Astellas posts positive bladder therapy data

Astellas has reported positive data from a phase III trial for its overactive bladder therapy candidate mirabegron.

The data showed that 12 weeks of treatment with mirabegron once-daily led to significant improvements in the number of incontinence episodes, the frequency of urination per 24 hours, and patient-reported outcomes including disease perception, symptom interference and quality of life.

Mirabegron is a selective beta-3 adrenoceptor antagonist designed to facilitate filling of the bladder and storage of urine. A marketing authorisation application for the drug was submitted in Japan in June 2010.

Astellas expects to make regulatory filings in the US and Europe during the second half of 2011.