(AHN)- A company has announced its development of what could be the first over-the-counter treatment for impotency. The Sexual Dysfunction Association said it is important to await outcome of clinical trials to see the product's efficacy.

The drug is being developed by Futura Medical in collaboration with pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, reported BBC.

The treatment is called MED200 and is scheduled for clinical trials at the end of 2006.

BBC reports that MED2002, is based on a compound called glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), which has been used to treat angina for the last 40 years. GTN cause dilation of the arteries and increased blood flow.

James Barder, chief executive of Futura Medical, said MED2002 had performed well in early in vitro trials.

The company is set to test the product on about 1,500 men for three more clinical studies.

Mr Barder told BBC: "We expect to see this on the market in 2009."

Mr Barder went on to say that the treatment would be non-prescription because GTN "is a well known compound and its side-effect profile is well characterised".

A spokesperson for the Sexual Dysfunction Association told BBC: "The more treatment available the better it will be for any sufferers of erectile dysfunction." Adding that, "And only after a careful evaluation will we be able to say whether this is a great tool or not."

Currently, only four oral drugs are prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: Cialis, Levitra, Uprima and Viagra.