New ED Drug Could Be a Game Changer for Men
Erectile dysfunction (ED), a common and highly treatable condition, affects millions of men, many starting to have symptoms in middle age. A new drug is being investigated to help those who don’t find currently available drugs helpful.
Following the success of an earlier study, researchers in multiple centers in the U.S., Denmark, and the Netherlands are creating a phase 2b study of the novel therapy currently named LIB-01, to determine the optimal, effective dose. The earlier study enrolled 156 men between the ages of 26 and 65 with mild to moderate ED.
“At a time when the medical community is awaiting therapeutic innovations for erectile dysfunction, these phase 2a study results are highly encouraging, particularly demonstrating a clear dose-response relationship, a sustained duration of action, and a favorable safety profile. Equally reassuring for the continued development of LIB-01 is the remarkable consistency of the data observed from the preclinical stage through phase 1, now reinforced by these latest results,” said Professor Francois Giuliano, Medical Expert in the phase 2a trial and international medical expert in the field of sexual dysfunctions, in a news release.
Throughout the new study, participants will complete surveys about their erectile function and overall sexual satisfaction. The study will also ask participants about any side effects, and also check their vital signs and other health indicators. If the results of the phase 2b study are successful, the researchers will move on to a phase 3 clinical trial, with hopes that it will lead to FDA approval.
Novel Drugs, New Avenues for ED Help
Other drugs on the market, like Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis, work by increasing blood flow to the penis, but for some men, the medication didn’t work, or led to issues like blood flooding the penis, creating pain, or an erection lasting way too long for comfort.
LIB-01 is designed to treat the root cause of ED and premature ejaculation, the nervous system, which controls and affects psychological and physical manifestations of emotional and chemical issues in the mind and body. Clinical trials show that a three-day treatment with this medication offers relief that can last up to 8 weeks. It’s designed to be a long-lasting solution, rather than a short-term solution.
Be Wary of Online Pharmacies
So there’s more to learn about this possible new treatment, and in the meantime, experts urge anyone with a concern about ED to see a doctor right away and to avoid online pharmacies that sell versions of these types of medications that may not be FDA-regulated or approved and could possibly be counterfeit or improperly dosed, which could be dangerous. Also, these drugs, even the FDA-approved ones, aren’t safe for everybody, including people with heart conditions, or if you take certain medications, so checking with your doctor is vital.