Futura's erectile dysfunction condom demonstrates effectiveness

UK-based Futura Medical has revealed that results of a study testing its new condom have given users firmer and bigger erections, as well as more staying power.

Futura's study of 108 healthy couples showed that its CSD500 condom helped men to get a firmer erection compared with a standard condom, increased penis size and made the sexual experience last longer, delivering statistically significant results.

Shares in the company, which specialises in sexual healthcare and pain relief, rose 14.5 per cent to reach GBP 59.25.

Futura has signed a global distribution agreement with the world's largest branded condom manufacturer and distributor SSL International, which markets the Durex range, for the lifetime of the patents.

The product will incorporate an erectogenic compound to help men maintain a full erection during intercourse while wearing a condom. The gel is licensed under the trademarked brand name of Zanifil.

Futura's CEO, James Barder, told Reuters that he expected to receive regulatory EU approval later in 2007 and would launch the product soon after. He declared that revenues from CSD500 would rack up in 2008.

Barder added that global consumption of condoms was around 14bn per year, of which half are branded condoms that are actually sold, with the rest being condoms distributed to promote safer sex and in developing countries.

Futura received notification on 13 August 2007 that, as of close of business on 9 August 2007, Allianz Cornhill Insurance had a notifiable interest in Futura of 4,028,835 ordinary shares of GBP 0.002 each. This represents approximately 7.3 per cent of the issued share capital and voting rights of the company.