GSK announces study results

A large study investigating the effects of a combination treatment for urinary symptom for men with enlarged prostate using Avodart (dutasteride) and the alpha blocker tamsulosin has revealed that the two together provide greater improvements that either substance on its own.

The Combination therapy with Avodart and Tamsulosin (CombAT) results were presented to the 29th annual meeting of the Societe Internationale d’Urologie in Paris.

According to GlaxoSmithKline, which carried out the study, enlarged prostate – also referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – affects 50 per cent of men over the age of 50 and in excess of 90 per cent of men over 80.

The study involved 4,800 men with moderate to severe symptoms and is part of a longer investigation that is still ongoing.

Professor Claus Roehrborn, from the University of Texas, remarks: “This trial suggests that physicians should consider combining Avodart and tamsulosin as initial therapy to achieve improved symptom relief for men with enlarged prostate.

“This study provides important new data to guide medical therapy for men with symptomatic BPH.”

Earlier this week, GlaxoSmithKline announced that Arixtra has received authorisation for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes in Europe.