Organon’s NuvaRing ‘reduces oestrogen exposure’

Organon has revealed that its once-a-month contraceptive, NuvaRing, reduces a woman’s oestrogen exposure compared with commonly-used combined oral contraceptives.

The company announced the information as part of a statement revealing that NuvaRing has completed the European Mutual Recognition Procedure (MRP) in 13 further countries, following the same recognition some six years ago in the Netherlands.

“We are delighted to be able to extend the availability of NuvaRing throughout Europe,” said Emile van Dongen, executive Vice-president of global sales at Organon.

“Its uptake is increasing in all European countries where it is already available and even more in the US.”

The product is used by more than 1.5 million women according to Ms Van Dongen, with sales of the contraceptive ring approaching 216 million euros by the end of 2006, the company states.

NuvaRing is inserted into the vagina, where it remains for 21 days, offering protection against pregnancy as well as “low incidence of side effects”, Organon claims.

Founded in the Netherlands in 1923, Organon is a health care unit of Akzo Nobel.