Gene therapy shown to help men with erectile dysfunction
15 years, 11 months ago
8948
0
Posted on May 14, 2008, 8 p.m.
By Jeanelle Topping
New research has suggested that Maxi-K gene therapy could be safe and effective for men with erectile dysfunction (ED) who have not responded to other treatments.
New research has suggested that Maxi-K gene therapy could be safe and effective for men with erectile dysfunction (ED) who have not responded to other treatments.
These findings were delivered at the 103rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA).
The researchers explained that Maxi-K therapy is a unique, locally administrated gene-transfer technology that can be used to treat ED.
Early trials showed that the positive effects of the treatment lasted for up to six months in some men. Follow-up research showed that no one who underwent the treatment suffered from adverse side effects in the two years that have since passed.
Tests in monkeys also suggested that the gene therapy could increase erection duration and could stimulate intimacy with a partner.
"This study gives hope to men who experience ED but have not responded to oral therapies," Dr Arnold Melman commented.
"The importance of these observations in clinical and pre-clinical trials is that it appears that gene transfer with the Maxi-K channel enhances both erectile capacity as well as other important measures of sexual behavior."
