Adjunctive use of vibegron feasible in BPH with persistent storage symptoms

Use of vibegron in addition to α-1 blocker or phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor is safe and effective in the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and persistent storage symptoms, as shown in a study.

The analysis included 42 patients (mean, 72.0 years) who received vibegron 50 mg for 12 weeks as an add-on therapy to an α-1 blocker (n=22) or a PDE5 inhibitor (n=20). The primary endpoint was the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS). Maximum flow rate and residual urine volume were also evaluated.

Results showed that the addition of vibegron produced a meaningful reduction in total OABSS, from 6.21 at baseline to 4.38 at the end of therapy (p<0.001). Scores for individual components of the OABSS questionnaire all improved, particularly for storage symptoms.

There was no meaningful effect seen in stress incontinence, straining, bladder pain, and urethral pain in the Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom score. Maximum flow rate and residual urine volume also showed no change. None of the patients discontinued vibegron due to adverse events.

In multiple regression models, several factors emerged as influential to the success of vibegron. These were OABSS, Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom score, prostate volume, and monotherapy with α-1 blocker.

Common among ageing men, BPH is characterized by nonmalignant hyperplasia of prostatic tissue and could result in bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms, which negatively affect quality of life by interrupting sleep and daily activities. [BMC Urol 2018;18:30]