Gynuity
Gynuity recently completed the first phase of a large-scale project to evaluate misoprostol for prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and to help raise awareness about its potential, especially in low-resource settings where it could have the greatest impact.
Misoprostol stimulates uterine contractions, which may effectively prevent or end bleeding after delivery. For example, misoprostol can prevent up to 80% of cases of severe PPH when used immediately after the baby’s birth. If heavy postpartum bleeding does occur, misoprostol effectively stops bleeding for nine out of ten women within 20 minutes. It may be especially important in settings where no other effective drugs are currently available for prevention or treatment of PPH.
Activities
In November 2009, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded Gynuity a $25 million, five-year grant to implement a series of new research and advocacy activities, building upon the success of the initial project. Under the new grant, some of the specific research and program approaches in the five-year body of work include:
- Development and implementation of studies to identify pathways for the safe and effective use of misoprostol for PPH prevention and treatment for use outside of tertiary-level facilities.
- Development of an evidence-based policy and advocacy agenda in partnership with key international and regional organizations.
- Creation of new clinical knowledge on misoprostol for PPH indications.
- Encouragement of policy change at national and international levels.
- Creation of informational materials for use by various audiences to address issues of access to interventions to prevent and treat PPH.
- Collaboration with pharmaceutical entities to push for greater availability of misoprostol for PPH care.
(Derman et al, The Lancet 2006)
(Blum et al, International Journal of Gynocology Obstetrics, 2007)
(Blum et al & Winikoff et al, The Lancet Jan 2010)