Avanafil is a PDE5 inhibitor that the FDA approved on April 27, 2012, and the EMA on June 21, 2013. Stendra and Spedra are two brand names for avanafil. It was developed by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, formerly Tanabe Seiyaku Co., and licensed to Vivus Inc., which collaborated with Menarini Group to commercialize Spedra in over forty European countries, Australia, and New Zealand. Metuchen Pharmaceuticals obtained sole ownership of the product in the United States.
Avanafil inhibits a specific phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme in various body tissues, primarily in the corpus cavernosum penis. Other similar drugs are sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. The advantage of avanafil is that it has a swift onset of action compared with other PDE5 inhibitors. It is absorbed quickly, reaching a maximum serum concentration in about thirty to forty-five minutes. About two-thirds of the participants were able to engage in sexual activity within fifteen minutes.
