Bayer recently announced the start of its Phase III study SUNFLOWER, an investigational study evaluating the efficacy and safety of 52mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system Mirena for the treatment of nonatypical endometrial hyperplasia (NAEH) in women.

NAEH is an abnormal thickening of the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, due to an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone levels. This condition is classified as nonatypical as the cells in the endometrium do not show signs of cancer. It can be asymptomatic, present with heavy or abnormal bleeding, or bleeding after menopause. If untreated, this condition may lead to uterine cancer. Approximately 121 out of every 100,000 women develop NAEH each year.1 Currently, there are no approved medical treatment options for this condition, presenting a high unmet medical need.

“Previous clinical studies indicate the therapeutic potential of intrauterine levonorgestrel and its ability to restore the endometrium to its normal state. The SUNFLOWER study is an important step in investigating this potential benefit which could inform future therapeutic approaches for this patient population. Mirena is effective in pregnancy prevention as well as management of heavy menstrual bleeding in women who choose an IUD for birth control. This study aims to shed light on a potential additional therapeutic benefit of this long-established contraceptive.” George L. Maxwell, MD , Principal Investigator of the SUNFLOWER study.

SUNFLOWER is a Phase III investigational clinical study that will evaluate the treatment of NAEH with 52mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system versus an oral progestin (OP). The study is anticipated to enroll 207 patients at about 90 centers in three countries with completion after around 18 months.

INDICATIONS FOR MIRENA

Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a hormone-releasing IUD that prevents pregnancy for up to 8 years. Mirena also treats heavy periods for up to 5 years in women who choose intrauterine contraception.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

• If you have a pelvic or genital infection, get infections easily, or have certain cancers, don’t use Mirena. Less than 1% of users get a serious pelvic infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• If you have persistent pelvic or stomach pain, or excessive bleeding after placement, tell your healthcare provider (HCP). If Mirena comes out, call your HCP and avoid intercourse or use non-hormonal back-up birth control (such as condoms or spermicide). Mirena may go into or through the wall of the uterus and cause other problems.
• Pregnancy while using Mirena is uncommon but can be life threatening and may result in loss of pregnancy or fertility.
• Ovarian cysts may occur but usually disappear.
• Bleeding and spotting may increase in the first 3 to 6 months and remain irregular. Periods over time usually become shorter, lighter, or may stop.

Mirena does not protect against HIV or STIs.

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2024, the Group employed around 93,000 people and had sales of 46.6 billion euros. R&D expenses amounted to 6.2 billion euros.