Approved & therapeutic
Choriogonadotropin alfa
Ovidrel, r-hCG
Choriogonadotropin alfa is recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin, used as the ovulation trigger in assisted reproduction. It replaces urinary-derived hCG with a consistently characterised recombinant product.
Also known as: Ovidrel, r-hCG, recombinant hCG, choriogonadotropin
- Status
- Choriogonadotropin alfa is approved by the U.S. FDA and has official prescribing information.
- Evidence
- Approved labeling. Official prescribing information exists, based on clinical trials in people.
- Half-life
- Approximately 30 hours terminal half-life.
- How it's taken
- Single subcutaneous injection
- Mechanism
- Reproductive axis (GnRH / kisspeptin / oxytocin)
- Pathways
- Estrogen
How Choriogonadotropin alfa works
hCG binds the LH receptor, and the resulting signal mimics the natural mid-cycle LH surge: it triggers resumption of meiosis in the oocyte, final follicular maturation and ovulation roughly 36 hours later. That predictable interval is what allows oocyte retrieval to be scheduled.
What research has looked at
- Triggers final oocyte maturation and ovulation with a predictable 36-hour interval, which is what makes timed retrieval possible.
- Recombinant production gives batch-to-batch consistency and higher purity than urinary hCG.
- Supplied in a prefilled syringe at a fixed dose, reducing preparation error at a step where timing and dose both matter.
Evidence level: Approved labeling. Official prescribing information exists, based on clinical trials in people. These are areas studied or reported, not promised effects.
Reported side effects and risks
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome — hCG is the principal trigger of the severe form, which is why a GnRH agonist trigger is substituted in high responders.
- Multiple pregnancy.
- Injection-site reactions, abdominal pain, nausea and headache.
- It will produce a positive result on hCG-based pregnancy tests for up to ten days after administration, which can cause false interpretation.
- Ovarian torsion and ovarian enlargement.
Sources
- FDA approved-drug listing for choriogonadotropin alfa · U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- DailyMed prescribing information for choriogonadotropin alfa · NIH · DailyMed
- PubMed research on recombinant hCG ovulation trigger · NIH · National Library of Medicine
- DrugBank record for choriogonadotropin alfa · DrugBank
Track Choriogonadotropin alfa in Peptide Vault
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Related compounds
Choriogonadotropin alfa FAQ
What is Choriogonadotropin alfa?
Choriogonadotropin alfa is recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin, used as the ovulation trigger in assisted reproduction. It replaces urinary-derived hCG with a consistently characterised recombinant product.
How does Choriogonadotropin alfa work?
hCG binds the LH receptor, and the resulting signal mimics the natural mid-cycle LH surge: it triggers resumption of meiosis in the oocyte, final follicular maturation and ovulation roughly 36 hours later. That predictable interval is what allows oocyte retrieval to be scheduled.
Is Choriogonadotropin alfa FDA approved?
Yes. Choriogonadotropin alfa is approved by the U.S. FDA and has official prescribing information. Evidence level: approved labeling. Official prescribing information exists, based on clinical trials in people.
What is the half-life of Choriogonadotropin alfa?
Reported half-life: Approximately 30 hours terminal half-life.
How is Choriogonadotropin alfa taken?
Single subcutaneous injection.
What side effects have been reported with Choriogonadotropin alfa?
Reported in the sources: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome — hCG is the principal trigger of the severe form, which is why a GnRH agonist trigger is substituted in high responders; Multiple pregnancy; Injection-site reactions, abdominal pain, nausea and headache; It will produce a positive result on hCG-based pregnancy tests for up to ten days after administration, which can cause false interpretation; Ovarian torsion and ovarian enlargement.
Educational summary compiled from the sources listed above. Not medical advice. Peptide Vault does not sell, source or recommend any compound. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting or changing anything.