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Biodiversity indicators used by policy-makers are underdeveloped and underinvested. In response to global declines in biodiversity, some 190 countries have pledged, under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010 ( 1 , 2 ). Moreover, this target has recently been incorporated into the Millennium Development Goals in recognition of the impact of biodiversity loss on human well-being ( 3 ). Timely information on where and in what ways the target has or has not been met, as well as the likely direction of future trends, depends on a rigorous, relevant, and comprehensive suite of biodiversity indicators with which to track changes over time, to assess the impacts of policy and management responses, and to identify priorities for action. How far have we come in meeting these needs, and is it sufficient?

Current available treatment options for erectile dysfunction (ED) are effective but not without failure and/or side effects. Although the development of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors (i.e. sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil) has revolutionized the treatment of ED, these oral medications require on‐demand access and are not as effective in treating ED related to diabetic, post‐prostatectomy and severe veno‐occlusive disease states. Improvement in the treatment of ED is dependent on understanding the regulation of human corporal smooth muscle tone and on the identification of relevant molecular targets. Future ED therapies might consider the application of molecular technologies such as gene therapy. As a potential therapeutic tool, gene therapy might provide an effective and specific means for altering intracavernous pressure “on demand” without affecting resting penile function. However, the safety of gene therapy remains a major hurdle to overcome before being accepted as a mainstream treatment for ED. Gene therapy aims to cure the underlying conditions in ED, including fibrosis. Furthermore, gene therapy might help prolong the efficacy of the PDE5 inhibitors by improving penile nitric oxide bioactivity. It is feasible to apply gene therapy to the penis because of its location and accessibility, low penile circulatory flow in the flaccid state and the presence of endothelial lined (lacunar) spaces. This review provides a brief insight of the current role of gene therapy in the management of ED. Edited by Prof. Jae‐Seung Paick