Kimberly Drake
Eroxon, available without a prescription, is a topically applied gel that can help men with mild to severe erectile dysfunction (ED) achieve an erection within 10 minutes. The gel’s developer expects FDA approval in the U.S. within the year.
Estimates indicate that almost 50% of men between the ages of 40 to 70 experience erectile dysfunction (ED) to some degree. But, according to research, the condition can also impact younger men. For example, a European study found that 1% to 10% of men under 40 experience ED.
Treatments for ED include oral medications such as tadalafil (Cialis) and sildenafil (Viagra). These medications are available by prescription only and work by dilating the blood vessels throughout the body.
Because of how they work, some men shouldn’t use these medications if they have specific health conditions like heart disease, liver disease, or have recently experienced a stroke. Moreover, the side effects of ED medications — like headache and nausea — can be significant.
Now, a new alternative to oral ED medications — available without a prescription — has just hit retail stores in the United Kingdom.
Eroxon, or MED3000, is a topically applied gel developed by Futura Medical PLC. The company claims that the new ED gel produces an erection in 10 minutes or less with little or no side effects.
According to Futura’s website, the gel has an evaporative action that stimulates nerve endings on the head of the penis leading to increased blood flow. It is suitable for men aged 18 years and older, safe for partners, and has no known drug interactions.
Reports indicate that Futura accidentally discovered Eroxon when the company was investigating whether topical application of an angina drug could treat ED. When the scientists added a rapidly evaporating carrier gel to the angina drug, they discovered the combination effectively improved ED symptoms.
In United States and European phase-3 clinical trials, two out of three men using the gel reported improvements in the ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
One phase 3 trial comparing MED3000 to oral tadalafil in 96 men clinically diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe ED found that after 24 weeks, the men using MED3000 experienced significant improvement in ED. Moreover, the gel worked faster than tadalafil and had fewer side effects. Still, in a company statement, Futura notes that, overall, tadalafil showed more significant improvements in ED than MED3000.
Currently, another early phase 1 trial is underway investigating the safety and effectiveness of topical MED3000 in men with persistent ED after radical prostatectomy surgery.
Due to the previous phase 3 trials’ success, the European Union and the U.K. approved Eroxon as a medical device for treating ED. Because it’s considered a medical device, people can purchase the gel without a prescription.
As a result, Futura recently announced the product is now available for purchase over the counter in the U.K.
However, the gel’s cost may be a barrier for some. As of April 20, a four-pack of single-dose tubes sells for £24.99 (about $30) on Boots, an online U.K. health and beauty retailer. Still, customer reviews are mostly positive.
Although not available in the U.S. currently, Futura anticipates Eroxon gel will gain FDA approval during the second quarter of 2023.
