In response to a reader’s query about possible conflicts of interest relative to a Letter to the Editor published in the May issue of the Journal (O’Brien JM. 17-hydroxy progesterone caproate, progesterone, preterm birth prevention, and safety; who decides? Someone should. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2011;204:5.e16-7) Dr John O’Brien wishes to disclose the following:

• (1)
  

  He was involved in studies of progesterone gel treatment for preterm birth prevention, financially supported by Columbia Laboratories, a maker of progesterone gel.

  
  
• (2)
  

  He serves on Advisory Boards for Watson Pharmaceuticals, a company with a financial interest in marketing vaginal progesterone gel for preterm birth prophylaxis.

  
  
• (3)
  

  He acknowledges that he and others are listed in the patent on the use of all progesterone compounds to prevent preterm birth (US Patent Number 7,884,093: Progesterone for the Treatment and Prevention of Spontaneous Preterm Birth).