Urovant Sciences (Irvine, California) is upbeat about the prospects of beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist Gemtesa (vibegron) in treating overactive bladder (OAB). This week, the drug was featured in two presentations at the virtual American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting.
Historically, the primary treatment for OAB involved a type of anticholinergics known as muscarinic receptor antagonists.
In 2012, Astellas Pharma (TYO: 4503) won FDA approval for Myrbetriq (mirabegron), the first beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist for OAB to hit the market. More recently, Urovant, a subsidiary of Sumitovant Biopharma Ltd., won FDA approval for Gemtesa (vibegron), another beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist, which became commercially available in April.
Anticholinergics used for OAB can have bothersome side effects such as dry mouth and constipation, said Dr. Cornelia Haag-Molkenteller, chief medical officer at Urovant. Such side effects lead many patients…