Nasal powder trials for erectile dysfunction
Britannia Pharmaceuticals has begun Phase I clinical trials of its patented apomorphine nasal powder for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in the UK. Preliminary results found that the powder has a higher bioavailability than similar treatments, suggesting that it could achieve a greater efficacy for an equivalent dose.
The localised delivery of powders in the nose allows for a rapid absorption of medication, giving a fast speed of onset and reducing the possibility of irritation. This rapid absorption can also increase the bioavailability of nasal apomorphine to levels of injectable apomorphine. Britannia has already demonstrated these benefits through a Phase II clinical trial of apomorphine nasal powder in Parkinson's Disease.
'Nasal powder is the logical choice because it gets drugs into the blood stream faster, causes less irritation, and is more stable,' said Frans Merkus, professor of biopharmaceuticals, Leiden University, the Netherlands. It is also easier to manufacture than apomorphine liquids, he said.