It may take a few more years, but men may eventually have another FDA-approved alternative when it comes to providing effective treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED).

Pharmaceutical manufacturer Rexahn says their medication Zoraxel does not cause severe, rare side effects associated with Viagra/Cialis/Levitra. Zoraxel also stimulates neurotransmitters in the brain, whereas PDE-5 inhibitors only target end-organ erectile function and work in peripheral blood vessels.

Rexahn announced earlier this week that it has completed enrollment in its Phase IIa clinical trial evaluating Zoraxel. A drug may be introduced to the FDA for approval after successful Phase 3 testing. Potential introduction to the U.S. market, then, could reasonably be expected in a few years, just about the time the patent for Viagra will expire (March, 2012).

Read the Rexahn press release from earlier this week regarding Zoraxel.

Brian Bujdos