Evaluating vibegron for the treatment of overactive bladder

Abstract

Introduction: Vibegron is a very selective new β3-adrenergic receptor agonist introduced recently to clinical practice for OAB patients, which offers an alternative option for to antimuscarinic drugs.

Areas covered: This review presents the current knowledge concerning the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of vibegron. Moreover, it presents an overview of preclinical and phase II and phase III clinical studies on the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of this agent in patients suffering from OAB.

Expert opinion: Clinical studies confirmed efficacy and safety of vibegron in OAB patients. Vibegron differ from well-known mirabegron with regards to its pharmacological profile because it is metabolized independently from CYP3A4, 2D6, or 2C9 and therefore is less likely to cause a drug-drug interaction. Moreover, since this drug does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier, it could become the drug of choice in OAB patients with cognitive impairment. These properties have paved the way in near future for better-tailored treatments for OAB patients.

Keywords: Vibegron; clinical efficacy; overactive bladder; pharmcotherapy.