A paper titled “Freezing and Thawing Protocols and Practical Innovations for Human Cleavage Stage Embryos and Blastocysts” authored by Ryosuke Suzuki, an embryologist at Kanagawa Ladies Clinic, which receives management support from SBC Medical Group Holdings (Headquarters: California, USA; CEO: Yoshiki Aikawa), has been published in the academic journal “Journal of Mammalian Ova Research” (Vol.43 No.1, 2026), issued by the Japan Society for Ova Research. This paper summarizes the latest techniques and practical innovations implemented at the clinic regarding “embryo cryopreservation*1,” a crucial aspect of infertility treatment. It is expected to contribute to improving pregnancy rates and reducing patient burden through its application in clinical settings.

In infertility treatment, the technology for cryopreserving fertilized eggs (embryos) has become indispensable. Advances in this technology have made it possible to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies and avoid complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)*2. Furthermore, returning frozen embryos to the uterus at an appropriate time is believed to lead to an improved success rate of pregnancy.

This paper systematically organizes the practical innovations implemented daily at Kanagawa Ladies Clinic, based on the methods of a freezing and thawing kit called “Ready to Vitri/Warm Kit.” In addition, it touches upon more simplified protocols reported in recent years, also emphasizing the importance for each medical institution to select methods suitable for their own facilities. These research findings are expected to contribute to improving pregnancy rates in infertility treatment and reducing patients' physical, psychological, and economic burdens through the widespread adoption of safe and effective freezing and thawing techniques.

In the constantly innovating medical field, beyond clinical practice, the sharing of specialized knowledge and the importance of academic collaboration are increasingly vital. To meet diverse needs, it is indispensable to adopt not only state-of-the-art technology but also initiatives based on a broad perspective and flexible thinking. SBC Medical Group will continue to promote advanced initiatives through academic activities and collaborations with research institutions, striving to improve medical safety and transparency and create sustainable value.

*1 Embryo cryopreservation: A technology to freeze fertilized eggs once and thaw them to return them to the uterus at an appropriate time.

*2 Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): A complication where the ovaries react excessively due to ovulation-inducing drugs, leading to ascites and pleural effusion.

**Paper Publication Overview**

**Journal:** Journal of Mammalian Ova Research (Journal of Japan Society for Ova Research)

**Issue:** Vol.43 No.1, pp.3-12, 2026

**Paper Title:** Freezing and Thawing Protocols and Practical Innovations for Human Cleavage Stage Embryos and Blastocysts

**Kanagawa Ladies Clinic**

Kanagawa Ladies Clinic is an infertility treatment and in vitro fertilization specialist clinic based in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. With the motto “easy to access and convenient, patient accessibility first,” it provides treatment tailored to each patient’s condition and life stage. It offers a wide range of services, from general infertility treatment to advanced reproductive medicine such as in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, all under a highly specialized medical system. Additionally, the clinic focuses on ease of access and efficiency of the consultation process, striving to provide medical care that reduces patients' physical, psychological, and economic burdens.

Official Website: https://www.klc.jp/

**SBC Medical Group Holdings**

SBC Medical Group Holdings is a Medical Services Organization that provides management support to medical institutions domestically and internationally across a wide range of clinical fields, including advanced aesthetic medicine, dermatology, orthopedics, infertility treatment, gynecology, dentistry, hair loss treatment (AGA), and ophthalmology. It owns various clinic brands and is expanding globally to medical tourism, the US, and Asia. It was listed on NASDAQ in September 2024 and selected for the US stock index “Russell 3000” in June 2025. Moving forward, the group will continue to promote advanced initiatives through academic activities and collaborations with research institutions, striving to achieve its group purpose of “contributing to improving the happiness of people worldwide through medical innovation” by providing highly reliable medical services and expanding its network.

English Name: SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated

Listing Market: NASDAQ Global Market

Ticker (US Stock Code): SBC

Location: 200 Spectrum Center Drive Suite 300 Irvine, CA 92618 USA

CEO: Yoshiki Aikawa

Business: Management support for medical institutions (aesthetic medicine, dermatology, orthopedics, infertility treatment, gynecology, dentistry, hair loss treatment (AGA), ophthalmology, etc.) Keywords:

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Survey
  • Products / services: Ready to Vitri/Warm Kit