Bioblast Pharma to Launch Generic Viagra

TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 25, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) Bioblast Pharma Ltd. (Nasdaq:ORPN), reports to have launched the production of sildenafil citrate marketed under the name of generic Viagra. The company is committed to help diversify the range of existing medications for erectile dysfunction with a focus on the availability of cheaper alternatives.

Clinical picture of the patient group

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that is characterized by inability to achieve erectile hardness that is sufficient for intravaginal penetration. Although erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, it is more common in men over the age of 45-50. Age, therefore, is one of the main risk factors. And this is because aging is associated with an increased frequency of chronic diseases (atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypogonadism, etc.). The mechanism of erection, therefore, can be altered by multiple factors, in some cases even concomitant and in any case not exclusively related to the psychological sphere, as was said in the past. Erectile dysfunction can, in fact, be due to organic causes typical of our time such as diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, depression. But cigarette smoking, a sedentary lifestyle and overweight play an important role, which are ultimately the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, erectile dysfunction certainly affects even the most anxious and sensitive subjects to daily stress.

Among diabetic patients there is even one out of three males with erection problems. While, contrary to popular belief, prostate cancer is not in itself a cause of male impotence. The therapies commonly practiced for the treatment of cancer, such as radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapies, are used instead.

Sildenafil efficacy in clinical trials

In placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials, sildenafil effects were established in 81% of men aged between 40 and 65. The efficacy of sildenafil was dose-dependent and differed from one patient to another based on the existing comorbidities, age, general wellbeing, psychological condition, the mode of intake and other variables. The effectiveness of sildenafil as compared to placebo was confirmed in non-responders to tadalafil, avanafil and vardenafil, other formulas in the class of sildenafil (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors taken orally).

Sildenafil has been in use since 1998 after discovering and patenting by the original developer. As of 2019, multiple generics became available with the expiration of the patent.

Warren Wasiewski, MD, Bioblast’s Chief Medical Officer commented on the newest addition to the production line: “We fully understand that this is a highly competitive field, but the benefits of generically produced sildenafil are enormous, ranging from efficacy tried in years, to ease in use, to economical price and universal availability.”

The launch is scheduled for mid-February, the exact date will be announced in further communication from the Biolbals Pharma officials.

About Bioblast Pharma Ltd.

Bioblast Pharma is a biotechnology company committed to developing clinically meaningful therapies for patients with rare and ultra-rare genetic diseases with a lead drug candidate, trehalose 90mg/mL solution, in Phase 2 development, as well as producing generic medications of high quality. Bioblast was founded in 2012 and is traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol “ORPN”. For more information, please visit our website, https://bioblastpharma.com/product/sildenafil-citrate, the content of which is not incorporated herein by reference.