PDF / 69 KB 
collectBayerNews_20080908_0398_en.pdf BayerNews_20080908_0398_en.pdf
24/4 dosing regimen has shown to reduce hormone fluctuations
Berlin, September 8, 2008 - Bayer Schering Pharma´s YAZ® will be available
across Europe as of September 2008. YAZ® is the first oral contraceptive
containing 3 mg of the unique progestin drospirenone combined with 0.02 mg of
ethinyl estradiol in a new dosing regimen of 24 days of active hormone tablets
followed by 4 days of hormone-free tablets. With this new regimen, a new pill
pack is started immediately on the day after the last hormone-free tablet was
taken. In the U.S., where YAZ® has been available since 2006, women´s overall
satisfaction with this new pill is very high and YAZ® is the fastest growing
branded oral contraceptive in the U.S.
"Taking active pills for three additional days can result in a reduction of
hormonal fluctuations which often occur with conventional 21/7 pills," said
Phil Smits, M.D., Head of Women's Healthcare at Bayer Schering Pharma AG.
"Women who usually experience hormone withdrawal symptoms such as headaches or
cramps during the pill-free week should benefit from the unique features of
drospirenone delivered in the innovative YAZ® regimen."
YAZ will be available in Germany, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Slovakia, the
Alpine countries and Scandinavia as from beginning of September 2008 closely
followed by Portugal, Finland, Ukraine, Baltics and others. More European
countries will launch YAZ® by the end of the year or first and second quarters
of 2009.
Bayer Schering Pharma submitted the Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
indication for YAZ® in Europe in July 2008 and will also submit the acne
indication to the European Health Authorities later this year.
In several major countries and regions throughout the world, including the
U.S., Latin America, and Asia-Pacific, YAZ® is already registered in three
different indications: oral contraception, treatment of the emotional and
physical symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and treatment of
moderate acne in women seeking contraception.
About YAZ®
Drospirenone, the unique progestin contained in YAZ®, has both
anti-mineralocorticoid and anti-androgenic properties. It counteracts the water
retention often seen when taking estrogens, thereby reducing the "bloated"
feeling that many women experience especially when starting on the pill.
Clinical studies have also shown that because of the anti-androgenic
properties, pills containing drospirenone can help to improve women's skin
condition. Extending the treatment period of active pills from 21 to 24 days
per cycle means that the period of the therapeutic effects of drospirenone is
prolonged by 3 days, leading to a more pronounced effect of drospirenone. In
addition, with a half-life of 30 hours, the beneficial effects of drospirenone
extend into the pill-free period.
About Bayer
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 world's 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 www.bayerhealthcare.com.
About Bayer Schering Pharma
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 www.bayerscheringpharma.de.
