Scientists Working On Nanoparticle Drug for Erectile Dysfunction

Scientists working at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, led by Professor Joel Friedman, are close to clinical trials for a cream that might eventually replace ever more popular erectile dysfunction drugs using nanoparticles. 

Nanoparticles are extremely small objects which often behave differently from slightly larger particles.  This property has been utilized by industry to produce items with new properties such as garments that shed spills, create special finishes on ceramics and deliver titanium dioxide in sunscreens.  Now the scientists working at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have devised a nano sized cage to deliver nitric oxide directly to the penis via a topical cream.

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The key ingredient the researchers put inside the nanoparticles was nitric oxide, which is pretty miraculous stuff: In 1992, Science named it the molecule of the year. In fact, without nitric oxide, erections would be impossible—the gas acts as a neurotransmitter, carrying the signal for an erection from nerves in the penis to muscles in the same organ. Drug companies took advantage of this very important fact in producing three blockbuster drugs that cause the body to release nitric oxide: Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. Discover Magazine

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At present trials are being conducted on elderly rats, with promising results.  Human trials are expected to start in the next couple of years. 

The financial payoff for a topical cream for ED is huge.  The success of ED drugs such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra is well known, but these prescription drugs often cause distressing side effects.  The nanoparticle drug may be more effective in eliminating those side effects.