EU approves transdermal incontinence therapy
The EU Commission has granted marketing authorisation to US company Watson Pharmaceuticals' oxybutynin transdermal product for the symptomatic treatment of urge incontinence and/or increased urinary frequency and urgency as may occur in patients with unstable bladder. Approval of the application, filed by Watson's wholly owned European subsidiary, results in a single marketing authorisation with unified labelling that is immediately valid in all 25 EU Member States.
In September, 2003, Watson entered into a marketing and supply agreement with UCB Pharma, pursuant to which UCB Pharma will market the oxybutynin transdermal product in Europe. UCB Pharma expects to launch the product in the fourth quarter 2004. Watson currently markets the product in the US under the name Oxytrol.