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Background Paper
7 October 2004
7.4-1
7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
Table of Contents
Summary..............................................................................................................................................3
Introduction.........................................................................................................................................5
Size and nature of disease burden.....................................................................................................6
Reproduction control........................................................................................................................................6
Subfertility..........................................................................................................................................................7
Pregnancy and lactation, including birth defects..........................................................................................8
Post-reproduction hormones...........................................................................................................................9
What are the current or likely future factors that impact disease burden?................................10
Reproduction control......................................................................................................................................10
Subfertility........................................................................................................................................................11
Pregnancy and lactation, including birth defects........................................................................................11
Post-reproduction hormones.........................................................................................................................12
What is the control strategy?............................................................................................................12
General..............................................................................................................................................................13
Improving participation in clinical trials............................................................................................13
Specific...............................................................................................................................................................13
Reproduction control............................................................................................................................13
Subfertility..............................................................................................................................................13
Pregnancy and lactation, including birth defects..............................................................................14
Post-reproduction hormones...............................................................................................................15
Why does the disease burden persist?............................................................................................15
General problems.............................................................................................................................................15
Lack of knowledge.................................................................................................................................15
Specific problems.............................................................................................................................................16
Reproduction control............................................................................................................................16
Subfertility..............................................................................................................................................16
Pregnancy and lactation, including birth defects..............................................................................17
Post-reproduction hormones...............................................................................................................17
What can be learnt from past/current research into pharmaceutical
interventions for these conditions?..............................................................................................18
What is the current "pipeline" of products that are to be used for this
particular condition?.....................................................................................................................19
General..............................................................................................................................................................19
Research in women................................................................................................................................19
Specific issues...................................................................................................................................................19
Hormone therapies................................................................................................................................19
Pregnancy and lactation, including birth defects..............................................................................19
What are the opportunities for research into new pharmaceutical interventions including
delivery methods?.............................................................................................................................20
What are the gaps between current research and potential research issues
which could make a difference, are affordable and could be carried out in a)
5 years or b) in the longer term? For which of these gaps are there opportunities
for pharmaceutical research?.......................................................................................................20
Conclusion..........................................................................................................................................21
References...........................................................................................................................................22
7.4-2
7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
Summary
The thalidomide-crisis in the early 1960s made the world aware of the difficulties of drug use
in women.1 Since then, women’s health is at the top of virtually every health care policy
agenda. Paradoxically, there are still various gaps in knowledge and research related to
female drug treatment.
Opportunities for research concerning contraceptives lay in the field of looking for new
targets for intervention,4 new classes of chemical compounds (compounds which have
estrogenic effects such as synthetic steroids like tibolone), 5 and new drug delivery systems
(e.g. the vaginal ring, injections).6, 7 As compliance is a major factor for effective
contraception, the development of long acting or controlled release formulations should be
encouraged. Current societal developments ask for more emphasis on equal responsibility
and burden between women and men, including strengthening the search for pills for men.
Female subfertility
Female subfertility can be caused by different disorders. With the increasing age of women
having children, the rates of female infertility increase due to a decrease in the oocyte/follicle
pool. Also ovulation disorders (25%), tubal disorders (20%) and endometriosis (5-10%) cause
infertility. Although the knowledge of subfertility has increased in the previous years, in
about 30% of the cases the cause of the subfertility is unknown. 8, 9
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is for many couples the last opportunity to have children. The
success rate of IVF is only about 25% per cycle and the technique is associated with side
effects, increased risks for complications, and multiple births. 10 Multiple births are associated
with an increased morbidity and mortality (e.g. prematurity, low birth-weight, neurological
handicaps). The hormones used by IVF are another concern. The effects of these hormones
are not completely clear yet. The long term effects (e.g. puberal development, future fertility
of the child) are still unknown. To obtain sufficient information of the effects of the hormones
on both the mother and the child, long-term follow up is needed. 11, 12
7.4-3
7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
The wide variation in prevalence of teratogenic effects imply the need for large data banks
which include information on different issues (e.g. drug exposure, illness of the mother
before/during pregnancy, epidemiology of congenital abnormalities) from large numbers of
women and their children, during a long period of time, are needed. 13
To prevent neural tube defects, the preconceptional use of folic acid is strongly
recommended. Unless various public awareness campaigns, less than 50% of the women
uses folic acid before conception.14 Accordingly, the enrichment of food with adequate
amounts of folic acid might be considered.
Because of the risks, pharmaceutical industry is far from eager to financially support studies
which involve pregnant women and tend to advise negatively in using their drug during
lactation. Recently, both FDA and EMEA developed guidelines to improve the post-
marketing research in pregnant women.15, 16 It is expected that these guidelines will work out
good, but only the future will tell us.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy is indicated to relieve symptoms of
menopause.17 The use of HRT varies widely between populations. HRT is on the one hand
associated with prevention of chronic diseases18 (osteoporosis,17 some forms of cancer19), but
on the other hand, the use of HRT may increase risks of several cancers and cardiovascular
diseases.20, 21
Since the introduction of HRT for postmenopausal disorders, there is a discussion about the
risk-benefits balance. Aside from several proved adverse effects, there is still a large number
of women using HRT worldwide.18, 19 In December 2003, EMEA published a public statement
about HRT.22 Considering the recent publications, they recommend that HRT as a therapy for
the treatment of the direct symptoms of menopause is the first choice (using a minimal dose
for a short duration). To prevent/treat osteoporosis, HRT is not the first choice; in women
without direct symptoms of the menopause HRT is not recommended at all.
General
Both FDA and EMEA have developed several guidelines to improve research in women, but
there is still a lack of knowledge of specific female issues. Close cooperation between
pharmaceutical industry, regulatory agencies and academic centers is warranted to improve
the knowledge and to carry out clinical research in women in an ethical way.
7.4-4
7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
Introduction
Females are among the heaviest users of medicines. Virtually all drug prescribing and
utilization data reflect the intriguing contrast between women and men with respect to the
volume, the nature and the quality of the use of medicines. The Dutch Foundation for Phar-
maceutical Statistics (SFK) found that women fill on average 10.8 prescriptions per year,
while in men this figure is only 6.8 prescriptions per year. 23 A study in the Spanish popula-
tion showed that 50.6% of the participating women had used some kind of medication in the
two previous weeks. In men, this was only 39.6%.24 We can continue to report on such
consistent gender differences and available research data point to a complex, and often erra-
tic, interplay between social and economic factors, health care seeking behavior, diagnostic
procedures, and 'real' physiological and pharmacological differences between the women
and men.25, 26
Although the numbers related to drug use in women are impressive, there are concerns
about unresolved aspects related to the availability of suitable medications, rational use and
a variety of safety aspects concerning reproductive technologies, exposures in pregnancy,
and unique female morbidities (e.g. breast cancer, postmenopausal conditions). The recent
debate as to whether pregnant women with HIV should be treated with antiviral therapy, is
a clear example of uncertainty around a unique female condition where not only the mother
is involved, but also the health of the unborn baby.27
One may argue that this is always the case with relatively new therapies like HIV antivirals,
but the issue also arises in the context of medicines we have known for decades (i.e. tricyclic
antidepressants).28 Very relevant are recent reports on gender differences in the
undertreatment of diseases where appropriate therapy is indicated and available. 29, 30
Obviously there is a paradox. While women's health is at the top of virtually every health
care policy agenda, there are still various gaps in knowledge and research related to female
drug treatment that can been identified. These include [1] females are frequently excluded
from clinical trials and other types of medical research because of complexity issues related
to reproduction and hormone cycles; 31 [2] most typical female drug therapies are long-term
(e.g. oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapies, psychotropics, etc.) and are in need
of sound risk management systems for long duration drug exposures; [3] since the thalido-
mide disaster, medication safety in pregnancy is a well known concern, but this area is still
under-funded and poorly developed, i.e. in terms of availability of appropriate (multinatio-
nal) data on birth defects and susceptible exposures, methodology and classification
systems.32
In this chapter, we aim to identify and analyze important aspects related to drug use by
females. We have chosen to group the various issues under the heading of 'reproduction'.
'Reproduction' covers various aspects, including:
7.4-5
7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
Reproduction control
Contraceptive development has always been affected by cyclic changes in what science can
add with new and better methods, the controversial climate, perception of risks by
consumers, and various forms of political pressure. Controversies around the intrauterine
device (IUDs) and the mini pill (Norplant) in the late 1980s and early 1990 have resulted in
significant drawbacks in the development of new contraceptives.33 Contraception is an issue
that frequently provokes intense societal discourses and controversies. Contraceptive needs
of many women still remain unmet due to political, economical, and religious factors. 4 The
use of oral contraceptives (OC) varies widely between populations in the world. A multina-
tional study showed that the prevalence of OC use in women (25-44 years old) ranges
between 1 and 58%. The application of OCs as a contraceptive method is more pre valent in
Western-Europe and in Australasian populations, whereas the use of this method of
reproduction technology is relatively low in Central and Eastern Europe and North
America.2 The UN Report World Contraceptive Use 2003 showed that the overall use of the
contraceptive pill in North America is 15.5%, whereas in Western Europe about half of
females in their reproduction ages are using the 'pill'. In Oceania and Africa, these figures are
about 17.6% and 7.3%, repectively.34
7.4-6
7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
Few studies about the duration of OC use exist, although this factor has been shown to be an
important determinant of drug-related risk.35 A study from 1990 showed that about 40% of
the women who had ever used OC, had used it for three years or less; 45% of the 'ever-users'
had used OC for five or more years whereas 20% of the women had used OC for more than
10 years.36 Another study showed that about 25% of the women used OC for less than 1 year,
37% used OC for 1-4 years, 24% for 5-9 years and 14% used OC for more than 10 years. 37 The
time of use for oral contraceptives varies widely, but a considerable number of women are
using oral contraceptives for a longer period of time (>10 years). Moreover, timing of OC use
has been changing over the last decades. The pill was mainly used in the early years (1960
and 1970s) after a family was founded and completed, while in more recent decades, the pill
is used frequently by young females before family building plans are decided.
In terms of 'disease burden', the most obvious topic related to OC use is the ongoing safety
debate. Besides this, there is an efficiency problem if the drug is not taken on a strictly daily
base. Since the advent of this method of reproduction control in the early 1960s, health risks
have been at the top of virtually every agenda in the pharmaceutical marketplace. In the
beginning, high doses of estrogens were of major concern. In the 1980s, the differential risks
of progestogens, as part of low dose OCs have been the subject of an ongoing series of
controversies, scientific inquiry and societal debate.3
OCs are not only used as a contraceptive method. A very common off-label indication of OC
is the treatment of menstrual disorders. 38 Primary dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation, not
due to gynaecological pathophysiology)39 is the most prevalent menstrual disorder, reported
by 40-90% of the women in the reproductive age range. 40, 41 Although dysmenorrhoea
accounts for a high disease burden there are no specific drugs developed for the illness.
NSAIDs are the treatment of first choice, and OCs are second-line therapy. 38, 41 Menorrhagia
(heavy cyclical menstrual bleeding occurring over several consecutive cycles) is also a
common menstrual disorder. It is estimated that about 30% of the women complain of
menorrhagia.42 Menorrhagia is mainly treated with NSAIDs or with oral contraceptives
(progestogens or combinations of estrogen/progestogen).42
Subfertility
In general, there are only a few studies about female subfertility; much more attention is paid
to male subfertility. Available data show that in women between 19-26 years old the
percentage of subfertility is about 8%, increasing up to 13-14% in women aged 27-34 years
old and 18% in women aged between 35 and 39 years old. 43 There are several disorders that
may lead to subfertility. More than 25% of the female subfertility is caused by ovulation
disorders (ranging from amenorrhoea to irregular cycles).8 Another 20% of subfertility in
women is probably related to tubal diseases, whereas 5-10% is caused by endometriosis. 8, 9
It is estimated that the mechanism leading to subfertility is unknown in about 30% of the
cases (including men and women).8, 9,Environmental occupational exposure to chemical
substances like smoking is also associated with decreased female fertility, as is the increasing
age of women having children.44
Since the 1970s, many western countries have shown a major shift in the age of childbearing.
The age of getting married is an important factor to consider, since in most societies marriage
is still an important 'driver' of pregnancies. People are older when they are getting married,
7.4-7
7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
the mean age for men increased from 25.4 to 27.2 years, and in women from 21.5 to 23.2 years
(worldwide). In developed countries, the increases are even greater: for men the average age
increased from 25.2 to 28.8 and for women from 22.0 to 26.1 years. 45, 46 The increasing age of
women bearing children coincides with a decline in both the quality and the quantity of the
oocyte/follicle pool. Therefore, the ability to become pregnant declines with increasing age,
while the risk of birth defects increases.43, 46
As well as the higher age of people getting married, other factors (social and economic)
contribute to a delay in childbearing contributing to an increasing incidence of subfertility. 46
It is estimated that subfertility is having a great impact on the quality of life, marital
adjustment and sexual function.47 Also, in current society, it is against the norm to be
childless. This often results in a social stigma about subfertility. 48
A most critical period in pregnancy is the first weeks after conception, a period in which the
foetal organs are developing. While a woman might not be aware of the fact that she is
pregnant, the foetus might be exposed to drugs. About 60% of the women reduce drug use
the moment they know they are pregnant,51, 52 but the period between conception and
awareness remains an uncertain period in every pregnancy.
Despite the common belief that the use of medications should be avoided (as much as
possible) in pregnancy and during lactation, there are several conditions in which it is
virtually impossible to prevent drug use. 53 There might be chronic conditions which are
already present before pregnancy (e.g. epilepsy, mental disorders, HIV/AIDS) and in need of
treatment during pregnancy and lactation.54 There are also conditions which start during
pregnancy (e.g. nausea, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, early contractions) and which also
need to be treated.55, 56 The third category includes the short-term, acute treatments (e.g.
infections, pain).57, 58 Still, most of these drug exposures exist without certainties about the
risks to the foetus.53
There are also controversies and uncertainties around the risks of drug use during lactation.
In general, available evidence indicates that the benefits of breastfeeding (which are both
medical and societal) exceed the disadvantages.59 Breastfeeding is seen as an important
contributing factor to a newborn's health. 59 Recent survey data shows that there is a constant
weighing of the risks and benefits of breastfeeding given drug use, and that many women
either discontinue lactation when starting drug therapy or visa versa. 60
The occurrence of teratogenic defects is probably much higher than estimated when
quantifying birth defects in actually born babies. It is expected that embryo or pregnancy
loss, fetal loss or spontaneous abortion (even before a pregnancy is noticed) occur much
more often than observed. This might be seen as a mechanism of nature to eliminate unfit
genotypes, thereby preventing the birth of children with major defects. 46 The rate of birth
defects is also increasing with the age at which a woman bears children. Well known
7.4-8
7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
examples of age-related birth defects are Down syndrome and other chromosomal
abnormalities.61 Much less is known about the subtle effects of drugs on mental (or neuro-)
development and fertility of the offspring. Although an increasing number of women in the
western world take antidepressants and tranquillizers during pregnancy, there still is no
evidence for safety concerning neurodevelopment.62
Post-reproduction hormones
A study in 32 populations in 20 different countries showed that the prevalence of HRT-use
varies widely in women aged between 45-64 years old. The prevalence ranged between 0 and
42%. The distribution of HRT between the age groups showed more similarity: highest use
was seen in the women aged 45-49 years, followed by women aged 50-54 and 55-59 years
old.2 A German study found that the prevalence of HRT-use between 45-64 years old women
is 23% in 1994-1995.63 A study among Norwegian women shows a prevalence of 32%, who
are current users of local or systemic HRT. 64 This study also showed that the mean duration
had increased from 1.4 years to 3.3 years (local treatment) and from 2.2 up to 4.6 years for
systemic treatment.64 The use of HRT is higher in Western and Northern Europe, North
America and Australia in comparison with Eastern and Southern Europe and China.2
As women get older, their ovarian follicles are depleted, which is followed by menopause. 65
Due to the depletion of the follicles, physiological levels of estrogens decrease. 66 This hypo-
oestrogen status may result in several problems (e.g. vasomotor flushes, sweats). 17 Although
the occurrence of such problems may vary among populations, numerous postmenopausal
women feel discomfort and significant limitations in their quality of life. Postmenopausal
hormone replacement therapy is indicated to relieve symptoms of menopause. 17 On the one
hand, long term HRT-use has been found to be associated with prevention of chronic
diseases18 (osteoporosis,17 some forms of cancer19), on the other hand, the use of HRT may
increase risks of several cancers and cardiovascular diseases. 20, 21
- Endometrial cancer: The risk of endometrial cancer seems to be higher when using only
estrogens, whereas the use of estrogens/progestagens combination seems to have protective
effects.17, 18
- Breast cancer: Since HRT was first introduced, there have been persistent concerns about
breast cancer risk. The Million Women Study published in 2003 has created a critical
momentum with respect to the HRT safety controversy. About one million women were
followed between 1996 and 2001 and information about HRT-use and cancer incidence was
generated. The study showed that the incidence of (fatal) breast cancer increases in women
who were current users of HRT, whereas the effect was greater for estrogen-progestogen
combinations than for other types of HRT. 67 Other studies have shown the same relationship
between HRT-use and cancer risk.17, 20, 68
- Colon cancer: The use of HRT seems to have a protective effect on the risk of colon cancer,
although there is an ongoing controversy about the size and the direction of the association.68,
69
7.4-9
7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
What are the current or likely future factors that impact disease
burden?
Reproduction control
Not specifically related to women health, but to demographic developments in general, are
the worldwide consequences of the increasing use of contraceptive methods. Fertility rates
are decreasing rapidly (see Figure 1),70 and the part of the population which is 65 and older,
is also growing rapidly. Therefore, the structure of the population is changing, which means
that the working part of the society is getting smaller, thereby increasing the economic
burden on fewer people.71
Even with the extensive possibilities of birth control, it is estimated that nearly one third of
all pregnancies are unintended.72-75 It is important to reduce the numbers of unintended
pregnancies, thereby reducing the future social, economic and medical burdens.76
Unintended pregnancies are associated with postponement of educational or career goals
which may lead to a decreased quality of life and financial limitations. 77 Several causes are
associated with unintended pregnancies. Failure of contraceptive methods is an important
factor. Patient-adherence to available birth control technologies remains an important deter-
minant of unintended pregnancies.4, 77 In the developing world, there is a special need for
controlled family planning. The fertility rate in developing countries is still higher than in
other parts of the world and the population is growing every year (see Figure 1). In many of
these countries, there is an unmet need for better contraceptive methods, but because of
several factors (religious, politics, practical) 78 access to these technologies remain
cumbersome.76, 79
With respect to control the burden of menstrual disorders, many social and cultural factors
contribute. For many women, menstrual disorders have great impact on their quality of live.
Next to the uncomfortable monthly experience of extensive blood loss or pain, menstrual
disorders could also impact a woman's social, occupational or sex life. 80, 81, 82 There are also
7.4-10
7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
concerns related to menstrual disorders, masking possible serious underlying diseases (e.g.
cancer).42 The impact on the health systems and the economic burden of menstrual disorders
is considerably high. By an accurate and safe treatment of the menstrual disorders, both the
individual and the economic burden may decline.
Subfertility
As said before, the increasing age at which women decide to have their children has
contributed significantly to lower fertility rates. 43 This trend of decreasing fertility will
continue and will have large impact on society, both in medical, social and economic terms. 47
The societal costs of subfertility are high, not only the medical costs for diagnosis and
treatment of subfertility,48 but also the costs associated with the increase of the incidence of
multiple births due to assisted reproduction techniques. 83 Current procedures to cope with
subfertility are cumbersome, and require a large range of tests involving both partners;
intensive counseling and follow-up surveillance. The burden for both the individual couple
and society are high.8
The treatment of female subfertility often starts with drug therapies, depending on the cause
of the subfertility.8 In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is for many couples the last opportunity to have
children. The success rate of IVF is about 25% per cycle and the technique is associated with
side effects, increased risks for complications, and multiple births. 10 A Swedish study showed
that the incidence of multiple births by in vitro fertilisation is 27%, whereas the incidence in
the control group is only 1%.84 Multiple births are associated with an increased morbidity
and mortality (e.g. prematurity, low birth-weight, neurological handicaps). 83, 85 Therefore, the
higher incidence of multiple births causes higher maternal and neonatal costs, especially for
the prematurity, low-birth weights and neurological handicaps.83, 85
While the treatment of subfertility with IVF still shows a number of significant limitations,
we may anticipate that the demand for IVF will increase, even in countries where IVF is
nowadays hardly used.8 The increasing application of current IVF technologies will coincide
with considerable impacts on health care systems. If the number of embryos transferred does
not decline, the number of multiple births will increase. The impact of the multiple births on
both individual, medical and economic burden is considerable.85
Pregnancy and lactation, including birth defects
With the increasing prevalence of severe conditions in young women in the reproductive age
range (e.g. HIV/AIDS, mental disorders, several cancers), the need for medication which is
proven to be safe in pregnancy and during lactation is increasing. 54 Nowadays, hardly any
medication is tested in humans in pregnancy or during lactation, which leads to unproven,
off-label drug use in pregnancy or during lactation. 86 Use of medication in pregnancy is often
based on educated guesses of the physicians who consider the risk-benefit relation for both
the mother and the unborn child. Because of the wide variation in prevalence and time-onset
of teratogenic effects, elucidation of drug induced birth defects is complex. 87, 88
Prenatal testing
The improvement in prenatal screening tests and their extended use lead to much earlier
knowledge of birth defects in the unborn child. In many countries, prenatal screening, and
possible subsequent abortions in case of serious fetal abnormalities, are offered to a
7.4-11
7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
The economic burden of birth defects is considerable. They are associated with high medical
costs and in the case of serious fetal abnormalities, the care of the upgrowing child has a
great impact on the health system and is also associated with high costs. 91, 92
Post-reproduction hormones
The symptoms associated with menopause (e.g. hot flushes, vaginal dryness) cause
discomfort for women, and may interfere with a woman's social or sexual life. 18, 66 Next to the
direct symptoms of menopause, there are also several severe chronic conditions such as
osteoporosis and dementia associated with the decrease in estrogens in the menopause. 18 The
growing and ageing population comes with an increase in the number of menopausal
women and it is expected that the burden of postmenopausal disorders will increase. 70
The postmenopausal symptoms which are directly associated with the decline in estrogens
can be treated with HRT. Therefore, the burden of these symptoms it expected to be limited. 66
However, as stated before, next to these 'direct' symptoms, there are also some severe, long-
term outcomes of the decline in estrogens are seen. 65 These conditions are associated with
high individual burden, because of the impact on morbidity and mortality. Next to the
individual burden, these conditions have considerable impact on health systems, and are
associated with higher costs (direct costs of the necessary treatment and indirect costs of the
loss of productivity).65, 93
- Osteoporosis is characterized by an increased fragility of bone mass, which can more easily
lead to fractures.65, 66 The effect of HRT on the reduction of risk on fractures is established in a
few small randomized trials, but most evidence comes from observational studies. 18, 19, 66
Osteoporosis is a major cause of disability in the elderly, associated with high impact on
health systems and high costs. By preventing and reducing the decrease in bone fragility in
postmenopausal women, considerable costs can be saved and the impact on the health
systems can be reduced.94
- Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among postmenopausal women in
Europe and North-America.18 In the past, the use of HRT has been associated with a
preventive effect on the development of coronary heart diseases. 95-97 During the last years,
there were several studies published, which have shown that HRT does not confer cardiac
protection.21, 98, 99 With the increase of postmenopausal women, there will also be an increase
in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. This will have impact on the health systems and
brings considerable costs along.18
7.4-12
7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
issues. Therefore, specific control strategies might be required. Next to these control
strategies, one major control strategy, which is suitable for all reproductive issues, will be
discussed.
General
Specific
Reproduction control
Pharmaceutical contraceptive methods are nowadays widely used. 34 Despite the improved
access in the past decades, the World Fertility Report of the UN shows that there are large
differences between countries. For example, oral contraceptives were used in 58.6% of
German women (1992), whereas in Cameroon only 2.0% were using the pill (1998). 34
Therefore, on national and international level attention must be paid to improving the access
to contraceptives in both the developed and developing world. 79, 105 To do so, it is necessary
to make the national governments recognize the importance of birth control. By improving
the birth control, not only the individual burden will decline, 76 but also the burden on a
national level will decrease.
Moreover, there remains a consistent need for improvements in available methods. For
certain, current oral contraceptives are very reliable and relatively safe, but there is still room
for improvements on the level of drug targets, drug delivery and a better safety profile. As
compliance is a major factor for effective contraception, the development of long acting or
controlled release formulations should be encouraged. Current societal developments ask for
more emphasis on equal responsibility and burden between women and men, including
strengthening the search for pills for men.
Subfertility
To treat female subfertility, IVF is used if other therapies are not effective. 8 As stated before,
IVF is associated with multiple births. In the past, it was widely accepted to transfer 3 or
more embryos. The resulting increase in multiple births, coming along with an increase in
morbidity and mortality, is one of the unfavorable effects. 10, 85 Nowadays, this opinion is
changing. The success rates with transferring 2 embryos does not significantly decrease in
comparison with the transfer of three or more, whereas the change of multiple births does
increase significantly.106 The policy of the embryo-transfer has been changing, and the
number of embryos transferred has to be kept to a minimum.107
7.4-13
7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
Another difficulty with IVF are the hormones which are used during the treatment. An
important part of the IVF treatment is the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
agonists or antagonists. The effects of these hormones are not completely clear yet. In short
term, no alarming effects are seen, but the long term effects (e.g. puberal development, future
fertility of the child) are unknown. To obtain sufficient information on the effects of the
hormones of both the mother and the child, long-term follow up is needed. 11, 12
Pregnancy and lactation, including birth defects
The exclusion of pregnant and lactating women from clinical research has resulted in a gap
in knowledge on the effects of drugs, the physiology of pregnancy and pathophysiology of
specific conditions in pregnancy (e.g. hypertension or diabetes mellitus), 102 or the effects of
drug use in lactation.59 This kind of information can hardly be obtained from animal
research; research in humans remains necessary. In this kind of research the welfare of the
mother and the unborn child must receive the highest attention. Of course, post-marketing
research is not necessary in all drugs, but only in drugs which are going to be used in
conditions in women which may become pregnant.32
One widely used method to report possible teratogenic effects is by case reports. Case
reports are of high value, because they provide important warning symptoms. 32, 108 But
individual case reports have some serious disadvantages: there is no control group, there
might be barriers to report and the documentation of cases might not be accurate or
comprehensive.32
Nowadays, the need for post-marketing (phase IV) studies which can identify possible
teratogenic effects in humans and which can improve the knowledge of drug effects in
pregnancy is increasing. FDA and EMEA have developed guidelines to stimulate post-
marketing research in pregnant women.15, 16 The prevalence of teratogenic side effects differs
widely. In the thalidomide-case, it took only four years to detect the causal relationship
between drug use and teratogenic effects. But for warfarin, which is associated with a much
more subtle pattern of malformations, it took more than 20 years to identify teratogenic
effects.109 Because of this wide variation in prevalence, a large number of women need to be
included and as much information as possible should be collected. To study rare teratogenic
effects, large data banks which include information on different issues (e.g. drug exposure,
illness of the mother before/during pregnancy, epidemiology of congenital abnormalities)
from large numbers of women and their children, during a long period of time, are needed. 13
7.4-14
7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
study in Chile showed a decrease in neural tube defects of about 40%. 111 In the U.S.A., a
reduction of 19% in neural tube defects is seen.112
Post-reproduction hormones
In the past, all women were treated in the same way. Since the relation between HRT-use
and its several adverse effects (e.g. cancers, cardiovascular diseases) has been proven in
several studies,20, 69, 99 the discussion about HRT is still ongoing. In December 2003, EMEA
published a public statement about HRT. 22 Considering the recent publications, they
recommend that HRT as a therapy for the treatment of the direct symptoms of menopause is
the first choice (using a minimal dose for a short duration). To prevent/treat osteoporosis,
HRT is not the first choice; in women without direct symptoms of the menopause HRT is not
recommended at all.
General problems
Lack of knowledge
In the past, women's health was not considered as important as men's health. This was
mainly due to the basic inequality of women in society. 100 The access and quality of health
care for women was often poor. Since the emancipation of women in many countries since
the 1960's, the socio-economic position of women has improved greatly. Nowadays, in many
societies, men and women are equal, and this comes along with improving health care for
women.100
The exclusion of women from clinical research caused a lack of knowledge of the specific
issues related to women's health. It was seen that drug effects in women may differ from the
effects in men (e.g. paracetamol, propanolol).31, 114 In addition, many medications used by
women are prescribed for a long time, for example oral contraceptives and psychotropics.
There is still little known about the effects of these therapies in long term use (>10 years).
Another important issue is the changing of pharmacokinetics and dynamics during
pregnancy.115 Therefore, it may be necessary to prescribe adapted doses or doses regimes in
pregnancy, in order to obtain effective therapy or prevent harm to the unborn child. In this
area, there is still a lack of research, mainly due to ethical considerations. 102
In the last decade, the policy towards women and clinical research has been changing. 116
Policy makers started to realize that the differences between men and women were not
7.4-15
7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
negligible. To achieve a complete picture of the efficacy and safety of a new drug, it is
necessary to include the full spectrum of the population in a study. 116
Specific problems
Reproduction control
In the 1960's, the first oral contraceptives were introduced. In the beginning, the only
approved indication was the treatment of gynaecologic disorders. Despite this,
everyone knew that the drug could be used as contraception, but because of the
expected resistance of different parties (religion, women themselves, men), the
industry hesitated to apply for approval for the contraceptive indication,117 unless the
number of women which started using 'the pill' was growing rapidly. 117
The first OC contained relatively high doses of hormones, and this has always been a
source for concern about adverse effects. Cardiovascular effects (thrombothic events,
high blood pressure) have been another major concern. In the following decades, the
doses of hormones have declined. The discussion about the risk of thrombosis is still
ongoing, especially by the introduction of new oral contraceptives. 117 In general, the
safety of OC is proven, and even non-contraceptive benefits of the use of OC are
studied.117
Subfertility
Since the 1960's, the economic and societal status of women has improved, and
contraceptive methods became available. These factors made controlled family
planning possible, and women were able to plan when and how many children they
wanted. The age of which women decided to bear children, increased. By the
increasing age of women getting children, the rates of subfertility increase. 43 As
described above, this is due to the ageing of the female reproductive system, thereby
decreasing both the quantity and quality of the oocyte/follicle pool. 46 Ageing is also
associated with an increase in meiotic non-disjunction, leading to early pregnancy
loss.46
Next to problems associated with increasing age, a considerable part (estimated 30%)
of subfertility is due to unknown causes. 118 The treatment of this subfertility is much
more difficult and mainly all available treatments are tried. In the last decades, the
burden of subfertility has increased. Nowadays, being childless is running against
the norm and therefore subfertility is associated with a high burden. 47, 48 IVF is used if
the other treatments have not been successful, 118 but it has some important
disadvantages.
In the first part of an IVF-treatment the patient has to use different hormones (e.g.
gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists or antagonists). The use of these
hormones raised questions about the safety of these medications for both the mother
and the child. The available information is still limited and no information is yet
available about the effects on pubertal development and further fertility of the
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7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
children.119 Continued assessment of the long-term effects on both the mother and the
child is recommended.11, 12
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7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
In the last years, EMEA and FDA recognized the importance of monitoring drug
effects in pregnant women. They both developed guidelines, which recommend
pregnancy exposure registries to gain knowledge about drug effects in pregnancy in
a safe and effective way.15, 16 Although these guidelines do not include obligations, it
is a good step forward to improve the knowledge of drug effects in pregnancy.
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7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
What is the current "pipeline" of products that are to be used for this
particular condition?
General
Research in women
Both FDA and EMEA have started to commit pharmaceutical companies to involve
reasonable numbers of women in clinical trials.104, 131 Research in pregnant and
lactating women is still not required, but the need for post-marketing prospective
and observational research is increasing.32
Specific issues
Hormone therapies
In the past years, there is a trend in lowering the doses of hormones used for the
treatment of various female conditions. The assumption is made that lower doses
will have the same beneficial effect with less adverse effects. In the following years,
this assumption will need further research and proof.117, 132 Much attention also is
paid to the development of compounds which have estrogenic effects (e.g. synthetic
steroids like tibolone). These compounds are expected not to have the side effects,
whereas the beneficial effects are the same. 5 Also, other routes of administration are
under development. By using other administration routes, it might be possible to
lower the dose and thereby reduce the adverse effects and improve the
compliance.133, 134
Pregnancy and lactation, including birth defects
There is a need for developing new drugs for specific conditions in women together
with a need for improving research in women. Especially for the most vulnerable
groups of women; the pregnant and lactating women, there is a need for well
structured, extensive post-marketing research in the special conditions which occur
in pregnancy and during lactation.32 Several guidelines for drug use during
pregnancy have been developed, including one by the FDA in 2002, 15 whereas the
EMEA recently published a Note for Guidance which is expected to be approved at
the end of 2004.16 These new guidelines of EMEA and FDA are a very positive
development in this area, but we cannot look into the future to see how these
guidelines will work out.
Besides development of safe drugs for pregnant women and post-marketing research
in the effects of existing drugs on the unborn child, research to improve the
knowledge of doses and administration regimens in pregnancy and during lactation.
It is seen that the pharmacokinetics in pregnancy (e.g. absorption, distribution,
metabolism) change and therefore specific doses are required. 115, 135
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7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
Reproduction and female hormones differ women from men. These features also
make women a more vulnerable group in comparison to men. As stated before,
women use more medication in comparison to men. It is necessary to have accurate
knowledge but there is still a lack of knowledge about the specific female issues.
Extensive research of the underlying principles of the female issues is required. 25, 115
Opportunities for research concerning contraceptives lay in the field of looking for
new targets for intervention, 4 new classes of chemical compounds and new drug
delivery systems.6, 7 Little is known about the long term effects of the use of hormones
(e.g. contraceptives, post reproduction, IVF), the causes of subfertility or
pharmacodynamics changes in pregnancy and lactation.
What are the gaps between current research and potential research
issues which could make a difference, are affordable and could be
carried out in a) 5 years or b) in the longer term? For which of these
gaps are there opportunities for pharmaceutical research?
Research in women
The main area which can be supported by government, is basic research in the field
of reproductive issues. There is still a lack of knowledge of the basic principles of the
female reproduction and all surrounding issues.100 If there is accurate understanding
of these principles of reproduction, it will be easier to understand the
pathophysiology of conditions, which occur specifically among women.
Traditionally, this field is covered by academic centers, but increasingly we see
translational collaboration with industry and other private institutions.
7.4-20
7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
As discussed in this paper, the exclusion of the (pregnant) women in clinical trials
leads to a lack of knowledge on the use of drugs in women. Although several studies
showed differences in drug effects between men and women, there is little
information about issues like doses and administration regimes. 31 This may lead to
inaccurate treatment of (pregnant) women, resulting in increasing morbidity and
higher costs. An accurate treatment might be possible if the information is available.
By improving the participation of (pregnant) women in research, these problems
might be solved.101
Because of the risks, pharmaceutical industry is far from eager to financially support
studies which involve pregnant women and tend to advise negatively in using their
drug during lactation. Recently, both FDA and EMEA developed guidelines to
improve the post-marketing research in pregnant women. 15, 16 It is expected that these
guidelines will work out good, but only the future will tell us.
Conclusion
Research in women has been a neglected area since the thalidomide-disaster in the
1960s.92 In the last decade, more and more attention is paid to women's health and
the specific issues we have captured in this section under the heading of
'reproduction'.78
Next to improving the basic research, more attention must be paid to the effects of
long-term use of hormone therapies and to the effects of drugs used during
pregnancy and lactation. Large databases and controlled prospective research should
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7.4: Cross cutting issues: Women
be set up to monitor the drug effects during pregnancy, but also during the child's
life (development, both physical and mental).4
References
7.4-22