Testosterone hormone replacement and its alternatives

Abstract

The use of testosterone replacement is increasing and this trend is expected to continue; due in part to the ageing population of the developed world. The production of this androgen is described to emphasise the diversity of possible therapeutic interventions. Current therapies are reviewed briefly to illustrate how the developments claimed in the patent literature may improve patient acceptability as well as increasing therapeutic testosterone levels safely and physiologically. The patents divide into novel androgens, or androgen-esters available to be administered via several different routes, including oral treatment. Following on from this, patents to improve transdermal testosterone delivery are considered with novel reservoir and matrix patches as well as new enhancers and gels. In recent years alternative methods for increasing testosterone concentrations have been patented. These include direct stimulation of androgen production, displacement of testosterone from sex hormone binding globulin, anti-oestrogens and non-steroidal androgen agonists. Finally, claims for novel androgen replacement in women are described, as androgens have been shown to improve specific symptoms of the climacteric.

• hormone replacement androgens
• testosterone