Orchid, a reproductive technology company, has announced the introduction of the world’s first 30x whole genome sequencing reports for embryos. This innovation, supported by a $12M in total funding, is set to provide prospective parents with unprecedented insights into the genetic health of embryos. Orchid’s investors include Prometheus Fund, Starbloom Capital, Refactor Capital, Pebblebed, Day One Ventures, and Conviction Capital, as well as notable 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), Fidji Simo (CEO Instacart) and others.
Orchid’s Embryo Report represents a significant advancement in genetic testing by sequencing over 99% of an embryo’s genome. This level of analysis is a substantial increase from the 0.25% read by most existing tests, offering a more comprehensive understanding of potential genetic risks.
This novel approach to embryo screening is designed to detect a wide array of diseases, including neurodevelopmental disorders, congenital defects, and various hereditary cancers, that were previously undetectable until after birth. The report targets monogenic variants linked to conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, epilepsy, and congenital heart defects, among others.
Dr. George Church, Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, remarked on the development: “These papers showing an 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.”
Orchid’s solution consolidates advancements in single-cell sequencing, bioinformatics, statistical genetics, and variant analysis. This integrated approach allows for clinical-grade whole genome sequencing of embryos, a process that previously faced challenges due to the limited amount of data obtainable from a few cells.
Jacques Cohen, Ph.D., a leading embryologist, commented on the advancement: “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.”
Founded by Noor Siddiqui, a Stanford-trained computer scientist, Orchid’s mission stems from her personal experience and aims to extend the healthspan of the next generation: “After seeing the impact of degenerative disease in my own family, I’m thrilled we can now offer 30x whole genome sequencing reports for embryos so parents can choose to help the next generation suffer less.” Orchid’s scientific advisory board includes renowned experts like Barry Behr, Jacques Cohen, Jerry Lanchbury, and Jan Liphardt, while its medical advisory board features prominent physicians such as Dr. Lusine Aghajanova and Dr. Jonathan Kort.
The Orchid Embryo Report is now available at select IVF centers in US cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Austin, Dallas, Miami, and Philadelphia. The new offering builds on Orchid’s initial product, the Couple Report, which assesses genetic risks for future children based on saliva samples.
