Topical sildenafil-nanoparticle for erectile dysfunction in adults with diabetes
Official title: Phase II: Optimization of a nanoparticle-based topical PDE5i formulation for treatment of erectile dysfunction
Funded at Atticus Pharma INC · NIH-11186191 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A science team is testing a new cream-like sildenafil formulation applied to the skin to help with erectile dysfunction, especially in adults with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Atticus Pharma INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greenville, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $965,708 |
| NIH project number | 2R44DK129147-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11186191 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include adult men with erectile dysfunction, particularly those with type 2 diabetes or those recovering from nerve injury after prostate surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose ED is not responsive to topical sildenafil or who have conditions excluding topical therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on earlier work showing a topical sildenafil-nanoparticle can help erectile function in animals. In this Phase II, researchers plan to test the formulation in diabetic animal models to see if it preserves penile tissue and improves function after nerve injury. They will also scale up manufacturing in a compliant facility to prepare for broader testing. The work aims to reduce systemic side effects and minimize absorption variability compared to pills. A positive outcome could lead to a new, patient-friendly option for ED in men with diabetes and after prostate cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience improved erectile function with fewer systemic side effects and more consistent response.
How similar studies have gone: Previous Phase I work in animals showed improved erectile function with the topical formulation, supporting progression to Phase II.
Where this research is happening
-
Atticus Pharma INC
Greenville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Draganski, Andrew R — Atticus Pharma INC
- Study coordinator: Draganski, Andrew R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Why pelvic surgery can cause both bladder problems and erectile dysfunction
Researchers are looking at whether inflammation of pelvic nerve ganglia after prostate or other pelvic surgery causes both bladder problems and erectile dysfunction in men.
-
Predicting heart disease risk in young male veterans with erectile dysfunction
This project uses genetic risk scores and medical records to find which young male veterans with erectile dysfunction are most likely to have future heart problems.
-
Understanding how diabetes affects erectile function
This research explores how certain cell signals contribute to erectile dysfunction in people with diabetes.
-
Targeted Nanoparticle Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
This research explores a new way to deliver a healing molecule using tiny particles to help men with erectile dysfunction.
-
Inflammation in pelvic nerves affecting bladder and erectile function after surgery
This study is looking at how inflammation in the pelvic area after surgery, like prostate removal, might cause problems with bladder control and erections, and it hopes to find ways to help prevent these issues for patients.
-
Exploring the use of erectile dysfunction drugs to improve bone health in elderly females
This study is looking at whether common erectile dysfunction medications, like tadalafil and vardenafil, can help improve bone health and prevent osteoporosis in older women by boosting bone growth.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.