Tostrex launched in the UK

June 2007
The latest gel to hit the UK distribution market has been launched. Prostrakan's Tostrex, a 2% Testosterone gel is now apparently available. The TDC is concerned however, that Tostrex, along with other Testogel competitors,will hit the same distribution roadblock set up by the seemingly exclusive Unichem distribution network, which dominates supplies to UK pharmacies.

Generic Gel gains FDA Approval!

February 2006
Watson Pharma received FDA approval for a generic gel as announced in their Press release on January 31st this year. With an estimated 13 million US men over 45 now said to be deficient in Testosterone, this welcome news shouyld mean reduced costs for all.

A Scrotal gel in Trials!

November 2005
Results of a multi-centre trial indicate a well tolerated gel that can be used around the scrotum. The gel, code-named TGW, was trialled in Germany and is said to reduce the risk of inter-personal transfer, without adversely affecting the prostate or PSA levels.²⁰²

Testogel is launched in Australia!

August 2005
Scherings have now launched Testogel in Australia, much to the relief of many friends down there. Previously, therapies available did not include a daily application, unless an expensive cream were purchased. Now sufferers will be able to afford the therapy they need.
April 2005
Ipsen has launched Testim gel in the UK and Europe. Said to have a 30% better absorption than Testogel/Androgel, it is also said to be stickier than Testogel/Androgel on the skin. Testim is already in use in the USA and has found favour with some patients, others prefer Androgel.

Nebido is launched!

February 2005
Nebido , a quarterly 4ml intramuscular injection, is now available in the UK. Surprisingly perhaps, it has apparently jumped straight to the top of the prescribing options for NHS consultants, when dealing with new patients. This site queries the wisdom of such a move, if it proves to be true. We consider doctors should evaluate the correct level for his patient by daily dosing initially. Daily treatment options, enable fast response to drug reaction issues, whereas, starting a patient on a long-acting drug, consigns them to the effects of that drug, for the duration. In this case,that period would be six to twelve weeks. Perhaps it is a matter of cost?
A scan of the prescribing sheet reveals overdose proportions (37 nmol/l) will be reached during the six week treatment cycle. Despite the claim for Testosterone Undecanoate's anti-Estradiol conversion properties, one might wonder why the risk of Aromatase via temporary overdose, is being run in the first place. The answer is, of course, that some people prefer the lesser hassle provided by injection, and more importantly, older people and the infirm, who cannot necessarily be relied upon to remember a daily treatment, can be treated in a more convenient manner for them and the health service. The injection is understood to take approximately three minutes, but is relatively painless. This from a man who hates needles! SO whilst maintaining a preference for a daily gel, there is no doubt Nebido appears the best injectable in the field.

Cellegy and Prostrakan get Tostrex approved in Sweden!

January 2005: Cellegy and ProStrakan, have announced the approval by Swedish authorities of Tostrex a 2% Testosterone formulation. Launch is suggested to be in the first half of 2005.
Tostrex, known as Fortigel in the USA, was refused approval by the FDA, who are slowly setting criteria for new Phase 3 trials. Europe wide approval for Tostrex is being sought from the EEC via an existing "mutual trust" agreement amongst members. Meanwhile the female equivalent Tostrelle, is in revised Phase 3 trials.

Nasal Spray licensed in USA

The TDC has learned ITI (Intranasal Technology Inc) has obtained a license to distribute a testosterone nasal spray. To access their release on the matter and for other information visit the ITI website

Another Gel hits the approval pipeline

29th March 2004 Macrochem's Opterone has entered clinical trials with a likely application to the FDA due by the end of 2004. The claim is an improved delivery system resulting in a smaller application area and dose. Meanwhile Cellegy still struggle to have Fortigel approved. Their intended female Testosterone treatment Tostrelle, is now in the Stage2/3 area of trials and Cellegy are looking for post-menaupausal women volunteers in North America.

Testim released in the UK

The first competitor to Testogel has launched in the UK.
Auxilium have launched Testim for use by prescription in the UK. Though a slightly cheaper drug than Androgel in the USA, research suggests it is as effective.