Daré Bioscience Announces Positive Topline Pharmacokinetic and Exploratory Efficacy Results from the DARE-PDM1 Phase 1 Clinical Study

Data Support Continued Clinical Development of DARE-PDM1 and its Potential as a First-in-Category Treatment for Primary Dysmenorrhea

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 20, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Daré Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ: DARE), a leader in women’s health innovation, today announced positive topline results from the Phase 1 study evaluating the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and exploratory efficacy of DARE-PDM1. DARE-PDM1 is an investigational product designed to deliver diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), vaginally via the company’s proprietary hydrogel to treat primary dysmenorrhea, which is defined as painful menstruation in women with normal pelvic anatomy. DARE-PDM1 has the potential to be a first-in-category product, delivering diclofenac in a convenient vaginal format that may extend the duration of pain relief and reduce the risks associated with the oral delivery of NSAIDs.

The DARE-PDM1 Phase 1 study, DARE-PDM1-001, was a multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, 3-arm parallel group study among approximately 42 healthy, premenopausal women with symptomatic primary dysmenorrhea. This study was designed to assess the systemic (plasma) and local mucosal (vaginal fluid) diclofenac PK and safety after a single dose and during three daily doses of vaginally administered DARE-PDM1, given in two different strengths (1% or 3% diclofenac in 2.5 mL of hydrogel) versus placebo (vaginal hydrogel, no active ingredient). The study also assessed, as an exploratory endpoint, the preliminary dysmenorrhea treatment efficacy of DARE-PDM1, when dosed in three daily doses at the onset of dysmenorrhea symptoms, compared to a no-treatment, baseline, control cycle. The study observation period encompassed approximately three menstrual cycles. The plasma PK results are forthcoming.

“We are encouraged by these data which indicate that our candidate, DARE-PDM1, was well-tolerated and safe for premenopausal women in both treatment groups,” said Dr. Annie Thurman, Medical Director of Daré Bioscience. “The most common interventions for primary dysmenorrhea include oral NSAIDs and hormonal contraceptives, which often can produce undesirable side effects such as an increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse events, including nausea, vomiting, bloating, or ulcerations. These topline Phase 1 data indicate that by leveraging a vaginal route of administration, we can provide a more convenient and accessible treatment option for women that addresses the pain-related symptoms of the condition while minimizing side effects commonly seen with the use of oral medications.”