Chorionic Gonadotropin (Recombinant) Drugbank ID : DB00097 Molecular Weight (Daltons) :25719.7 Chemical Formula : C1105H1770N318O336S26 Half life : The mean terminal half-life is about 29 ± 6 hours (initial half-life is 4.5 ± 0.5 hours). Description : Recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin with 2 subunits, alpha = 92 residues, beta = 145 residues, each with N-and O-linked carbohydrate moieties linked to ASN-52 and ASN-78 (on alpha subunit) and ASN-13, ASN-30, SER-121, SER-127, SER-132 and SER-138 (on beta subunit). The primary structure of the alpha-chain of r-hCG is identical to that of the alpha-chain of hCG, FSH and LH.

Indication : For the treatment of female infertility Pharmacodynamics : Choriogonadotropin alfa is used to treat female infertility, Choriogonadotropin alfa stimulates late follicular maturation and resumption of oocyte meiosis, and initiates rupture of the pre-ovulatory ovarian follicle. Ovidrel is an analogue of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and binds to the LH/hCG receptor of the granulosa and theca cells of the ovary to effect these changes in the absence of an endogenous LH surge.

Absorption : The mean absolute bioavailability following a single subcutaneous injection to healthy female volunteers is about 40%. Volume of distribution : 5.9 ± 1.0 L Clearance : 0.29 +/- 0.04 L/h [healthy down-regulated females] Categories : Hormones Patents : US5767251 Targets :Lutropin-choriogonadotropic hormone receptor, Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor Brands : Ovitrelle Company : Merck Serono Europe Limited Formulation : Each pre-filled syringe contains 250 micrograms choriogonadotropin alfa* (equivalent to approximately 6,500 IU) in 0.5 mL solution Form : powder and solvent to be made up into a solution Route of administration : Subcutaneous

Dosage : One pre-filled syringe of Ovitrelle (250 micrograms) is administered 24 to 48 hours after the last administration of a follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) or human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) preparation, i.e. when optimal stimulation of follicular growth is achieved. Contraindication : hypersensitive (allergic) to choriogonadotropin alfa or any of the other ingredients. Side effects : The most common side effects with Ovitrelle (seen in between 1 and 10 patients in 100) are reactions at the injection site, headache, tiredness, vomiting, nausea (feeling sick), abdominal pain (stomach ache) and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (such as feeling sick, weight gain and diarrhoea). Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome occurs when the ovaries over respond to treatment, especially when medicines to trigger ovulation have been used.

Useful links https://www.drugs.com/uk/ovitrelle.html , https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/14386