The Merck Serono division is the global leader in developing and providing drugs to treat infertility. We are the only manufacturer of recombinant versions of all three main gonadotropin hormones. Sales by the Fertility therapeutic area increased 8.9% to € 565 million in 2008. Adjusted for the impact of currency, sales growth amounted to 13%. This was due to North America, where more than 20% of sales are generated. Growth was also above average in Asia, Africa, Australasia, some central European countries and Latin America.
Gonal-f® remains on a growth course
Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection) maintained its position as the world’s leading female fertility drug in 2008. This recombinant version of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is prescribed to supplement or to replace natural FSH. It has been approved in more than 100 countries. Sales rose by 5.9% to € 460 million. Growth slightly exceeded that of the gonadotropin market and was mainly attributable to strong double-digit growth rates in Latin America and Asia, Africa, Australasia, especially Brazil and China. We generated around one-half of Gonal-f® sales in Europe, where sales were maintained at the previous year’s level. In particular, sales grew more strongly in Italy and France than the average for the region. In North America, Gonal-f® gained additional market share. However, negative currency effects reduced the double-digit organic growth rate. In Japan, where Gonal-f® is approved to treat male infertility, we filed for regulatory approval in October to expand the indication to include female infertility.
Merck Serono is continually investing in the further development of its products and delivery devices. A new and improved version of the Gonal-f® pen has meanwhile been approved in more than 70 countries. Our efforts to launch the product globally continue.
Two hormones in a single injection
Pergoveris™ is our new drug for the stimulation of follicular development in women with severe luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) deficiency. It is the first biotech drug based on the combination of both substances in a single subcutaneous injection. Pergoveris™ got off to a successful start, posting sales of € 14 million in the first year since its approval in the member states of the EU as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Ovidrel®/Ovitrelle® (choriogonadotropin alfa), a recombinant version of the natural pregnancy hormone hCG, is used to trigger ovulation in women who are undergoing assisted reproduction techniques. It is the first and only recombinant hCG offered in a ready-to-inject, prefilled syringe that is easy to use. The product generated sales of € 34 million, or 21% more than in 2007. This was due mainly to strong growth in Europe.