McGill Researchers Develop Innovative Patch to Enhance IVF Success

A team of researchers at McGill University has made a significant advancement that could enhance the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF) while alleviating the discomfort associated with hormone injections. Their innovative approach involves the development of a light-activated microneedle patch designed to replace daily hormone injections required before egg retrieval for women undergoing IVF.

Currently, the success rate of IVF stands at approximately 30 percent. This figure is often impacted by issues related to the timing and administration of hormone injections. According to Marta Cerruti, a professor of materials engineering at McGill University and the study’s lead author, “One of the problems with in vitro fertilization is that it often doesn’t work […] because it’s difficult to remember to inject yourself every day at the same time.” Mistakes in timing can severely compromise treatment outcomes.

The proposed microneedle patch offers a potential solution by programming automatic injections at specific times. Women could wear the patch for a week, allowing for consistent hormone delivery without the need for daily injections. The patch consists of hydrogel microneedles filled with nanoparticles that, when stimulated by infrared light, release leuprolide, a hormone crucial for the IVF process.

Innovative Technology and Its Implications

While light-triggered microneedle patches are not entirely new, this research represents the first exploration of releasing a substance naturally found in the body. Cerruti elaborates, “In order to release a drug with light, we have to break the bonds in the matrix containing the drug. The only light we can use to break these bonds is ultraviolet light.” Because ultraviolet (UV) light poses carcinogenic risks, the researchers sought an alternative.

To mitigate these risks, they incorporated specialized nanoparticles into the patch capable of transforming infrared light into UV light. This innovation allows the drug to be released without the nanoparticles entering the body. “With this idea of microneedle technology, we put them in a matrix with microneedles that prevent the nanoparticles from passing into the body,” Cerruti explained. “Only the drug is released by the particles with infrared light.”

Testing has thus far been conducted on rats, and further research involving larger animals is necessary before proceeding to human clinical trials. Given the regulatory landscape, it may take years before Health Canada evaluates the device for approval.

Potential Applications Beyond IVF

The implications of this technology extend beyond IVF, potentially benefiting individuals with various health conditions such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis. The versatility of microneedle technology could revolutionize how medications are administered, improving patient compliance and comfort.

Cerruti’s study, which highlights these groundbreaking findings, was published in the scientific journal Small. The research team included contributions from Vivienne Tam, Rusvir Trana, Alfonso Nieto-Arguello, Ore-Oluwa Olasubulumi, Samuel Babity, Artiom Skripka, Fiorenzo Vetrone, and Davide Brambilla.

The Canadian Press provided support for this health coverage through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association and is solely responsible for the content. This report was originally published in French on January 8, 2026.