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Experimental drug could be female aphrodisiac
30 June 2004
CTV.ca News Staff
Researchers at Montreal's Concordia University are testing a drug they say could become the world's first sexual dysfunction medication specifically tailored for women.
For years now, men have been singing the praises of "vasodilator" drugs like Viagra, which remedy male sexual dysfunction by increasing blood flow to certain parts of the body.
Women, however, have found little benefit from the drug.
According to lead researcher James G. Pfaus that's because, most often for women, sexual function starts in the mind.
"That's where Viagra fell down in women," the associate professor of psychology and neuroscience told CTV News.
"A drug that works in the brain and activates systems... that are normally activated when systems are correct is probably a better bet."
And that's just what Pfaus' research team discovered the synthetic hormone PT-141 did when it was injected into female rats.
No sooner had the hormone worked its way into their systems, than they began darting around assuming postures that invited sexual activity from their male counterparts.
Although researchers didn't record an increase in the rats' sexual activity, their behaviour suggested sex was certainly top of mind.
For many, the nasal spray version of the drug being tested promises an exciting medical marvel they'd be happy to try.
"People are doing drugs to make them happier, to make them more balanced... so why not a drug to make your sex better," one eager female told CTV News.
But Pfaus warns that men who think such a drug could replace traditional romance are far off the mark.
"This drug is not going to activate desire in women that don't have desire under the appropriate circumstances... so I think men will still have to have their social skills."
Some men might find a benefit in the drug. Those with hypertension, for instance, whose health might be at risk if they take a vasodilator.
Because PT-141 -- which mimics a pituitary hormone -- works by somehow jump-starting the brain's desire centres directly, that can, in turn, get men's blood flowing again.
For Pfaus, aside from giving men and women with flagging sexual desire new hope, he has other ambitions for the continuing research.
By studying exactly how PT-141 works in the brain, he hopes pinpoint where sexual desire originates.
Pfaus' study was funded by the maker of PT-141, Palatin Technologies of Cranbury, New Jersey. The findings are published in Monday's edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
While men have a number of choices when it comes to sexual dysfunction drugs, there are few such options for women.
Four years ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a mechanical product designed to increase blood flow to the clitoris.
An American company is also developing a testosterone patch for women.
source :-http://www.ctv.ca/ | 
