Cialis captures just under half of NZ market

Cialis captures just under half of NZ market for erection problem treatments since launch

In its first few months in New Zealand, the second generation treatment for erection problems, Cialis, captured just under half of the erectile dysfunction market.

Cialis performed similarly well in the European Union and Australia, where it was also launched in February. Globally Cialis has made the best inroads in New Zealand and Australia where it gained more than 40 per cent share (New Zealand: 42%) of the erectile dysfunction market between February and the end of May. In EU countries, it gained between 20 and 30 per cent of the market.

"We now know from market sales data that for every dollar sale that has gone to Cialis, Viagra has lost sales," said James Sleigh, Eli Lilly & Company New Zealand managing director.

"We think we are getting a lot of men who have been dissatisfied with Viagra. That first generation treatment was very good but there were some limitations, which men did not appreciate. In addition a lot of men did not realise that they needed sexual stimulation with these medicines," he said.

Cialis has significantly increased the potential for couples to resume a normal sexual relationship as it works for 36 hours. In addition, it is the only treatment for erection problems that can be taken after eating a high-fat meal with moderate alcohol, such as a restaurant meal with a glass of wine. Food and alcohol interferes with the action of other treatments for erectile dysfunction.

Waikato Clinical School Associate Professor of Medicine John Conaglen says the new treatment also helps men feel like they are returning to normal by restoring morning erections in addition to erections during sexual intimacy.

New Zealand doctors are also reporting an increase in male patients discussing their problem, says Eli Lilly, which is providing an opportunity for screening of serious conditions like heart disease, prostate cancer and diabetes, all underlying causes of erectile dysfunction.

"It's taken a long time for medicines like Cialis to be taken seriously," says James Sleigh. "They treat serious medical conditions that are a major source of concern for men. They are not consumer items that need money-back guarantees to lure customers. "

Dr Conaglen agrees: "It is now firmly established that erection problems are a serious medical condition and may be an early marker of previously undiagnosed diabetes or heart disease. Erection difficulties can also result in a lowering of self-esteem, anxiety, depression and have an adverse effect on relationships," he says.

It is estimated that 52 per cent of men over the age of 40 will suffer erectile dysfunction problems but only one in 10 will seek treatment. On average, men take four years to go to their doctor about erectile dysfunction, and usually they are encouraged by their partners.

"It can take a long time - and a lot of courage - for men to acknowledge they have an erection problem. We're trying to change that because we have treatments that can help these men," says Dr Conaglen.

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For further information please contact Morag Ingram Porter Novelli New Zealand

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