DA-8159 - Erectogenic

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) is an important target for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). A novel, orally available-selective inhibitor of PDE5, DA-8159, is under development for the treatment of ED by Dong-A. This agent is an appealing new alternative therapeutic for ED, as, unlike other available therapies, it does not inhibit PDE11, which may be related to testicular toxicity and myalgia. Various in vitro and in vivo studies have characterized the erectogenic efficacy of DA-8159 via elevated cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels. Moreover, DA-8159 displays favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profiles, with fast absorption and a relatively long terminal half-life, which would confer unique clinical properties of both a rapid onset and a long duration of action. DA-8159 is currently being evaluated in phase III clinical trials in Korea for the treatment of male ED.