The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7240 p357
15 March 2003

This article
Reprint
Photocopy

News summary

GSK launches dutasteride

GlaxoSmithKline has launched dutasteride (Avodart), a 5a-reductase inhibitor, for the treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The product is also indicated for treatment of BPH to reduce the risk of acute urinary retention and to reduce the risk for BPH-related surgery.

Dutasteride inhibits both type 1 and type 2 isoenzymes of 5a-reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in the prostate (see p363).