Scientists at Alexandria University think that nano-technology may be used to deliver faster-acting and longer lasting erectile dysfunction medication via a skin patch - like those used for nicotine-replacement therapy.

Viagra remains the oral drug of choice for impotence / erectile dysfunction despite the sometimes lengthy waits for it to work and the short time in which it remains effective. The researchers propose a transdermal delivery system - a skin patch - which gets more of the active component into the blood stream quicker than if it is ingested. If they succeed, this method could deliver a longer-lasting effect than the standard Viagra pill.

This method has been tried before but has, so far, been defeated by Viagra's chemical characteristics. However, by incorporating the Viagra in a specially formulated nano-emulsion, the scientists believe they can produce a mix that shows promise for a new Viagra patch.

We will monitor this development and report back on progress.