In 2001, when Dr Ajit Saxena won a US patent for his discovery that Nicorandil, a drug for treating chest pain, can solve erectile dysfunction in men, Viagra was yet to hit Indian market (it came four years later).

Dr Saxena, a consultant with Apollo Indraprastha Hospitals, New Delhi, found during clinical trials that Nicorandil has the power to address both male as well as female sexual dysfunctions.

But unfortunately, the drug never reached consumers because, the Indian pharmaceutical company
with whom he applied for the US patent, decided to look for an international partner by which time Viagra hit the market.

"Unlike Viagra, Nicorandil has no side-effects,” says Dr Saxena. “It also doesn’t lead to prolonged erection, gastrointestinal disorders and colour blindness. The drug also gives excellent results in women by boosting their libido. But yes, more tests needs to be done” says Dr Saxena who has since made a name as one of the few urologists in India specialising in treating prostate disease and impotence using a bloodless technique called vapour resection. He is also the founder president of Andrology India.