FDA removes only preterm birth drug from market

The FDA has ordered the immediate withdrawal of Makena, a drug intended to prevent premature births, after data showed it doesn't help pregnant women. Swiss drugmaker Covis Pharma had repeatedly tried to keep the drug on the market while conducting additional studies, but the FDA rejected this proposal. Makena was the only drug approved in the US to help reduce the risk of early births in women with a history of preterm deliveries. The injectable drug is a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, which helps the uterus sustain pregnancy.