Early Development of Sildenafil in Pfizer's UK Laboratories (1989)

Viagra's story begins in the late 1980s when the pharmaceutical company Pfizer started working on a drug for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina pectoris (chest pain due to heart disease). The drug in question, Sildenafil, was first synthesized and tested in Pfizer's UK laboratories.

First Trials of Sildenafil for Coronary Heart Disease and Discovery of its Side Effect (1991)

Initial trials of Sildenafil were conducted with the aim of treating coronary heart disease. However, the results showed that it was ineffective for this purpose. Despite its inability to treat the intended condition, a significant side effect was noticed during these trials - penile erection. This unexpected outcome set the stage for the transformation of Sildenafil into a treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Pfizer's Patent Filings for Sildenafil to Treat Erectile Dysfunction (1994, 1996)

Following the discovery of Sildenafil's effects on erectile function, Pfizer saw the potential for a new application of the drug. The company swiftly filed for a patent covering the use of Sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction in 1994. By 1996, Pfizer secured the patent for Sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient of what would soon be known as Viagra, in the United States.

Introduction of Viagra to the Market and FDA Approval (March 1998)

The journey of Sildenafil from laboratory to market culminated on March 27, 1998. On this date, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the drug Viagra, marking it as the first oral medication for the treatment of impotence. It was a landmark decision that would change the landscape of sexual health medication.

Response and Reactions Post-Release, Including U.S.

Pharmacists Dispensing Trends (March 1998)

Immediately after its introduction to the market, Viagra became a phenomenon. Within the first few weeks, U.S. pharmacists dispensed more than 40,000 prescriptions for the new drug. By the end of 1999, the pills had netted Pfizer more than $1 billion. By 2000, nearly 200,000 prescriptions for it were being filled each week, and 17 million Americans had used it.

Media Coverage and Societal Impact: TIME Magazine's "The Potency Pill" and Newsweek's Feature (May 1998, June 1998)

The widespread use and dramatic impact of Viagra didn't go unnoticed by the media. In May 1998, TIME magazine ran a cover story titled "The Potency Pill," and Newsweek called Viagra the "hottest new drug in history almost everywhere in the world" in June 1998. These publications amplified the already buzzing conversation about the "little blue pill."

Market Dominance and Sales Figures of Viagra (2000, 2008)

Following its introduction, Viagra quickly dominated the market for erectile dysfunction treatments. By the year 2000, Viagra accounted for 92% of the global market for prescribed erectile dysfunction pills. Its annual sales peaked in 2008, reaching an impressive figure of US$1.934 billion.

Long-Term Impact and Usage of Viagra Worldwide (2017)

The influence of Viagra has remained significant in the years following its introduction. As of 2017, Sildenafil (Viagra) had been prescribed to more than 64 million men worldwide. The drug's introduction marked a major milestone in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, offering a new, accessible solution for men across the globe.