Abstract

In less than 20 years, the first selective type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor, sildenafil, has evolved from a potential anti-angina drug to an on-demand oral treatment for erectile dysfunction (Viagra), and more recently to a new orally active treatment for pulmonary hypertension (Revatio). Here we describe the key milestones in the development of sildenafil for these diverse medical conditions, discuss the advances in science and clinical medicine that have accompanied this journey and consider possible future indications for this versatile drug.

Author affiliations

1. Medical Clinic II/V, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, GmbH, Klinikstrasse 36, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
2. Pfizer Ltd (ipc 383), Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9NJ, UK.

Correspondence to: Hossein A. Ghofrani¹ Email: ardeschir.ghofrani@uglc.de

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