Bayer Schering Pharma AG announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new indication for the company's oral contraceptive YAZ (3 mg drospirenone/20 mcg ethinyl estradiol), to treat moderate acne in women who desire an oral contraceptive for birth control.

With this approval, YAZ becomes the first and only oral contraceptive ever approved by the FDA for three distinct indications. YAZ received FDA approval as an oral contraceptive in March, 2006, and as a treatment for the emotional and physical symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in October, 2006.

YAZ has demonstrated statistical and clinical significance in treating mood swings, irritability, headaches, feeling anxious, bloating and food cravings caused by PMDD that impact a woman's life.

"We are delighted to have received the approval for YAZ in this third indication. Through its innovative active ingredient drospirenone, it offers additional benefits to women who want reliable birth control," said Phil Smits, Head of the Business Unit Womens' Healthcare at Bayer Schering Pharma. "YAZ is the fastest growing oral contraceptive brand in the US We are convinced that through its unique features, YAZ will further strengthen our worldwide leading market position in the field of female contraception."