NuvaRing(R), World's First Vaginal Birth Control Ring, Now Available In U.S.

Market Wire, 20050229

(NASDAQ: AKZOY) -- Women now have a unique, effective and convenient new monthly contraceptive option. Organon Inc. today announced that NuvaRing(R) (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring), the world's first monthly vaginal ring for birth control, is now available in pharmacies nationwide. NuvaRing(R), is a small flexible, transparent ring that provides month-long contraceptive protection, is easy to use and can be discreetly administered by a woman in the privacy of her home.

According to the CDC and National Center for Health Statistics, 71 percent of women aged 25-34 use contraceptives in the United States. Additionally, 63 percent of contraceptive users say that the ideal characteristic of a birth control method would be monthly dosing, according to a survey conducted by Roper Starch.

NuvaRing was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in October 2001. The launch of NuvaRing(R) in the United States marks the product's introduction into the global contraceptive marketplace.

"NuvaRing(R) is really an exciting contraceptive choice for women," said Dr. Carolyn Westhoff, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Public Health at Columbia University, and NuvaRing(R) clinical investigator. "Not only is it highly effective, but the month-long effectiveness of NuvaRing(R) offers women a convenient, user-friendly option that works well in conjunction with their busy lives."

NuvaRing(R) Premier Program(TM): Strong Patient Satisfaction

Based on preliminary data collected from a physician/patient program called The NuvaRing(R) Premier Program(TM), which includes 6,500 physicians, nurse practitioners and their patients, preliminary findings reveal that 96 percent of NuvaRing(R) Premier Program patients were satisfied with NuvaRing(R) overall and 96 percent of NuvaRing(R) Premier Program patients are also likely to continue using NuvaRing(R).

"NuvaRing(R) has allowed me to stop worrying about birth control on a daily basis," said Zoe Haruyama, M.D., a NuvaRing(R) Premier Program(TM) patient. "As a third year OB/GYN resident, I have a demanding on-call schedule and welcome the convenience of monthly contraception. NuvaRing(R) provides me with the reliability and simplicity I need for my busy life, and the freedom to be spontaneous."

Free NuvaRing(R) Offer

To provide women the opportunity to try the new product, Organon Inc. is presenting a special offer for women in the U.S. to obtain a voucher for one free month of NuvaRing(R). Women can obtain the voucher either from their doctors or by registering on www.nuvaring.com, and then present both the voucher and NuvaRing(R) prescription to the pharmacy to receive one free month of NuvaRing(R). In addition to the voucher, women can log on to www.nuvaring.com for a free newsletter.

About NuvaRing(R)

NuvaRing(R) works by releasing a continuous low dose of estrogen and progestin, on average 0.120 mg of etonogestrel (a progestin) and 0.015 mg of ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen), per day over a twenty-one day period of use. The daily dose of estrogen delivered by NuvaRing(R) is less than any available combination hormonal contraception.

NuvaRing(R) has an outer diameter of 2 inches and a cross-sectional diameter of 1/8 inch. Patients easily insert and remove NuvaRing(R) by using their fingers to press the sides of the ring together and gently push it into and remove it from the vagina. The exact positioning of NuvaRing(R) within the vagina is not critical for the product to work because NuvaRing(R) is not a barrier contraceptive and therefore cannot be incorrectly inserted.

Women begin using NuvaRing(R) on or before the fifth day of their menstrual period. Upon insertion, NuvaRing(R) begins to release a steady flow of hormones and works to prevent pregnancy on a monthly basis. To make this process even easier, NuvaRing(R) comes with a specially-designed timer, which reminds the user when to insert and remove the ring.

NuvaRing(R) does not protect against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. The use of combination hormonal contraceptives is associated with increased risk of several serious side effects, including blood clots, which may lead to stroke or heart attack. The risk of getting blood clots may be greater with the type of progestin in NuvaRing(R) than with some other progestins in certain low-dose birth control pills. It is unknown if the risk of blood clots is different with NuvaRing(R) use than with the use of certain birth control pills. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease; women who use combination hormonal contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke.

Organon Inc. of West Orange, NJ is the U.S. affiliate of N.V. Organon, a renowned international ethical pharmaceutical company. Organon maintains a strong commitment to health care, conducting research in the areas of psychiatry, contraception, fertility, anesthesiology, thrombosis, immunology, osteoporosis prevention and treatment of post-menopausal symptoms.