San Diego, CA - June 4, 2005- A testosterone replacement therapy that is much easier to administer than traditional methods has been demonstrated in a study presented in San Diego at ENDO 2005, the 87th Annual Meeting of The Endocrine Society.

The study, conducted by Dr. Niki Meston, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, found that testosterone replacement therapy is effective in an alcohol-based gel absorbed through the skin. The current therapy must be shot into the muscle by hypodermic needle.

This study investigated the incidence of complications associated with the use of this hormone replacement in a group of hypogonadal male subjects at particular risk of polycythaemia, a condition in which excessive red blood cells potentially lead to stroke or heart attack, or prostatic pathology complications.

The study used 97 men requiring testosterone replacement therapy for primary or secondary hypogonadism. The subjects underwent blood sampling at baseline, then at three, six and 12 months of treatment. Measurements included, alanine transaminase (ALT), as a marker of hepatocellular dysfunction, prostatic specific enzyme (PSA) and hemoglobin.

“Results showed topical alcohol-based testosterone gel provides effective treatment of male hypogonadism associated with high patient acceptability and a low incidence of polycythaemia, prostatic disease or liver dysfunction complications,” said Dr. Meston.

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Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world’s oldest, largest, and most active organization devoted to research on hormones, and the clinical practice of endocrinology. Today, The Endocrine Society’s membership consists of over 12,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in more than 80 countries. Together, these members represent all basic, applied, and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Chevy Chase, Maryland. To learn more about the Society, and the field of endocrinology, visit our web site at www.endo-society.org.

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Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world's oldest, largest, and most active organization devoted to research on hormones and the clinical practice of endocrinology. Today, The Endocrine Society's membership consists of over 14,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in more than 80 countries. Together, these members represent all basic, applied, and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Chevy Chase, Md. To learn more about the Society, and the field of endocrinology, visit our web site at www.endo-society.org.