The founding father of Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic/Single Gene Defects (PGT-M) and embryo analysis prior to in-vitro fertilization (IVF), Verlinsky used his polar body biopsy technique to detect potential birth defects in offspring. First presented at a 1987 international meeting, PGT is now accepted worldwide as the standard for the most efficient and effective means of analyzing the chromosomal status of an embryo and selecting normal embryos for transfer.
“Verlinsky was a giant in the field because he transformed P.G.D. into a routine procedure that has enabled innumerable couples to conceive children free of genetic disease.”
Known for his groundbreaking work in the field of prenatal genetics, Yury was the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Reproductive Genetic Innovations (RGI), which he opened in 1989. He later established an International network of Centers in this field and became the founder of the Preimplantation Genetics Diagnosis International Society. Dr. Verlinsky and RGI focused on Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic/Single Gene Defects (PGT-M). Due to his research, RGI soon became renowned for PGT-M. In 1990 RGI was the first center in the U.S. to report successful PGT for cystic fibrosis.
Verlinsky: Right now, we do pre-implantation genetic diagnosis for more than hundred different genetic conditions, single gene disorders.”
In 2000, Verlinsky introduced tissue compatibility testing (HLA matching) prior to pregnancy. This soon became a 'miracle practice' for saving lives through cord blood or stem cell transplantation of a newborn to a sibling with a lethal genetic or acquired disease, such as leukemia. Since that time, over 500 children have been treated through this procedure. Dr. Verlinsky and RGI were also the first to introduce pre-pregnancy diagnosis for common late onset disorders, such as Alzheimer disease and certain cancers, including colon cancer. It remains a sad irony that he became a victim to the latter, yet during his illness he was able to initiate a novel research project for developing cellular therapy for cancer, which, unfortunately, was not far enough along to benefit him. Dr. Yury Verlinsky passed away on July 16, 2009 in Chicago, IL, USA from colon cancer. Dr. Verlinsky was 66 years old.
Yury's final contribution to the scientific community is the establishment of the world's first bank of human embryonic stem cells with genetic disorders. This bank of stem cells currently represents the unique in vitro model for developing cellular therapy for many lethal and debilitating diseases. Throughout his career, Yury published more than 200 professional papers as well as five books as guides for training, education and practice in preimplantation genetics.
