FDA approves Bayer HMB drug Natazia and EffRx osteo drug Binosto

German drug major Bayer (BAY: DE) says its US subsidiary has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration of a new indication for Natazia (estradiol valerate and estradiol valerate/dienogest) for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) that is not caused by any diagnosed conditions of the uterus (womb), in women who choose an oral contraceptive (OC) for contraception. With this approval, Natazia is the first and only oral contraceptive indicated for the treatment of HMB.

Natazia was approved in May 2010 for the prevention of pregnancy. The contraceptive efficacy of Natazia has not been evaluated in women with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2.

"Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common disorder reported by around three million women of reproductive age each year in the United States," said Pamela Cyrus, vice president and head of US medical affairs, at Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals. "As the first oral contraceptive treatment approved for heavy menstrual bleeding in women without organic pathology who choose an OC for contraception, Natazia represents a new treatment approach for appropriate women with this medical condition," she noted.