Perrigo Commences Shipments of Opill® to Retailers Nationwide, Empowering Millions to Enter a New Era of Reproductive Health Access in the United States

Rhea-AI Summary

Perrigo Company plc (PRGO) announces the availability of Opill®, the first daily birth control pill without a prescription in the U.S., for pre-order and in-store purchase at major retailers nationwide. Opill® is FDA-approved and priced at $19.99 for one-month and $49.99 for three-month packs. It aims to address barriers to contraceptive access and is 98% effective. Opill® is a significant advancement in reproductive health, offering a convenient and affordable option for preventing unintended pregnancies.

Pharmaceutical Industry Analyst

The introduction of Opill® as an over-the-counter (OTC) oral contraceptive marks a significant shift in the pharmaceutical and reproductive health landscape. From an industry perspective, this strategic move by Perrigo could potentially open up a new market segment within OTC products, as birth control has traditionally been prescription-based. The product's pricing strategy, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $19.99 for a one-month supply and $49.99 for a three-month pack, positions it as an affordable option compared to prescription alternatives. This pricing could disrupt the market by setting a new benchmark for contraceptive cost, potentially increasing consumer demand and influencing competitors' pricing strategies.

The reported 98% effectiveness rate when taken as directed aligns with prescription birth control options, which may reassure consumers about the reliability of OTC contraceptives. The availability of Opill® in various pack sizes and through multiple channels, including online and in-store, reflects Perrigo's commitment to accessibility, a key factor in consumer products. The impact on Perrigo's financial performance could be substantial if Opill® captures a significant share of the contraceptive market, which would likely be reflected in the company's stock valuation.

Healthcare Policy Expert

The FDA's approval of Opill® for OTC use represents an important policy shift towards enhancing reproductive autonomy by removing the prescription barrier. This change could have broader implications for healthcare policy, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of other medications that could be considered for OTC status. The decision underscores a trend towards empowering consumers with more direct control over their healthcare choices, which could lead to increased consumer engagement and responsibility in personal health management.

From a public health perspective, the availability of Opill® OTC could contribute to a reduction in unintended pregnancies, which account for nearly half of the 6.1 million pregnancies in the U.S. annually. By increasing access to effective birth control, there may also be a downstream effect on healthcare costs associated with unintended pregnancies. However, it is important to monitor the long-term outcomes to ensure that OTC availability does not lead to reduced medical oversight or missed opportunities for healthcare providers to address broader reproductive health issues.

Market Research Analyst

The launch of Opill® is poised to meet a significant consumer demand for more accessible birth control options. Market research would suggest that the 45% rate of unintended pregnancies in the U.S. indicates a substantial market opportunity for Perrigo. The decision to make Opill® available both online and in-store is a strategic move that caters to the evolving consumer preference for convenience and discretion in purchasing health products. The direct-to-consumer model via Opill.com also aligns with current e-commerce trends and could capture a larger customer base, including those who prefer online shopping over traditional retail.

It will be important to track consumer feedback and sales data following the launch of Opill® to assess market reception and adoption rates. The pre-order option from select retailers could provide early indicators of consumer interest and acceptance. Additionally, market research can help understand the demographic profile of Opill® consumers, which could inform targeted marketing strategies and product development for Perrigo in the future.

• Opill^®, the first ever daily birth control pill available without a prescription in the United States, will be available in-store and online at retailers nationwide in the coming weeks and for pre-order from select retailers beginning this week  
• To maximize the impact and accessibility of Opill^®, Perrigo has sought to ensure both the affordability and availability of Opill^® on shelves across the country and online

DUBLIN and GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Perrigo Company plc (NYSE: PRGO), a leading provider of Consumer Self-Care Products, today announced that Opill^® has shipped to major retailers and pharmacies and will be available on shelves nationwide and online later this month. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for OTC use for all ages in July 2023, Opill^® is the first-ever daily birth control pill available without a prescription in the U.S.

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Opill^® is now available for pre-order from select online retailers and is expected to be on store shelves at major retailers nationwide in the coming weeks. Consumers will have the opportunity to purchase Opill^® in a variety of sizes in stores to best meet their needs, including one-month and three-month packs, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $19.99 and $49.99, respectively. Additionally, Opill^® will be available for purchase at Opill.com at a price of $49.99 for a three-month supply and $89.99 for a six-month supply.

"The availability of an oral contraceptive without a prescription is a truly groundbreaking milestone in reproductive health," said Melissa J. Kottke, MD, MPH, MBA, obstetrician-gynecologist in Atlanta, GA*. "Progestin-only pills have been a trusted contraceptive option for decades, yet obtaining a prescription for birth control pills creates unnecessary barriers for many. Creating additional opportunities for contraceptive access is critical in helping people reach their reproductive goals."

When taken as directed, Opill^® is 98% effective⁽¹⁾, making it the most effective birth control method available OTC⁽²⁾. Almost half (45%) of the 6.1 million pregnancies in the U.S. each year are unintended, and for many, there are barriers to accessing more effective birth control options until now only available by prescription—including scheduling a provider visit, transportation and cost barriers or lack of insurance. Opill^® can benefit a broad reproductive age population who want a safe and effective option to avoid pregnancy that is easy and convenient to access. Those who face barriers to initiating use of effective methods and continuing consistent use once started can benefit the most from Opill^®.

"At Perrigo, we've been working to make lives better through trusted health and wellness solutions that are accessible to all for more than 130 years and that purpose is especially important when we think about reproductive health," said Triona Schmelter, Perrigo Executive Vice President & President, Consumer Self-Care Americas. "We champion the right of women and people to determine their own sexual health journey and the availability of Opill^® over-the-counter is truly a historic moment of which our entire organization can be proud."

To maximize the impact and accessibility of Opill^®, Perrigo has sought to ensure both the affordability and availability of Opill^® on major retailers' shelves across the country and online.

"We are pleased that so many retailers have embraced carrying Opill^® to help ensure nationwide access to the product and are happy that we are able to offer Opill^® on our website at a cost of less than $20 per month," said Sara Young, Perrigo Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Consumer Self-Care Americas. "A cost-assistance program will also be available in the coming weeks to help qualified low-income, uninsured individuals obtain Opill^® at low or no cost."

Opill^® may also be eligible to be paid or reimbursed through Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts (also known as FSAs/HSAs). OTC drugs are now generally reimbursable under HSA and FSA plans, subject to the specific details and limitations of individual employers' plans.

Nearly 50 years of use and scientific evidence demonstrate that progestin-only pills such as Opill^® are effective at preventing pregnancy and are safe for most women to use. OTC oral contraception has support from major medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

To learn more about Opill^® or the Opill^® Cost Assistance Program, visit Opill.com or follow @opill_OTC on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Threads and X.

* Melissa J. Kottke, MD, MPH, MBA served as a paid consultant during the FDA approval process for Perrigo in 2023.

(1) Opill^® over-the-counter [Consumer Information Leaflet]. Dublin, Ireland: Perrigo Co,; 2023. 

(2) Trussell et al, Contraceptive Technology. 21^st ed. 2018.

About Opill^®

Opill^® is the first ever and only over-the-counter birth control pill available in the United States. It is a progestin-only daily oral contraceptive that's safe and effective when used as directed to help prevent pregnancy. Do not use Opill^® if you have or ever had breast cancer. See Opill^® Drug Facts label for list of warnings. Opill^® is not an emergency contraceptive (morning after pill) and won't prevent pregnancy when used after unprotected sex. It also doesn't protect against HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). For more information, please visit www.opill.com or follow @opill_OTC on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Threads and X.

About Perrigo

Perrigo Company plc (NYSE: PRGO), is a leading provider of Consumer Self-Care Products and over-the-counter (OTC) health and wellness solutions that enhance individual well-being by empowering consumers to proactively prevent or treat conditions that can be self-managed. Visit Perrigo online at www.perrigo.com. 

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release relate to future events and may therefore be considered "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements of the Company or its industry to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Often such factors may be beyond the Company's control, including the availability of raw materials, labor or manufacturing issues, supply chain challenges, actions or omissions by distributors and retailers, market acceptance of new products, regulatory or legislative action, third party litigation, and other unforeseen issues. The foregoing and other important factors, including those discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as well as the Company's subsequent filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, could potentially impact the timing and availability of Opill® at retailers in the United States, and may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are made only as of the date hereof, and unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contact

Media:
All Opill^®-related media inquiries to be directed to: press@opill.com

Investors:
Bradley Joseph
Vice President, Global Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
(269) 686-3373
bradley.joseph@perrigo.com

Nicholas Gallagher
Senior Manager, Global Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
(269) 686-3238
nicholas.gallagher@perrigo.com

 

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SOURCE Perrigo Company plc

Where can Opill® be purchased?

Opill® can be pre-ordered from select online retailers and will be available on store shelves at major retailers nationwide in the coming weeks. It can also be purchased at Opill.com.

What is the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for Opill®?

Opill® is priced at $19.99 for a one-month pack and $49.99 for a three-month pack. It is also available for $49.99 for a three-month supply and $89.99 for a six-month supply on Opill.com.

How effective is Opill® as a birth control method?

Opill® is 98% effective when taken as directed, making it the most effective over-the-counter birth control option available.

What are the benefits of Opill® for consumers?

Opill® aims to provide a safe and convenient option for avoiding unintended pregnancies, especially for those facing barriers to accessing traditional prescription birth control methods.

Who can benefit the most from using Opill®?

Individuals facing barriers to initiating and consistently using effective birth control methods can benefit the most from Opill®'s accessibility and convenience.