Single-chain gonadotropins lead the way in advancing assisted reproductive techniques

In November 2020, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Mong Diep and her team at Quy Nhon University received funding from Vingroup Innovation Fund (VINIF) for the project “Production of single-chain gonadotropins for fertility treatment.” By April 2024, they successfully launched two hormones, eCG and hFSH, which have been shown to be biologically effective and require only a single injection for the entire treatment process.

The development of recombinant single-chain hormones hFSH and eCG represents a significant advancement in reproductive support technology, with the potential to benefit both human and animal fertility. These hormones offer a more sustainable, cost-effective, and accessible solution for infertility treatment, paving the way for a brighter future in assisted reproductive techniques.

Natural gonadotropin hormones have been used for a long time in treating infertility in humans and animals, but the production and supply of these hormones present challenges due to hygiene and ethical issues. The research conducted by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Mong Diep and her team aims to address these challenges by developing recombinant gonadotropin hormones as a viable alternative. These hormones are produced using genetic engineering techniques to synthesize human Follicle Stimulating Hormone (hFSH) or equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) in a laboratory setting. This allows for precise control over the production process and eliminates the need for natural resources that may be scarce or contaminated.

The research conducted by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Mong Diep’s team has shown promising results in improving fertility for both humans and animals. The development of single-chain recombinant hormones has led to better efficacy compared to traditional formulations that required multiple injections or administration through an IV line over several weeks or months. Additionally, the use of recombinant hormones eliminates concerns related to hygiene issues associated with natural gonadotropins that may be contaminated with bacteria or viruses during production or storage processes.

Dr. Huynh Gia Bao, an expert in in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques hopes that this research will help improve accessibility and reduce treatment costs for Vietnamese patients, especially those living remotely where accessing medical facilities is difficult.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Mong Diep is actively involved in research collaborations with the French National Institute for Research on Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (INRAe). Her goal is to establish a laboratory at Quy Nhon University to further research and education in the field of biotechnology.

Her accomplishments have been recognized internationally with her meeting professor standards in France by 2024 and being ranked among top three candidates for specialized positions in Physiology, Biochemistry, Organismal biology.

Overall, this groundbreaking research has high commercialization potential and can contribute significantly to advancing Vietnam’s biotechnology sector while providing hopeful outcomes for couples who are struggling with infertility issues.