Lasofoxifene, a new selective estrogen receptor modulator for the treatment of osteoporosis and vaginal atrophy. 2009

Luigi Gennari
University of Siena, Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine-Metabolic Sciences and Biochemistry, Viale Bracci 1, 53100 Siena, Italy. gennari@unisi.it

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) represent a class with a growing number of compounds that act as either estrogen receptor (ER) agonists or antagonists in a tissue-specific manner. The purpose of this article is to review the effects of lasofoxifene, a new-generation SERM that has completed the Phase III development program for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. This compound selectively binds to both ERs with high affinity. Lasofoxifene also has a remarkably improved oral bioavailability with respect to other SERMs such as raloxifene and tamoxifen, owing to increased resistance to intestinal wall glucuronidation. In both preclinical and short-term clinical studies, this compound showed a favorable safety profile and demonstrated a proven efficacy in preventing bone loss and lowering cholesterol levels. More recently, Phase III clinical trials have confirmed the efficacy and safety of this new SERM in the prevention of bone loss and vertebral and nonvertebral fractures. Moreover, in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, lasofoxifene treatment also reduced ER positive breast cancer risk and the occurrence of vaginal atrophy. With its increased potency and efficacy on the prevention of nonvertebral fractures and its positive effects on the vagina, this new SERM may represent an alternative therapy for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D011759 Pyrrolidines Compounds also known as tetrahydropyridines with general molecular formula (CH2)4NH. Tetrahydropyridine,Tetrahydropyridines
D011960 Receptors, Estrogen Cytoplasmic proteins that bind estrogens and migrate to the nucleus where they regulate DNA transcription. Evaluation of the state of estrogen receptors in breast cancer patients has become clinically important. Estrogen Receptor,Estrogen Receptors,Estrogen Nuclear Receptor,Estrogen Receptor Type I,Estrogen Receptor Type II,Estrogen Receptors Type I,Estrogen Receptors Type II,Receptor, Estrogen Nuclear,Receptors, Estrogen, Type I,Receptors, Estrogen, Type II,Nuclear Receptor, Estrogen,Receptor, Estrogen
D002986 Clinical Trials as Topic Works about pre-planned studies of the safety, efficacy, or optimum dosage schedule (if appropriate) of one or more diagnostic, therapeutic, or prophylactic drugs, devices, or techniques selected according to predetermined criteria of eligibility and observed for predefined evidence of favorable and unfavorable effects. This concept includes clinical trials conducted both in the U.S. and in other countries. Clinical Trial as Topic
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D001284 Atrophy Decrease in the size of a cell, tissue, organ, or multiple organs, associated with a variety of pathological conditions such as abnormal cellular changes, ischemia, malnutrition, or hormonal changes. Atrophies
D013764 Tetrahydronaphthalenes Partially saturated 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene compounds. Tetralins
D014621 Vagina The genital canal in the female, extending from the UTERUS to the VULVA. (Stedman, 25th ed) Vaginas
D014623 Vaginal Diseases Pathological processes of the VAGINA. Disease, Vaginal,Diseases, Vaginal,Vaginal Disease
D015663 Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal Metabolic disorder associated with fractures of the femoral neck, vertebrae, and distal forearm. It occurs commonly in women within 15-20 years after menopause, and is caused by factors associated with menopause including estrogen deficiency. Bone Loss, Perimenopausal,Bone Loss, Postmenopausal,Perimenopausal Bone Loss,Postmenopausal Bone Loss,Postmenopausal Osteoporosis,Osteoporosis, Post-Menopausal,Bone Losses, Perimenopausal,Bone Losses, Postmenopausal,Osteoporoses, Post-Menopausal,Osteoporoses, Postmenopausal,Osteoporosis, Post Menopausal,Perimenopausal Bone Losses,Post-Menopausal Osteoporoses,Post-Menopausal Osteoporosis,Postmenopausal Bone Losses,Postmenopausal Osteoporoses

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