Leading the future of reproductive science
At Repromed, we pride ourselves on the fact that our clinical and scientific teams remain at the cutting edge of research to provide our patients with evidence-based fertility treatment options available.
Our clinical and scientific teams have a wealth of local and international experience and many conduct research into different facets of reproductive science.
We are also renowned for our exceptional success rates. Furthermore, our highly experienced scientific teams undertake a broad range of initiatives to ensure continuous improvement of our success rates.
Our active and successful research and development programs
Our scientists and clinicians have made major contributions to the global knowledge regarding the causes of and treatments of infertility. These contributions have had positive and real impacts for our patients such as:
- Development of the male fertility pill ‘Menevit’ to assist in the creation of healthy sperm
- Development of the Ovarian Reserve Test (AMH), which is now widely used by many IVF clinics in Australia
- Research into the impact of lifestyle issues on fertility
Repromed scientists have also been at the forefront of developing and/or adopting many cutting edge techniques which have benefited our patients including:
- Implementation of extended embryo culture to improve pregnancy rates
- Using the vitrification method for oocyte and embryo freezing to improve oocyte and embryo survival
- Implementation of the sperm DNA fragmentation test
- Undertaking preimplantation genetic testing on embryos
- Implementation of the pre-natal blood test ‘nest’ for pregnant patients
Our laboratories
Repromed has made significant investments in state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and laboratory systems across our clinics. This investment reflects our continued focus on quality control and quality assurances. We continue to investigate and invest in equipment as part of our commitment to improving success rates and outcomes for patients.
Our labs perform in-house Semen Analysis using a state-of-the-art computer assisted system, resulting in our patients obtaining their results faster and with greater consistency compared to traditional methods. Our labs are the first in South Australia and the Northern Territory to verify and adopt this new technology.
Repromed is also the first clinic in Australia to introduce Piezo ICSI, a different technique used to insert a single sperm into an egg. For patients who require this technology it can result in an improvement in the number of embryos suitable for freezing.(Furuhashi, K et al., 2019 and Zander-Fox, D et al., 2021).
We have also commenced introducing time-lapse technology into our laboratories – a type of incubation for embryos. We are also proud that majority of our tests are carried out in-house using the latest techniques and best practice methods. For example, Repromed was the first – and still only – clinic in South Australia to offer on-site Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) on embryos.
PGT allows IVF scientists to confirm that the correct genetic material (number of chromosomes) is present in an embryo being transferred. PGT is also an option for patients at an increased risk of passing a chromosome abnormality or specific genetic disorder on to their children. Patients choose PGT for many reasons, including repeat implantation failure, repeat miscarriage, an objection to termination of pregnancy, or loss of a child from a genetic disease. Repromed is proud to offer PGT via our on-site Genetics Lab.
Our scientists
Our dynamic team of scientists are highly skilled in embryology, genetics and andrology. They are dedicated to delivering the best possible outcomes for you and are always innovating and improving processes to do so.
Our scientists take their role in your fertility journey very seriously. They handle your eggs, sperm and embryos with the utmost care. Although they often work behind the scenes, you can rest assured that during each stage of your fertility journey our dedicated science team are behind you.
During your fertility journey, our scientists are responsible for completing the following processes:
- In-vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
- Freezing of eggs, sperm and embryos
- Preimplantation genetic testing
- Warming of eggs, sperm and embryos
Our scientists also assist with egg collections, embryo transfers and other procedures.
Meet our Scientific Director
Repromed’s Scientific Director is part of the Monash IVF Group of Scientific Directors who lead our scientific teams across Australia. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, they ensure we achieve scientific excellence for our patients.
Our Scientific Director is also part of the Monash IVF Group Scientific Advisory Committee. This committee is focused on maintaining leading success rates for our patients. They are dedicated to continuous improvement and establishing and maintaining optimal scientific and laboratory processes. Above all, they are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients.
Dr Leanne Pacella-Ince
Scientific Director – NSW (Acting)
BHSc (Hons), PhD
Leanne joined the Monash IVF Group in 2007 and is currently Scientific Director of Monash IVF NSW (acting), Scientific Director of Repromed and Scientific Director of Compass Fertility in the ACT.
A fully qualified Embryologist, Leanne was also the Genetics Co-ordinator for Repromed prior to becoming a Scientific Director.
Completing her PhD under the supervision of Professor Michelle Lane and Associate Professor Deirdre Zander-Fox in 2014 through the University of Adelaide’s School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health for which she was awarded the Dean’s Commendation for Thesis excellence. Her PhD focused on the contribution of perturbed granulosa and cumulus cell metabolism and mitochondrial protein levels to the poor IVF outcomes seen in women undergoing IVF with either reduced ovarian reserve or advanced maternal age.
In 2016, Leanne was awarded the Scientist in Reproductive Technology Established Scientist Award. With published papers in peer reviewed journals, Leanne is also an honors supervisor through the Adelaide University’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as an Australian Institute of Medical Scientists Assessor for IVF Embryologists.
Heavily involved in the implementation of new technology designed to provide better outcomes, Leanne is passionate about patient care and improving success rates.