Impotence-reducing drugs in record sales of Rs. 40 mln

The Sri Lankan market for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) (impotence-reducing) drugs is growing fast at an unprecedented level with a monthly sale of around Rs. 40 million.

There are at least 10 brands of ED drugs in the local market including the three leading ones -- Viagra, Levitra and Cialis. Viagra, already a blockbuster drug, is the most popular and recognised brand in the local market. But it has been revealed that a large number of Sri Lankans go for cheaper generics which are available for them to purchase over the counter in pharmacies countrywide. Duron is a new brand of tadalafil – which is the latest addition to treatment options available in the medical world to treat erectile dysfunction. Speaking to The Sunday Times FT on the sidelines of the launching ceremony of Duron, the General Manager of Macleod’s Pharmaceuticals Ltd, V. Anand said that social inhibitions which earlier muted public discussion of this problem are now breaking down, and consequently more and more people are turning to medication for cure.

He said that they are planning to capture 20 percent of the market share for ED drugs within the next two to three months because of Duron’s high effectiveness, clear safety profile and low cost –per- treatment attractiveness. Pettah Pharmacy Ltd is the local distributor of this drug.

He says that most men experience ED at some point in their lives usually by the age of 40 but are not necessarily psychologically affected by it. Some men, however, experience chronic and complete ED. Over 150 million men worldwide are unable to achieve and maintain an erection adequate for satisfactory sexual intercourse; Scientists expect this figure to double by 2020. Despite its commonplace occurrence, ED is an under-reported, under-recognised, and an under-treated chronic illness. It is estimated that 85% to 90% of all ED goes undiagnosed.
(BS)