Lilly receives EU approval for Cialis against BPH

Lilly has been granted European regulatory approval for its drug Cialis to be used as a therapy for the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

The drug has become the first and only medication to be approved for the treatment of both BPH and erectile dysfunction (ED), having been ratified for the latter specification in 2002.

Now available in more than 100 countries across the world, the product is designed for daily use and allows patients to be ready for sexual activity at any time, rather than needing to plan around taking a pill.

Data from clinical studies show that it can be effective within 30 minutes, with effects lasting for up to 36 hours after dosing.

Anthony Beardsworth, senior medical director at Lilly, said: "Since many men who have ED also experience the signs and symptoms of BPH, a single medication approved to treat both may be a useful therapeutic option for men and physicians."

This comes in the same week that Lilly and partner Boehringer Ingelheim received an expanded European approval for Trajenta, their therapy for type 2 diabetes.