LONDON - A new anti-impotence pill went on sale in Europe yesterday, signalling the start of a multi-billion-dollar battle for a market so far dominated by Viagra.
British and German men will be the first to receive the drug, which its makers claim lasts longer and acts faster than Pfizer's tablets.
Cialis,
from Eli Lilly & Co and US biotechnology company Icos, is being rolled out to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand, ahead of the United States.
The new, yellow pill stays active in the system for 24 hours, against three or four hours for Viagra, allowing greater sexual spontaneity by letting men and their partners choose the right moment for love-making.
Studies show it works in four out of five of those with ED.
Viagra has revolutionised the treatment of impotence since its introduction five years ago and has been a commercial success for Pfizer, with 2002 global sales of US$1.74 billion ($3.23 billion). The drug has established itself as the world's most famous pharmaceutical brand - but now rivals are muscling in.
In addition to Cialis, GlaxoSmithKline and Bayer expect to launch their new impotence drug Levitra this year.
Industry analysts at Merrill Lynch believe there is considerable room for new products, since more than 50 per cent of patients on Viagra fail to ask for a repeat prescription and up to 25 per cent do not achieve an adequate erection.
- REUTERS
* A spokeswoman for Eli Lilly New Zealand said the company planned to sell Cialis in this country but could not say when.
