Astellas Pharma Canada has introduced Myrbetriq (mirabegron, extended-release tablets) as overactive bladder (OAB) therapy in Canada.
Myrbetriq is indicated to treat OAB with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency and urinary frequency.
The University of Western Ontario urology adjunct professor, St. Mary's General Hospital medical vice president and Mirabegron Phase III trial investigator Dr. Blair Egerdie said as OAB symptoms can be distressing, a focus on helping improve quality of life is critical.
"Everything from our patient's emotional well-being, to their productivity at work, mood, and social functioning can be affected. Treatment options that can help minimize this very real, very personal impact represent an important achievement in the treatment of OAB," Egerdie added.
The 3-adrenoceptor agonist works by increasing bladder capacity by relaxing the detrusor smooth muscle during the storage phase of the urinary bladder fill-void cycle.
Three, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group, multicenter trials assessed Myrbetriq in OAB patients.
Astellas Pharma Canada president Michael Tremblay said, "Now that Myrbetriq is available through pharmacies, Canadian patients have access to the first new class of medication for the treatment of OAB in over 30 years."
