Effective treatment of erectile dysfunction with vardenafil.

Inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type 5 are playing a large role in the revolution in the treatment of sexual dysfunction that has taken place in recent years. The revolution was launched in 1998 with the introduction of a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, sildenafil, which opened up new avenues of investigation and greater recognition of the prevalence and various characteristics of these conditions. As more treatments with this and other mechanisms of action reach advanced stages of development and international markets, clinicians and patients alike are gaining confidence in the idea that sexual dysfunction can be successfully treated, and this, in turn inspires further research. While the efficacy of sildenafil has been striking, the drug is not effective and agreeable for all patients. Researchers have naturally sought to exploit this drug's mechanism of action in the hope that other agents can be found that are more selective, potent and tolerable. The etiology of sexual dysfunction is variable, as are its manifestations and the requirements patients have for therapy, and it is therefore likely that numerous treatments will be used to enhance sexual satisfaction in this population. Vardenafil, a new phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, is an agent which has shown promise at each stage of development. The drug is currently in the third phase of clinical testing for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. (c) Prous Science 2003. All rights reserved.