FDA approves new overactive bladder drug

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it has approved a new drug -- Toviza -- to help patients suffering from an overactive bladder.

The federal agency said Toviaz (fesoterodine fumarate) works by relaxing the smooth muscle tissue of the bladder, thus reducing urinary frequency, the urge to urinate and sudden urinary incontinence -- all characteristic symptoms of an overactive bladder.

"Patients who suffer from overactive bladder face quality of life issues that can hamper their ability to enjoy life to its fullest," said Dr. George Benson, deputy director of the Division of Reproductive and Urologic Products at the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "This new drug will provide an additional treatment option to help them manage problems with an overactive bladder."

Toviaz is manufactured by Schwarz Pharma of Zwickau, Germany, and is distributed in the United States by Pfizer Inc. of New York.