At present, women undergoing infertility treatment endure upwards of 40 subcutaneous or intramuscular injections of fertility hormones, as the molecules are too large for conventional transdermal delivery using a patch. These repeated injections are painful and stressful, delivering the hormones in peaks and troughs rather than more gradually as they would naturally. However, microporation of the skin using P.L.E.A.S.E.® makes it possible to deliver large molecules such as those used in IVF.
In combination with P.L.E.A.S.E.® microporation, Pantec Biosolutions’ first hormone patch IVF001 (triptorelin, a GnRH agonist) and second hormone patch IVF002 (follicle stimulating hormone, FSH) have both demonstrated excellent bioavailability, safety and tolerability in phase I clinical development.
The two patch candidates for infertility treatment, triptorelin and FSH are available for licensing based on positive human proof-of-concept.
