ASP4901 (Astellas Pharma)

ASP4901 is an investigational, orally active, non-peptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist developed by Astellas Pharma for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The compound functions by competitively binding to GnRH receptors in the anterior pituitary gland, thereby inhibiting the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This inhibition leads to a rapid suppression of serum testosterone levels, a hormonal modulation intended to reduce prostate volume and alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with BPH. ASP4901 was evaluated in a Phase 2 clinical trial (NCT01141010) comparing its efficacy and safety to placebo and tamsulosin, but development for this indication appears to have been halted following the completion of the study.