Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a technique that allows for the genetic profiling of embryos prior to their implantation as part of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. This is typically done to minimize the risk of miscarriage and of genetic or chromosomal diseases.

Since the first successful use of PGD in 1989, many people have been subject to this procedure for non-genomic traits (like aneuploidies) or traits with well-established causal paths (like monogenic diseases). For example, in 2008 it was estimated that 4%-6% of IVFs in the US included a PGD step. In 2020, the first tests for highly polygenic traits on human embryos were carried out in a clinical setting.

Orchid Health is the first company offering PGD for highly polygenic diseases (like type 2 diabetes and schizophrenia) commercially to any parents who want it as part of a standard IVF procedure. This has raised technical and ethical concerns.

When will the first baby screened for polygenic traits by Orchid Health be born?

This question shall resolve according to a press release from Orchid Health or credible media reports.

The baby must have been screened for at least one trait for which the risk is estimated using a polygenic risk score.