Open AccessA novel orally active gonadotropin‐releasing hormone antagonist, relugolix, is a potential substitute for injectable GnRH antagonists in controlled ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology
Author(s) -
Hamada Michiko,
Horikawa Michiharu,
Ensaka Chie,
Enomoto Megumi,
Ishii Rena,
Toriumi Rena,
Tachibaoyuki,
Taketani Yuji
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
reproductive medicine and biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.005
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 1447-0578
pISSN - 1445-5781
DOI - 10.1002/rmb2.12424
Subject(s) - assisted reproductive technology , medicine , hormone antagonist , antagonist , luteinizing hormone , gonadotropin releasing hormone , gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist , human chorionic gonadotropin , stimulation , hormone , gonadotropin , pregnancy rate , andrology , endocrinology , pregnancy , gynecology , receptor , infertility , biology , genetics
Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of an oral gonadotropin‐releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH Ant), relugolix (R), for assisted reproductive technology (ART). Methods We enrolled women undergoing ART using a GnRH Ant for controlled ovarian stimulation. We compared R; 20 mg/day with cetrorelix acetate (C); 0.125 mg. C was administered to 88 women in 2019, and R to 93 women in 2020. Clinical outcomes associated with ART were assessed in both groups. Results The luteinizing hormone levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin injection in the R group (1.26 ± 0.93 IU/L) were significantly lower than those in the C group (2.85 ± 3.02 IU/L). There were no cases in which egg retrieval was canceled in both groups. The total doses of gonadotropins administered were greater in the R group compared with the C group. The number of days of GnRH Ant administration in the R group (1.71 ± 0.57 days) was significantly longer compared with the C group (1.48 ± 0.58 days). The number of oocytes collected, fertilization rates, and pregnancy rates (R; 47.1% vs C; 45.8%) did not differ between the two groups. Conclusion An orally active GnRH Ant, relugolix, when used in controlled ovarian stimulation for ART, showed comparable clinical outcomes with cetrorelix.