LG Chem announced on the 8th that it has launched “Utipro Injection 25 mg (Utipro),” an infertility treatment for luteal phase support. As the domestic infertility treatment market grows rapidly, the company is seen as strengthening its women’s health business by expanding its treatment scope from conventional ovulation induction to the implantation and pregnancy maintenance stages.

The domestic infertility market has grown rapidly in recent years. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of infertility treatment procedures in Korea exceeded 200,000 in 2022. In particular, in vitro fertilization (IVF) now accounts for more than 80% of all procedures, expanding the market focused on IVF treatments.

The rising age at marriage and childbirth is also cited as a driver of market growth. In fact, the average age of patients undergoing infertility procedures continues to increase, with a particularly noticeable rise in infertile patients aged 40 and older. The medical community explains that older patients are more likely to experience reduced luteal function, which further increases the importance of progesterone supplementation therapy.

Luteal phase support is often referred to as the final stage of IVF treatment. Progesterone is a key hormone that helps embryos stably implant in the endometrium. During IVF procedures, however, luteal function can be weakened by the processes of oocyte retrieval and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, making additional hormone supplementation therapy necessary.

LG Chem is expanding its infertility treatment business in line with these market changes. The company has been one of Korea’s leading players in infertility therapeutics since the 1990s and has established a strong position in the infertility market with products such as the controlled ovarian hyperstimulation agent “Folitrop.” Recently, LG Chem has designated women’s health as one of its future growth businesses and is working to diversify its infertility treatment portfolio.

The launch of Utipro is seen as meaningful in that it extends the company’s business scope from a focus on ovulation induction to the implantation and pregnancy maintenance stages. Industry observers view this as LG Chem’s full-scale move to build a “full-cycle” infertility treatment solution.

Changes in market structure have also played a role. The domestic market for subcutaneous progesterone injections is currently formed virtually around a single imported product. This structure inevitably leads to high dependence in clinical settings if supply chain disruptions or import issues occur. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmaceutical supply stability has emerged as a key issue, and the need to expand domestic supply capacity has been consistently raised.

Utipro is also drawing attention as a subcutaneous injection formulation suitable for self-administration. Existing vaginal suppositories offer ease of use but can cause discomfort due to discharge or irritation, while intramuscular injections are limited by significant pain and the burden of repeated administration. By contrast, subcutaneous injections are assessed as reducing pain burden relatively while improving patient convenience.

LG Chem obtained marketing approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in February this year and plans to share information on clinical use of luteal phase support and on the product through symposiums for healthcare professionals.

Kim Sung-ho, Head of the Specialty Care Business Division at LG Chem, said, “Demand for pharmaceuticals used in assisted reproductive technology is steadily increasing alongside higher ages at marriage and childbirth,” adding, “LG Chem will continue to proactively identify needs in clinical practice in the women’s health field and provide practical treatment solutions on an ongoing basis.”

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