Mirabegron for the treatment of overactive bladder: a review of efficacy, safety and tolerability with a focus on male, elderly and antimuscarinic poor-responder populations, and patients with OAB in Asia

Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of a Combination of Tamsulosin and Mirabegron versus Tamsulosin Alone in the Management of Overactive Bladder in Males with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms - TAME-Overactive Bladder: An Open-labeled Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition in elderly men with coexisting benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), and it significantly impairs their quality of life (QoL).

Aim

This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of adding beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist (mirabegron 50 mg) to tamsulosin 0.4 mg for symptomatic men with BPE and OAB symptoms (OABS).

Materials and Methods

It was an open-labeled randomized controlled trial. Ninety men with BPE and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of more than seven with predominant OABS were enrolled for the study. A detailed history, uroflowmetry, and baseline scores, including IPSS, OABS score (OABSS), and QoL assessment, were done for each patient. After written informed consent, patients were randomized into two groups of 45 each. Group-1 received tamsulosin 0.4 mg and placebo, and Group-2 received a combination of tamsulosin 0.4 mg plus mirabegron 50 mg once daily at bedtime. Follow-up of patients was done at 2nd, 4th, and 8th weeks. Efficacy at 8 weeks was assessed using repeat history for symptoms, uroflowmetry, IPSS, OABSS, and QoL score.

Results

After 8 weeks of therapy, collected data were compared to baseline parameters in both groups. Significant improvement with respect to OABSS (P = 0.046), IPSS (P = 0.006), and QoL (P = 0.038) was observed with combination therapy versus tamsulosin alone. There were mild adverse effects, which were self-limiting.

Conclusions

A combination of tamsulosin with mirabegron is effective and safe in improving the OABSS, IPSS, and QoL in men with BPE who have predominant OABS.

Mirabegron and Anticholinergics in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder Syndrome: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

 To compare the use of mirabegron with anticholinergics drugs for the treatment of overactive bladder (OB).

DATA SOURCE

 Systematic searches were conducted in EMBASE, PUBMED, Cochrane, and LILACS databases from inception to September 2021. We included RCTs, women with clinically proven OB symptoms, studies that compared mirabegron to antimuscarinic drugs, and that evaluated the efficacy, safety or adherence.

DATA COLLECTION

 RevMan 5.4 was used to combine results across studies. We derived risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences with 95% CIs using a random-effects meta-analytic model. Cochrane Collaboration Tool and GRADE was applied for risk of bias and quality of the evidence.

DATA SYNTHESIS

 We included 14 studies with a total of 10,774 patients. Fewer total adverse events was reported in mirabegron group than in antimuscarinics group [RR 0.93 (0.89-0.98)]. The risk of gastrointestinal tract disorders and dry mouth were lower with mirabegron [RR 0,58 (0.48-0.68); 9375 patients; RR 0.44 (0.35-0.56), 9375 patients, respectively]. No difference was reported between mirabegron and antimuscarinics drugs for efficacy. The adherence to treatment was 87.7% in both groups [RR 0.99 (0.98-1.00)].

CONCLUSION

 Mirabegron and antimuscarinics have comparable efficacy and adherence rates; however, mirabegron showed fewer total and isolated adverse events.

Mirabegron vs. solifenacin in control of endoscopically inserted ureteral stent-related symptoms

PURPOSE

We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Mirabegron vs. solifenacin to treat LUTS resulting from DJ-stent insertion.

METHODS

A total of 97 patients who had DJ-stent inserted for urinary stone disease were randomly divided into three groups according to received treatment. Group A took Mirabegron 50 mg daily, group B took solifenacin 5 mg daily from the 4th day after stent placement until the stent was removed, and group C only was hydrated well. All patients were evaluated by USSQ and IPSS at 4th day post-insertion of ureteral stent, follow-up day before removing of stent and post-removal of stent.

RESULTS

The USSQ urinary symptom scores at day 4 comparing to day of removal of stent showed significant difference in between study groups (32 ± 6-13 ± 6 vs. 31 ± 6-14 ± 4 in Mirabegron and solifenacin, respectively) and without significant difference in control group. The USSQ body pain score significantly decreased in both Mirabegron and solifenacin groups at day of stent removal comparing to day 4 post-insertion of DJ with insignificant decreasing in the control group. Quality of life scores showed significant improving in Mirabegron and solifenacin group, and there was no difference in control group at 4 and 14 days after treatment. No severe complications were observed in either group.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

In our series, we indicate that Mirabegron and solifenacin can be used to improve symptoms caused by the insertion of DJ-stent without significant difference.

Metabolic determinants of Alzheimer's disease: A focus on thermoregulation

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex age-related neurodegenerative disease, associated with central and peripheral metabolic anomalies, such as impaired glucose utilization and insulin resistance. These observations led to a considerable interest not only in lifestyle-related interventions, but also in repurposing insulin and other anti-diabetic drugs to prevent or treat dementia. Body temperature is the oldest known metabolic readout and mechanisms underlying its maintenance fail in the elderly, when the incidence of AD rises. This raises the possibility that an age-associated thermoregulatory deficit contributes to energy failure underlying AD pathogenesis. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a central role in thermogenesis and maintenance of body temperature. In recent years, the modulation of BAT activity has been increasingly demonstrated to regulate energy expenditure, insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization, which could also provide benefits for AD. Here, we review the evidence linking thermoregulation, BAT and insulin-related metabolic defects with AD, and we propose mechanisms through which correcting thermoregulatory impairments could slow the progression and delay the onset of AD.

Efficacy of mirabegron, a β3 -adrenoreceptor agonist, in Japanese women with overactive bladder and either urgency urinary incontinence or mixed urinary incontinence: Post-hoc analysis of pooled data from two randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies

Objective

To confirm if mirabegron 50 mg shows efficacy in women with overactive bladder and either urgency urinary incontinence or mixed urinary incontinence versus placebo.

Methods

Post‐hoc analyses were carried out using pooled data from a Japanese phase IIb and a phase III study. The primary efficacy end‐point was baseline to end‐of‐treatment change in the mean number of micturitions/24 h. The secondary end‐points were changes in the mean voided volume/micturition, mean number of urgency and incontinence episodes/24 h, and mean number of nocturia episodes/night. Other end‐points were quality of life and incontinence normalization rates.

Results

Women with urgency urinary incontinence (placebo n  = 204, mirabegron n = 214) and mixed urinary incontinence (placebo n = 122, mirabegron n = 139) were included. Change in mean micturitions/24 h at end‐of‐treatment for mirabegron was statistically significant versus placebo in both populations; the effect size increased over time. For all secondary end‐points, median changes for mirabegron were statistically significant versus placebo at end‐of‐treatment, except for nocturia for the urgency urinary incontinence population and urgency for the mixed urinary incontinence population. Mirabegron showed larger improvements versus placebo in all quality‐of‐life domains, except for general health perception in the urgency urinary incontinence population. Incontinence normalization rates for mirabegron were 47.2% and 49.6% in the urgency urinary incontinence and mixed urinary incontinence populations, respectively, versus 42.6% and 39.3% for placebo.

Conclusions

Mirabegron 50 mg significantly improved key overactive bladder symptoms versus placebo in women with urgency urinary incontinence, and it also improved most overactive bladder symptoms, including micturition frequency, in patients with mixed urinary incontinence. These findings support the benefits of using mirabegron in the female overactive bladder wet population.

Repurposing beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonists for Alzheimer's disease: beneficial effects in a mouse model

Background

Old age, the most important risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is associated with thermoregulatory deficits. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is the main thermogenic driver in mammals and its stimulation, through β3 adrenergic receptor (β3AR) agonists or cold acclimation, counteracts metabolic deficits in rodents and humans. Studies in animal models show that AD neuropathology leads to thermoregulatory deficits, and cold-induced tau hyperphosphorylation is prevented by BAT stimulation through cold acclimation. Since metabolic disorders and AD share strong pathogenic links, we hypothesized that BAT stimulation through a β3AR agonist could exert benefits in AD as well.

Methods

CL-316,243, a specific β3AR agonist, was administered to the triple transgenic mouse model of AD (3xTg-AD) and non-transgenic controls from 15 to 16 months of age at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day i.p.

Results

Here, we show that β3AR agonist administration decreased body weight and improved peripheral glucose metabolism and BAT thermogenesis in both non-transgenic and 3xTg-AD mice. One-month treatment with a β3AR agonist increased recognition index by 19% in 16-month-old 3xTg-AD mice compared to pre-treatment (14-month-old). Locomotion, anxiety, and tau pathology were not modified. Finally, insoluble Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio was decreased by 27% in the hippocampus of CL-316,243-injected 3xTg-AD mice.

Conclusions

Overall, our results indicate that β3AR stimulation reverses memory deficits and shifts downward the insoluble Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio in 16-month-old 3xTg-AD mice. As β3AR agonists are being clinically developed for metabolic disorders, repurposing them in AD could be a valuable therapeutic strategy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13195-021-00842-3.

Persistence with mirabegron or antimuscarinic treatment for overactive bladder syndrome: Findings from the PERSPECTIVE registry study

Objectives

This analysis from the PERSPECTIVE (a Prospective, Non‐interventional Registry Study of Patients Initiating a Course of Drug Therapy for Overactive Bladder) study evaluated treatment persistence with mirabegron or antimuscarinics over a 12‐month period.

Methods

Participants were adults diagnosed with overactive bladder (OAB) by their health care provider (HCP), who were initiating mirabegron or antimuscarinic treatment. The HCP made all treatment decisions, and patients were followed for 12 months with no mandatory scheduled visits. Information requests were sent to patients at baseline and months 1, 3, 6, and 12. Patients were nonpersistent if they switched, discontinued, or added OAB medications/therapies to their initial treatment. Reasons for discontinuation and switching patterns were investigated.

Results

Overall, 1514 patients were included (613 mirabegron and 901 antimuscarinic initiators). Persistence rates decreased steadily over time in both groups. A low proportion of patients added or switched medication at each time point. Unadjusted Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed similar persistence rates for both groups. When the data were adjusted for patient characteristics (age, sex, and OAB treatment status), mirabegron initiators had higher persistence rates. No significant differences were noted in unadjusted median time to end of persistence. However, end of treatment persistence by any cause was longer with mirabegron (median: 9.5 vs 6.7 months for antimuscarinics). HCPs stated that the most common reasons for nonpersistence were no symptomatic improvement and side effect aversion.

Conclusions

Treatment persistence was longer for mirabegron compared with antimuscarinic initiators after controlling for patient characteristics. End of treatment persistence by any cause was also longer with mirabegron.

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.

Cognitive Function and Urologic Medications for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Special considerations should be made when selecting medications for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in older patients especially those over 65 years old. This review summarizes the relationship between current treatments for LUTS and cognitive impairment. Although the recently reported association between dementia and tamsulosin is debatable, the effects of α-blockers and pharmacokinetics are not reported in this context. Five-alpha reductase inhibitors appear to affect mood. However, the association between the development of dementia and cognitive impairment is unlikely. Anticholinergic agents, other than trospium, fesoterodine, and imdafenacin have a relatively high distribution in the central nervous system. In particular, oxybutynin is reported to cause cognitive impairment. Several animal studies on the blood-brain barrier permeability of oxybutynin support this. Therefore, care must be taken when they are used in older patients (65 years and older). Beta-3 agonists are an alternative to, or may be used in combination with, anticholinergic drugs for patients with an overactive bladder (OAB). Several phase 2 and 3 clinical studies report high tolerability and efficacy, making them relatively safe for OAB treatment. However, there is a possibility that cognitive function may be affected; thus, long-term study data are required. We have reviewed studies investigating the correlation of urologic medications with cognitive dysfunction and have provided an overview of drug selection, as well as other considerations in older patients (65 years and older) with LUTS. This narrative review has focused primarily on articles indexed in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase databases. No formal search strategy was used, and no meta-analysis of data was performed.

Cardiovascular safety of mirabegron add-on therapy to tamsulosin for the treatment of overactive bladder in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: A post hoc analysis from the MATCH study

Objectives

To investigate the cardiovascular safety of mirabegron add‐on treatment to tamsulosin in male patients with residual overactive bladder symptoms.

Methods

This was a post hoc analysis of MATCH, the first double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study comparing mirabegron and placebo as add‐on therapy to tamsulosin for treatment of overactive bladder in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. The analysis focused on treatment‐emergent adverse events relating to the cardiovascular system or blood pressure, and changes in vital signs during 12 weeks of follow‐up.

Results

Cardiovascular‐related treatment‐emergent adverse events were reported by 6/566 patients, although only one serious treatment‐emergent adverse event was related to treatment (unstable angina in the tamsulosin + placebo group). Hypertension (two patients) and increased blood pressure (one patient) were reported in the tamsulosin + placebo group, but there were no blood pressure‐related treatment‐emergent adverse events among tamsulosin + mirabegron patients. There were no clinically meaningful changes from baseline in blood pressure, and changes in pulse rate were small (+1.2 bpm in the tamsulosin + mirabegron group). Increased pulse rate was more frequent with tamsulosin + mirabegron than with tamsulosin + placebo in older patients, although within the normal range.

Conclusions

Cardiovascular‐related adverse events were uncommon in both treatment groups. Mirabegron is a well‐tolerated add‐on therapy to tamsulosin in Japanese and Korean males with residual overactive bladder symptoms.

Effectiveness of antimuscarinics and a beta-3 adrenoceptor agonist in patients with overactive bladder in a real-world setting

Both antimuscarinics and beta-3 adrenoceptor agonists are generally used as first-line pharmacotherapy for overactive bladder (OAB). This study aimed to investigate the differences in clinical characteristics and manifestations between different medication groups using real-world data. In this retrospective study, we recruited all patients aged > 18 years diagnosed with OAB at our institute from March 2010 to December 2017. They were allocated into three groups, the antimuscarinics (group A), beta-3 adrenoceptor agonist (group B), and discontinued (group C) treatment groups, and they completed OAB symptom score and quality of life questionnaires before and after treatment. In addition, the Clinical Global Impression was recorded for treatment outcomes. A premedication urodynamic study was also applied. A total of 215 patients were analyzed (group A: 43, B: 35, C: 137). Group B was significantly older (mean age 77.4 years) than group A (69.2 years, p = 0.012) and group C (68.6 years, p = 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in sex or underlying diseases among the groups. Before treatment, there were no significant differences in the questionnaire results among all groups. The cystometric capacity of group A (mean ± SD, 257.3 ± 135.1 cm³) was significantly larger than that of group B (125.8 ± 46.0 cm³, p = 0.002) and group C (170.5 ± 99.2 cm³, p = 0.001). After treatment, there were no significant differences between group A and group B in any of the questionnaire scores; however, their scores were better than those of group C. The OAB patients who adhered to antimuscarinics tended to be younger and have larger cystometric bladder capacity in the urodynamic study. However, there were no significant differences in effectiveness between the patients who took antimuscarinics and those who took a beta-3 adrenoceptor agonist.

ICI-RS 2019 nocturia think tank: How can experimental science guide us in understanding the pathophysiology of nocturia?

INTRODUCTION

The following is a report on the proceedings of the 2019 International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society nocturia think tank (NTT).

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the 2019 NTT were as follows: (a) to evaluate the role of urothelium in the pathophysiology of nocturia; (b) to determine whether nocturia is a circadian disorder; (c) to discuss the role of melatonin in nocturia; (d) to consider ambulatory urodynamic monitoring in evaluating patients with nocturia; (e) to explore studies of water handling in human compartments utilizing heavy water; and (f) to explore whether basic science is the key to understanding the treatment options for diminished bladder capacity in patients with nocturia.

METHODS

A compendium of discussions of the role of experimental science in understanding the pathophysiology of nocturia is described herein.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Translational science will play an increasing role in understanding the pathophysiology of nocturia, which may result in improved treatment strategies.

Laser Acupuncture Alleviates Symptoms and Improves Quality of Life in Women with Overactive Bladder: A Double-Blind, Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of laser acupuncture for the treatment of women with overactive bladder (OAB) in Taiwan.

METHODS

A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted on female patients with OAB symptoms referred from gynecologists, and subjects were divided into two groups using blocked randomization. LaserPan (RJ-Laser, Germany) was applied to seven selected acupuncture points. The subjects received laser acupuncture 3 times per week for 3 weeks, 9 sessions in total. Basic patient data, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), and Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) scores were recorded prior to first treatment and at the end of 3rd, 6th, and 9th treatments.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were enrolled, and twenty-seven patients completed all treatments in this study. The OABSS total score of the experimental group decreased significantly by 3.13 (p ≤ 0.001), 4.60 (p ≤ 0.001), and 3.79 (p ≤ 0.001) after 3rd, 6th, and 9th treatments, respectively, compared with that of the control group. The IIQ-7 score declined significantly from baseline by 4.57 (p=0.003) and 3.63 (p=0.023) after 3rd and 6th treatments, respectively, compared with that of the control group. Similarly, the UDI-6 score of the experimental group exhibited a significant decrease from baseline by 1.90 (p=0.042) and 2.25 (p=0.025) after 6th and 9th interventions, respectively, compared with that of the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that laser acupuncture can alleviate OAB symptoms and improve quality of life. This noninvasive device could be an effective therapy for women with OAB.

The efficacy and safety of mirabegron on overactive bladder induced by benign prostatic hyperplasia in men receiving tamsulosin therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of mirabegron on overactive bladder (OAB) induced by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men receiving tamsulosin therapy.

METHODS

We performed the analysis by using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were retrieved to get information regarding randomized controlled trials of mirabegron on OAB induced by BPH in men receiving tamsulosin therapy. We also searched the references of included literatures.

RESULTS

Three randomized controlled trials containing a total of 1317 BPH patients were included in the analysis. Co-primary efficacy end points: the mean number of micturitions per day [the mean difference (MD) = -0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.46 to -0.09, P = .004], the urgency episodes per day (the MD = -0.50, 95% CI: -0.77 to -0.22, P = .0004), the total OAB symptom score (the MD = -0.69, 95% CI: -1.00 to -0.38, P < .0001), and mean volume voided (the MD = 10.76, 95% CI: 4.87-16.64, P = .0003) indicated that mirabegron was effective in treating OAB induced by BPH in men receiving tamsulosin therapy. Safety assessments that included treatment-emergent adverse events (odds ratio = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.68-1.13, P = .31) indicated that mirabegron was well tolerated with the exception of post-void residual urine volume (MD = 12.02, 95% CI: 6.01-18.04, P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis demonstrates that mirabegron is an effective and safe treatment for OAB symptoms induced by BPH in men receiving tamsulosin therapy with a low occurrence of side effects. Besides, we should be aware that the administration of mirabegron might have the risk of increasing post-void residual urine volume.

Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of mirabegron in patients aged ≥65yr with overactive bladder wet: a phase IV, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study (PILLAR)

BACKGROUND

The majority of patients with overactive bladder (OAB) are aged >65yr. There has been no prospectively designed study assessing treatment efficacy with the β3-adrenoreceptor agonist, mirabegron, specifically in this age group.

OBJECTIVE

A phase IV study comparing flexibly dosed mirabegron versus placebo in elderly patients with OAB and urgency incontinence.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Community-dwelling patients aged ≥65yr with OAB for ≥3mo.

INTERVENTION

Following a 2-wk placebo run in, patients with one or more incontinence episodes, three or more urgency episodes, and an average of eight or more micturitions/24h were randomised 1:1 to double-blind 25mg/d mirabegron or matched placebo, for 12wk. After week 4 or 8, the dose could be increased to 50mg/d mirabegron/matched placebo based on patient and investigator discretion.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Coprimary endpoints: change from baseline to end of treatment (EOT) in the mean numbers of micturitions/24h and incontinence episodes/24h. Secondary endpoints: change from baseline to EOT in the mean volume voided/micturition, mean number of urgency episodes/24h, and mean number of urgency incontinence episodes/24h. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used for the mean number of micturitions/24h, mean volume voided/micturition, and mean number of urgency episodes/24h. Stratified rank ANCOVA was used for the mean numbers of incontinence episodes/24h and urgency incontinence episodes/24h.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Statistically significant improvements were observed for mirabegron versus placebo in change from baseline to EOT in the mean number of micturitions/24h, mean number of incontinence episodes/24h, mean volume voided/micturition, mean number of urgency episodes/24h, and mean number of urgency incontinence episodes/24h. Safety and tolerability were consistent with the known mirabegron safety profile.

CONCLUSIONS

Mirabegron efficacy, safety, and tolerability over 12 wk were confirmed in patients aged ≥65yr with OAB and incontinence.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We examined the effect of mirabegron compared with placebo in people aged 65yr or older with overactive bladder and incontinence. Mirabegron improved the symptoms of overactive bladder compared with placebo. Side effects were similar to those already known for mirabegron.

Mirabegron Add-on Therapy to Tamsulosin for the Treatment of Overactive Bladder in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study (MATCH)

BACKGROUND

Men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) treated with α-blockers (eg, tamsulosin) may experience overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and receive add-on antimuscarinics. Mirabegron (a β3-adrenoreceptor agonist) is an alternative add-on therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of mirabegron versus placebo in men with OAB symptoms receiving tamsulosin for LUTS.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Japanese and Korean men with OAB treated with tamsulosin for LUTS (January 2016-July 2017).

INTERVENTION

Single-blind, 4-wk screening: tamsulosin plus placebo orally once daily; double-blind, 12-wk treatment: patients randomized (n=568) to mirabegron 50mg or placebo, as add-on to tamsulosin.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Primary endpoint: baseline to end of treatment (EoT) change in the mean number of micturitions/24h, based on a 3-d voiding diary. Secondary endpoints: change in other diary variables and patient-reported outcomes from baseline to EoT. The primary endpoint was analyzed by analysis of covariance, including treatment group and region as fixed factors and baseline as a covariate.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Mirabegron add-on therapy was superior to placebo in improving the primary endpoint (adjusted mean difference [95% confidence interval] vs placebo -0.52 [-0.82 to -0.21]) and secondary endpoints, including mean volume voided/micturition (12.08 [6.33-17.84]), OAB symptom score (-0.65 [-1.04 to -0.26]), International Prostate Symptom Score total (-1.19 [-1.94 to -0.44]), storage (-0.78 [-1.13 to -0.43]), quality of life scores (-0.29 [-0.51 to -0.07]), OAB symptom bother (-4.52 [-6.91 to -2.13]), and total health-related quality of life (2.79 [1.13 to 4.44]). Differences, compared with placebo, in urgency, urgency urinary incontinence, and nocturia were not statistically significant. Mirabegron was well tolerated, with no major safety concerns. Limitations included a lack of antimuscarinic comparison.

CONCLUSIONS

The mirabegron add-on therapy to tamsulosin for 12 wk in men with LUTS and OAB symptoms demonstrated superior efficacy to placebo and was well tolerated.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We looked at the efficacy and safety of mirabegron compared with placebo in men being treated with tamsulosin but who still had overactive bladder symptoms. Mirabegron improved overactive bladder symptoms and patient-reported outcomes compared with placebo, and was well tolerated.

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

BACKGROUND

Mirabegron, a β3-adrenoreceptor agonist, is an alternative drug to antimuscarinics for overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

To summarise safety and efficacy reporting of mirabegron treatment for OAB symptoms.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Pooled data analysed from 10 phase 2-4, double-blind, 12-wk mirabegron monotherapy studies in adults with OAB who had received one or more doses of study drug.

INTERVENTION

Mirabegron: 25 and 50mg; antimuscarinics: solifenacin (2.5, 5, and 10mg) and tolterodine extended release (4mg).

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Baseline OAB-related characteristics, intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and analyses by age (<65 vs ≥65yr and <75 vs ≥75yr) and sex were assessed. Solifenacin 2.5 and 10mg groups were not included in the efficacy analyses (small patient numbers). Safety was evaluated using the proportion of treatment-emergent adverse events. Efficacy variables were derived from bladder diaries (baseline and week 12).

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Baseline hypertension and diabetes were more frequent across treatment groups in the older versus younger age groups and in men versus women. Within sexes, frequencies were similar between treatment groups. Some differences were observed in baseline characteristics, including type of incontinence and medical history between sexes. No previously unreported safety concerns were identified. Improvements in efficacy (mean number of incontinence episodes/24h, micturitions/24h, urgency episodes/24h, volume voided/micturition, and nocturia episodes) versus placebo were observed in all treatment groups. Significant treatment-by-subgroup interactions included change from baseline in the mean number of incontinence episodes/24h by age (<65 vs ≥65yr), nocturia by age (<65 vs ≥65yr and <75 vs ≥75yr), and urgency episodes by previous OAB medication.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from this integrated database of 10 mirabegron studies reaffirm the safety and efficacy profiles of mirabegron, solifenacin, and tolterodine in adults of different age groups and sexes.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Overactive bladder is a complex of symptoms including a compelling desire to pass urine that leads to increased frequency, which may lead to a degree of incontinence if you do not reach the toilet in time and may wake you from sleep. We pooled data from 10 different studies of mirabegron in patients with overactive bladder symptoms, and looked at the effect in the total number of patients who received the treatment, as well as in different age groups and between men and women. No new safety concerns were identified, and mirabegron improved the symptoms of overactive bladder.

A Stage-Based Approach to Therapy in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that features progressive, disabling motor symptoms, such as bradykinesia, rigidity, and resting tremor. Nevertheless, some non-motor symptoms, including depression, REM sleep behavior disorder, and olfactive impairment, are even earlier features of PD. At later stages, apathy, impulse control disorder, neuropsychiatric disturbances, and cognitive impairment can present, and they often become a heavy burden for both patients and caregivers. Indeed, PD increasingly compromises activities of daily life, even though a high variability in clinical presentation can be observed among people affected. Nowadays, symptomatic drugs and non-pharmaceutical treatments represent the best therapeutic options to improve quality of life in PD patients. The aim of the present review is to provide a practical, stage-based guide to pharmacological management of both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD. Furthermore, warning about drug side effects, contraindications, as well as dosage and methods of administration, are highlighted here, to help the physician in yielding the best therapeutic strategies for each symptom and condition in patients with PD.

Factors Associated with Improvements in Patient-Reported Outcomes During Mirabegron or Antimuscarinic Treatment of Overactive Bladder Syndrome: A Registry Study (PERSPECTIVE)

Introduction

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide valuable insights about the effectiveness of overactive bladder (OAB) treatments. The aim of PERSPECTIVE (a Prospective, non-intErventional Registry Study of PatiEnts initiating a Course of drug Therapy for overactIVE bladder) was to provide real-world evidence from the USA and Canada on patient-perceived effectiveness and safety of mirabegron and antimuscarinics for treating OAB symptoms.

Methods

This prospective, non-interventional registry followed adult patients with OAB who were starting treatment with mirabegron or antimuscarinics. All treatment decisions were made at the discretion of the treating healthcare provider with no mandatory visits after enrollment. The primary objective was to identify factors associated with improved treatment effectiveness from a patient perspective mainly using the OAB Questionnaire Short-Form (OAB-q SF). The form was sent to patients via email link at baseline and months 1, 3, 6, and 12. Treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) data were collated from investigator reports.

Results

Overall, 1514 patients were included (female 73.5%, mean age 62.2 years). Mirabegron was initiated by 613 patients and antimuscarinics by 901 patients. A PRO response rate of approximately 60% was achieved (575 patients did not complete baseline PROs). Similar improvements in OAB-q SF symptom bother score and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) total score were observed for mirabegron and antimuscarinic initiators. Covariate-adjusted models demonstrated that worse baseline PRO score, Hispanic ethnicity, being treatment naïve, and use of complementary/supportive OAB therapies at baseline were significantly associated with greater improvements in both scores. The most frequent TEAEs were gastrointestinal disorders (dry mouth, constipation, and nausea) and nervous system disorders (headache, somnolence, and dizziness).

Conclusion

There are no differences between mirabegron and antimuscarinics in terms of patient-reported OAB symptom bother and HRQoL.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02386072.

Funding

Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc.

Plain Language Summary

Plain language summary available for this article.

Electronic Supplementary Material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s12325-019-00994-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Clinical implications of underactive bladder

Underactive bladder (UAB) is a common urologic condition but a complex disease that causes troublesome lower urinary tract symptoms. Currently, management of UAB remains unsatisfactory. Also, many urological diseases can be combined with UAB. In these combined cases, the treatment results may be affected by UAB component. This review focuses on the clinical implications of UAB in patients with common urologic conditions, including bladder outlet obstruction, overactive bladder syndrome and stress urinary incontinence.

Human brown adipose tissue as a target for obesity management; beyond cold-induced thermogenesis

Elevating energy expenditure via adaptive thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a potential strategy to reverse obesity. Much early enthusiasm for this approach, based on rodent studies, was tempered by the belief that BAT was relatively inconsequential in healthy adult humans. Interest was reinvigorated a decade ago when a series of studies re-identified BAT, primarily in upper thoracic regions, in adults. Despite the ensuing explosion of pre-clinical investigations and identification of an extensive list of potential target molecules for BAT recruitment, our understanding of human BAT physiology remains limited, particularly regarding interventions which might hold therapeutic promise. Cold-induced BAT thermogenesis (CIT) has been well studied, although is not readily translatable as an anti-obesity approach, whereas little is known regarding the role of BAT in human diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT). Furthermore, human studies dedicated to translating known pharmacological mechanisms of adipose browning from animal models are sparse. Several lines of recent evidence suggest that molecular regulation and physiology of human BAT differ to that of laboratory rodents, which form the majority of our knowledge base. This review will summarize knowledge on CIT and expand upon the current understanding and evidence gaps related to human adaptive thermogenesis via mechanisms other than cold.

Safety and effectiveness of mirabegron in patients with overactive bladder aged ≥75 years: Analysis of a Japanese post-marketing study

OBJECTIVES

A 12-week post-marketing study was conducted to provide real-world data on Japanese patients with overactive bladder (OAB) initiating treatment with mirabegron. This post-hoc analysis focused on safety and effectiveness of mirabegron in patients aged ≥75 versus <75 years.

METHODS

Incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADR) was assessed following 12 weeks' mirabegron treatment. Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) and International-Prostate Symptom Score Quality of Life (I-PSS QoL) were completed at baseline and at the end of treatment (EoT). A reduction of ≥3 points in total OABSS was defined as a minimal clinically important change (MCIC).

RESULTS

Of 9795 patients, a greater proportion aged ≥75 versus <75 years had a lower body mass index (BMI; BMI < 18.5: 4.2% vs 3.2%), longer OAB duration (≥3 years: 24.6% vs 20.3%) and more severe OAB symptoms (severe: 17.0% vs 11.2%). A significantly greater percentage of patients aged ≥75 versus <75 years had comorbidities (77.8% vs 66.0%) and used concomitant drugs (58.3% vs 48.7%; P < 0.001). Incidence of ADR was observed in 7.00% and 5.19% of patients aged ≥75 versus <75 years, respectively. At EoT, mirabegron treatment was reported 'effective' in 79.3% versus 82.1% of patients aged ≥75 versus <75 years, respectively. Mean total OABSS decreased significantly from baseline, and exceeded the MCIC in 61.0% and 65.9% of patients aged ≥75 and <75 years, respectively. Similar changes were observed for I-PSS QoL in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In a real-world clinical setting, mirabegron was well-tolerated and effective in patients aged ≥75 and <75 years.