First nonprescription oral contraceptive sees strong support among providers

Key takeaways:

• Creation Healthcare analyzed health care professionals’ social media posts to gain insight into their thoughts on new approvals.
• Analysis revealed spikes in online discussion about Opill, Lantidra and Leqembi.

Analysis of the online conversation among health care professionals on social media in July revealed significant online discussion and support for the first-ever nonprescription daily oral contraceptive, norgestrel 0.075 mg.

In addition to norgestrel 0.075 mg (Opill, Perrigo), the analysis revealed two other spikes in online conversation among health care professionals (HCPs) surrounding donislecel (Lantidra, CellTrans), the first cellular therapy to treat patients with type 1 diabetes, and lecanemab-irmb (Leqembi, Eisai), the new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

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The findings form part of a wider study by Creation Healthcare, a leading digital insights consultancy, and are based on the analysis of 2,882 English-language posts on X (Twitter) by 2,037 HCPs throughout July surrounding the approval and launch of new products.

Donislecel’s approval by the FDA on June 28 and its subsequent discussion among HCPs online saw the first spike in conversation in early July peaking on July 7. Donislecel is the first allogeneic pancreatic islet cellular therapy for the treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes with frequent severe hypoglycemia.

HCPs were largely in favor of the new treatment. Some labeled it “revolutionary” while others specifically mentioned its potential to free patients from pricks/pumps. Many HCPs were excited to see the treatment being implemented and developed.

On July 13, conversation among HCPs rose significantly surrounding the accelerated FDA approval of norgestrel 0.075 mg tablets for over-the-counter use as a daily oral contraceptive. The approval of this progestin-only oral contraceptive pill saw optimistic reactions with HCPs describing the approval as a “milestone that could significantly expand access to contraception,” as they celebrated the approval as positive news for women’s health.

The FDA’s decision to grant full approval July 6 of lecanemab-irmb for patients with Alzheimer’s disease also generated online debate around July 18. Lecanemab-irmb is the first amyloid beta-directed antibody to be converted from an accelerated approval to a traditional approval for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. HCPs offered mixed reactions regarding the approval with some describing it as “another hopeful, positive step forward in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease” while others questioned its efficacy and pricing. One HCP mentioned that lecanemab-irmb does not stabilize the condition while another called it inaccessible for many due to its price.

The FDA’s approval July 17 of nirsevimab-alip (Beyfortus, AstraZeneca/Sanofi) as a single injection for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants and children up to age 24 months at risk for infection also attracted online discussion. HCPs described the approval as “good news” and “a major step in preventing RSV.”

Over the period, the three most shared links from HCPs discussing product launches included a Nature review article on FDA approval of the first cell therapy of type 1 diabetes, an FDA news release on the approval of the first nonprescription daily oral contraceptive, and an FDA news release on the approval of a new RSV treatment for infants and toddlers.

References:

• FDA approves first cellular therapy to treat patients with type 1 diabetes. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-cellular-therapy-treat-patients-type-1-diabetes. Published June 28, 2023. Accessed Sept. 7, 2023.
• FDA approves first nonprescription daily oral contraceptive. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-nonprescription-daily-oral-contraceptive. Published July 13, 2023. Accessed Sept. 7, 2023.
• FDA approves new drug to prevent RSV in babies and toddlers. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-prevent-rsv-babies-and-toddlers. Published July 17, 2023. Accessed Sept. 7, 2023.
• FDA converts novel Alzheimer’s disease treatment to traditional approval. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-converts-novel-alzheimers-disease-treatment-traditional-approval. Published July 6, 2023. Accessed Sept. 7, 2023.