Blood Clot Risks Worry Birth Control Users

Tuesday 20 November 2012, Amsterdam

The new report, "Contraceptives Market to 2018 - Safety Concerns Plague Drospirenone-containing Birth Control Pills and Long-term Use of Estrogen", shows that with the increasing number of women acquiring publicly-funded birth control, and a growing public awareness and acceptance, the contraceptives market is ever-growing. Oral contraceptives are the most frequently used method of avoiding unplanned pregnancies, and last year the global oral contraceptives market was worth $6.3 bn, accounting for 62% of the total. However, its share in the market is set to decrease, as the pill has earned itself a mixed reputation.

Adverse effects associated with the contraceptive pill include blood clots, which can potentially lead to a life-threatening stroke or heart failure. Several lawsuits have been filed against Bayer’s Yasmin due to blood clots following its use, and in April 2012 Bayer paid out approximately $142m. The complaints filed against the drug have created a negative impact among a large population of oral contraceptive users, and major players such as Teva pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, and Merck & Co. Inc. are attempting to develop safe and affordable alternatives.

R&D activity in the contraceptive market is dominated by molecules in Phase III stage development, constituting 51% of the global contraceptives market pipeline. Promising drugs include AG200-1, a low-dose weekly contraceptive that is administered transdermally via a patch, using a unique technology called skinfusion. The FC Patch Low (BAY86-5016) is another transdermal patch containing gestodene and ethinyl estradiol that is under development. Both offer high effectiveness and impressive patient comfort, through the use of a novel delivery system. However, transdermal patches have historically been linked with high hormonal concentration and consequent increased risks of blood clots, therefore not proving a savior from the risks of combined pills such as Yasmin.

The oral contraceptives market is also being buoyed by the emergence of generic versions of off-patent products. Drugs such as Yaz, Loestrin 24 Fe, Ortho-Tri Cyclen Lo, Seasonale and Quasense, which were introduced to the market during the last decade, have gained a strong following as they provide efficient and convenient contraception, and their impending loss of patent protection paves the way for cheap generic copies.

The condom remains the only form of contraception to offer full protection against sexually transmitted diseases, and this doesn’t look likely to change anytime soon. However, the CSD500 condom, manufactured by Futura Medical and licensed by Reckitt Benckiser, contains a pharmacologic dosage to treat erectile dysfunction, representing a development in the most stable contraceptive segment.