Incepta gets WHO nod for self-injectable birth control, offering women greater convenience
With support from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and the Gates Foundation, Incepta’s Medogen SubQ will give countries another trusted supplier and help make the product more affordable for health systems
The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved a generic self-injectable contraceptive from Incepta Pharmaceuticals, giving more control over their reproductive health with a convenient, long-lasting birth control option.
Incepta Pharma's Chairman Abdul Muktadir recently confirmed that Incepta is the first company in the world to receive this approval.
"This is a major achievement for Bangladesh's pharmaceutical industry. It also increases global market access for Bangladesh," he added.
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The WHO granted prequalification for this generic version under the brand Medogen SubQ, according to a press release.
Medogen SubQ is a long-acting contraceptive that women can self-inject. It provides 12-14 weeks of pregnancy protection, offering a discreet and convenient option, especially for those in remote or underserved areas.
According to the WHO, this self-injectable contraceptive is a subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC). It is a long-acting injectable that delivers the hormone just under the skin.
In simple terms, it is a birth control shot that women can give themselves to prevent pregnancy for several months.
With this approval, WHO ensures that the contraceptive meets international standards for safety, efficacy, and quality manufacturing. This helps increase access to affordable self-injectable contraceptives in low- and middle-income countries, where more than 250 million women still lack modern contraception, the press release says.
Originally developed and launched by Pfizer over a decade ago as Sayana Press, DMPA-SC is valued for its discretion, convenience, and potential for self-administration after proper training. The new WHO-prequalified generic version will give health systems a more affordable and reliable alternative to existing supplies.
WHO prequalification is a global quality stamp indicating a medicine meets international standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing. This ensures DMPA-SC reaches all women who want to use it, according to the press release by the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF).
With support from CIFF and the Gates Foundation, Incepta's Medogen SubQ will provide countries with another trusted supplier and help make the product more affordable for health systems.
"This is a welcome development for Uganda, where the unmet need for family planning remains high, especially among young women," said Dr Charles Olaro, director general of Health Services at Uganda's Ministry of Health. "The availability of a WHO-prequalified generic DMPA-SC brings much-needed diversity to the market and supports our national efforts to expand access to self-care across the country."
