Looks Like Best Week Ever for Maker of Female Libido Pill

One survey suggested that approximately 10% of women in American who are premenopausal suffer from the condition, which is called hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

Sprout’s drug is intended to treat women who report emotional stress due to a lack of libido. “The FDA strives to protect and advance the health of women, and we are committed to supporting the development of safe and effective treatments for female sexual dysfunction”.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals global Inc. said on Thursday it would buy Sprout Pharmaceuticals, whose drug flibanserin (Addyi) became the first approved treatment for low sexual desire in women, for about $1 billion with milestone payments. The FDA is asking its maker, Sprout Pharmaceuticals, to specially train doctors and pharmacists who dispense it and to keep track of any problems with women taking the drug. Health insurer Anthem said it will give Addyi Tier 3 coverage-meaning patients will have to dole out higher co-pays for it than other brand-name drugs and generics, according to Bloomberg Business.

The FDA rejected the drug twice before finally approving it Tuesday with fairly heavy safety restrictions, as the drug can cause dizziness, nausea and fainting, especially when combined with alcohol.

First of all, women, beware, and don’t combine the drug with alcohol under any circumstance. The sum would be paid in two installments: $500 million upon finalizing the transaction, presumably in mid September, and another $500 million in the first quarter of 2016, the Montreal-based drugmaker said.

Flibanserin, commercially coined ADDYI will be made available come October. Valeant’s method is to develop through acquisitions.

Although the FDA approval for the female Viagra may sound like a triumph, “This is not a drug you take an hour before you have sex”. Now, the company is widening its reach in the consumer market with a nominally historic (and quite controversial) female sexual dysfunction medication.

But Whitehead said critics miss the evolution of science since 2010, including additional research, that led an advisory panel to recommend the drug’s approval by a margin of 18 to six.

The cost for the daily bedtime drug is expected to be similar to Viagra – up to about US$400 per month – assuming it can win the same insurance coverage.

Sprout Pharmaceuticals is based in Raleigh, North Carolina and now employs 34 people. “The little pink pill” is for women that are experiencing a low sex drive, or have hyperactive sexual desire disorder before they enter menopause.