Following a disastrous expert panel review and a complete response letter from the FDA, Boehringer Ingelheim said it's halting development of its female desire drug flibanserin. In June the Reproductive Health Drugs Advisory Committee voted unanimously that that the drug did not demonstrated an acceptable risk/benefit profile.
Boehringer said it will continue the two most advanced clinical studies to add knowledge for the scientific community and women suffering with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). "The need for a better understanding of HSDD and its possible treatment continues, and we hope the scientific and medical communities will build on the knowledge that Boehringer Ingelheim's research has provided to find solutions for women who suffer with this disorder," says Michael Sand, director, clinical research and global strategic leader of flibanserin, Boehringer.
Boehringer is one of several drugmakers that have tried and failed to make boost female libido, notes Bloomberg. Pfizer abandoned its effort achieve approval for Viagra for women in 2004, while Procter & Gamble had no success with a testosterone patch. The estimated market for such a drug is $2 billion, according to BioSante Pharmaceuticals.
- see Boehringer's release
- read the story from Bloomberg