By: 25 May 2012

Esmya® (ulipristal acetate)

Results of data published in the New England Journal of Medicine in February confirm that Esmya® controlled bleeding in over 90% of patients and significantly more rapidly than with the long-standing approved therapy, the injectable GnRH agonist, leuprolide acetate. Esmya® significantly reduced fibroid size and, for patients who did not undergo surgery, the volume reduction was maintained for at least six months after treatment was discontinued. In these studies treatment duration was limited to three months.

“These positive results on the efficacy and tolerability of Esmya® are great news for women receiving treatment for uterine fibroids,” says Mr Enda McVeigh, consultant gynaecologist and sub specialist in reproductive medicine at the Oxford Fertility Centre. “Many live with very unpleasant symptoms or the side effects of an injectable treatment. By significantly reducing these, this long-awaited oral therapeutic option could make a very tangible difference to their daily lives”.

In the UK Esmya will be marketed by PregLem.