Dear Readers,
I just read a news release from the big drug manufacturer Merck that they have been approved by the European Commission to market a new drug for IVF patients that will make their lives remarkably easier! It is a sustained release follicle stimulating hormone called Elonva, the first of it's kind! Whereas women undergoing IVF now have to have daily subcutaneous injections of FSH, with Elonva they will only have to have a subcutaneous injection ONCE a week. This is a significant improvement, thanks to the Organon division of Merck pharmaceuticals.
From what I have read in their press release, this new long-acting FSH lasts for 7 days. It has to be used with an antagonist so that doctors that already use antagonist protocols will have an easier time adapting to the new regimen. Those that use the long protocol will be less amenable to use it because they will have to get comfortable with two new meds. It will replace the first 7 days of injections required by currently available medications. Hopefully, the cost of medication will be equivalent or less, but for sure patients will appreciate the reduced number of injections! I can't wait for an FSH/LH equivalent for my mixed protocols. I hope the FDA approves it ASAP for U.S.A. use. Otherwise, I might have to take a lot of trips to Europe :-)
See the following link to get more information: http://bit.ly/cQpXn5
Here's hoping for a quick release for our patients in the United States!
Edward Ramirez, MD, FACOG
Executive Medical Director
Fertility & Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF
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