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Hull ML, Stuckey B, Hartman K, Zack N, Thurman A, Friend DR. Safety and acceptability of intravaginal rings releasing estradiol and progesterone. Climacteric 2023; 26:465-471. [PMID: 37054722 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2194526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the safety and acceptability of two fixed-dose 28-day vaginal ring formulations of 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) to treat vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and the genitourinary syndrome of menopause. DESIGN DARE HRT1-001 was the first-in-woman study of 28-day exposure to two 28-day intravaginal rings (IVRs) designed to release 80 µg/day E2 + 4 mg/day P4 (IVR1) or 160 µg/day E2 + 8 mg/day P4 (IVR2) compared with oral E2 1 mg/day + oral P4 100 mg/day. To assess safety, participants completed a daily diary to record treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs). To determine acceptability, at the end of treatment IVR users completed a questionnaire assessing tolerability and usability. RESULTS Enrolled women (n = 34) were randomized to use IVR1 (n = 10), IVR2 (n = 12) or oral (n = 12). Thirty-one participants (IVR1 = 10, IVR2 = 10, oral = 11) completed the study. The TEAE profile of those in the IVR groups were similar to the referent oral regimen. TEAEs related to the study product were more common with IVR2 use. Endometrial biopsies were not performed unless endometrial thickness was >4 mm or for clinically significant postmenopausal bleeding. One IVR1 participant had an endometrial stripe increase from 4 mm at screening to 8 mm at the end of treatment. The biopsy indicated no evidence of plasma cells or endometritis and no evidence of atypia, hyperplasia or malignancy. Two other endometrial biopsies were performed for postmenopausal bleeding with similar findings. There were no clinically meaningful laboratory or vital sign abnormalities or trends identified in observed values or changes from baseline. Pelvic speculum examination identified no clinically significant abnormalities in any participant at any visit. Tolerability and usability data demonstrated that both IVRs were generally highly acceptable. CONCLUSIONS Both IVR1 and IVR2 were safe and well tolerated in healthy postmenopausal women. TEAE profiles were comparable to the referent oral regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Hull
- PARC Clinical Research and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - B Stuckey
- Keogh Institute for Medical Research, Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - K Hartman
- Daré Bioscience, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - N Zack
- Daré Bioscience, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
- Celcuity, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - A Thurman
- Daré Bioscience, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - D R Friend
- Daré Bioscience, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
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Hull L, Stuckey BGA, Hartman K, Zack N, Friend DR. Evaluation of 28-day estradiol and progesterone vaginal rings in a phase 1 clinical pharmacokinetic study. Menopause 2023; 30:427-436. [PMID: 36727806 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this work is to develop a combination of 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) in a single-dose intravaginal ring (IVR) for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and genitourinary syndrome of menopause while providing endometrial protection. The objective of this study was to evaluate DARE-HRT1, a 28-day IVR that continuously delivers E2 and P4, in a phase 1 clinical trial to assess its pharmacokinetics. METHODS This was an open-label, three-arm (group) study. Thirty-two (32) healthy postmenopausal women were recruited at two Australian sites. The average age was 57.2 years (47-69 y). The first arm received one ring for 28 days designed to release E2 at a rate of 80 μg/d and P4 at 4 mg/d (80/4 IVR); the second arm received a ring releasing E2 at 160 μg/d and P4 at 8 mg/d (160/8 IVR). The third arm received oral Estrofem (1 mg E2) and Prometrium (100 mg P4) both daily for 29 days. Blood samples were taken predose then intensively over the first day (day 1) and periodically thereafter over the remaining 27 days. After removal of the rings on the morning of day 29, intensive samples were collected. Similar procedures were conducted with women enrolled in the oral group. The plasma samples were analyzed for E2, estrone (E1), and P4 using validated bioanalytical methods. RESULTS The baseline-adjusted steady-state plasma levels of E2 and P4 from 80/4 IVR were 20.4 ± 17.1 pg/mL and 1.32 ± 0.19 ng/mL (n = 10), respectively. The baseline-adjusted steady-state plasma levels of E2 and P4 from 160/8 IVR were 30.9 ± 8.7 pg/mL and 2.08 ± 0.50 ng/mL (n = 10), respectively. The baseline-adjusted average plasma concentrations of E2 and P4 at day 29 of the oral group were 35.4 ± 11.2 pg/mL and 0.79 ± 0.72 ng/mL (n = 11), respectively. The baseline-adjusted steady state of E1 from the 80/4 IVR and the 160/8 IVR were 22.1 ± 16.6 pg/mL (n = 10) and 25.2 ± 12.3 pg/mL (n = 10), respectively. The baseline-adjusted concentration of E1 in the oral arm was 209 ± 67.7 ng/mL (n = 11). The IVR were well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS The 80/4 IVR and 160/8 IVR gave similar steady-state concentrations of E2 as seen with drug products approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of VMS and genitourinary symptoms of menopause. The E2 concentrations of this study support the potential of DARE-HRT1, a promising new option for hormone therapy for treatment of VMS and vaginal symptoms associated with menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Hull
- From the PARC Clinical Research, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Bronwyn G A Stuckey
- Keogh Institute for Medical Research, Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
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3
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Abdelgader A, Govender M, Kumar P, Choonara YE. Intravaginal Drug Delivery Systems to Treat the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: Towards the Design of Safe and Efficacious Estrogen-loaded Prototypes. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:1566-1585. [PMID: 36868359 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Estrogens locally delivered to the vagina by tablets, capsules, rings, pessaries, and creams are the most common and highly recommended platforms to treat the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Estradiol, an essential estrogen, is routinely administered alone, or in combination with progestins, to effectively alleviate the symptoms associated with moderate to severe menopause when non-pharmacological interventions are not indicated. Since the risk and side effects of estradiol use depends on the administered amount and duration of use, the lowest effective dose of estradiol is recommended when long-term treatment is required. Although there is a wealth of data and literature comparing vaginally administered estrogen-containing products, there is a lack of information revealing the effect of the delivery system used and formulation constituent's attributes on the efficacy, safety, and patient acceptability of these dosage forms. This review therefore aims to classify and compare various designs of commercially available and non-commercial vaginal 17β-estradiol formulations and analyze their performance in terms of systemic absorption, efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction and acceptance. The vaginal estrogenic platforms included in this review are the currently marketed and investigational 17β-estradiol tablets, softgel capsules, creams, and rings for the treatment of GSM, based on their different design specifications, estradiol loads, and materials used in their preparation. Additionally, the mechanisms of the effects of estradiol on GSM have been discussed, as well as their potential impact on treatment efficacy and patient compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abdelgader
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa
| | - Mershen Govender
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa
| | - Yahya E Choonara
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa.
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Weiss H, Martell B, Constantine GD, Davis SM, Vidal JD, Mayer PR, Doorbar M, Friend DR. Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of a Novel 17β-Estradiol and Progesterone Intravaginal Ring in Sheep. J Pharm Sci 2019; 108:2677-2684. [PMID: 30959058 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2019.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study reports the preparation, in vitro release, pharmacokinetics, and local tolerability of novel ethylene-vinyl acetate intravaginal rings (IVRs) delivering 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P), in drug-naïve ovariectomized female Dorset crossbred sheep. After preparation and assessment of in vitro release of E2 and P, animals were randomized to treatment groups 1 or 2 (comparator rings releasing 50 or 100 μg/d E2, respectively), groups 3 or 4 (ethylene-vinyl acetate IVRs, 160 μg/d E2 with 4 [160/4 IVR] or 8 mg/d P [160/8 IVR], respectively), or group 5 (160 μg E2 and 10 mg P administered intravenously). IVRs were placed on day 1 and remained in place through day 29. Animals underwent daily examinations to confirm ring placement, and vaginal irritation was scored from 0 (none) to 4 (severe). Blood samples were taken at scheduled times for pharmacokinetic analysis. Postmortem examinations performed on groups 1-4 were macroscopic and microscopic evaluations, including irritation scoring and histopathology. IVRs were retained over 28 days in all but 1 animal (group 4). In all animal groups, clinical observations showed no significant abnormal findings. Pharmacokinetic analysis in the animals showed sustained release of E2 and P over a 28-day period. Irritation scores and microscopic assessments were consistent with foreign object placement. A novel 2-drug IVR delivery system was well tolerated in a sheep model and pharmacokinetic release was as expected over a 28-day release period. These results will guide future human clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman Weiss
- Todos Medical, Ltd., West Hempstead, New York 11552
| | - Bridget Martell
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
| | | | - Sarah M Davis
- Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Mattawan, Michigan 49071
| | - Justin D Vidal
- Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Mattawan, Michigan 49071
| | | | - Martin Doorbar
- Research and Development, Crossways Pharma Ltd., Thatcham, UK
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5
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Helbling IM, Ibarra JC, Luna JA. Evaluation and optimization of progesterone release from intravaginal rings using response surface methodology. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Helbling IM, Luna JA, Cabrera MI. Mathematical modeling of drug delivery from torus-shaped single-layer devices. J Control Release 2010; 149:258-63. [PMID: 20971140 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2010.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2010] [Revised: 09/03/2010] [Accepted: 10/14/2010] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
A mathematical modeling of controlled release of drug from torus-shaped single-layer devices is presented. Analytical solutions based on the pseudo-steady state approximation are derived. The reliability and usefulness of the model are ascertained by comparison of the simulation results with matrix-type vaginal ring experimental release data reported in the literature. A good agreement between the model prediction and the experimental data is observed. An analysis of the effect of the variation in torus design parameters on the solute release is also presented. The model is applicable only to torus-shaped single-layer systems wherein the initial load of drug is higher than its solubility in the polymer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio M Helbling
- Laboratorio de Química Fina, Instituto de Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Industria Química (INTEC), Universidad Nacional del Litoral and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNL-CONICET), CCT CONICET-SANTA FE, Ruta Nacional 168, Paraje El Pozo, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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8
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Wood CE, Kaplan JR, Fontenot MB, Williams JK, Cline JM. Endometrial profile of tamoxifen and low-dose estradiol combination therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2010; 16:946-56. [PMID: 20103679 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-1541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Combination estrogen + progestin therapy has been associated with increased breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) are potential alternatives to progestins, although the endometrial safety of estrogen + SERM co-therapies is not known. The goal of this study was to evaluate the endometrial profile of low-dose estradiol and the SERM tamoxifen alone and in combination. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Twenty-four postmenopausal female cynomolgus macaques were randomized by social group to receive placebo, low-dose micronized estradiol (E(2); 0.25 mg/1,800 kcal), the SERM tamoxifen (Tam; 20 mg/1,800 kcal), or E(2) + Tam for 4 months in a parallel-arm design. RESULTS Tamoxifen alone resulted in overlapping but distinct effects compared with E(2). Both E(2) and Tam increased uterine weight and endometrial thickness, whereas only E(2) increased endometrial proliferation. Morphologic effects were similar for Tam and E(2) + Tam, which both induced stromal fibrosis and cystic change. Tamoxifen inhibited E(2)-induced proliferation and expression of genes related to cell cycle progression while exhibiting mixed agonist and antagonist effects on gene markers of estrogen receptor activity. The gene expression profile for E(2) + Tam was distinct from either E(2) or Tam alone but dominated by the Tam effect for estrogen-regulated genes. Tam also attenuated E(2) effects on both vaginal maturation and cervical epithelial height. CONCLUSIONS These findings characterize a novel phenotype resulting from estrogen + SERM co-therapy. The predominance of Tam effects on endometrial proliferation, morphology, and transcriptional profiles suggests that endometrial risks for E(2) + Tam may be similar to Tam alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Wood
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Nath A, Sitruk-Ware R. Parenteral administration of progestins for hormonal replacement therapy. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2009; 14:88-96. [DOI: 10.1080/13625180902747425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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10
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Sitruk-Ware R. New hormonal therapies and regimens in the postmenopause: routes of administration and timing of initiation. Climacteric 2009; 10:358-70. [PMID: 17852138 DOI: 10.1080/13697130701609121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Since the publication of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study followed by the results of the Million Women Study (MWS), the role of hormonal therapy in postmenopausal women has been further challenged. The risks attributed to hormone therapy have been overestimated and the data has been wrongly extrapolated to the whole class of therapies. The trends in postmenopausal hormonal therapy seem now to favor the non-oral delivery routes for both the estrogen and the progestin for women with an intact uterus, based on the assumption that a lesser stimulation of the liver proteins and a neutral metabolic profile would be more favorable in terms of cardiovascular and venous risk. The combination of non-oral administration of estradiol and local delivery of progesterone or a progestin such as levonorgestrel by means of gels, sprays, vaginal rings or intrauterine systems would represent new methods of replacement therapy for the menopausal woman, improving compliance and minimizing the risks of hormone replacement. Several of these systems are either available or in development. Long-term studies on the risk/benefit of various non-oral formulations are certainly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Sitruk-Ware
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council and Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10021, USA
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Krause M, Wheeler TL, Snyder TE, Richter HE. Local Effects of Vaginally Administered Estrogen Therapy: A Review. JOURNAL OF PELVIC MEDICINE & SURGERY 2009; 15:105-114. [PMID: 22229022 PMCID: PMC3252029 DOI: 10.1097/spv.0b013e3181ab4804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The results of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) led to a distinct decline in the routine use of estrogen as preventive therapy for vasomotor symptoms, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. Without estrogen replacement, one third of women experience symptoms of atrophic vaginitis including dryness, irritation, itching and or dyspareunia. Local application of estrogen has been shown to relieve these symptoms and improve quality of life for these women. In addition, local estrogen therapy may have a favorable effect on sexuality, urinary tract infections, vaginal surgery, and incontinence. This review examines the effects of vaginally applied estrogen on the vaginal epithelium, urethra and endometrium. An accompanying review examines the systemic effects of vaginally applied estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Krause
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
| | - Thomas L. Wheeler
- University of South Carolina Greenville Campus, Greenville, SC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
| | - Thomas E. Snyder
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
| | - Holly E. Richter
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Shively CA, Wood CE, Register TC, Willard SL, Lees CJ, Chen H, Sitruk-Ware RL, Tsong YY, Cline JM. Hormone therapy effects on social behavior and activity levels of surgically postmenopausal cynomolgus monkeys. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2007; 32:981-90. [PMID: 17768011 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2007.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2007] [Revised: 06/12/2007] [Accepted: 07/11/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the experiments reported here was to investigate central nervous system effects of commonly prescribed postmenopausal hormone therapies in a primate model, the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis). The results of two experiments are reported. In the first, ovariectomized adult cynomolgus monkeys were treated for eight weeks each with oral micronized 17beta-estradiol (E2) (n=23), E2+medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) (n=23), E2+progesterone (P4) (n=23), and placebo (n=23) using a crossover design. In the second, ovariectomized adult cynomolgus monkeys were treated for eight weeks with oral micronized E2+oral micronized P4 (n=10), or E2+intravaginal micronized P4 delivered via a Silastic ring (n=8), or oral placebo and intravaginal placebo (n=5), using a parallel arm design. Behavior was recorded during weeks two through four. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood were sampled, and 24h heart rate recorded by telemetry during weeks five through seven. Monoaminergic metabolites were assayed in CSF, and cortisol was assayed in serum. There were no significant effects of treatment on CSF monoaminergic metabolites or heart rate. E2+MPA increased cortisol concentrations. While there were some differences in effects between experiments, both progestogens and both routes of administration increased time spent resting, particularly resting in body contact, resulting in increased passive affiliative interaction. Thus, synthetic progestogens appear to be as sedating as progesterone, and the ring delivery system does not appear to protect the central nervous system from effects of progestogens. Further research is needed to explore social context as an important feature of behavioral response to steroid hormone regimens and to verify and extend knowledge of systemic effects of vaginal ring-delivered progestogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol A Shively
- Department of Pathology/Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1040, USA.
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Wood CE, Sitruk-Ware RL, Tsong YY, Register TC, Lees CJ, Cline JM. Effects of estradiol with oral or intravaginal progesterone on risk markers for breast cancer in a postmenopausal monkey model. Menopause 2007; 14:639-47. [PMID: 17224855 DOI: 10.1097/01.gme.0000247017.41007.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of oral estradiol given with either oral or intravaginal micronized progesterone (P4) on risk biomarkers for breast cancer in a postmenopausal monkey model. DESIGN This experiment was a two-way crossover study in which 20 ovariectomized adult female cynomolgus macaques were treated (in equivalent doses for women) with oral estradiol (1 mg/d) + oral micronized P4 (200 mg/d) or intravaginal P4 delivered by Silastic rings (6- to 10-mg/d release rate). Hormone treatments lasted 2 months and were separated by a 1-month washout period. The primary outcome measure was breast epithelial proliferation. RESULTS Serum P4 concentrations were significantly greater in subjects receiving oral P4 (10.9 ng/mL) compared with intravaginal P4 (3.8 ng/mL) at 2 to 3 hours after oral dosing (P<0.0001) but not at 24 to 28 hours after oral dosing (2.9 ng/mL for oral P4 vs 3.2 ng/mL for intravaginal P4 at 2 months, P=0.19). Serum estradiol concentrations were significantly lower after oral P4 than after intravaginal P4 (P<0.05 for all time points). Oral P4 resulted in significantly decreased body weight (-2.5%) compared with intravaginal P4 (+3.6%) (P=0.0001). Markers of breast proliferation, sex steroid receptor expression, and endometrial area did not differ significantly between oral P4 and intravaginal P4 treatments (P>0.1 for all). CONCLUSIONS Despite different pharmacodynamic profiles, oral and intravaginal P4 had similar effects on biomarkers in the postmenopausal breast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Wood
- Department of Pathology/Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1040, USA.
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Pines A, Sturdee DW, Birkhäuser MH, Schneider HPG, Gambacciani M, Panay N. IMS updated recommendations on postmenopausal hormone therapy. Climacteric 2007; 10:181-94. [PMID: 17487645 DOI: 10.1080/13697130701361657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Abstract
The trends in postmenopausal hormonal therapy (HT) seem to favor the non-oral delivery routes for both the estrogen and the progestin for women with an intact uterus. Targeting the lowest possible dose of the progestin or of the natural hormone progesterone to be delivered directly to the uterus, the target organ for which it is designed, would avoid the possible drawbacks of systemic effects of progestins on other targets. Several delivery systems are either available or in development including vaginal gels and vaginal rings delivering the physiological hormone progesterone or intrauterine systems delivering very low doses of levonorgestrel. In addition, transdermal gels and spray are under development and can deliver very low doses of Nestorone a 19-norprogesterone derivative, not active orally but with high progestational activity when given via non-oral routes. The assumption that these new delivery systems should lead to an improved risk/benefit ratio in HT will need to be demonstrated in larger randomized controlled studies.
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Sitruk-Ware R, Small M, Kumar N, Tsong YY, Sundaram K, Jackanicz T. Nestorone: clinical applications for contraception and HRT. Steroids 2003; 68:907-13. [PMID: 14667982 DOI: 10.1016/s0039-128x(03)00140-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The 19-nor derivatives of progesterone are referred to as "pure" progestational molecules as they bind almost exclusively to the progesterone receptor (PR) without interfering with receptors of other steroids. In this category is Nestorone, which has strong progestational activity and antiovulatory potency with no androgenic or estrogenic activity in vivo. These properties make it highly suitable for use in contraception and hormonal therapy (HT). Due to its high potency, very low doses of Nestorone may be delivered via long-term sustained-release delivery systems. Nestorone, 75 or 100 microg per day, released by vaginal ring has suppressed ovulation in women, with inhibition of follicular maturation. A vaginal ring releasing both 150 microg of Nestorone and 15 microg of ethinyl estradiol per day has effectively suppressed ovulation for 13 consecutive cycles. Nestorone has also been used effectively in a single implant for contraception in breastfeeding women and shows promise for use in transdermal systems as a contraceptive or for HT when combined with estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regine Sitruk-Ware
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Weiss Bldg., 6th Floor, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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