Recombinant gonadotrophins in reproductive medicine: the gold standard of today

Abstract

Since the early 1980s when gonadotrophins were first routinely used in ovarian stimulation regimens, there have been important advances in pharmaceutical product development, leading to the availability today of highly purified and consistent human gonadotrophins produced by recombinant technology, that have benefited cycle management and treatment outcomes. This 'evolution' has introduced scientifically robust and 'state of the art' processes and equipment to ensure that the product is consistent, pure and safe, and is the optimal way to reduce risk of any viral, protein, and bacterial contamination. Production of human proteins by recombinant technology has resulted in improvements in product purity, consistency and delivery as well as enabling the design of future generations of gonadotrophins (e.g. longer-acting forms and orally active mimetics).