Novartis launches new ERT patch in Germany

Novartis has introduced what it claims is the world's smallest estrogenreplacement therapy patch, Estradot (17-beta-estradiol), in Germany, its first major European market. It is indicated for postmenopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings.

Estradot is the size of a postage stamp and needs to be applied just twice a week, even though it carries only a fraction of the drug contained in other patches. It was developed by Noven Pharmaceuticals and is already sold in the USA as Vivelle-Dot by Novogyne Pharmaceuticals, a joint venture between Noven and Novartis. The latter firm has licensed exclusive marketing rights to the product outside the USA, Canada and Japan.