Dr. Mark Ratner, Chief Science Officer at Theralogix on CoQ10, NAD+, and what fertility care may be overlooking in ovarian health

This News Digest Story is paid featured content.

BY INSIDE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Dr. Mark Ratner, Chief Science Officer at Theralogix discusses the evolving science behind ovarian health, the realities of supplement development, and where fertility care may be overlooking key patient needs.

What has been sitting at the front of your mind lately when you think about the fertility field?

What’s been on my mind lately is the growing conversation around “ovarian rejuvenation”—a term that may be a bit overstated. A handful of practices across the country are now offering intraovarian PRP treatments, though the extent and consistency of the benefits remain a topic of ongoing debate.

On the other hand, the past 15 years of published research have made it clear that mitochondrial function and follicular energy production are central to oocyte quality—and that there are interventions that can help. Here at Theralogix, we created the first prenatal with CoQ10—OvaVite®—back in 2014. There have now been half a dozen randomized controlled trials using CoQ10 in women with diminished ovarian reserve, and a recent meta-analysis of those trials showed an unequivocal benefit in clinical pregnancy rates.

Perhaps the most exciting emerging science in this area relates to the impact of NAD+ and sirtuin levels in the ovary, and the likelihood that—by raising those levels with targeted supplementation—we can improve both the quantity and quality of oocytes retrieved during ART. Preclinical data also suggests the possibility that this kind of intervention could slow the inevitable loss of ovarian reserve that all women experience. We launched the first NAD/sirtuin booster targeting ovarian function, OvaNAD+, last year. The ongoing research in this area is certainly front of mind for us, since we are committed to possible modifications in its formulation as additional studies are published.

What is a moment, big or small, that shaped how you see your role or your organization’s place in the industry?

It’s tough to name a single moment. Since the company was founded 24 years ago, we’ve brought many innovations to market and created entirely new product categories. Still, I’d probably say the launch of our first fertility product, ConceptionXR for Men, was the defining moment.

At the time, in 2005, it was the first male fertility supplement created in the U.S. It was immediately embraced by REIs and andrologists around the country, and its success set us on the path we’ve been following ever since.

When you look behind the scenes of your day-to-day work, what do people rarely see or understand about what it really takes?

What people probably don’t understand is how complex the process of creating, and bringing to market, a high quality supplement really is, and how many people have to work together to make it happen.

It starts with discussions with our medical advisory board to develop an evidence based formulation. We then work to source the highest quality raw materials, conduct pilot test runs at our manufacturing facility, and collaborate with NSF to ensure the product passes certification. It takes many months and the combined efforts of many individuals.

“The past 15 years of published research have made it clear that mitochondrial function and follicular energy production are central to oocyte quality—and that there are interventions that can help.”

What part of your work energizes you the most right now, and why?

Staying abreast of the constantly evolving scientific literature.

What is something in the fertility system that you think deserves more attention, and what pulls you toward that topic?

PCOS deserves more attention—particularly because roughly 50% of women seeking assistance for PCOS are not actually trying to conceive right away, but are instead struggling with the hormonal and metabolic effects.

Understandably, the ART world is focused primarily on the reproductive impact of PCOS, but there is a broader clinical need that often goes underrecognized.

Fertility science has moved forward. Has your supplement protocol?

The Next Breakthrough In Ovarian Support Is Here

Emerging NAD+/sirtuin research is redefining ovarian support
Targets cellular energy production linked to oocyte quality
Built for physicians ready to move beyond yesterday’s protocols
Independently tested. Clinically developed. Evidence-driven.

See Why Physicians Are Adding OvaNAD+ — review the science and bring next-generation ovarian support into your practice.

Learn more

If you think about the last year, what is a challenge or shift that taught you something important?

I’ve tried to focus on keeping an open mind about what works—and what doesn’t. The scientific literature is constantly evolving, and it has been challenging at times to let go of preconceived notions about the benefits, or lack thereof, of certain interventions.

Is there a misconception you wish people inside the industry understood better about your work or your corner of the field?

We’ve made great strides over the past 20 years in overcoming many of the misconceptions about fertility supplements, but there’s still more progress to be made.

What is a decision, habit, or mindset that guides how you approach your work?

Be curious, and keep an open mind.

When your team or partners think of you (or your organization), what do you hope they say you consistently bring to the table?

Consistent curiosity, intellectual honesty, and an ability to translate science into clinically useful interventions.

Looking ahead, what are you curious about, hopeful for, or actively watching as the fertility field evolves?

I’m hopeful that funding will continue to be available for future research in areas such as PCOS, endometriosis, preservation of ovarian reserve, and other areas that deserve more attention.

Fertility science has moved forward. Has your supplement protocol?

The Next Breakthrough In Ovarian Support Is Here

Emerging NAD+/sirtuin research is redefining ovarian support
Targets cellular energy production linked to oocyte quality
Built for physicians ready to move beyond yesterday’s protocols
Independently tested. Clinically developed. Evidence-driven.

See Why Physicians Are Adding OvaNAD+ — review the science and bring next-generation ovarian support into your practice.

learn more

This News Digest Story is paid featured content. The advertiser has had editorial input and control over its creation. However, the views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Inside Reproductive Health. The sponsorship of this content does not imply an endorsement by Inside Reproductive Health.