The man who co-led the research behind Viagra is now developing a cannabis-based product that targets women this time. Dr. Harin Padma-Nathan is trying to create a cannabis vaginal gel that will help women have a better sexual experience.
Viagra is an FDA-approved erectile dysfunction drug and it works by increasing blood flow to the penis so male patients can achieve and sustain an erection that is hard enough for sexual intercourse.
Dr. Padma-Nathan, a 62-year-old urologist and sexual disorders expert, was also part of the research team that worked on another sexual performance drug, Cialis.
Now, Dr. Padma-Nathan has teamed up with cannabis biotech company Manna Molecular to oversee the development of cannabinoid-based products for sexual health. Manna Molecular is known for making cannabis medicated transdermal patches.
How the idea came to be
Manna Molecular CEO Nial DeMena reportedly became interested in exploring the possibility of developing cannabis-based sexual health products for women when their female customers testified that wearing the company’s cannabis patches on their pelvic area improved their sexual experiences.
This inspired DeMena to approach Dr. Padma-Nathan regarding the possibility of making a sexual enhancement product for women. And Dr. Padma-Nathan’s response had been positive, saying that there is a “pretty good evidence” to support it.
According to Dr. Padma-Nathan, there is evidence showing that cannabis in lower doses enhances sexual function. High doses of cannabis, on the other hand, may have a detrimental effect.
Dr. Padma-Nathan also made it clear that, unlike Viagra, this cannabis vaginal gel they are developing is not a medicine that can be used for the treatment of severe health issues. Instead, it is more of a sexual enhancement product.