Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Firm Gets FDA OK for Female Condom

Wisconsin Pharmacal Co. said it has won final regulatory approval for the first female condom, which can protect women against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The Food and Drug Administration said recently it was ready to license the Reality condom but stressed that male latex condoms remain the better safeguard. The female condom had a 26% failure rate in preventing pregnancy during a six-month trial, which the company attributed to incorrect use or failure to use the device at all. The company said it hopes to begin national distribution by year’s end.