Cardiovascular (CV) disease is a leading cause of death among patients with prostate cancer. Yet for years, the mainstay treatments for this condition, namely GnRH agonists have themselves been associated with CV risks, especially in men already vulnerable to heart disease.
Meanwhile, millions of men experience acute urinary retention (AUR) a sudden, painful inability to urinate often caused by an enlarged prostate and face limited non-surgical options to prevent it from coming back.
Teverelix, a novel investigational therapy being developed by Medicus Pharma could offer a new approach to both of these persistent men’s health challenges.
How Teverelix Works
Teverelix is a GnRH antagonist, which means it binds to gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors in the pituitary gland, preventing the release of two hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This rapidly reduces testosterone levels an important step in slowing the growth of prostate cancer.
Importantly, Teverelix also consistently suppresses FSH, which is under increasing study for its possible role in cardiovascular and metabolic health. This aspect of Teverelix’s mechanism could help patients with elevated CV risk, a population underserved by current therapies.
Why a New Therapy Is Needed
While other GnRH antagonists like degarelix (injectable) and relugolix (oral) are on the market, they have limitations and neither is currently approved specifically for prostate cancer patients with high CV risk.
In the AUR space, the standard of care involves emergency catheterization and bladder decompression, followed by use of alpha blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs). However, adherence to these chronic therapies can be poor, and side effects including sexual dysfunction and mood changes can be persistent. Further, 5-ARIs take a significant amount of time to shrink the prostate.
What Makes Teverelix Different
Teverelix has the potential to become the first GnRH antagonist specifically developed for prostate cancer patients with high cardiovascular risk. Its target label will focus on this subpopulation.
In AUR, Teverelix may become the first pharmacologic therapy aimed at preventing recurrence after a first episode a significant innovation in an area that currently offers limited approved solutions for relapse prevention.
Clinical Status and Regulatory Pathway
To date, Teverelix has completed around ~14 clinical studies involving over 400 patients. These trials have yielded detailed pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) data and a consistent safety profile.
Looking ahead:
- A Phase 2b trial is planned for 2026 to establish the optimal dosing for a future cardiovascular outcomes study in high CV-risk prostate cancer patients.
- In parallel, a randomized, three arm trial will begin evaluating Teverelix for the prevention of AUR recurrence, addressing a substantial unmet need.
These trials will inform pivotal studies intended to support potential future regulatory filings in both indications.
A Platform for the Future
Beyond men’s health, Medicus is exploring how Teverelix could be valuable in women’s health applications, such as endometriosis, a condition where hormonal control plays a central role. Early clinical work is underway, including collaborations in emerging global innovation ecosystems.
Meanwhile, the company continues to invest in AI-driven development aimed at accelerating and de-risking clinical development.
Final Thoughts
Teverelix is not just another hormonal therapy. With its potential cardiovascular friendly profile, exploratory utility in benign urology, and platform potential, it represents a compelling and differentiated approach in endocrine-driven diseases.