Aspen has long recognised the importance of investing in medicines to optimise women’s health and support well-being throughout all stages of life.
Over the past year, Aspen’s Women’s Health Brand Team has launched several initiatives centered around menopause and its treatment.
Menopause is a natural part of ageing that all women experience, marked by a decline in ovarian hormones, particularly oestrogen, post-menopause. Associated symptoms include vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, mood changes, night sweats and hot flushes, among others.
Aspen’s Ovestin cream and ovules, also known as Synapause, Aacifemine, Physiogine, Ovesterin in various markets, is a popular formulation for the treatment of vaginal symptoms associated with menopause. European demand for Ovestin, which is manufactured at our site in Bad Oldesloe, Germany, has soared over the past five years with stock shortages experienced in multiple countries due to Ovestin becoming a first line product of choice. Unit sales increased from 3.6 million in FY2019 to 6.25 million in FY2024 (+74%) with a further 12% rise anticipated for 2025. To meet this increasing demand from patients, we are investing nearly R170 million (€8,8 million) in a new packaging line at our Bad Oldesloe site to expand capacity by FY2026.
In March 2024 Aspen Europe Middle East (“EME”) announced a 12-month regional collaboration with Menopause Experts Group (“MEG”). This international organisation champions education and training on all aspects of menopause for individuals and organisations and strives to create an open, inclusive and supportive environment around the condition. As part of this collaboration, Regional Menopause Champions have been nominated in key markets to complete MEG’s training programme and advocate for women experiencing menopause. Aspen’s participation in the Menopause Approved/Partner branding initiative further underscores Aspen’s commitment to women’s health and its commitment to being a menopause-friendly organisation.
Additionally, the region launched the “Let’s Talk Vaginas” awareness campaign, a multi-territory digital programme that was first introduced in the Netherlands. This programme aims to raise awareness about menopausal symptoms, promote the use of Ovestin as a treatment option, and encourages open conversations about a condition that is often considered to be taboo.
Aspen continues to make meaningful strides in providing medicines for unmet medical needs for women while fostering environments that encourage open discussion, information sharing and support where it is needed.
