Submitted by Shelby D Burns Mon 02/01/2010
beakers Merck announced in Europe the approval of Elonva, a new fertility drug. The injectible drug could make things a lot easier for women using an assisted reproductive technology in order to achieve pregnancy. It provides controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in combination with a GnRH antagonist for the development of multiple follicles. Elonva is the first sustained follicle stimulant to get approval in Europe. Due to its unique ability to initiate and sustain multiple follicular growth for up to a week, a single injection of the recommended dose of Elonva may replace the multiple injections of any conventional daily stimulating hormone preparation in the typical COS treatment cycle. “The European approval of Elonva is a positive step towards reducing the burden of injections for women experiencing difficulty conceiving,” said Mirjam Mol-Arts, senior vice president of Merck Research Laboratories. “Merck is proud of the company’s women’s health portfolio and is committed to providing effective patient-focused fertility treatments.” The development program for Elonva included the largest double-blind fertility agent trial in IVF performed to date. In the trial, the ongoing pregnancy rate obtained with the Elonva treatment was similar to that achieved in patients receiving daily injections. The most frequently reported adverse drug reactions during treatment with Elonva in clinical trials are Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), pelvic pain and discomfort, headache, nausea, fatigue and breast tenderness. Source: Merck, Medical News Daily Need Help? A Counselor is Waiting All Sessions Start for Free – Click below to get started
