Patent Evaluation: Methods for the Treatment of Sexual Impotence

Summary

Novelty: A novel oral drug regimen potentially useful for the treatment of sexual impotence is disclosed. The method involves administration of a long acting, selective α-1 blocking agent, such as doxazosin, together with a β-adrenergic blocking agent having intrinsic sympathomimetic activity e.g. acebutolol. It is proposed that this combination produces a reciprocally balanced autonomic blockade of α and β receptors, enabling restoration of sexual function.

Biology: Therapeutic efficacy of the regimen was evaluated using the method of Guyatt et al. (N. Engl. J. Med. (1986) 314:889–892). Administration of doxazosin or terasozin together with acebutolol or celipolol was said to give marked restoration of sexual function. This was contrasted to administration of either α or β blockers alone, which had little or no effect.

Chemistry: Preparative details are not presented. Suitable doses are discussed.