Translating evidence into clinical care: Embracing the new era of testosterone replacement therapy
13 Dec 2024
byJoanne G. Blanco, MD
Testosterone deficiency, or
hypogonadism, remains an
underdiagnosed and undertreated
condition among men, especially
as they age. Despite its widespread
prevalence, affecting an estimated
2.1 to 38.7 percent of men globally,
significant gaps exist in both diagnosis
and management. Many men suffering
from symptoms of low testosterone
— ranging from fatigue and reduced
libido to depression and diminished
muscle mass — often go undiagnosed
or receive improper treatment due
to lingering misconceptions about
testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
This represents a substantial missed
opportunity to improve the quality of life
in men experiencing the effects of agerelated testosterone decline.1
The Philippine Urological Association Inc. (PUA) headed by Dr Diosdado Limjoco welcomed Besins Healthcare Philippines Inc. at the PUA Midyear Convention, held from June 13-16, 2024, in BNCC (Boracay Newcoast Convention Center), Boracay, which launched AndroGel® 1.62%, the first transdermal testosterone gel introduced in the Philippines.2 The event saw participation from over 300 urology consultants, residents, and key business leaders, including Senior Product Manager for Men’s Health, Russelyn Quetua, Senior Regional Business Director, Mr. Geoff Blundell, and Country Head, Mr. Paul Reyes. The symposium focused on closing the gaps in hypogonadism treatment and the potential TRT offers, with AndroGel® at the forefront.
From left: Senior Product Manager for Men’s Health, Ms. Russelyn Quetua; Speaker, Dr Jose Dante Dator; Country Head, Mr. Paul Reyes; Senior Regional Business Director, Mr. Geoff Blundell
Bridging the treatment gap requires recognizing the essential role of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
Hypogonadism is not merely a condition affecting sexual function. Extensive research highlights testosterone’s critical role in male health, influencing energy levels, cognitive function, bone density, and cardiovascular well-being.3 Despite the availability of TRT, many men remain untreated due to persistent concerns about the therapy’s safety, particularly its potential association with prostate cancer and cardiovascular risks.4,5 Historically, studies like those by Huggins and Hodges (1941) suggested that testosterone could exacerbate prostate cancer, which significantly curtailed the adoption of TRT for decades.6
The speakers, panelist, and moderator of the event.
Death from cardiovascular cause, nonfatal MI, or nonfatal stroke among participants receiving testosterone and a placebo.5
However, recent data has dispelled these fears. The TRAVERSE study is a landmark trial designed to assess the long-term cardiovascular safety of TRT in 5,246 men aged 45 to 80 years. The results demonstrated a robust cardiovascular safety profile, with no significant increase in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among those receiving testosterone compared to placebo.5 Additionally, findings published in another study confirmed the absence of heightened prostate cancer risk, further reinforcing the safety of TRT for clinical use.4
Beyond safety, TRT also offers considerable therapeutic benefits. According to research by Pencina KM et al. in 2023, testosterone therapy significantly improves sexual function, alleviates hypogonadal symptoms, and sustains sexual desire over two years. These findings underscore the positive impact of TRT on patients’ quality of life by addressing both physical and psychological symptoms of testosterone deficiency.7
Testosterone replacement therapy is being redefined to meet the evolving healthcare needs in the Philippines
Dr Jose Dante P. Dator opened the event with a compelling talk entitled “Hypogonadism and Sexual Dysfunction: The Re-emerging Role of Testosterone Replacement Therapy in the Philippines,” where he highlighted the critical role testosterone plays in men’s health beyond just reproductive function. Testosterone’s influence on mood, cognition, and metabolism has been well-documented in numerous studies, making it an essential hormone for overall well-being.3 Dr Dator emphasized the need for greater awareness and education about TRT, especially in the Philippines, where hypogonadism remains underdiagnosed.8
Dr Jose Dante P. Dator talks about hypogonadism and sexual dysfuntion.
Data from the Philippine Society for the Study of the Aging Male (PhiSSAM) supports this concern. A survey conducted by the organization among Filipino doctors revealed that 87 percent of respondents acknowledged andropause; yet only a small fraction felt confident in managing testosterone deficiency. This highlights the knowledge gap among physicians and underscores the urgent need for continued education to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of testosterone deficiency in Filipino men.8
AndroGel® a breakthrough in delivering safe and effective TRT
Dr Nikko Magsanoc took center stage to officially unveil AndroGel® 1.62%. His lecture, titled “AndroGel Unveiled: Navigating Testosterone Therapy in the Philippines,” provided a comprehensive overview of TRT and the advantages of using a transdermal application. Unlike injectable or oral testosterone, AndroGel offers a consistent and controlled release of testosterone through the skin, ensuring more stable serum testosterone levels without the peaks and troughs associated with other methods.9
Dr Magsanoc further elaborated on the challenges Filipino men face with the current testosterone market. Many available products are often used for non-medical purposes, such as performance enhancement in sports, and their quality is often unreliable. AndroGel®, manufactured by Besins Healthcare, addresses these concerns by offering a medically supervised, high-quality option for TRT, allowing Filipino men to safely manage their testosterone levels. The lecture also touched on the TRAVERSE Trial findings, solidifying AndroGel®’s position as a safe and effective solution for testosterone deficiency.5
Dr Magsanoc addresses the challenges Filipino men face with the current testosterone market.
Landscape of TRT in the Philippines reflects increasing awareness and accessibility
Panelist Dr Ian Lorenzo provided a historical perspective in his session, “The Landscape of TRT in the Philippines,” tracing the origins of testosterone therapy back to the early 20th century. He explained how early misconceptions surrounding TRT and its link to prostate cancer hindered its adoption, particularly in regions like the Philippines. As a result, TRT was often used for muscle enhancement or other non-medical purposes, overshadowing its potential to improve men’s health.6
However, new research and a growing body of clinical evidence now support the safe use of TRT in improving not just sexual function but also energy levels, cognitive health, bone density, and mood.3 With the PhiSSAM survey revealing the need for more physician education, Dr Lorenzo highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in spreading awareness about the benefits of testosterone therapy. As TRT continues to evolve, it promises to significantly improve the quality of life for men suffering from hypogonadism.5
Advancing testosterone therapy in the Philippines is key to improving the quality of life for men with hypogonadism
The launch of AndroGel® 1.62% represents a leap forward in the management of testosterone deficiency in the Philippines. It is a call to action for physicians to re-evaluate their approach to hypogonadism and take advantage of the latest research that supports the safety and efficacy of TRT. By offering a reliable, safe, and medically approved option like AndroGel®, Besins Healthcare is setting a new standard for TRT in the country. As AndroGel® ushers in a new era of testosterone replacement therapy, offering men a safer and more effective solution for hypogonadism, the question remains: How will you take advantage of this breakthrough to transform your patients’ quality of life?
References: 1. Yeo S, Holl K, Peñaherrera N, Wissinger U, Anstee K, Wyn R. Burden of Male Hypogonadism and Major Comorbidities, and the Clinical, Economic, and Humanistic Benefits of Testosterone Therapy: A Narrative Review. Clinicoecon Outcomes Res 2021 Jan 12;13:31–38. 2. Food and Drug Administration. Androgel Product Information. Available at https://verification.fda. gov.ph/drug_productsview.php?showdetail=®istration_number=DR-XY47809. Accessed 15 Sept 2024. 3. Nassar GN, Leslie SW. Physiology, Testosterone. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/books/NBK526128/. Accessed 15 September 2024. 4. Bhasin S, Travison TG, Pencina KM, et al. Prostate Safety Events During Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2023;6(12):e2348692. 5. Lincoff AM, et al. Cardiovascular Safety of Testosterone-Replacement Therapy. N Engl J Med 2023;389:107–117. 6. Chedrawe E, et al. Testosterone Therapy in Advanced Prostate Cancer. Androgens: Clinical Research and Therapeutics 2022;3.1:180–186. 7. Pencina KM, Valderrabano R, Wipper B, et al. Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Augmentation in Overweight or Obese Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Physiologic Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023 Jul 14;108(8):1968-1980. 8. Reyes JA 3rd, Tan DA, Quimpo JA, Tan-Garcia J, Garcia LA, Gonzaga FP, Torralba TP, Lim-Abrahan MA, de la Rosa MT, Santos MS; PhiSSAM Male Aging Study Group. The Philippine Male Aging Survey. Aging Male 2004 Sep;7(3):227-35. 9. Layton JB, Meier CR, Sharpless JL, Stürmer T, Jick SS, Brookhart MA. Comparative Safety of Testosterone Dosage Forms. JAMA Intern Med 2015;175(7):1187–1196.
Full prescribing information is available upon request.
The Philippine Urological Association Inc. (PUA) headed by Dr Diosdado Limjoco welcomed Besins Healthcare Philippines Inc. at the PUA Midyear Convention, held from June 13-16, 2024, in BNCC (Boracay Newcoast Convention Center), Boracay, which launched AndroGel® 1.62%, the first transdermal testosterone gel introduced in the Philippines.2 The event saw participation from over 300 urology consultants, residents, and key business leaders, including Senior Product Manager for Men’s Health, Russelyn Quetua, Senior Regional Business Director, Mr. Geoff Blundell, and Country Head, Mr. Paul Reyes. The symposium focused on closing the gaps in hypogonadism treatment and the potential TRT offers, with AndroGel® at the forefront.
From left: Senior Product Manager for Men’s Health, Ms. Russelyn Quetua; Speaker, Dr Jose Dante Dator; Country Head, Mr. Paul Reyes; Senior Regional Business Director, Mr. Geoff Blundell
Bridging the treatment gap requires recognizing the essential role of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
Hypogonadism is not merely a condition affecting sexual function. Extensive research highlights testosterone’s critical role in male health, influencing energy levels, cognitive function, bone density, and cardiovascular well-being.3 Despite the availability of TRT, many men remain untreated due to persistent concerns about the therapy’s safety, particularly its potential association with prostate cancer and cardiovascular risks.4,5 Historically, studies like those by Huggins and Hodges (1941) suggested that testosterone could exacerbate prostate cancer, which significantly curtailed the adoption of TRT for decades.6
The speakers, panelist, and moderator of the event.
Death from cardiovascular cause, nonfatal MI, or nonfatal stroke among participants receiving testosterone and a placebo.5
However, recent data has dispelled these fears. The TRAVERSE study is a landmark trial designed to assess the long-term cardiovascular safety of TRT in 5,246 men aged 45 to 80 years. The results demonstrated a robust cardiovascular safety profile, with no significant increase in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among those receiving testosterone compared to placebo.5 Additionally, findings published in another study confirmed the absence of heightened prostate cancer risk, further reinforcing the safety of TRT for clinical use.4
Beyond safety, TRT also offers considerable therapeutic benefits. According to research by Pencina KM et al. in 2023, testosterone therapy significantly improves sexual function, alleviates hypogonadal symptoms, and sustains sexual desire over two years. These findings underscore the positive impact of TRT on patients’ quality of life by addressing both physical and psychological symptoms of testosterone deficiency.7
Testosterone replacement therapy is being redefined to meet the evolving healthcare needs in the Philippines
Dr Jose Dante P. Dator opened the event with a compelling talk entitled “Hypogonadism and Sexual Dysfunction: The Re-emerging Role of Testosterone Replacement Therapy in the Philippines,” where he highlighted the critical role testosterone plays in men’s health beyond just reproductive function. Testosterone’s influence on mood, cognition, and metabolism has been well-documented in numerous studies, making it an essential hormone for overall well-being.3 Dr Dator emphasized the need for greater awareness and education about TRT, especially in the Philippines, where hypogonadism remains underdiagnosed.8
Dr Jose Dante P. Dator talks about hypogonadism and sexual dysfuntion.
Data from the Philippine Society for the Study of the Aging Male (PhiSSAM) supports this concern. A survey conducted by the organization among Filipino doctors revealed that 87 percent of respondents acknowledged andropause; yet only a small fraction felt confident in managing testosterone deficiency. This highlights the knowledge gap among physicians and underscores the urgent need for continued education to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of testosterone deficiency in Filipino men.8
AndroGel® a breakthrough in delivering safe and effective TRT
Dr Nikko Magsanoc took center stage to officially unveil AndroGel® 1.62%. His lecture, titled “AndroGel Unveiled: Navigating Testosterone Therapy in the Philippines,” provided a comprehensive overview of TRT and the advantages of using a transdermal application. Unlike injectable or oral testosterone, AndroGel offers a consistent and controlled release of testosterone through the skin, ensuring more stable serum testosterone levels without the peaks and troughs associated with other methods.9
Dr Magsanoc further elaborated on the challenges Filipino men face with the current testosterone market. Many available products are often used for non-medical purposes, such as performance enhancement in sports, and their quality is often unreliable. AndroGel®, manufactured by Besins Healthcare, addresses these concerns by offering a medically supervised, high-quality option for TRT, allowing Filipino men to safely manage their testosterone levels. The lecture also touched on the TRAVERSE Trial findings, solidifying AndroGel®’s position as a safe and effective solution for testosterone deficiency.5
Dr Magsanoc addresses the challenges Filipino men face with the current testosterone market.
Landscape of TRT in the Philippines reflects increasing awareness and accessibility
Panelist Dr Ian Lorenzo provided a historical perspective in his session, “The Landscape of TRT in the Philippines,” tracing the origins of testosterone therapy back to the early 20th century. He explained how early misconceptions surrounding TRT and its link to prostate cancer hindered its adoption, particularly in regions like the Philippines. As a result, TRT was often used for muscle enhancement or other non-medical purposes, overshadowing its potential to improve men’s health.6
However, new research and a growing body of clinical evidence now support the safe use of TRT in improving not just sexual function but also energy levels, cognitive health, bone density, and mood.3 With the PhiSSAM survey revealing the need for more physician education, Dr Lorenzo highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in spreading awareness about the benefits of testosterone therapy. As TRT continues to evolve, it promises to significantly improve the quality of life for men suffering from hypogonadism.5
Advancing testosterone therapy in the Philippines is key to improving the quality of life for men with hypogonadism
The launch of AndroGel® 1.62% represents a leap forward in the management of testosterone deficiency in the Philippines. It is a call to action for physicians to re-evaluate their approach to hypogonadism and take advantage of the latest research that supports the safety and efficacy of TRT. By offering a reliable, safe, and medically approved option like AndroGel®, Besins Healthcare is setting a new standard for TRT in the country. As AndroGel® ushers in a new era of testosterone replacement therapy, offering men a safer and more effective solution for hypogonadism, the question remains: How will you take advantage of this breakthrough to transform your patients’ quality of life?
References: 1. Yeo S, Holl K, Peñaherrera N, Wissinger U, Anstee K, Wyn R. Burden of Male Hypogonadism and Major Comorbidities, and the Clinical, Economic, and Humanistic Benefits of Testosterone Therapy: A Narrative Review. Clinicoecon Outcomes Res 2021 Jan 12;13:31–38. 2. Food and Drug Administration. Androgel Product Information. Available at https://verification.fda. gov.ph/drug_productsview.php?showdetail=®istration_number=DR-XY47809. Accessed 15 Sept 2024. 3. Nassar GN, Leslie SW. Physiology, Testosterone. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/books/NBK526128/. Accessed 15 September 2024. 4. Bhasin S, Travison TG, Pencina KM, et al. Prostate Safety Events During Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2023;6(12):e2348692. 5. Lincoff AM, et al. Cardiovascular Safety of Testosterone-Replacement Therapy. N Engl J Med 2023;389:107–117. 6. Chedrawe E, et al. Testosterone Therapy in Advanced Prostate Cancer. Androgens: Clinical Research and Therapeutics 2022;3.1:180–186. 7. Pencina KM, Valderrabano R, Wipper B, et al. Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Augmentation in Overweight or Obese Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Physiologic Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023 Jul 14;108(8):1968-1980. 8. Reyes JA 3rd, Tan DA, Quimpo JA, Tan-Garcia J, Garcia LA, Gonzaga FP, Torralba TP, Lim-Abrahan MA, de la Rosa MT, Santos MS; PhiSSAM Male Aging Study Group. The Philippine Male Aging Survey. Aging Male 2004 Sep;7(3):227-35. 9. Layton JB, Meier CR, Sharpless JL, Stürmer T, Jick SS, Brookhart MA. Comparative Safety of Testosterone Dosage Forms. JAMA Intern Med 2015;175(7):1187–1196.
Full prescribing information is available upon request.