Cambridge Temperature Concepts Limited (CTC) today announced the first user-trials of their revolutionary non-invasive fertility monitor– DuoFertility. DuoFertility is an extremely precise sensor for the measurement of a woman’s body basal temperature (BBT). It increases a couple’s chances of conception? by providing a convenient, accurate and reliable way to identify when ovulation? occurs. The first nationwide trial of DuoFertility begins in July and the Company are now looking to recruit 100 couples who wish to conceive. Each participating couple will use DuoFertility for a period of four months in the comfort of their own home before providing feedback about the usability of the product. The first product release of DuoFertility is scheduled for autumn 2008.
With 1 in 7 European couples now facing problems conceiving, maximising the chances of natural conception by identifying precisely when ovulation occurs is critical. However, recent research has discovered that 86% of women do not know exactly when they ovulate. CTC’s DuoFertility technology measures the most accurate indicator of ovulation - the half-degree change in a woman’s BBT - to digitally pinpoint this optimum time for conception and thereby assist couples to achieve pregnancy. Measuring BBT is recognised by the medical community as a reliable method for detecting ovulation. CTC Co-founder, Dr David Naumann of Frimley Park Hospital explained, “Charting body basal temperature is often the first step that we recommend to our patients to promote conception as it not only helps them to identify the best time to try, but also it confirms that ovulation has occurred.”
The fertility monitors currently available on the market require women to either take a daily urine sample to identify hormonal changes or wake up very early every morning and manually measure and record their BBT to identify the half-degree change associated with ovulation.
CTC was founded in 2005 by a team of postgraduate fertility and technology experts from the University of Cambridge to develop a more accurate, convenient and reliable way to detect ovulation. Dr. Oriane Chausiaux, CTC’s Chief Scientific Officer, said: “Today’s fertility monitors are inconvenient and time-consuming to use, and can turn the whole process of tracking ovulation into a major hassle. That’s why we have designed DuoFertility with the user in mind. With no early morning wake up calls, no messy urine samples and no complicated charts, DuoFertility leaves couples free to concentrate on the important business of conceiving!”
DuoFertility consists of a tiny sensor, the size of a £1 coin, embedded in a small stick-on patch that can be worn discreetly by a woman under the arm, night and day. It automatically collects temperature data every few seconds, and a compact digital hand-held reader shows the results whenever desired. CTC's Chief Executive Officer, Dr Shamus Husheer said, “DuoFertility continuously measures body temperature so you don’t have to. The temperature data it produces has a precision greater than one thousandth of a degree – that’s more precise than most laboratory research equipment. The participants in the trial will benefit from having access to the latest technology in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. The feedback they give us will enable us to deliver the best product to market and achieve our Company’s vision of helping more couples build families.”
If you are interested in participating in the DuoFertility trial, please register at: www.duofertility.com
Cambridge Temperature Concepts are developers of a novel ovulation detector – DuoFertility - that improves couples’ chances of conception by providing convenient, accurate and reliable information.Worn as a small stick-on patch under the arm, DuoFertility continuously measures a woman’s body temperature to identify when ovulation occurs and thereby help maximise the chances of conception. Having won business plan competitions at a collegiate, university and national level, CTC is now funded by the Cambridge Angels, Cambridge Capital Group, Downing Enterprise and private investors.
The Cambridge Angels The Cambridge Angels are a group of high-net worth investors who have proven experience as successful entrepreneurs in technology and bio-technology. Our Members have been responsible for a large number of the ‘Cambridge Phenomenon’ success stories over recent years. Therefore, in addition to providing funding for early-stage companies, the Cambridge Angels also offer start-ups the considerable benefit of a wide range of expertise, contacts and directly relevant experience in establishing and growing entrepreneurial businesses successfully. Early-stage tech / biotech ventures seeking funding in the range of £20,000 - £1m can apply for funding at: www.cambridgeangels.net
Cambridge Capital Group CCG is a private investor group of 35 entrepreneurs and professionals that supports high-tech start-ups in the main centres of UK technology excellence. CCG Members have been supporting UK technology start-ups for 10 years, with a number of major successes. CCG often co-invest with other specialist angel investors and are supported by four blue chip sponsors. Further detail can be found at www.cambridgecapitalgroup.co.uk
Downing Enterprise Downing Enterprise is a competition for students of Downing College and those who graduated in the last three years. A group of alumni have put together a fund to provide start-up grants for student business ideas which are selected through an annual competition. The alumni also act as competition judges and mentors to the winning teams. Further detail can be found at http://www.downingcambridge.com/development/projects/downing-enterprise
