Pfizer’s Sayana Press approved for self-administration in the UK

Pfizer has made its injectable contraceptive Sayana Press available to women for administration by self-injection in the UK.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has signed off on an update to the Sayana Press label, adding the option for self-injection by women when considered appropriate by a healthcare professional.

It is the first injectable contraceptive in the UK available for administration via self-injection, a method of application that is also approved or pending local approval in a number of additional EU markets.

Each subcutaneous injection prevents ovulation and provides contraception for at least 13 weeks.

Dr Salomon Azoulay, senior vice-president and chief medical officer for Pfizer's global established pharma business, said: "This is an exciting milestone for women in the UK and, potentially, in countries around the world, who might prefer this method of contraception and mode of administration."

Earlier this month, the company expanded its range of injectable drugs, infusion technologies and biosimilars with the acquisition of Hospira.