New clinical trial hopes to tackle erectile dysfunction
In partnership with MAC Clinical Research.
Erectile Dysfunction. Understandably it’s an uncomfortable topic for men. But it really shouldn’t be. If you are living with Erectile Dysfunction, you may be able to take part in the latest research and receive up to £1,496 for your time and commitment.
Contrary to common perceptions, erectile problems can affect men at any time in their life. While problems with erectile dysfunction (ED) are more common in men aged over 40, it can really affect just about anyone, even younger men.
It’s thought that up to 1 in 4 men will experience ED at some point in their life and it is estimated that around 4.3 million men in the UK experience erectile problems*.
PharmacyDirectGB ran a survey of 2,000 adults in 2021 and found that 52 percent of people aged 25-34 said that either they or their partner has experienced ED. This was more than any other age group. Men aged 35-44 were the next group followed by men aged 16-24.
A 2019 study found that six in ten younger men avoided sex due to performance anxiety, as reported by The Independent. Separately, the pharmaceutical company, Viatris, which sells Viagra Connect has told the paper that more than 60 percent of its UK users are between the ages of 25 and 54.
MAC has also shared with us that so far, 1/3 of volunteers taking part in their ED research have been men aged between 18-30.
ED can be brought on by several things including excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes, stress, or anxiety. Many men with ED identify stress as a major factor, however, erectile problems may also be a warning sign of an underlying health condition, so it’s important that men who are experiencing ED seek medical advice.
Given the cost of living crisis, there’s a lot of anxiety going around at the moment and with these ongoing pressures, it’s important that men of all ages feel free to talk openly.
After all, as the old adage goes: a problem shared is a problem halved.
And while there are readily available treatments such as Viagara or Cialis, these aren’t thought to work in around 30 percent of cases.
The research mentioned above and more broadly also recognises that searches for ED treatments online has increased over the last few years with ‘Dr Google’ oftentimes being a replacement for visiting their GP – a study by Pfizer noted that 44 percent of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) aged 40+ have not sought medical help**
This is where MAC comes in. They are currently recruiting volunteers for a clinical research trial into new treatments that could signify a dynamic change in the way ED and related problems are treated.
Eligible participants will receive generous reimbursement for their time and commitment, as well as a full up to date health MOT.
The catch-ily named new medication, IPED2015, works by helping the dopamine (that’s a feel-good chemical) signalling pathway in the brain that is involved in getting an erection. Most ED treatments only give men a supportive boost, the new drug could go further by initiating and maintaining an erection.
To be eligible to join the clinical trial, MAC is looking for men who:
– Are aged 18-59
– Have erectile dysfunction but are otherwise in good health (a full medical and psychiatric history, medical examination, ECG, and blood tests will determine this.) Other eligibility may apply
Those who are eligible for the study will have to attend one of MAC’s clinics in either Blackpool, Manchester, Liverpool, Cannock, Teesside, South Yorkshire, or Leeds. Participants may also be reimbursed up to £1,496 (depending on what trial they join if deemed suitable) plus reasonable travel or transport to the clinic will be provided.
Anyone with a history of psychiatric conditions or central nervous system problems such as stroke or epilepsy will not be able to take part in any study.
Dr. John Connell, the Chief Scientific Officer at MAC Clinical Research, says ED “remains one of the most serious conditions affecting males of all ages in mental health,” with periods such as Christmas bringing extra pressures to perform.
Dr. Connell believes that simple lifestyle changes can help men experiencing erectile problems, as can having conversations openly and relieving the taboo nature of the topic.
“At MAC Clinical Research, we’re trialling treatments that have been developed to target different types of ED. These novel treatments act both centrally (on the brain) and in the periphery (muscles and veins of the penis) and it is believed this dual approach will both help with the initiation of an erection as well as maintaining it for a longer period of time.
“The development of these new treatments has only been possible by the dedicated support of men with issues around ED volunteering to help assess the new treatments at MAC’s clinical research centres across the north of England.
“Through this work, it is hoped that further treatment for ED will be developed and regulated for use in the UK.”
If you’d like to find out more, or register your interest to see if you’re eligible to take part in this research, visit researchforyou.co.uk.
* Kantar TNS Omnibus Survey Dec 2010
** Opinium for Pfizer: ED market research, February 2018