Futura Medical PLC (AIM:FUM, OTC:FAMDF) has announced encouraging results from a study evaluating its WSD4000 gel treatment for women experiencing sexual dysfunction.
The study, which involved 67 women over four weeks, highlighted improvements in key areas of sexual function, including vaginal lubrication, genital sensation, and overall sexual satisfaction.
According to the company, 57% of participants used the product more frequently than the minimum recommended usage, suggesting a strong positive response.
The results also showed improvements in arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and reductions in discomfort among women who reported symptoms of sexual dysfunction.
Buoyed by the findings, Futura Medical, known for its erectile dysfunction product Eroxon, plans to initiate an early feasibility study in the first half of 2025.
This next phase will target a population more representative of the intended market, refining the methodology and potentially enhancing the product’s efficacy.
Addressing an unmet need
WSD4000 aims to fill a significant gap in women’s healthcare. Futura describes the product as a breakthrough for symptoms such as reduced arousal, lubrication, and sexual desire.
The company points to substantial unmet demand, citing data that 40% to 50% of women experience at least one symptom of sexual dysfunction.
A recent survey commissioned by Futura and conducted by IPSOS in the United States found that 60 per cent of respondents reported such symptoms within the past year.
However, only one in four sought professional help, and many reported persistent or worsening issues over time.
Potentially transformational
For an underserved market, Futura Medical has positioned WSD4000 as a potentially transformational product. Its progress will likely attract attention as it moves into the next stage of development.
"This successful study, alongside the IPSOS data, which illustrates just how prevalent this issue is, means that we have a significant opportunity to address a large and underserved market," said Futura's head of R&D, Ken James.
"To that end, we intend to proceed with the necessary product development and regulatory steps required to obtain the necessary approvals to bring this product concept to commercialisation."