Story highlights An advisory panel votes 18-6 to recommend FDA approval for flibanserin

Drug, which some dub as "female Viagra," is for treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder

(CNN) A drug aimed at helping women who've lost their sex drive cleared a key hurdle Thursday, winning backing from a Food and Drug Administration panel.

An FDA advisory committee voted 18-6 to recommend that the agency approve the drug flibanserin for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.

The panel's recommendation will be given to the FDA, which will ultimately decide whether to approve the drug, frequently referred to as "female Viagra" because it's a pill for sexual dysfunction in women. The FDA often follows the recommendations made by advisory committees but is not required to do so.

"I am elated, very happy to hear this," Dr. Margery Gass, a sexual dysfunction expert at Cleveland Clinic, said after Thursday's vote. "I think women are going to be very appreciative of having something they can try for this problem."

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