Cetrorelix
Encyclopedia
Cetrorelix acetate is an injectable gonadotropin-releasing hormone
antagonist (GnRH antagonist
). A synthetic decapeptide, it is used to treat hormone-sensitive cancers of the prostate and breast (in pre-/perimenopausal women) and some benign gynaecological disorders (endometriosis, uterine fibroids and endometrial thinning). In addition, cetrorelix is used in assisted reproduction to inhibit premature luteinizing hormone surges. The drug works by blocking the action of GnRH upon the pituitary, thus rapidly suppressing the production and action of LH
and FSH
. It is administered as either multiple 0.25 mg daily subcutaneous injections or as a single-dose 3 mg subcutaneous injection. The duration of the 3 mg single dose is four days; if hCG is not administered within four days, a daily 0.25 mg dose is started and continued until hCG is administered.
as Cetrotide for use in in-vitro fertilization in all countries except Japan, where it is marketed by Shionogi and Nippon Kayaku. Aeterna Zentaris receives royalties on these sales and retains rights to develop cetrorelix for other indications. In IVF use it is injected daily after follicle stimulation has been initiated and evidence of follicle maturation is approaching; given daily it prevents an endogenous LH surge that would trigger an untimely ovulation prior to the hCG
administration by the treating physician. As an alternative to the GNRH antagonist, also a GNRH agonist could be given, but agonist have to be started earlier to overcome the agonistic effect. Cetrorelix can be mixed with follitropin alpha without compromising their reported safety and efficacy.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone , also known as Luteinizing-hormone-releasing hormone and luliberin, is a tropic peptide hormone responsible for the release of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone from the anterior pituitary. GnRH is synthesized and released from neurons within...
antagonist (GnRH antagonist
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist
Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonists are a class of compounds that are similar in structure to natural GnRH but that have an antagonistic effect. GnRH antagonists are peptide molecules that are made up multiple, often synthetically produced amino acids...
). A synthetic decapeptide, it is used to treat hormone-sensitive cancers of the prostate and breast (in pre-/perimenopausal women) and some benign gynaecological disorders (endometriosis, uterine fibroids and endometrial thinning). In addition, cetrorelix is used in assisted reproduction to inhibit premature luteinizing hormone surges. The drug works by blocking the action of GnRH upon the pituitary, thus rapidly suppressing the production and action of LH
Luteinizing hormone
Luteinizing hormone is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. In females, an acute rise of LH called the LH surge triggers ovulation and development of the corpus luteum. In males, where LH had also been called interstitial cell-stimulating hormone , it stimulates Leydig cell...
and FSH
Follicle-stimulating hormone
Follicle-stimulating hormone is a hormone found in humans and other animals. It is synthesized and secreted by gonadotrophs of the anterior pituitary gland. FSH regulates the development, growth, pubertal maturation, and reproductive processes of the body. FSH and Luteinizing hormone act...
. It is administered as either multiple 0.25 mg daily subcutaneous injections or as a single-dose 3 mg subcutaneous injection. The duration of the 3 mg single dose is four days; if hCG is not administered within four days, a daily 0.25 mg dose is started and continued until hCG is administered.
Use in IVF
Cetrorelix is marketed by Merck SeronoMerck Serono
Merck Serono is a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. In September 2006, Merck KGaA announced its intent to purchase the majority of Serono shares from Ernesto Bertarelli and the Bertarelli family. The Merck-Serono merger was announced on September 21, 2006...
as Cetrotide for use in in-vitro fertilization in all countries except Japan, where it is marketed by Shionogi and Nippon Kayaku. Aeterna Zentaris receives royalties on these sales and retains rights to develop cetrorelix for other indications. In IVF use it is injected daily after follicle stimulation has been initiated and evidence of follicle maturation is approaching; given daily it prevents an endogenous LH surge that would trigger an untimely ovulation prior to the hCG
HCG
HCG may stand for* Hickson Compact Group* HCG pregnancy strip testhCG may stand for* Human chorionic gonadotropin...
administration by the treating physician. As an alternative to the GNRH antagonist, also a GNRH agonist could be given, but agonist have to be started earlier to overcome the agonistic effect. Cetrorelix can be mixed with follitropin alpha without compromising their reported safety and efficacy.