Emerging drugs in assisted reproduction

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Assisted Reproductive Technology

Background:

• Infertility affects about 15% of reproductive-aged couples.
• Current assisted reproductive technology (ART) relies heavily on medications for ovarian stimulation and endometrial preparation.
• Existing ART protocols face challenges including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, low implantation rates, high multiple pregnancy rates, and invasive drug administration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current ART medications and their impact on treatment outcomes.
• To explore novel therapeutic molecules and strategies for improving ART.
• To discuss future directions for a more patient-centered in vitro fertilisation (IVF) approach.

Main Methods:

• Review of current pharmacological agents used in ART, including gonadotropins, GnRH analogues, and progesterone.
• Discussion of ongoing research into new molecules targeting gonadotropin activity, GnRH receptors, and endometrial receptivity.
• Exploration of alternative ART strategies like mild ovarian stimulation, single embryo transfer, and oocyte in vitro maturation.

Main Results:

• Advancements in recombinant hormones and GnRH analogues have improved ART success rates.
• New therapeutic agents are under investigation to enhance efficacy and patient experience.
• Emerging techniques like mild stimulation and oocyte maturation show promise for less drug-dependent IVF.

Conclusions:

• While current ART medications have improved outcomes, significant challenges remain.
• Investigational molecules and patient-friendly preparations, particularly oral therapies, hold potential to revolutionize IVF.
• Future IVF treatments may become less reliant on drugs through optimized protocols and advanced techniques.