(497) Is Drug Development for Female Sexual Dysfunction Dead?

Abstract Introduction Various agents have been tested to treat female sexual dysfunction (FSD), particularly Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder and Female Arousal Disorder, but only two, flibanserin bremelanotide, met any regulatory standards (US only), none is popular with patients or prescribers. Several more agents, e.g., sildenafil, testosterone, alprostadil, buspirone, bupropion trazodone, shown early promise not developed further. Objective Evaluate whether drug development for FSD at a standstill identify related factors. Methods Selective literature review using the largest, most high-quality surveys available on factors relating proportion of women likely be treated convenience posology safety FSD. Results Surveys show that about 40% dysfunction, lack distress complicating decrease medically primary 0.1%. Such include antidepressant use chronic medical illness prevent diagnosing FSD, awareness, prescriber reluctance. The their side effects may limit benefits thus acceptance, also. Fear rejection amid shifting evaluation efficacy diagnostic criteria an intangible factor stalling too. Conclusions Major investment in developing medications well ended. (stand-alone) limited no than 0.1% population because low awareness diagnosis, willingness treated, knowledge diagnose prescribe. Benign are sufficiently robust break down barriers patient practitioner reluctance toward treatment. marketing success current fear surmounting hurdles probably had additional chilling influences this field. Developing secondary (FSD comorbid common conditions), HSDD and/or FSAD genitourinary syndrome menopause, diabetes, cancer, depression, users, could help far women, perhaps 10% population. However, such should expected difficult treat, might require multimodal approaches biopsychosocial model A combination medication targeted psychotherapy, couples’ therapy, mindfulness-based intervention necessary. Disclosure Any authors act as consultant, employee shareholder industry for: S1 Biopharma, Sprout Pharma, Gedeon Richter.