Ditropan XL (ALZA Corp).
Alza is developing both transdermal and oral (utilizing OROS technology) formulations of the established muscarinic antagonist, oxybutynin, for the treatment of urinary incontinence. The formulations are being developed to improve dosing and reduce side-effects associated with existing formulations of the drug. In December 1997, Alza filed an NDA for its sustained-release, once-daily oral formulation as Ditropan XL. This was approved in December 1998. US market launch was in early February 1999, and Merrill Lynch predicts 1999 revenues to reach $60 million. Alza intends to expand the Ditropan line, and plans to introduce a 15 mg tablet by mid-1999. Crescendo has obtained a worldwide license. A commercialization agreement for Europe has been made with Synthelabo. The product will be filed in Europe during 1999. Information on the drug can be found on the Internet at www.DitropanXL.com.
Kamali
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F
Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Claremont Place, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK. Farhad.Kamali@newcastle.ac.uk