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New directions for erectile dysfunction therapies.

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Author

Summary, in English

Research in the field of erectile function and dysfunction has continued to expand rapidly. Based on the information available, some directions for future erectile dysfunction therapies can be identified. The first direction is improvement of current therapeutic principles. A second generation of orally active phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors is being introduced, and further developments within this field can be expected. The recent introduction of apomorphine has opened the way for new dopamine receptor agonists. The second direction is combinations of existing therapeutic principles. Combinations of apomorphine and sildenafil and apomorphine and alpha(1)-adrenoceptor (AR) antagonists, for example, seem attractive and may have a therapeutic potential in patients not responding satisfactorily to single-drug treatment. Nitrosylated alpha(1)-AR antagonists, combining nitric oxide donation and alpha(1)- or alpha(2)-AR antagonism, are currently being evaluated. The third direction is new targets within the central nervous system. Melanocortin receptor agonists have shown promise not only in animal models, but also in preliminary studies in humans. Other possible targets, such as growth hormone-releasing peptide receptors, are being explored. The fourth direction is new peripheral targets. Rho-kinase antagonism and non-nitric oxide-mediated stimulation of soluble guanylyl cyclase have been suggested as possible new principles for drug development. The fourth direction is gene therapy. Progress has been made in intracavernosal somatic gene therapy and will probably continue. Still, problems remain, and advantages over conventional pharmacological therapies have to be demonstrated. The final direction is prevention strategies. Strategies to prevent cavernosal degeneration and/or to restore cavernosal function will be one of the most exciting challenges for future research. DOI: 10.1038/sj/ijir/3900797

Publishing year

2002

Language

English

Pages

82-92

Publication/Series

International Journal of Impotence Research

Volume

14 Suppl 1

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Nature Publishing Group

Topic

  • Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine

Keywords

  • Apomorphine
  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
  • Central Nervous System

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1476-5489