The FDA has approved Eli Lilly’s Cialis (tadalafil) to treat men with signs and symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Erectile Dysfunction (ED).

The drug works by inhibiting the phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme (PDE5), helping to produce vascular relaxation and increase blood flow to the penis. These enzymes are also found in the prostate and bladder, where problems can occur with BPH.

Claus Roehrborn, Chairman of the Department of Urology at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre, said: “Since many men who have ED also experience the signs and symptoms of BPH, a single medication approved to treat both may be a significant therapeutic option for men and physicians.”

The approval totals three indications: both ED and signs and symptoms of BPH separately, as well as for men who have both conditions.

Dave Ricks, Lilly USA President, said: “These additional indications for Cialis reinforce our commitment to providing medical innovation in the area of men's health.”

“We're encouraged that Cialis provides a new treatment option for men affected by both ED and the signs and symptoms of BPH,” commented Mr Ricks.

The FDA clearance was based on clinical research gathered from three placebo-controlled efficacy and safety studies involved 1,989 men.

BPH is a condition where the prostate enlarges, which can cause urinary problems. Approximately 50% of men between 40-70 years old suffer from erectile dysfunction. Several studies have shown that many men with ED also experience the symptoms of BPH.

A diagnostic screening kit that measures platelet function at the point of care is being used to assess the need need for blood products and drugs in patients who bleed post-operatively.

Surgeons and anaesthetists at the Lancashire Cardiac Centre in Blackpool Victoria Hospital are using Plateletworks from HORIBA Medical as a rapid test of whether patients have enough functioning platelets to allow haemostasis.

The Plateletworks kit delivers quantitative and qualitative platelet assessments in minutes, enabling clinicians to make informed decisions at the point of care.

The kit is also enabling clinicians at the Centre to swiftly assess patients on anti-platelet therapy (such as Clopidogrel) who require urgent surgery, so that they can be operated on at the earliest safe opportunity.

Plateletworks is also being used to evaluate new techniques, such as optimisation of the perfusion process to reduce platelet loss and hence need for transfusion.

Whole blood samples can be used with the kit, saving time in sample preparation. The tests can be processed on a HORIBA Medical haematology analyser in less than five minutes.

“By using Plateletworks to rapidly assess platelet function we have noted a reduction in post-operative bleeding take backs,” said Mr Nidal Bittar, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at the Centre.

“We have also been able to improve a patient’s journey, since we can address the cause of bleeding quickly without delay and we need only transfuse if absolutely necessary.

“Furthermore, we can protect low responders to anti-platelet therapy from risk of embolus during stent insertion procedures, for example.”

HORIBA Medical UK specialises in automated in vitro diagnostic systems for haematology, with a clinical support network of 31 professionals.