Ospemifene effectively treats vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: results from a pivotal phase 3 study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to study the efficacy and safety of ospemifene, a new selective estrogen receptor modulator, in the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women.


METHODS
A randomized, double-blind phase 3 study in which 826 postmenopausal women were randomized 1:1:1 to receive treatment with ospemifene 30 or 60 mg/day or placebo orally for 12 weeks was conducted. The primary inclusion criteria were having 5% or less superficial cells on the vaginal smear (maturation index), vaginal pH greater than 5.0, and at least one moderate or severe symptom of vulvovaginal atrophy. The four coprimary endpoints were the change from baseline to 12 weeks in the percentage of superficial and parabasal cells on the vaginal smear, change in vaginal pH, and change in severity of most bothersome symptom (vaginal dryness or dyspareunia) compared with placebo. All participants were given a nonhormonal vaginal lubricant for use as needed.


RESULTS
Ospemifene was statistically significantly superior to placebo in each of the coprimary endpoints at the 60-mg dose. Statistically significant results were achieved for all coprimary endpoints with the 30-mg dose except for dyspareunia. Ospemifene was well tolerated at both doses and demonstrated a favorable safety profile.


CONCLUSIONS
Ospemifene was shown to be effective and well tolerated for the treatment of the symptoms of vaginal dryness and dyspareunia associated with vulvovaginal atrophy over and above the use of provided lubricants.
Bachmann
Gloria A
GA
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA. bachmaga@umdnj.edu
Komi
Janne O
JO
D001284:Atrophy / Q000188:drug therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014621:Vagina / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014844:Vulva / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*
D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators; D013629:Tamoxifen; C119141:Ospemifene