The drug is not intended for use in women with a multiple pregnancy, such as a twin pregnancy, or other risk factors for preterm birth.

FORBES: New Drug To Prevent Pre-Term Birth Approved

The causes of autism remain unknown, though a variety of risk factors for the disorder have been identified, including advanced parental age and preterm birth.

WSJ: Autism Diagnoses Up Sharply

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Makena (hydroxyprogesterone caproate) injection to reduce the risk of preterm delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy, in pregnant women with a history of at least one spontaneous preterm birth.

FORBES: New Drug To Prevent Pre-Term Birth Approved

Dr Joy Lawn, of Save the Children, who is part of the Born Too Soon initiative that seeks to cut prematurity rates, said: ""Our analysis shows that the current potential for preterm birth prevention is shockingly small.

BBC: 'Too little known' on early birth