New pharmacological treatments for urinary incontinence and overactive bladder.

ABSTRACT

Lower urinary tract dysfunction encompasses a number of different pathologies, and affects the lives of millions of patients worldwide. Although several pharmaceutical companies have been involved in urological drug discovery over the last several years, therapeutic options remain limited. The mainstay of treatment for overactive bladder and urinary incontinence for several years has been antimuscarinic agents. While additional antimuscarinic compounds are currently undergoing clinical development, next generation compounds aimed at novel targets and mechanisms of action are in clinical and preclinical development. This review highlights new compounds and approaches under clinical investigation by various pharmaceutical companies. These novel therapeutic strategies offer the promise of expanded treatment options for patients suffering from these disorders.