FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Elizabeth Lynch, March of Dimes, (914) 997-4286, elynch@marchofdimes.com
Todd Dezen, March of Dimes, (914) 997-4608, tdezen@marchofdimes.com
WHITE PLAINS, NY, April 1, 2011 - Ther-Rx Corporation’s decision to reduce the list price of Makena to $690 and to expand patient financial assistance are steps in the right direction toward making an FDA-approved progesterone therapy product more widely available. Nevertheless, the March of Dimes has decided to exercise our right to terminate our current contract and sever all professional relationships with Ther-Rx. The company's handling of the launch of Makena, and the initial list price, were highly unsatisfactory and unacceptable to the March of Dimes and the families we represent. The March of Dimes will continue to explore all options for ensuring access to progesterone therapy for all medically eligible women. Access for women to treatment to prevent premature birth is and always has been our paramount concern. We hope that the controversy surrounding Makena has helped raise awareness that progesterone therapy is a safe and effective treatment for prevention of preterm birth and that more obstetricians will consider it for appropriate patients.
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
