A 2:1 formulation of follitropin alfa and lutropin alfa in routine clinical practice: a large, multicentre, observational study.
BACKGROUND
A 2:1 (150 IU:75 IU) follitropin alfa:lutropin alfa formulation has been developed. A 3-year post-marketing surveillance study is ongoing in Germany to explore the use of this formulation in routine clinical practice.


METHODS
An 11-month interim analysis of data from assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles only is described.


RESULTS
Data were available from 857 patients undergoing 919 cycles of ART at 19 centres. Most patients (58.7%) were aged ≥ 35 years, and many (41.3%) were undergoing their first ART cycle. Main reasons cited by physicians for prescribing this formulation were poor response in a previous treatment cycle (n = 303) and low basal luteinizing hormone (LH) level (n = 107). Mean (standard deviation) duration of ovarian stimulation was 10.8 (2.6) days. In 90.7% of cycles, the 2:1 formulation was administered throughout the stimulation period. Most frequent LH daily dose was 75 IU. Embryo transfer was conducted in 741 cycles; clinical pregnancy rate per transfer was 27.5%. Three cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome developed in three patients (3/741 [0.4%] cycles); one required hospitalization. No other major safety events were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
This interim analysis shows that use of the 2:1 formulation for ovarian stimulation during routine ART procedures is effective in achieving clinical pregnancies and is associated with a positive safety profile.
Bühler
Klaus
K
Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Langenhagen, Germany. k.buehler@ivf-niedersachsen.de
Naether
Olaf
O
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D043373:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000172:deficiency; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods*; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
D043373:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone