The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) and the European Commission (EC) have formally designated Tengion Inc.’s Neo-Bladder Augment™ as an Orphan Medicinal Product.  The product has been given this status for the treatment of neurogenic bladder related to spinal cord injury. It had been previously granted this designation for use in the treatment of neurogenic bladder in spinal bifida patients. The new grant provides it regulatory incentives such as eligibility for protocol assistance and reductions in certain fees, along with 10 years of marketing exclusivity in EU. Neurogenic bladder is a critical condition that can cause kidney failure.

The Blackpool Victoria Hospital has brought botox in use for the treatment of bladder problems. The cosmetic drug used to produce a smooth brow and wrinkle-free face is now being put to use in treating patients with overactive bladders. The response from patients has been good too. The procedure lasts for about 18 months and the effects are completely reversible. Botox has been given NICE approval to be used for this technique. A neuro-toxin that paralyzes the nerve endings which tell muscles to relax, botox can be injected directly into the bladder to treat an over-active bladder. It is a less invasive option.

A  recent research led by Dr Eric A Singer, chief urology resident at the Department of Urology, University of Rochester Medical Center has found that men who regularly took common painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) had lower circulating levels of PSA (prostate-specific antigen). These levels are the indicators used by doctors to assess whether a person is at risk of prostate cancer. The findings suggest that regular use of NSAIDs lowered PSA levels by almost 10 per cent compared.