Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or Hypertrophy (BPH), also called Benign Prostate Enlargement (BPE), affects an estimated 50% of the male population in the US over the age of 50.

In 2005, only 20% of the affected population was treated, however, that percentage is predicted to increase as more medical therapy is preferred, because of the potential long-term cost benefit (US Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Markets, Frost and Sullivan, 2005). The most common treatments are with alpha-blockers (FloMax) and/or 5alpha reductase inhibitors (Avodart). The trend is for more combination therapy.

Since this target population also often is affected with other symptoms that can be co-treated (male pattern baldness), the predicted use of Propecia is expected to increase.

IMS Healthcare estimates that in 2005 the steroid reductase inhibitors had 22% of the $4 billion market for BPH treatment, with 12% annual growth rate.