Business Fortune
In today's world, the dream of parenthood can sometimes feel out of reach for many couples. With infertility affecting over 80 million people globally, nearly one in six couples face challenges in conceiving and bearing children. However, advances in medical science have opened new avenues for hopeful parents, and one of the most transformative treatments available is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). IVF and other assisted reproduction techniques have revolutionized the path to parenthood, offering a ray of hope for those struggling with infertility.
Among the leading names in assisted reproduction, Institut Marquès stands out as a beacon of innovation and excellence. With its headquarters in Barcelona and offices in the UK, Ireland, and Italy, Institut Marquès is a renowned center for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Assisted Reproduction, accredited by the Spanish Healthcare Authority to perform a comprehensive range of assisted reproduction techniques. Every year, hundreds of patients from around the globe visit Institut Marquès, hoping to realize their dreams of becoming parents through IVF, often involving egg or sperm donation.
A Legacy of Excellence
Institut Marquès has a rich history spanning over 95 years, with the fourth generation of gynecologists from the Marquès family continuing to deliver remarkable results. Today, it is an international reference point for assisted reproduction, treating patients from more than 50 countries. The center offers a broad range of services and boasts impressive success rates, reaching 91% per cycle in IVF treatments with donor eggs. Additionally, Institut Marquès specializes in cases of patients who have previously undergone multiple unsuccessful fertility treatments, offering hope to those facing the most challenging infertility issues.
One of the distinguishing factors of Institut Marquès is its expertise in both male infertility and Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). The center has its own sperm bank and an extensive donation program for oocytes and embryos, setting it apart from its competitors and providing a comprehensive approach to fertility treatment.
Harnessing Technology for Transparency
Institut Marquès is at the forefront of integrating advanced technology into reproductive medicine, continually striving to fulfill parents' dreams of having a baby. A prime example of this commitment is the development of Embryomobile, a pioneering application that allows parents to monitor the development of their embryos online and in real-time. This application embodies the center's dedication to transparency and quality, offering patients an unparalleled level of insight into their treatment process.
Embryomobile enables prospective parents to "access" the IVF laboratory from the comfort of their home, watching their embryos live and fostering a deeper emotional connection to the process. Studies have shown that patients using Embryomobile achieve better pregnancy rates, highlighting the positive impact of emotions on the outcomes of assisted reproduction treatments.
The Role of Music in Fertility
Institut Marquès is also breaking new ground in research on the effects of music at the beginning of life. Music is played continuously in all its laboratories, with embryos exposed to musical micro-vibrations in the incubators. This innovative approach has been shown to increase the rate of IVF success by 5%. The center's studies have also revealed that fetuses can hear from the 16th week of pregnancy, provided the sound reaches them from the mother's vagina.
To facilitate this research, Institut Marquès developed a special device called Babypod, which can emit music or voice from within the vagina. This allows the fetus to respond to sound with mouth and tongue movements, providing a unique means for mothers to communicate with their unborn babies. The device has important medical applications, such as assessing fetal hearing and improving ultrasound scans by stimulating fetal movement. These groundbreaking studies earned Institut Marquès the prestigious 'Ig Nobel Prize for Medicine' at Harvard University, marking the first time the award was given in the category of Obstetrics.
Embracing Embryo Adoption
In 2004, Institut Marquès launched an Embryo Adoption Program, offering a new opportunity for embryos not transferred to patients. According to Spanish law, embryos in this program come from healthy parents under the age of 35 who have completed successful IVF treatments and no longer wish to have more children. Over the years, patients from 124 different nationalities have participated in this program, making Institut Marquès one of the leading centers for embryo adoption worldwide.
Dr. Marisa López-Teijón, CEO of Institut Marquès, explains the program's motivation: "The adoption of embryos was launched to give the embryos frozen in our center a possibility to live. The response has been overwhelming, with social acceptance, support from various groups, and enthusiastic participation from women worldwide seeking to adopt these embryos. Behind each adoption is a unique story, often involving previous treatment failures or giving up on the possibility of becoming parents."
The Visionary Leadership of Dr. Marisa López-Teijón
At the helm of Institut Marquès is Dr. Marisa López-Teijón, a renowned figure in the field of assisted reproduction. Recognized among the top 10% of the most influential researchers globally, Dr. López-Teijón has received international acclaim for her groundbreaking studies on fetal hearing. Her leadership and vision have earned her numerous accolades, including being named 'Best Physician of the Year' in Assisted Reproduction in Spain.
Under Dr. López-Teijón's guidance, Institut Marquès continues to push the boundaries of assisted reproduction, combining cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to help couples achieve their dreams of parenthood. With a commitment to innovation, transparency, and patient-centered care, Institut Marquès remains a leader in the field, providing hope and new beginnings for families around the world.
Institut Marquès is a shining example of how science and compassion can come together to transform lives. By offering state-of-the-art treatments, pioneering research, and a patient-centered approach, the center continues to make significant strides in assisted reproduction. For countless couples, Institut Marquès represents not just a medical facility but a partner in their journey toward parenthood, offering hope, support, and the promise of a brighter future.
Dr. Marisa López-Teijón, CEO
