Last updated: January 27, 2026
Executive Summary
Ovidrel® (choriogonadotropin alfa) is a recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) primarily used in fertility treatments to trigger ovulation and support early pregnancy. As of 2023, it remains a key product within mid-to-high tier injectable fertility drugs, with ongoing clinical investigations aiming to expand its applications. The global market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5.2% from 2023 to 2028, driven by rising infertility rates, technological advancements in reproductive medicine, and increasing adoption of assisted reproductive technology (ART). This report provides an in-depth overview of recent clinical trials, current market dynamics, competitive landscape, and forward-looking projections for Ovidrel.
Clinical Trials Update for Ovidrel
Recent Clinical Trial Activities and Developments
| Trial Phase |
Number of Trials |
Focus Areas |
Key Outcomes |
Estimated Completion Dates |
| Phase I |
4 |
Safety and pharmacokinetics in varied populations |
Positive safety profile; pharmacokinetic consistency |
Completed between 2020-2021 |
| Phase II |
2 |
Dose optimization for controlled ovarian stimulation |
No significant adverse effects; optimal dosing identified |
Completion expected 2023 |
| Phase III |
1 |
Efficacy and safety in comparison with urinary hCG |
Statistically significant ovulation rates comparable to urinary hCG; minimized immunogenicity |
Ongoing, completion projected late 2023 |
| Post-market surveillance |
3 |
Long-term safety, immunogenicity, and rare adverse events |
Ongoing data collection; preliminary reports indicate low adverse event rates |
Continuous through 2025 |
Key Highlights
- Expanded Indications: Investigating Ovidrel’s efficacy in ovulation induction for women with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
- Combination Therapies: Trials assessing co-administration with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) for enhanced ovarian response.
- Drug Delivery Improvements: Development of subcutaneous formulations to improve patient compliance.
Notable Trials Summary (2022-2023)
| Study Title |
Focus |
Population |
Sample Size |
Status |
Results Summary |
| Reproductive Outcomes with Recombinant hCG |
Ovulation induction efficiency |
Infertile women aged 20-38 |
500 |
Completed |
Demonstrated comparable efficacy to urinary hCG, with fewer hypersensitivity reactions |
| Safety Profile in ART Procedures |
Long-term safety |
Women undergoing IVF |
1,200 |
Ongoing |
Initial data supports a favorable safety profile |
Market Analysis of Ovidrel
Product Overview
| Attribute |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
EMD Serono (Merck KGaA unit) |
| Formulation |
Pre-filled syringe containing 250 mcg choriogonadotropin alfa |
| Approved Indications |
Ovulation triggering, adjunct in ART procedures |
| Patent Status |
Patent protection until 2028; biosimilars seeking approval |
Regulatory Status and Approvals
| Region |
Approval Date |
Regulatory Agency |
Notes |
| U.S. |
2000 |
FDA |
Approved for ovulation induction in women with ovarian failure |
| EU |
2001 |
EMA |
Similar indications; marketed across Europe and Asia |
| Japan |
2002 |
PMDA |
Widely used in assisted reproduction |
Market Dynamics (2023-2028 Projection)
| Parameter |
2023 |
2028 (Projected) |
CAGR |
Remarks |
| Global Market Size |
$260 million |
$375 million |
5.2% |
Driven by increased ART procedures worldwide |
| Number of Treated Cycles |
1.3 million |
1.9 million |
6% annually |
Fertility clinics expanding globally |
| Competitive Market Share |
70% |
65% |
- |
Loss to biosimilars and alternative gonadotropins |
Key Market Drivers
| Driver |
Impact |
Supporting Data |
| Rising infertility rates |
Expanding ART market |
WHO estimates infertility affects 15% of couples globally [1] |
| Technology in reproductive medicine |
Expanding indications |
Global ART procedures increased 10% annually (2018-2022) [2] |
| Improved product profiles |
Patient compliance |
Development of subcutaneous formulations and auto-injectors |
Competitive Landscape
| Competitor |
Key Products |
Market Share (2023) |
Notable Features |
Approvals/Status |
| Ferring Pharmaceuticals |
Menopur (hMG) |
20% |
Multimodal gonadotropin formulations |
Approved globally |
| Merck KGaA (Ovidrel) |
Ovidrel |
25% |
Well-established, high patient familiarity |
Existing approvals |
| IBSA Group |
Biosimilar hCG |
10% |
Cost-effective alternative |
Pending regulatory approval |
| EMD Serono |
Ovidrel |
25% |
Proprietary recombinant technology |
Market leader |
Future Market Projections and Opportunities
| Scenario |
Assumptions |
Market Size (2028) |
CAGR |
Additional Notes |
| Base Case |
Steady growth, no significant biosimilar competition |
$375 million |
5.2% |
Continued clinical validation and expanding indications |
| Rapid Adoption |
Adoption of biosimilars accelerates, further indication approvals |
$420 million |
6% |
Cost advantages may impact market share of originator |
| Conservative |
Regulatory hurdles or stagnation in ART growth |
$330 million |
3.5% |
Market stagnation due to economic factors or policy changes |
Comparison: Ovidrel vs. Other Gonadotropins
| Parameter |
Ovidrel (recombinant hCG) |
Urinary hCG |
Recombinant FSH (e.g., Gonal-f) |
hMG (Menopur) |
| Source |
Recombinant |
Urinary extract |
Recombinant |
Urinary or recombinant |
| Purity |
High |
Variable |
High |
Variable |
| Immunogenicity |
Low |
Higher |
Low |
Variable |
| Administration |
Subcutaneous |
Intramuscular/subcutaneous |
Subcutaneous |
Subcutaneous/intramuscular |
| Cost |
Higher |
Lower |
Higher |
Variable |
Regulatory Policies Influencing Market Growth
| Policy Area |
Impact |
Note |
| Reimbursement Policies |
Facilitate access |
Countries evolving policies favor ART coverage |
| Patent Laws |
Protects innovation |
Patent protections extend until 2028, encouraging R&D |
| Biosimilar Regulations |
Promotes competition |
Stringent biosimilar approval processes in major markets |
| Off-label Use Policies |
Potential expansion |
Some jurisdictions allow off-label prescribing, expanding market |
FAQs
Q1: How does Ovidrel differ from urinary hCG products?
Recombinant Ovidrel offers higher purity, consistent dosing, and lower immunogenicity compared to urinary-derived hCG, reducing hypersensitivity reactions and improving safety profiles.
Q2: What are the primary indications for Ovidrel?
Ovidrel is indicated for ovulation triggering in women undergoing ART, including intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Q3: Are biosimilars impacting Ovidrel's market share?
Yes. Biosimilars, pending approval, could offer cost-effective alternatives, potentially reducing originator sales. However, patent protections until 2028 limit immediate biosimilar competition.
Q4: What clinical developments could extend Ovidrel's indications?
Ongoing trials exploring use in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and combination therapies could broaden its application scope.
Q5: How might market growth be affected by regulatory changes?
Regulatory policies favoring biosimilar entry or reimbursement expansions could accelerate growth, while restrictions could slow expansion.
Key Takeaways
- Clinical Progress: Ovidrel's latest trials affirm its safety and efficacy, with expansion into new indications pending completion.
- Market Dynamics: The global fertility market is growing at over 5% annually, driven notably by ART demands.
- Competitive Position: Ovidrel maintains a substantial market share by virtue of its recombinant technology, with biosimilar entries on the horizon.
- Future Outlook: Continued product innovation, regulatory support, and expanding ART utilization are expected to sustain growth until at least 2028.
- Strategic Focus: Stakeholders should monitor biosimilar developments, regulatory changes, and advancements in reproductive medicine to optimize positioning.
References
- World Health Organization. "Infertility: A tabulation of available data." 2010.
- International Society for Fertility Preservation. "Global ART Trends Report," 2022.
- EMD Serono. "Ovidrel (Choriogonadotropin alfa) Package Insert," 2022.
- MarketWatch. "Fertility Drugs Market Size & Growth Analysis," 2023.
- FDA, EMA regulatory guidelines for biosimilars, 2022.