Global improvements to postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) treatment

Overview

Improvements to postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) treatment

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a life threatening complication of childbirth, and is one of the single largest causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. PPH is estimated to occur in between 6-10% of live births and is particularly common in developing countries, where 20% of maternal deaths are attributed to the condition. At best, it deprives a mother of those precious first moments with her new-born baby. At worst it is fatal, and has a major impact on the lives and health of the families affected.

As part of its ongoing commitment to women’s health, Ferring has announced the launch of a new room-temperature, stable form of PABAL – a structural analogue of the human hormone oxytocin. PABAL is indicated for the treatment of uterine atony (lack of muscle tone in the uterus), one of the major causes of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).

“Preventing uterine atony saves lives,” said Pascal Danglas, Exec. Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

Now that PABAL is stable at 30 degrees and in 75% humidity, it will benefit women in developing countries where cold-chain storage and transport may not be available. In developed countries, the temperature stability will yield significant time savings in providing this new formulation to those in need.

This launch is supported by the World Health Organisation and MSD who are working together to increase access to PABAL in developing countries with a high burden of maternal morbidity and mortality.

Key statistics
·    Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) has claimed the lives of 480,000 women and is responsible for approximately one-fifth of maternal mortality worldwide
·    Incidence of PPH is particularly high developing countries, where 20% of maternal deaths are attributed to PPH
·    PPH may result in complications such as excessive blood loss, hypotension, risk of infection and the need for surgical intervention