New Indication Expected to Increase Treatment Options of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding for up to five years in patients who choose intrauterine contraception as their method of contraception SAN FRANCISCO, July 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – Medicines360, a global nonprofit organization with a mission to catalyze equitable access to quality medicines for women, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for LILETTA® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) 52 mg for treatment of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB) for up to five years in patients who choose intrauterine contraception as their method of contraception. A substantial body of literature has demonstrated the levonorgestrel 52 mg IUS to be highly effective at reducing bleeding in patients with HMB. "For those experiencing HMB, medical treatments are preferred over surgical treatment as they are more convenient and pose less risk," said Andrea Olariu, M.D., PhD, and CEO of Medicines360. "With limited choices of hormonal IUDs to treat HMB, we are pleased to deliver on our mission by working to offer prescribers and patients another medical treatment option." The FDA's approval of the new indication is based on efficacy and safety data from a Phase 3 clinical trial conducted by Medicines360, which was first published in Obstetrics and Gynecology in May 2023. The clinical trial included study participants of various ages, races, parity, and body mass index (BMI).
LILETTA is commercially available in the U.S. through Medicines360's nonprofit pharmaceutical model. LILETTA is available at a lower cost to public health clinics enrolled in the 340B Drug Pricing Program. LILETTA® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) 52 mg is a hormone-releasing system placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy for as long as you want for up to 8 years. LILETTA also treats heavy periods for up to 5 years in women who choose to use birth control placed in the uterus. IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION
Are or might be pregnant; LILETTA cannot be used as an emergency contraceptive
Have had a serious pelvic infection after an abortion or pregnancy within the last 3 months Have problems with your immune system
Have multiple sexual partners or your partner has multiple sexual partners
Have or suspect you might have cancer of the uterus or cervix Have bleeding from the vagina that has not been explained
Have an intrauterine contraceptive system (IUS) in your uterus already
Have a condition of the uterus that changes the shape of the uterine cavity, such as large fibroid tumors Although uncommon, pregnancy while using LILETTA can be life-threatening and may result in loss of pregnancy or fertility Life-threatening infection can occur within the first few days after LILETTA is placed. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you develop severe pain or fever shortly after LILETTA is placed LILETTA may partially go into (become embedded) or go completely through (perforate) the wall of the uterus. If perforation occurs, LILETTA may move outside thevuterus and can cause internal scarring, infection, or damage to other organs. You may need surgery to have LILETTA removed if it is embedded, or perforation occurs. Risk of perforation is increased in breastfeeding women LILETTA may come out of your uterus (expulsion). Expulsion occurs in about 4 out of 100 women, most often in the first year of use. You may become pregnant if LILETTA comes out. If you think that LILETTA has come out, use another birth control method like condoms or do not have sex (vaginal intercourse) until you are seen by a healthcare provider
Ovarian cysts may occur but usually disappear
Bleeding and spotting may increase in the first 3 to 6 months and remain irregular. Periods over time usually become shorter, lighter, or may stop
LILETTA does not protect against HIV or STDs. Available by prescription only.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit
www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see full Prescribing Information for LILETTA. Medicines360, located in San Francisco, California, is a global nonprofit women's health pharmaceutical organization with a mission to catalyze equitable access to medicines and devices through product development, policy advocacy, and collaboration with US and global partners.
For more information, visit www.medicines360.org