Palatin's Female Arousal Drug Data Impresses, Investors React Positively

The positive late-stage results for female arousal drug from Palatin Technologies, Inc. PTN once again throw light on the underappreciated market of female sexual health.

Palatin announced the late-stage study of bremelanotide met its primary endpoint to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in pre-menopausal women. The drug is shown to have improved the desire and decrease distress associated with low sexual desire in women.

There are blockbuster drugs for erectile dysfunction in men such as Viagra from Pfizer Inc. PFE and Cialis from Eli Lilly and Co LLY. In 2015, Viagra fetched about $1.3 billion in sales and Cialis generated $2.3 billion sales.

But, finding a similar solution to women’s problems has been complex due to the fact that female bodies work differently than men’s, and the general global perception that sexual disorders are primarily associated with men.

Recently, Addyi entered in to the space and got itself the nickname “female Viagra.” The drug is from Sprout Pharma, which was acquired by Valeant Pharmaceuticals Intl Inc VRX for $1 billion.

If Palatin’s drug is approved, it could be a threat to Addyi, as HSDD is one of the most common forms of female sexual disorder. Also, Addyi is having tough times due to low demand and its parent company facing all sorts of problems, including regulatory probes.

Another firm, Innovus Pharmaceuticals Inc INNV, sells various products for Female Sexual Dysfunction. It recently acquired rights for the OTC drug Zestra.

Another interesting fact is the market for female sexual dysfunction drugs is believed to be larger than the market for male sexual disorder treatments. The female sexual dysfunction market is estimated to be about $6 billion, while Grand View Research predicts global erectile dysfunction drugs market to reach $3.2 billion by 2022.

So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that many companies want to explore this underpenetrated, yet huge market. In fact, Reuters reported that Palatin has hired an investment bank to explore a sale or licensing deal.

On Wednesday, shares of Palatin rose 18 percent to $0.57 on a volume of 29 million versus its three-month average volume of 1.38 million. In Thursday's pre-market, Palatin continued its rise, up 1.75 percent at $0.58 at last check.