Gynex Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Vernon Hills, Ill., has begun aPhase III placebo-controlled study of Androtest-SL for thetreatment of men with hypogonadism (low testosteronelevels).

The company believes Androtest-SL, a variety of testosteronegiven under the tongue, is easier to administer than theinjectable version and can help physicians individualizetherapy.

An estimated 400,000 men in the U.S. suffer fromhypogonadism, which is associated with impotence, decreasedlibido, insufficient muscle development and bone loss.

The company also plans to review the uses of Androtest-SL asa testosterone replacement in older men. Independentresearchers in government-funded studies are studyingwhether testosterone therapy can help alleviate the effects ofaging.

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