Steven Kaplan, MD, Highlights Faster-Acting Sildenafil Oral Spray for Erectile Dysfunction

In an interview with The Educated Patient, Steven Kaplan, MD, discussed an investigative sildenafil oral spray, ASP-001, that is currently in development for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Results of a phase 1 study published in the International Journal of Science and Research, revealed the spray achieves absorption beginning at five minutes, which is twice as fast as traditional sildenafil tablets.

Kaplan, the chief medical officer at Aspargo Labs, director of the Men’s Wellness Program at the Mount Sinai Health System and professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, reflected on the challenges of prescribing ED medications due to issues with convenience and food effects, which can reduce spontaneity and efficacy. Many patients, he explained, are unaware that taking these medications with food can reduce their effectiveness, leading to frustration and treatment failure. The goal, therefore, is to create a more convenient, rapid-acting ED medication without food interference.

The introduction of a new delivery system shows promise in overcoming these challenges. This faster absorption could reduce the necessary dosage and side effects while improving overall efficacy. The hope is that faster absorption will lead to quicker results, helping patients avoid more invasive treatments like penile injections or surgeries.

The medication is currently in the testing phase, focusing on its food effects, absorption rate and overall efficacy. Kaplan and his team aim to receive US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in the US by 2025.

This innovation is not just about creating new drugs, he said, but also repurposing existing medications with better delivery methods to enhance patient outcomes. The integration of new technology, such as a discrete and convenient delivery device, is also seen as a major advancement in ED treatment. Overall, he emphasized that innovation in medical treatments continues to evolve, providing hope and better health outcomes for patients struggling with ED.