Researchers to look at pill to treat postmenopausal women with SUI

Researchers to look at pill to treat postmenopausal women with SUI

Women with stress urinary incontinence sought for first US research study to determine effectiveness of new noninvasive treatment

Could a one-a-day pill be the answer for women with stress urinary incontinence? Urologists at Beaumont Hospital in Michigan are seeking postmenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence, or SUI, for a research study of a compound that may strengthen pelvic floor muscle and reduce the leakage of urine. Beaumont doctors are first in the U.S. to study the use of enobosarm, an investigational medication to treat women’s SUI.

“Our hope is that this daily pill will enhance the pelvic floor muscle and reduce stress urinary incontinence in women,” said Kenneth Peters, principal investigator and chief, Urology, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak. “The pelvic floor muscles are very important in controlling urinary continence.”

Stress urinary incontinence – the cause of wetness with coughing or physical activity – affects about 13 million Americans. Most are women. This unintentional leakage of urine affects up to 35 percent of adult women.

“I would welcome a safe and effective treatment option for stress urinary incontinence, especially since existing nonsurgical options like wearing pads or doing Kegel exercises are extremely limited, and at times, marginally effective,” said Dr. Peters.

The study is being conducted only at Beaumont and is evaluating the effects of orally administered enobosarm, 3mg once a day, in postmenopausal women with SUI. Dr. Peters and his team plan to enroll up to 35 women to test the safety and effectiveness of enobosarm. Participants will take the study medication for 90 days.

Source: Beaumont Hospital

Staff Writer