Some of the best inventions and discoveries in the history of civilization have been accidental. Penicillin, Teflon, radioactivity, even your favourite Coca-Cola were all accidental to mankind. An accidental invention is one where scientists are trying to find a solution to problem A but chance upon a solution to problem B. This is exactly what happened in the case of mankind's dearly loved drug Viagra, that treats erectile dysfunction.
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In 1989, chemists at Pfizer's research centre in Kent, England, were working to find a new drug to treat hypertension and angina pectoris (chest pain due to blocked arteries). A new compound that was named Sildenafil (UK92480) was created and subsequently tested on a group of men. Unfortunately, in the clinical trials, the compound failed to have a desired effect on hypertension and did not help in dilating the muscles in the heart. Even after repeated clinical trials, there was no improvement in heart function.
However, just when the project was on the verge of being dropped, one rather unusual side effect was reportedl. The men undergoing clinical trials began to experience random erections. The nurses found many subjects lying on their stomachs, probably embarrassed from the surprise erections. Sildenafil was dilating the blood vessels in the *****, causing erections. The heart had to wait.
“One thing that was found during those trials is that people didn't want to give the medication back because of the side effect of having erections that were harder, firmer and lasted longer.'' Dr. Brian Klee, senior medical director at Pfizer, told AFP.
An Accidental Discovery, A Boon For Mankind© Reuters
It was a path-breaking discovery and Pfizer did not make the mistake of ignoring it. The pharmaceutical company began testing the drug for its effects on erectile dysfunction. Over a period of the next 3 years, from 1993 to 1996, a total of 21 trials were conducted involving over 3000 patients of varying age groups. The patients were anywhere between the age of 19-87. Some were administered Viagra and some were given placebo pills, with the knowledge of who was receiving what carefully hidden from patients and their doctors and nurses.
All the trials showed one result – Viagra had a significant effect on erectile function. The time had come to introduce it to the world.
How The Drug Worked© Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images
The basic principle behind the creation of the drug was to increase blood flow to the heart muscles through the release of nitric oxide. The chemical nitric oxide works by relaxing smooth muscles in the body; as the muscles relax, more blood flows through them. The chemical is released naturally in the body as a response to sexual arousal, where it increases blood flow through penile muscles, thereby causing erection.
Sildenafil provided a nitric oxide boost to the body from outside and affected the penile muscles more than the ones in the heart, and thus was born Viagra.
Like any medicine, Sildenafil was not without side-effects. Besides the odd headache and heartburn, the drug can potentially lead to loss of hearing with prolonged use. Fun fact: Playboy king Hugh Hefner was a loyal consumer of the drug. He is believed to have gone deaf in one ear due to excessive use of Viagra. It is another matter that he confessed he preferred *** to his hearing.
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A Patent The Modern World Was Waiting ForWith trials well in place, Pfizer was ready to bring in the century's best accidental invention. In 1996, the company got its magic drug patented, and in 1997, applied to US Food and Drug Administration for a license. The license was granted by the FDA on a priority basis, and on 27 March, 1998, Viagra was officially launched. Clearly, everybody was excited for the first ever oral treatment for erectile dysfunction.
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Peter Dunn and Albert Wood (mere chance?), both of whom worked at Pfizer, are credited as the inventors of the wonder drug Viagra (along with their team of pharmacists at Pfizer), though they maintained biochemist Robert Furchgott had a tremendous contribution in the work. Furchgott discovered that significant biochemical effects nitric oxide has on human body, a discovery that was crucial to the creation of Viagra. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for this discovery.
The Drug That Changed The Lives Of Millions Of MenViagra was an instant hit. As it reached the markets, it lapped up a huge consumer base that was probably waiting for a miracle. Within barely 3 months of its launch, doctors had written nearly 3 million prescriptions recommending Viagra. In just two years, the annual sales of Viagra had reached up to $1 billion. It is estimated that by 2008, over 35 million men had used the drug. Pfizer had hit the right nerve.
Viagra In Popular Culture© Reuters
The blue pill, as Viagra came to be called, carved a niche for itself in the market and found huge acceptance in popular culture. Because of its efficacy in treating erectile dysfunction, it soon gained popularity as a wonder drug that was seen as something more than just medicine. It gave men a chance to relive the pleasures of youth again, especially those suffering from the consequences of ageing.
Viagra was marketed through ads on radio and television, something very rare for a drug that was available through prescription only. It was a commodity waiting to be picked up by consumers. Celebrities, including politicians and sportspersons, stepped forward to promote the drug. Brazilian soccer star Pele apepared in Viagra ads and worked with Pfizer to create awareness for erectile dysfunction.
Over the years, Viagra has come to be used for recreational purposes as well. It is seen by some as a performance-enhancing lifestyle drug, though studies have suggested it has limited effect on perfectly healthy men.
Today, Viagra is a blessing for men with erectile dysfunction, and it has done much to remove the stigma from the health condition. Modern lifestyle has made problems like ED more common, especially among young people. It's a myth that it only affects the old and Viagra has helped shatter it. One of the most life-changing accidental inventions of the century, Viagra has given men (and their partners) a new lease of life.
Sources:
Dawn Connelly, The Pharmaceutical Journal, 'Three Decades of Viagra'
AccessR, 'The Inventor of Viagra Dies at Age 92'
Vardenafilgen, 'History of the creation of Viagra'
AccessR, 'The History of Viagra'
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