Schering AG gets go ahead for new contraceptive

German pharmaceuticals company Schering AG has announced that it has completed the European Mutual Recognition Procedure for its new contraceptive, Yasminelle.

Yasminelle is a low-dose oral contraceptive which contains the company’s unique progestin – a synthetic progestagen and the basis of modern contraceptive pills – as well as drospirenone, a different progestin. Progestagens produce similar effects to progesterone, but Schering AG says the new drug can relieve some of the discomfort of menstruation.

Philip Smits, Schering AG’s head of gynaecology and andrology, said: “This is good news for women who want a low dose oral contraceptive and expect more than just reliable contraception.”

“Yasminelle, with its unique progestin, drospirenone, alleviates some of the discomfort associated with menstruation. Drospirenone works by reducing the negative impact of estrogen-related fluid retention, which can lead to weight gain, bloating or breast tenderness,” he added.

The new pills come in the form of a 21-day course and the company states that because of drospirenone’s androgenic properties, it can positively affect women’s skin. Schering AG estimates that more than five million women have used the Yasmin range of contraceptives.

According to NetDoctor, a medical advice website, the pill is the most popular form of contraception in the UK. It asserts that some 3.5 million British women use contraceptive pills, which accounts for a third of the female population at reproductive age. It says the pill should be 100 per cent effective if taken as prescribed, although not as effective a contraception method as sterilisation since it is a permanent solution.

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