New Viagra-based cream for women launched in US, aims to boost arousal in minutes

According to the company, the cream can begin working within about 10 to 15 minutes after application.
For decades, Viagra has been used to treat erectile dysfunction in men by increasing blood flow.

Comparable pharmaceutical options for women have been limited, despite research showing that many women experience difficulties related to sexual interest or arousal.

“We have scientific evidence that sildenafil can work for women if it is designed with women in mind,” Sabrina Martucci Johnson, president and chief executive of Daré Bioscience, told the New York Post.

How it works

Unlike pills that act throughout the body, the cream is applied directly to the genital area. It works by increasing blood flow to genital tissue, which can improve sensation, warmth, swelling and lubrication key physical responses linked to arousal.

Daré Bioscience said clinical trials showed improvements in arousal, desire and orgasm compared with a placebo cream. The company reported no significant side effects during the studies.

Johnson said developing a pill similar to Viagra for women was not practical, as it would require much higher doses of sildenafil. Delivering the drug topically allows it to act locally without wider effects.

The cream is being offered as a compounded prescription made at an FDA-registered facility. The company said it is also pursuing full approval from the US Food and Drug Administration and plans to conduct a larger Phase 3 clinical trial.

Women in several US states can already pre-order the cream, with prescriptions expected to be available nationwide in early 2026.

“When Viagra was approved in 1998, it changed treatment for men,” Johnson said. “Women deserve treatments that are backed by science as well.”