Alere Releases Highlights of Studies on Preterm Birth Prevention

ATLANTA, Feb. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A range of factors impacting women of childbearing age has led to higher rates of preterm labor (PTL) and spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB).  Solutions for preventing PTL and prolonging pregnancy will be highlighted by Alere clinicians, in collaboration with noted researchers specializing in the field, during the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's (SMFM) Annual Conference in San Francisco, February 7 – 11.  Alere clinicians and the researchers are giving an oral presentation and presenting five posters on Thursday, February 10.

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In one of the largest studies of its kind, covering more than 5,000 women between 2007 to 2010 who had a history of SPTB, Alere found that in its progestin hormone support program - 17P Administration Services - compliance with therapy has increased and rates of SPTB have decreased. When data were compared for women receiving 17P Administration Services in the period from April 2004 to January 2006 to that of September 2007 to May 2010, rates of compliance with completion of treatment improved from 76.4% to 85.6% and rates of SPTB reduced from 34.5% to 26.3%.(1) Alere's program provides in-home administration of the 17P injections by trained OB nurses and provides face-to-face and telephonic education about the signs and symptoms of PTL.

Alere's studies also found:

• 77.3% of patients participating in Alere's program initiated the 17P program within the recommended timeframe of 16 through 20 weeks.(2)
• 99.5% of women in the 17P program continued treatment in accordance with the physician plan of care.(2)

Researchers found that 85% of patients completed the 17P program through 34 weeks or preterm delivery (whichever came first).(2)  Alere's studies also show that patient compliance with its 17P Administration Service correlates with lower rates of recurrent SPTB. Women not compliant with 17P administration services had a rate of SPTB of 35% compared with 24.9% for compliant patients.(2)

"Clinical studies from leading peer reviewed journals show the value of Alere's 17P Administration Service as an option to help women prolong their pregnancies, if they have a history of SPTB," said Gary Stanziano, M.D., Executive Vice President, Medical Affairs, for Alere Women's & Children's Health. "Prolonging pregnancy helps to reduce costly hospitalizations for early labor and protects the health of mother and infant. Compared to published literature, Alere's 17P Administration Service has achieved lower rates of SPTB and has shown significant savings -- typically six thousand dollars per pregnancy -- for health plans reimbursing for the service. Alere's studies give physicians and health plans information on how to secure optimal results from drug administration."

Today, about one preterm infant is born every minute in the United States. PTL and SPTB have increased by 35 percent over the past 25 years.  Factors increasing PTL and SPTB are the older age of birth mothers and the increase in multiple births.

While the focus of providers and health plans remains on ensuring the health of mothers and infants, costs for providing care, especially hospitalizations, are placing a burden on payers, including Medicaid and other government programs.  According to data from the Institute of Medicine, the overall cost of preterm births in the United States is estimated at $26 billion.  

"With more than 25 years' experience in managing more than 750,000 high risk pregnancies, as well as a nationwide network of OB nurse specialists available 24/7, Alere physicians and nurses are experts in finding solutions to improving maternal health," stated Gregg Raybuck, President, Alere Women's & Children's Health.    "Through research and studies, we will continue to find those strategies that can help physicians and health plans ensure the health of mothers and babies while effectively managing costs."

About Alere

Alere Health is the health management services business of Alere Inc. (previously Inverness Medical Innovations) (NYSE: ALR).  Alere, a Latin verb, meaning "to care for" or "to support", offers the most patient-centered health management services available from a single provider in the industry. Alere provides health interventions that cover an individual's entire lifespan, from pre-cradle to end-of-life care, as well as the continuum from wellness and prevention, to total health management of the individual for those having chronic illnesses.  Alere's continuum of services begins with genetic testing, preconception, pregnancy, NICU and first year of life services; continues with lifelong programs focused on health, wellness and the management of chronic conditions such as Heart Failure, COPD, and Asthma, up to the complex care management required in end-of-life care.  For more information regarding Alere, please visit www.alere.com.

Resources:

Data presented at Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine February 10, 2010.

(1) Poster Presentation 104:  Improvement in Appropriate Use of 17 Alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate in the Community Setting. Charles Rittenberg, et al., Medical University of South Carolina, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Charleston, SC; Alere Health, Atlanta, GA.

(2) Poster Presentation 176: Conformity with Treatment Standards and Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients Receiving 17 Alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate (17P) for Preterm Birth Prophylaxis. Victor Hugo Gonzalez-Quintero, et al., University of Miami, Miami, FL; Alere Health, Atlanta, GA.

SOURCE Alere Health