Safety and Efficacy of Mirabegron: Analysis of a Large Integrated Clinical Trial Database of Patients with Overactive Bladder Receiving Mirabegron, Antimuscarinics, or Placebo

Treatment Patterns with Mirabegron and Antimuscarinics for Overactive Bladder: A Prospective, Registry Study in Taiwan and South Korea (FAITH)

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to assess overactive bladder (OAB) treatment patterns and factors associated with effectiveness and persistence.

METHODS

A prospective, longitudinal, observational registry study of adults starting OAB therapy with mirabegron or antimuscarinics was undertaken. Primary endpoints were time from treatment initiation to discontinuation/switching; proportion who discontinued/switched; and reasons for discontinuation/switching. Secondary endpoints included OAB Symptom Score (OABSS), OAB Questionnaire: Short Form, and OAB Bladder Assessment Tool scores; factors associated with effectiveness and persistence; and safety.

RESULTS

In total, 556 patients initiating mirabegron and 250 initiating antimuscarinics were enrolled. There was no treatment switch, change, or discontinuation in 68.5% of the mirabegron initiator group and median time to treatment change was not reached. Mean initial treatment duration was 130.8 days. In multivariable models, baseline OABSS was the only variable significantly associated with change from baseline in OABSS, and patients with mild and moderate OAB had significantly better persistence with mirabegron than those with severe OAB. Urinary tract infection was the most common adverse event with mirabegron. There was no treatment switch, change, or discontinuation in 60.4% of the antimuscarinics initiator group and median time to treatment change was not reached. Solifenacin was the most frequent initial treatment (66.0%). Mean treatment duration was 122.2 days. In multivariable models, baseline OABSS was the only variable significantly associated with change from baseline in OABSS, while patients with OAB medication in the 12 months before enrollment had significantly better persistence with antimuscarinics than those with no previous OAB medication. Dry mouth was the most common adverse event with antimuscarinics.

CONCLUSIONS

Mirabegron and solifenacin were commonly prescribed as first-line OAB medications. There was no treatment switch, change, or discontinuation in more than 60% of the mirabegron initiator and antimuscarinics initiator groups. Mean initial treatment duration was 130.8 days and 122.2 days for mirabegron and antimuscarinics, respectively. Graphical Abstract available for this article.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03572231.

Predictors of non-persistence in women with overactive bladder syndrome

Persistence is important for the success in the treatment of women with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). We aimed to identify the predictors of non-persistence in women with OAB after first-line medical treatment. All consecutive women with OAB (n = 608), who underwent urodynamic studies and received first-line medical treatment (5 mg of solifenacin or 25 mg of mirabegron per day) in a referral medical center, were reviewed. Mirabegron (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.711) was associated with a higher persistence rate, compared to solifenacin. Mirabegron treatment (HR = 0.269) was less likely to switch medication; however, a high Urogenital Distress Inventory score (HR = 1.082) was more likely to switch medication. Furthermore, old age (HR = 1.050, especially for ≥ 75 years) and high voided volume (dL, HR = 1.420, especially for voided volume ≥ 250 ml) were associated with added medication at follow-up. Additionally, women with low parity (HR = 0.653, especially for parity ≤ 3) and a low Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) score (HR = 0.828, especially for IIQ-7 score ≤ 7) were associated with improvement without medication. In conclusion, mirabegron can be considered as the first frontline treatment to increase the persistence rate and decrease the rate of switched medications, compared to solifenacin. In addition, combination therapy or higher-dose monotherapy could be used as the first front-line treatment for women ≥ 75 years of age or with ≥ 250 ml of voided volume.

What is the best first choice oral drug therapy for OAB?

AIMS

The management of overactive bladder (OAB) involves lifestyle changes and conservative measures in the first instance with the use of liquid/dietary advice, weight loss, and bladder training. Thereafter oral pharmacotherapy is instigated in symptomatic patients. Antimuscarinics and beta 3 agonists form the main classes of drug therapy in this field. Views on what is the best first line OAB treatment is changing based on recent evidence and adverse event profiles of these medications.

METHODS

At the ICI-RS meeting 2023, Bristol, UK this topic was discussed and debated as a proposal. The following article summarizes the concepts presented that day as well as the interactive discussion that took place thereafter.

RESULTS

OAB guidelines are moving in many circumstances to an either antimuscarinic or beta 3 agonist approach based on patient factors. Several studies have raised concerns on the long-term impact of antimuscarinics, in relation to cognition, dementia, cardiovascular events, and mortality all related to antimuscarinic load. Neither antimuscarinics nor beta 3 agonists have good persistence and adherence rates in the medium to long term. Several barriers also exist to prescribing including guidelines recommending utilizing drugs with the lowest acquisition cost and "step therapy." A newer approach to managing OAB is personalized therapy in view of the many possible etiological factors and phenotypes. These concepts are highlighted in this article.

CONCLUSIONS

Current oral pharmacotherapy in managing OAB is limited by adverse events, adherence and persistence problems. Both antimuscarinics and beta 3 agonists are efficacious but most clinical trials demonstrate significant placebo effects in this field. Personalizing treatment to the individual seems a logical approach to OAB. There is a need for better treatments and further studies are required of existing treatments with high quality longer term outcomes.

Urinary beta 3-adrenoceptor as a diagnostic biomarker for overactive bladder in women

This study was to investigate urinary beta 3-adrenoceptor concentration as a biomarker for overactive bladder (OAB) and predictor of treatment outcomes in women receiving the beta 3-adrenoceptor agonist mirabegron. The study comprised 50 women identified with OAB and 35 women considered as healthy controls. All women with OAB received daily dosage of 50 mg of mirabegron for 12 weeks. Bladder diaries, OAB-related questionnaires, and global response assessment scale (GRAS) data were collected. Urinary beta 3-adrenoceptor concentration was measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All OAB-related questionnaires and GRAS indicated improved posttreatment urinary health. After mirabegron treatment, the frequency of micturition and urgency episodes decreased, but the urinary beta 3-adrenoceptor/creatinine (Cr) ratio increased. The urinary beta 3-adrenoceptor/creatinine ratio was identified as a sensitive biomarker for OAB with a confidence interval of 0.656 to 0.856 (p < 0.001). A negative correlation (- 0.431, p = 0.040) between this biomarker and health-related quality of life (HRQL) scores. The Beta 3-adrenoceptor/Cr levels increased significantly in the treatment-responsive group, while they remained unchanged in the unsatisfactory outcome group. This study shows that 12 weeks of mirabegron treatment improves OAB symptoms and HRQL. Furthermore, urinary beta 3-adrenoceptor concentration may be a diagnostic biomarker for OAB.

Current optimal pharmacologic therapies for overactive bladder

INTRODUCTION

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common syndrome in adults. Current pharmacologic treatment includes antimuscarinic agents and β-3 adrenoceptor agonists. For non-responders to oral medication, intravesical injection of botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) is an effective option. However, these treatments have potential adverse events and should be cautiously selected for appropriate patients. This review presents the recently published results of clinical trials and studies for patients with OAB and the underlying pathophysiology of OAB. Appropriate medical therapy based on pathophysiology of OAB is also presented.

AREAS COVERED

Literature search from Pubmed from 2001 to 2023 including clinical background, pharmacology, and clinical studies for OAB medications.

EXPERT OPINION

Treatment of OAB syndrome with any antimuscarinic or β-3 adrenoceptor agonist is feasible as a first-line approach. For patients with suboptimal therapeutic effect to full-dose antimuscarinics or mirabegron, combination with both drugs can improve efficacy. Intravesical BoNT-A 100-U injection provides therapeutic effects for refractory OAB. Patients who are refractory to initial pharmacotherapies should be investigated for the underlying pathophysiology; then an appropriate medication can be added, such as an α1-blocker or anti-inflammatory agents. Patient education about behavioral modification and therapies should always be provided with oral medication or BoNT-A injection for OAB patients.

Persistence of overactive bladder pharmacological treatment in women as reflected from large-scale real-world data of prescription claims: A retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Medical treatments for overactive bladder (OAB) have proven efficacy in controlled trials. However, 1-year treatment persistence is reported to be as low as 25% for anticholinergics and 40% for β3 agonists. Real-world data on treatment continuation and treatment sequence is limited. Therefore, we aimed to study treatment persistence trends in women initiated on OAB medications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used advanced data-mining techniques to query the largest regional provider's medication purchase database, dispensing for patients, for all women initiating OAB pharmacotherapy between 2010 and 2020. Treatment persistence was measured as days in which the patient was in possession of medication and nonpersistence was defined as prescription nonrefilling for 90 days. We employed a Sankey diagram to explore trends in OAB medication acquisition and treatment sequence. We compared treatment persistence using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and pairwise log-rank analysis.

RESULTS

Here, 46 079 women made 791 681 unique claims of OAB medications. Only 39% of the patients tried more than one OAB formulation, including dose change. The overall persistence rate for all drugs was 55% in 30 days, 46% in 90 days, and 37% per year. The persistence rate for Mirabegron at 30 days was 54%, 42% at 90 days, and 17% at 1 year. Overall, persistence rates were unchanged when stratifying by the time Mirabegron insurance acceptance into coverage (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Real-world OAB pharmacotherapy persistence rates are lower than previously reported. The introduction of Mirabegron did not seem to improve these rates or affect the treatment sequence.

Mirabegron is better tolerated than solifenacin in Sjogren's syndrome patients with overactive bladder symptoms-A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

This study investigates the efficacy and adverse events of beta-3 agonists and antimuscarinic agents for managing overactive bladder syndrome in Sjogren syndrome.

METHODS

Sjogren's syndrome patients with an Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) >5 were enrolled and were randomly assigned to mirabegron 50 mg/day or solifenacin 5 mg/day. Patients were evaluated on the recruitment day and reassessed at Week 1, 2, 4, and 12. The study's primary endpoint was to have a significant change in OABSS at Week 12. The secondary endpoint was the adverse event and crossover rate.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients were included in the final analysis, with 24 in the mirabegron group and 17 in the solifenacin group. The study's primary outcome was a change of the OABSS at Week 12. We found that both mirabegron and solifenacin significantly reduce patients' OABSS after 12 weeks of treatment. The evolution of the OABSS was -3.08 for mirabegron and -3.71 for solifenacin (p = .56). Six out of 17 patients from the solifenacin group crossed over to the mirabegron arm due to severe dry mouth or constipation, while none from the mirabegron arm crossed over to the solifenacin group. Sjogren's syndrome-related pain was also improved in the mirabegron group (4.96-1.67, p = .008) compared to the solifenacin group (4.39-3.4, p = .49).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that mirabegron is equally effective as solifenacin in treating Sjogren's syndrome patients with overactive bladder. Mirabegron is superior to solifenacin in terms of treatment-related adverse events.

Does metabolic syndrome influence the efficacy of mirabegron treatment in female patients with overactive bladder?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

We aimed to determine whether the presence of metabolic syndrome (MS) affects the efficacy of mirabegron in treatment-naïve women with overactive bladder (OAB).

METHODS

Women being treated with mirabegron 50 mg were allocated to MS and non-MS groups, and the efficacy of treatment of OAB was compared using the OAB symptom score (OABSS) and a 3-day voiding diary before and 12 weeks after starting treatment. The Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analyses, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered to represent statistical significance.

RESULTS

Of the 197 patients who completed the trial, 43 (23.9%) had MS. After 12 weeks of mirabegron treatment, both the MS and non-MS groups showed significant improvements in OABSS score, the number of incontinence episodes/24 h, the number of micturition episodes/24 h, and the number of episodes of urgency/24 h. The factors associated with clinically important differences in OABSS were the presence of hyperglycemia (odds ratio 2.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-5.60) and OABSS score at baseline (odds ratio 1.23, 95% CI 1.09-1.39).

CONCLUSIONS

Mirabegron is effective in patients with and without MS, and comorbid hyperglycemia and severe OAB symptoms before treatment are predictors of the efficacy of mirabegron treatment.

Comparison of Mirabegron and Vibegron in Women With Treatment-Naive Overactive Bladder: A Randomized Controlled Study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of mirabegron versus vibegron in postmenopausal women with treatment-naïve overactive bladder (OAB).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective randomized controlled study of women with treatment-naïve OAB. The patients received mirabegron or vibegron at 50 mg daily for 12 weeks by a stratified randomized method. The OAB symptom score (OABSS) and quality of life (QOL) index were evaluated before and 4 and 12 weeks after the treatment. The patients' 3-day voiding diary and postvoided residual urine volumes were evaluated before and 12 weeks after the treatment.

RESULTS

Of 213 patients initially enrolled in this study, 199 patients were randomized to the mirabegron group (n = 97) or vibegron group (n = 102). Twelve weeks after the treatment, OABSS, QOL index, the numbers of micturition, urgency episodes, incontinence episodes, and voided volume per 24 hours were significantly improved compared with the baseline in both groups, and there was no significant difference in the rate of change in both groups. The postvoid residual urine volume was not significantly different in the 2 groups at 12 weeks. Discontinuation because of adverse effects was observed in 6.2% of patients in the mirabegron group and 6.8% in the vibegron group, with no significant difference between 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

Both mirabegron at 50 mg and vibegron at 50 mg improved OAB symptoms and the parameters of voiding diary equally in postmenopausal women with treatment naïve OAB.

Interventions to improve tolerability of local anesthetic intradetrusor Botulinum toxin injections: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Intradetrusor BotulinumtoxinA (BTA) injections are recommended for patients with overactive bladder (OAB) refractory to lifestyle changes and medical intervention. It is preferable to perform injections using a flexible cystoscope under local anesthetic (LA) rather than under spinal or general anesthetic owing to the associated anesthetic risks, increased costs, and need for repeated inpatient admission. Injections under LA can be difficult to tolerate for some patients. This review aims to assess interventions that may improve the tolerability of intradetrusor BTA injections under LA.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed using Ovid of Embase + Embase classic and MEDLINE® ALL in November 2021. Articles were included if they reported objectively measured pain scores during LA intradetrusor BTA injections for refractory OAB. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tools. Meta-analysis was not performed owing to the heterogeneity of outcome measures.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included in this review with a total of 429 participants. The review identified alkalinized lidocaine, electromotive drug administration (EMDA), opiate suppositories, lidocaine bladder instillations, number of injections, and dose of BTA as interventions aimed at improving tolerability.

CONCLUSION

EMDA of intravesical alkalinized lidocaine, intravesical, alkalinized lidocaine without EMDA, and a reduction in the number of injection site were all associated with improvements in patient tolerability during LA BTA injections. Further research should address which subgroups of patients find the procedure most painful and would benefit most from these interventions.

The Differential Risk of Mortality Among Users of Overactive Bladder Anticholinergic Medications and β3 Agonists

Anticholinergic overactive bladder (OAB) medications have been studied in large observational studies to determine if they are associated with a greater risk of mortality (potentially because of their effects on the heart or the brain). Studies in different populations of old adults have shown that oxybutynin is associated with a significantly higher risk of mortality of 26-58% in comparison to other OAB anticholinergic medications or β3 agonists. In general, anticholinergic OAB medications may increase the risk of mortality, and a single multicountry study showed that β3 agonist users had a 20% lower risk of mortality compared to OAB anticholinergic users. PATIENT SUMMARY: Older adults who started using a traditional type of medication for overactive bladder (oxybutynin) had a higher risk of dying compared to people who used newer types of anticholinergic medications and to people who used overactive bladder medications that work in a different way.

Long-Term Surveillance and Management of Urological Complications in Chronic Spinal Cord-Injured Patients

Bladder dysfunction is a common complication after chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Patients may experience renal function loss, urinary tract infection (UTI), urolithiasis, bladder cancer, and even life-threatening events such as severe sepsis or renal failure. Suitable patient care may prevent UTI and urinary incontinence, decrease medication use, and preserve renal function. As the primary goal is to preserve renal function, management should be focused on facilitating bladder drainage, the avoidance of UTI, and the maintenance of a low intravesical pressure for continence and complete bladder emptying. Currently, several bladder management options are available to SCI patients: (1) reflex voiding; (2) clean intermittent catheterization; (3) indwelling catheterization. The target organ may be the bladder or the bladder outlet. The purposes of intervention include the following: (1) increasing bladder capacity and/or decreasing intravesical pressure; (2) increasing bladder outlet resistance; (3) decreasing bladder outlet resistance; (4) producing detrusor contractility; (5) urinary diversion. Different bladder management methods and interventions may have different results depending on the patient's lower urinary tract dysfunction. This review aims to report the current management options for long-term bladder dysfunction in chronic SCI patients. Furthermore, we summarize the most suitable care plans for improving the clinical outcome of SCI patients.

Study of mirabegron and solifenacin in the improvement of catheter-related bladder discomfort in patients undergoing transurethral resection: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study was to see if using mirabegron, solifenacin, or placebo may help patients with transurethral resection avoid catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD).

METHODS

Patients who underwent transurethral surgery and were given a catheter for 3 days after surgery were chosen for this study. The enrolled patients were separated into 3 groups: mirabegron (M), solifenacin (S), and a blank control group (C). All patients had their overactive bladder symptoms score (OABSS) and blood pressure checked before surgery. The CRBD, blood pressure, and heart rate were measured at 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery. The OABSS and side effects were documented on the 7th day.

RESULTS

The 104 patients in this trial were randomized into 3 groups at random: M, S, and C. The ultimate follow-up was completed by 99 patients, including 33 in group M, 33 in group S, and 33 in group C. The OABSS, CRBD, and blood pressure in groups M and S were similar before and after surgery (P > .05). Groups M and S performed much better on the OABSS and CRBD than group C (P < .05). There were no significant differences in blood pressure between the 3 groups (P > .05). There were no significant differences in the occurrences of new onset dry mouth (P = .84) or constipation (P = .64) among the 3 groups.

CONCLUSION

Mirabegron is comparable to solifenacin as an alternative for the prevention of CRBD, making it a viable option for CRBD prevention.

Comparison of different types of therapy for overactive bladder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

To compare the efficacy and safety of different interventions [including antimuscarinics, mirabegron, OnabotulinumtoxinA, sacral neuromodulation (SNM) and peripheral tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS)] for treating idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB). PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and other sources were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing interventions for overactive bladder from 1 January 2000 to 19 April 2021. A systematic review and network meta-analysis were performed by two authors independently. Fifty-five RCTs involving 32,507 patients were included in this analysis. Overall, antimuscarinics, mirabegron, OnabotulinumtoxinA, sacral neuromodulation, and peripheral tibial nerve stimulation were more efficacious than placebo, and sacral neuromodulation showed the best effect for reducing micturition frequency, urgency episodes and urgency urinary incontinence episodes. OnabotulinumtoxinA was the best intervention for achieving reductions of 100 and ≥50% in the number of urinary incontinence episodes/day, and peripheral tibial nerve stimulation was the best intervention for reducing urinary incontinence episodes. Antimuscarinics, mirabegron and peripheral tibial nerve stimulation had a similar efficacy for reducing micturition frequency, urinary incontinence episodes and urgency urinary incontinence episodes. The results revealed that all interventions examined herein were efficacious for managing adult overactive bladder syndrome compared with placebo. Furthermore, sacral neuromodulation and OnabotulinumtoxinA were the most efficient treatments for overactive bladder.

Impact of mirabegron versus solifenacin on autonomic function and arterial stiffness in female overactive bladder syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

The study aims to elucidate the impact of mirabegron versus solifenacin on autonomic function and peripheral arterial conditions in women with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). All consecutive women with OAB were randomized to receive 12 weeks of mirabegron 25 mg or solifenacin 5 mg once per day. Heart rate variability, cardio-ankle vascular index, ankle-brachial pressure index, blood pressure, and heart rate were compared between the two groups. There were 87 women (mirabegron, n = 43; and solifenacin, n = 44) who completed 12-week treatment and underwent heart rate variability examination. Systolic blood pressure (median: − 4.5 to − 5.5 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (median: − 0.5 to − 3.5 mmHg) decreased after solifenacin treatment, and heart rate (median: + 2 bpm) increased after mirabegron treatment, despite of no between-group difference. In addition, posttreatment heart rate variability, cardio-ankle vascular index, and ankle-brachial pressure index did not differ compared with baseline; and there were no between-group differences. In conclusion, solifenacin might decrease blood pressure, and mirabegron might increase heart rate. Nonetheless, there were no significant impacts of 12-week mirabegron versus solifenacin treatment on autonomic function and arterial stiffness.

How to choose appropriate medication for overactive bladder: Findings from the largest integrated clinical trial database analysis of mirabegron studies

Medical treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) includes antimuscarinic agents, beta-3 adrenoceptor agonist (mirabegron), or combination with both drugs. Recently, a meta-analysis reported the integrated clinical trial data from 10 phase 2–4, double-blind, 12-week mirabegron monotherapy studies. The results confirmed that mirabegron is as effective as the previously used antimuscarinic agent to treat OAB. The treatment-emergent adverse events were similar across subgroups. This article comments on this largest integrated clinical trial data analysis, and reviews the recently published literature and tries to reveal how to choose the appropriate medication for OAB. For OAB patients, starting from antimuscarinic agent is feasible. However, if the patients have risk of cognitive dysfunction, a history of constipation, dry mouth, and urinary retention, starting with mirabegron 50 mg might be more safe and appropriate. In the elderly patients with low detrusor contractility, with central nervous system lesion, and men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, starting from 25 mg mirabegron is recommended. If the treatment result is not satisfactory to the 25 mg mirabegron, increase dose to 50 mg mirabegron is appropriate. In patients who have failed from the first OAB medication either with antimuscarinics or mirabegron 50 mg, the exchange of the OAB medication to each other should be tried first. If the treatment result is still not satisfactory, a combination of antimuscarinics and mirabegron is recommended.

Comparative study of different combinations of mirabegron and antimuscarinics in treatment for overactive bladder syndrome in elderly patients

Objectives

To compare the therapeutic efficacy, adverse events (AEs), and patient preference in elderly patients with overactive bladder (OAB) receiving different combinations of mirabegron and solifenacin.

Materials and Methods

Elderly OAB patients received mirabegron 25 mg (M25) daily for 1 month (1M) followed by randomization to receive M25 (Group 1), mirabegron 50 mg (M50, Group 2), solifenacin 5 mg (S5, group 3); or M25 plus S5 (Group 4) for further 2 months. Efficacy and AEs were evaluated. At the end of 3M, patients' preferred option for future treatment was investigated.

Results

A total of 168 patients were enrolled, and 100 completed 3-month treatment. At 1M, all parameters improved significantly except postvoid residual (PVR), 23 (13.7%) patients had no symptom, 16 (9.5%) had no improvement, and 10 (6.0%) withdrew from the trial. Compared parameters at 3M with 1M revealed that quality of life, Patient's Perception of Bladder Condition scores, and voided volume improved significantly in group 1; the OAB Symptom Score (OABSS) increased in group 2; mean PVR and Global Response Assessment (GRA) deteriorated in group 3; and the OABSS and GRA improved in group 4. At 3M, the AEs prevalence increased significantly in group 3. Only 38.1% in group 4 preferred long-term usage of combination therapy.

Conclusion

M25 daily is effective and safe in treating elderly OAB patients. Dose escalation to 50 mg or shifting to S5 does not increase the therapeutic efficacy. Combining M25 with S5 provides better treatment efficacy but is associated with lower patient compliance than M25 alone.

Current pharmacotherapy of overactive bladder

Overactive bladder is a symptom complex consisting of bothersome storage urinary symptoms that is highly prevalent among both sexes and has a significant impact on quality of life. Various antimuscarinic agents and the beta-3 agonists mirabegron and vibegron are currently available for the treatment of OAB. Each drug has specific pharmacologic properties, dosing schedule and tolerability profile, making it essential to individualize the medical treatment for the patient's characteristics and expectations. In this manuscript, we review the most important factors involved in the contemporary pharmacological treatment of OAB.

The safety and effectiveness of mirabegron in Parkinson's disease patients with overactive bladder: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

To assess the safety and effectiveness of mirabegron in patients with PD complaining of overactive bladder (OAB).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2017 to November 2020, we performed a prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled PD patients with symptoms of OAB. The total duration of the study was 13 weeks, comprising a 1-week screening period and a 12-week treatment period. A total of 110 patients were randomized in one of two groups: treatment group (mirabegron 50 mg) or placebo group. The primary outcomes of our study were the change from baseline in OAB symptom score (OABSS) and the overactive bladder questionnaire short form (OAB-q SF) score. The secondary outcomes were the change from baseline in the mean number of micturitions/24 hours, the mean number of urgency episodes/24 hours, the mean number of urgency incontinence episodes/24 hours and the mean number of nocturia episodes/night, volume voided/micturition (ml) as recorded on a 3-day bladder diary. Safety assessments included adverse events, electrocardiogram, QT corrected for heart rate using Fridericia's correction (QTcF) interval and blood pressure and pulse rate measurements.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement in the primary outcome and secondary outcome measures in the treatment group compared to the placebo group. Adverse events were mild and the same in the two groups. The cardiovascular safety profile was high. This study is limited by its sample size and its short follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Mirabegron is a promising drug to control OAB symptoms in patients with PD with an excellent safety profile.

Mirabegron for the Treatment of Ureteral Stent-related Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Ureteral stent-related symptoms (SRSs) are very common and may potentially influence the quality of life and functional capacity of patients. It remains unclear whether mirabegron has a place in the treatment of SRSs.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the evidence of mirabegron for the treatment for SRSs in adult patients.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review of literature was performed using the PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases. Studies published up to June 2021 that met the search terms ("mirabegron" OR "B3-agonist") AND ("stent-related symptoms" OR "stent-related discomfort" OR "stent") were considered. References from relevant sources were examined to identify additional sources for this review. Relevant studies were selected according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The revised Cochrane tool "RoB 2" was used to assess the quality of included randomized clinical trials.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Eight studies were selected for final quantitative and qualitative synthesis. The Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) body pain score was significantly improved by mirabegron in five studies, although a pooled data analysis did not reveal any significant changes. The USSQ urinary symptom score was significantly improved by mirabegron in four independent studies as well as in the corresponding meta-analysis, while no changes were found in two studies. International Prostate Symptom Score was improved significantly by mirabegron in three independent studies as well as in the corresponding meta-analysis. The USSQ general health and the quality of life score were improved significantly by mirabegron on meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Mirabegron may have a beneficial effect on pain and urinary symptoms due to ureteral stents, although the evidence is based on low-quality studies.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this report, we looked at the evidence of mirabegron for the treatment of ureteral stent-related symptoms. We found that mirabegron can potentially alleviate pain and bothersome urinary symptoms due to ureteral stents.

Anticholinergic Burden and Associated Healthcare Resource Utilization in Older Adults with Overactive Bladder

BACKGROUND

Bladder anticholinergics are the most widely used drugs to treat overactive bladder (OAB) but can contribute to cumulative anticholinergic burden, which may be associated with adverse outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the association between cumulative anticholinergic burden and healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and costs in older adults with OAB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective, observational study that used data from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD database. Participants were aged ≥ 65 years with ≥ 3 years of continuous enrolment before and ≥ 2 years after the index date (date of OAB diagnosis or first prescription for any OAB drug between 1 April 2007 and 31 December 2015). The primary endpoint was the association between cumulative anticholinergic burden (assessed using the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden [ACB] scale during the 3-year pre-index period) and HRU (GP consultations, specialist referrals, urological tests, hospital admissions) over the 2-year post-index period.

RESULTS

Data from 23,561 adults were included in the analysis. Mean (SD) ACB scores in the pre- and post-index periods were 1.0 (1.1) and 2.4 (1.7), respectively; urological drugs contributed most (58.8%) to the latter. For the primary endpoint, higher pre-index ACB scores were associated with higher post-index HRU and costs. Mean (SD) ACB scores in the post-index period were 1.2 (1.3) and 2.5 (1.7) in those treated with mirabegron (beta-3 agonist) or bladder anticholinergics, respectively.

LIMITATIONS

The generalizability of the results outside the UK is unclear.

CONCLUSIONS

In older adults with OAB, higher anticholinergic burden before initiating OAB drugs is associated with higher HRU and costs. When making treatment decisions in older adults, consideration should be given to assessing the existing anticholinergic burden and using OAB treatments that do not add to this burden.

Mirabegron improves erectile function in men with overactive bladder and erectile dysfunction: a 12-week pilot study

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) is the only approved oral treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) in the US, and alternative management remains necessary when this treatment fails or is contraindicated. Targeting other pathways than the NO-cGMP pathway and/or combining this approach with PDE5i may introduce new treatments for men who are unresponsive to PDE5i. This study aims to evaluate whether Mirabegron improves erectile function in men with concurrent overactive bladder and mild to moderate ED. Twenty subjects, 40-70 years old, registering International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score 11-25 and International Prostate Symptom Score 8-20, were treated with Mirabegron therapy for 12 weeks. Study participants were re-administered IIEF and OAB-q questionnaires on weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12 and assessed for adverse events. The primary and secondary endpoints were an increase in the IIEF-5 score of 4 units and a decrease in the Overactive Bladder questionnaire (OAB-q) symptom severity score of 10 units between study time points. Thirteen men completed the 12-week study. Mirabegron treatment improved the IIEF-5 scores in five patients (38.4%) by 4 points or more, whereas IIEF-5 scores were not affected by Mirabegron treatment in eight patients (61.5%). There were no clinically relevant decreases in the IIEF-5 score. Significant improvements were observed in intercourse satisfaction at week eight compared to baseline (p = 0.01). Orgasmic function and sexual desire were not affected by Mirabegron treatment. As expected, Mirabegron treatment reduced OAB symptoms based on OAB-q short form (p = 0.006) and OAB-q total health-related quality of life (HRQL) scores compared to baseline (p = 0.03). Residual bladder volumes were not affected by treatment. No serious side effects were reported during the study period. This study suggests that Mirabegron may improve both EF and OAB-related symptoms in some individuals without causing serious adverse events.

Solifenacin/Mirabegron Induces an Acute Compliance Increase in the Filling Phase of the Capacity-Reduced Urinary Bladder: A Pressure-Volume Analysis in Rats

Aims: Pressure in the bladder, which is a high compliance organ, is only slightly elevated to a considerable filling volume during storage. Although cystometry off-line offers mean compliance, no protocol is available for real-time assays of the dynamics of bladder compliance, and the potential impact of solifenacin and mirabegron on dynamic bladder compliance has not been established.

Methods: Along with constantly infused cystometry, a pressure-volume analysis (PVA) was performed by plotting intra-vesical volume against pressure in Sprague-Dawley rats. The instant compliance was assayed as the slope of the trajectory, and the mean compliance (Cm) was determined by the slope of the line produced by regression of the data points at the end of the first, second, and third quarters of the filling phase.

Results: Under a steady-state, the PVA trajectory moved clockwise which shaped coincident enclosed loops with stable compliance. Though administering to naïve animals solifenacin, but not mirabegron (both 1 × 10⁻⁵−1 × 10⁻¹ mg/kg, i.a.) decreased the peak pressure, both of these reagents exhibited acute increments in the trajectory slope and Cm of the filling phase in a dose-dependent manner (ED₅₀ = 1.4 × 10⁻⁴ and 2.2 × 10⁻⁵ mg/kg, respectively). Resembling urine frequency/urgency in OAB patients, the voiding frequency of a capacity-reduced bladder was increased in association with decreased compliance which was ameliorated by both acute solifenacin and mirabegron injections (both 1 × 10−1 mg/kg).

Conclusion: In addition to their well-known anti-inotropic/relaxative effects, solifenacin, and mirabegron induce an acute increase in bladder compliance to ameliorate OAB-like syndromes. Together with time-domain cystometry, PVA offers a platform for investigating the physiology/pathophysiology/pharmacology of bladder compliance which is crucial for urine storage.

Long-term effectiveness of an intervention to enhance mirabegron use revision and its deprescribing: 36-month follow-up of a quasi-experimental trial in primary care

OBJECTIVE

This is a follow-up study from a multicenter, prospective, before-and-after quasi-experimental, controlled trial to assess effectiveness at 36 months of an intervention designed to promote the revision and deprescribing of mirabegron in primary care in patients with overactive bladder.

METHODS

Intervention included patients who attended in 17 PHCs located in North Barcelona; control included patients who attended in the other 34 PHCs located in South, East and West Barcelona. The primary endpoint was mirabegron review and deprescribing when GPs considered appropriate, which was measured by the percentage of change of the number of patients with treatment at 36 months compared to the baseline. The intervention consisted of meetings with all the directors of the PHCs; distribution of the infographic to the GPs; providing information regarding the intervention for urologist and gynaecologist; and review of the treatments by the GPs. A monthly follow-up was done during the first year, and every three months thereafter until month 36.

RESULTS

Overall, 1932 patients were included, mean age 71.6 years (female 53.8%). A total of 540 patients included in the intervention discontinued mirabegron at some point during the 36 months follow-up (540/762, 70.8%) compared to 759 patients in the control (759/1170, 64.9%), (p < 0.001). A total of 324/433 patients (74.8%) who discontinued mirabegron use at 12 months remained without pharmacological treatment at 36 months. With respect to the baseline cohort, there was a lower introduction of new patients with mirabegron in the intervention (546/762, 71.6%) compared to the control (1246/1170, 106.5%), (p < .001). Regarding the treated patients, there was an increase of 41.6% in the control and a slight increase of 0.8% in the intervention at 36 months, (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that an intervention can enhance the review use of mirabegron in the primary care setting, and promote their deprescribing.

Mirabegron for treatment of overactive bladder symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease: A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial (Parkinson's Disease Overactive bladder Mirabegron, PaDoMi Study)

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of mirabegron for Parkinsonism patients with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in a randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Inclusion criteria are Parkinsonism with OAB symptoms for 4 weeks or more, OAB symptom score (OABSS) questionnaire scores greater than 2, and OABSS urgency question scores greater than 1. After a 2-week wash-out period, the patients were randomized into placebo and mirabegron groups at visit 2. Visit 3 was performed after 4 weeks of medication. Mirabegron was prescribed to the two groups for the rest of the study period at visit 4.

RESULT

The mean age was 68.1 ± 8.1 years and 72 males and 64 females were included. A total of 136 patients were screened, 117 patients were randomized, and 25 patients dropped out. The OABSS scores were significantly different between the two groups at Weeks 4 and 8. The OABSS scores became the same in the two groups at Week 12 (visit 5). The postvoid residual urine volume showed a mild increase to 64 ml in the mirabegron group compared to the placebo group at visit 4. Adverse events occurred in 27 patients (23.1%). The degree was mild in 26 cases (78.8%), moderate in five (15.2%), and severe in two (6.1%). Only 13 cases (39.4%) showed medication-related adverse events. Acute urinary retention occurred in a single case. The treatment satisfaction questionnaires showed no significant differences between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Mirabegron was effective in treating OAB symptoms in patients with Parkinsonism with acceptable adverse events.

Safety and Tolerability Results from the PILLAR Study: A Phase IV, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of Mirabegron in Patients ≥ 65 years with Overactive Bladder-Wet

Background

In older patients with overactive bladder (OAB), mirabegron, a β₃-adrenoreceptor agonist, represents an alternative treatment that may have a favorable risk–benefit profile.

Objectives

Our objective was to further examine the safety and tolerability of mirabegron versus placebo treatment in patients aged ≥ 65 years with OAB-wet.

Methods

We conducted a 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase IV study to compare mirabegron with placebo. Community-dwelling patients aged ≥ 65 years with OAB-wet (one or more incontinence episode and three or more urgency episodes, and an average of eight or more micturitions/24 h over a 3-day diary) were randomized to receive placebo or mirabegron 25 mg/day (optional dose escalation to 50 mg/day at week 4 or 8). Safety analyses were performed for adverse events (AEs) and vital signs on all randomized patients who received one or more dose of study drug.

Results

Treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs), the majority mild or moderate in severity, were reported in 39.4% of placebo patients and 44.2 and 49.8% of those who received mirabegron 25 mg or 50 mg, respectively. The most common TEAEs in mirabegron-treated patients were urinary tract infection, headache, and diarrhea. The incidence of TEAEs was slightly higher in mirabegron patients aged ≥ 75 years than in those aged < 75 years. There were no clinically meaningful differences in changes in vital signs from baseline to end of treatment for any treatment group, and no differences were observed between mirabegron and placebo treatment groups. TEAEs tended to occur early post exposure and were not dose related.

Conclusions

Mirabegron treatment was well-tolerated in older adults with OAB-wet. Safety and tolerability were consistent with the known mirabegron safety profile.

Trial Registration

This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02216214.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s40266-020-00783-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Are Beta 3 Adrenergic Agonists Now the Preferred Pharmacologic Management of Overactive Bladder?

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

This paper discusses the recent evidence supporting beta 3 adrenergic agonists as the preferred pharmacological management of overactive bladder syndrome.

RECENT FINDINGS

Mirabegron has a similar efficacy profile to first-line antimuscarinics with favorable adverse effects profile. Treatment of OAB with beta-3 adrenergic agonist should be favored in patients at higher risk of anticholinergic adverse events. The efficacy and tolerability of beta-3 adrenergic agonists are consistently reported in older OAB patients, whether used alone or with other antimuscarinics. Mirabegron is cost-effective in treating OAB unless the symptoms were severe or refractory. Combination therapy of mirabegron and other pharmacotherapy has proven to be efficient in controlling OAB symptoms without inducing serious add-on adverse effects. While beta-3 adrenergic agonists bear favorable advantages in OAB treatment, physicians should perform a thorough and careful pre-treatment planning to optimize treatment benefits and adherence.

Are anticholinergic medications used for overactive bladder associated with new onset depression? A population-based matched cohort study

PURPOSE

Prior research has suggested that anticholinergic medications used for overactive bladder are associated with depression. Our objective was to test this hypothesis by comparing rates of new onset depression among anticholinergic medication users and those who were prescribed an alternative class of overactive bladder medication.

METHODS

We used administrative data records from the province of Ontario, Canada and a matched cohort design. We matched patients who were newly prescribed an oral anticholinergic to those prescribed a beta-3 agonist medication in a 2:1 ratio which included a propensity score that incorportated 75 baseline characteristics. The primary outcome of depression was measured using a validated definition, and the at-risk period for our outcome of interest was between the initial date the prescription was filled, and up to 3 months after the end of continuous usage of that medication. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

We matched 23 622 beta-3 agonist users (mirabegron) to 47 324 anticholinergic users (most commonly tolterodine, oxybutynin, and solifenacin). The rate of depression was similar among beta-3 agonist users (11.2 per 1000 patient-years) and anticholinergic users (11.9 per 1000 patient-years). In our primary analysis, the risk of depression among anticholinergic users was not significantly different compared to beta-3 agonist users (HR 1.08 [95% CI 0.92-1.28, P = .35]).

CONCLUSION

Contrary to a previous report, overactive bladder anticholinergic medications do not appear to be associated with new onset depression.

Mirabegron Role in Urolithiasis Management: What you should Know

The purpose of the present study was to develop a narrative review of the available evidence of mirabegron efficacy in three scenarios: as a medical expulsive therapy; as a medical treatment to increase a successful access to stones before ureteroscopy, and management of double-J stent-related symptoms. Only two original studies have evaluated its use as a medical expulsive therapy, with contradictory results in terms of stone expulsion rate; however, both demonstrated a better pain control in the mirabegron group. One randomized controlled trial (RCT) found a higher successful access to ureteral stones when mirabegron was administered 1 week before the ureteroscopy. And two RCTs demonstrated its efficacy in diminishing discomfort related with double-J stent. There is a promising role for the use of mirabegron in the arsenal of urolithiasis treatment, even as a medical expulsive therapy, before ureteroscopy surgery, to increase the successful access to the stones and after the placement of ureteral catheter to reduce the related symptoms. However, larger-scaled prospective double-blinded RCTs are needed before it can be used with these purposes in the clinical scenario.

Treatment of Non-neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms-A Review of Key Publications from 2018 Onward

CONTEXT

A considerable number of studies addressing the management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) have been published since 2018.

OBJECTIVE

To review the key studies involving pharmacological and neuromodulation treatment of LUTS published from 2018 onward.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. We conducted an Embase/PubMed search of English literature with the words "OAB" or "LUTS" matched with several different treatment modalities. The search ranged between January 2018 and January 2020. All retrieved papers were first reviewed by title and abstract, yielding a total of 236 papers. Additional manuscripts, such as those presented at major meetings, were also included. After revision, 46 publications were included.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Papers on β3-adrenoreceptor agonists were most abundant. The efficacy and safety of mirabegron in monotherapy and combination therapy were further confirmed by large observational studies and randomized control trials, including one carried out in elderly patients. The use of vibegron for overactive bladder (OAB) was effective and safe in pivotal clinical trials. More database analyses confirm the risk of dementia associated with long-term use of anticholinergics. Onabotulinum toxinA (OnabotA) and sacral neuromodulation provided similar improvement for incontinence in OAB patients at a 2-yr follow-up. Retrospective studies show that OnabotA is effective in men with OAB. New subcutaneous or transcutaneous devices for tibial nerve stimulation were investigated. The potential role of gene therapy in LUTS was assessed in a pilot study.

CONCLUSIONS

Important progresses occurred in the pharmacological and neuromodulation treatments of LUTS, which may change clinical practice. Inoculation of gene vectors was investigated for the first time.

PATIENT SUMMARY

The investigation in the therapeutic field of lower urinary tract symptoms is active. The search for the best option for each patient continues. This systematic review summarizes the findings of the most recent and relevant studies in the field.

Pharmacology of the lower urinary tract: update on LUTS treatment

The number of compounds used in the pharmacological treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) of patients who do not respond to conservative measures has been relatively stable during the last decade, with the exception of the introduction of the new class of β3 adrenoceptor agonists. However, different combinations have been investigated, and the long-term use of these compounds has raised new concerns about adherence and safety. This review summarizes the current state of pharmacology for LUTS, and presents a thorough discussion of the possible challenges concerning their future use. In this narrative review, we analyze the most recent articles related to LUTS pharmacotherapy, after an initial review of mechanisms of bladder function relevant in present clinical practice. The main problems with pharmacotherapy in LUTS are associated with its moderate efficacy, low persistence on treatment, and the incidence of short- and long-term adverse events (AE) associated with some compounds. The long-term AE, such as cognitive impairment in the elderly vulnerable patients associated with antimuscarinic drugs or persistent erectile dysfunction in sexually active men after treatment with 5-α-reductase inhibitors (5-ARI), are some of the problems addressed in this review. Combination therapy taking advantage of the synergistic mechanisms of action between some classes of compounds may overcome AE associated with dose escalation. LUTS pharmacotherapy offers moderate results to most patients but not a full cure. The use of combination drugs to achieve better clinical results, reduce AE and improve both efficacy and adherence, will be used more frequently in the future. The recently raised concern on potential long-term irreversible AE associated with some of these drugs, like antimuscarinics and 5-ARI, are critically important and require further investigation.

Mirabegron in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder: Safety and Efficacy in the Very Elderly Patient

Lower urinary tract symptoms, including urgency, urgency incontinence, frequency, and nocturia, are highly prevalent in older adults and are associated with significant morbidity and impairment in quality of life. When conservative measures such as bladder training fail to improve symptoms, pharmacological management is recommended by national and international guidelines. Mirabegron, an agonist of the β3 adrenergic receptor, demonstrates similar efficacy to the anticholinergic drugs without the risk of anticholinergic effects, but experience and evidence in the very elderly population are limited. This narrative review examines the current evidence base for mirabegron in very elderly adults.

Therapeutic Effect of Botulinum Toxin A on Sensory Bladder Disorders-From Bench to Bedside

Bladder oversensitivity arises from several different conditions involving the bladder, bladder outlet, systemic or central nervous system diseases. Increase of the bladder sensation results from activation of the sensory receptors in the urothelial cells or suburothelial tissues. Medical treatment targeting the overactive bladder (OAB) or interstitial cystitis (IC) might relieve oversensitive bladder symptoms (frequency, urgency and pain) in a portion of patients, but a certain percentage of patients still need active management. Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects in bladder sensory disorders and has been shown effective in the reduction of bladder oversensitivity and the increase of functional bladder capacity. For patients with OAB, urgency and urinary incontinence improved, while in patients with IC, bladder pain could be relieved in association with reduction of bladder oversensitivity after BoNT-A intravesical injection. Histological evidence has confirmed the therapeutic mechanism and clinical efficacy of intravesical BoNT-A injection on patients with OAB or IC. Bladder oversensitivity can also be relieved with the instillation of liposome encapsulated BoNT-A or low energy show waves (LESWs), which enable the BoNT-A molecule to penetrate into the urothelium and suburothelial space without affecting the detrusor contractility. Liposome encapsulated BoNT-A or combined LESWs and BoNT-A instillation might be future treatment alternatives for bladder oversensitivity in sensory bladder disorders.