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EMA-approvedaka Elonva

Corifollitropin alfa — Complete Research Guide (2026)

Last updated 2026-06-30

TL;DR

Corifollitropin alfa (also known as Elonva) is a peptide catalogued under Sexual Health (Long-acting FSH-hCG hybrid). Neutral reference entry; EU status: EU-approved prescription medicine.

What is Corifollitropin alfa?

Corifollitropin alfa (brand name Elonva) is a long-acting recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone in which the FSH beta-subunit is fused to the C-terminal peptide of the hCG beta-subunit, extending its half-life. It is approved by the European Medicines Agency for controlled ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology (ART) and is NOT approved by the US FDA.

Evidence is strong and human: multiple large phase 3 randomized controlled trials (ENGAGE, ENSURE, PURSUE) and a Cochrane review support its use.

How does Corifollitropin alfa work?

The added hCG C-terminal peptide slows renal clearance and prolongs the elimination half-life so that a single subcutaneous injection sustains FSH-receptor stimulation of the ovaries for about seven days, replacing the first seven daily injections of conventional recombinant FSH in a GnRH-antagonist protocol.

What does the research say about Corifollitropin alfa?

  • A single injection of corifollitropin alfa was non-inferior to seven days of daily recombinant FSH for ongoing pregnancy and number of oocytes retrieved in standard-weight IVF patients. [1]
  • Non-inferior pregnancy rates versus daily recombinant FSH were confirmed in a large phase 3 trial in older women aged 35-42 (PURSUE). [3]
  • A Cochrane review found long-acting FSH and daily FSH produce comparable live-birth and ongoing-pregnancy rates, with the main benefit being fewer injections. [4]

Clinical research & studies

The references below are the primary sources cited throughout this guide. Each links directly to PubMed or the regulator. Where evidence is preclinical (animal or in-vitro), that is stated rather than implied.

  • [1] A double-blind, non-inferiority RCT comparing corifollitropin alfa and recombinant FSH during the first seven days of ovarian stimulation using a GnRH antagonist protocol — Devroey P et al., Human Reproduction 2009. (Phase 3 randomized controlled trial (ENGAGE))
  • [2] Corifollitropin alfa for ovarian stimulation in IVF: a randomized trial in lower-body-weight women — Corifollitropin alfa Ensure Study Group, Reproductive BioMedicine Online 2010. (Phase 3 randomized controlled trial (ENSURE))
  • [3] Large, comparative, randomized double-blind trial confirming noninferiority of pregnancy rates for corifollitropin alfa compared with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone across ovarian stimulation protocols in older women — Boostanfar R et al., Fertility and Sterility 2015. (Phase 3 randomized controlled trial (PURSUE))
  • [4] Long-acting FSH versus daily FSH for women undergoing assisted reproduction — Pouwer AW et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015. (Systematic review / meta-analysis)
  • [5] Corifollitropin alfa: a novel long-acting recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone agonist for controlled ovarian stimulation — Loutradis D et al., Women's Health (London) 2010. (Narrative review)

Dosing context

This is not medical advice or a usage recommendation. Dosing figures are reported research context only, cited from the published literature.

In EMA labeling it is given as one fixed subcutaneous injection (100 micrograms for lower body weight, 150 micrograms for higher body weight) on the first day of stimulation within a GnRH-antagonist cycle, after which daily FSH is added only from around day 8 if needed.

This is provided as background context only and not as directions for use; actual dosing is individualized by a reproductive endocrinologist.

Side effects & safety profile

The principal safety concern is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS); because the dose cannot be titrated after the single injection, it is restricted to appropriately selected patients by body weight and age and is not recommended in women at high risk of an excessive ovarian response.

ART with gonadotropins also increases the risk of multiple pregnancy, ovarian torsion, and thromboembolic events.

It must be prescribed and monitored (including ultrasound follicle tracking) by a fertility specialist.

Stacking & combinations

It is used within a defined ART protocol alongside a GnRH antagonist and, later, daily gonadotropin and a trigger; it is not a general-purpose stack compound and combining it with other hormones outside medical supervision is unsafe.

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Frequently asked questions

No. It is approved in the European Union (EMA) as Elonva for controlled ovarian stimulation but is not approved by the US FDA.

References

  1. [1] A double-blind, non-inferiority RCT comparing corifollitropin alfa and recombinant FSH during the first seven days of ovarian stimulation using a GnRH antagonist protocol — Devroey P et al., Human Reproduction 2009. PMID: 19684043. View sourceStudy: Phase 3 randomized controlled trial (ENGAGE)A single corifollitropin alfa injection was non-inferior to daily recombinant FSH for ongoing pregnancy and oocyte yield.
  2. [2] Corifollitropin alfa for ovarian stimulation in IVF: a randomized trial in lower-body-weight women — Corifollitropin alfa Ensure Study Group, Reproductive BioMedicine Online 2010. PMID: 20483664. View sourceStudy: Phase 3 randomized controlled trial (ENSURE)In women weighing 60 kg or less, a single 100-microgram injection matched daily FSH for oocyte yield and pregnancy outcomes.
  3. [3] Large, comparative, randomized double-blind trial confirming noninferiority of pregnancy rates for corifollitropin alfa compared with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone across ovarian stimulation protocols in older women — Boostanfar R et al., Fertility and Sterility 2015. PMID: 26003273. View sourceStudy: Phase 3 randomized controlled trial (PURSUE)In women aged 35-42, corifollitropin alfa was non-inferior to daily recombinant FSH for vital pregnancy rate.
  4. [4] Long-acting FSH versus daily FSH for women undergoing assisted reproduction — Pouwer AW et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015. PMID: 26171903. View sourceStudy: Systematic review / meta-analysisLong-acting and daily FSH gave comparable live-birth and OHSS rates, with fewer injections the main practical advantage.
  5. [5] Corifollitropin alfa: a novel long-acting recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone agonist for controlled ovarian stimulation — Loutradis D et al., Women's Health (London) 2010. PMID: 20887164. View sourceStudy: Narrative reviewReviews the molecular design, pharmacology, and clinical positioning of corifollitropin alfa in ART.
This article is for educational and research purposes only. Peptides discussed here are not approved for human consumption by the FDA, EMA, or equivalent regulators outside of specific clinical contexts. Always consult a licensed medical professional before any therapeutic use.