New formulation of Carbetocin could save thousands of women’s lives

According to a study published in June 27, 2018, led by WHO in collaboration with MSD for Mothers and Ferring Pharmaceuticals. A new drug formulation of Carbetocin could save thousands of women’s lives

Approximately 70 000 women die every year because of post-partum haemorrhage – increasing the risk that their babies also die within one month.

Currently, WHO recommends oxytocin as the first-choice drug for preventing excessive bleeding after childbirth. Oxytocin, however, must be stored and transported at 2–8 degrees Celsius, which is hard to do, in many countries, depriving many women of access to this lifesaving drug. When they can obtain it, the drug may be less effective because of heat exposure.  

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, has shown an alternative drug – heat-stable carbetocin – to be as safe and effective as oxytocin in preventing postpartum haemorrhage. This new formulation of carbetocin does not require refrigeration and retains its efficacy for at least 3 years stored at 30 degrees celsius and 75% relative humidity.

For more information here is the article: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1805489

and WHO press release : http://www.who.int/news-room/detail/27-06-2018-who-study-shows-drug-could-save-thousands-of-women%E2%80%99s-lives