New Liletta IUD Launched in US

Actavis and Medicines360 have launched a new levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Liletta) that can prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years.

The FDA approved Liletta 52 mg on February 26, 2015, after assessing data from ACCESS IUS, the largest hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) trial conducted in the United States.

Now, Liletta is commercially available in physician’s offices, and through a partnership between Actavis and Medicines360, it is offered at a lower price for public health clinics enrolled in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

"The commercial availability of Liletta represents a remarkable next step for women's health in the US, providing IUD-appropriate women, regardless of income and insurance coverage, with a safe and effective contraceptive option," said Pamela Weir, chief operating officer of Medicines360, in a press release. "Through this truly innovative partnership, women will now have an accessible, affordable option for effective, long-term contraception."

The Liletta IUS is placed in the uterus by a health care professional and continuously releases the progestin levonorgestrel over 3 years to prevent pregnancy.

"It's critical that women have choices when it comes to their preferred contraception, and I am pleased that I can offer my appropriate patients this new safe and effective option,” said Carolyn Westhoff, MD, MSc, division director of Family Planning and Preventive Services at the Columbia University Medical Center, in the press release.

The most common adverse reactions reported with Liletta use include vaginal infections, acne, headache or migraine, and nausea.