Viagra and erection issues have become synonymous. Research shows 90 percent of Americans not only know what Viagra is but what it does. The mass marketing campaign of the drug that came on the market in 1998 has skyrocketed sales of the little blue that helps men achieve and keep an erection. As Viagra’s campaign breaks the barriers of silence over a taboo subject, other companies are trying to cash in just like Pfizer, the maker’s of Viagra.
German company and its “Pink Viagra”
While Viagra has had success improving the sex life of men, it does nothing for women. A German company recently tested out a female version of the popular drug, sometimes referred to as Pink Viagra. The company, Boehringer Ingelheim, planned to sell the drug under the name Girosa in the U.S., but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration started asking questions about the drugs safety and effectiveness.
FDA raises red flag
After hearing Pink Viagra left 15 percent of women with side effects including depression, fainting and fatigue the FDA wanted the German company to provide more proof of the drug’s success. Once that happened the company backed out.
Boehringer said, “The response of the authorities and the complexity and extent of further questions that would need to be addressed to potentially obtain registration for our medication have impacted the company’s decision to focus on other pipeline projects.”
Some experts say the U.S. FDA is one of the more strict government regulatory agencies in the world, which is why some companies don’t bother trying to sell the drug here. Many experts argue the strict rules are in place for one reason: to protect consumers.
More to come
The German company is the latest in a line of manufacturers looking to create a female version of Viagra. So far, no company has found the ingredients to make it work.
