Panel to consider new 'morning-after pill'

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WASHINGTON, June 8 (UPI) -- A "morning-after pill" that reportedly is effective for five days after sex is being considered for approval in the United States, officials said.

A Food and Drug Administration advisory panel is to meet June 17 to consider whether the agency should approve ulipristal acetate for sale in U.S. markets.

HRA Pharma, of Paris, already sells ulipristal acetate in 21 European countries, where it is marketed under the name ellaOne.

The only "morning-after pill" currently in the United States is Plan B, the brand name for levonorgestrel.

Plan B inhibits ovulation for up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but becomes less effective over time, USA Today reported Tuesday. Ulipristal is consistently effective for up to 120 hours, or five days, after unprotected sec, HRA Pharma said.

Ulipristal and levonorgestrel work by inhibiting ovulation, company officials said.