A Melbourne-based startup, Symex Labs, has partnered with the University of Melbourne and Monash IVF to develop a pioneering wearable biosensor for IVF treatments. This innovative device is designed to streamline the fertility process, significantly reducing patient pain and the high costs associated with traditional hormone monitoring.

During the critical stages of egg collection or embryo transfer, clinicians must precisely monitor hormone levels, specifically progesterone, oestradiol, and luteinising hormone, to ensure procedures occur at the optimal time. Currently, this requires patients to undergo frequent, invasive blood tests at laboratories. This reliance on labs can be problematic; for instance, if testing is required over a weekend when most facilities are closed, clinicians may be forced to choose less-than-ideal timing, potentially compromising the precision of the treatment.

The solution developed by University of Melbourne alumni Edgar Charry and Muhammad Umer involves a biosensor that detects hormones in the interstitial fluid found just beneath the skin. "Previous research shows nearly all hormones that exist in blood are also present in interstitial fluid," said Symex Labs co-founder Edgar Charry. He further explained that "interstitial fluid is clear fluid just under the skin that sits between cells, delivering nutrients and carrying away waste".

This wearable biosensor for IVF treatments functions as a convenient skin patch. According to Charry, "Our biosensor will eventually be worn as a patch and will work by penetrating the skin using small microneedles to attract progesterone molecules in the patient's interstitial fluid. These molecules will bind to the surface of the probe, generating electrical activity. The technology then translates the electrical activity to progesterone levels, ultimately informing the IVF clinical team if the patient is ready for embryo transfer. This data will be sent directly to the clinic's monitoring system, allowing IVF nurses to review the results and advise the patient ”.

The clinical benefits are substantial, particularly for patient comfort and accessibility. Monash IVF Research Director, Associate Professor Mark Green, noted that the investment in this technology aligns with a focus on innovation. “This technology will save patients time and money, as they can conveniently wear the patch in the comfort of their own home, resulting in fewer visits to the clinic and fewer painful injections,” Green said. He also emphasised that the biosensor would be a "gamechanger" for women in regional areas who currently travel long distances for blood draws.

Beyond fertility, the wearable biosensor for IVF treatments has broader applications. Symex Labs co-founder Muhammad Umer stated: “Our wearable hormone biosensor has strong potential well beyond fertility care, particularly in PCOS management and perimenopause and menopause symptom management, where continuous hormone insight can replace today's indirect, symptom-based tracking." ”.

Supported by $2.5 million in funding from the federal government, Breakthrough Victoria, and the University of Melbourne, the project is moving toward a world-first clinical study to benchmark interstitial hormone levels against blood concentrations. The first in-human pilot study is expected within the next 12 months, with commercialisation planned for early 2028.