For Women Using GLP-1 Receptor Agonists who take Oral Birth Control Pills, Hormone-Free Phexxi Contraceptive Gel is a Logical Solution to Help Prevent Unintended Pregnancy

Rhea-AI Summary

The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound is increasing rapidly in the US, with over nine million prescriptions written in the last quarter of 2022. These drugs may reduce the effectiveness of oral birth control pills, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancies. Evofem Biosciences, Inc. (EVFM) has recently agreed to be acquired by Aditxt, Inc. (ADTX), aiming to expand its women's health product portfolio.

Insights

Pharmaceutical Industry Analyst

The recent surge in prescriptions for GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound underscores a significant trend in the pharmaceutical industry towards medications that address obesity and diabetes. These drugs' interaction with oral contraceptives poses a noteworthy consideration for the sector, as it highlights the need for drug manufacturers to consider comprehensive patient education and the potential for drug-drug interactions in their development and marketing strategies.

Furthermore, the acquisition of Evofem Biosciences by Aditxt suggests a strategic move to leverage the growing demand for non-systemic, non-hormonal contraceptive methods like Phexxi. This acquisition could potentially enhance Aditxt's portfolio and market positioning in women's health, potentially leading to increased shareholder value. The integration of such products may also provide a competitive edge by addressing the unmet need for alternative contraceptive methods amidst the rising use of GLP-1s.

Medical Research Analyst

The interaction between GLP-1 receptor agonists and oral contraceptives is a critical area of concern from a medical research perspective. The efficacy of oral contraceptives can be compromised, leading to increased risks of unintended pregnancies. This has important implications for public health and necessitates further research into the pharmacokinetic profiles of these drugs. Medical professionals must be well-informed about these interactions to provide appropriate guidance to patients.

Additionally, the spotlight on Phexxi as a non-hormonal contraceptive option may stimulate research and development in the field of reproductive health. The FDA approval of Phexxi emphasizes the regulatory body's support for innovative solutions in contraception, potentially paving the way for future advancements in this domain.

Financial Analyst

The definitive agreement for the acquisition of Evofem Biosciences by Aditxt represents a pivotal financial event that could impact both companies' stock performance. Investors should consider the implications of this merger, including synergies, growth prospects and expansion into new markets. The focus on non-hormonal contraceptives like Phexxi may capture a niche market, especially among women seeking alternatives to traditional hormonal methods.

It is crucial to assess the financial health of both companies and the terms of the deal to understand its potential success. The market's reaction to the acquisition will depend on the perceived benefits and the ability of the combined entity to capitalize on the growing demand for non-hormonal contraceptive options.

-- New weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound
may make oral birth control pills less effective at certain points --

SAN DIEGO, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1s, is skyrocketing in the United States, with more than nine million prescriptions for Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and similar diabetes and obesity drugs written during the last three months of 2022 alone.¹ Zepbound weekly prescriptions hit 25,000 in December 2023, just one month after it was approved to treat obesity.² These drugs may make oral birth control pills less effective at certain points in the dosing schedule, making an unintended pregnancy more likely.

Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound, which contain the same compound, clearly instruct prescribers to "advise females using oral contraceptives to switch to a non-oral contraceptive method or add a barrier method of contraception for 4 weeks after initiation and for 4 weeks after each dose escalation."³ Patients are cautioned that "birth control pills may not work as well," and that their "healthcare provider may recommend another type of birth control…"⁴

"The use of GLP-1 agonists to help women lose weight has become more prevalent," noted Lisa Rarick, M.D., FACOG, an OB-GYN working in Washington D.C. "For women who take oral contraceptives in conjunction with these medications, it is imperative they be counseled on options for back-up contraception, since many of these medications could interact with oral contraceptives, making them less effective.  This highlights the critical need for a non-systemic, non-hormonal method, like Phexxi, to prevent unintended pregnancy."

Users of oral birth control considering GLP-1 treatment are encouraged to plan ahead to prevent unintended pregnancy. Having a contraceptive strategy in place and the right product at your fingertips enables spontaneous intimacy no matter where you are in your GLP-1 dosing schedule. 

An on-demand, hormone-free method is a logical choice to provide these patients additional protection they need.  One such option, Phexxi^® (lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate) vaginal gel, puts the power in her hands and with an FDA-approved contraceptive that she uses only when she needs it.

The company behind Phexxi, women's health innovator Evofem Biosciences, Inc. (OTCQB: EVFM), recently entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Aditxt, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADTX). Evofem believes the contemplated transaction represents a compelling opportunity to accelerate its growth trajectory, as a subsidiary of Aditxt, into a multi-product women's health franchise. The companies are working toward a mid-2024 close.

About Evofem Biosciences
Evofem Biosciences is commercializing innovative products to address unmet needs in women's sexual and reproductive health. The Company's first FDA-approved product, Phexxi^® (lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate), is a hormone-free, on-demand prescription contraceptive vaginal gel. It comes in a box of 12 pre-filled applicators and is applied 0-60 minutes before each act of sex. Learn more at phexxi.com and evofem.com. 

Phexxi® is a registered trademark of Evofem Biosciences, Inc.

Sources
¹ Trilliant Health report September 2023.
² Reuters 'Lilly CEO says weight-loss drug Zepbound weekly prescriptions hit 25,000 in December.' 1/8/2024
³ Zepbound Prescribing Information. https://uspl.lilly.com/zepbound/zepbound.html#pi
⁴ Zepbound Safety Summary with Warnings. https://zepbound.lilly.com/

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, the anticipated benefits of the contemplated Aditxt transaction and timing thereof. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of the date of this press release. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements are disclosed in the Company's SEC filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on April 27, 2023, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 filed with the SEC on November 14, 2023 and any subsequent filings. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by such factors. The Company does not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statement except as required by law.

Media Contact
media@evofem.com 

Investor Contact
Amy Raskopf
Evofem Biosciences, Inc.
araskopf@evofem.com
Mobile: (917) 673-5775

 

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SOURCE Evofem Biosciences, Inc.

FAQ

How many prescriptions for Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and similar drugs were written in the last three months of 2022?

Over nine million prescriptions were written for these drugs in the last quarter of 2022.

What is the potential impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on the effectiveness of oral birth control pills?

These drugs may make oral birth control pills less effective at certain points, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancies.

What is the recommended contraceptive strategy for users of oral birth control considering GLP-1 treatment?

Users are encouraged to plan ahead, consider using a non-hormonal method like Phexxi, and have a contraceptive strategy in place to prevent unintended pregnancies.

What is the recent business development involving Evofem Biosciences, Inc. (EVFM)?

Evofem Biosciences, Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Aditxt, Inc. aiming to expand its women's health product portfolio.

What is the ticker symbol for Evofem Biosciences, Inc.?

The ticker symbol for Evofem Biosciences, Inc. is EVFM.