Long-acting gonadotropins and route of administration

Abstract

Advances in recombinant DNA technologies have led to the development of longer-acting preparations with prolonged follicle-stimulating bioactivity. Corifollitropin alfa is a synthetic recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (r-FSH) molecule containing a hybrid beta subunit, which provides prolonged follicle-stimulating activity while maintaining its pharmacodynamic activity. In controlled ovarian stimulation, long-acting gonadotropins have the ability to initiate and sustain multifollicular growth for 7 days. Current evidence suggests that the use of a medium dose of longacting FSH is a safe treatment option and equally effective compared to daily FSH. This simplifi ed treatment approach may provide a more patient-friendly approach to controlled ovarian stimulation. Further research is needed to determine whether long-acting FSH is safe and effi - cacious in patients at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation or poor responders. Studies are also needed to assess patient satisfaction and overall patient experience with the long-acting FSH preparations. Novel drug delivery systems developments will ultimately lead to greater ease of administration, more simplifi ed and convenient dosing regimens and superior safety and effi cacy, ultimately leading to greater patient satisfaction and improved patient experience.