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Follitropin beta liquid formulation

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany · Phase 3 active Small molecule Under review Quality 0/100

Follitropin beta liquid formulation is a Gonadotropin; recombinant FSH Small molecule drug developed by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Infertility in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), Infertility in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Also known as: Puregon.

Follitropin beta is a recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) that stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in women and spermatogenesis in men.

Follitropin beta liquid formulation is a follicle-stimulating hormone receptor agonist, classified as an agonist drug. It is used to treat conditions such as infertility, ovulation induction, and in-vitro fertilization.

Likelihood of approval
61.3% vs 58.3% industry baseline
If approved by FDA: likely 2028–2030
Steps remaining: NDA/BLA submission
Confidence: High
Why this estimate
  • Baseline phase 3 → approval rate +58.3pp
    Industry-wide phase 3 drugs reach approval ~58.3% of the time (BIO/Informa 2023 industry benchmark across all therapeutic areas).
  • Big-pharma sponsor +3.0pp
    Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is a top-20 pharma sponsor — historical approval rates run ~3pp above average due to scale, regulatory experience, and trial-design quality.
Predicted approval windows by jurisdiction (conditional on FDA approval)
Regulator Country Likely year Lag vs FDA
FDA US 2028–2030
EMA EU 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
MHRA GB 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
Health Canada CA 2029–2032 +0.9 yr
TGA AU 2029–2032 +1.2 yr
PMDA JP 2029–2032 +1.5 yr
NMPA CN 2030–2033 +2.3 yr
MFDS KR 2029–2032 +1.4 yr
CDSCO IN 2029–2033 +1.8 yr
ANVISA BR 2030–2033 +2.3 yr

Hover any row for the lag rationale. Lag estimates are reduced when the drug has FDA Breakthrough or EMA PRIME designation (sponsors file globally in parallel).

Estimate based on the BIO/Informa industry phase transition rates plus per-drug modifiers for therapeutic area, sponsor type, FDA designations, mechanism, and trial design. Per-jurisdiction lags from Tufts CSDD international approval studies. Not investment, clinical or regulatory advice. Methodology: /methodology#likelihood.

At a glance

Generic nameFollitropin beta liquid formulation
Also known asPuregon
SponsorMerck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
Drug classGonadotropin; recombinant FSH
TargetFSH receptor (FSHR)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaReproductive Endocrinology / Fertility
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Follitropin beta binds to FSH receptors on granulosa cells of ovarian follicles and Sertoli cells in the testes, triggering intracellular signaling cascades that promote follicular development and steroidogenesis. In women, this leads to estrogen production and ovulation; in men, it supports sperm production. The liquid formulation offers an alternative delivery method to powder formulations, potentially improving convenience and dose accuracy.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Frequently asked questions about Follitropin beta liquid formulation

What is Follitropin beta liquid formulation?

Follitropin beta liquid formulation is a Gonadotropin; recombinant FSH drug developed by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, indicated for Infertility in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), Infertility in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

How does Follitropin beta liquid formulation work?

Follitropin beta is a recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) that stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in women and spermatogenesis in men.

What is Follitropin beta liquid formulation used for?

Follitropin beta liquid formulation is indicated for Infertility in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), Infertility in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Who makes Follitropin beta liquid formulation?

Follitropin beta liquid formulation is developed by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (see full Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany pipeline at /company/merck-kgaa-darmstadt-germany).

Is Follitropin beta liquid formulation also known as anything else?

Follitropin beta liquid formulation is also known as Puregon.

What drug class is Follitropin beta liquid formulation in?

Follitropin beta liquid formulation belongs to the Gonadotropin; recombinant FSH class. See all Gonadotropin; recombinant FSH drugs at /class/gonadotropin-recombinant-fsh.

What development phase is Follitropin beta liquid formulation in?

Follitropin beta liquid formulation is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of Follitropin beta liquid formulation?

Common side effects of Follitropin beta liquid formulation include Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), Headache, Injection site reactions, Abdominal pain/bloating, Nausea.

What does Follitropin beta liquid formulation target?

Follitropin beta liquid formulation targets FSH receptor (FSHR) and is a Gonadotropin; recombinant FSH.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing