Bayer HealthCare reports positive trial data for new contraceptives

Bayer HealthCare has reported clinical data that underlines the potential benefits of two new contraceptive products for women.

Results from the pivotal phase III study have demonstrated the contraceptive reliability of LNG-IUS12 and LNG-IUS16, a pair of investigational levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (IUSs).

Both systems release a lower dose of hormone and are smaller than the currently available LNG-IUS20, one of the most effective and reliable forms of birth control on the market.

Bayer HealthCare submitted applications for marketing authorisation of LNG-IUS12 in the US and Europe in December 2011.

Dr Kemal Malik, member of the Bayer HealthCare executive committee and head of global development, said: "We are encouraged by this data and are developing both of these investigational hormone-releasing IUSs to offer women new choices for their individual contraceptive needs."

This comes after the firm filed for EU approval of a new ethinylestradiol/gestodene-based contraceptive patch for women last month.