Looking to the future for erectile dysfunction therapies
Abstract
The treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) has been revolutionized during the last 2 decades with several treatment options now available. Most of these treatments are associated with high efficacy rates and favourable safety profiles. A MEDLINE search was undertaken to evaluate all currently available data on treatment modalities for ED. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) are currently the first-choice treatment option for ED by most physicians and patients. In addition, several new PDE5 inhibitors are candidates to enter the market in forthcoming years (avanafil, udenafil, SLx-2101, mirodenafil [SK3530]). However, obvious pharmacokinetic differences that result in a faster time-to-onset, longer half-life time and better safety profile are required for these drugs to be considered a truly better option for patients. Other molecules in development include selective dopamine, glutamate, serotonin and melanocortin receptor agonists, guanylate cyclase activators, rho-kinase inhibitors and hexarelin analogues, while the first trials on gene therapy and tissue engineering for reconstruction of corporal tissue are under way. Patients must be aware of all treatment options since no ideal tre...Continue Reading
Citations
Application of laser speckle blood perfusion imaging in the evaluation of erectile function in rats.
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