Press Releases
- May 31, 2011 - Walgreens to Carry Pre-Seed “fertility-friendly” Lubricant Nationwide
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Spokane, Washington -- (Marketwire – May 31, 2011) -- INGfertility, based in Spokane, WA, has announced that Pre-Seed® “fertility-friendly” Personal Lubricant is now available in all Walgreens pharmacies nationwide by June 1, 2011. “We are very excited to be adding this retail location for Pre-Seed!” stated GD Clifton, CEO of INGfertility. “Walgreens has been our most requested retail location for Pre-Seed, and we have had an amazing response to this news at Facebook.” Clifton also added, “Last year at this time, Pre-Seed was available in 500 U.S. pharmacies. By June of this year, Pre-Seed will be in 15,000 retail locations!”
Pre-Seed is the only lubricant able to state that it is “safe to use when trying to conceive,” based on regulatory clearance. Pre-Seed’s formula matches the pH, osmolality (ion content) and viscosity (thickness) of fertile cervical mucus. It can be applied internally prior to intercourse to mimic fertile secretions and provide an optimal environment for sperm. In contrast, most everyday lubricants harm sperm and may keep them from swimming to the egg normally. “Many couples who are trying to conceive have increased incidence of vaginal dryness due to intercourse on-demand,” said Clifton. “Pre-Seed offers a safe alternative for these couples. And having Pre-Seed available at Walgreens offers consumers greater access for their personal care shopping.” Several published clinical studies support the use of Pre-Seed by couples who are trying to conceive (TTC) and by physicians during fertility interventions. In the physician guideline “Optimizing Natural Fertility,” the American Society for Reproductive Medicine cites the need for informed lubricant use by TTC couples, including mentioning Pre-Seed as an appropriate choice.
“As a pharmacist, I have great respect for the Walgreens brand and quality model,” Clifton additionally noted. “We are pleased with this partnership and look forward to working together.” To find a Walgreens or other retail location carrying Pre-Seed or to view clinical studies and physician comments, visit preseed.com.
Contact: Kathy Arpin - 509.443.0149, info@ingfertility.com.
--- - February 7, 2011 - Pre~Seed® “Fertility-Friendly” Lubricant Now Available In All Duane Reade and Select Walgreens Stores
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Spokane, Washington -- (Marketwire - February 7, 2011) - INGfertility®, Spokane, WA has announced that Pre~Seed “fertility-friendly” Personal Lubricant is now available in all Duane Reade pharmacies in the New York area, as well as nationwide in select Walgreens stores. “We are very excited to be adding these quality location choices for purchasing Pre~Seed,” stated GD Clifton, CEO of INGfertility. Pre~Seed is the only lubricant that is “safe to use when trying to conceive” based on indicated uses.
Pre~Seed’s formula matches the pH, osmolality (ion content) and viscosity (thickness) of a woman’s fertile fluids. It is applied internally prior to intercourse to support an optimal environment for sperm. In contrast, medical studies have shown the damage to sperm that can be caused by most common lubricants. “Many couples who are trying to conceive have increased incidence of vaginal dryness, due to the stress of ‘having to have’ intercourse during the woman’s fertile time,” said Clifton. “Pre~Seed offers a safe alternative for these couples. Having Pre~Seed available at Walgreens and Duane Reade, in addition to its existing CVS/pharmacy® locations, offers the consumer greater access and choice in their personal care shopping.”
“As a Pharmacist, I have great respect for the Duane Reade and Walgreens brands and quality model,” Clifton additionally noted. “We are pleased with this partnership.” To view published clinical studies about Pre~Seed and to find store locations that carry Pre~Seed, visit preseed.com.
Contact: Kathy Arpin - 509.443.0149, info@ingfertility.com.
--- - November 16, 2010 - “Not spermicidal” Lubricants Can Harm Sperm-Only Pre~Seed Fertility Lubricant was Nontoxic in Independent Study
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Spokane, Washington -- (Marketwire - Nov. 16, 2010) - A new independent study from the Foundation for Andrology, Biology and Endocrinology of Reproduction in Switzerland found Pre~Seed® to be the only “nonspermicidal” lubricant tested which was actually nontoxic to sperm (Vargas et al., Fertil Steril. 2010 Oct 25. [Epub ahead of print]).
Of critical note in this study, the leading “nonspermicidal” ultrasound gel was toxic to sperm on contact, suggesting these products should be avoided during fertility procedures. The authors conclude, “Labeling of gels as ‘nonspermicidal’ does not ensure that a product will not impair sperm function. Even low concentrations (<10%) of gels in this study were toxic to sperm… Among the gels evaluated, only Pre~Seed did not show any sperm toxicity, making it the most appropriate lubricant choice for women who are trying to conceive or for use during clinical procedures…”
Previously published lubricant studies have reported that common personal lubricants can harm sperm and should be avoided when trying to conceive. In spite of these studies, “Many physicians and lay people assume that if a lubricant is labeled as ‘not spermicidal’ it is safe to use when you want to become pregnant,” says GD Clifton, CEO, INGfertility® (maker of Pre~Seed). Clifton states that this assumption is incorrect, “The new Vargas study shows that ‘nonspermicidal’ lubricants, other than Pre~Seed, harm sperm even at very low concentrations. We are excited to gain this additional independent verification of the safety of Pre~Seed for use in fertility patients and ordinary trying-to-conceive couples.”
Pre~Seed fertility lubricant is currently the only product allowed to claim that it is “safe to use when trying to conceive,” based in part on extensive testing requirements for each lot sold. The product can be purchased at CVS/pharmacy® stores, independent pharmacies, and through online retailers.
To learn more, visit preseed.com.
Contact: Kathy Arpin - 509.443.0149, info@ingfertility.com.
--- - November 10, 2010 - Study at recent ASRM Meeting Shows Unique Safety of Pre~Seed for Trying-to-Conceive Couples
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Spokane, Washington -- (Marketwire - Nov. 10, 2010) - The safety of Pre~Seed® (INGfertility®, Spokane, WA) as a fertility lubricant for trying-to-conceive couples was highlighted in a new study presented at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) in Denver, CO. The study, conducted by Dr. RW Wright at Washington State University, evaluated the ability of sperm to fertilize and support normal embryo growth after contact with several personal lubricants.
This study showed that several lubricants containing glycerol (glycerin), even those that were labeled as a “fertility lubricant,” caused sperm damage which led to embryo losses in an animal model. This may be due to toxic effects of ingredients, such as glycerol, on sperm prior to fertilizing an egg. In this study, food grade canola oil also caused sperm damage and resulted in abnormal embryo development. In contrast, sperm contact with Pre~Seed resulted in normal fertilization and embryo development, supporting its safe use in fertility patients.
The design of this study included sperm being exposed to the lubricants 30 minutes prior to fertilizing an egg in the laboratory and then allowing the embryos to grow over 7 days. The market leading lubricant, K-Y Jelly®, caused abnormal embryo development over 50% of the time. Other products marketed specifically to trying-to-conceive couples showed 30% or more abnormal embryo growth. The animal model was uniquely able to detect sublethal sperm damage from lubricant exposure which resulted in fertilization failure and embryo losses. Less complex studies commonly used to screen lubricants are unable to detect such damage.
GD Clifton (PharmD), CEO of INGfertility stated, “Pre~Seed is the only product allowed to claim that it is safe to use when trying to conceive.” Further he added, “These types of lubricant studies underscore the need for couples to be aware of lubricant choice when trying to conceive and that consumer safety should be increased by requiring lubricants to undergo testing for their impact on sperm and embryo development.”
To learn more, visit preseed.com.
Contact: Kathy Arpin - 509.443.0149, info@ingfertility.com.
--- - October 28, 2010 - Makers of Pre~Seed Fertility Lubricant Granted ‘Seriously Fun Baby-Making’ Trademark
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Spokane, Washington -- (Marketwire - Oct. 28, 2010) - INGfertility® (the Company) announced today that it has received Federal Trademark Registration for the phrase ‘Seriously fun baby-making!’ which is an integral part of its Pre~Seed® fertility lubricant line.
Pre~Seed is the first lubricant allowed to state that it is “safe to use while trying to conceive” and during medical fertility procedures. Other lubricants can damage sperm and embryos and should be avoided when wanting to have a baby. Pre~Seed provides moisture to relieve vaginal dryness without harming fertility. Applying Pre~Seed inside the vagina supplements natural fluids involved in reproduction.
“With only a 20% chance of becoming pregnant each month, many couples who are trying to conceive find they make a switch from love-making to baby-making. Intercourse can become serious business and feel more like a chore than a pleasure,” says GD Clifton (Pharm D), Company CEO. “Pre~Seed helps create ‘Seriously fun baby-making’ to keep intimacy enjoyable.”
Pre~Seed’s patented isotonic formula (which is also sold as Pré® Lubricant) has been reported to be the safest water-soluble lubricant evaluated in independent studies at the prestigious Magee-Womens Research Institute at University of Pittsburgh.
Pre~Seed is recommended by and used in leading women’s clinics. It is available in CVS/pharmacy® stores, as well as in many independent pharmacies and clinics. To review clinical studies and physician comments, as well as to read numerous users’ stories, visit www.preseed.com.
Contact: Kathy Arpin - 509.443.0149, info@ingfertility.com.
--- - October 26, 2010 - Ingfertility Allowed New Pre~Seed ‘Fertility-Friendly’ Lubricant Patents in USA, Canada and Japan
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Spokane, Washington -- (Marketwire - Oct. 26, 2010) - INGfertility® (the Company) announced today that it has received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for intellectual property central to its lead product, Pre~Seed® ‘fertility-friendly’ lubricant. Additionally, the Company announced it has also received an issued Japanese patent and Notice of Allowance in Canada for this technology.
INGfertility’s patent application titled “Methods and Compositions to Improve Germ Cell and Embryo Survival and Function” describes the use of a non-spermicidal lubricant containing bioactive polysaccharides (sugars) to support sperm function and enhance fertility. Upon completion of formalities, including payment of applicable fees, INGfertility expects this patent to issue.
Pre~Seed is the first lubricant with indications of use as safe for trying-to-conceive couples and for clinical fertility procedures. Leading lubricants can damage sperm and should not be used when couples want to become pregnant. ‘Fertility-friendly’ Pre~Seed relieves vaginal dryness without harming sperm or embryos. Applying Pre~Seed inside the vagina can supplement natural secretions involved in reproduction, including fertile cervical fluids.
Pre~Seed’s unique isotonic formula (which is also sold for everyday use as Pré® Lubricant) has recently been reported to be the safest water-soluble lubricant evaluated in independent studies at the prestigious Magee-Womens Research Institute at University of Pittsburgh. “Pre~Seed’s patented, safe formula has become a ‘must-have’ item for trying-to-conceive couples,” said GD Clifton (Pharm D), Company CEO. “Our products are also gaining a large following in people who are not trying to conceive (such as older women) and desire a natural, non-sticky, non-irritating lubricant.”
Pre~Seed is recommended by and used in leading women’s clinics nationwide. It is available as an over-the-counter product at CVS/pharmacy® stores, as well as many independent pharmacies and clinics. To review clinical studies and physician comments, as well as to read users’ stories, visit www.preseed.com.
Contact: Kathy Arpin - 509.443.0149, info@ingfertility.com.
--- - November 23, 2009 - Pre~Seed ‘fertility-friendly’ Lubricant Expands Consumer Access in Canada – Now Available Throughout Canada with Trimedic Supply Network Ltd
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Spokane, WA November 23, 2009 -- Pre~Seed ‘fertility-friendly’ Lubricant (INGfertility, Spokane, WA) is expanding product access to trying-to-conceive couples in Canada with a new distribution partnership. Trimedic Supply Network Ltd., the leading supplier of gynecological products throughout Canada, is partnering with INGfertility to make Pre~Seed available to women’s clinics and pharmacies across the country.
Pre~Seed is the first and only lubricant cleared by the FDA as “safe to use when trying to conceive.” Pre~Seed is pH, viscosity and ion balanced to match fertile cervical mucus and does not harm sperm. Internal application of the product allows for moisturization and lubrication inside the vagina where sperm are deposited during intercourse. “This allows sperm to encounter an optimal environment after ejaculation,” according to Sperm Physiologist and INGfertility founder Dr. Joanna Ellington.
“The leading lubricants all damage sperm and may interfere with fertilization and embryo development. These lubricants should not be used while trying to conceive,” states Ellington. At least 15% of all trying-to-conceive couples do not become pregnant after a year of unprotected intercourse and are diagnosed as infertile. With only a 20% chance of becoming pregnant each month, many more couples seek medical advice before a diagnosis of infertility is applicable. Fertility interventions in North America represent at least a $2 B/yr industry with many couples using invasive, costly interventions. Pre~Seed provides moisture inside, where these couples need it most, without interfering with sperm function or embryo development (see www.preseed.com/stories).
“Pre~Seed sales have grown every year since its introduction in 2003,” states Ellington. “We currently have a number of pharmacies and women’s clinics that use or carry the product.” However, she states that one of the most frequent suggestions by consumers is that Pre~Seed be more widely available in stores. “Trimedic is providing us with a major jump in the number of places where couples can find Pre~Seed in their own town. Our store locator directory www.preseed.com/PlacesToBuy/cat.php?id=1 is growing weekly,” states Ellington, “bringing Pre~Seed significantly closer to trying-to-conceive couples everywhere.”
--- - October 26, 2006 - INGfertility Receives FDA Clearance for Pre’Vaginal Lubricant for Use During Fertility Interventions
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Valleyford, WA July 28, 2008 -- INGfertility, LLC recently received clearance from the FDA to market Pre’ Vaginal Lubricant. Pre’ is a personal lubricant for couples to enhance the comfort of intimacy. It is also the first lubricant specifically indicated for use to facilitate the entrance of diagnostic or therapeutic devices during fertility interventions (such as intrauterine insemination, embryo transfer etc.). Pre’ is also compatible with condoms, including the polyurethane condoms used for semen sample collection by intercourse.
"We are very excited about this breakthrough product for trying-to-conceive couples," states Dr. JE Ellington, Founder of INGfertility. "Many couples, and even some physicians, are not aware of the damage to sperm caused by most currently available lubricants. Pre®' offers a safe lubricant for use in clinical procedures at fertility clinics."
At least 15% of all couples will not become pregnant after a year of unprotected intercourse, and are diagnosed as infertile. With only a 20% chance of becoming pregnant each cycle, many more couples seek medical advice before a diagnosis of infertility is applicable. Fertility interventions in the US represent at least a $1.5B/ yr industry with many couples using invasive, costly interventions. Pre’offers a lubricant which does not interfere with sperm function or embryo development during these procedures.
In order to receive clearance, Pre’ underwent substantial testing regarding its effect on sperm function including sperm's ability to fertilize eggs (in an animal model) and support normal embryo development. In addition, each lot of product is required to undergo and report test results on human sperm and mouse embryos, similar to testing required for media used during assisted reproduction (such as in vitro fertilization).
In studies at Ghent University in Belgium, Pre’ was found to more mild and less irritating than other leading lubricants (such as KY®, Astroglide®, and Replens®), making it an ideal Vaginal Lubricant for women at any time in their life.
Pre’is a companion product to Pre~Seed Intimate Moisturizer. Pre~Seed is sold in intravaginal applicators to deposit moisture in the vagina, near the cervix. Pre~Seed's unique formula does not harm sperm because it is pH and ion concentration matched to semen and fertile cervical mucus. Many couples have found Pre~Seed to be the right solution for their vaginal dryness while actively trying to conceive.