BIDMC Researcher Awarded $22 Million by PCORI for Large Study to Explore Optimal Timing for Embryo Transfer in Fertility Treatments

BOSTON – Today, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) announces that research led by Werner Neuhausser MD, PhD has been approved for $22 million in research funding by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). This is a large, multi-center study on cleavage-versus blastocyst stage embryo transfer in patients with a poor prognosis who are undergoing in vitro fertilization.

“My research aims to bring answers and reduce anxiety for many patients undergoing IVF who have a small number of embryos,” said Neuhausser. “There are few studies analyzing pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing IVF with fewer than five embryos. The decision to transfer at the cleavage stage versus the blastocyst stage is often based on ‘expert opinion.’ This study will help develop patient-centered, evidence-based practice guidelines about the appropriate timing of a transfer.”

The research will compare the success of the two transfer states. Currently, patients with five or fewer embryos usually receive cleavage-stage transfers. The blastocyst stage allows for the transfer of a single embryo, reducing multiple-gestation pregnancies without reducing the live birth rate per transfer. The award will allow analyze patient data across nine academic IVF centers in the United States over a period of 6.5 years.

“This study was selected for PCORI funding based on its scientific merit and commitment to engaging patients in conducting a major research effort on in vitro fertilization,” said PCORI executive director Nakela L. Cook, MD, MPH. “The study has the potential to fill an important evidence gap relevant to a range of health care decision makers and help them better assess care options. We look forward to following the study’s progress and working with BIDMC to share its results.”

Neuhausser’s study was selected for funding through a PCORI initiative to support large-scale, high-impact comparative effectiveness research trials in a multi-phase format allowing for testing and refinement of the study approach. The research will involve an initial feasibility phase to maximize the likelihood of full trial success. His study was selected through a highly competitive review process in which patients, caregivers and other stakeholders joined scientists to evaluate the proposals.

Neuhausser’s award has been approved pending completion of a business and programmatic review by PCORI staff and issuance of a formal award contract.