Drug Names Gone Wild

I just saw that a new incontinence drug has been approved. The FDA approved Myrbetriq for Overactive Bladder.

As a consumer, I must say…”HUH?” What is a Myrbetriq? How do I pronounce it? What is it for?

Have pharmaceutical companies gone insane? I’ve named Rx drugs before and I can tell you that the landscape is not a simple one due to numerous FDA regulations about implying benefits in the name and numerous potential trademark issues.

But I have never resorted to choosing random letters out of a hat…which is the only explanation I can come up with for why Astellas Pharma US, Inc. chose this name.

Seriously!?!  Hey Astellas Pharma…please keep me in mind for your next Rx drug. I am certain I can do better (can’t do much worse!).