Patents Assigned to Vivus, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6593369
    Abstract: Topical application of a prostaglandin directly to the clitoris is effective for enhancing female sexual desire and responsiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Vivus, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Neal
  • Patent number: 6548490
    Abstract: A method is provided for treating erectile dysfunction in a mammalian male individual. The method involves the transmucosal administration of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, amide or derivative thereof, within the context of an effective dosing regimen. Preferred modes of administration include transbuccal, sublingual and transrectal routes. Pharmaceutical formulations and kits are provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Vivus, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Doherty, Jr., Virgil A. Place, William L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6495154
    Abstract: A method is provided for delaying the onset of ejaculation in an individual. The method involves systemic and on demand administration to an individual of a pharmaceutical formulation containing an amount of an active agent selected from the group consisting of clomipramine and pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof. Drug delivery may be accomplished via any route designed to provide systemic levels of the active agent effective to delay the onset of ejaculation. Pharmaceutical formulations and dosage forms are provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Vivus Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Tam, Neil Gesundheit, Leland F. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6472434
    Abstract: Methods and formulations for minimizing excess collagen are provided. A pharmaceutical composition formulated so as to contain a selected vasoactive agent is administered to the vagina, vulvar area or urethra of the individual undergoing treatment. Suitable vasoactive agents are vasodilators, including naturally occurring prostaglandins, synthetic prostaglandin derivatives, endothelial-derived relaxation factors, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide agonists, smooth muscle relaxants, leukotriene inhibitors, and others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Vivus, Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil A. Place, Leland F. Wilson, Paul C. Doherty, Jr., Mark S. Hanamoto, Alfred P. Spivack, Neil Gesundheit, Sean R. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6469016
    Abstract: Methods and formulations for treating female sexual dysfunction are provided. A pharmaceutical composition formulated so as to contain a selected vasoactive agent is administered to the vagina, vulvar area or urethra of the individual undergoing treatment. Suitable vasoactive agents are vasodilators, including naturally occurring prostaglandins, synthetic prostaglandin derivatives, endothelial-derived relaxation factors, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide agonists, smooth muscle relaxants, leukotriene inhibitors, and others. The formulations are also useful for preventing the occurrence of yeast infections, improving vaginal muscle tone and tissue health, enhancing vaginal lubrication, and minimizing excess collagen deposition. A clitoral drug delivery device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Vivus, Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil A. Place, Leland F. Wilson, Paul C. Doherty, Jr., Mark S. Hanamoto, Alfred P. Spivack, Neil Gesundheit, Sean R. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6403597
    Abstract: A method is provided for treatment of premature ejaculation by administration of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, e.g., an inhibitor of a Type III, Type IV, or Type V phosphodiesterase. In a preferred embodiment, administration is on as “as needed” basis, i.e., the drug is administered immediately or several hours prior to sexual activity. Pharmaceutical formulations and packaged kits are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Vivus, Inc.
    Inventors: Leland F. Wilson, Paul C. Doherty, Jr., Virgil A. Place, William L. Smith, Ibrahim AbouBakr Abdel-Hamid Abdou Ali
  • Patent number: 6228864
    Abstract: A method is provided for delaying the onset of ejaculation in an individual. The method preferably involves administration of an antidepressant drug, a serotonin agonist or antagonist, an adrenergic agonist or antagonist, an adrenergic neurone blocker, or a derivative analog thereof, within the context of an effective dosing regimen. The preferred mode of administration is transurethral; however, the selected active agent may also be delivered via intracavernosal injection or using alternative routes. Pharmaceutical formulations and kits are provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Vivus, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Smith, Paul C. Doherty, Jr., Virgil A. Place
  • Patent number: 6156753
    Abstract: A method is provided for treating erectile dysfunction, e.g., vasculogenic erectile dysfunction such as vasculogenic impotence. The method involves the administration of a Type III phosphodiesterase inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, amide or derivative thereof, wherein administration is transurethral, topical or transdermal. A preferred mode of administration is transurethral. Pharmaceutical formulations and kits are provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Vivus, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Doherty, Jr., Virgil A. Place, William L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6127363
    Abstract: A method is provided for treating erectile dysfunction, e.g., vasculogenic erectile dysfunction such as vasculogenic impotence. The method involves the administration of a Type IV phosphodiesterase inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, amide or derivative thereof, wherein administration is local, i.e., transurethral, intracavernosal, topical or transdermal. A preferred mode of administration is transurethral. Pharmaceutical formulations and kits are provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Vivus, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Doherty, Jr., Virgil A. Place, William L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6113939
    Abstract: A composition for the treatment of impotence via delivery to the urethra comprises a vasoactive prostaglandin and a polyethylene glycol dispersant having sufficient viscosity to be retained without spillage from a urethra receivable insert. The composition can additionally contain an .alpha.-blocker. Suppositories can be formulated that are small enough for administration to the male urethra, and that dissolve, melt or bioerode within the urethra to release the active agent(s). The suppositories can contain vasodilators other than prostaglandins as the active for the treatment of impotence. Suppositories can also be formulated that contain active agents useful in the treatment of priapism or Peyronie's syndrome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Vivus, Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil A. Place, Robert M. Gale, Randall G. Berggren
  • Patent number: 6093181
    Abstract: Erectile dysfunction, particularly impotence, priapism and Peyronie's disease is treated by the transurethral administration of a therapeutically effective agent. The agents are administered to the urethra by means of a penile insert (1) having a rapidly releasing coating (4) containing the agent on its exterior surface or by means of an inserter (27) carrying an agent containing dose of agent (31) which can be displaced into the urethra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Vivus, Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil A. Place, Robert M. Gale, Randall G. Berggren
  • Patent number: 6037346
    Abstract: A method is provided for treating erectile dysfunction in a mammalian male individual. The method involves the local administration of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, amide or derivative thereof within the context of an effective dosing regimen. A preferred mode of administration is transurethral. Pharmaceutical formulations and kits are provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Vivus, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Doherty, Jr., Virgil A. Place, William L. Smith
  • Patent number: 5919474
    Abstract: A method for treating peripheral vascular disease (PVD), related vascular diseases, and vascular impotence associated with such diseases, is provided. The method involves transurethral administration of a pharmaceutical formulation containing a selected vasoactive agent within the context of an effective dosing regimen. Preferred vasoactive agents are vasodilating agents selected from the group consisting of naturally occurring prostaglandins, synthetic prostaglandin derivatives, and combinations thereof. The pharmaceutical formulations used in conjunction with the novel method may also contain enzyme inhibitors, transurethral permeation enhancers, carriers, preservatives, surfactants, and the like. Kits and pharmaceutical formulations are provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: VIVUS, Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil A. Place, Mark S. Hanamoto, Paul C. Doherty, Jr., Alfred P. Spivack, Neil Gesundheit, Sean R. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5910316
    Abstract: A method of treatment for impotency is provided. The method involves the administration of nitric oxide by a nitric oxide-releasing agent capable of providing a penile erection-inducing amount of nitric oxide to the corpus cavernosum of the penis of an impotent male animal. Also provided is a nitric oxide delivery means for use in the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignees: The United States of America, as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services, Vivus, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry K. Keefer, Joseph E. Saavedra, Paul C. Doherty, Mark S. Hanamoto, Virgil A. Place
  • Patent number: 5773020
    Abstract: Erectile dysfunction, particularly impotence, priapism and Peyronie's disease is treated by the transurethral administration of a therapeutically effective agent. The agents are administered to the urethra by means of a penile insert (1) having a rapidly releasing coating (4) containing the agent on its exterior surface or by means of an inserter (27) carrying an agent containing dose of agent (31) which can be displaced into the urethra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Vivus, Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil A. Place, Robert M. Gale, Randall G. Berggren
  • Patent number: 5769088
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing vasculogenic erectile dysfunction, including vasculogenic impotence and Peyronie's syndrome, is provided. The method involves transurethral administration of a vasodilating agent to induce an erection, followed by hemodynamic evaluation using duplex ultrasonography, NMR, angiography, or the like. Kits for conducting the diagnostic method are provided as well, as are methods of treatment based on the diagnostic conclusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Vivus, Inc.
    Inventor: Virgil A. Place
  • Patent number: 5482039
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing vasculogenic erectile dysfunction, including vasculogenic impotence and Peyronie's syndrome, is provided. The method involves transurethral administration of a vasodilating agent to induce an erection, followed by hemodynamic evaluation using duplex ultrasonography, NMR, angiography, or the like. Kits for conducting the diagnostic method are provided as well, as are methods of treatment based on the diagnostic conclusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Vivus, Inc.
    Inventor: Virgil A. Place
  • Patent number: 5474535
    Abstract: Erectile dysfunction, particularly impotence, priapism and Peyronie's disease is treated by the transurethral administration of a therapeutically effective agent. The agents are administered to the urethra by means of a penile insert (40) having a shaft with a deformable distal end which forms a dose receiving cavity when an internal piston is retracted relative to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Vivus, Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil A. Place, Robert M. Gale, Randall G. Berggren