Xtra
The Pioneer in Infertility Treatment
Merck continues to lead the way to further advance treatments in the country ’ s fertility industry
October . 2018
10
The Health
GOING by a recent announcement from the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council ( MHTC ), statistics show that the success rate of Malaysia ’ s in vitro fertilisation ( IVF ) treatment is high , reaching a percentage ranging between 55 to 60 percent . These statistics show that Malaysia is capable of becoming Asia ’ s fertility treatment hub by the year 2020 , based on the high quality of health services available in the country .
As fertility treatment centres mushroom within the country , providing options for couples seeking fertility treatment , Merck has progressed to become the leading pharmaceutical company in fertility treatment , both locally and globally .
“ With a full portfolio of fertility drugs , our vision is to develop and market innovative , easy-to-use products to help couples at every stage of the reproductive cycle - from follicular development to early pregnancy , to ultimately achieve their dream of having a family ,” said Merck Malaysia president Chris Hamann .
Merck started their journey in fertility about 60 years ago , constantly pioneering new treatments , technologies and services to help deliver the best care for specialists and couples . They have long since taken the leap as the pioneer in research and development ( R & D ) developing & marketing the first recombinant FSH preparation into the market . Hence , ensuring the quality and consistency of hormones prescribed and increasing safety and efficacy of the treatments applied in fertility treatments and management . This initiated a new era of R & D and due in part to this innovation , an estimated 2.5 million babies have been brought into the world .
CHALLENGES OF INFERTILITY
Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide . According to the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) in developing countries , one in four couples suffer from infertility . The WHO defines infertility as the failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of trying to conceive without using contraceptives . For women over 35 , a couple should see a doctor after trying to conceive for six months . Many different factors influence a couple ’ s ability to conceive , including natural , biological processes in both the male and female body . Age and also lifestyle factors – such as a high body mass index , stress , smoking , caffeine and alcohol intake as well as exposure to environmental pollutants – play a part as well .
Merck Malaysia President Chris Hamann