By the end of 2002, Bayer AG of Germany plans to introduce its version of Viagra called Vardenafil. Bayer claims that this drug will be a safer and more tolerable alternative to Viagra. Currently in phase III of clinical trials, Vardenafil is being tested on 3,000 men. In phase II, Vardenafil was tested on 600 men in 20 mg dosages. The phase II study showed that at 20 mg, men were achieving better results than those found with Viagra, even when Viagra was taken at higher dosages. After gaining final Food and Drug Administration approval, it is estimated that Vardenafil will generate over $800 million in first year sales.

Due to the increasing demand for alternatives to Viagra, companies across the globe are racing to complete testing of their own anti-impotence drugs and gain FDA approval. Other companies that are working on similar drugs include the ICOS group and Lilly & Co. of the United States. These two firms are jointly working to gain approval for molecule 'Cialis,' a drug currently in phase III clinical trials.

Other companies are trying to create PDE-5 (Phosphodiesterase-5) inhibitors for treating erectile dysfunction. These products include Prostaglandin EI, Phentolamine, Apomorphine, Yohimbine, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, Alpha-I receptor blockers, local anaesthetic agents, and testosterone replacement therapy. Herbal alternatives are also in the pipeline, including Ashwagandha, Mucuna Pruriens, Ginseng, Gingko Biloba, Shilajeet, and Shatavari.