06-13-2003, 07:43 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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The GrandDaddy of them all!
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Viagra Gum?
Quote:
Wrigley plans 'Viagra' gum
Fri Jun 13, 7:55 PM ET
By Christopher Bowe in New York
Wm Wrigley Jr Co has received a patent to deliver Viagra in chewing gum.
Its US advertising jingles tell you to "kiss a little longer" with Big Red. With a patent on Viagra gum, that slogan and gum might assume a greater significance.
The Chicago-based group has received a patent for chewing gum formulations and methods of use to deliver the main ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil citrate. Pfizer, the world's largest drug company, has a patent on Viagra, the well-known Pfizer male impotence drug, that lasts until 2011. In US patent 6,531,114, Wrigley claims "a method for treating erectile dysfunction in an individual comprising the steps of providing a chewing gum composition that includes a therapeutically effective amount of sildenafil citrate in the chewing gum composition".
Chewing causes the drug to be released into the blood stream through the mouth, making it potentially less irritable on the stomach. Apparently it would be chewed about 30 minutes before sex.
Viagra is soon to encounter competition for the first time. Germany's Bayer and GlaxoSmithKline of the UK are expected to gain approval for Levitra some time this year. Eli Lilly, US drugmaker, and partner Icos also expect US approval for another male impotence drug Cialis late this year.
Viagra, one of the most recognised brands in the world, has become a social icon with sales expected to reach $1.9bn this year.
Over the last few years, Wrigley has looked to expand growth in the slow but steady chewing gum market. It has formed a health unit to explore potential of delivering drugs in its gum. Pfizer appears to have no plans to repackage Viagra at this time. Wrigley could, however, wait until Viagra loses patent protection and can be copied as a generic drug.
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http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp.../1054966113873
people are taking impotence drugs to a new extreme.
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"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." - Darrel K Royal
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