Elocalcitol (BXL-628): a novel, investigational therapy for the therapeutic management of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract

Background: Ageing and chronic exposure to androgens, mainly dihydrotestosterone, is required for the overgrowth of the prostate and development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, involvement of androgens does not explain the development of the entire hyperplastic process. Several growth factors have also been implicated in the overgrowth of the prostate and this provides the rationale to develop the agents controlling the expression/signaling of growth factors implicated in the overgrowth of the prostate. Objective: To determine whether elocalcitol (BXL-628), a calcitriol analog acting at vitamin D receptor, represents a viable option for the pharmacotherapeutic management of BPH with improved tolerability. Methods: Research articles in public domain and press releases were employed to define the scope of the article. Results/conclusion: Elocalcitol is currently planned for Phase III clinical trial for the treatment of BPH after the positive results obtained from Phase IIa and IIb clinical trials both in terms of primary and secondary efficacy variables and tolerability as well. Based on the preliminary data, elocalcitol exhibits a strong potential to succeed as monotherapy and can also be utilized for combination therapy in future.

Keywords::

• antiandrogens
• BPH
• BXL-628
• elocalcitol
• growth factors
• prostate