recombinant human chorionic gonadotrophin

Recombinant human chorionic gonadotrophin (r-hCG), also known as choriogonadotropin alfa, is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring hormone hCG produced using recombinant DNA technology. It acts as a luteinizing hormone analogue, stimulating late follicular maturation and triggering ovulation by initiating rupture of the ovarian follicle in women who have undergone pretreatment with follicle-stimulating hormones. The drug is primarily used as part of assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs to induce ovulation in infertile females and promote pregnancy when infertility is due to functional issues rather than primary ovarian failure. Its structure consists of two subunits (alpha and beta) with glycosylation sites similar to endogenous hCG[1][2][5]. In men, hCG analogues are used off-label for hypogonadism and infertility by stimulating testosterone production[6]. The medication is administered via subcutaneous injection.

Brand names

OvidrelOvitrellePregnyl

Other names

recombinant human chorionic gonadotrophinchoriogonadotropin alphachorionic gonadotropin (recombinant)