (Founder Counsyl), Jack Abraham (Founder of Atomic) and others.

Thank you for believing in us from the beginning, we wouldn’t be here without you!

Accessing Orchid

Orchid’s whole genome embryo screening is now available nationwide at premier IVF centers. Sign up and we can connect you with an IVF center already enrolled with us, or we can set up a physician and IVF center you prefer to work with. 

Future parents who are interested can read more at orchidhealth.com and get started today.