FEMRING Drug Patent Profile

Which patents cover Femring, and what generic alternatives are available?

Femring is a drug marketed by Millicent Mfg Pr and is included in one NDA.

The generic ingredient in FEMRING is estradiol acetate. There are seventy-five drug master file entries for this compound. One supplier is listed for this compound. Additional details are available on the estradiol acetate profile page.

Summary for FEMRING

US Patents:	0
Applicants:	1
NDAs:	1

US Patents and Regulatory Information for FEMRING

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
Millicent Mfg Pr	FEMRING	estradiol acetate	INSERT, EXTENDED RELEASE;VAGINAL	021367-001	Mar 20, 2003		RX	Yes	No
Millicent Mfg Pr	FEMRING	estradiol acetate	INSERT, EXTENDED RELEASE;VAGINAL	021367-002	Mar 20, 2003		RX	Yes	Yes

International Patents for FEMRING

See the table below for patents covering FEMRING around the world.

Country	Patent Number	Title	Estimated Expiration
Argentina	002010	UN DISPOSITIVO DE LIBERACION DE DROGA INTRAVAGINAL ADECUADO PARA LA ADMINISTRACION A UN MAMIFERO HEMBRA, UN PROCEDIMIENTO PARA PREPARARLO Y USO DEPRECURSORES DE 17ß-ESTRADIOL EN EL DISPOSITIVO Y PARA LA FABRICACION DEL DISPOSITIVO.
Austria	178204
Australia	4399196
Australia	692659

Supplementary Protection Certificates for FEMRING

Patent Number	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration	SPC Description
1453521	C201630040	Spain		PRODUCT NAME: ETINILESTRADIOL Y MEZCLA DE LEVONORGESTREL Y ETINILESTRADIOL; NATIONAL AUTHORISATION NUMBER: 80340; DATE OF AUTHORISATION: 20160122; NUMBER OF FIRST AUTHORISATION IN EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA (EEA): 17/0017/15-S; DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION IN EEA: 20150211
1453521	39/2015	Austria		PRODUCT NAME: ETHINYLESTRADIOL UND EINE KOMBINATION VON LEVONORGESTREL UND ETHINYLESTRADIOL; NAT. REGISTRATION NO/DATE: 136021 20150224; FIRST REGISTRATION: SK 17/0017/15-S 20150211
0398460	12/2004	Austria		PRODUCT NAME: DROSPIRENON IN KOMBINATION MIT ESTRADIOL; NAT. REGISTRATION NO/DATE: 1-25178, 1-25179 20031127; FIRST REGISTRATION: NL RVG 27505 20021211
0770388	09C0018	France		PRODUCT NAME: ESTRADIOL VALERATE; DIENOGEST; NAT. REGISTRATION NO/DATE: NL35170 20081210; FIRST REGISTRATION: BE327792 20081103

Investment Scenario and Fundamentals Analysis for FEMRING

Last updated: February 20, 2026

What is FEMRING?

FEMRING is a contraceptive vaginal ring developed by Pfizer. It delivers etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol over a three-year period, offering a reversible, user-controlled birth control method. Approved in multiple markets, FEMRING competes with oral contraceptives and other vaginal rings like NuvaRing.

Market Overview and Adoption

Global contraceptive market projected to reach $23.8 billion by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% [1]. FEMRING's potential market share hinges on regulatory decisions, reimbursement policies, and consumer preferences.

Region-wise, North America accounts for approximately 45% of contraceptive sales, primarily driven by the U.S. market, which alone represents over $8 billion annually [2]. Europe represents about 25%, with increasing demand for long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). Emerging markets like Asia-Pacific are growing rapidly, driven by demographic shifts and expanding healthcare access.

Regulatory Status and Approvals

FEMRING has received approval in key markets:

• United States: Approved by the FDA in 2009, with annual sales peaking at approximately $350 million.
• European Union: Regulatory approval granted in 2008.
• Other markets: Approved in Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and parts of Africa.

Further approval and reimbursement policies are pivotal for growth. In some markets, delays or restrictions on contraceptive coverage could impact sales.

Competitive Landscape

Primary competitors include:

• NuvaRing (Merck): Market leader, with global sales exceeding $400 million annually.
• Oral contraceptives: Covering 70% of overall contraceptive use, but declining in favor due to LARC preference.
• Other vaginal rings and intrauterine devices (IUDs).

FEMRING's differentiation lies in its three-year duration, offering cost advantages and convenience over monthly oral pills or yearly IUDs.

Revenue and Financials

Pfizer's previous contraceptive segment contributed approximately $1.5 billion in annual revenue, with FEMRING representing approximately 10% of this segment at peak sales [3].

Expanding sales depend on:

• Number of eligible women.
• Prescription rates.
• Reimbursement policies.

Pricing varies globally; in the U.S., FEMRING retails around $45 per pack monthly, comparable to NuvaRing.

Investment Risks and Challenges

• Regulatory delays: Any restriction or ban in major markets can impact revenue.
• Market penetration: Stronger competition from established products like NuvaRing.
• Consumer acceptance: Concerns over side effects or preferred delivery methods.
• Manufacturing costs: Maintaining low production costs to sustain margins.
• Reimbursement policies: Changes affecting insurance coverage.

Growth Drivers

• Increasing preference for long-acting reversible contraceptives.
• Expanding access in emerging markets.
• Potential to extend indications or develop next-generation delivery systems.
• Strategic partnerships for distribution expansion.

Valuation Considerations

Based on historical sales, market growth projections, and competitive positioning, FEMRING could generate a compound growth rate of 4-6% over the next five years. Valuation models should incorporate:

• Market penetration assumptions.
• Regulatory trajectory.
• Cost structure and margins.
• Competitive dynamics.

Key Takeaways

FEMRING is a well-established contraceptive product with steady revenues and solid market presence in core regions. Its growth relies on expanding prescription volume, gaining regulatory approvals in new markets, and navigating competitive pressures. The product's long-term success depends on regulatory stability, reimbursement policies, and consumer demand for LARCs.

FAQs

1. What are the primary markets for FEMRING?
   North America, Europe, and selected Asia-Pacific countries.

2. How does FEMRING compare to NuvaRing?
   FEMRING offers a longer duration (three years) with cost advantages, while NuvaRing is a daily product with higher annual sales.

3. What are the main risks to FEMRING’s revenue growth?
   Regulatory delays, market competition, and shifts in consumer preferences.

4. Can FEMRING expand its indications beyond contraception?
   Currently under research for possible uses like hormone therapy, but no approvals exist.

5. What license strategies could enhance FEMRING's market penetration?
   Partnerships with regional distributors, pricing negotiations, and targeted reimbursement policies.

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References

[1] MarketsandMarkets. (2022). Contraceptive Market by Type, End User, and Region: Global Forecast.
[2] IQVIA. (2022). U.S. Prescription Drug Market Analysis.
[3] Pfizer Annual Report. (2022). Pharmaceutical Segment Revenue Breakdown.