- The novel, room-temperature-stable (RTS), single-dose formulation will address prevailing challenges with existing protocols that require cold-chain storage and transportation, thus helping in prevention of PPH (postpartum haemorrhage) and facilitating better maternal healthcare in India
- Every year, PPH accounts for close to 20% of all maternal mortality[1] in the country
- The formulation’s efficacy and safety is supported by the results of the largest clinical trial in the prevention of PPH published in the New England Journal of Medicine
KOLKATA— Abbott, the global healthcare company has announced the introduction of a room-temperature-stable, single-dose formulation of carbetocin in India, which is available in convenient vials, to help in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). Abbott’s product is available in the private sector. PPH refers to excessive blood loss of 500 ml or more after vaginal delivery and 1000 ml or more after a caesarean procedure, within 24 hours of childbirth. Although preventable, PPH is associated with almost 20% maternal mortality in the country.
PPH, if left untreated can result in complications like anaemia in the postpartum period or aggravate mental health problems including postnatal depression and post-traumatic stress disorder apart from other issues. Women may require additional treatment for PPH which can extend hospital stay. Additionally, PPH may also impact breastfeeding and nursing for the newborn.
The current prevention and treatment protocol for PPH requires cold-chain storage and distribution, as well as continual administration of medicines via intravenous drip infusion. This can impede access to quality healthcare for pregnant women in care settings where these requirements may not be feasible. The room-temperature-stable formulation addresses the challenge of maintaining cold-chain storage or transportation, which helps increase access to preventive treatment for PPH, across geographies.
Discussing the need for effectively preventing PPH, Dr. Bhaskar Pal, President of The Bengal Obstetric and Gynaecological Society (BOGS) commented, “Multiple gestation, hypertension and anaemia are some of the risk factors for postpartum haemorrhage. Management of PPH remains a major challenge for every obstetrician, as it can be fatal if not managed efficiently.”
A single-dose formulation of carbetocin is convenient to administer since it is a single-dose and offers an intra-muscular dosing option in addition to intra-venous administration. It therefore reduces the need for at-risk pregnant women to undergo a prolonged stay at the hospital post-delivery.
Commenting on this new formulation in India, Dr. Srirupa Das, Medical Director, Abbott India said, “For over five decades, Abbott has helped improve the lives of women throughout their pregnancy and reproductive health. With the introduction of this room-temperature-stable carbetocin formulation in collaboration with Ferring, we are reiterating our commitment to improve maternal care, enabling both mothers and children to live through better health. This formulation has proven efficacy, a convenient formulation that addresses the needs for heat stability and can help with better health outcomes for mothers who just delivered a baby.”