The AMI controversy

[Flavio]

The Advanced Medical Institute (AMI) is all over the news. These guys sell a nasal spray that contains apomorphine to treat ED and now they're planning to use it to treat female sexual dysfunction. But not everyone's happy, especially the American press and the medical community. Absurd prices and dishonest advertising are the most common accusations.

The main question remains, however, unanswered: does their nasal spray work? Well, apomorphine is indeed an effective treatment. There are studies that show its efficacy and sublingual apomorphine (brand name Uprima) has already been sold in Europe. It was, however, discontinued for commercial reasons.

I'm not blindly defending the AMI here. Yes, their prices are outrageous, their marketing policies seem suspicious and PDE-5 inhibitors are more effective than apomorphine. However, apomorphine works and it could be a valid second line treatment. Moreover, a nasal spray seems to be an excellent way to apply a centrally acting agent such as this one.

I still don't know if they sell their spray on the Internet, but if they do, I'm definitely going to buy it.

[larry]

Flavio, yes all over the news, even in Australia, here is a snippet of an article I read this morning:

"Instead Mr Vaisman forwarded The Sun-Herald a number of articles published between 1999 and 2004 relating to the use of nasal sprays and a 2001 announcement by an American pharmaceutical company"

Read the whole thing here

[Flavio]

Thank you for posting this, Larry. It's a great article and it reveals how much these treatments really cost. $3995 for an 18-month supply of apomorphine hydrochloride spray is a lot of money, but I would gladly pay it.

I am convinced that a centrally acting agent is the perfect solution for cases of sexual performance anxiety such as mine; there's nothing wrong my 'plumbing', it's my anxiety that sometimes gets in the way of sex. ZORAXEL is still four years away, so if anyone knows where to order these nasal sprays, please tell us.

[larry]

Yeah it is allot of money Flavio , but as you said 4 minutes is worth it. No more need to plan 30 minutes ahead. Just say you are going to fresshen up and then boom..

[Flavio]

Fresh news on the AMI controversy (November 26, 2009):

Advance Medical Institute | Parliamentary inquiry | Impotence | Therapeutic Goods Administration

The article features an interview with Dr Jack Veisman, founder and CEO of AMI.

Again, this did nothing to change my initial opinion on the AMI controversy. I still have mixed feelings about these clinics.

Yes, their prices are outrageous and yes, online and telephone consultations are not the most sensible methods of diagnosis. Furthermore, Dr Veisman is totally wrong when he says that no matter what the cause of ED may be, the medical solution is always the same. This is obviously not so: everyone is different and reactions to these treatments vary a lot.

On the other hand, their products work and that's what really matters to me. Apomorphine and phentolamine are safe, effective and have been approved in several countries for the treatment of ED. As for their prices and dubious marketing policies, well, Veisman is right: patients are made fully aware of the costs before they sign anything.

I'll visit the AMI London Bridge Clinic on Friday the 4th of December. I'll keep you posted on that (see thread 'My AMI experience').

[Nemo]

Honestly, as ridiculous as $4 grand for a medication would be - if this stuff really gives you a boner in 4 minutes (even in the face of anxiety), I would seriously consider doing it. That's like a magic bullet. Keep us posted Flavio.

Nemo

[Caravan]

Honestly, as ridiculous as $4 grand for a medication would be - if this stuff really gives you a boner in 4 minutes (even in the face of anxiety), I would seriously consider doing it. That's like a magic bullet. Keep us posted Flavio.

Nemo

+1

Four grand, f*ck, but if it's a guarantee (which I kinda doubt), it would be something to consider.