'Up and coming' treatments for premature ejaculation: progress towards an approved therapy

It is generally accepted that premature ejaculation (PE) is a more common problem than erectile dysfunction, although at present the options currently available for the treatment of PE are limited to behavioural psychotherapy and 'off-label' prescribing of pharmacological therapies. A sexual complaint with such a high prevalence together with an increasing understanding of the psychosocial consequences of PE has naturally stimulated the interest of the pharmaceutical industry and the first products designed specifically for the treatment of PE are either in late-stage clinical development or are already under regulatory review. Most of the new treatments for PE have been developed for 'on-demand' use, which may prove to offer the most favourable risk: benefit profile as well as the flexibility to adapt to differing frequencies of sexual activity. This paper reviews a number of emerging therapies in various stages of development that show potential for use in the treatment of PE.