The end of Viagra? New stem-cell jab that could cure men of erectile dysfunction is developed by scientists
- Injecting 20m stem cells into the base of the penis could reinvigorate the nerves
- New stem-cell ‘Viagra’ sex treatment could even make penis bigger
- Research been aimed at men who have had their prostate glands removed
Scientists believe they have discovered a new stem-cell sex treatment that will consign Viagra to history and cure men of erectile dysfunction.
They found in recent trials that injecting 20m stem cells into the base of the penis could reinvigorate the nerves and blood vessels.
Doing this will even make the organ larger, which is something Viagra has never achieved.
Scientists believe they have discovered a new stem-cell sex treatment that will consign Viagra to history and cure men of erectile dysfunction
The Sunday Times reports that the research has so far been aimed at men who have had their prostate glands removed because of cancer.
This can cause degeneration of the nerves and blood vessels in the penis, making it shrink.
Professor Soren Sheikh, director of the Danish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, will reveal further details at a meeting for European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology in Barcelona this July.
He said that the men’s regained function had lasted more than a year so far but larger trials over a longer period were required.
Sheikh added that stem cell therapy could also help the millions of men with erectile dysfunction from other causes such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and simple ageing.
The Sexual Advice Association has estimated that several million Britons have the problem.
Sheikh said: ‘Stem cells can grow into many of the body’s main tissues, such as nerves, liver, kidney and heart cells,.
‘They are very good at building blood vessels.’
The therapy involved using liposuction to remove half a pint of fat cells from a patient’s abdomen.
Professor Soren Sheikh, director of the Danish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, will reveal further details at a meeting for European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology in Barcelona this July
This is then spun in a centrifuge, separated out the stem cells which were injected back into the patient’s penis.
Demand for these therapies is growing, with 47,000 British men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year.
The charity Prostate Cancer UK added that it would be Britain’s most commonly diagnosed cancer by 2030. ‘Men over 50, black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer all face a higher than average risk.’
While around 12,000 men die of the condition each year in the UK, 330,000 Britons have been treated but may have lifelong complications.
Stem cell therapies have attracted growing interest over the past two decades.
However, scientists warn that years of research will be required to produce genuine therapies.
Sheikh added: ‘These trials look good but there is still a way to go.’