12 July 2004
Futura Medical announces completion of reformulation work on Erectile Dysfunction treatment
Futura Medical plc ("Futura"), the AIM-quoted pharmaceutical drug and medical device group that develops innovative products for the sexual healthcare market, has completed the reformulation of its topically applied treatment for Erectile Dysfunction ("ED").
Initial testing of the revised formulation has demonstrated dramatic improvements in dermal absorption rates, compared with the previous formulation. It maximises local effects in the penis whilst minimising systemic uptake throughout the body. This will reduce the risk of harmful interaction with other centrally acting drugs that may also be taken by the patient, especially PDE5 inhibitors such as Viagra, Cialis or Levitra, and improve the chances of an Over The Counter ("OTC") status being granted for MED2002. Greater dermal absorption rates will also deliver the active ingredient more rapidly to the penis, which should further improve the time to onset of an erection.
Clinical studies, to be completed later this year, will establish the optimum dose for the new formulation prior to the start of the pivotal Phase III study for MED2002.
The reformulation, along with the recently completed angina study and the design and completion of a novel applicator system, represent significant progress for the product. James Barder , Chief Executive of Futura, said: "Both Futura and our potential distribution partners are delighted by the progress being made on this project and the major value-added benefits of these recent developments."