Merck Sharpe and Dohme announces EU approval of ELONVA

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has announced that ELONVA (corifollitropin alfa injection) has been approved by EU regulators as a fertility treatment.

The therapy has been indicated for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in combination with a GnRH antagonist for the development of multiple follicles in women taking part in an assisted reproductive technology (ART) programme.

Marketing authorisation and unified labelling have been granted for all European Union Member States.

The sustained follicle stimulant is capable of initiating and maintaining multiple follicular growth for one week.

Mirjam Mol-Arts, senior vice-president of Merck Research Laboratories, commented: “The European approval of ELONVA is a positive step towards reducing the burden of injections for women experiencing difficulty conceiving.”

Last month, Merck Sharp and Dohme revealed that it had signed a definitive agreement with fellow pharmaceutical firm Avecia to purchase the company’s biologics arm.

This includes the firm’s manufacturing and business support operations, which are located in Billingham in the UK.