PATCH KEEPS THINGS LOOKING UP FOR OLDER MEN
By Adnews Staff
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has approved a testosterone patch called Andrederm. It is designed to be placed on the upper arm, abdomen, back or thigh and is for a condition called hypogonadism, in which the body doesn't produce enough testosterone. Symptoms include impotence and the loss of libido as well as fatigue, depression and, over the long term, the bone-thinning disorder osteoporosis. The patch is being marketed by SmithKline Beecham PLC. SmithKline spokesperson Lynn Campbell told Adnews this week that the company does not know if or when the patch will be on the Canadian market, and wouldn't say whether an application has been filed for government approval. According to a story in The Wall Street Journal, about 15% of older men have symptoms severe enough to be called hypogonadism. The patch was developed and will be manufactured by Theratech of Salt Lake City, Utah, which has licensed the marketing rights to SmithKline for the U.S., Canada, some European countries, Australia and New Zealand. There are other testosterone-replacement products on the market, but they have drawbacks which have been overcome by Andredarm, according to the company.