US women clamour for female Viagra, rip sexist drug panel

A new campaign is pressing the US Federal Food and Drug Administration to approve a pill aimed at restoring libido in women, a drug being referred to as "female Viagra".

The push, backed by women's groups and the drug manufacturer, accuses the FDA of gender bias for approving Viagra and 25 other drugs to help men have sex, but not a single drug for women, reports the Washington Post.

"Women have waited long enough," the Even the Score campaign says in an online petition.

The drug for women, flibanserin, has been rejected twice by the FDA. The panel decided that its mediocre effectiveness was outweighed by side effects like sleepiness and nausea. FDA advisers are going to reconsider the drug Thursday, and drug owner Sprout Pharmaceuticals has submitted new data, including a study to demonstrate that the pill does not impair driving.

The drug campaign is backed by several women's organizations, including the National Council of Women's Organizations, Jewish Women International, and Reproductive Health Professionals.

The FDA has rejected charges of gender bias, saying it has prioritized approving drugs for female sexual dysfunction but that it's been difficult to find a safe, effective drug.

Even more maddening for feminist activists is that many health plans cover costs for Viagra but not for birth control.