Contraception

The contraceptive market has grown to over $6 billion in sales worldwide, with about 40 percent or $2.5 billion in sales in the U.S. Future growth is expected to be fueled by more convenient options, extended cycle therapy and non-contraceptive benefits.

According to a recent survey of 1000 US women between 16-44 years of age, a significant portion of women are not satisfied with their current birth control and have tried many different options. When shown the Agile contraceptive patch, the majority of women said it looked appealing and over half would talk to their doctors about it. The major benefits cited were ease of use and convenience.

The market need for a contraceptive patch was highlighted in 2002 when Ortho EVRA® was introduced in the U.S. In only three years, product sales exceeded $400 million. In 2005, safety issues and subsequent revised FDA labeling significantly reduced sales. Studies showed women using Ortho EVRA were exposed to about 60% more estrogen than found in low-dose birth control pills. Increased levels of estrogen may increase the risk of blood clots.

According to market research with both healthcare professionals and patients there is a major need of a low-dose, safe and effective contraceptive patch. Agile’s low-dose contraceptive patch has been designed to meet this need by delivering a low dose of estrogen and progestin and providing excellent pregnancy prevention and cycle control in a convenient once-per-week patch.

Agile is also expanding its contraceptive patch portfolio with various life cycle management projects.

Women’s Health

Beyond contraceptive patches, Agile’s business focus is centered on in-licensing diagnostic or therapeutic products in development within women’s health.