Futura's erection gel launched over-the-counter in the UK

Sexual health-focussed pharmaceutical company Futura Medical announced on Tuesday that its topical gel formulation for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), MED3000, is now available in the UK under the ‘Eroxon’ brand.

The AIM-traded firm said the gel would be available over the counter, and would not require a doctor's prescription, making it the first pan-European topical treatment for ED of its kind.

Its EU and UK distribution partner, Cooper Consumer Health, confirmed that Eroxon was now available for purchase from Boots online, and would be rolled out to stores from 18 April.

Futura said at least one in five men worldwide suffered from ED, with 22 million men experiencing the condition in the US, and 20 million in the UK, France, Italy, Spain, and Germany.

The problem was said to be increasing, with half of men over the age of 40 experiencing ED and a quarter of men diagnosed with ED now being under 40.

That, the company claimed, was partly due to an ageing population, increased obesity, health conditions such as diabetes, and societal pressures.

Eroxon was expected to provide benefits to those seeking a spontaneous intercourse experience, as the gel helps users to achieve an erection within 10 minutes.

Futura said many patients were dissatisfied with current treatments, adding that there had been little innovation in ED treatments in over a decade.

“We are pleased to confirm that Eroxon is available in the UK from today,” said chief executive officer James Barder.

“This is a significant milestone for the company, as our distribution partners continue to increase the availability of Eroxon across different markets.

“ED is a growing problem and we believe that today's announcement will be welcomed by many men suffering from ED for whom current front-line treatments for ED are unsuitable.”

At 1250 BST, shares in Futura Medical were up 9.07% at 47.33p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.