Put it on… your nose! Scientists develop nasal spray that treats erectile dysfunction in five MINUTES
A nasal spray can treat erectile dysfunction up to ten times faster than Viagra, scientists say.
Viagra was revolutionary when it hit the shelves in the 1990s, but experts say it has one drawback: it takes up to an hour to work, potentially ruining a spontaneous sexual encounter.
A new experimental nasal spray treatment called SPONTAN produced an erection in just five minutes in early studies and could be available in the US within the next two years.
Experts say they are developing a Viagra spray that could be available in the US in just two years. It works within five to 15 minutes
The treatment, called Spontan, has shown promise in early proof-of-concept studies (pictured). It will be tested in a larger study in California
Lee Rodne, head of the Australian company developing the spray, suggested it could be the most significant advancement in helping men maintain an erection since Viagra emerged.
About 30 million men in America suffer from erectile dysfunction, or the inability to get or maintain an erection during sexual activity.
When a man gets an erection, the smooth muscles around the penis relax, allowing blood to flow into the region.
In people with erectile dysfunction, this system can be disrupted by heart disease or emotional issues such as stress and anxiety that restrict blood flow to the penis.
Viagra works by relaxing the muscle cells in the blood vessels that supply the penis, allowing more blood to flow into it. The drug also thins the blood making it flow more easily.
When aroused, the increase in blood flow causes a man to have a stronger erection.
The drug must be taken orally and takes 30 minutes to an hour to take effect as it is absorbed by the digestive system.
But doctors at Brisbane-based biologics company LTR Pharma are now working on a spray version called SPONTAN.
This version will use the drug vardenafil, sold under the brand name Levitra. This is different from viagra, which uses the drug sildenafil.
The treatment works faster than standard viagra because it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the nose.
Early proof of concept studies in California showed that the treatment worked within five to 15 minutes.
It is now moving to larger trials in Australia, which will begin recruiting men in the second half of this year.
These trials are expected to begin reporting results in the first half of next year.
If successful, the company says it will seek approval of its drug from the Food and Drug Administration. This is expected in 2025.
Lee Rodne, LTR Pharma’s executive chairman, said: ‘Our nasal delivery bypasses the digestive system so it really goes straight into the bloodstream and takes effect in five to 15 minutes.
“We expect it to be much more effective than oral tablets, so that it works consistently and progressively faster, so men don’t have to plan ahead and they don’t have mixed results.”
He added: ‘We are very confident [in the drug].
“This product has already had a small proof of concept clinical trial in California that showed a fast-acting, fast-onset effect.”
The Royal Australian College of GPs reports that erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common clinical problem treated in general practice. It can contribute to breakups and psychological problems.
It is estimated that the condition will affect about 40 percent of men, with prevalence increasing with age.