Bayer HealthCare wins EU approval for contraceptive Jaydess

Bayer HealthCare has announced that its new contraceptive product Jaydess has been approved for sale by European regulators.

The new low-dose levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system is designed for placement in the uterus for the prevention of pregnancy for up to three years, making it more convenient than needing to rely on a daily pill.

It is a flexible plastic T-shaped device that releases a small amount of the hormone levonorgestrel into the bloodstream and offers a rapid return to usual levels of fertility after removal.

The manufacturer expects to launch the product in a number of EU markets in the second quarter of 2013.

Dr Kemal Malik, member of the Bayer HealthCare executive committee and head of global development, said: "Our new intrauterine system has been primarily developed for women who are looking for a reliable, convenient long-term contraceptive option with a very low hormonal dose."

This comes after the company received EU approval for its new Eylea therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration last month.