With the rapid development of the social economy and the accelerating pace of life, people’s “sexual well-being” index is declining. Particularly in first- and second-tier cities, demanding work schedules and excessive stress have led to a rising number of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED), with the condition increasingly affecting younger populations.
To better serve men’s health, on October 25, 2020—the 21st “China Men’s Health Day”—JD Health partnered with Pfizer Upjohn to launch an online debut of a new formulation of Viagra, the classic medication for treating male erectile dysfunction (ED), in the form of orally disintegrating tablets. This initiative aimed to meet the medication needs of Chinese ED patients in a manner more aligned with internet consumption habits. Authoritative experts from the Chinese Society of Sexual Medicine conducted cloud consultations for ED patients via JD Internet Hospital and issued the first electronic prescription, achieving a fully online process from prescription to medication purchase.
“The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) increases with age; however, the patient population is gradually shifting from older men to younger demographics,” stated Professor Jiang Hui, President of the Chinese Society of Sexual Medicine. “High workloads and significant stress can reduce male androgen secretion, causing the body to prioritize the function of vital organs. Consequently, men often experience symptoms such as fatigue, lack of energy, and diminished erectile function. With the rapid development of ‘Internet + Healthcare,’ patient needs are increasingly oriented toward convenience and enhanced experience. The launch of Viagra® Orally Disintegrating Tablets provides a new option for clinical treatment.”
ED is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions in men. According to data from the National Health and Wellness Survey, the overall prevalence of ED in China is currently 40.5%, with a rapid increase observed among men aged 30–39 years. ED not only significantly affects sexual function and sexual life but also impairs men’s overall health, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships.
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is the first oral PDE5 inhibitor approved worldwide for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) and remains one of the most effective medications for this condition. Since its launch in 1998, Viagra has been prescribed more than 740 million times globally, treating over 66 million men, with its efficacy and safety extensively validated.
This time, JD Health and Pfizer Upjohn have jointly launched the orally disintegrating tablet formulation of Viagra, representing the latest generation of the product. Compared with previous versions, Viagra orally disintegrating tablets offer greater convenience in administration; they disintegrate within seconds when placed on the tongue, take effect in as little as 12 minutes, and effectively improve sexual quality of life while alleviating symptoms in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).
Industry experts pointed out, “Approaches to the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) continue to evolve, ranging from surgical interventions to pharmacological therapies, with oral phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors remaining a highly recommended treatment option. The launch of Viagra orally disintegrating tablets not only provides physicians with a first-line medication for ED management but also offers patients a safe, highly effective, and convenient treatment experience, thereby enhancing treatment adherence and improving the quality of life for both ED patients and their partners.”
The launch of Viagra Orally Disintegrating Tablets has also garnered significant attention from patients. On JD Internet Hospital, authoritative experts from the Chinese Society of Sexual Medicine issued the first electronic prescription for Viagra Orally Disintegrating Tablets to a patient with erectile dysfunction (ED).
Professor Jiang Hui stated that, compared with conventional medications, the fully online process—from prescription to purchase—of Viagra Orally Disintegrating Tablets holds greater practical significance. Leveraging the JD Internet Hospital platform can effectively alleviate patients’ feelings of embarrassment and reluctance to discuss their condition, thereby enabling more precise and efficient patient education and user engagement.
It is understood that JD Health has long been committed to building an internet-based healthcare ecosystem with a closed-loop pharmaceutical service, providing consumers with more convenient and high-quality medical services. Particularly in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), JD Health continues to promote online consultations, alleviating the pressure of insufficient medical resources, enhancing flexibility for both doctors and patients during consultations, and safeguarding patient privacy. Meanwhile, during this critical period of epidemic prevention and control, it reduces the risks associated with offline consultations and medication purchases, thereby ensuring greater safety for medical care.
A JD Health representative stated that, building on this collaboration, JD Health will further strengthen its comprehensive partnership with Pfizer Upjohn in areas such as patient education, health management, and personalized diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the company will actively promote innovative internet-based models for the prevention and treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), thereby advancing the overall standard of men’s health in China.