• ASRM(American Society for Reproductive Medicine) recognizes research achievements in ovarian aging and hormone production
• Since its establishment in 2011, the award has honored 14 physicians and scientists from leading universities and research institutions worldwide, including Harvard University, Cornell University, and the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH)

CHA Medical Center announced that David Pepin, PhD, a professor at Harvard Medical School, has been selected as the recipient of the 13th KY Cha Award in Reproductive Medicine at the 82nd ASRM(American Society for Reproductive Medicine) Scientific Congress, held at the Baltimore Convention Center in Maryland, United States.

The KY Cha Award in Reproductive Medicine was established by ASRM in 2011 to honor the achievements of Dr. Kwangyul Cha, head of the CHA Global Research Institute at CHA Medical Center and CHA Bio Group, in advancing infertility treatment and stem cell and regenerative medicine.

Dr. Kwangyul Cha, Chairman of CHA Global Research Institutes, has played a leading role in advancing reproductive medicine. In 1988, he achieved the world's first successful in vitro culture of immature oocytes, followed by the development of a rapid oocyte freezing method in 1998. In 1999, he established the world's first egg bank. The clinical value of egg banking was subsequently recognized in 2014, when it was introduced as a standard infertility treatment at the ASRM meeting held in Hawaii.

The award is the only award established by ASRM in the name of an Asian individual and is presented to researchers who have made innovative contributions to infertility and reproductive medicine. Since its establishment, 14 physicians and scientists from leading universities and research institutions worldwide, including Harvard University, Cornell University, and the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), have received the award.

This year's recipient, Professor Pepin, was honored for his research titled "Extrafollicular Ovarian Steroidogenesis: Stromal Hormone Production as a Therapeutic Target in Ovarian Aging."

The research focuses on hormone production by ovarian stromal cells, which are located outside the ovarian follicles, during the ovarian aging process. The ovaries are responsible not only for oocyte maturation and ovulation but also for producing female hormones, including estrogen. Age-related declines in ovarian function can affect reproductive capacity and women's overall health.

Professor Pepin identified hormone production by ovarian stromal cells as a potential new therapeutic target for addressing ovarian aging. By examining the roles of various cell types within the ovary, beyond the traditional focus on follicles and oocytes, his research is expected to contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of ovarian aging and the development of therapeutic strategies to address declining ovarian function.

Professor Pepin is an Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and Associate Director of the Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), where he conducts research in ovarian biology and women's reproductive health. After earning his PhD from the University of Ottawa in Canada, he has conducted translational research aimed at applying basic research findings to clinical practice, focusing on female reproductive tract development, ovarian physiology, and ovarian cancer.

In particular, he has investigated the effects of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) on follicular development and ovarian function, exploring its potential applications in new contraceptive methods, infertility treatment, and fertility preservation for patients undergoing cancer treatment. In 2021, he co-founded Oviva Therapeutics, a biotechnology company specializing in women's reproductive health, and has been involved in developing treatments aimed at improving ovarian function and extending women's healthy lifespan.

In recognition of his research achievements, Professor Pepin received the SSR Virendra B. Mahesh New Investigator Award in 2022 and the ASRM Camran Nezhat, MD, Lectureship in Innovations in Medicine in 2023.

Meanwhile, Dr. Cha has expanded his research focus from reproductive medicine to stem cell and regenerative medicine, continuing his efforts to build research infrastructure, foster talent, and support researchers. Recently, he has delivered lectures in Korea and abroad on "K-Cell" and "Longevity," focusing on reverse-aging stem cells, and shared his vision for extending healthy lifespan and advancing future medicine through stem cell and regenerative medicine.

Dr. Cha has also worked to advance reproductive medicine and stem cell and regenerative medicine by establishing academic awards and supporting researchers. Academic awards bearing his name are administered not only by ASRM but also by the Korean Society for Stem Cell Research and the Korean Society for Reproductive Medicine. The Asian Cellular Therapy Organization (ACTO) also recognizes outstanding researchers and promotes their research achievements through the "KY Cha Best Presentation Award."

Dr. Kwangyul Cha, Chairman of CHA Global Research Institutes, CHA Medical Center and CHA Bio Group; Dr. David Pepin, recipient of the 13th KY Cha Award in Reproductive Medicine.