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Ulipristal acetate (UPA)
Ulipristal acetate acts as a selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM) to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, thereby inhibiting sperm penetration.
Ulipristal acetate acts as a selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM) to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, thereby inhibiting sperm penetration. Used for Emergency contraception, Treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids.
At a glance
| Generic name | Ulipristal acetate (UPA) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Allergan |
| Drug class | Selective progesterone receptor modulator |
| Target | Progesterone receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Women's health |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
As a SPRM, ulipristal acetate binds to the progesterone receptor, altering its function and preventing the typical effects of progesterone on the reproductive system. This results in a decrease in the likelihood of ovulation and an increase in the thickness of cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to penetrate the cervix.
Approved indications
- Emergency contraception
- Treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dysmenorrhea
- Vaginal bleeding
Key clinical trials
- Study Comparing Emergency Contraception Effectiveness in Women Who Weight ≥ 80 kg (PHASE4)
- Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Ulipristal Acetate (UPA) Used Daily as a Contraceptive (PHASE2)
- Levonorgestrel-piroxicam Versus Ulipristal Acetate for Emergency Contraception (PHASE3)
- Ovarian Function With ENG Implant and UPA Use (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Liver Safety Assessment During Ulipristal Acetate Treatment for Uterine Fibroids (LISA)
- Effectiveness of Orally Dosed Emergency Contraception in Obese Women - UPA (PHASE4)
- Ulipristal Acetate for Use in Early Pregnancy Loss (PHASE2)
- Ulipristal Acetate in Symptomatic Uterine Fibroid (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Ulipristal acetate (UPA) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Ulipristal acetate (UPA) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Allergan portfolio CI