UK advertising agency JWT London has won an account from Pfizer, but played down media reports it had been appointed to help launch an over-the-counter version of Viagra.
Pfizer was also being tightlipped about its reasons for engaging JWT and on any plans it may have for an OTC follow-on to its blockbuster erectile dysfunction brand.
“Since its introduction in 1998, there has been ongoing speculation about Viagra,” a Pfizer spokesperson told Pharmafocus. “But we don't have anything to announce at this time.”
The “Viagra 2” story connecting JWT to an OTC version of Viagra appeared inCampaign magazine and was, until this week, posted on the ad agency’s website.
The agency said the story had been put up in error and removed it from the site after Pharmafocus pointed this out.
JWT London did confirm it had won some new business by Pfizer, but refused to say what it was. “The whole ‘Viagra 2’ thing is not right,” a JWT spokesperson added.
Nevertheless Pfizer’s ‘little blue pill’ has been such a success as a prescription drug that making it available without a prescription could be a logical step.
When asked about this Pfizer said: “We have many options for all our medicines and are continually evaluating ways to increase patient access to healthcare solutions.”
But it would not be the first time the company has tried to make the drug more easily available.
Three years ago it worked with some Manchester branches of Boots the chemist on trials to make Viagra available on an OTC basis. In these men aged 30 to 65 were able to buy four pills following a consultation with the pharmacist.
At the same time Pfizer submitted an application to European regulators to switch the drug’s prescription status. But EMA advisors at the CHMP had some concerns with the move and their provisional opinion was that the switch should not take place. Part of their reasoning was that the information provided with the medicine was too complex.
An additional factor was that erection problems can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as coronary artery disease, and the CHMP thought making Viagra available on the high street could delay or prevent diagnosis.
Source:http://www.inpharm.com/news/jwt-wins-pfizer-account-denies-its-viagra-2
I think the availability of a low dose over the counter version might be warranted. Even those who don't need a full strength prescription might benefit from a low dose. Remember most failures to launch are not due to physical reasons and might benefit from the reassurance a low dose would give.
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