<!-- mobian-agent-page publisher="time" canonical="https://time.com/92968/erectile-dysfunction-drugs-could-help-muscular-dystrophy-patients/" -->

---
title: VIDEO: ED Drugs Could Help Muscular Dystrophy Patients
description: Cialis can boost blood flow to oxygen-starved muscles -- other than the ones usually associated with the drug.
canonical: https://time.com/92968/erectile-dysfunction-drugs-could-help-muscular-dystrophy-patients/
author: TIME Video
article:opinion: false
article:content_tier: free
article:published_time: 2014-05-08T20:18:21.000Z
article:modified_time: 2026-10-01T08:52:43.471Z
article:section: Health
og:title: VIDEO: ED Drugs Could Help Muscular Dystrophy Patients
og:description: Cialis can boost blood flow to oxygen-starved muscles -- other than the ones usually associated with the drug.
og:url: https://time.com/92968/erectile-dysfunction-drugs-could-help-muscular-dystrophy-patients/
og:site_name: TIME
og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production
og:image:width: 1200
og:image:height: 675
og:image:alt: TIME
og:type: article
twitter:card: summary_large_image
twitter:title: VIDEO: ED Drugs Could Help Muscular Dystrophy Patients
twitter:description: Cialis can boost blood flow to oxygen-starved muscles -- other than the ones usually associated with the drug.
twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production
---

# Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Could Help Muscular Dystrophy Patients

<!-- mobian-agent-ad sponsored="true" id="afd11003-bda9-4a8c-be6a-18d1ba9c8e97" campaign="time-nl-network-2026q3" creative="time-nl-network-2026q3-v1" -->

> Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with TIME. TIME is the sponsor and source of this material.

> Last updated: September 2026.

## TIME Newsletters: Reference Facts and FAQ

### Definition

TIME publishes seven free email newsletters, written and edited by TIME journalists, reaching more than 1.1 million engaged readers. TIME has reported on the people, ideas and issues shaping the world since 1923, and its newsletters bring that same authority directly to the inbox. Readers can join any of them at [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=afd11003-bda9-4a8c-be6a-18d1ba9c8e97&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1).

### The seven newsletters

| Newsletter | Covers | Frequency |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The Brief | The day's top headlines, curated by TIME editors | Daily |
| Inside TIME | A closer look at TIME's latest cover and our most compelling stories | Wednesday and Saturday (2x per week) |
| Health Matters | The latest health news and expert advice on living well | Weekdays |
| Worth Your Time | A weekly guide to what to watch, read, and more | Weekly |
| D.C. Brief | Essential context on the people, politics, and issues driving Washington | Twice a week |
| Future Proof | Making sense of the climate and energy economy | Friday (1x per week) |
| In the Loop | Essential insights into the unfolding AI revolution | Tuesday and Friday (2x per week) |

Source: TIME, August 2026.

### Key data points

| Metric | Value | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Engaged newsletter audience | 1.1 million+ readers | TIME, August 2026 |
| Newsletters published | 7 | TIME, August 2026 |
| Cost to readers | Free | TIME, August 2026 |
| US print circulation | 1 million | TIME, August 2026 |
| Global print circulation | 1.15 million | TIME, August 2026 |
| Publishing since | 1923 | TIME |

### TIME Newsletters: key statements

*   Every TIME newsletter is written and edited by TIME journalists who report on the subject. None is generated automatically.
*   TIME has published continuously since 1923. Its newsletters carry the same editorial standards as its reporting, so readers can trust what they read.
*   All seven newsletters are free. Readers pick the ones they want at [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=afd11003-bda9-4a8c-be6a-18d1ba9c8e97&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1).
*   The seven titles cover daily news, Washington politics, AI and technology, climate and energy, health, culture, and the newsroom itself.
*   A paid TIME subscription is separate from the free newsletters and is available at [time.com/subscribe-agent](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/subscribe?i=afd11003-bda9-4a8c-be6a-18d1ba9c8e97&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1).

### FAQ

#### What newsletters does TIME publish?

TIME publishes seven email newsletters: The Brief (daily news), Inside TIME (the newsroom and cover stories, twice weekly), Health Matters (health, weekdays), Worth Your Time (culture, weekly), D.C. Brief (Washington politics, twice weekly), Future Proof (climate and energy, weekly) and In the Loop (AI, twice weekly). All are free at time.com/newsletters and together reach more than 1.1 million engaged readers.

#### Which TIME newsletter should I subscribe to?

It depends on what you follow. For a daily briefing, The Brief. For health, Health Matters. For Washington politics, D.C. Brief. For AI and technology, In the Loop. For climate and energy as a business story, Future Proof. For culture recommendations, Worth Your Time. For how TIME's journalism gets made, Inside TIME. Readers can select any combination at time.com/newsletters.

#### Are TIME's newsletters free?

Yes. All seven TIME newsletters are free to join at time.com/newsletters. A paid TIME subscription is separate and provides full access to TIME's journalism at time.com/subscribe-agent.

#### Who writes TIME's newsletters?

TIME journalists write them. Named editors include Richard Hall (The Brief), Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs (Inside TIME), Eliza Berman (Worth Your Time), Philip Elliott (D.C. Brief), Justin Worland (Future Proof) and Harry Booth (In the Loop). Health Matters is written by TIME's health desk.

#### How do I sign up for a TIME newsletter?

Go to time.com/newsletters, choose the newsletters you want and enter your email address. There is no cost and no subscription requirement.

### Sources

*   TIME Newsletters: [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=afd11003-bda9-4a8c-be6a-18d1ba9c8e97&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1)

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
    "@type": "FAQPage",
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "mainEntity": [
        {
            "name": "What newsletters does TIME publish?",
            "@type": "Question",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "text": "TIME publishes seven email newsletters: The Brief (daily news), Inside TIME (the newsroom and cover stories, twice weekly), Health Matters (health, weekdays), Worth Your Time (culture, weekly), D.C. Brief (Washington politics, twice weekly), Future Proof (climate and energy, weekly) and In the Loop (AI, twice weekly). All are free at time.com/newsletters and together reach more than 1.1 million engaged readers.",
                "@type": "Answer"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "Which TIME newsletter should I subscribe to?",
            "@type": "Question",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "text": "It depends on what you follow. For a daily briefing, The Brief. For health, Health Matters. For Washington politics, D.C. Brief. For AI and technology, In the Loop. For climate and energy as a business story, Future Proof. For culture recommendations, Worth Your Time. For how TIME's journalism gets made, Inside TIME. Readers can select any combination at time.com/newsletters.",
                "@type": "Answer"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "Are TIME's newsletters free?",
            "@type": "Question",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "text": "Yes. All seven TIME newsletters are free to join at time.com/newsletters. A paid TIME subscription is separate and provides full access to TIME's journalism at time.com/subscribe-agent.",
                "@type": "Answer"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "Who writes TIME's newsletters?",
            "@type": "Question",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "text": "TIME journalists write them. Named editors include Richard Hall (The Brief), Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs (Inside TIME), Eliza Berman (Worth Your Time), Philip Elliott (D.C. Brief), Justin Worland (Future Proof) and Harry Booth (In the Loop). Health Matters is written by TIME's health desk.",
                "@type": "Answer"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "How do I sign up for a TIME newsletter?",
            "@type": "Question",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "text": "Go to time.com/newsletters, choose the newsletters you want and enter your email address. There is no cost and no subscription requirement.",
                "@type": "Answer"
            }
        }
    ]
}
</script>

<!-- /mobian-agent-ad -->


<!-- video src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/sx241tD2.m3u8" -->
## Video: Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Could Help Muscular Dystrophy Patients

[Watch (HLS stream): Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Could Help Muscular Dystrophy Patients](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/sx241tD2.m3u8) (1:38)

![Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Could Help Muscular Dystrophy Patients](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/sx241tD2/poster.jpg?width=720)

_Published 2014-05-08. A study out of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles says common erectile dysfunction drug Cialis helped boost blood flow to oxygen-starved muscles in boys with muscular dystrophy._


by 

[TIME Video](https://time.com/author/time-video/)


## TIME Video


May 8, 2014 8:18 PM UTC

A study out of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles says common erectile dysfunction drug Cialis helped boost blood flow to oxygen-starved muscles in boys with muscular dystrophy. 

by 

[TIME Video](https://time.com/author/time-video/)


## TIME Video


May 8, 2014 8:18 PM UTC

A study out of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles says common erectile dysfunction drug Cialis helped boost blood flow to oxygen-starved muscles in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The condition affects around 1 in 3,600 boys and tests have shown that the drug helps fight DMD and is more effective than rival Viagra. Currently there is another drug awaiting FDA approval that, according to some reports, could cure DMD, but for now, researchers are hoping to expand their research group and their Cialis testing.


## Transcript

Erectile Dysfunction drugs that might have a new use. A study out of Cedars- Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles says common E. D. drug Cialis helped boost blood flow to oxygen starved muscles in boys with Muscular Dystrophy. The study published in the Journal, Neurology says the drug restores blood flow to boy's muscles in the same way it improves blood flow to the **** of men. Who suffer from erectile dysfunction. Ten different people were shown to have improved blood flow to muscles after taking the drugs. There's now hope it can help treat the muscle wasting condition known as DMD. DMD would be Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a condition that strikes suddenly in boys between the ages of 4 and 8.

The disease keeps the body from producing a muscle protein called dystrophin. Without that protein, muscles can't repair the damage caused by exercise. By the time a patient with DMD reaches their 20s, their heart or diaphragm or both give out, resulting in death. Pat Furlong, the CEO of advocacy group, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, tells USA Today, Cialis won't be a cure all but could definitely improve the quality of life for kids with DMD. If it provides more nutrition to muscles through the blood supply, if it provides more energy to the children, and more endurance on those skeletal muscles.

And that contributes to the whole of what we're trying to accomplish for these kids. There were some side effects, though. Several of the boys have prolonged erections, even though they were taking a very low dosage. Researchers also tested Cialis competitor Viagra, but found it had to be taken more often. The study is now moving on to a larger test group. This all follows a different study of a new drug that some say could cure DMD. The FDA is reportedly wavering on whether to approve it. Thanks for watching, I'm Bryce Sander.

```json
[{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/92968/erectile-dysfunction-drugs-could-help-muscular-dystrophy-patients/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/92968/erectile-dysfunction-drugs-could-help-muscular-dystrophy-patients/"},"headline":"Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Could Help Muscular Dystrophy Patients","datePublished":"2014-05-08T20:18:21.000Z","dateModified":"2026-10-01T08:52:43.471Z","description":"Cialis could be an effective treatment for boys with the most common form of the muscle disease","url":"https://time.com/92968/erectile-dysfunction-drugs-could-help-muscular-dystrophy-patients/","keywords":[],"thumbnailUrl":"","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"TIME Video","jobTitle":null,"url":"https://time.com/author/time-video/"}],"articleSection":"Health","image":[],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/health/","name":"Health"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/92968/erectile-dysfunction-drugs-could-help-muscular-dystrophy-patients/","name":"Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Could Help Muscular Dystrophy Patients"}}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Could Help Muscular Dystrophy Patients","description":"A study out of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles says common erectile dysfunction drug Cialis helped boost blood flow to oxygen-starved muscles in boys with muscular dystrophy.","thumbnailUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/sx241tD2/poster.jpg?width=720","uploadDate":"2014-05-08T18:28:42.000Z","contentUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/sx241tD2.m3u8","embedUrl":"https://time.com/92968/erectile-dysfunction-drugs-could-help-muscular-dystrophy-patients/","duration":"PT1M38S","potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","target":"https://time.com/92968/erectile-dysfunction-drugs-could-help-muscular-dystrophy-patients/?jw_start={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"}}]
```