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Biotech / Medical : PFE (Pfizer) How high will it go? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: LWolf who wrote (743)	3/27/1998 12:39:00 PM
From: JENNY	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 9523

More... Dow Jones Newswires -- March 27, 1998 Big Sales Seen For Pfizer's Impotence Drug Viagra By Otesa Middleton WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)--Analysts say Pfizer Inc.'s (PFE) impotence drug, Viagra, should have big sales. The drug, which the Food and Drug Administration announced approval of Friday, has a potentially huge market. The company said in the U.S. alone, 20 million to 30 million men suffer from some form of impotence. Expected to hit the market around mid-April, the drug went through the FDA's application process in less than six months. Arvind Desai, an analyst who follows the company for OrbiMed Advisors, called Viagra a "big" drug. "At this point, I expect sales to be $1 billion the fifth year after launch," Desai said. A Pfizer spokeswoman said the drug isn't approved anywhere else in the world. The company filed for approval with the FDA and in Europe the same day, Sept. 29, 1997. Viagra, the first oral pill to treat impotence, doesn't work like other treatments. "Unlike previously approved treatments for impotence, Viagra does not directly cause penile erections, but affects the response to sexual stimulation," an FDA release said. "The drug acts by enhancing the smooth muscle relaxant effects of nitric oxide, a chemical that is normally released in response to sexual stimulation. This smooth muscle relaxation allows increased blood flow into certain areas of the penis leading to an erection." Pfizer tested Viagra in 21 clinical trials on 3,000 men. One hour before sex, men will take the recommended dose of 50 mg. Some patients may need more or less. "The drug should not be used more than once a day," the FDA's release said. Some side effects include: headache, flushing, indigestion and altered color perception. Patients are advised not to take the medication with organic nitrates, such as nitroglycerin patches or sublingual tablets, because the combination may lower blood pressure. Pfizer stock was up 7/8, or 0.9%, to 95 1/4 at midday Friday. -Otesa Middleton; 202-862-6654 Powered by Quote Agentr and News Agentr from Gari Software/IDD Information Services Copyright c 1998 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved.