Blood Clot Risks Worry Birth Control Users

Tuesday 27 November 2012, Amsterdam

Since hormonal contraception was approved in the 1960s many different treatments have been developed, but has the pill seen its glory days pass, asks a new report by healthcare experts.

The new report shows that with the increasing number of women acquiring publicly-funded birth control, and a growing public awareness and acceptance, the contraceptives market is ever-growing. Oral contraceptives are the most frequently used method of avoiding unplanned pregnancies, and last year the global oral contraceptives market was worth $6.3 bn, accounting for 62% of the total. However, its share in the market is set to decrease, as the pill has earned itself a mixed reputation.

Adverse effects associated with the contraceptive pill include blood clots, which can potentially lead to a life-threatening stroke or heart failure. Several lawsuits have been filed against Bayer’s Yasmin due to blood clots following its use, and in April 2012 Bayer paid out approximately $142m. The complaints filed against the drug have created a negative impact among a large population of oral contraceptive users, and major players such as Teva pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, and Merck & Co. Inc. are attempting to develop safe and affordable alternatives.

R&D activity in the contraceptive market is dominated by molecules in Phase III stage development, constituting 51% of the global contraceptives market pipeline. Promising drugs include AG200-1, a low-dose weekly contraceptive that is administered transdermally via a patch, using a unique technology called skinfusion. The FC Patch Low (BAY86-5016) is another transdermal patch containing gestodene and ethinyl estradiol that is under development. Both offer high effectiveness and impressive patient comfort, through the use of a novel delivery system. However, transdermal patches have historically been linked with high hormonal concentration and consequent increased risks of blood clots, therefore not proving a savior from the risks of combined pills such as Yasmin.

The oral contraceptives market is also being buoyed by the emergence of generic versions of off-patent products. Drugs such as Yaz, Loestrin 24 Fe, Ortho-Tri Cyclen Lo, Seasonale and Quasense, which were introduced to the market during the last decade, have gained a strong following as they provide efficient and convenient contraception, and their impending loss of patent protection paves the way for cheap generic copies.

The condom remains the only form of contraception to offer full protection against sexually transmitted diseases, and this doesn’t look likely to change anytime soon. However, the CSD500 condom, manufactured by Futura Medical and licensed by Reckitt Benckiser, contains a pharmacologic dosage to treat erectile dysfunction, representing a development in the most stable contraceptive segment.

The contraceptives market will grow from $10.2 bn in 2011 to $11.8 bn in 2018 with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.1%.

This report provides insights into the global contraceptives market and market forecasts until 2018. It provides an in-depth analysis of the most commonly used contraceptives, such as oral, topical, and injectable contraceptives, and devices such as intrauterine devices, condoms, and vaginal rings. The report also examines the usage patterns and annual cost of usage for these segments, includes insights into the contraceptives R&D product pipeline, and explores the competitive landscape, including major companies in the contraceptives market. Finally, the report also includes analysis of the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and licensing agreements that have taken place in the global contraceptives market.

The report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research and in-house analysis by GBI Research’s team of industry experts.