European Commission approves Elmiron for bladder pain syndrome

Europe's first oral medication for the treatment of bladder pain syndrome (BPS) characterized by glomerulations or Hunner's lesions has been approved.

The European Commission announced European Union approval for Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate). With the Marketing Authorization for Elmiron, German drugmaker bene-Arzneimittel has Europe's first approved drug therapy for the treatment of bladder pain syndrome characterized by either glomerulations or Hunner's lesions in adults with moderate to severe pain, urgency and frequency of micturition. This disease pattern is also known as interstitial cystitis (IC).

Bladder pain syndrome characterized by glomerulations or Hunner's lesions (or IC) is a chronic bladder disease accompanied by moderate to severe pain, urgency and frequency of micturition that significantly impairs quality of life.