The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 80% men will eventually need treatment for prostate problems. One in three will need an operation. Globally the prostate gland problem is of great concern. Current statistics reveal that the incidence of BPH (Benign Prostate Hypertrophy), which means non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland, affects around 50% of males around the age of 60 years and this percentage may go as high as 75% at the age group of 80 plus.
Serum International Ltd, a subsidiary of Serum Institute of India, Pune, has launched a new Phytochemical drug extracted from the bark of a tree, Pygeum Africanum, found in south and central Africa. Manufactured by Indene of Italy, the drug is available in medical shops across the country at Rs 75 for a strip of 10 capsules.
Launching the drug in Hyderabad on Thursday, as part of its nationwide launch, Dr Bharadwaj, Medical Director of Serum Institute of India, said that the enlarged prostate restricted the urine flow causing the symptoms of BPH, which included increased frequency of urination, pressing urgency to urinate, feeling of incomplete urination, painful urination and dribbling urine after urination.
He said a patient had to take two capsules of 50mg each per day for a minimum duration of three months, after which tests had to be repeated and the capsules continued only if it was necessary. Pyginal had shown significant improvement in BPH symptoms and reduction in the size of the prostate, thereby avoiding, or at least delaying, the need for surgery.
Currently various drugs were available in the market for treatment for patients suffering from BPH, but they offered only symptomatic relief.
Prof. Paolo Marandola, Director of Andrological and Sexological Department and Professor Urology at San Matteo of Pavia, Italy, who came to India especially for the launch of the drug, told Pharmabiz that the drug had been in use for the last 24 years in Europe and a lot of trial had gone into it in Europe and America. What was important was that the body should tolerate the drug. If properly and regularly administered, it could prevent occurrence of the symptoms of the disease. He said the drug was safe, effective and devoid of any side effects unlike other medicines.
Asked about the success of the drug elsewhere, Prof. Marandola said the drug was being sold in 48 countries and there were no adverse reports. The results of the Indian clinical trials had been comparable to several studies conducted in Europe, he said.
He said about 100,000 surgeries were done in the US at an estimated cost of $2 billion. These surgeries could be avoided by using Pyginal, he said.
He said in Italy it was a major problem associated with aging. Tests were being done free of cost and Pyginal had brought back quality life to the people suffering from the disease.
He said patients generally hesitated to present their cases to the doctors. A social stigma was associated with this disease. Many tended to ignore the symptoms thinking BPH was an age-related problem and had no cure. People suffering from BPH usually remained aloof and isolated from family and society. Prof Marandola said people should be educated about the magnitude of the problem. If the disease was not treated properly it could lead to sexual dysfunction or impotency and also renal disorders.
He said cancer of the prostate could be cured, if detected early, with surgery and therapy. In some African countries they performed castration, as they could not afford regular treatment.