Lack of funding

Progesterone resistance is mediated through epigenetic modification through SirT1 activation and is thought to contribute to infertility and progression of endometriosis. Endometriosis is a leading cause of unexplained IVF failure secondary to inflammatory changes that induce SirT1. The current study is designed to investigate a small molecule inhibitor of SirT1, in the clinical setting of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer. The SAFER trial will compare EX-527 to placebo in a randomized, double-blind trial. Primary endpoints include Live Birth Rate (LBR) and secondary outcomes include pregnancy rate (PR), miscarriage rate (MR) and implantation failure rate.

The SAFER Trial will enroll women with unexplained failure after embryo transfer with euploid embryos. Subjects must have existing euploid embryos for transfer and test positive for SirT1 testing on endometrial biopsy. To qualify, they must be 18 to 40 years of age, have a normal uterine cavity, no serious systemic diseases (diabetes, lupus, cancer, etc) and be willing to be randomized to treatment with a SirT1 inhibitor, EX-527 or placebo. The medication will be provided and administered for 5 days prior to embryo transfer, after progesterone therapy is begun. The drug will be stopped 24 hr before embryo transfer. Standard protocols will be used including administration of progesterone, checking hCG 8 days after transfer, ultrasound monitoring of pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes recording, with Live Birth Rate (LBR) being the primary outcome of interest. We expect to enroll 30 women, with 15 subjects per arm. The goal of this study is to demonstrate efficacy for a specific inhibitor of SirT1 as a primary treatment of defects in endometrial receptivity due to endometriosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Must test positive for SIRT1 on mid-luteal endometrial biopsy
• Prior failed embryo transfer with euploid embryos
• Have at least one euploid embryo for transfer

Exclusion Criteria:

• systemic illness affecting kidneys or liver; chronic headache or severe migraine
• Endometritis, hydrosalpinges, and known adenomyosis
• Uterine septum, uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps

Pregnancy is a required end point

The demographic data, group assignment, and outcome data for each subject will be shared with other researchers including embryo grade, stage, pregnancy results (pregnant, not pregnant, miscarriage, ongoing pregnancy, Live birth)

After completion of the study that includes live birth data

Drug and placebo will be prepared in color coded capsules. Randomization will be performed using computer-generated lists assigned sequentially upon recruitment.