CLEVELAND – MacDonald Women’s Hospital at University Hospital Case Medical Center is currently recruiting women for a new clinical trial of a drug to treat low sex drive in premenopausal women. The study is a phase III trial*, and the drug is the first of its kind. Unlike other clinical treatments for women with low desire, this new drug is not a hormone.

“The drug we are testing works directly on the brain, which we know is where desire is found, and the drug is similar in composition to the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitor) medications,” said Sheryl A. Kingsberg, Ph.D., division chief of behavioral medicine in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at MacDonald Women’s Hospital. “This new study will not test the antidepressant effects of the drug, but instead will measure whether this drug will increase sexual desire in women with a lack thereof.”

To qualify for the trial, women must be:

• Premenopausal
• 18 years of age or older
• In a stable, monogamous, heterosexual relationship of at least 1 year
• Using a medically acceptable form of contraception

“The assumption has always been that only postmenopausal women have trouble with sexual desire, but studies have increasingly shown that a very large number of younger women also suffer from loss of desire. Until now, there have been no medical options for these women,” said Dr. Kingsberg.

The study drug and all study tests and procedures are paid for by the sponsoring company. Participants receive compensation.