Bayer Schering Pharma's new low-dose oral contraceptive YAZ® has been approved in the EU. YAZ® will be the first oral contraceptive on the European market containing the unique progestin drospirenone combined with a low dose of ethinyl estradiol in a new dosing regimen of 24 days of active hormone tablets and four days of placebo. YAZ® will be launched in all major European markets in autumn 2008. In the U.S. YAZ® has been available since 2006 where it is the only oral contraceptive ever approved for three distinct indications: contraception, treatment of moderate acne as well as treatment of the emotional and physical symptoms associated with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), such as mood swings, irritability, anxiety, food cravings, breast tenderness, bloating, and headache. Bayer Schering Pharma also plans to submit the YAZ® Acne and PMDD indication for registration in Europe.
"We are absolutely thrilled with the pan-European approval of YAZ®, the latest member of our blockbuster drospirenone-based product family" said Philip Smits, M.D., Head of Bayer Schering Pharmaâs Business Unit Women's Healthcare. "YAZ® offers women an innovative method of contraception with additional benefits, which other oral contraceptives do not have. YAZ®, with its 24-day regimen and the mode of action of its progestin drospirenone, offers one-of-a-kind benefits to women."
The Bayer Group is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer HealthCare, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the worldâs leading, innovative companies in the healthcare and medical products industry and is based in Leverkusen, Germany. The company combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care and Pharmaceuticals divisions. The pharmaceuticals business operates under the name Bayer Schering Pharma AG.
Bayer HealthCare's aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Find more information at http://www.bayerhealthcare.com.
Bayer Schering Pharma is a worldwide leading specialty pharmaceutical company. Its research and business activities are focused on the following areas: Diagnostic Imaging, General Medicine, Specialty Medicine and Women's Healthcare. With innovative products, Bayer Schering Pharma aims for leading positions in specialized markets worldwide. Using new ideas, Bayer Schering Pharma aims to make a contribution to medical progress and strives to improve the quality of life. Find more information at http://www.bayerscheringpharma.de.