OREANDA-NEWS. The global erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs market is poised to decline in the coming years as blockbuster drugs near patent expiration. The loss of exclusivity for the leading players will translate into an entry point for various generic drugs, thus making the competition stiffer and prices remarkably lower. For instance, the Cialis (tadalafil) is anticipated to lose its patent exclusivity by 2017, while Levitra/Staxyn (vardenafil) will experience a patent cliff by 2018. On the other hand, Viagra (sildenafil citrate) will lose its exclusivity in the U.S. by October 2020. This factor is expected to tug the market in the opposite direction of growth in the coming few years.

Q. How much will the market suffer during the forecast period? 
 
A. Transparency Market Research reported that the value of the global erectile dysfunction drugs market was worth US$4.3 bn in 2012 and is anticipated to dip to US$3.4 bn by end of 2019. The overall market is anticipated to plummet at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period of 2013 and 2019. The growth of the market is also expected to be stymied by the rising risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) due to the first line of treatment for erectile dysfunction. Research indicates that ED drug users have higher chances of acquiring HIV and Chlamydia infections. The poor insurance coverage for those opting for ED treatment is also hampering the growth of the global market as insurance companies view this inability of the human body as a non-essential one.
 
Q. What are the possible growth opportunities for the global erectile dysfunction drugs market?
 
A.  The ever-changing dynamics of the global demand and consumer preferences offer the global erectile dysfunction drugs market few lucrative opportunities to bounce back from the projected pitfall. Companies can offset the shortcomings of drugs available in the global market through topical ointments and creams. Innovations in drug delivery techniques such as MUSE (medicated urethral system for erection) drug and Vitaros (alprostadil) by Apricus Biosciences, Inc. and Meda Pharmaceuticals, Inc. are expected to open up new perspectives towards operating businesses in the near future. Companies are anticipated to focus on combination therapies to tackle the issue of both side-effects of ED drugs and the problem of ED amongst patients.