Viagra is a familiar name, instantly recognised, often with amusement, worldwide. This distinctive ‘little blue pill’ has revolutionised the treatment of erectile dysfunction — the inability to sustain an erection of the penis. Viagra was launched in 1998, and was so successful that in 1999 worldwide sales exceeded $1 billion. Clearly there is truth in the old advertising saying that ‘sex sells’. Despite its phenomenal commercial success, however, the effects of Viagra were discovered almost by chance. The scientists who first produced it never intended to create a treatment for erectile dysfunction at all.
Viagra was developed in the UK by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, as part of a drug development programme aimed at treating cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular problems are the biggest killer in the UK. According to the British Heart Foundation, cardiovascular problems caused 34% of all deaths in 2007. The pharmaceutical industry tries constantly to develop new treatments for cardiovascular disease. Pfizer originally wanted to help sufferers of angina, a crushing chest pain that can occur upon exercise or stress (see pp. 34–37). Angina is a symptom of diseased coronary arteries. These essential blood vessels supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle itself. If they are blocked, damage to the heart may result, often with fatal consequences.
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