Press
Release
Collaboration aims to develop state-of-the-art
levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine device (LNG IUD) as a highly
effective long-acting reversible contraceptive method.
San Francisco, USA – December 18, 2009
Medicines360, the US-based non-profit that addresses unmet
medical needs of women and children by developing innovative,
affordable and sustainable medical solutions, today announced a
strategic partnership with European women’s health pharmaceutical
company Uteron Pharma Operations (UPO), based in Liege Belgium, to
develop a long-acting LNG IUD. As part of the collaborative
agreement, Uteron is responsible for the design and manufacture of
the product, and Medicines360 is responsible for Phase III clinical
development.
Levonorgestel IUDs are one of the most frequently used and safe
long-acting contraceptives in the world. The objective of the
Medicines360’s-Uteron partnership, is to gain regulatory approval
through the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and a European
regulatory health authority for an LNG IUD as a means for
long-acting reversible contraception for ultimate approval around
the world, including the developing world. The LNG IUD is one of the
first products to be introduced by the privately-funded
Medicines360, and is designed to provide highly effective,
reversible contraception for at least five years.
Medicines360 launched this year as a non-profit and
self-sustaining social enterprise focused on women’s health, and
dedicated to developing products for use in both the public and
private sectors. Commercial sales of Meds360 products to private
payors are intended to subsidize and sustain Medicines360’s public
sector mission.
“We are delighted to forge this innovative partnership with
Uteron Pharma Operations to provide all women around the world with
access to this state-of-the-art long-acting reversible
contraception,” said Dr. Victoria Hale, Medicines360's Founder and
Chief Executive Officer.
“As a pharmaceutical company with a history and track record of
dedication to innovation in women’s health, we’re pleased to
partner with Medicines360, who bring a wealth of experience and
expertise to this collaboration,” noted Stijn Van Rompay, Chief
Executive Officer of Uteron Pharma Operations. “The partnership
allows us to fully leverage our research and development skills, and
we anticipate successful development and subsequent
commercialization.”
Medicines360
Medicines360 is a 501(c)(3) US
nonprofit organization established in 2009 as a self-sustaining
social enterprise to address the global health needs of women and
children.
www.medicines360.org
Contact:
Sedef Onder – 212.699.3761/office or 212.464.7332/mobile
Uteron Pharma Operations (UPO)
UPO, a wholly
owned subsidiary of Uteron Pharma Holding, is dedicated to the
development of pharmaceutical devices using different long-acting
release technologies. UPO has research labs and employs a production
site located in Liege (Belgium). Its levonorgestrel-releasing
intrauterine device, developed together with the University of
Liege, is currently in clinical development.
www.uteron-operations.com
Contact:
Eric Poskin - +32 (0)477 205 771
