A new Peyronie’s treatment would be welcome news for the estimated 3 to 9 percent or more of men who suffer with Peyronie’s disease. Fortunately, such a possibility exists in the form of Xiaflex, a drug that has already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for another condition.
In 2010, Xiaflex was approved for treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture. In this disease, the fingers are permanently bent inward. Injections of Xiaflex allow the fingers to return to a more normal position and function.
The potential new Peyronie’s treatment has already done well in clinical trials involving men with a bent penis. If the FDA approves the drug for Peyronie’s treatment, it will be the first medication to gain such approval based on solid evidence for the disease.
New Peyronie’s treatment in trials
In trials, the use of Xiaflex for Peyronie’s treatment involved up to eight injections into the penis over several months. The injections were targeted at the plaque that accumulates in the penis and causes it to bend. The benefit of Xiaflex injections is that it breaks down the plaque, which in turn can relieve some of the curvature in the penis.
In fact, results of clinical trials show that Xiaflex reduced the average curvature of the penis from 48.8 degrees to 31.0 degrees after one year. This compared with a decline from 49.0 degrees to 39.0 degrees among men who received placebo. Use of the drug also helped improve how bothered the men felt about having Peyronie’s disease. Side effects of Xiaflex injections for Peyronie’s treatment included pain, swelling, and hematomas (blood clots).
For now, men must wait to see if the FDA approves the new Peyronie’s treatment. Axilium Pharmaceuticals, which makes Xiaflex, filed for FDA approval in December 2012, and a decision is expected by September 2013.
Other possible Peyronie’s treatment
It is too early to tell how the research on another new Peyronie’s treatment will evolve. Thus far, the research has been done in rats only. The substance is called decorin, and it is a naturally occurring factor in the body. Experiments show that rats with a Peyronie’s-like condition responded favorably when injected with decorin.
Another possible Peyronie’s treatment is Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA). Botox is perhaps best known for its ability to temporarily eliminate facial wrinkles. However, it also has been approved for more than two dozen medical reasons, including urinary incontinence and overactive bladder. At this point, investigators are still exploring the possibility of using Botox for Peyronie’s disease.
Men who suffer with Peyronie’s disease have a variety of treatments at their disposal. Peyronie’s disease treatment ranges from watch and wait to injectable drugs, a penis pump, oral medications, natural supplements, surgery, and more. Men in search of a Peyronie’s disease cure should consult their healthcare provider about possible Peyronie’s treatment and management options.
