A cream for erectile dysfunction (ED) was approved for distribution in Hong Kong, the developer NexMed, Inc. announced on April 23.

Viagra (Sildenafil citrate) is the oral medication available in the United States and elsewhere for treatment of ED. Impotence or ED is the failure to achieve or maintain your erection. Some men can initially get an erection but as they try to reach climax, their erection fades. Others find themselves unable to keep their erection during intercourse.

Manufactured by Pfizer Labs, Viagra helps you get and maintain an erection when you're sexually aroused. The cream now called Befar -- which uses the ingredient Alprox-TD -- offers an alternative to Viagra.

NexMed has been selling their product in China since July 2001. "During 2002, we anticipate additional approvals and filings in various international markets," said Dr. Y. Joseph Mo, president and chief executive officer of NexMed. In clinical studies conducted in China, Befar showed a faster onset time and had a minimal side effect profile, according to NexMed.

NexMed is conducting its Phase 3 clinical development programs for Alprox-TD in the United States. Up to 2,500 patients with mild to severe ED will participate in the trials. NexMed has also completed a Phase 2 study with its Femprox topical treatment for female sexual arousal disorder ("FSAD").