Prolacta Bioscience to Present Abstract on Human Breast Milk-Based Fortifier in Pre-Term Infants at American Academy of Pediatrics 2008 National Conference
Jul 16, 2008

Press Release

MONROVIA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Prolacta Bioscience has announced that the American Academy of Pediatrics 2008 National Conference and Exhibition has accepted their abstract demonstrating the effects of human milk-based human milk fortifier on pre-term infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics 2008 National Conference and Exhibition (NCE) will take place October 11-14, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. Prolacta Bioscience, which is the first and only company to offer human milk fortifier made from 100% human breast milk for premature and critically ill infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), will present during Perinatal Pediatrics on Friday, October 10, 2008 taking place from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The abstract, entitled “A Historically Controlled Cohort Study of a Novel Breast Milk-Based Human Milk Fortifier in Pre-Term Infants: Effects on Growth, Respiratory Status and ROP” shares results of a cohort study that was conducted to ascertain differences in outcomes of preterm infants who for the first 30 days of fortification received breast milk fortified with ProlactPlusTMH2MFTM compared to historical controls who received standard human milk fortifier (HMF). ProlactPlusTMH2MF is a human breast milk-based HMF, whereas standard HMF is derived from cows’ milk.

HMF is important for premature babies because they miss out on significant growth that occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy. A mother’s breast milk is not deficient in any nutrient, however it is not able to support the growth that preterm infants need to catch-up with their full-term peers. Feeding these babies more volume is not an option since their stomachs are too small, therefore a solution to this problem is to concentrate their food.

The study’s lead author is Sandra Sullivan, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics, division of neonatology, University of Florida College of Medicine. Results of the study were significant, and demonstrated that preterm infants who received H2MF grew at rates similar to controls, required fewer ventilator days subsequent to fortification, and had a lower incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The study concludes that H2MF promotes growth comparable to that seen with cows’ milk-based fortifiers and may have a beneficial effect on respiratory status and ROP.

“Prolacta was founded on the age-old belief that human milk is the best food for infants, and that there would be significant benefits from 100% human milk-based nutrition for premature infants,” said Scott Elster, CEO of Prolacta Bioscience. “This study demonstrates that fortifier made from human milk is superior to bovine-based substitutes. We have anticipated the results of this study for some time, and are excited to share this data with the neonatology community.”

Annually, about 62,000 babies in the United States are born very low birth weight, and nationwide, approximately 500,000 babies are born prematurely each year, which is equal to nearly 12% of all U.S. births. The rate of preterm birth has increased almost 35 percent between 1981 and 2005 (9.4 to 12.7 percent).

Most babies that use Prolacta products are born weighing less than three pounds, five ounces (1,500 grams). These infants are considered very low birth weight, and are at substantial risk of serious health problems, lasting disabilities, and even death. Prolacta’s products are formulated to meet specific criteria as prescribed by neonatologists. Therefore, Prolacta standardizes their products with precise calories, nutrients, and proteins.