The Hindu Business Line : Organon working on drugs for andropause

THE "male menopause" or andropause may not have globally developed as much as a business segment, as it was expected. But Organon, the human healthcare business unit of Akzo Nobel, continues to pursue research on drug candidates in this segment, with one drug entering the second phase of clinical trial.

Andropause is often confused with the ageing process and the symptoms accompanying this condition, including physical and mental tiredness are often met with denial by middle-aged men suffering from the condition.

Elaborating on the research being undertaken in the segment, Mr Paul Geurts, Associate Director, International Medical Services (Andrology & Urology), Akzo Nobel said: "We are working on new androgens or select androgens that work only where it is required to work. For instance, if it has to target bone density, it would do just that. The problem with testosterone drugs is that it has a low potency and metabolic instability. Work by companies in this segment would be to develop a potent, metabolically stable of the drug that can be taken in a once-a-day dose."

Organon is working on a tissue-selective androgen, of both steroidal and non-steroidal variety and it will take up to 2010, before this drug hits the market, he said. In the meanwhile, Organon is in the process of making its existing drug Andriol Testocaps, available in more global markets. The drug, launched in Europe last year, is available in India.

On some of the challenges in developing an improved drug for the segment, he said that in its current version the drug had to be taken with food for better absorption. This feature was something drug companies were trying to overcome for the sake of convenience to the patient.

Meanwhile, the company is also in the process of designing a hormonal contraceptive for men and this too is in the second phase of clinical trials, he said. In this case too, a drug cannot be expect for another five-odd years, he said.

Prof Louis Gooren, an expert on the subject, pointed out that andropause "was not merely a drug problem", but one to do with the attitude and lifestyle of the individual. Symptoms include abdominal obesity, poor concentration levels and decrease in body muscle, among other things. And while patients are in denial of this condition, doctors too sometimes don't take these problems seriously, he said.

Ms Marie-Helene Piederiet, Head of Marketing with Organon India, said that she expected the andropause segment to grow with increased awareness in the country. Currently though, women's health accounts for 50 per cent of the company's Rs 150 crore turnover. The male health segment, at Rs 22 crore is expected to grow by about eight per cent for the year. The company has "strong plans" to bring into India its mental health products, she said.

Organon is currently undertaking a joint-clinical trial with the Indian Council of Medical Research for the former's contraceptive implant, Implanon.

More Stories on : Health | Pharmaceuticals | Research & Development

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page