A slow and steady revolution is sweeping the market for erectile dysfunction drugs Cialis. Most people may not even be aware of it. Lilly ICOS, the pharmaceutical alliance, which launched the blockbuster drug Cialis, announced that the drug has achieved 1 billion dollars in global sales since launching in Europe less than two years back.

In fact Cialis has become the top Erectile Dysfunction treatment in France, since January 2005, based on the latst market data, easily overtaking Viagra, the first brand to be launched in this market. It is also doing very well in United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico and Brazil.

So much so that a Lilly ICOS press release contained these words from Rich Pilnik, President of Lilly's EMEA region "We are very pleased with the performance of Cialis and the steady development of the brand since its launch two years ago. Millions of men suffer from ED and the growth of the market demonstrates that patients are speaking to their healthcare providers about ED and seeking treatment options."

Not only has Cialis been able to expand the market but it has also eaten heavily in the market share of Viagra from Pfizer, the first drug to be launched in this market and Levitra from Glaxo-Bayer-Schering Plough. In fact Cialis was the second PDE5 inhibitor drug to become available in Europe. It is currently promoted in approximately 100 countries including the United States, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Canada and across Europe and Asia for Erectile Dysfunction.

According to Paul Clark, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ICOS Corporation. "Passing the $1 billion mark is an important milestone for Lilly ICOS and a great accomplishment for the Cialis team. Since 2003, men with erectile dysfunction have had a choice of oral treatments for their condition - a condition which may impact on relationships and daily life."

Beyond all the hype and the jubilation is the sheer superiority of Cialis over all the other drugs available in this indication. To understand the benefits of Cialis, we need to firstly understand this complex condition.

Erectile Dysfunction or Impotence is defined as the inability to ensure and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. ED affects an estimated 180 million men worldwide . 90 percent of ED cases are related to a physical or medical condition, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and prostate cancer treatment, while 10 percent are due to psychological causes . In many cases, however, both psychological and physical factors contribute to the condition.

Where physical factor play an important role PDE-5( Phosphodiaterase) inhibitors have a significant role to play. These include drugs like Sildenafil (Viagra) and Vardenafil(Levitra). But none are as good as Tadalafil(Cialis). Why?

Firstly lets understand how PDE-5 inhibitors work. They work by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiasterase-5 which is responsible for degrading another enzyme called cGMP(cyclic Guanosine Mono Phosphate) which through a series of reactions is responsible for the synthesis of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is an important vasodilator responsible for dilation of the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis. Thus, there is an increase in the blood supplied to the penis and this increased blood engorges the penis and leads the formation of an erection through hydraulic pressure.

All PDE-5 inhibitors work in the same way but because they are different molecules, they also have different properties. The body quickly eliminates both Sildenafil and Vardenafil. Therefore their action lasts for only 4 hours, while Tadalafil(Cialis) is absorbed and eliminated slowly therefore it remains in the body for a longer period of time. Therefore its duration of action is 9 times that of other drugs - 36 hours. This ensures that Cialis will act over a whopping 36 hours and any patient on Cialis does not need to have hurried sex , but sex at his or his partners leisurely pace. That is why Cialis has been nicknamed as Le Weekend Pill in France. It allows the man to relax with his partner and have spontaneous sex.

Also other drugs like Viagra act on the enzyme PDE-6, which is found in the eyes, leading to bluish discolouration of vision, which will not occur with Cialis.

Cialis can be taken with a 100% fat meal and there will be no change in its action. The same is not true for Sildenafil or Vardenafil, which are affected by food.

All this makes Cialis currently the best drug for erectile dyfunction.

What further adds to its appeal are programmes like The Cialis Promise from Lilly ICOS which guarantees free trial with a rival drug in case Cialis does not work. With this kind of confidence oozing from Lilly ICOS, there is reason to believe in the promise of Cialis.

Cialis is available at any neighbour chemist on providing a doctors prescription or one can buy Cialis online. An online prescription is generated on filling a short form and on payment through credit card, one can be rest assured of getting Cialis discreetly. What more cheap generic Cialis is also available online. This will further reduce your medical bills. The low cost is like an icing to the Cialis cake or pudding for that matter . But, as is said, the proof of the pudding lies in the eating - So go for Cialis.