One form of male sexual dysfunction is premature ejaculation (PE), which is also referred to as rapid ejaculation (RE). An objective measurement of PE in clinical studies is the intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT). This is a randomized, double-blind study in men with PE. The study consists of 2 phases: pre-randomization phase (a screening visit and a 2-week baseline period); 12-week double-blind treatment phase during which patients will receive dapoxetine at one of two dosages, or placebo, for use on an as-needed basis. The total duration of the study is approximately 14 weeks. Patients and their partners are expected to attempt sexual intercourse at least 4 times during the baseline period and at least 6 times each month during the treatment phase. Assessments of effectiveness include the average Intravaginal Ejaculatory Latency time (IELT), as measured by stopwatch, during sexual intercourse for the treatment period (12 weeks); control over ejaculation, satisfaction with sexual intercourse, and severity of symptoms, based on questions asked at monthly intervals through the treatment phase. Safety assessments include the incidence, severity, and type of adverse events throughout treatment (12 weeks), vital sign measurements (pulse and blood pressure) and laboratory tests (hematology, chemistry, urinalysis) at monthly intervals. The study hypothesis is that treatment for 12 weeks with dapoxetine prolongs intravaginal ejaculatory latency time, compared with placebo, in men with PE. Oral tablets of dapoxetine (30 milligrams[mg] or 60mg) taken as needed during 12 weeks of treatment. No more than one dose within a 24-hour period.
The primary purpose of the study is to demonstrate that dapoxetine can prolong intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) compared with placebo in men with premature ejaculation (PE).