A brief background on Viagra
Though the drug was patented only in 1996, years of research went into its production.
It was first synthesized by Pfizer chemists in Sandwich, Kent in England. The original purpose of the compound was to treat hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure, and angina pectoris, a cardiovascular disease.
However, during the clinical trials, the researchers found out that the compound did not really help alleviate angina symptoms but instead, helped induce penis erections. As such, Pfizer decided to market it as a treatment for ED.
Viagra was approved by the USFDA in 1998 and became the first ever drug to be approved for the treatment of ED. Though it remains a prescription drug, Viagra has been promoted publicly and widely on television and other media.