Gene Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
Filed in archive Drugs, Vaccines and Therapeutics , Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics on December 11, 2006
The first human trial on gene therapy to treat erectile dysfunction has demonstrated its efficacy, and shows that it may be a viable alternative to oral medications such as Viagra and Cialis.
Dr. Melman and two study centers worked with 11 men and administered various doses of a transfer gene called hMaxi-K. "While this phase 1 safety trial was not designed to provide efficacy answers, one patient in each of the higher dose groups (5000 and 7500 micrograms) reported clinically significant and sustained improvements in ED. And, there have been no adverse effects with the patients in the study, so it has been proven to be safe," he adds.
"The hMaxi-K stimulates potassium ion transfer in the smooth muscle cells of the penis," says Dr. Melman. The hMaxi-K gene works by creating additional potassium channels (the chemical symbol for potassium is 'K') in the smooth muscle cell of the penis. This relaxes the muscle and allows blood flow required for an erection.
According to the investigators in the study, this gene therapy approach may help address not only erectile dysfunction, but perhaps overactive bladder disease as well.

"The hMaxi-K stimulates potassium ion transfer in the smooth muscle cells of the penis," says Dr. Melman. The hMaxi-K gene works by creating additional potassium channels (the chemical symbol for potassium is 'K') in the smooth muscle cell of the penis. This relaxes the muscle and allows blood flow required for an erection.
Permalink: Gene Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
Tags: gene+therapy genetics erectile+dysfunction viagra cialis biotech therapy+erectile
Vote for Gene Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction:
|
Rating: 7.57 out of 7 vote(s) cast.
|
Response from:
Dr. gordon
(06/04/08 7:34pm)
Response from:
viagra
(11/18/10 4:38am)
viagra
Most Popular
Best of
Biotech Hubs and Facilities
Biotech/Science Blogs
Corporate and Industrial News
Diagnostics, Methodologies and Instrumentation
Did you know
Drugs, Vaccines and Therapeutics
Energy, Environment and Ecology
Food and Agriculture
Gene Therapy
Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics
Information About
Meetings and Other Events
Microbiology
Misc
Nanomedicine
Other Biotechnology News
Patents and Intellectual Property Rights
Quick introduction
Stem Cells

). The site is updated weekly and is available in 23 languages. The site also aggregates research and news on viagra, cialis, levitra, and natural remedies for Ed.