Medicines360 and Pharma Dynamics have launched Avibela in South Africa – the country’s first generic levonorgestrel 52 mg intrauterine device. The hormonal IUD is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy for up to six years and is also indicated for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding.
The launch addresses a significant access gap. While an estimated nine million women in South Africa currently use modern contraception, IUD uptake represents only about 1.9% of the national method mix, with short-acting methods like pills, injectables, and condoms dominating. Key barriers include upfront cost, limited availability, and provider training gaps. An estimated 64% of pregnancies in South Africa are unplanned.
“While IUDs are among the most cost-effective methods over time, the initial expense has placed them out of reach for many women,” said Ingrid Singels, associate director of the scientific division at Pharma Dynamics. “By introducing an affordable, clinically equivalent generic IUD, we’re helping remove a long-standing barrier to access – so more women can consider the hormonal IUD for contraception and/or treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding.”
“Building access strategies alongside innovation from the start is essential to closing the decades-long gap between scientific discovery and real-world delivery,” said Kelly Dannucci, senior director of global access at Medicines360. “Our partnership with Pharma Dynamics represents an important step forward in expanding access to our cost-effective, clinically proven hormonal IUD, giving women in South Africa more choices in their contraceptive and menstrual health care.”
Avibela is supported by efficacy and safety data from a large U.S. pivotal clinical study conducted by Medicines360. The product is not available in the U.S. Medicines360 is a women’s health innovation organization focused on ensuring access from day one; Pharma Dynamics is a subsidiary of global pharmaceutical company Lupin Limited.
