The role of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate in the prevention of preterm birth.

Preterm birth is a major public-health problem in the USA, which has higher rates of preterm birth than most other developed countries. Attempts at the prevention of preterm birth have been largely unsuccessful. The recent publication of a large, multicenter, randomized trial of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, which showed efficacy in preventing recurrent preterm delivery, has sparked renewed interest in progestational drugs in general and this compound in particular for use in preventing preterm delivery. Although this drug is not currently commercially available, an application has been made to the US FDA to produce 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, as Gestiva() for the prevention of preterm delivery.