Nucleus and Legacy partner to help families decide if IVF is right for them. The partnership connects advanced genetic and male fertility testing, giving prospective parents more information to guide their next steps for family planning. NEW YORK, Aug. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Nucleus Genomics today announced a partnership with Legacy that will give Nucleus customers access to Legacy's at-home sperm testing and freezing, and Legacy customers access to Nucleus Preview, its at-home preconception genetic test. "Together with Nucleus, we can help prospective parents and their care teams better understand sperm quality and genetic factors that may influence IVF..." "People often ask us if IVF is right for them, and the decision typically comes down to three factors: egg quality, sperm quality, and genetics," "Partnering with Legacy brings two crucial factors together, empowering patients to choose the path to parenthood that best suits them." "Every family deserves the opportunity to make informed decisions about their fertility and the health of their future children," "Together with Nucleus, we can help prospective parents and their care teams better understand sperm quality and genetic factors that may influence IVF..." "People often ask us if IVF is right for them, and the decision typically comes down to three factors: egg quality, sperm quality, and genetics," "Partnering with Legacy brings two crucial factors together, empowering patients to choose the path to parenthood that best suits them." "Every family deserves the opportunity to make informed decisions about their fertility and the health of their future children," "Together with Nucleus, we can help prospective parents and their care teams better understand sperm quality and genetic factors that may influence IVF..." The partnership comes as more people take a proactive approach to family planning, seeking information about their health, fertility and future children earlier - helping parents decide whether they should conceive naturally or consider alternate paths to conception. Empowering More Confident Family Planning Decisions Nucleus and Legacy have collectively helped tens of thousands of people better understand their fertility and health before starting a family. Legacy has performed more than 75,000 sperm analyses, while Nucleus has served thousands of patients with advanced genetic testing. Nucleus Preview uses a cheek swab from both partners to analyze more than 2,000 genetic factors, including reproductive health insights, inherited conditions, and common disease risk. Legacy's at-home testing analyzes sperm across factors that can affect fertility, with the option to freeze and preserve sperm for future use. The services connect two traditionally siloed insights important for those considering parenthood: sperm health and the risk of passing down genetic diseases. "People often ask us if IVF is right for them, and the decision typically comes down to three factors: egg quality, sperm quality, and genetics," said Kian Sadeghi, founder and CEO of Nucleus Genomics. "Partnering with Legacy brings two crucial factors together, empowering patients to choose the path to parenthood that best suits them." Male Fertility is Part of the Health Picture Male reproductive health contributes to up to 40% of infertility cases[1], yet has traditionally received less attention in family planning. Sperm health can also reveal more than the ability to conceive naturally. Male infertility has been associated with higher risks of heart disease, diabetes and hypertension, as well as testicular and prostate cancer[2]. That connection between reproductive and broader health is central to both companies. Nucleus uses genetics to help people understand risks that may affect their own health and their future children; Legacy uses male fertility to provide another view into lifelong health before conception. "Every family deserves the opportunity to make informed decisions about their fertility and the health of their future children," said Khaled Kteily, Legacy founder and CEO. "Together with Nucleus, we can help prospective parents and their care teams better understand sperm quality and genetic factors that may influence IVF outcomes, while advancing a future where reproductive care is increasingly personalized, proactive, and centered on healthier outcomes for families." Continued Growth Across Fertility Care Nucleus' partnership with Legacy comes amid the company's continued growth across fertility care, including recent partnerships with Southern California Reproductive Center and Fertility Institute of Hawaii, as Nucleus Embryo, its advanced embryo analysis, increasingly becomes a new standard of care in IVF. Alongside its clinical expansion, Nucleus Labs, the company's research arm, has continued investing in frontier genetic research. Reinforcing a broader vision to advance reproductive genomic technologies, Nucleus recently announced its involvement in a landmark embryo gene-editing paper and committed additional funding to the next phase of this research at Columbia University. The partnership also builds on a year of significant clinical and scientific advances for Legacy. In 2026, the company launched Sperm Insights, a data platform designed to provide a more personalized and longitudinal view of reproductive health; announced a $1 million clinical research initiative studying at-home semen collection for IVF and IUI; introduced expanded motility testing and advanced motility reporting based on a 2025 research study; and received New York State CLEP approval for its semen analysis and sperm DNA fragmentation laboratory-developed tests. Together, these milestones reflect Legacy's continued investment in clinical rigor, reproductive science, and technology designed to bring more actionable male fertility data into the family-building process. About Nucleus Genomics Nucleus Genomics helps couples plan and have their best baby. Its services span advanced carrier screening, embryo analysis, and integrated IVF care, supporting clinic matching, treatment coordination, egg donor selection, and surrogacy. Available across almost all 50 U.S. states and at 170+ IVF clinics worldwide, the company has raised more than $32 million to date with investors including Founders Fund, Seven Seven Six, Samsung Next, and Quiet Capital. To learn more, visit https://mynucleus.com. About Legacy Legacy is the leading digital male fertility clinic, offering at-home sperm testing, cryopreservation, and advanced analysis. With a mission to make fertility care more accessible, Legacy combines clinical expertise with cutting-edge technology to empower individuals to understand and take control of their reproductive health. [[1]] Leslie, S.W., Soon-Sutton, T.L., & Khan, M.A.B. (2024, February 25). Male infertility. StatPearls. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562258/ [[2]] Choy, J.T., & Eisenberg, M.L. (2022, January). Male fertility as a marker for health. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 44(1), 131-144. https://www.rbmojournal.com/article/S1472-6483(21)00483-1/fulltext

Precise gene editing in early human embryos reignites the 'designer baby' debate. The technology, still far from clinical use, could one day prevent devastating diseases. But critics warn that even these early results may also fuel interest in commercial embryo editing, despite unresolved ethical and safety concerns. Jun 17, 2026 Image Credit Scientists at Columbia University have used a precise gene-editing tool, base editing, to make changes in three disease-linked genes in early-stage human embryos. The goal wasn't to create pregnancies, but to test the safety and limits of rewriting DNA at the very early stages of life. The paper, not yet peer reviewed, sparked immediate controversy. Some researchers hailed it as a technical milestone that could one day prevent devastating inherited diseases before birth. Others warned it edges society closer to the prospect of "designer babies" - an idea bioethicists have argued is akin to modern eugenics. The debate is hardly hypothetical. The work has already attracted commercial interest. New York-based Nucleus Genomics, which screens in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos for serious genetic disorders, has also developed predictive models for complex traits such as intelligence. The company plans to sponsor future research by study leader Dieter Egli and team. Critics worry that even experimental advances could fuel demand from wealthy patients while encouraging companies to develop and market embryo-editing technologies, despite unresolved ethical and safety concerns. Egli argues the findings should be public precisely because these debates are no longer academic curiosity. He has repeatedly called for scientists, regulators, and the public to weigh the pros and cons of editing human embryos. As for clinical use today, his position is unequivocal: "You can't use it. It's as clear as day and night," he told Nature. Conceptual shift. Why edit embryos at all? Cells in an early embryo eventually give rise to every tissue in the body. Correct a harmful mutation at the start of development, and the fix could, in theory, propagate throughout a child's entire body - and even be passed on to future generations. The strategy could help in genetic disorders that hamper fetal development or trigger diseases in newborns. For some developmental and metabolic conditions, intervention after birth may already be too late. Even when treatment is possible, gene editors must be able to target various organs, which is an ongoing challenge. In various efforts, scientists have already repaired disease-causing mutations in mouse embryos and fetuses, including those linked to blood disorders. But mice aren't humans. Early embryos from the two species repair DNA damage in fundamentally different ways, making it tough to gauge whether a strategy that works in mice will succeed, or prove safe, in people. That uncertainty has fueled interest in testing gene-editing tools directly in human embryos. Not everyone is on board. International scientific groups have repeatedly called for a temporary ban on editing human embryos, and the practice is illegal in several countries. That didn't stop Chinese scientist He Jiankui. In 2018, he announced the birth of gene-edited babies after using a tool called CRISPR-Cas9, claiming the changes would protect them against HIV infection. Global outrage ensued. By then, years of research had already highlighted CRISPR's risk. The tool cuts both strands of DNA and relies on the body's repair machinery to stitch them back together. But the process can go awry, introducing unintended mutations, deleting large chunks of DNA, or altering the wrong locations on the DNA strands altogether. He's reckless experiment resulted in three years of imprisonment, although he still defends the work. Subsequent studies only deepened concerns. In some cases, CRISPR editing in human embryos caused extensive genetic damage. In one study, it completely destroyed the chromosome that housed the target gene. An imperfect upgrade. The new study tested a next-generation gene editor designed to overcome some of CRISPR's biggest shortcomings. Egli and team used an approach called base editing, which rewrites individual DNA letters. Unlike CRISPR, base editing only nicks the DNA strands and is generally thought to be more precise. The technology hit a major milestone last year when it helped cure a baby with a potentially fatal genetic disorder, and earlier lab studies hinted it could also succeed in human embryos. Working with early-stage embryos, the team edited three genes with the potential to cause illness. In each case, they converted the genetic letter A to G at precise locations. One of the genes, PCSK9, regulates "bad" cholesterol levels. Mutations are associated with a high risk of heart problems. The team's edit was designed to switch off the gene, mirroring strategies already being explored in adults. The other two targets, HBG1 and HBG2, control production of fetal hemoglobin, an oxygen-carrying protein. The edits made here reflected a natural protective variant that could lessen symptoms in blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. Be part of the future. Sign up to receive top stories about groundbreaking technologies and visionary thinkers from SingularityHub. 100% Free. No Spam. Unsubscribe any time. The team found no signs of widespread DNA damage, suggesting the tool is more precise than CRISPR. But it wasn't perfect. Many embryos emerged as so-called genetic mosaics, with some cells carrying the intended edit and others retaining their original genetic blueprint. That's a huge problem. As an embryo develops, unedited cells could outcompete edited ones, leaving the disease-causing mutation largely intact. In some embryos, edited cells stopped dividing altogether. And a lack of obvious chromosome damage doesn't guarantee safety. The edits could still trigger harmful effects that aren't noticeable until after birth - when it's already too late to reverse them. Calls for scrutiny. Egli stresses that embryo editing is still far from being ready for the clinic. "These base editors - they can have damaging effects on the embryo. So why would you use it if you don't fully understand that?" he told Nature. His team is now working to reduce mosaicism and plans to test the technology in embryos that have developed to roughly 100 cells. This is when fertility clinics typically evaluate and freeze embryos. Speaking to The New York Times, fertility expert Paula Amato at Oregon Health & Science University, who was not involved in the work, called the strategy "promising." Genomics researcher Greg Neely at the University of Sydney in Australia also praised the work: "This will go down in history in a positive way - less reckless, more careful and ethical than previous attempts." Others remain deeply skeptical. Critics argue that embryo editing permanently alters the genetic inheritance of future generations, who have no say in the decision. The study's ties to Nucleus Genomics also raised eyebrows. The company previously drew controversy for developing genetic predictions for traits such as intelligence and height and for its slogan "have your best baby." To Kian Sadeghi, CEO and cofounder of Nucleus, embryo editing extends that vision. The technology could help couples carrying mutations who struggle to produce enough unaffected embryos for selection during IVF. Fyodor Urnov at the University of California, Berkeley, who was not involved in the study, isn't convinced. IVF clinics already screen embryos for many inherited disorders without altering their DNA. Given the risks, selecting an unaffected embryo is often a safer option than rewriting its genome. "In practical terms, therefore, this preprint will solely impact the rapidly growing movement of embryo editors for purposes of 'baby improvement'," he said. That movement, once taboo, is gaining steam. Yet the traits most often cited by proponents - height, intelligence, emotional regulation - are shaped by hundreds or even thousands of genes, which scientists still don't fully understand. Such enhancements are far beyond the reach of today's technology. Every additional edit also increases the chance of unintended consequences. For Egli, that's precisely why the research should be discussed openly. "Research is necessary to provide information to discourage the wrong use of a technology," he said.

Fertility Institute of Hawaii joins Nucleus IVF+ Network as demand for genetic optimization continues to expand. The partnership brings Nucleus' advanced carrier and embryo screening to Hawaii's largest IVF practice. NEW YORK, June 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Nucleus Genomics today announced an IVF+ partnership with the Fertility Institute of Hawaii, bringing its advanced carrier screening and embryo analysis to Hawaii's largest IVF practice. "We're proud to be the first in the state to offer this level of embryo genetic analysis, and even prouder that it enables our local and international..." "When choosing which embryo to transfer, patients want more information during IVF," "The Fertility Institute of Hawaii has helped families across Hawaii and the Pacific for decades. We're excited to work alongside a team so deeply trusted by..." "The future of IVF is genomic. Our partnership with Nucleus reflects what we've always believed: patients in Hawaii shouldn't have to leave home or settle for..." "We're proud to be the first in the state to offer this level of embryo genetic analysis, and even prouder that it enables our local and international..." "When choosing which embryo to transfer, patients want more information during IVF," "The Fertility Institute of Hawaii has helped families across Hawaii and the Pacific for decades. We're excited to work alongside a team so deeply trusted by..." "The future of IVF is genomic. Our partnership with Nucleus reflects what we've always believed: patients in Hawaii shouldn't have to leave home or settle for..." "We're proud to be the first in the state to offer this level of embryo genetic analysis, and even prouder that it enables our local and international..." Through the collaboration, patients will gain deeper genetic insight into their embryos during IVF, including risks tied to cancers, heart disease, and diabetes - conditions that are especially prevalent across the Pacific. It will also expand access to Nucleus for many international patients who travel to Hawaii for fertility care from Japan, Korea, China, Australia, and New Zealand. Based in Honolulu and founded by Dr. John Frattarelli, the Fertility Institute of Hawaii has been a leader in fertility care for more than two decades. Having supported thousands of families, its doctors have helped bring more than 15,000 babies into the world. "When choosing which embryo to transfer, patients want more information during IVF," said Dr. Nathan Treff, Chief Clinical Officer at Nucleus Genomics. "The Fertility Institute of Hawaii has helped families across Hawaii and the Pacific for decades. We're excited to work alongside a team so deeply trusted by its patients and community." Building on decades of genetic research, Nucleus offers advanced genetic insight across family planning and IVF through its services Preview and Embryo. Together, these help prospective parents better understand inherited disease risk, screening for more than 2,000 genetic conditions and traits. This includes insight into many conditions not typically offered in IVF, including endometriosis, type 1 diabetes, breast cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. When using its genetic optimization models, the company showed that prospective parents selecting among five embryos can expect average relative risk reductions of 31.9% for endometriosis, 67% for type 1 diabetes, 42% for breast cancer, 35% for heart disease, and 55% for Alzheimer's disease. "The future of IVF is genomic. Our partnership with Nucleus reflects what we've always believed: patients in Hawaii shouldn't have to leave home or settle for less," said Dr. John Frattarelli, Founder, CEO, and Medical Director, Fertility Institute of Hawaii. "We're proud to be the first in the state to offer this level of embryo genetic analysis, and even prouder that it enables our local and international patients to make their most consequential decisions with the most complete information available." Nucleus' partnership with the Fertility Institute of Hawaii also comes at a time of significant international patient interest for the company's services, especially from Asia, Australia and New Zealand. It also comes amid rapid growth for Nucleus, which in recent months announced clinic partnerships in California, New York, India and the Middle East. Today, Nucleus has a waitlist of more than 3,000 patients and continues to rapidly expand its IVF+ Clinic Network. As more fertility clinics adopt advanced genomics, Nucleus is helping establish a new standard for how families plan for the next generation. Press Contact Nucleus Genomics [email protected] About Nucleus Genomics Nucleus Genomics helps couples plan and have their best baby. Its services span advanced carrier screening, embryo analysis, and an integrated IVF care experience, with a focus on building generational health. Nucleus has raised more than $32 million to date with investors including Founders Fund, Seven Seven Six, Samsung Next, and Quiet Capital. To learn more, visit https://mynucleus.com. About Fertility Institute of Hawaii Fertility Institute of Hawaii is the largest and most comprehensive IVF practice in Hawaii, based in Honolulu and serving patients across the Hawaiian Islands and internationally, including families from Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. At the heart of the clinic is an on-site, state-of-the-art IVF laboratory, enabling the most advanced reproductive technologies and cutting-edge genetic testing services all under one roof. From IVF and fertility preservation to personalized reproductive care, Fertility Institute of Hawaii delivers a full spectrum of fertility services with the clinical expertise and compassionate support that every family deserves.