Peyronie’s disease, a disease effecting 10% of men, results
from collagen deposits in the tunica albuginea of the penis. These deposits, which are the result of
trauma to the penis during intercourse, lead to scarring and curvature of the
penis. This curvature can be quite
painful and may prevent successful intercourse.
Multiple medications, ranging from Vitamin E to injectable
Verapamil, have been tried to help reverse this curvature. However, successful outcomes have been few
and far between. As a result, urologists
typically recommend surgical procedures to correct the curvature. Yet, as scarring can continue or recur, the
results may also be poor.
In good news for men with this condition, Xiaflex (Auxilium
Pharmaceuticals), a drug currently used to treat Dupuytren’s contracture (a
disfiguring disease of the hands due to collagen deposition), has shown success
in improving penile curvature. While
only in preliminary studies and not currently FDA approved, improved penile
curvature was seen at 36 weeks of study with few side effects.
For a disease with little support, it seems help may be on
the way.
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