Two-drug combination shows positive results in men with ED

A clinical study evaluating the effect of co-administration of an investigational intranasal agent PT-141 and sildenafil citrate (Viagra) shows positive results in patients with erectile dysfunction, according to researchers from Palatin Technologies Inc. and King Pharmaceuticals Inc.

PT-141 is a novel compound in a class of drugs called melanocortin receptor agonists. PT-141 initiates erections via a central nervous system mechanism of action, while sildenafil is a peripheral vasodilator.

Sildenafil doses of either 50 mg or 100 mg were administered to 32 erectile dysfunction patients with or without PT-141 (7.5 mg or 10 mg). Each patient's erectile activity was monitored for 6 hours using a RigiScan device in the absence of visual sexual stimulation.

Investigators observed that co-administration of PT-141 and sildenafil significantly enhanced the duration of erectile activity compared with sildenafil alone. On average, co-administration increased erectile activity duration by a factor of 5.3 (range, 1.9-8.3). The clinical effect was statistically significant in three of four comparisons. There were no serious or significant adverse events, the researchers said.