Cialis History and Future (Quick Overview)

Cialis (tadalafil) was introduced in 2003 as a prescription-only treatment for erectile dysfunction and quickly became the second most popular ED drug after Viagra.

Cialis gained a lot of popularity due to its 36-hour-lasting effect, which gave it a considerable edge over the 4-hour-lasting little blue pill (Viagra). This is also why Cialis is often referred to as the Weekend Pill.

In 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Once-a-day Cialis (2.5mg and 5mg tablets). This innovative treatment gives patients an almost permanent remedy for ED as long as they keep taking the daily dose as directed by their doctor. When no dose is missed, the drug stays active in the user’s system almost 24/7, which allows him to enjoy sexual activity with full “functionality” anytime of the day without worrying about dose timing.

Cialis has become the closest rival to Viagra, and it even outsells Viagra in many European countries where Lilly ICOS LLC (the manufacturer and marketer of Cialis) widely markets this medication. In terms of performance, many experts would agree that Cialis outranks Viagra. However, the early introduction of Viagra (in 1998) and the huge controversy it has created worldwide made it very difficult for other competitor drugs to defeat Viagra at sale numbers, even if they work better or quicker.

Many health professionals vouch for Cialis and expect it to overthrow the long-established brand in the ED treatment industry, Viagra, in the near future. An interesting turning point for the impotence treatment market shall be in 2012-2013, when Pfizer’s worldwide patents on Viagra expire, at which point Pfizer should stop marketing Viagra as extensively as they have been doing for more than a decade. By that time, Lilly will still have more than 4 years until their patent on Cialis expires, and this could be a golden opportunity for Cialis to easily claim the #1 spot for the best anti impotence drug.