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The Genius of Accidents

Factual

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Adam Hart reveals how some of science's greatest discoveries were created by mistake.

The Genius of Accidents: Series 1: Viagra

Viagra

Series 1

BBC Radio 4 - The Genius of Accidents, Series 1, Viagra

Adam Hart investigates the accidental discovery of a little blue pill that changed sex.

Adam Hart reveals the story of a pill that accidentally revolutionised sex 20 years ago. Viagra's main use today was once a side effect that could have been easily overlooked.

Viagra was supposed to be a treatment for the heart condition angina, but during clinical trials an unexpected side effect was noticed by the young male participants. Telling the story of this unexpected discovery, presenter Adam Hart speaks with the Pfizer scientists Sir Simon Campbell and Dr Peter Ellis who were part of the team that noticed the unusual side effects, and brought Viagra forward as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. Sex journalist Alix Fox discusses the importance of this little blue pill to patients. This is the story of the accident that changed sex.

Producer: Rory Galloway.

The Genius of Accidents: Series 1

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