Expert panel unanimously backs new ‘morning after’ pill

In an 11 to 0 vote, an expert FDA panel voted in favor of approving Ella, a 'morning after' pill made by French drugmaker HRA Pharma. The drug has become a lightning rod for controversy, with anti-abortion advocates claiming that it's similar to the abortion pill RU-486. HRA, however, says Ella prevents pregnancy by blocking the effects of the hormone progesterone and delaying ovulation. Unlike the existing Plan B pill, which can be taken up to three days after intercourse but is less...

FDA: New “morning-after” pill appears safe, effective

A controversial new "morning-after" pill developed by HRA Pharma appears to work effectively and without any unexpected side effects, according to the FDA staffers who examined the drug application. The drug, dubbed Ella, works within five days of unprotected intercourse, said the agency review, which comes just ahead of a panel review on Thursday. The drug, which is already on the market in Europe, has triggered a renewed firestorm of controversy, with conservative groups in a fury...