Title:  Electrically assisted transdermal method and apparatus for the treatment of erectile dysfunction

United States Patent:  6,266,560

Assignee:  Genetronics, Inc. (San Diego, CA)

Filed:  June 18, 1999

A non-invasive method is provided for treating erectile dysfunction using electroporation enhanced with delivery of a vasoactive or androgenic composition applied to the penis which affords an alternative treatment for patients afflicted with erectile dysfunction (ED). Sufficient electric pulses temporarily create new pathways in the penile skin thereby driving a composition, such as a vasoactive or androgenic medication, into the corporal cavernosum.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based on the development of a non-invasive method and apparatus for delivery of drugs or genes into the penile erectile tissue to induce or enhance penile erection, which affords an alternative treatment for patients afflicted with erectile dysfunction (ED). Sufficient electric pulses temporarily create new pathways in the penile skin thereby driving a composition, such as a vasoactive or androgenic medication, into the corporal cavernosum.

In a first embodiment, the invention provides an electrical apparatus for treating erectile dysfunction or inducing or enhancing erectile function non-invasively in a subject. The apparatus includes a cuff capable of conforming to the shape of a penis; and a pulse applicator connected to said cuff capable of applying an electric pulse of sufficient strength and duration to the penis for transdermally introducing a composition into the penis.

In another embodiment, the invention includes a method for treating erectile dysfunction or for inducing, enhancing or maintaining erectile function in a subject, comprising applying an electric pulse to the penis substantially contemporaneously with a vasoactive or androgenic composition, said electric pulse having sufficient strength and duration for transdermally introducing an effective amount of the composition into the penis, thereby treating erectile dysfunction or inducing, promoting or enhancing erectile function.

In yet another embodiment, the invention includes a method for preventing or inhibiting impotence in a subject including applying an electric pulse to the penis substantially contemporaneously with a vasoactive or androgenic composition, said electric pulse having sufficient strength and duration for transdermally introducing an effective amount of the composition into the penis for preventing or inhibiting impotence.

The invention further includes a method for delivering a composition into the penis of a subject including applying an electric pulse to the penis substantially contemporaneously with the composition, said electric pulse having sufficient strength and duration for transdermally introducing the composition into the penis in an amount greater than passive diffusion.

The invention also includes a kit for treating erectile dysfunction or inducing or enhancing erectile function. The kit includes, for example, a package having an electrical apparatus for treating erectile dysfunction or inducing or enhancing erectile function of a subject; and instructions for use.

Claim 1 of 23 Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for enhancing erectile function in a subject, said method comprising applying an electric pulse to the penis and substantially contemporaneously applying a vasoactive or androgenic composition thereto, said electric pulse having sufficient strength and duration for transdermally introducing an effective amount of the composition into the penis, thereby enhancing erectile function in the subject.

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