SAN DIEGO, May 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Evofem Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVFM) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Phexxi™ (lactic acid, citric acid and potassium bitartrate) vaginal gel for the prevention of pregnancy in females of reproductive potential for use as an on-demand method of contraception.

Phexxi is the first non-hormonal, on-demand, vaginal pH regulator contraceptive designed to maintain vaginal pH within the normal range of 3.5 to 4.5 – an acidic environment that is inhospitable to sperm.

"There have been a limited number of advances in birth control over the last two decades; Phexxi represents an important step forward in women's health," said Michael A. Thomas, M.D., Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.  "Many of my patients have cycled through numerous contraceptive options and still have not found the right fit for their sexual and reproductive needs. Phexxi offers women freedom from hormones and control over how they choose to prevent pregnancy. I look forward to offering this new on-demand option to my patients." 

The Company expects to launch Phexxi in early September alongside the Phexxi Concierge Experience, a comprehensive patient and healthcare provider telemedicine support system. This robust offering of services is designed to provide physicians with on-demand educational support, and speed and simplify women's access to Phexxi. Through this offering, women would be able to secure a prescription, determine their insurance coverage and/or out-of-pocket costs, receive counseling support and refill reminders, and fill their prescription through their local neighborhood pharmacy or an online pharmacy that is expected to deliver Phexxi right to their door.

"The FDA approval of Phexxi means women now have access to a non-hormonal contraceptive option that they control, on their terms, to be used ONLY when they need it," said Saundra Pelletier, Evofem Biosciences' Chief Executive Officer. "Empowerment results from innovation and we are proud and excited to deliver new innovation to women in a category ready for change."

As the first vaginal pH regulator with a unique mechanism of action, the Company is working to have Phexxi covered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA mandates that private health plans provide coverage with no out-of-pocket costs for one treatment per class in each of the classes identified by the FDA for women in its Birth Control Guide.

Evofem is committed to ensuring access to Phexxi for all women seeking non-hormonal contraception, including for women who are not covered by government or private health plans, and will provide a financial assistance program to enable access for eligible women.

"During my 15-year career at the FDA, I participated in the review and approval of many sexual and reproductive health products, and I believe that Phexxi serves a true unmet need in contraception," said Lisa Rarick, M.D., former FDA Division Director and Evofem board member. "Phexxi offers women protection and control—on their terms, and at their discretion—without the use of hormones.  I am proud to be a part of this team and this moment in history."

ABOUT PHEXXI™ (lactic acid, citric acid and potassium bitartrate) VAGINAL GEL
Phexxi is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in females of reproductive potential for use as an on-demand method of contraception.

LIMITATIONS OF USE
Phexxi is not effective for the prevention of pregnancy when administered after intercourse.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Few cases (0.36%) of adverse reactions of cystitis, pyelonephritis and other upper urinary tract infection (UTI) have been reported in Phexxi clinical studies. Of these, one case of pyelonephritis was considered serious and required hospitalization.  Avoid use of Phexxi in females of reproductive potential with history of recurrent urinary tract infection or urinary tract abnormalities.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
Most common adverse reactions (≥2%) were vulvovaginal burning sensation, vulvovaginal pruritus, vulvovaginal mycotic infection, urinary tract infection, vulvovaginal discomfort, bacterial vaginosis, vaginal discharge, genital discomfort, dysuria, and vulvovaginal pain.

Patients should be counseled on the following:

• To contact and consult their healthcare provider for severe or prolonged genital irritation or experiencing urinary tract symptoms.
• To discontinue Phexxi if they develop a local hypersensitivity reaction.
• That Phexxi does not protect against HIV infection or other sexually transmitted infections.
• To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Evofem at toll-free phone 1-833-EVFMBIO or you may contact FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Full Prescribing Information for Phexxi is available at Phexxi.com. (Article from : www.drugs.com)