VANCOUVER, Feb. 13, 1996 -- An effective new contraceptive sponge which is both discreet and easy-to-use is now available without a prescription in major Canadian pharmacies. The Protectaid(R) sponge is an alternative method of contraception for women not taking the pill and who are looking for a non-hormonal method of contraception they can control. Protectaid(R) was researched and developed by Axcan Ltd. in Canada from an idea put forth by SSPL in France.

The Protectaid(R) sponge is made of polyurethane foam containing a formulation called F-5 Gel(R) which is a combination of three spermicides in low concentrations. As a contraceptive, Protectaid's mode of action is threefold: it acts as a physical barrier preventing semen from entering the uterus (barrier action), it absorbs the semen (absorption effect) and finally it destroys the spermatozoa (F-5 Gel(R) spermicidal action). "Studies on Protectaid(R) confirm contraceptive efficacy, high tolerability with no symptomatic irritation,'' said Dr. Ernesto Guerrero, consulting physician for Family Health International and the World Health Organization (WHO), and a principal investigator for studies on Protectaid(R).

May also prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV

The Protectaid(R) sponge is unique in its safety benefit. Its innovation lies in the combination of three active ingredients, rather than just one, which combined can be used in lower concentrations in order to reduce irritation to the vaginal mucosa. Clinical studies have demonstrated an absence of colposcopic irritation up to 12 hours after insertion.

In addition, a dispersal agent encourages the diffusion of gel in the vagina and forms a protective coating on the mucosa. A clinical study demonstrated that the Protectaid(R) sponge can help prevent irritation caused by sexual intercourse itself. Since mucosal irritation increases the risk of STDs, this protection against mucosal irritation is an added benefit.

Preliminary studies indicate that the Protectaid(R) sponge can also help prevent STDs, including HIV. Though still to be confirmed in clinical studies, it is already well established that at least two of the active ingredients -- Nonoxynol-9 (NX9) and Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC) -- have strong virucidal, fungicidal and bactericidal activities. In vitro studies conducted by Axcan Ltd. demonstrated that the F-5 Gel(R) destroys a large number of pathenogenic microorganisms including HIV, Chlamydia and the bacteria responsible for gonorrhea.

"The new Protectaid(R) sponge really constitutes the ideal vaginal barrier method, it is effective, safe, readily available and easy-to-use,'' said Dr. Marion Powell, consulting physician with the Regional Women's Health Centre at Women's College Hospital in Toronto. "Furthermore, it may well provide an essential characteristic for the barrier method of the future, which is to provide protection against STDs,'' she added.

Effective, discreet and easy-to-use

Like the condom, or any other device of this type, Protectaid's efficacy depends on proper use. When used correctly, studies have shown it to be about 90% effective and when used with a condom, efficacy is greatly enhanced.

The Protectaid(R) sponge does not require any preparation and insertion into the vagina is facilitated by two slots in the sponge matrix. It provides discreet and comfortable protection when used regardless of the number of times used. The Protectaid(R) sponge can be inserted any time prior to sexual intercourse and should be left in at least six hours after the last sexual intercourse and for a maximum of up to twelve hours after being inserted.

"Since women control its use, the Protectaid(R) sponge is particularly interesting for those women who don't take the pill but who want safe, discreet and easy-to-use protection whether combined with a male condom or not,'' said Bonnie Johnson, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada.

Protectaid(R) is available for a suggested retail price of $2.25 per sponge. Consumers who want more information about Protectaid(R) can call free of charge 1-800-565-3255.

Axcan Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Axcan Pharma which was founded in 1983 and which now employs some 100 people in Canada. Its head office is in Mont St-Hilaire on Montreal's South Shore with subsidiaries and offices in Laval, just north of Montreal, Calgary and in Plattsburg, New York.