The FDA approved Vesicare in November 2004 for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urgency, frequency and urge incontinence in the US.
When orally administered once a day, Vesicare relaxes the detrusor muscle by blocking the muscarinic (nerve) receptors in it, thereby reducing overactive bladder symptoms of urgency, frequency and urge incontinence.
Yamanouchi Pharma America (YPA) promotes Vesicare, targeting specialists such as urologists and gynecologists based on the co-promotion agreement Yamanouchi concluded with GSK in August 2003. In the primary care market, promotion will be conducted mainly by GSK and partly by YPA.
Urology will be one of the focus fields for Astellas Pharma, which will be formed as a result of merger of Yamanouchi and Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co in April. As an important strategic product, Vesicare is expected to make significant contribution to further expansion and consolidation of the company’s business platform in the US.