Proctor and Gamble's Intrinsa undergoes testing
Paul Corkery
Issue date: 12/10/04 Section: Sci-Tech
- Page 1 of 1
Procter and Gamble is attempting to gain approval for a female sex patch dubbed Intrinsa. With the huge success of drugs like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra to treat erectile dysfunction in men, several drug companies have been scrambling to introduce a female counterpart.
Intrinsa works similar to a nicotine patch. The patch is attached to the skin and releases testosterone, the hormone believed to enhance sexual energy and desire.
The success of male sex therapy drugs and the initial demand for a female treatment has led analysts to estimate the market for Intrinsa at approximately $1 billion annually.
The FDA has, however, delayed drug introduction, claiming that additional studies need to be conducted to ensure that it is safe in the long run. The recent removal of medication such as Vioxx from the drug market due to studies revealing cardiovascular complications create the need for caution.
Others claim that the trials conducted do not reveal a significant boost in sexual benefit over placebo. On average, women using Intrinsa reported only one more satisfying sexual experience over a 4-week period than those placed on a dummy patch.
Intrinsa is intended for use by postmenopausal women, women who have had their ovaries removed or those lacking sexual desire due to estrogen therapy.
Commonly referred to as hypoactive sexual desire disorder, experts believe that this lack of sexual desire can strain relationships and add to stress. P&G's own market research estimates that over 2 million American women fall into this category.
Regardless of its potential benefits, the FDA will require additional data before approving Intrinsa. Other drug companies are working on similar products that would be sold in the form of sprays and topical gels.
Intrinsa works similar to a nicotine patch. The patch is attached to the skin and releases testosterone, the hormone believed to enhance sexual energy and desire.
The success of male sex therapy drugs and the initial demand for a female treatment has led analysts to estimate the market for Intrinsa at approximately $1 billion annually.
The FDA has, however, delayed drug introduction, claiming that additional studies need to be conducted to ensure that it is safe in the long run. The recent removal of medication such as Vioxx from the drug market due to studies revealing cardiovascular complications create the need for caution.
Others claim that the trials conducted do not reveal a significant boost in sexual benefit over placebo. On average, women using Intrinsa reported only one more satisfying sexual experience over a 4-week period than those placed on a dummy patch.
Intrinsa is intended for use by postmenopausal women, women who have had their ovaries removed or those lacking sexual desire due to estrogen therapy.
Commonly referred to as hypoactive sexual desire disorder, experts believe that this lack of sexual desire can strain relationships and add to stress. P&G's own market research estimates that over 2 million American women fall into this category.
Regardless of its potential benefits, the FDA will require additional data before approving Intrinsa. Other drug companies are working on similar products that would be sold in the form of sprays and topical gels.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
battlefield
battlefield
posted 2/19/05 @ 2:04 AM EST
Some say its a safety issue and FDA needs more test results on intrinsa, others say its politics with drugs. (Continued…)
MRS J F ESTWICK
posted 10/09/06 @ 5:57 AM EST
When is the INTRINSA PATCH going to be available in the U.K. I am currently receiving implants. 9th OCTOBER 2006
RENU GUPTA
posted 10/15/06 @ 6:45 AM EST
myself renu gupta frm DIPSAR ,i m doing m.pharm in pharmacology .my research project is clinical trial of testosterone patch in female (phase 1 trial) . (Continued…)
ayesha
posted 4/12/07 @ 6:33 PM EST
when intrinsa will be available in the united staes? plz reply me as soon as possible.
thanks
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