Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its subsidiary Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s New Drug Application (NDA) for Synthetic Conjugated Estrogens-A (SCE-A) 0.625 mg/g Vaginal Cream. SCE-A Vaginal Cream is a plant-derived local estrogen product indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse, both of which are symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause. It is administered intravaginally at a dose of 1 gram daily for one week, followed by 1 gram intravaginally twice a week.

SCE-A Vaginal Cream will be shipped to trade customers and available by prescription to women in the first quarter of 2009. Duramed will initiate promotion to healthcare providers in the second quarter of 2009 utilizing direct sales force activities as well as other indirect marketing initiatives.

"SCE-A Vaginal Cream offers an additional treatment option to women and healthcare professionals," said Fred Wilkinson, Duramed's chief executive officer. "With its unique indication and dosing regimen, it is designed to complement our existing line of plant-derived estrogen therapies for the treatment of post-menopausal symptoms."

According to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), an estimated 10 to 40 per cent of post-menopausal women suffer from symptoms related to vaginal atrophy. Two of the most common symptoms of vaginal atrophy are vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse. The symptoms of vaginal atrophy are most commonly associated with diminished estrogen levels that accompany menopause. If left untreated, vaginal atrophy may result in years of discomfort.