Pfizer has launched an injectable contraceptive, Sayana Press (medroxyprogesterone acetate), which can administered by self injection, in the UK. This follows the recent approval from the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of an update to the Sayana Press label, adding the option for self-injection by women when considered appropriate by a healthcare professional.

Sayana Press is the first injectable contraceptive in the UK available for administration via self-injection, according to Pfizer. This new method of administration is also approved or pending local approval in additional European Union markets (Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, and The Netherlands). Pfizer will continue its efforts tobring this updated label to more countries, with an initial focus on those in the developing world, such as in Burkina Faso, Senegal and Uganda.

Sayana Press combines a long-acting, reversible, contraceptive with an all-in-one prefilled, single-use, non-reusable Uniject injection system, eliminating the need to prepare a needle and syringe. Approved for use by the MHRA in 2011, the contraceptive is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy.

Source: Pfizer