Takeda UK anounced today the launch of its leuprorelin acetate dual chamber pre-filled syringe, Prostap® DCS. The older version - Leuprorelin acetate (Prostap®) - used in the treatment for prostate cancer in men and endometriosis6,7 and uterine fibroids in women is expected to be replaced by an enhanced version - Prostap DCS® - by the end of October 2011. It will be made available to the NHS in the UK at no added cost.

Compared to the vial and syringe mechanism employed in the original Prostap®, Prostap DCS® offers a more simple, intuitive, and efficient delivery mechanism as it is the only luteinizing-hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist that is delivered via a Dual Chamber pre-filled Syringe.1 The Prostap® DCS mechanism benefits healthcare professionals as it significantly reduces the time taken to prepare the device and helps them free-up more time to focus on patients.1

Consultant Urologist at the Bristol Royal Infirmary and Southmead Hospital, Mr Raj Persad, remarked that

"Leuprorelin acetate has proved to be an efficacious treatment for prostate cancer for many years. An accurate and user-friendly delivery system can only be a positive step forward, particularly as administration is more efficient and therefore saves time. This can result in a better standard of care for patients as more time is spent providing much needed support and advice."

Prostap® DCS delivers the same active ingredient contained within Prostap® (leuprorelin acetate) and provides well-documented, long-term efficacy and survival outcomes in all stages of prostate cancer.2 5 It will be available in the same doses as existing presentations: one-month Prostap® SR DCS (leuprorelin acetate depot injection 3.75mg)6 and three-month Prostap® 3 DCS (leuprorelin acetate depot injection 11.25mg).7 Since Prostap® will not be available after October 2011, it is important to reflect the name change on all prescriptions with immediate effect to ensure that patients receive continuous treatment with Prostap® DCS, as prescribed.

Since the discovery and development of leuprorelin acetate (Prostap®) in the 1970s, a patient-focused organization like Takeda has been involved with the management and treatment of prostate cancer, and is committed to developing enhanced treatments such as Prostap® DCS. Prostap® DCS represents an overall package of care for long-term efficacy and survival outcomes2-5 with a simple and efficient delivery system1 at a competitive price.8

References Takeda UK Ltd. Data on file. DF110503 D'Amico AV et al. JAMA 2004; 292: 821-827. D'Amico AV et al. JAMA 2008; 299: 289-295. Kienle E & Lübben G. Urol Int 1996; 56: 23-30 Jocham D. Urol Int 1998; 60: 18-24. Prostap SR DCS. Summary of Product Characteristics. Prostap 3 DCS. Summary of Product Characteristics. Prostap DCS. Prescribing Information. Barry Windsor