An appraisal of recently patented compounds for bladder overactivity and urinary incontinence

Bladder overactivity and urinary incontinence are lower urinary tract syndromes for which there is no adequate pharmacological treatment. The latter condition is associated with an involuntary loss of urine causing a hygienic and social concern to the patient. Recently, central and peripheral mechanisms that control bladder storage and voiding processes have been partly addressed and clarified. Novel antimuscarinic agents, as well as newer formulations of available drugs and selective antagonists at alpha(1D)-receptors, have been patented, in addition to selective agonists at the beta(3)-adrenoceptor and selective antagonists at 5-hydroxytryptamine, subtype 1A and 7 (5-HT1A and 5-HT7) receptors. Other potential therapeutic options include neurokinin type 1 and 2 (NK1/NK2) tachykinin receptor antagonists and potassium channel openers. The aforementioned agents may contribute to the pharmacological armamentarium in urology treatment, although their therapeutic effectiveness and safety profile remain to be validated in the clinical setting.