
On April 27th, the FDA approved Avanafil (tradename: Stendra; Research Code: TA-1790), a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). ED
is a sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to produce an
erection of the penis. The physiologic mechanism of penile erection
involves the release of nitric oxide in the corpus cavernosum during
sexual stimulation, which in turn activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase, resulting in increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
cGMP produces relaxation of smooth muscle tissues, which in the corpus
cavernosum results in vasodilation and increased blood flow. Avanafil
(PubChem: CID9869929, ChemSpider: 8045620) enhances...