Alagebrium could reverse ED in diabetic patients
Alteon from Parsippany, NJ, has said that its lead AGE crosslink breaker compound alagebrium (formerly known as ALT-711) has demonstrated an ability to reverse erectile dysfunction (ED) in a preclinical model of diabetes. The preclinical study, entitled: 'Delayed administration of ALT-711, but not of Aminoguanidine, improves erectile function in streptozotocin diabetic rats: Curative versus preventive medicine,' concluded that alagebrium - through what appears to be a unique mechanism of action - offers significant potential for the treatment of diabetic ED.
According to the investigative team, these data are unlike results for existing ED drugs in similar experiments, particularly due to a beneficial effect on the function of the corpus cavernosum. 'Alagebrium appears to have significant therapeutic potential for the treatment of diabetic erectile dysfunction, with a unique mechanism of action,' said Dr Wayne Hellstrom, an author of this study and many of the seminal studies in ED.
An estimated 30-40% of diabetic and aged patients with ED do not receive benefit from currently available drugs, and patients with diabetes or severe vascular disease are among the most refractory to such treatment.