Improving the ED alternatives

MacroChem Corp.'s Topiglan topical alprostadil gel, which last week demonstrated statistically significant results in a Phase IIb erectile dysfunction study, could offer doctors a safer alternative to Pfizer Inc.'s Viagra and a more appealing alternative to Vivus Inc.'s Muse ED product.

The topical gel, which is applied to the head of the penis, produced greater rigidity (sufficient for intercourse) in the studies than the SEPA-formulated vehicle without alprostadil (see B10). The company's SEPA technology modifies lipid layers in the skin, allowing compounds to be absorbed...