Bayer in women's health
For almost a century, Bayer has been working to make a positive difference to women’s health through pioneering research and innovation.
In the 1920s, Bayer—then called Schering AG—made a significant contribution to understanding the molecular structure of sex hormones and launched the world's first oestrogen preparation for menopause management. This firmly set Bayer as a pioneer in women’s healthcare and, in 1961, Bayer became the first company to launch a contraceptive pill in Europe, the combined oral contraceptive Anovlar® (norethisterone acetate/ethinylestradiol)1
More recent innovations include the introduction of Kyleena® (19.5 mg intrauterine delivery system levonorgestrel) a low-dose, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine delivery system which was launched in the UK in 2018.2
- Pletzer BA and Kerschbaum HH. Front Neurosci 2014;8:256.
- Kyleena – Europe 2018 – prescribing information - Reference ID: 4228507. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/208224s001lbl.pdf [Last accessed: November 2019].
Just like you, we care about women’s health...
In the 1960’s, we were the first to launch the contraceptive pill in Europe, giving women more power to choose their own future. Today, we continue to work with women and their clinicians to understand what really matters and where our expertise can help.
You’re a lifelong learner.
So are we.
Whether you want to master new procedures or join the conversation driving innovation in women’s health, we can help.
You care about delivering the best care. So do we.
We’re always looking for ways to help you to help your patients. At Bayer, we’re beside you all the way.
Bayer’s innovations in women’s health timeline:
1960
First European birth control pill, the combined oral contraceptive Anovlar® (norethisterone/ethinyl estradiol)
Progestogen-only pill (mini-pill)
First progestogen-only emergency contraception, Levonelle® (levonorgestrel) launched in the UK
First low-estrogen dose contraceptive pill, Yasmin® (ethinylestradiol/drospirenone)
First pill to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome, in the US for women who choose the contraceptive pill for birth control.
Jaydess®▼ (13.5 mg intrauterine delivery system levonorgestrel) was launched in 2014
First birth control pill approved for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding, Qlaira®
Kyleena® (19.5 mg intrauterine delivery system levonorgestrel), a low-dose levonorgestrel-releasing IUS was launched in the UK in 2018
Present day
- Costescu DJ. Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems for long-acting contraception: current perspectives, safety, and patient counseling. Int J Womens Health. 2016;8:589–598. Published 2016 Oct 13. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S99705
- Bayer Plc. Qlaira, film-coated tablets: Summary of Product Characteristics [online]. Updated 17 December 2018. Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6536 [Last accessed: August 2019].
Bayer offers a number of contraception methods for women, depending on their personal needs. These include:
- Bayer Plc. Qlaira® (estradiol valerate/dienogest): Summary of Product Characteristics [online]. Updated 17 December 2018]. Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6536/smpc [Last accessed: August 2019].
- Bayer Plc. Mirena® (52 mg intrauterine delivery system levonorgestrel): Summary of Product Characteristics [online]. Updated 17 October 2019. Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1132 [Last accessed: August 2019].
- Bayer Plc. Kyleena® (19.5 mg intrauterine delivery system levonorgestrel): Summary of Product Characteristics [online]. Updated 02 May 2019. Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/769 [Last accessed: August 2019].
