How Viagra Was Invented Accidentally And Became The Most Loved Mistake Of The Century

By Nishi Jain Updated: Aug 3, 2018, 10:24 IST 1.8K SHARES

A Patent The Modern World Was Waiting For

With trials well in place, Pfizer was ready to bring in the century's best accidental invention. In 1996, the company got its magic drug patented, and in 1997, applied to US Food and Drug Administration for a license. The license was granted by the FDA on a priority basis, and on 27 March, 1998, Viagra was officially launched. Clearly, everybody was excited for the first ever oral treatment for erectile dysfunction.

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Peter Dunn and Albert Wood (mere chance?), both of whom worked at Pfizer, are credited as the inventors of the wonder drug Viagra (along with their team of pharmacists at Pfizer), though they maintained biochemist Robert Furchgott had a tremendous contribution in the work. Furchgott discovered that significant biochemical effects nitric oxide has on human body, a discovery that was crucial to the creation of Viagra. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for this discovery.

The Drug That Changed The Lives Of Millions Of Men

Viagra was an instant hit. As it reached the markets, it lapped up a huge consumer base that was probably waiting for a miracle. Within barely 3 months of its launch, doctors had written nearly 3 million prescriptions recommending Viagra. In just two years, the annual sales of Viagra had reached up to $1 billion. It is estimated that by 2008, over 35 million men had used the drug. Pfizer had hit the right nerve.

Viagra In Popular Culture

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The blue pill, as Viagra came to be called, carved a niche for itself in the market and found huge acceptance in popular culture. Because of its efficacy in treating erectile dysfunction, it soon gained popularity as a wonder drug that was seen as something more than just medicine. It gave men a chance to relive the pleasures of youth again, especially those suffering from the consequences of ageing.

Viagra was marketed through ads on radio and television, something very rare for a drug that was available through prescription only. It was a commodity waiting to be picked up by consumers. Celebrities, including politicians and sportspersons, stepped forward to promote the drug. Brazilian soccer star Pele apepared in Viagra ads and worked with Pfizer to create awareness for erectile dysfunction.

Over the years, Viagra has come to be used for recreational purposes as well. It is seen by some as a performance-enhancing lifestyle drug, though studies have suggested it has limited effect on perfectly healthy men.

Today, Viagra is a blessing for men with erectile dysfunction, and it has done much to remove the stigma from the health condition. Modern lifestyle has made problems like ED more common, especially among young people. It's a myth that it only affects the old and Viagra has helped shatter it. One of the most life-changing accidental inventions of the century, Viagra has given men (and their partners) a new lease of life.

Sources:

Dawn Connelly, The Pharmaceutical Journal, 'Three Decades of Viagra'

AccessR, 'The Inventor of Viagra Dies at Age 92'

Vardenafilgen, 'History of the creation of Viagra'

AccessR, 'The History of Viagra'

Photo: © Thinkstock Photos/Disha Bhatia (Main Image)