Boehringer Ingelheim commits to study on HSDD

Boehringer Ingelheim has announced it will conduct a study programme looking at the “highly prevalent yet serious under-diagnosed” condition known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

HSDD is thought to affect up to one in ten women but less than a third of those seek medical advice or treatment.

The company said the disorder leads to diminished sexual interest and response, which can negatively impact on quality of life and personal relationships, as well as causing “significant psychological distress”.

It has therefore committed to the Bouquet study, a series of seven clinical trials that will look at the possibility of using a non-hormonal compound called flibanserin as a treatment for HSDD in pre-menopausal women.

The programme will involve 5,000 participants in both North America and Europe, the company said, with trials scheduled for completion in 2008-09.

Lead study investigator Dr Evan Goldfischer said: “Boehringer Ingelheim is setting a great example with its commitment to researching new potential treatment options such as flibanserin.”

Boehringer Ingelheim was founded in Germany in 1885. Today it is a global group of companies involved in the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of new pharmaceutical products.