Pergoveris and Cetrorelix for controlled ovarian stimulation

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  A Randomised Study Comparing Two Different Regimens of Ovarian Stimulation Using Pergoveris and Cetrorelix for Controlled Ovarian Superovulation in Assisted Conception Treatment.

• IRAS ID

  22025

• Contact name

  Joo Thong

• Research summary

  Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists are a group of drugs widely used in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) to delay rises in luteinising hormone (LH) to prevent premature ovulation. Cetrorelix, one commercially marketed GnRH antagonist commonly used for this purpose, causes suppression of gonadotrophins 4-8 hours from commencement of treatment. In practice, Cetrorelix is given during the period of increased risk of premature LH rise during controlled ovarian stimulation in assisted conception treatment. The studies carried out on COS for assisted conception treatment are mainly based on the administration of Cetrorelix on day 6 of stimulation in combination to Gonal-F. If Cetrorelix is administered almost immediately after the onset of menstruation, this will lower endogenous serum LH levels which may improve embryo quality and pregnancy rate. To date, there is no published data on the outcome with different starting days when using Pergoveris in combination with Cetrorelix for controlled ovarian stimulation on women undergoing IVF treatment. Pergoveris (Merck Serono) is a new recombinant FSH/LH (FSH:LH in 2 to 1 ratio) preparation and it is not yet marketed for ovarian stimulation for IVF treatment. Studies should be carried out to find the optimal regimen for superovulation. The aim of this study is to investigate whether controlled ovarian stimulation using Pergoveris with early administration of Cetrorelix (from day 2 of period, i.e. day 1 of gonadotrophin stimulation) versus administration of cetrorelix starting on day 6 of stimulation will result in more top quality embryos.

• REC name

  Scotland A REC

• REC reference

  09/MRE00/52

• Date of REC Opinion

  18 Aug 2009

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion