Dear March of Dimes Volunteers,
Last month, we reported that progesterone treatment received FDA approval as a safe and effective drug to prevent preterm birth for clinically eligible women. This announcement was cause for celebration.
A few weeks later, the drug's manufacturer Ther-Rx, launched its product — Makena. We became deeply concerned when we learned that the drug's price could limit access for many women. Over the past several weeks we've been fighting to keep progesterone treatment within reach of every woman who needs it, through whatever means possible.
My thanks to you for standing strong with the March of Dimes. Our voices have been heard. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a statement that it will not prohibit compounding pharmacies from continuing to produce progesterone treatment. And the drug's manufacturer, Ther-Rx, has reduced the price of Makena and expanded its patient financial assistance program.
As you may know, Ther-Rx was a sponsor of our NICU Family Support Project since 2009. While we valued this support, the company's initial launch of Makena was unacceptable to families, professionals and the March of Dimes. For this reason, we have terminated our 2011 contract with Ther-Rx.
Access for clinically eligible women to treatment to prevent premature birth is and always has been our paramount concern, and we will continue to work on this issue. We hope that the recent media attention has helped to raise awareness of progesterone therapy as a safe, effective treatment. The drug can and should be used more often to prevent prematurity and the heartache and cost that come with it.
Thank you for continuing to support the March of Dimes as we work — and walk — together for stronger, healthier babies.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jennifer L. Howse
President
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