Liege - Mithra (Euronext Brussels: MITRA), a company dedicated to Women's Health, today announces the publication of a scientific paper entitled 'Endocrine and metabolic effects of an oral contraceptive containing estetrol and drospirenone' in Contraception Journal, one of the most prestigious peer-reviewed journals in the field.
This scientific paper highlights the limited effects of a new combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing Estetrol (E4) and Drospirenone (DRSP) namely the Estelle product candidate developed by Mithra - on endocrine and metabolic parameters in a comparative study with the two frequently used COC's based on Ethinylestradiol (EE): one combined with Levonorgestrel and the other with Drospirenone, to validate changes related to the estrogen source. Currently, about 97% of marketed combined oral contraceptives are based on the synthetic estrogen Ethinylestradiol.
The results of this study confirm previous observations that Estelle has a minimal impact on liver proteins, lipid profile, carbohydrate metabolism, cortisol and gonadotropins. The effects on liver proteins, triglycerides and endocrine parameters such as cortisol were less pronounced compared to Ethinylestradiol-based products. This profile is supported by the unique mode of action of Estetrol, which is a native estrogen produced by the foetus during pregnancy and acting selectively in tissues.
Graham Dixon, CSO Mithra Women's Health, commented: 'We are very pleased that the positive results from this comparative study on our product candidate Estelle have been published in one of the most prestigious and well-respected scientific journals, that serves as a reference in the medical sphere. This article highlights that Estelle could really offer women a promising new contraceptive solution, with a number of advantages over current COCs pills. We look forward to the feedback of regulatory agencies in the United States, Europe and Canada, with marketing authorization in the first half of this year.'
Contact:
Benoit Mathieu
Tel: +32 473 35 80 18
Email: investorrelations@mithra.com
About Mithra
Mithra (Euronext: MITRA) is a Belgian biotech company dedicated to transforming Women's Health by offering new choices through innovation, with a particular focus on contraception and menopause. Mithra's goal is to develop products offering better efficacy, safety and convenience, meeting women's needs throughout their life span. Its three lead development candidates are built on Mithra's unique native estrogen platform, Estetrol (E4): Estelle, a new era in oral contraception, PeriNesta, the first complete oral treatment targeting perimenopause and Donesta, the next-generation hormone therapy. Mithra also develops and manufactures complex therapeutics in the areas of contraception, menopause and hormone-dependent cancers. It offers partners a complete spectrum of research, development and specialist manufacturing at its technological platform Mithra CDMO. Active in more than 100 countries around the world, Mithra has an approximate headcount of 300 staff members and is headquartered in Liege, Belgium.
Important information
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MITHRA PHARMACEUTICALS S.A. 
