A new medication to treat some of the symptoms of menopause is being tested and developed by Wyeth. The new medication, called Aprela, is a combination of estrogen and bazedoxifene. This drug is a selective estrogen receptor modulator, which is thought to help prevent breast cancer.
In trials of the new medication, there was a reduction in a number of symptoms associated with menopause:
- The number of hot flashes decreased
- Sleep improved
- Bone density increased
- Vaginal dryness was reduced
- Sexual function increased
One of the major reasons women stop treatment for menopause is many medications cause breast tenderness. In the trial, Aprela, was given to women for a period of two years and it was found to not cause breast tenderness.
In addition, a previous medication for menopause, Prempro (also manufactured by Wyeth) was linked to increased breast cancer. Aprela, however, combines both estrogen and bazedoxifene, which are thought to help prevent breast cancer.
These studies were a Phase III trial and the results have been submitted to the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Wyeth hopes to apply to U.S. regulators in 2009 to request permission to sell Aprela.
References:
New Drug for Menopause Being Tested, 2008, Sept 25, CNN Health
Menopause Drug Reduces Multiple Symptoms, 2008, Sept 25, Linda A. Johnson, Wtopnews.com
