FDA panel unanimously backs safety and effectiveness of new morning after contraceptive

WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal health experts said Thursday a new type of morning-after contraceptive that works longer than existing drugs is safe and effective.

The Food and Drug Administration's panel of reproductive health experts voted unanimously that the pill ellaOne successfully reduces the chance of pregnancy up to five days after sex. Plan B, the most widely used emergency contraceptive pill, is only effective if women take it within three days of sex.

In a separate vote the panel unanimously ruled that the drug appeared safe, according to an FDA spokeswoman.

The positive recommendation moves the pill, which is already approved in Europe, one step closer to the U.S. market. The FDA is not required to follow the panel's advice, though it often does.

Studies by the drug's manufacturer, HRA Pharma, showed ellaOne prevented pregnancies longer and more consistently than Plan B.