Healthy Male welcomes PBS support for use of Ovidrel in males

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.

From the 1st July 2023, Ovidrel will receive PBS subsidy for use in the following applications for males:

• Treatment of acquired hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in adulthood
• Puberty induction in males with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
• Promotion of testicular descent not due to anatomic obstruction
• Stimulation of spermatogenesis in infertility caused by hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism.

Existing PBS subsidy remains for use of Ovidrel in artificial reproductive techniques (ART) for ovarian stimulation and initiation of ovulation.