Since the withdrawal of Pregnyl from the Australian market in mid-2021, the most convenient alternative formulation of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) has been the Ovidrel multidose pen system. Ovidrel is widely used in female fertility treatment, for which it is supported by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Although Pregnyl had received PBS subsidy for specific uses in male patients, Ovidrel was not approved for these.
We’re pleased to report that the advocacy efforts of Healthy Male – with the support of the Endocrine Society of Australia (ESA), the Australian Paediatric Endocrine Group (APEG), Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ), and the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) – have resulted in PBS support for use of Ovidrel in males.
Existing PBS subsidy remains for use of Ovidrel in artificial reproductive techniques (ART) for ovarian stimulation and initiation of ovulation.