# AI-enhanced metabolic imaging: a non-invasive and precise IVF assessment tool

> **NIH NIH R44** · OPTIVA FERTILITY, INC. · 2022 · $257,945

## Abstract

Project Summary
The development of a non-invasive, objective embryo viability assessment remains an unmet
need in IVF treatment. In this work, Optiva Fertility aims to develop a novel embryo assessment
based on metabolic imaging using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) in conjunction with
artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. To date, Optiva Fertility has designed, tested, and deployed
a first generation metabolic imaging system and has commenced clinical work.
Bringing this technology to the point where it provides significant benefit to IVF patients requires
a multi-stage development and verification process which forms the basis for the proposed work
in this grant. Based on the results from an observational pilot trial, Optiva will design a large
scale, multi-site observational trial. The purpose of this study is to obtain a dataset large enough
to train robust AI models for assessing embryo viability. Facilitating this trial will require
engineering and constructing a second generation metabolic imaging system featuring a more
compact and integrated hardware design, automated calibration, upgraded controls software,
and enhanced imaging technology. It is anticipated that this system will be very similar to the
eventual commercial product. Successful completion of this work will further the understanding
of the role metabolism plays in embryo viability, as well as leave Optiva well positioned to
undertake a pivotal interventional trial.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10457740
- **Project number:** 1R44HD108813-01
- **Recipient organization:** OPTIVA FERTILITY, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Timothy Sanchez
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $257,945
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-04-01 → 2022-09-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10457740

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10457740, AI-enhanced metabolic imaging: a non-invasive and precise IVF assessment tool (1R44HD108813-01). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-27 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/10457740. Licensed CC0.

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