UK Launch Of Astra's MUSE

Astra Pharmaceuticals has launched its transurethral product for thetreatment of male erectile dysfunction of primarily organic etiology, MUSE (alprostadil), a synthetic form of the vasodilator prostaglandin E1, in the UK. It was launched in its first market, the USA, in January last year.

A Phase III clinical trial of MUSE, which is licensed from VIVUS Pharmaceuticals, demonstrated that it was effective in 65.9% of patients in the clinic, while 64.9% of men in the home treatment phase achieved intercourse at least once versus 18.6% of placebo receivers.

The recommended starting dose of MUSE is 250mcg, which must be titrated under medical supervision until the correct dose is found, following which the patient can use the product at home. Only two doses are recommended in every 24-hour period. The cost to the National Health Service for a pack of six MUSE will be L54.84 ($89.37; 125mcg), L59.70 (250mcg and 500mcg) and L61.08 (1,000mcg).