Daré Bioscience is set to launch DARE to PLAY™ Sildenafil Cream, the first evidence-backed topical treatment for female sexual arousal, in late 2025. Partnering with Rosy Wellness, the company has begun an awareness campaign to reduce stigma and provide women with trusted education and support around sexual health.
A Major Step Forward in Women’s Health
In a field often overlooked by medical innovation, Daré Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ: DARE) is breaking new ground with its upcoming DARE to PLAY™ Sildenafil Cream, a first-of-its-kind treatment designed specifically for women experiencing sexual arousal challenges. Scheduled for U.S. prescription availability in the fourth quarter of 2025, the cream introduces a clinically tested topical formulation of sildenafil citrate, the same active ingredient in Viagra® for men.
Unlike traditional oral medications, the cream is applied directly, increasing local blood flow to genital tissues to support physical arousal. By bridging promising science with practical application, the therapy seeks to address a long-standing gap in women’s sexual health.
How DARE to PLAY™ Works
DARE to PLAY™ Sildenafil Cream is a first-of-its-kind, non-hormonal topical treatment designed specifically for women who experience challenges with physical sexual arousal. Unlike lubricants that only mask symptoms, this cream addresses the root cause of Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD) by improving blood flow to the genital area.
The Science Behind It
The active ingredient is sildenafil citrate, the same compound used in Viagra®. Applied topically, it relaxes and opens blood vessels in the clitoris, vulva, and surrounding tissues, allowing more blood to flow. This increased circulation enhances natural sensations such as:
-
Warmth and tingling in the genital area
-
Swelling and heightened sensitivity
-
Increased natural lubrication
-
Faster and more reliable arousal during intimacy
Clinical research shows that the cream can begin working in as little as 10–15 minutes after application, helping women feel physically responsive sooner.
Why Topical Matters
Unlike oral drugs, which circulate through the entire body, DARE to PLAY works locally and directly at the site of arousal. This targeted approach reduces systemic side effects while delivering faster results where they matter most.
The cream uses DermaFlux™ technology, a cutting-edge drug delivery system. By combining specialized salts with a dual hydrophilic–hydrophobic structure, the formula helps sildenafil penetrate deep into genital tissues instead of sticking to the skin’s surface.
Clinical Evidence
In a clinical study involving 200 women with FSAD, DARE to PLAY was shown to improve genital blood flow, natural lubrication, and overall arousal. Results were published in respected journals such as The Journal of Sexual Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology, underscoring the product’s evidence-backed foundation.
Collaboration with Rosy Wellness
To ensure the product reaches its intended audience, Daré has formed a strategic collaboration with Rosy Wellness, a digital health platform with a user base of over 250,000 women and endorsements from more than 8,000 healthcare professionals.
Rosy Wellness is known for its evidence-based approach, offering personalized education, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) exercises, coaching, and peer community support. Together, the two organizations are launching an awareness and education campaign that leverages Rosy’s mobile-first platform to destigmatize conversations around female sexual wellness.
“This partnership combines expert-led education, cutting-edge research, and technology to reach women where they are,” said Dr. Lyndsey Harper, Founder and CEO of Rosy.
“We’re excited to support DARE to PLAY with tools that inform, engage, and uplift women navigating arousal concerns”.
New Tools for Consumer Education
The campaign introduces innovative educational formats within the Rosy platform:
Quickies
Short-form video explainers designed to fight misinformation on social media. These videos are vetted for clinical accuracy and presented by leading sexual health professionals. A highlight includes a session with Dr. Sameena Rahman, a board-certified OB/GYN and sexual medicine expert, who explains the biology of arousal and what sets DARE to PLAY apart.
Arousal Collection
A masterclass-style interactive course authored by Dr. Rahman. It dives deeper into the science of female arousal, exploring how it fits into the broader sexual response cycle, what influences it, and how the cream can form part of a personalized care plan.
Together, these tools aim to make expert-led sexual health education more accessible while supporting women with arousal concerns in practical, non-stigmatizing ways.
Engagement with Healthcare Providers
Beyond consumer outreach, Daré is focusing on professional medical engagement. On August 6, 2025, the company will host a live webinar titled “The DARE to PLAY™ Difference: The Sildenafil Cream That Raises the Bar”.
The event, organized in collaboration with the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH), will feature prominent experts, including:
-
Dr. Irwin Goldstein, a leading researcher who has studied sildenafil for more than two decades.
-
Rose Hartzell-Cushanick, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist.
-
Sue Goldstein, past president of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH).
The webinar will highlight:
-
Why genital blood flow is central to female arousal.
-
Clinical evidence showing improvements in arousal, orgasm, and desire.
-
The unique formulation advantages of DARE to PLAY.
Clinicians, investors, and women interested in science-based solutions are invited to attend, with registration open online.
A Dual-Track Market Strategy
Daré is pursuing a dual-track approach to bring the cream to market. While continuing efforts toward traditional FDA approval, the company is preparing for near-term distribution under Section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).
This strategy allows Daré to accelerate access despite regulatory delays, while simultaneously engaging in long-term approval pathways. As CEO, Sabrina Martucci Johnson explained, the extra lead time provides an opportunity to “do a lot of work around provider education and medical education,” ensuring the market is well-prepared before launch.
Industry and Social Impact
The introduction of DARE to PLAY comes at a time when female sexual health remains underserved. Studies show that nearly 65% of women report arousal concerns when screened with standardized tools like the Female Sexual Function Index. Yet, stigma and lack of resources have left many without effective treatment options.
Daré and Rosy’s initiative represents more than a product launch—it is part of a larger cultural shift toward sexual health equity, reducing stigma, empowering women with information, and ensuring access to credible solutions.
Final Words
The upcoming launch of DARE to PLAY™ Sildenafil Cream and its accompanying educational campaign mark a turning point in women’s sexual health care. By combining clinical rigor, digital innovation, and community engagement, Daré Bioscience and Rosy Wellness are not only bringing a new product to market but also helping to rewrite the conversation around female intimacy and wellness.
If successful, the initiative could set a new standard in how women’s health needs are addressed, moving beyond stigma to provide solutions backed by science, trust, and accessibility.
References
