Ferring fertility drug ‘shows cost and efficacy benefits’

Ferring Pharmaceuticals last week presented data at the 2007 congress of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology showing both cost savings and improved efficacy of Menopur (menotrophin) compared to Gonal-F.

Menopur is an onadotrophin containing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and human chorionic gonadotrophin driven luteinising hormone activity, while Gonal-F contains only recombinant FSH.

The company noted the benefits in terms of clinical pregnancy and live birth rates seen in patients receiving Menopur compared to those treated with Gonal-F, while the cost of one treatment with the drugs was recorded at 2,408 pounds and 2,660 pounds respectively.

Dr M Afnan, of the Assisted Conception Unit at Birmingham Women’s Hospital, said: “These data provide evidence to support the use of Menopur as the first-line treatment option in women undergoing assisted reproduction technology treatments”

He added that administration with the compound, which is currently used by over 75,000 patients worldwide every year, had shown the increased chance of a live birth of a child, the decisive goal of infertility treatment.

Last week, Ferring reported an “inequality” of access to fertility treatment across Europe, while also arguing for the potential benefits to society of broadened access to such therapy.