Cetrotide®
in vitro fertilization
Therapeutic area
Endocrine Therapy
Target indication
In vitro fertilization - Controlled ovulation stimulation (COS) / assisted reproductive technologies (ART)
Development stage
Commercialized
Description
 Cetrotide® was the first luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonist treatment approved for in vitro fertilization. It is administered to women to prevent premature ovulation in order to increase fertility success rate. Developed in cooperation with Medicine Nobel Prize Winner Professor Andrew Schally, of Tulane University in New Orleans, it was launched in Europe in 1999 and in the United States in 2001. Cetrotide® is approved in more than 80 countries.
Cetrotide® is the only treatment in its class that offers a choice of two highly effective dose strengths (0.25 mg or 3 mg) which enable precise control. Due to its immediate onset of action, Cetrotide® offers superior benefits over other forms of in vitro fertilization treatments since it require a shorter treatment time, involves fewer injections and causes less side effects.
Product Composition:
Cetrotide® is formulated as a lyophilisate for subcutaneous injection in a 0.25 or 3 mg vial. Each vial of Cetrotide® is supplied with a prefilled syringe containing water for individual injections.
Mode of action
 Cetrotide® (cetrorelix acetate) is a novel luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonist and it is the first LHRH antagonist which was approved for therapeutic use as part of in vitro fertilization programs (COS/ART). LHRH is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the brain to control the secretion of luteinising hormone (LH) and, therefore, final egg maturation and ovulation. Cetrotide® will prevent LH production by the pituary gland and delays a hormonal event, known as the "LH Surge"; which could cause eggs to be released too early in the cycle, reducing the opportunity to retrieve the eggs for the ART procedure.
The figure illustrates how Cetrotide® fits into the typical ovarian stimulation cycle. With an immediate onset of action, Cetrotide® permits precise control of the LH surge for up to four days. Cetrotide® provides a more convenient treatment since it can be accomplished during a one month cycle and requires fewer injections compared to LHRH agonists. In addition there is a reduced risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Partnership status
Cetrotide® is currently marketed worldwide by Merck Serono, except in Japan where it is marketed by Shionogi and Nippon Kayaku.
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