Pharmacological Treatment for Cervical Ripening Gains Approval in Japan

Propess (dinoprostone) from Ferring Pharmaceuticals has achieved approval from the Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) in Japan, making it the first pharmacological treatment for cervical ripening to be approved in the country for more than 20 years.

According to a Jan. 23, 2020 press release, this approval follows a close collaboration between Ferring Pharmaceuticals and a local Japanese advocacy group, set up to ensure the needs and safety of women in labour are addressed in Japan. Propess is a pharmacological treatment that is used for the initiation of cervical ripening in women at term and is currently marketed in more than 60 countries around the world.

“The approval of Propess in Japan is a big step forward in offering women more choice when it comes to cervical ripening,” said Per Falk, president and chief science officer, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, in the press release. “There is a lack of research and development of treatment options for women who are pregnant or giving birth, which is why it is important for Ferring to continue to invest and advance the field of Reproductive Medicine and Maternal Health and continue with our purpose of building families worldwide.”

“For women giving birth, mechanical methods may not always be the right option, and it is important that a woman’s safety and comfort is paramount,” added Mikiya Kitamura, vice-president, Ferring Japan R&D, in the press release. “Ensuring that a treatment is safe and effective is a priority for us, and we are pleased to have been able to work together with our local patient advocacy group on this significant milestone.”

Source: Ferring Pharmaceuticals