IBSA has patented exclusive extraction and purification processes and installed equipment dedicated to the production of fertility hormones, gonadotropins, using the urine of pregnant and post-menopausal donors. Gonadotropins are glycoprotein hormones composed of two non-covalently associated protein subunits – the alpha subunit and the beta subunit. The alpha subunit contains 92 amino acids (AA) and is identical in FSH (follicle–stimulating hormone), LH (luteinising hormone) and HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). The beta subunits, on the other hand, differ and confer receptor specificity and different biological properties. The extent and characteristics of the post-translational changes of these molecules give different charges, biological activities and half-lives to each type of glycoprotein.
The fertility hormone range is produced in compliance with the highest purity, efficacy and safety standards, whilst keeping the structure of the glycoproteins intact.
Combining advanced technologies with a full awareness of the relationship between the structure and function of gonadotropins has made the processes patented by IBSA a quality benchmark.