ADEZA RECEIVES FDA APPROVABLE LETTER FOR GESTIVA

Adeza Biomedical announced that the FDA has determined that Gestiva for the prevention of preterm birth in women with a history of preterm delivery is approvable subject to the completion of an additional animal study and certain other conditions. The approvable letter also outlined postapproval clinical requirements, which are consistent with recommendations made by the FDA advisory committee in August.

"We will request a meeting with the FDA to address comments outlined in the approvable letter as soon as possible," said Emory Anderson, president and CEO of Adeza. "Currently there is no FDA-approved treatment for preterm birth, which represents a major and costly public health issue in the U.S."

Gestiva is a long-acting form of a naturally occurring progesterone. The use of this form of progesterone is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in the treatment of women for recurrent preterm birth.

A decision by the FDA regarding three-year exclusivity under Hatch-Waxman for Gestiva is expected to be made at the time of any final approval. Discussions with the FDA regarding the company's orphan drug status application for seven-year exclusivity are ongoing. While Adeza's initial request for Orphan Drug designation was not granted, the company plans to meet with the FDA to provide additional new information for further review by the agency.