ASX Health Stocks: Memphasys says Felix can separate sperm better than current techniques

Memphasys says its Felix system is more effective in separating sperm
Sigma got an extended contract with Chemist Warehouse, EBOS ditched
Anatara Lifesciences says Stage 1 results support progress to Stage 2

Cell and protein separation devices company, Memphasys (ASX:MEM), says that its Felix System provides the best separation technique for recovering high-quality sperm post cryopreservation, for use in assisted reproductive technology.

The announcement came on the back of results of a study titled ‘Analysis of sperm separation protocols for isolating cryopreserved human spermatozoa’.

The study revealed that only cells separated using the Felix system exhibited significantly lower levels of DNA fragmentation following cryopreservation.

The results were presented at the annual Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand 2023 Conference, and were also published in the medical journal ‘Reproduction and Fertility’.

To maximise successful conception and minimise the risk of genetic defects in people undertaking IVF treatment, sperm is usually separated from the cryopreservation medium prior to clinical use.

The most common separation techniques currently used are density gradient centrifugation (DGC), and Swim-up.

According to the study, Felix offers significant advantages over those techniques.

Chemist Warehouse signs Sigma; EBOS ditched

Sigma Healthcare (ASX:SIG) surged 22% after announcing that it has signed a binding deal with Chemist Warehouse for the supply of both Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines and Fast-Moving-Consumer-Goods (FMCG) product for a period of five years commencing on 1 July 2024.

Sigma is the incumbent supplier for FMCG product to Chemist Warehouse, and those sales currently represent approximately 29% of Sigma’s net sales revenue.

Sigma’s gain today seems to be at the expense of pharmaceutical distributor, EBOS Group (ASX:EBO).

EBOS fell -15% after being informed by Chemist Warehouse that it intends to pursue alternative wholesale supply arrangements, and that its contract will not be renewed beyond the expiry date of 30 June 2024.

Anatara wants to proceed to Stage 2 trial

Preliminary data readout of Anatara Lifesciences’ (ASX:ANR) GaRP Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) trial supports continuation of the trial.

Anatara says statistical analysis of the first 31 participants has encouraged the company to progress from Stage 1 to Stage 2 of the GaRP-IBS trial.

This comes as after a review of the preliminary data by DSMB (Data Safety Monitoring Board), which said that it was satisfied with the results, noting the small data set.

The DSMB also said there were no safety concerns across the participant groups.

If the trial is successful, the company believes the high prevalence of digestive disorders requiring relief including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), will present a significant market opportunity.