Female condom now available in Canada

The Reality female condom has been launched in Canada. Distribution is being handled by Canadian-owned Pharmascience in Montreal, says Mary Ann Leeper, PhD, president and chief operating officer of the Chicago-based Female Health Company. Pharmascience, founded in 1983, reports annual sales of about $70 million (Canadian).

"The globalization of the female condom is really beginning to happen," Leeper says. "It goes all over the world, from Zimbabwe and Zambia and now Canada, and soon to South Africa and Tanzania. We are really excited that this product is beginning to be recognized as an important option for women."

The female condom also is marketed in the United States, United Kingdom, South Korea, Thailand, and Holland. U.S. sales continue to grow, due in part to the company’s new provider kits and state programs. (See Contraceptive Technology Update, August 1997, p. 96-97, for more on the "train the trainer" modules.) Clinicians may call (800) 884-1601, for details on the modules and new pricing plans.