Jan 2, 2008 9:38 am US/Eastern
UVa Tests Drug To Increase A Woman's Libido
LibiGel Has Been Described As Having Viagra Like Effects For Women
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CBS4) ―
A new drug designed to stimulate the libido in women who have lost interest in sex will be tested at the University of Virginia.
LibiGel, a testosterone based ointment, will be prescribed to 25 women between the ages of 30 and 65 who are suffering from hypoactive sexual desire disorder; a condition which is believed to affect one-third of American women.
"It is the most common sexual problem that women have," said Dr. Anita Clayton, a psychiatrist with the UVa Health System and author of the 2007 book "Satisfaction: Women, Sex and the Quest for Intimacy."
In order to be eligible for the study, the women must have had both of their ovaries surgically removed, be currently taking an estrogen supplement and be distressed about their lack of libido.
During the testing phase, the women selected will rub a small portion of LibiGel into the skin of their upper arms. Over the next 24 hours, the gel's testosterone will seep into the bloodstream, boosting energy and libido. Clayton said LibiGel is better than previous testosterone treatments because it keeps levels of the chemical constant.
If the drug passes the testing phase and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, BioSante Pharmaceuticals Inc. hopes to produce and market LibiGel to women complaining of a low sex drive.
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