Technology is helping to transform the healthcare market in many different ways. One area where advancements are being made is medication. From drugs for erectile dysfunction to 3D-printed pills, men’s medication is gradually being revolutionized. Here is a look at the key technological advancements that are transforming the market.
Erectile Dysfunction Medications
Erectile dysfunction treatments have come a long way in the last couple of decades. There are currently five effective oral medications on the market to treat ED. They are Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Staxyn, and Stendra. Viagra and Cialis are the two most popular medications. Check out RexMD for online ED medication options. However, technological and scientific advancements are enabling pharmaceutical companies to come up with new treatments for ED. Ones that could appear on the US market in the near future are:
- Uprima, which comes in tablet form. It works by stimulating the chemical in the brain called dopamine, which heightens sexual interest and sensations. Uprima is already available in Europe, but due to side effects like nausea and vomiting, its release is currently on hold in the United States. A nasal spray form of the drug is also being tested, which looks likely to cause less nausea.
- Topiglan, which comes in cream form. It uses the same drug used in Uprima: alprostadil. The cream is applied to the penis. It appears to be safe and effective, but more clinical trials are needed before it comes to market.
- Melanocortin activators, which are drugs that act through the central nervous system. In animal studies, melanocortin activators have been shown to produce erections, and initial studies in humans suggest the drug used in the melanocortin activators, called PT-141, could also be effective when given via the nose. However, it is thought the drug is only helpful for men with nonmedical erectile dysfunction, meaning the problem is caused by emotional and psychological problems, rather than for men who experience physical causes of ED.
The Brain Control Wristband
There is a big difference between brain control and mind control, so do not be alarmed by the name “brain control wristband.” CTRL-Labs is introducing brain-machine interfaces. The wristband devices translate mental activity into digital results. It works by detecting electrical impulses that travel from neurons in the brain to the relevant areas of the body as soon as thoughts enter a person’s mind. The work that CTRL-Labs is producing is built upon a technology known as differential electromyography. The inside of the wristband is lined with electrodes. Once they touch the body, they measure the electrical pulses of the neurons. The technology has far-reaching possibilities for the future market of men’s medication.
3D-Printed Medication
More and more things are now able to be 3D-printed, and that includes oral medication. 3D printers can now print-out pills, which has various benefits. Most notably, many people throughout the world have difficulty swallowing some pills due to their large sizes. That issue can be solved with 3D printing because pills can be more easily created in different sizes and types to suit individuals’ needs. In 2015, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved an epilepsy medication called SPRITAM made by 3D printers, and it looks as though other medications could be on their way soon.