| Primary information |
|---|
| ThPP ID | Th1077 |
| Therapeutic Peptide/Protein Name | Urofollitropin |
| Sequence | Alpha chain:APDVQDCPECTLQENPFFSQPGAPILQCMGCCFSRAYP view full sequnce in fasta |
| Functional Classification | Ib |
| Molecular Weight | 980.162 |
| Chemical Formula | C42H65N11O12S2 |
| Isoelectric Point | 7.5 |
| Hydrophobicity | -0.33 |
| Melting Point (℃) | 55 |
| Half Life | Circulation half life of 3-4 hours, elimination half life of 35-40 hours |
| Description | Urofollitropin is a purified form of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) that is manufactured by extraction from human urine and then purified. It consists of two non-covalently linked, non-identical glycoproteins designated as the alpha- and beta- subunits. The alpha- and beta- subunits have 92 and 111 amino acids. The alpha subunit is glycosylated at Asn 51 and Asn 78 while the beta subunit is glycosylated at Asn 7 and Asn 24. Urofollitropin is important in the development of follicles produced by the ovaries. Given by subcutaneous injection, it is used in combination with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to assist in ovulation and fertility. Urofollitropin may also be used to cause the ovary to produce several follicles, which can then be harvested for use in gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). |
| Indication/Disease | For treatment of female infertility |
| Pharmacodynamics | Urofollitropin or follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates ovarian follicular growth in women who do not have primary ovarian failure. FSH, the active component of urofollitropin is the primary hormone responsible for follicular recruitment and development. |
| Mechanism of Action | FSH binds to the follicle stimulating hormone receptor which is a G-coupled transmembrane receptor. Binding of the FSH to its receptor seems to induce phosphorylation and activation of the PI3K (Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase) and Akt signaling pathway, which is known to regulate many other metabolic and related survival/maturation functions in cells. |
| Toxicity | N.A. |
| Metabolism | N.A. |
| Absorption | 274% |
| Volume of Distribution | N.A. |
| Clearance | N.A. |
| Categories | Fertility Agents |
| Patents Number | N.A. |
| Date of Issue | N.A. |
| Date of Expiry | N.A. |
| Drug Interaction | N.A. |
| Target | N.A. |
| Information of corresponding available drug in the market |
|---|
| Brand Name | Fertinex |
| Company | N.A. |
| Brand Discription | Fertinex (urofollitropin for injection, purified) is a preparation of highly purified Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) extracted from the urine of post-menopausal women. Purification is by immunoaffinity chromatography using murine monoclonal antibody to human FSH. The purification process results in a consistent FSH isoform profile, significantly enhanced specific activity (8,500-13, 500 IU FSH/mg protein), and ≥95% purity |
| Prescribed for | FertinexTM (urofollitropin for injection, purified) and hCG given in a sequential manner are indicated for the stimulation of follicular recruitment and development and the induction of ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and infertility, who have failed to respond or conceive following adequate clomiphene citrate therapy. Fertinex (urofollitropin) TM and hCG may also be used to stimulate the development of multiple follicles in ovulatory patients undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization. |
| Chemical Name | N.A. |
| Formulation | Each ampule of Fertinex (urofollitropin) TM contains either 75 IU or 150 IU of highly purified FSH and 10 mg lactose. If required, pH is adjusted with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid and/or 0.1 M sodium hydroxide. |
| Physcial Appearnce | Fertinex (urofollitropin) in asterile, lyophilized powder form contains an acidic, water soluble glycoprotein biologically standardized for FSH gonadotropin activity |
| Route of Administration | Subcutaneous Injection. |
| Recommended Dosage | Initial starting 75 International Units per day for 5 days administered intramuscularly in polycystic ovary syndrome. In ART the dose is 150 IU per day. |
| Contraindication | contraindicated in High levels of FSH indicating primary ovarian failure, Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction, An organic intracranial lesion such as a pituitary tumor, The presence of any cause of infertility other than anovulation, as stated in the Indications unless they are candidates for Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Abnormal bleeding of undetermined origin, Ovarian cysts or enlargement of undetermined origin, Prior hypersensitivity to urofollitropin. |
| Side Effects | Pulmonary and vascular complications, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, Adnexal torsion, Mild to moderate ovarian enlargement, Abdominal pain, Ovarian cysts, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, Pain, rash, swelling, and/or irritation at the site of injection, Ectopic pregnancy, Congenital abnormalities, dry skin, body rash, hair loss, hives, Headache. |
| Useful Link | http://www.rxlist.com/fertinex-drug.htm |
| PubMed ID | 18020563 |
| 3-D Structure | Th1077 (View) or (Download) |