In late 1980's, many papers were published on the potential of Alprostadil (prostaglandin E1) in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction. Since then the compound has been recognized as an important pharmacological agent for this indication.

The demand for Alprostadil is expected to increase significantly resulting from this new use. There now exist and many are still under development for various means of application including intracavernous, topical (transdermal or intra-urethral), and needle-less injection.

According to recent survey of urologists, intracavernosal injection is the most effective route for treating erectile dysfunction, while intraurethral application and oral therapy are the safest¹.

 Pharmacology:

  A wide variety of pharmacological effects of Alprostadil are vasodilation, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and stimulation of intestinal and uterine smooth muscle. Alprostadil induces erection by relaxation of trabecular smooth muscle and by dilation of cavernosal arteries.

In vitro, Alprostadil has been shown to cause dose-dependent smooth muscle relaxation in isolated corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum preparations.

In human studies using Doppler duplex ultrasonography, administration of Alprostadil resulted in an increase in peak systolic flow velocities.

Applications:

1. Cardiovascular disorders:
Maintaining the patency of the ductus arteriosus in neonates with congenital heart disease until surgery is possible².

2. Peripheral vascular disease:
Alprostadil can be administered by intra-arterial or intravenous infusion³.

3. Erectile Dysfunction:
Intracavernous injection⁴, intra-urethral application⁵ and non-invasive delivery systems including topical and needle-less applications⁶.

Proprietary Names:

Befar^â, Caverject^â, Edex^â, Liple^â, Minprog^â, MUSE^â, Palus^â, Prostandin^â, Prostavasin^â, Prostin^â VR, Prostine^â VR, Prostivas^â, Sutine^â, Topiglan^®.

※      Sales to countries without patent issues only ※

 1) Script No. 2431 April 23^rd 1999 p24
2) Silove ED, et al. Arch Dis Child 1985; 60: 1025-30
3) Martin MFR and Tooke JE, ibid. 1982; 285: 1688

4) Ishii N, et al. J Urol (Baltimore) 1988; 141: 323-5

5) Padma-Nathan H, et al. J N Engl J Med 1997; 336: 1-7

6) Watkinson AC, et al. Int J Pharm 1992; 83: 171-175

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