Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has announced that it will be considering its principal product H.P. Acthar for use in a new area – nephrotic syndrome. In this condition, there is excessive spilling of protein into the urine from the kidneys of the patient. Acthar is specifically indicated to deal with this condition (proteinuria). Questcor is in discussions with nephrologists about the possible therapeutic application of Acthar. A broader indication for the product is expected in future.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Watson Laboratories’ Rapaflo (silodosin) capsules for the treatment of symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Having high affinity for α-receptors concentrated in the prostate, the blocker binds them to smoothen muscles in the tissues. This relaxes them, improving flow of urine and reducing symptoms of BPH such as retrograde ejaculation, dizziness etc.

A recent study conducted by the Department of Urogynaecology at King’s College Hospital in London to measure the efficacy of solifenacin in treating patients suffering from overactive bladders has concluded that the drug shows positive results in as little time as three days. A 70 per cent reduction was reported in urgency in patients receiving solifenacin as compared to 50 per cent for those taking the placebo.

According to the findings of a clinical study conducted by researchers from Umea University in Sweden, adult male patients of locally advanced prostate cancer can gain from addition of radiation to androgen deprivation therapy. The study found that the group which received radiotherapy along with hormone therapy had greater survival rate. The risk of death from prostate cancer was cut by half.

According to the results of a comparative trial at Clayton Research Institute in St. Louis, Missouri, single-day famciclovir (1000 mg twice daily) was as effective and safe as 3-day valacyclovir (500 mg administered twice daily) for the treatment of genital herpes. Thus, it represents a more convenient medication for immuno-competent adults facing the problem of recurrent genital herpes. An effective short-course treatment can reduce the unwanted sequelae related to recurrences considerably. Novartis, the maker of famciclovir (brand name – Famvir), supported the study.