Ferring Pharmaceuticals launches Nocdurna in US to treat nocturia

Ferring Pharmaceuticals has announced the launch of Nocdurna (desmopressin acetate) in the United States, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of nocturia caused by nocturnal polyuria. This new medication is designed for adults who experience the disruptive need to urinate at least twice during the night.

Nocdurna will be available by prescription in pharmacies nationwide approximately five months after receiving approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug is poised to offer a fast-acting and effective solution, targeting the underlying issue of nocturnal polyuria by focusing on kidney function.

The sublingual tablet formulation of Nocdurna, which is unique in its sex-specific dosing, has demonstrated a substantial reduction in nighttime urination, cutting the frequency by nearly 50% for adults aged 18 and older. This formulation dissolves quickly under the tongue without water, with a dosage of 27.7 micrograms for women and 55.3 micrograms for men, to be taken an hour before bedtime.

Jeffrey P. Weiss, Professor and Chairman of Urology at the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center, commented on the impact of nocturia: “The effects of nocturia are often discounted; however, many people don’t realize the impact that two or more nocturia episodes a night can have by disrupting sleep and causing people to wake up frequently. The availability of Nocdurna provides US healthcare providers with an effective treatment option to address the underlying cause of nocturnal polyuria and help their patients reduce the number of times they get up each night to urinate.”

Paul Navarre, CEO of Ferring Pharmaceuticals (US), expressed enthusiasm about the launch: “At Ferring, we are expanding our portfolio with novel treatments for diseases that impose significant burdens on patients. We are delighted to make Nocdurna available to US healthcare providers and their patients today.”

Ferring Pharmaceuticals has issued a warning regarding the potential side effect of hyponatremia, a condition that can be severe and life-threatening, including risks of seizures, coma, respiratory arrest, or death. Patients are advised to consult their healthcare providers before starting treatment.

In comparison, Avadel Pharmaceuticals, under a license agreement with Serenity Pharmaceuticals, launched Noctiva (desmopressin acetate) in May 2018. This emulsified microdose nasal spray, approved by the FDA in March 2017, also targets nocturia caused by nocturnal polyuria.