Preclinical compounds for the treatment of overactive bladder.

Background: Overactive bladder is a prevalent and bothersome condition. Existing pharmacotherapy with antimuscarinics improves symptoms and quality of life but there are certain limitations in efficacy and tolerability.

Objective: To review novel, recently patented compounds for the treatment of overactive bladder.

Methods: The European Patent Office database was searched for compounds that emerged in the last 3 years.

Results/conclusion: Overactive bladder pathophysiology and treatment is an active field of research. Molecules that modulate/inhibit afferent nerve pathways are the focus of interest and the most promising field of overactive bladder drug development.