Japanese approval for Pfizer's Viagra

Pfizer has received an unusually speedy approval to sell its oralerectile dysfunction drug Viagra (sildenafil) in Japan, opening up another potentially lucrative market for the product. Viagra received an expedited review by Japan's Ministry of Health and Welfare and will become available in about one month, the company said.

Viagra is also the first treatment for erectile dysfunction to be approved by the MHW, and was cleared for marketing after the government concluded that "there is no problem on safety and its effectiveness." Faced with a virgin territory for ED treatments, Pfizer is beginning a series of medical education programs to increase Japanese physician and patient understanding of ED as a treatable medical condition.

Pfizer has asked the Japanese government to reimburse the drug under health care insurance schemes, but says it has not yet received an answer on this. No pricing details were available in advance of a decision on reimbursement, and the company declined to make any sales predictions for Viagra in Japan.