Cadence OTC Leads the Way in Providing Affordable OTC Contraceptives to C-Stores

Cadence OTC Morning After Pill to prevent pregnancies is rolling out to convenience stores nationwide spearheaded by Lil’ Drug efforts  

OAKLAND, CA (August 27, 2024) -- Cadence OTC is in the process of rolling out Morning After Pill (MAP) to convenience stores across the country. The Morning After Pill, along with other products in the pipeline, is fulfilling their mission to increase access to safe, effective, and affordable OTC contraceptives. When taken as directed, Morning After Pill helps prevent pregnancy before it starts. This is the first time an emergency contraceptive brand has focused efforts around access through the convenience store channel. 

“As a Public Benefits Company, Cadence OTC’s mission is to transform contraceptive access and empower women in their reproductive choices,” said Samantha Miller, CEO and Co-Founder.

Public Benefit Companies (PBCs) have a legal obligation to pursue goals beyond their own financial return, to do something helpful for the public.

Miller went onto say, “We founded the company because we saw a huge gap in the
desirability and need of women’s contraceptive products and access to them without a prescription. Cadence OTC is dedicated to increasing OTC access to safe, effective, affordable contraceptives.”   

In a time when affordable access to emergency contraception is of paramount
importance, Cadence OTC’s efforts are more critical than ever.  

Most importantly, MAP is not an abortion pill. MAP contains the progestin,
levonorgestrel, a medication that aids in preventing pregnancy. This is a direct contrast to mifepristone and misoprostol which are the two drugs in the “abortion pill” used to end a pregnancy.   

Cadence OTC’s MAP is a safe, effective over-the-counter contraceptive that is legal in all states. Taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual activity it is used to prevent a pregnancy – the sooner it’s taken the better it works.  

• Contains the #1 Doctor recommended ingredient
• Approved by FDA
• Helps prevent pregnancy before it starts
• Won’t affect the ability to get pregnant later or harm an existing pregnancy
• Won’t interfere regular birth control methods
• No states actively opposing
• Long shelf life
• Does not require ID to purchase and has no age restrictions
• Retails at about 50% less than the average retail in drug stores – a great customer value! 

The Opportunity  
Convenience stores have the opportunity to become the “go-to” place for women to access an emergency contraceptive. While 43% of c-store customers are women, 57% are not – that represents a lot of runway for c-stores to capture that demographic, particularly among Generation Z. 

Convenience stores can become the conduit for women’s access to emergency contraceptives. Having the product available gives retailers the opportunity to attract customers they never had before and convert them to regular visitors. 

Lil’ Drug Store Products Partnership  
Earlier this year Lil’ Drug Store Products became the exclusive convenience channel distributor for Cadence OTC’s Morning After Pill. The product is ready to ship from grocery wholesalers Core-Mark and McLane. 

Cadence OTC’s Miller said, “By distributing the product via Lil’ Drug Store Products, we are expanding access to a safe and effective emergency contraceptive option at an affordable price, making Morning After Pill available to the thousands of people who need it most in this post-Roe world.” Of their partnership Miller said that Lil’ Drug is helping with what has been one of their biggest hurdles for Morning After Pill – awareness. 

Paul Rossberger, VP Sales and Marketing for Lil’ Drug, said, “If we can build awareness and a comfort level with retailers it will go a long way in getting broader distribution for Morning After Pill.” 

Visit Cadence OTC at the NACS Show, in the Lil’ Drug Store Products booth #N2005 

About Cadence OTC 

Cadence OTC is a Public Benefits consumer healthcare company based in Oakland, CA. The company is on a mission to increase over-the-counter (OTC) access to safe, effective, affordable contraceptives for everyone everywhere. In 2024, Cadence OTC launched an affordable emergency contraceptive, the Morning After Pill, to convenience stores nationwide, and recently added an ultra-sensitive pregnancy test, EarlyPT. The company was founded and is led by renowned reproductive health experts, experienced healthcare entrepreneurs, and supporters who care deeply about making contraceptive care equally accessible and safe for all people. 

For more information about Cadence OTC visit: www.cadenceotc.com.