Last reviewed · How we verify
Human chorionic gonadotrophin
Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone that binds to luteinizing hormone receptors to stimulate gonadal steroid production and gametogenesis.
Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone that binds to luteinizing hormone receptors to stimulate gonadal steroid production and gametogenesis. Used for Infertility in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ovulation induction, final oocyte maturation), Hypogonadism in men (testosterone replacement), Anovulation and corpus luteum insufficiency.
At a glance
| Generic name | Human chorionic gonadotrophin |
|---|---|
| Also known as | choriomon, hCG |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong |
| Drug class | Gonadotropin; Hormone replacement therapy |
| Target | Luteinizing hormone receptor (LHCG receptor) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Reproductive endocrinology; Fertility |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
hCG mimics the action of luteinizing hormone (LH) by activating LH receptors on Leydig cells in males and theca cells in females, thereby stimulating testosterone and estrogen/progesterone production respectively. In males, it promotes spermatogenesis and testosterone secretion; in females, it supports corpus luteum function and progesterone production during the luteal phase and early pregnancy. It is also used clinically to trigger final oocyte maturation and ovulation in assisted reproductive technology.
Approved indications
- Infertility in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ovulation induction, final oocyte maturation)
- Hypogonadism in men (testosterone replacement)
- Anovulation and corpus luteum insufficiency
Common side effects
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
- Headache
- Injection site reactions
- Abdominal pain/bloating
- Nausea
Key clinical trials
- Ruxolitinib, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (uhCG/EGF), and Dose De-escalated Corticosteroids (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- INTEnsity of ovariaN Stimulation and Embryo Quality (PHASE4)
- Impact Of FET Preparation Protocol On Endometrial Peristalsis: A Prospective Cohort Study
- Isotretinoin vs hCG for Male Infertility Due to Low or Absent Sperm (PHASE2)
- Study of Different Therapeutic Strategies in Hydatidiform Mole With Lung Nodule (NA)
- Assessment of the Feasibility of Frozen Embryo Transfers in a Natural Cycle Among Obese Compared to Non-Obese Patients
- PTCY Plus uhCG/EGF for Graft Versus Host Disease Prophylaxis (PHASE1)
- FET-LET-2x2: Clinical Pregnancy Rates After Frozen Embryo Transfer in Natural and Modified Natural Cycles (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial 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:
- Human chorionic gonadotrophin CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Human chorionic gonadotrophin updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- The University of Hong Kong portfolio CI