Avanafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a prevalent condition afflicting millions of men worldwide and can have disastrous effects on a couple's quality of life. With the understanding of the physiology of erections and the discovery of cGMP-specific 3',5'-cyclic phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitors, therapy for erectile dysfunction was revolutionized, and this class of medication became the first-line treatment option for this widespread condition. Despite the ease of use, efficacy and tolerability of the available PDE5 inhibitors, many men discontinue their use, usually related to lack of efficacy or development of adverse events. As such, research into the development of other medications within this drug class is extensive. Avanafil is a novel PDE5 inhibitor with favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles with good tolerability and limited adverse events. It was recently approved and launched in Korea, and is currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Its efficacy and purported role in the treatment for erectile dysfunction are reviewed here.