In what is being seen as a startling new find, Scientists at the Newcastle University have discovered that a popular cancer drug Trichostatin A is effective in stopping contractions and can stop premature labour. In a country where more than 1,500 babies die every year because of a premature birth, this can be a boon.

Doctors tested Trichostatin A, which is originally used to kill cancer cells in patients, on 36 women undergoing Caesarean and found that the drug effectively increased protein levels in the body, which further controlled muscle relaxation.

While the study has raised hopes of better control over premature births, further studies are needed to determine if it is alright to administer the drug for non-cancer patients.
As of now, there are some doubts. "We will not give this drug to a patient because it can damage as many as 10% of the genes in a cell", said Professor Nick Europe-Finner, lead researcher.