Get it up… your nose! Scientists develop nasal spray that treats erectile dysfunction in five MINUTES
A nasal spray could treat erectile dysfunction up to ten times faster than Viagra, scientists say.
Viagra was revolutionary when it hit shelves in the 1990s, but experts say it has one drawback — it takes up to an hour to act, potentially ruining a spur-of-the-moment sexual encounter.
A new experimental nasal spray treatment, named SPONTAN, triggered an erection in as little as five minutes in early trials and could be available in the US in the next two years.
Experts say they are developing a spray Viagra that could be available in the US in just two years. It acts within five to 15 minutes
The treatment, named Spontan, has shown promise in early proof-of-concept studies (pictured). It is set to be trialed in a larger study in California
Lee Rodne, who heads up the Australian company developing the spray, suggested it could be the most significant advancement in helping men keep an erection since Viagra emerged.
About 30million 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 those with erectile dysfunction, this system may be disrupted by heart disease or emotional issues such as stress and anxiety limiting blood flow to the penis.
Viagra works by relaxing the muscle cells in blood vessels supplying 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 allows a man to have a stronger erection.
The drug must be taken orally and takes 30 minutes to an hour to kick in because it is absorbed by the digestive system.
But doctors at Brisbane-based bio company LTR Pharma are now working on a spray version dubbed 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 via the nose.
Early proof of concept studies in California showed the treatment acted within five to 15 minutes.
It is now moving into larger trials in Australia, which will start recruiting men in the second half of this year.
These trials are expected to start reporting results in the first half of next year.
If successful, the company says it will apply to the Food and Drug Administration for approval of its drug. This is expected by 2025.
Lee Rodne, the executive chairman of LTR Pharma, said: ‘Our nasal delivery bypasses the digestive system so it really goes straight into the bloodstream and had an effect in five to 15 minutes.
‘We expect it to be a lot more effective than oral tablets so that it works consistently and in a quicker and faster amount of time, so men don’t have to plan ahead and they don’t have variable results.’
He added: ‘We have very high confidence [in the drug].
‘This product has already had a small proof of concept clinical study in California that showed a fast-acting rapid onset effect.’
The Royal Australian College of GPs reports that erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very common clinical problem managed in the general practice setting. It can contribute to relationship breakdowns and mental health issues.
It’s estimated the condition will affect around 40 percent of men, with the prevalence increasing with age.
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