Men suffering from impotence may have a new ally: the world's first topical treatment for erectile dysfunction promises a safer and quicker treatment for impotence than Viagra.
The new medicated cream, branded "Befar", has been on sale in China since last July. Now, American biotechnology NexMed, is preparing to distribute the cream to the rest of Asia, and eventually the US.
Advertisement
Much less painful application
Befar uses the active ingredient Alprox-TD, a derivative of alprostadil. Alprostadil has been used to treat erectile dysfunction for several years, but until now has been administered via injection directly into the penis.
The drug has been proven very effective so far, but it was painful to apply because it has to be injected into sensitive skin. "We are the first non-invasive drug that is very user-friendly," Dr Tom Wu, Managing Director of NexMed (Asia) Limited told Reuters Television.
Alprox-TD works by widening the blood vessels in the penis, allowing it to be filled with blood. But users of Alprostadil have reported side effects similar to that found with the use of Pfizer's Viagra - a persistent erection, known as priapism, which can become painful after lasting several hours.
High success rate
NexMed claims that clinical tests in the US have shown that 83 percent of men suffering erectile dysfunction are happy with the treatment. The drug works faster than many alternatives, causing an erection within minutes, and also holds less risk of interacting with other ingested medicines.
The company believes this convenience and other key health benefits should help the drug compete with Viagra.
Bookmark with:
What are social bookmarks?