Soon, nasal spray that will work as Viagra for women

A pharmaceutical company based in Canada is developing a world-first Viagra-style drug for women.

Monash University researchers are undertaking clinical trials for the revolutionary treatment to boost female sexual arousal, appetite and satisfaction. The product, known as Tefina, contains testosterone and is sprayed in the nose in the hours before any sexual activity, News.com.au reported.

Experts said the treatment could help nearly one in three women around the world who did not get full satisfaction and fundamentally transform relationships.

Prof Susan Davis, director of the Women's Health Research Program at Monash University, said the treatment would act like "Viagra for women" and was a "world-first breakthrough".

"Rather than a long-term, therapy-based approach, this drug can be taken just when a woman anticipates sexual activity," the website quoted Prof Davis as saying.

"This could be a breakthrough study for women who currently are frustrated by the lack of any treatment options," she added.

Prof Davis said the drug would be most help for patients who say sex "has become a chore", particularly those in their 30s and 40s who have partners still keen to be intimate.

But Dr Steve Hambleton, Australian Medical Association federal president, warned such drugs had the danger of "creating unattainable and unnecessary expectations in women".

"Sexual function is a very emotive issue in our society and there is high focus on having the perfect sex life. This drug will benefit some women but in other women it will do little more than raise their expectations," he said.

Clinical trials are taking place in Australia, US and Canada supported by Trimel Biopharma, which is developing the drug.

The treatment, which would be available only by prescription, would be administered as a droplet-sized dose via the nostrils and will be effective from two hours after it is administered for possibly up to eight hours.

The developers said that there would be no ill-effects if the sexual activity did not take place.

It may be available in pharmacies in three to five years.