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The safety and efficacy of Avanafil, a new 2(nd) generation PDE5i: comprehensive review and meta-analysis
Giovanni Corona1, Giulia Rastrelli2, Andrea Burri3
1a Endocrinology Unit, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Medical Department , Azienda-Usl Bologna , Bologna , Italy.
Introduction:
The discontinuation rate with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) remains very high. Recently, a new PDE5ì, avanafil, has become available worldwide.
Areas Covered:
All placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on the effect of avanafil in patients with ED were reviewed and meta-analyzed. So far, 5 different RCTs on avanafil have been published, including 1379 and 605 patients in active and placebo groups, respectively. Avanafil was up to 3-fold superior to placebo in determining successful sexual intercourse. Although head-to-head comparative studies are still lacking, re-analyses of available data, showed that avanafil had comparable efficacy, but lower incidence of drug-related side effects, compared to first-generation PDE5is.
Expert Opinion:
Avanafil specific and peculiar pharmacological profile, addresses several problems that have been documented with first-generation PDE5is. Avanafil should theoretically guarantee a low dropout incidence by ensuring a natural profile of action and a low incidence of side effects. Longer studies and head-to-heard trials are advisable to clarify these issues.
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