Progesterone Formulation for Ovulation Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for triggering ovulation in fertility treatments are expensive and have unpleasant side effects, with hCG declining due to high incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and existing alternatives like Lupron being costly and having side effects, while also failing to replicate the natural pulsating pattern of GnRH release.
Innovation Solution
Administering progesterone or bioidentical progesterone to increase plasma concentration between 0.1 ng/ml to 1 ng/ml when ovarian follicles reach a size of at least 15 mm, monitored through ultrasound, to induce an LH surge and ovulation, potentially combined with other fertility therapeutics such as GnRH antagonists and anti-inflammatory agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hCG is used as an ovulation trigger, then ovulation can be induced, but the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a GnRH agonist as an intermediary substance to trigger ovulation instead of hCG. The GnRH agonist acts as a mediator that stimulates the pituitary gland to release LH and FSH, which in turn trigger ovulation, thereby avoiding the direct use of hCG and reducing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome while maintaining ovulation induction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replicates the natural ovulation trigger mechanism by using GnRH agonist to mimic the body's own GnRH release pattern, which naturally stimulates LH surge and subsequent ovulation. This copying of the natural physiological process avoids the harmful effects of exogenous hCG while achieving the same ovulation induction goal
2Object-affected harmful factors
If Lupron Acetate is used as an off-label ovulation drug, then the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome decreases, but the cost increases and unpleasant side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs GnRH agonist which serves multiple functions: it triggers ovulation, provides luteal phase support, and can be used across different fertility treatment protocols. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate medications, thereby lowering overall treatment cost while maintaining safety benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the dosing parameters and timing of GnRH agonist administration to achieve effective ovulation induction at lower costs. By carefully controlling the dose and timing, the treatment achieves the desired effect without requiring expensive high-dose regimens, making it more cost-effective than Lupron Acetate
3Reliability
If existing ovulation drugs are used, then ovulation can be triggered, but the natural pulsating pattern of GnRH release is not replicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the periodic administration of GnRH agonist to replicate the natural pulsating release pattern of GnRH. By administering the drug at specific intervals that mimic physiological pulsatility, the treatment successfully triggers ovulation while maintaining the natural rhythm of hormone release, thereby resolving the contradiction between effective ovulation triggering and preservation of natural hormonal patterns
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method is safe, effective, and inexpensive, capable of inducing ovulation without the side effects of existing treatments, and can be used for various infertility issues, including polycystic ovarian syndrome and premature ovarian insufficiency, by mimicking the natural ovulation process.
Implementation Method 1
administering progesterone or bioidentical progesterone in an amount effective to increase the plasma concentration of progesterone to between about 0.1 ng/ml to about 1 ng/ml when the follicle reaches a size of at least 15 mm
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for ovulation induction in females in need thereof. Current methods for inducing ovulation have unpleasant side effects and are expensive. The disclosed compositions and methods are safe, efficacious, and inexpensive. An exemplary method of inducing ovulation includes steps of monitoring ovarian follicle development and size during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle; and administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition including progesterone or ioidentical progesterone in an amount effective to increase the plasma concentration of progesterone to between about 0.1 ng/ml to about 1 ng/ml when the follicle reaches a size of at least 15 mm.