Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction: Double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study

Hunter Wessells, Kevin Fuciarelli, John Hansen, Mac E. Hadley, Victor J. Hruby, Robert Dorr, Norman Levine

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

179 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: We evaluated the erectogenic properties of a new cyclic α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogue, Melanotan-II, to treat men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Materials and Methods: Ten men with erectile dysfunction of no known organic cause were entered in a double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study in which the erectogenic properties of Melanotan- II and a vehicle placebo were compared using real-time RigiScan monitoring. The presence, duration and rigidity of erections were recorded during a 6-hour period. Results: In 8 of 10 men treated with Melanotan-II clinically apparent erections developed. Mean duration of tip rigidity greater than 80% was 38.0 minutes with Melanotan-II and 3.0 with placebo (p = 0.0045). Transient side effects of nausea, stretching and yawning, and decreased appetite were reported more frequently after injections of Melanotan-II than placebo but none required treatment. Conclusions: Melanotan- II is a potent initiator of erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction and has manageable side effects at a dose of 0.025 mg./kg.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)389-393
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Urology
Volume160
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1998
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • MSH
  • Penile erection

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Urology

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