Bayer Confirms European Approval for Endometriosis Drug

European approval for Visanne, a drug which treats the gynecological disease endometriosis has been obtained, according to German pharmaceutical and chemical group Bayer.

In the United States meanwhile, Bayer is still waiting for a green light for Rivaroxaban, a blood thinning treatment.

Endometriosis - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Endometriosis is a chronic painful disorder with endometrial tissue found at abnormal sites such as ovary and tubes. It causes pelvic pain and fertility issues.

Bayer said Visanne would go on sale in Europe in the second quarter of 2010, and will provide relief from pain associated with lesions and inflammation outside the uterus.

The company said the condition affects around five to 10 percent of women of childbearing age.

"Lower abdominal and pelvic pain, cramping menstrual pains (dysmenorrhea), painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) and infertility are well recognized symptoms of endometriosis," a statement said.

Researchers Develop Quick, Accurate Way to Diagnose Endometriosis
Researchers from Australia, Jordan and Belgium have developed a quick and accurate test for endometriosis that does not require surgery.

On Sunday however, Bayer said regulatory approval of Rivaroxaban in the United States had not been completed, and that the company would not be able to provide the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with additional information as requested, by the end of the year.

Rivaroxaban has been used in tests to treat thrombosis or blood clots following hip and knee operations.

Deep Endometriosis can be Detected by MRI
A new study published in the online edition of Radiology says that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used by radiologists to diagnose deep endometriosis

Bayer originally sought FDA approval for the drug in July 2008, but US authorities have requested more information on it.

Sold under the dame Xarelto in Europe, the drug is one of Bayer's best hopes for for its health-care division, along with the cancer treatement Nexavar.

Endometriosis Foundation Launched By Star US Researcher
A noted US researcher has floated the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EFA) to promote awareness and treatment of endometriosis that often goes undiagnosed.

Shares in Bayer lost 2.01 percent to 52.65 euros in early Frankfurt trading on the news, while the DAX index of leading German stocks was 0.97 percent lower overall.

Source-AFP
RAS