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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Vivus Shares Rise on Erectile Dysfunction Drug Success

By Darryl R. Isherwood

FOXBusiness

Vivus Inc. (VVUS) shares rose Wednesday on news that its erectile dysfunction drug was effective in a late stage trial, putting the biotech firm on course to file an application with the Food and Drug Administration in 2011.

The shares were up about 3% in late afternoon trading.

Vivus Chief Executive Leland Wilson said the company’s treatment may work faster and have fewer side effects than other treatments on the market.

“Erectile dysfunction is a significant problem among more than half of all men over the age of 40,” he said, according to the Wall Street Journal. “While sales of currently available ED therapies exceed $3.8 billion a year, persistent switching by patients suggests that patients are less than satisfied with current therapies.”

The success of its ED drug comes as Vivus is planning to file a new drug application for its obesity drug after positive results in late stage tests.

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