Posted on 04/22/2005 12:55:32 PM PDT by Dog Gone
TRENTON, N.J. — The Today Sponge contraceptive is returning to the market after a decade as federal regulators deemed it "spongeworthy" again.
Allendale Pharmaceuticals said the Food and Drug Administration has approved U.S. sales of the sponge, which was the favorite nonprescription birth control product of women when it was withdrawn from the market in 1995.
"They can re-enter the U.S. market," FDA spokeswoman Susan Cruzan said today. "The product was found to be safe and effective."
The polyurethane sponges, which have been sold in Canada and over the Internet since March 2003, will be available soon on a company Web site and later at retailers.
"I'm overwhelmed," Gene Detroyer, president and chief executive officer of Allendale Pharmaceuticals, told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview. "I am pleased both from a business point of view ... and from the point of view that we can add another contraceptive for women."
Allendale bought rights to sell the Today Sponge several years ago from the prior manufacturer, American Home Products, which is now Wyeth of Madison. American Home stopped making the sponge rather than upgrade a manufacturing plant after FDA found deficiencies there.
The device's effectiveness and safety were never questioned.
The fierce loyalty of the product's fans was depicted in hilarious fashion on the sitcom "Seinfeld." The character Elaine Benes scoured stores for her favorite birth control, then stretched her supply by setting "spongeworthy" standards for prospective lovers.
The Today Sponge prevents pregnancy by covering the cervix and releasing spermicide from inside the soft, concave device. Roughly 250 million of the sponges were sold from 1983 to 1995.
While it was less effective than several other methods and does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, the sponge achieved a wide following among women who saw advantages from spontaneity to availability.
LOL, but she's a recptacle-tip for sure.
But what about "Contraceptive SpongeBob"?
Along with more abortions, more sexually transmitted diseases, divorces, sexual objectification, etc...We are such a progressive society...-sarcasm
Elaine will be thrilled!
Contraception is contraception. Part and parcel of this countries moral decline.
I was on a date back in '87. After excusing myself to the young lady's bathroom, I noticed a Today Sponge package in the trashcan. Feeling as though it was a sure thing, I returned to find as many ways as possible to bring the word "sponge" into the conversation. She caught on and I was quickly dismissed. Ah...brings back memories....
You're beloved Elaine will be thrilled.
Your beloved Elaine will be thrilled.
As will those who weren't spongeworthy before.
LOL
Elaine will be overjoyed!
ROTFL! Indeed!
Will you be found to be sponge-worthy?
I have done my best to repress all the memories of the times I struck out. Haven't quite succeeded yet, though.
LOL>..that's the first thing i thought about.....Elaine conducting a "spongeworthy" interview.
Remember my brother telling me that it took 3 children before the fact that neither the sponge nor the foam worked dawned on him and his wife. Had a good laugh on that one.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.