Gynuity Spotlights Latest Research into Ulipristal Acetate for Medication Abortion on International Clinical Trials Day

International Clinical Trials Day, held annually on May 20, recognizes the importance of clinical research in developing new treatments, improving patient care, and ensuring that healthcare is evidence based.

To mark the occasion, we spotlight our continued investigation into ulipristal acetate as an alternative to mifepristone for medication abortion—cutting-edge research that builds on our efforts to find another effective medication to expand global access to safe abortion.

We are conducting a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial at two public hospitals in Mexico City to identify a regimen using ulipristal acetate that balances efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The study is comparing two different doses of ulipristal acetate (30 mg vs. 60 mg, oral) followed 24 hours later by misoprostol (800 mcg, buccal) for medication abortion through 63 days of gestation. After treatment, participants return to the clinic over one week later for a follow-up visit to establish pregnancy status via ultrasound and to take part in an exit interview. We anticipate completing enrollment of 426 participants and beginning dissemination of our findings this year.

The latest research draws inspiration from our published proof-of-concept study that provided positive evidence supporting the potential of ulipristal acetate (60 mg oral) for early pregnancy termination. Complete abortion was confirmed by ultrasound in 129 out of 133 participants (97%; 95% CI, 94.1 to 99.9%), a success rate comparable to a mifepristone-misoprostol regimen. There was minimal need for additional care and overall satisfaction was high, with most participants (130/133, 97.7%) rating the treatment as satisfactory or very satisfactory. Winikoff et al. 2025

This is a pivotal moment for advancing an alternative to mifepristone for medication abortion, and our research is especially relevant given persistent challenges surrounding mifepristone access in the United States.

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