New Therapeutic Targets for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

Introduction. Despite the high efficacy and safety rates of the currently available treatments for erectile dysfunction, basic research reveals numerous new targets that are explored for therapeutic use. Aim. To overview potential new targets and to review available animal and human studies focusing on the potential of these targets for effective therapy for treating erectile dysfunction. Methods. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Medline database, and citations were selected based on relevance. Main Outcome Measures. Data are presented based on the analysis of the selected scientific information and published clinical trials. Results. Fundamental research has, in the past decade, increased the understanding in both the physiological and the pathophysiological pathways that play a role in erectile function. As this information increases each day, new targets to treat erectile dysfunction are frequently presented. Currently a number of new therapeutic targets have been published. Some of them target the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate relaxation pathway as the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors do, others primarily target pathways involved in contraction. Also, targets within the central nervous system currently receive much attention. Some of these targets have already been used in clinical trials to test their efficacy and safety, with either disappointing or promising results. Conclusions. This review overviews potential therapeutic targets and summarizes animal as well as human studies evaluating their perspectives for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Decaluwe K, Pauwels B, Verpoest S, and Van de Voorde J. New therapeutic targets for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. J Sex Med 2011;8:3271-3290.