Bayer to develop sex drug for older women

German pharmaceutical company Bayer has penned a deal with Quebec's EndoCeutics to develop a new treatment for post-menopausal women experiencing vaginal atrophy that can lead to sexual dysfunction.

The future treatment -- provisionally named Vaginorm -- will boost the steroid DHEA in women's bodies; DHEA levels go lower naturally as people age.

In women's case, that can mean vaginal tissues change somewhat and become drier, which can lead to painful sexual intercourse.

The deal covers the Phase III clinical development of the product and bringing it to market. It could mean as much as 330 million dollars in research spending for Canada, the companies said in a statement.

With the baby boomer generation nearing retirement age, pharmaceutical companies are keen to find an illusive treatment for sexual dysfunction in older women to match the success of Viagra and other drugs for their male counterparts.

EndoCeutics said it hoped to improve the quality of life of some 360 million women worldwide aged 50 or older who it said have vaginal atrophy or dryness.

New orodispersible levitra passed for Europe

Bayer makes of erectile dysfunction medication Levitra, has now received authorisation from the European Commission to launch its new version of Levitra in Europe.

The new medication, which is a discreet orodispersible tablet with a minty flavour that can be taken without water, is expected to be introduced into European markets in November 2010.

Its efficacy and safety have been verified in a number of international phase III clinical trials, which demonstrated the drug’s effectiveness when compared to placebo.
The European launch of the drug follows its US debut earlier this year, where it is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline and Merck Sharpe and Dohme under the brandname Staxyn.

Dr Flemming Oernskov, head of the women’s healthcare and general medicine business unit at Bayer Schering Pharma, said: “Levitra orodispersible tablets allow men with ED to be prepared anytime, anywhere. This should help to bring spontaneity into the sex life of men with ED.”