Bayer finds investigational contraceptive reduces menstrual bleeding in women

BERLIN An investigational oral contraceptive reduced menstrual blood loss in women with heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, according to data from a late-stage clinical trial.

Bayer announced results of a placebo-controlled phase 3 trial among 231 women in Australia and Europe of Qlaira (estradiol valerate and dienogest) at the World Congress of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Monday.

Among women in the study group, menstrual blood loss was reduced by 458 milliliters, compared with 93 milliliters in the placebo group.

“The excellent data from our phase 3 study with Qlaira clearly underscore that our new oral contraceptive could offer a new treatment option for many women who suffer from this common disorder,” Bayer Schering Pharma head of women’s health care Phil Smits said in a statement.

Bayer submitted a regulatory approval application for the drug in July seeking its approval as a contraceptive and as a treatment for heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.