Human Reproduction

Human reproduction is probably the most debated medical field, as infertility has been a major scientific and social problem throughout human history. Difficulty to conceive has always been a serious problem for couples all over the world. It is estimated that for 15% of couples in Europe and in the USA, 12.5 % in China and around 10% in Middle-East countries, having a child is a serious and complex struggle that can create a heavy psychological burden.

The IBSA portfolio in this area offers innovative and qualitative tools for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COS) and luteal phase support (LPS) within Artificial Reproductive Techniques (ART).

IBSA has developed several pharmaceutical preparations containing highly purified gonadotrophins of human origin (HP-FSH, HP-hMG, HP-hCG) thanks to an innovative purification process that provides a range of isoforms inspired by nature while delivering the highest level of purity.

Thanks to IBSA technology, a new formulation of progesterone for subcutaneous administration to support the luteal phase in ART programmes is now available.

Progesterone is a hormone naturally produced by the ovaries, placenta and adrenal glands. In the presence of the right estrogen, progesterone transforms the proliferative endometrium into a secretory endometrium. Progesterone is needed to increase the perceptiveness of the endometrium before embryo implantation. After implanting the embryo, progesterone acts to maintain a pregnancy.

Progesterone solution for injection in a pre-filled syringe ensures accurate daily dosing of the active ingredient in an amount that corresponds to the naturally produced amount of the hormone in the body. The small volume of the aqueous solution for injection also allows it to be administered under the skin (subcutaneously). It is also suitable for women that cannot use or do not tolerate vaginal preparations. It does not contain solvents or preservatives that are usually added to injectables with progesterone in oil formulations. As a result, adverse effects, such as sterile abscesses, injection site inflammation, or hypersensitivity reactions, are almost absent.