Schering-Plough releases phase III SFS data

Schering-Plough has announced the publication of phase III data for its experimental sustained follicle stimulant (SFS) corifollitropin alfa.

The company told the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Barcelon that the compound met the primary endpoints of the Engage trial.

In the 150mcg corifollitropin alfa treatment arm of the trial 38.9 per cent of patients per started cycle became pregnant, similar to the 38.1 per cent rate achieved in patients receiving 200 IU recombinant follitropin beta.

The co-primary endpoint of the number oocytes received was reported to be within the limits of clinical equivalence, with a 1.2 estimated difference in favour of the corifollitropin alfa treatment arm.

Schering-Plough reported that further results from the study will be submitted for presentation at a future medical meeting.

“Corifollitropin alfa is being developed as a potential treatment in controlled ovarian stimulationfor the development of multiple follicles and pregnancy in women participating in an assisted reproductive technology programme” the company said.

It added that the corifollitropin alfa regimen is being developed in a GnRH antagonist protocol.

Last month, the British Fertility Society published guidelines stating that preimplantation genetic screening does not improve pregnancy rates for women aged over 35 and should not be offered outside of clinical trials.