Astellas launches treatment for overactive bladder in Jordan
AMMAN, January 18, 2016
Astellas Pharma Middle East, North and Sub-Saharan Africa (MENA/SSA), has unveiled a new treatment for relieving symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) in Jordan.
The treatment contains the active ingredient mirabegron, providing a new and alternative treatment option to conventional antimuscarinics treatment for adult patients, said a statement.
OAB is a group of urinary symptoms including strong and sudden urges to urinate without prior warning and having to urinate frequently.
It affects more than 400 million people worldwide, it said.
The symptoms of OAB can significantly affect an individual's daily activities, and also impact social, family, physical and professional settings and dynamics and while it is a common problem, many people are hesitant to seek consultation.
Professor Abdul Naser M Al Shunaigat, president of Jordanian Association of Urological Surgeons, said: “OAB is a very common problem that affects the elderly more often, but also men and women of any age. In Jordan, it’s ignored by many due to lack of awareness, social stigma and embarrassment.
"As many as 40 per cent of people with OAB have never consulted a healthcare professional about their symptoms. This is an unfortunate statistic revealing that too many people are suffering despite reliable and efficient treatment options that can improve patient’s quality of life.”
Professor Marcus Drake, consultant surgeon at the Bristol Urological Institute, UK, said: “Treating patients with mirabegron was studied in several controlled clinical trials in adult men and women with overactive bladder symptoms.
"With mirabegron, patients experienced improved symptoms and more treatment satisfaction than those treated with a placebo. The safety profile for mirabegron makes this therapy an effective oral medication for people with overactive bladder symptoms.”
Mirabegron works by stimulating the receptors in the muscle of the bladder called beta-3 receptors causing it to relax.
This will improve the storage capacity of the bladder without inhibiting bladder contraction, thereby prolonging the time between trips to the toilet for the patient.
Dry mouth is one of the most common and bothersome side effects of antimuscarinics, and often the reason for discontinuation of treatment, said the statement.
Mirabegron is now available via prescription in Jordan in 50mg packs containing 30 tablets, it added. - TradeArabia News Service
