VA106483 (nocturia)

VA106483 is a novel small molecule drug candidate discovered by Vantia Therapeutics and currently in Phase II trials for the treatment of nocturia, a common condition that causes sufferers to wake frequently during the night in order to urinate.

VA106483 is an antidiuretic (reduces urine production) that acts directly in the collecting ducts of the kidney by binding to, and activating, vasopressin V2 receptors.

Data from previous clinical trials, presented at the American Urological Association meeting in 2010, demonstrated a dose-dependent pharmacological effect and suggested that VA106483 has the potential to be an effective and well tolerated antidiuretic for the treatment of nocturia.

VA106483 is currently being investigated in a 30-patient clinical trial to evaluate the dose-response in men aged over 65 years with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). This population forms the largest part of the nocturia market and represents the greatest unmet need. The results of this trial are expected in the second half of 2011 and will be used to support the design of pivotal clinical trials in nocturia.

Market Opportunity

Nocturia is defined as waking at night to void. It is a common condition affecting all ages but increases in frequency with age such that >70% of the general population over the age of 60 years suffer from the condition. It is the most common cause of sleep disturbance in people over 50 years and is the primary presenting symptom for 1 in 3 patients consulting a urologist, in particular, men with BPH.

The associated sleep disturbance is linked with mood alteration, depression and a decreased quality of life. Despite its prevalence and impact on patients' lives, current treatment options are very limited resulting in significant unmet medical need.