Pharmacokinetics of Recombinant and Urinary Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body, but it is also misused by some athletes as a performance-enhancing substance. Anti-doping authorities test athletes for hCG to catch this misuse. However, the tests need to distinguish between natural hCG levels and artificially elevated ones, which is complicated. This study will compare two forms of hCG — one derived from human urine and one produced using recombinant (laboratory) technology — to understand how each is processed by the body over time. Healthy male participants will receive an injection of one form of hCG, and blood samples will be collected at various time points to track how the hormone behaves. This study is open to healthy males aged 18 to 56. You must have no history of chronic illness, male infertility, steroid use, or known allergy to hCG. The goal of the research is to help improve anti-doping detection methods, not to treat any medical condition.