The First European Transdermal Oxybutynin Treatment For Overactive Bladder, Kentera(reg)

Main Category: Urology / Nephrology
Article Date: 19 Apr 2005 - 11:00 PDT

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UCB, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, today confirmed that its novel oxybutynin transdermal patch for overactive bladder (OAB) is to begin its phased European launch, starting this week with Germany.

Oxybutynin is a well known and well established medication which has been prescribed in oral form for almost 30 years. The new transdermal patch is applied twice a week and its adhesiveness has been shown to be unaffected by activities such as exercising, bathing, showering and swimming.1

The key advantage of Kentera(reg) is that it relieves the symptoms of OAB (a frequent need to pass urine, sometimes with urinary incontinence) with fewer anticholinergic side effects - like dry mouth and constipation - frequently seen with drugs given in tablet form.2 In a trial 65% of patients said they would prefer to use a patch for future treatment of OAB3, a condition thought to affect as many as 17% of people over 40 years of age.4 According to Professor Keelbl, Klinikum des Joh. Gutenberg Universitat, Mainz (Germany), "The transdermal technology delivers the drug into the bloodstream consistently and continuously, smoothing out the high peak levels of the metabolite seen after oral administration, which may be associated with undesirable effects. These undesirable effects are very important to patients as they are quite common and debilitating."

The overactive bladder market in Europe is currently estimated at over E300 million and is expected to rise due to the continuously aging population and the ongoing identification of large numbers of untreated patients that choose to suffer in silence. UCB and Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc of Corona, California entered into a marketing and supply agreement for the marketing of Kentera(reg) in Europe by UCB in September 2003. Watson's product, which received FDA approval in February 2003, is currently marketed in the United States as OXYTROL(reg).

References

1. EU Product Information (15/06/04).

2. Dmochowski RR et al. Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Transdermal Oxybutynin and Oral Tolterodine versus Placebo in Previously Treated Patients with Urge and Mixed Urinary Incontinence. Urology 2003; 62: 237-242.

3. Newman DK. Patient perceptions on new therapeutic options for the control of overactive bladder. Poster at 34th SUNA, 2003, USA.

4. Milsom I, Abrams P, Cardozo L et al. How Widespread are the Symptoms of Overactive Bladder and how are they Managed? A population-based prevalence study. BJU Int. 2001; 87: 760-766.

About UCB:

UCB (http://www.ucb-group.com) is a global biopharmaceutical leader with headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, specialising in the fields of central nervous system disorders, allergy and respiratory diseases, immune and inflammatory disorders and oncology. UCB key products are Keppra(reg) (antiepileptic), Xyzal(reg) and Zyrtec(reg) (antiallergics), Nootropil(reg) (cerebral function regulator), Tussionex(reg) (antitussive) and Metadate(reg) / Equasym XL(reg) (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). UCB employs over 8,000 people operating in over 40 countries and achieved sales of E 1.9 billion and an operating profit (EBIT) of E 383 million in 2004 (excluding the chemicals activities, divested in February 2005). UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels with a market capitalization of approximately E5.5 billion.

About Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc:

Watson currently markets transdermal oxybutynin in the United States under the brand name OXYTROL(reg). Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc, headquartered in Corona CA, is a leading specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, markets, sells and distributes branded and generic pharmaceutical products. Watson pursues a growth strategy combining internal product development, strategic alliances and collaborations and synergistic acquisitions of products and businesses.

For further information, please contact:
Jean-Christophe Donck
VP Corporate Communication
UCB
Tel: +32 (0)2 559 9588
JC.Donck@ucb-group.com
http://www.ucb-group.com

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