Elonva has been approved in EU for the treatment of infertility

Elonva® (corifollitropin alfa injection) was approved in European Union for the treatment of infertility in combination with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist for the development of multiple follicles in women participating in an assisted reproductive technology program. Elonva is made by the pharmaceutical company Merck.

Elonva is a long-acting drug. One injection of Elonva replaces the first 7 injections of normal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).  The course of treatment is more convenient because traditional program for infertility treatment with FSH requires daily injections for 8-12 days, as well as constant blood tests and ultrasound examinations. The new drug will reduce the number of required injections. This in its turn helps to reduce stress and this is very important for women trying to conceive. The EU committee decision is based on the results of a large double-blind clinical investigation involving 1,506 women aged under 36 years of age. The results showed that 1 injection of Elonva is equal in efficiency the first 7 injections of FSH. The quality of oocytes and embryos, as well as the number of pregnancies resulting from the treatment) also were similar.
 
The most common Elonva side effects include: pelvic pain, pain discomfort, headache, nausea, fatigue, slight soreness in the chest.