U.S. patent application number 16/418591 was filed with the patent office on 2019-09-05 for method of preventing alzheimier's disease.
The applicant listed for this patent is ENDORECHERCHE, INC.. Invention is credited to Fernand LABRIE.
Application Number | 20190269696 16/418591 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43306950 |
Filed Date | 2019-09-05 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190269696 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LABRIE; Fernand |
September 5, 2019 |
METHOD OF PREVENTING ALZHEIMIER'S DISEASE
Abstract
Novel methods for reduction or elimination the incidence of hot
flushes, vasomotor symptoms, and night sweats while decreasing the
risk of acquiring breast, uterine or endometrial cancer and
furthermore having beneficial effect by inhibiting the development
of osteoporosis, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia,
atherosclerosis, hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes type 2,
loss of muscle mass, adiposity, Alzheimer's disease, loss of
cognition, loss of memory, or vaginal dryness in susceptible
warm-blooded animals including humans involving administration of
an amount of a sex steroid precursor, particularly
dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and an antiestrogen or a selective
estrogen receptor modulator, particularly compounds having the
general structure: ##STR00001## Pharmaceutical compositions for
delivery of active ingredient(s) and kit(s) useful to the invention
are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
LABRIE; Fernand; (Quebec
City, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ENDORECHERCHE, INC. |
Quebec City |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
43306950 |
Appl. No.: |
16/418591 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13875027 |
May 1, 2013 |
10342805 |
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16418591 |
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12791174 |
Jun 1, 2010 |
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13875027 |
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61187549 |
Jun 16, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 5/24 20180101; A61P
5/50 20180101; A61P 9/12 20180101; A61P 35/00 20180101; A61P 25/20
20180101; A61P 25/28 20180101; A61P 3/06 20180101; A61P 9/00
20180101; A61P 15/08 20180101; A61K 31/453 20130101; A61P 15/12
20180101; A61P 3/00 20180101; A61P 3/10 20180101; A61P 25/00
20180101; A61P 5/32 20180101; A61P 15/02 20180101; A61P 21/00
20180101; A61P 43/00 20180101; A61K 31/5685 20130101; A61P 9/10
20180101; A61P 19/10 20180101; A61K 31/568 20130101; A61P 3/04
20180101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 31/5685 20060101
A61K031/5685; A61K 31/568 20060101 A61K031/568; A61K 31/453
20060101 A61K031/453 |
Claims
1. A method of preventing Alzheimer's disease, said method
comprising administering to a postmenopausal woman in need of said
treatment, (i) an amount of a sex steroid precursor selected from
the group consisting of dehydroepiandrosterone,
dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, androst-5-ene-3.beta.,17.beta.-diol
and 4-androstene-3,17-dione, in combination with (ii) an amount of
a selective estrogen receptor modulator, wherein the modulator is
EM-652 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and wherein
said amounts are sufficient to achieve said prevention.
2. The method of claim 1, where said selective estrogen receptor
modulator is: ##STR00012## and wherein the selective estrogen
receptor modulator is an optically active compound.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the selective estrogen receptor
modulator is a EM-652 salt of an acid selected from the group
consisting of acetic acid, adipic acid, benzenesulfonic acid,
benzoic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid,
hydroiodic acid, hydrobromic acid, hydrochloric acid,
hydrochlorothiazide acid, hydroxy-naphthoic acid, lactic acid,
maleic acid, methanesulfonic acid, methylsulfuric acid,
1,5-naphthalenedisulfonic acid, nitric acid, palmitic acid, pivalic
acid, phosphoric acid, propionic acid, succinic acid, sulfuric
acid, tartaric acid, terephthalic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, and
valeric acid.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said selective estrogen receptor
modulator is: ##STR00013## wherein the selective estrogen receptor
modulator is an optically active compound; and wherein the sex
steroid precursor is dehydroepiandrosterone.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said selective estrogen receptor
modulator is intravaginally administered.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein the selective estrogen receptor
modulator is intravaginally administered.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the selective estrogen receptor
modulator is orally administered.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the selective estrogen receptor
modulator is percutaneously administered.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of selective estrogen
receptor modulator decreases the risk of breast, uterine and
endometrial cancer normally occurring in said postmenopausal women
and to prevent bone loss, osteoporosis, hypertension, insulin
resistance, diabetes, obesity and atherosclerosis.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of prior U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/875,027, filed May 1, 2013, which is
a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/791,174, filed
Jun. 1, 2010, which application claims the benefit of the priority
of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/187,549, filed Jun. 16,
2009, the contents of which are all incorporated herein by
reference. Applicant claims priority to each of the foregoing
related applications.
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a new treatment for hot
flushes, vasomotor symptoms, and night sweats in women. In
particular, the treatment includes the administration of a
precursor of sex steroids in combination with a selective estrogen
receptor modulator (SERM) for reducing the risk of acquiring breast
or endometrial cancer. The invention also provides kits and
pharmaceutical compositions for practicing the foregoing
combination. Administration of the foregoing combination to
patients reduces or eliminates the incidence of hot flushes,
vasomotor symptoms, night sweats, and sleep disturbance. Moreover,
the risk of acquiring breast cancer and/or endometrial cancer is
believed to be reduced for patients receiving this combination
therapy. Additional benefits such as reduction of the likelihood or
risk of acquiring osteoporosis, hypercholesterolemia,
hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease,
loss of cognition, loss of memory, insomnia, cardiovascular
diseases, insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity (especially
abdominal obesity) are also provided.
Related Art
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[0129] It is known that a large number of diseases, conditions and
undesirable symptoms respond favorably to administering exogenous
sex steroids, or precursors thereof. For example, estrogens are
believed to decrease the rate of bone loss while androgens have
been shown to build bone mass by stimulating bone formation.
Hormone replacement therapy (e.g., administration of estrogens) may
be used for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Progestins are
frequently used to counteract the endometrial proliferation and the
risk of endometrial cancer induced by estrogens. Use of estrogens,
androgenic compounds and/or progestins for treatment, or for
prophylactic purposes, for a wide variety of symptoms and disorders
suffer from a number of weaknesses. Treatment of females with
androgenic compounds may have the undesirable side effect of
causing certain masculinising side effects. Also, administering sex
steroids to patients may increase the patient's risk of acquiring
certain diseases. Female breast cancer, for example, is exacerbated
by estrogenic activity.
[0130] In addition, androgenic compounds have been found to be
beneficial for the treatment of the mastalgia frequently caused by
HRT (Pye et al., 1985). In fact, estrogen replacement therapy may
result in severe breast pain which may lead to discontinuation of
therapy.
[0131] More effective hormonal therapies and reduction of side
effects and risk are needed. The combination therapies of the
present invention, and the pharmaceutical compositions and kits
that may be used in those therapies, are believed to address these
needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0132] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method
of treating or reducing the incidence or risk of acquiring, hot
flushes, vasomotor symptoms, night sweats, and sleep
disturbance.
[0133] It is another object to provide methods of treating or
reducing the risk of acquiring the above-indicated diseases, while
minimizing the risk of acquiring breast cancer and/or endometrial
cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases,
hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis,
hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes, obesity (especially
abdominal obesity), and vaginal dryness.
[0134] It is another object to provide kits and pharmaceutical
compositions suitable for use in the above methods. Preferably,
these products are packaged with directions for using the contents
thereof for reducing or eliminating the incidence of symptoms
selected from the group consisting of hot flushes, vasomotor
symptoms, and night sweats.
[0135] In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of
reducing or eliminating the incidence of hot flushes, vasomotor
symptoms, night sweats, and sleep disturbance, said method
comprising administering to patient in need of said elimination or
reduction, a therapeutically effective amount of a precursor of sex
steroids or prodrug thereof in association with administering to
said patient a therapeutically effective amount of a selective
estrogen receptor modulator or an antiestrogen or prodrug
thereof.
[0136] It is preferred that the sex steroid precursor is selected
from the group consisting of dehydroepiandrosterone,
dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate,
androst-5-ene-3.beta.,17.beta.-diol, 4-androstene-3,17-dioneo, and
a prodrug of any of the foregoing additional agents.
[0137] In another embodiment the invention provides additional
beneficial effects or reduces the risk of acquiring a condition
selected from the group consisting of osteoporosis,
hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis,
hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, insulin resistance, diabetes,
loss of muscle mass, obesity, said beneficial effects being
obtained by administering to patient in need of said beneficial
effects, a therapeutically effective amount of a precursor of sex
steroids or prodrug thereof in association with administering to
said patient a therapeutically effective amount of a selective
estrogen receptor modulator or prodrug thereof.
[0138] In another embodiment the invention provides a
pharmaceutical composition comprising: [0139] a) a pharmaceutically
acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier; [0140] b) a
therapeutically effective amount of at least one sex steroid
precursor or prodrug thereof; and [0141] c) a therapeutically
effective amount of at least one selective estrogen receptor
modulator or an antiestrogen or prodrug.
[0142] In another embodiment the invention provides a pill, a
tablet, a capsule, a gel, a cream, an ovule, or a suppository
comprising: [0143] a) a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient,
diluent or carrier; [0144] b) a therapeutically effective amount of
at least one sex steroid precursor or prodrug thereof; and [0145]
c) a therapeutically effective amount of at least one selective
estrogen receptor modulator or an antiestrogen or prodrug.
[0146] In another embodiment the invention provides a kit
comprising a first container containing a pharmaceutical
formulation comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at
least one sex steroid precursor or a prodrug thereof; and said kit
further comprising a second container containing a pharmaceutical
formulation comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at
least one selective estrogen receptor modulator or an antiestrogen
or prodrug thereof.
[0147] In another embodiment, the invention pertains to a method of
treating or reducing the incidence of hot flushes, vasomotor
symptoms, night sweats, and sleep disturbance by increasing levels
of a sex steroid precursor selected from the group consisting of
dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate
(DHEA-S), androst-5-ene-3.beta.,17.beta.-diol (5-diol) and
4-androstene-3,17-dione in a patient in need of said treatment or
said reduction, and further comprising administering to said
patient a therapeutically effective amount of a selective estrogen
receptor modulator (SERM) as part of a combination therapy.
[0148] As used herein, "Pure SERM" means that the SERM does not
have any estrogenic activity in breast and endometrial tissues at
physiological or pharmacological concentrations.
[0149] In another embodiment, the invention provides a kit
comprising a first container containing a therapeutically effective
amount of at least one precursor of sex steroids and further
comprising a second container containing a therapeutically
effective amount of at least one selective estrogen receptor
modulator.
[0150] In another embodiment, the invention provides, in one
container, a pharmaceutical composition comprising: [0151] a) a
pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier; [0152]
b) a therapeutically effective amount of at least one precursor of
sex steroids; and [0153] c) a therapeutically effective amount of
at least one selective estrogen receptor modulator.
[0154] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of
reducing or eliminating the incidence of symptoms selected from the
group consisting of hot flushes, vasomotor symptoms, and night
sweats, said method comprising administering to a patient in need
of said elimination or reduction, (i) a therapeutically effective
amount of a sex steroid precursor or prodrug thereof in association
with (ii) a therapeutically effective amount of a selective
estrogen receptor modulator or an antiestrogen or prodrug of
either.
[0155] In another embodiment, the invention provides a
pharmaceutical composition for reducing or eliminating symptoms
selected from the group consisting of hot flushes, vasomotor
symptoms, and night sweats, comprising: [0156] a) a
pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier; [0157]
b) at least one sex steroid precursor or prodrug thereof; and
[0158] c) at least one selective estrogen receptor modulator or an
antiestrogen or prodrug of either; [0159] wherein said
pharmaceutical composition is provided in packaging that directs
use of said composition for reduction or elimination of at least
one symptom selected from the group consisting of hot flushes,
vasomotor symptoms and night sweats.
[0160] In another embodiment, the invention provides a kit for
reducing or eliminating symptoms selected from the group consisting
of hot flushes, vasomotor symptoms, and night sweats, comprising
(i) a first container having therein a at least one sex steroid
precursor or a prodrug thereof; (ii) a second container having
therein a at least one selective estrogen receptor modulator, or an
antiestrogen or prodrug of either of the foregoing; and (iii)
instructions for using the kit for the reduction or elimination of
at least one symptom selected from the group consisting of hot
flushes, vasomotor symptoms and night sweats.
[0161] As used herein, compounds administered to a patient "in
association with" other compounds are administered sufficiently
close to administration of said other compound that a patient
obtains the physiological effects of both compounds simultaneously,
even though the compounds were not administered in close time
proximity. When compounds are administered as part of a combination
therapy they are administered in association with each other.
Preferred selective estrogen receptor modulators discussed herein
are preferably used in combination with preferred sex steroid
precursors dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate,
androst-5-ene-3.beta.,17.beta.-diol, or 4-androstene-3,17-dione,
especially dehydroepiandrosterone.
[0162] The estrogen replacement therapy is commonly used in
postmenopausal women to prevent and treat diseases due to the
menopause, namely osteoporosis, hot flushes, vaginal dryness,
coronary heart disease (Cummings 1991) but presents some
undesirable effects associated with chronic estrogen
administration. Particularly, the perceived increased risk for
uterine and/or breast cancer (Judd, Meldrum et al., 1983; Colditz,
Hankinson et al., 1995) generated by estrogen is the major
disadvantage of this therapy. The authors of the present invention
have found that the addition of a selective estrogen receptor
modulator (SERM) to precursors of sex steroids administration
suppresses these undesirable effects.
[0163] On the other hand, SERMs alone have little or no beneficial
effects on some menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and sweats.
The applicant believes that the addition of a precursor of sex
steroids to SERM treatment of menopausal symptoms reduces or even
eliminates hot flushes and sweats. It is important to note that hot
flushes and sweats are the first manifestations of menopause and
the acceptation or non-acceptation of menopausal treatment by
patients is usually dependent upon the success or non-success in
the reduction of hot flushes and sweats.
[0164] As used herein, a selective estrogen receptor modulator
(SERM) is a compound that either directly or through its active
metabolite functions as an estrogen receptor antagonist
("antiestrogen") in breast tissue, yet provides estrogenic or
estrogen-like effect on bone tissue and on serum cholesterol levels
(i.e. by reducing serum cholesterol). Non-steroidal compounds that
function as estrogen receptor antagonists in vitro or in human or
rat breast tissue (especially if the compound acts as an
antiestrogen on human breast cancer cells) is likely to function as
a SERM. Conversely, steroidal antiestrogens tend not to function as
SERMs because they tend not to display any beneficial effect on
serum cholesterol. Non-steroidal antiestrogens we have tested and
found to function as SERMs include EM-800, EM-652.HCl, Raloxifene,
Tamoxifen, 4-hydroxy-Tamoxifen, Toremifene, 4-hydroxy-Toremifene,
Droloxifene, LY 353 381, LY 335 563, GW-5638, Lasofoxifene,
bazedoxifene (TSE 424; WAY-TSE 424; WAY 140424;
1-[[4-[2-(hexahydro-1H-azepin-1-yl)ethoxy]phenyl]methyl]-2-(4-hydro-xyphe-
nyl)-3-methyl-1H-indol-5-ol), Pipendoxifene (ERA 923;
2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-methyl-1-[[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenyl]methyl-
]-1H-indol-5-ol), and Idoxifene, but are not limited to these
compounds.
[0165] But we have found also that all SERMs do not react in the
same manner and may be divided into two subclasses: "pure SERMs"
and "mixed SERMs". Thus, some SERMs like EM-800 and EM-652.HCl do
not have any estrogenic activity in breast and endometrial tissues
at physiological or pharmacological concentrations and have
hypocholesterolemic and hypotriglyceridemic effects in the rat.
These SERMS may be called "pure SERMs". The ideal SERM is a pure
SERM of the type EM-652.HCl because of its potent and pure
antiestrogenic activity in the mammary gland. Others, like
Raloxifene, Tamoxifen, Droloxifene, 4-hydroxy-Tamoxifen
(1-(4-dimethylaminoethoxyphenyl)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenyl-but-1-ene),
Toremifene, 4-hydroxy-Toremifene
[(Z)-(2)-2-[4-(4-chloro-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenyl-1-butenyl)phenoxy]-N-
,N-dimethylethanamine), LY 353 381, LY 335 563, GW-5638,
Lasofoxifene, Idoxifene and Bazedoxifene have some estrogenic
activities in the breast and endometrium. This second series of
SERMs may be called "mixed SERMs". The unwanted estrogenic
activities of these "mixed SERMs" may be inhibited by addition of
pure "SERMs" as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 in vitro tests and in FIG. 7
in an in vivo test of breast cancer. Since human breast carcinoma
xenografts in nude mice are the closest available model of human
breast cancer, we have thus compared the effect of EM-800 and
Tamoxifen alone and in combination on the growth of ZR-75-1 breast
cancer xenografts in nude mice.
[0166] The applicant believes that it is very important that SERMs
of the invention act as pure antiestrogens in breast, uterine, and
endometrial tissues because SERMs have to counteract potential
side-effects of estrogens, particularly those formed from the
exogenous precursors of sex steroids which can increase the risk of
cancer in these tissues. Particularly, the applicant believes that
benzopyran derivatives of the invention having the absolute
configuration 2S at position 2 is more suitable than its racemic
mixture. Thus, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,060,503, optically active
benzopyran antiestrogens having 2S configuration are disclosed to
treat estrogen-exacerbated breast and endometrial cancer and these
compounds are shown to be significantly more efficient than racemic
mixtures (See FIGS. 1-5 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,060,503).
[0167] The enantiomer of 2S configuration being difficult to be
industrially obtained as a pure state, the applicant believes that
less than 10%, preferably less than 5% and more preferably less
than 2% by weight of contamination by the 2R enantiomer is
preferred.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0168] FIG. 1 shows the effect of treatment with DHEA (10 mg,
percutaneously, once daily) or EM-800 (75 .mu.g, orally, once
daily) alone or in combination for 9 months on serum triglyceride
(A) and cholesterol (B) levels in the rat. Data are expressed as
the means.+-.SEM. **: P<0.01 experimental versus respective
control.
[0169] FIG. 2 shows the effect of 37-week treatment with increasing
doses (0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, and 1 mg/kg) of EM-800 or Raloxifene
administered on total serum cholesterol levels in the
ovariectomized rat. Comparison is made with intact rats and
ovariectomized animals bearing an implant of 173-estradiol
(E.sub.2);** p<0.01, experimental versus OVX control rats.
[0170] FIG. 3 shows: A) Effect of increasing doses of DHEA (0.3 mg,
1.0 mg or 3.0 mg) administered percutaneously twice daily on
average ZR-75-1 tumor size in ovariectomized (OVX) nude mice
supplemented with estrone. Control OVX mice receiving the vehicle
alone are used as additional controls. The initial tumor size was
taken as 100%. DHEA was administered percutaneously (p.c.) in a
0.02 ml solution of 50% ethanol-50% propylene glycol on the dorsal
skin. B) Effect of treatment with increasing doses of DHEA or
EM-800 (a SERM of the present invention) alone or in combination
for 9.5 months on ZR-75-1 tumor weight in OVX nude mice
supplemented with estrone. **, p<0.01, treated versus control
OVX mice supplemented with estrone.
[0171] FIG. 4 shows the effect of increasing oral doses of the
antiestrogen EM-800 (15 .mu.g, 50 .mu.g or 100 .mu.g) (B) or of
percutaneous administration of increasing doses of DHEA (0.3, 1.0
or 3.0 mg) combined with EM-800 (15 .mu.g) or EM-800 alone (A) for
9.5 months on average ZR-75-1 tumor size in ovariectomized (OVX)
nude mice supplemented with estrone. The initial tumor size was
taken as 100%. Control OVX mice receiving the vehicle alone were
used as additional controls. Estrone was administered
subcutaneously at the dose of 0.5 .mu.g once daily while DHEA was
dissolved in 50% ethanol-50% propylene glycol and applied on the
dorsal skin area twice daily in a volume of 0.02 ml. Comparison is
also made with OVX animals receiving the vehicle alone.
[0172] FIG. 5 shows the effect of increasing concentrations of
EM-800, (Z)-4-OH-Tamoxifen, (Z)-4-OH-Toremifene and Raloxifene on
alkaline phosphatase activity in human Ishikawa cells. Alkaline
phosphatase activity was measured after a 5-day exposure to
increasing concentrations of indicated compounds in the presence or
absence of 1.0 nM E.sub.2. The data are expressed as the
means.+-.SEM of four wells. When SEM overlaps with the symbol used,
only the symbol is shown (Simard, Sanchez et al., 1997).
[0173] FIG. 6 shows the blockade of the stimulatory effect of
(Z)-4-OH-Tamoxifen, (Z)-4-OH-Toremifene, Droloxifene and Raloxifene
on alkaline phosphatase activity by the antiestrogen EM-800 in
human Ishikawa carcinoma cells. Alkaline phosphatase activity was
measured after a 5-day exposure to 3 or 10 nM of the indicated
compounds in the presence or absence of 30 or 100 nM EM-800. The
data are expressed as the means.+-.SD of eight wells with the
exception of the control groups were data are obtained from 16
wells (Simard, Sanchez et al., 1997).
[0174] FIG. 7 shows that the stimulatory effect of Tamoxifen on the
growth of human breast cancer ZR-75-1 xenografts is completely
blocked by simultaneous administration of EM-652.HCl. EM-652.HCl,
by itself, in agreement with its pure antiestrogenic activity has
no effect on tumor growth in the absence of Tamoxifen.
[0175] FIG. 8 shows the comparison of the effects of standard ERT
(estrogen) or HRT (estrogen+progestin) and the combination of
dehydroepiandrosterone and the SERM Acolbifene on parameters of
menopause. The addition of Acolbifene to dehydroepiandrosterone
will counteract the potentially negative effect of estrogen formed
from dehydroepiandrosterone.
[0176] FIG. 9 shows sections of rat mammary gland: [0177] a)
Untreated animal. The lobules (L) consist of a few alveoli. Insert.
High magnification showing alveoli. [0178] b) Animal treated with
EM-800 (0.5 mg/kg, b w per day) for 12 weeks. The lobules (L) are
reduced in size. Insert. High magnification showing atrophied
alveolar cells.
[0179] FIG. 10 shows sections of rat endometrium: [0180] a)
Untreated animal. The luminal epithelium (LE) is characterized by
columnar epithelial cells while the glandular epithelium (GE) is
rather cuboidal. The stroma contains several cellular elements and
collagen fibers. [0181] b) Animal treated with EM-800 (0.5 mg/kg, b
w per day) during 12 weeks. The luminal epithelium is markedly
reduced in height. The glandular epithelial cells have unstained
cytophasm with no sign of activity. The stroma is highly cellular
due to reduction in intercellular elements of the stroma.
[0182] FIG. 11 shows the effect on uterine weight of increasing
concentrations of EM-652.HCl, Lasofoxifene (free base; active and
inactive enantiomers) and Raloxifene administered orally for 9 days
to ovariectomized mice simultaneously treated with estrone.
*p<0.05, **p<00.01 versus E.sub.1-treated control.
[0183] FIG. 12 shows the effect on vaginal weight of increasing
concentrations of EM-652.HCl, Lasofoxifene (free base; active and
inactive enantiomers) and Raloxifene administered orally for 9 days
to ovariectomized mice simultaneously treated with estrone.
**p<0.01 versus E.sub.1-treated control.
[0184] FIG. 13 shows the effect on uterine weight of 1 .mu.g and 10
.mu.g of EM-652.HCl, Lasofoxifene (free base; active and inactive
enantiomers) and Raloxifene administered orally for 9 days to
ovariectomized mice. **p<0.01 versus OVX control.
[0185] FIG. 14 shows the effect on vaginal weight of 1 .mu.g and 10
.mu.g of EM-652.HCl, Lasofoxifene (free base; active and inactive
enantiomers) and Raloxifene administered orally for 9 days to
ovariectomized mice. **p<0.01 versus OVX control.
[0186] FIG. 15 shows the effect of 12-month treatment with
dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) alone or in combination with
Flutamide or EM-800 on trabecular bone volume in ovariectomized
rats. Intact animals are added as additional controls. Data are
presented as mean.+-.SEM ** p<0.01 versus OVX Control.
[0187] FIG. 16 shows the effect of 12-month treatment with
dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) alone or in combination with
Flutamide or EM-800 on trabecular number in ovariectomized rats.
Intact animals are added as additional controls. Data are presented
as mean.+-.SEM ** p<0.01 versus OVX Control.
[0188] FIG. 17 shows proximal tibia metaphyses from intact control
(A), ovariectomized control (B), and ovariectomized rats treated
with DHEA alone (C) or in combination with Flutamide (D) or EM-800
(E). Note the reduced amount of trabecular bone (T) in
ovariectomized control animals (B), and the significant increase in
trabecular bone volume (T) induced after DHEA administration (C).
The addition of Flutamide to DHEA partially blocked the effect of
DHEA on the trabecular bone volume (D), whereas the combination of
DHEA and EM-800 provided complete protection against the
ovariectomy-associated bone loss. Modified trichrome
Masson-Goldner, magn. .times.80. T: Trabeculae, GP: Growth
Plate.
[0189] FIG. 18 shows the effects of antiestrogens on ZR-75-1 tumor
growth. Effect of treatment with 7 antiestrogens for 161 days, on
estrone-induced growth of human ZR-75-1 breast tumors in
ovariectomized nude mice. Tumor size is expressed as the percentage
of initial tumor area (Day 1=100%). Data is expressed as
means.+-.SEM (n=18-30 tumors/group); ## p<0.01 vs EM-652.HCl; **
p<0.01 vs OVX. Antiestrogens were administered orally once daily
at the dose of 50 .mu.g/mouse under estrone stimulation obtained
with subcutaneous 0.5-cm silastic implants containing 1:25 ratio of
estrone and cholesterol.
[0190] FIG. 19 shows the effects of antiestrogens on ZR-75-1 tumor
growth. Effect of treatment with 7 antiestrogens for 161 days, on
the growth of human ZR-75-1 breast tumors in ovariectomized nude
mice. Tumor size is expressed as the percentage of initial tumor
area (Day 1=100%). Date is expressed as means .+-.SEM (n=18-30
tumors/group); ## p<0.01 vs EM-652.HCl; **p<0.01 vs OVX.
Antiestrogens were administered orally once daily at the dose of
100 .mu.g/mouse in absence of estrogen stimulation.
[0191] FIG. 20 shows the effects of antiestrogens on ZR-75-1 tumor
growth. Effect of treatment with the antiestrogens Tamoxifen,
EM-652.HCl (Acolbifene) and the combination of Tamoxifen and
EM-652.HCl for 161 days, on the growth of human ZR-75-1 breast
tumors in ovariectomized nude mice. Tumor size is expressed as the
percentage of initial tumor area (Day 1=100%). Data is expressed as
means.+-.SEM (n=18-30 tumors/group); ##p<0.01 vs EM-652.HCl;
**p<0.01 vs OVX. Antiestrogens were administered orally once
daily at the dose of 200 .mu.g/mouse in absence of estrogen
stimulation.
[0192] FIG. 21 shows the effects of antiestrogens on categories of
response. Effect of a 161-day administration of 7 antiestrogens, on
the category of response of human ZR-75-1 breast tumors in
ovariectomized nude mice. Complete regression identifies those
tumors that were undetectable at the end of treatment; partial
regression corresponds to the tumors that regressed .gtoreq.50% of
their original size; stable response refers to tumors that
regressed <50% or progressed .ltoreq.50%; and progression
indicates that they progressed more than 50% compared with their
original size. Antiestrogens were administered orally once daily at
the dose of 50 .mu.g/mouse under estrone stimulation obtained with
subcutaneous 0.5-cm silastic implants containing 1:25 ratio of
estrone and cholesterol.
[0193] FIG. 22 shows the effects of antiestrogen on categories of
response. Effect of a 161-day administration of 7 antiestrogens, on
the category of response of human ZR-75-1 breast tumors in
ovariectomized nude mice. Complete regression identifies those
tumors that were undetectable at the end of treatment; partial
regression corresponds to the tumors that regressed .gtoreq.50% of
their original size; stable response refers to tumors that
regressed <50% or progressed .ltoreq.50%; and progression
indicates that they progressed more than 50% compared with their
original size. Antiestrogens were administered orally once daily at
the dose of 200 .mu.g/mouse in absence of estrogen stimulation.
[0194] FIG. 23 shows the effects of antiestrogen on categories of
response. Effect of a 161-day administration of the antiestrogens
Tamoxifen, EM-652.HCl (Acolbifene) and the combination of Tamoxifen
and EM-652.HCl, on the category of response of human ZR-75-1 breast
tumors in ovariectomized nude mice. Complete regression identifies
those tumors that were undetectable at the end of treatment;
partial regression corresponds to the tumors that regressed
.gtoreq.50% of their original size; stable response refers to
tumors that regressed <50% or progressed .ltoreq.50%; and
progression indicates that they progressed more than 50% compared
with their original size. Antiestrogens were administered orally
once daily at the dose of 200 .mu.g/mouse in absence of estrogen
stimulation.
[0195] FIG. 24 is a Study Design Diagram of the phase II-III
placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effects of DHEA on
vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes) in postmenopausal women.
[0196] FIG. 25 shows the effect of a daily dose of DHEA or placebo
on mean number of moderate to severe hot flushes during 16 weeks of
treatment (*, p<0.05 DHEA versus placebo).
[0197] FIG. 26 shows the treatment with a daily 50 mg dose of DHEA
or placebo on mean number of all hot flushes (mild, moderate and
severe) during 16 weeks of treatment (*, p<0.05 DHEA versus
placebo).
[0198] FIG. 27 shows the maturation index measured on Day 1 and Day
7 in 40-75 year-old postmenopausal women following daily
administration of vaginal suppositories containing 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%
or 1.8% of DHEA. Data are expressed as means.+-.SEM (n=9 or 10). *,
p<0.05, **, p<0.01, Data on Day 7 versus Data on Day 1.
[0199] FIG. 28 shows vaginal pH measured on Day 1 and Day 7 in
40-75 year old postmenopausal women following daily administration
of vaginal suppositories containing 0%, 0.5%, 1.0% or 1.8% of DHEA.
Data are expressed as means.+-.SEM (n=9 or 10). *, p<0.05, **,
p<0.01, Data on Day 7 versus Data on Day 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Beneficial Effects of DHEA
[0200] The most widely recognized fact concerning menopause is that
there is a progressive decrease and finally an arrest of estrogen
secretion by the ovaries. The cessation of ovarian estrogen
secretion is illustrated by the marked decline in circulating
1713-estradiol (E.sub.2) levels. This easily measurable change in
circulating E.sub.2 levels coupled with the beneficial effects of
estrogens on menopausal symptoms and bone resorption has
concentrated most of the efforts of hormone replacement therapy on
various forms of estrogens as well as to combinations of estrogen
and progestin in order to avoid the potentially harmful stimulatory
effects of estrogens used alone on the endometrium which can result
in endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.
[0201] The rapid fall in circulating 17.beta.-estradiol (E.sub.2)
at menopause, coupled with the beneficial effects of exogenous
estrogens on menopausal symptoms and bone resorption has focused
most of the efforts of hormone replacement therapy on various forms
of estrogens as well as to combinations of estrogen and progestin
in order to avoid the risk of endometrial cancer induced by
estrogens administered alone.
[0202] Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), estrogen and progestin,
is used in postmenopausal women for the acute symptoms arising from
estrogen deficiency, particularly hot flushes and night sweats, and
for the long term prevention of osteoporosis and possibly
cardiovascular disease. While progestins are effective at
protecting the uterus from the stimulatory effects of long term
estrogen exposure, it carries its own side effects, in particular
dysfunctional uterine bleeding (Archer et al., 1999). This is a
frequent side effect and a common reason for women to prematurely
stop hormone replacement therapy within the first 6-12 months. The
classical HRT has recently been seriously questioned or even
abandoned by many women following data indicating that the
combination of Premarin and Provera (Prempro) causes a 26% increase
in the incidence of breast cancer at 5.2 years of follow-up with a
potential negative impact on cardiovascular events (Women's Health
Initiative, 2002).
[0203] We feel that the increased understanding of androgen and
estrogen formation and action in peripheral target tissues called
intracrinology (Labrie, 1991; Labrie et al., 1992a; Labrie et al.,
1992b; Labrie et al., 1994; Labrie et al., 1995; Luu--The et al.,
1995a; Labrie et al., 1996; Labrie et al., 1997a; Labrie et al.,
1997b; Labrie et al., 1997c; Labrie et al., 1997d) as well as our
recent observations indicating the predominant role of androgens
over that of estrogens in the prevention of bone loss after
ovariectomy in the rat (Martel et al., 1998) and the observation of
a similar situation in post-menopausal women (Labrie et al., 1997c)
have paved the way for a timely and potentially highly significant
progress in the field of sex steroid replacement therapy and aging.
Such a possibility is well supported by our observations.
[0204] In Berger et al. (2005) it is shown particularly interesting
effects of DHEA on the three layers of the vaginal wall of rat
vagina, namely a highly mucified epithelium, an increased
muscularis thickness and increased collagen fiber compactness in
the lamina propria. Thus DHEA exerts both androgenic and estrogenic
effects on the vaginal mucosa, providing a more physiological
replacement therapy.
[0205] The present invention is thus based upon the recent progress
achieved in our understanding of sex steroid physiology in men and
women (Labrie, 1991; Labrie et al., 1992a; Labrie et al., 1992b;
Labrie et al., 1994; Labrie et al., 1995a; Luu--The et al., 1995a;
Labrie et al., 1997a; Labrie et al., 1997b; Labrie et al., 1997c;
Labrie et al., 1997d) and the recognition that women, at menopause,
are not only deprived from estrogens activity due to a declining
ovarian activity, but have already been submitted for a few years
to a decreasing exposure to androgens. In fact, normal women
produce an amount of androgens equivalent to two thirds of the
androgens secreted in men (Labrie et al., 1997a).
[0206] The pool of androgens in women decreases progressively from
the age of 30 years in parallel with the decrease in the serum
concentration of DHEA and DHEA-S (Labrie et al., 1997b).
Consequently, it appears logical to use both androgenic and
estrogenic replacement therapy at peri- and post-menopause, thus
maintaining a physiological balance between these two classes of
sex steroids in each cell and tissue, a goal which can only be met
by the local formation of androgens and estrogens in peripheral
tissues from the steroid precursor DHEA.
DHEA, a Predominant Source of Androgens
Role of DHEA in Peripheral Sex Steroid Formation
[0207] Humans, with some other primates, are unique among animal
species in having adrenals that secrete large amounts of the
inactive precursor steroids DHEA and especially DHEA-S, which are
converted into potent androgens and/or estrogens in peripheral
tissues. Plasma DHEA-S levels in adult and women are 500 times
higher than those of testosterone and 10,000 times higher than
those of estradiol, thus providing a large supply of substrate for
the formation of androgens and/or estrogens. As mentioned above,
the local synthesis and action of sex steroids in peripheral target
tissues has been called intracrinology (Labrie et al., 1988;
Labrie, 1991). Recent and rapid progress in this area has been made
possible by the elucidation of the structure of most of the
tissue-specific genes that encode the steroidogenic enzymes
responsible for the transformation of DHEA-S and DHEA into
androgens and/or estrogens locally in peripheral tissues (Labrie et
al., 1992a; Labrie et al., 1992c; Labrie et al., 1995; Luu--The et
al., 1995b; Labrie et al., 1996; Labrie et al., 1997d).
[0208] The major importance of DHEA and DHEA-S in human sex steroid
physiology is illustrated by the estimate that approximately 50% of
total androgens in adult men derive from these adrenal precursor
steroids (Labrie et al., 1985; Belanger et al., 1986; Labrie et
al., 1993), while, in women, our best estimate of the intracrine
formation of estrogens in peripheral tissues is in the order of 75%
before menopause and close to 100% after menopause (Labrie,
1991).
[0209] The almost exclusive focus on the role of ovarian estrogens
has removed the attention from the dramatic 70% fall in circulating
DHEA which already occurs between the ages of 20 to 30 and 40 to 50
years (Migeon et al., 1957; Vermeulen and Verdonck, 1976; Vermeulen
et al., 1982; Orentreich et al., 1984; Belanger et al., 1994;
Labrie et al., 1997b). Since DHEA is transformed to both androgens
and estrogens in peripheral tissues, such a fall in serum DHEA and
DHEA-S explains why women at menopause, as mentioned above, are not
only lacking estrogens but are also deprived from androgens.
[0210] As mentioned above, recent data suggest that progestins have
a negative impact on breast cancer (Clarke and Sutherland, 1990;
Musgrove et al., 1991; Horwitz, 1992), with reports indicating an
increased risk of the disease (Colditz et al., 1995). In this
context, it is important to indicate that the absence of a
stimulatory effect of DHEA on the human endometrium (Labrie et al.,
1997c) eliminates the need to administer a progestin to neutralize
the potential effect of estrogens on the endometrium.
[0211] Concerning the breast, DHEA is known to prevent the
development (Luo et al., 1997) and to inhibit the growth (Li et
al., 1993) of dimethylbenz(a)anthracene mammary tumors in the rat.
DHEA, in addition, inhibits the growth of human breast cancer
xenografts in nude mice (See example 1 and Couillard et al., 1998).
Thus, contrary to estrogens and progestins which exert stimulatory
effects, DHEA is expected to inhibit both the development and the
growth of breast cancer in women.
[0212] As well demonstrated in our previous studies,
supplementation with physiological amounts of exogenous DHEA
permits the biosynthesis of androgens and estrogens only in the
appropriate target tissues which contain the specific steroidogenic
enzymes. The active androgens and estrogens thus synthesized remain
in the cells of origin and very little leakage occurs into the
circulation. In fact, the most striking effects of DHEA
administration are on the circulating levels of the glucuronide
derivatives of the metabolites of DHT, namely ADT-G and
3.alpha.-diol-G, these metabolites being produced locally in the
peripheral intracrine tissues which possess the appropriate
steroidogenic enzymes to synthesize DHT from the adrenal precursors
DHEA and DHEA-S and, thereafter, to further metabolize DHT into
inactive conjugates (Labrie, 1991; Labrie et al., 1996). This local
biosynthesis and action of androgens in target tissues eliminates
the exposure of other tissues to androgens and thus minimizes the
risks of undesirable masculinizing or other androgen-related side
effects. The same applies to estrogens although we feel that a
reliable parameter of total estrogen secretion (comparable to the
glucuronides for androgens) is not yet available.
Role of Androgens and Estrogens in Bone Physiology
[0213] A predominant role of androgens on bone physiology is well
documented (Labrie et al., 1997c; Martel et al., 1998). In fact,
both testosterone and DHT increased the transcription of a (I)
procollagen mRNA in osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cells (Benz et
al., 1991). Treatment with DHT has also been shown to stimulate
endochondral bone development in the orchiectomized rat (Kapur and
Reddi, 1989). Moreover, bone mineral density measured in the lumbar
spine, femoral trochanter and total body was increased more by
estrogen+testosterone implants than by E.sub.2 alone over a
24-month treatment period in postmenopausal women (Davis et al.,
1995).
[0214] Moreover, in established osteoporosis, anabolic steroids
have been reported to help prevent bone loss (Hennernan and
Wallach, 1957). Similarly, subcutaneous E.sub.2 and testosterone
implants have been found to be more efficient than oral estrogen in
preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women (Savvas et al.,
1988). Although the difference observed in that study has been
attributed to the different routes of administration of the
estrogen, the cause of the difference could well be the action of
testosterone. As index of increased bone formation, an increase in
serum osteocalcin, a marker of bone formation has been found in
postmenopausal women receiving methyltestosterone plus estrogen,
compared with estrogen alone (Raisz et al., 1996). A similar
stimulatory effect on serum osteocalcin has been observed following
treatment of postmenopausal women with percutaneous DHEA for 12
months (Labrie et al., 1997c). Moreover, androgen therapy, as
observed with nandrolone decanoate, has been found to increase
vertebral bone mineral density in postmenopausal women (Need et
al., 1989). Although androgens are gaining increasing support due
to their unique actions in postmenopausal women, virilizing effects
are observed with the use of testosterone (Burger et al., 1984;
Studd et al., 1987).
DHEA and Abdominal Obesity
[0215] Abdominal obesity is associated with an increased risk of
insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis (Shimokata
et al., 1989; Cefalu et al., 1995; Ferrannini et al., 1997;
Kopelman, 2000). Among other factors, hormonal changes, especially
the declining secretion of DHEA and DHEA-S by the adrenals is
thought to be a factor involved (Tchernof et al., 1996). In rat and
mouse models, DHEA administration reduces visceral fat accumulation
in diet-induced (Yen et al., 1977; Cleary and Zisk, 1986; Mohan et
al., 1990; Hansen et al., 1997) obesity. A beneficial effect of
DHEA has also been observed on the decrease in insulin resistance
that occurs with age (Han et al., 1998).
[0216] In a study performed in postmenopausal women who received a
DHEA cream for 12 months, we have found that insulin resistance was
decreased while subcutaneous fat at the level of the thigh was also
decreased (Diamond et al., 1996). Moreover, the daily
administration of 50 mg DHEA for 6 months in 65 to 78-year old men
and women decreased abdominal visceral fat by 10.2% in women and
7.4% in men (Villareal and Holloszy, 2004). In the same study,
abdominal subcutaneous fat was decreased by 6% in both women and
men. Moreover, the responsiveness of serum insulin to the glucose
tolerance test was decreased by 13% with no change in the glucose
response, thus leading to a 34% improvement in the insulin
sensitivity index following DHEA administration. An improvement in
DHEA action has also been found in middle-aged men suffering from
hypercholesterolemia (Kawano et al., 2003).
[0217] In a previous study performed by the same group, DHEA
administration for 6 months decreased total body fat mass by 1.4 kg
while fat-free mass was increased by 0.9 kg (Villareal et al.,
2000). Effects of androgens on libido, hot flushes and quality of
life.
[0218] Community-based studies suggest self-reported sexual
dysfunctions in women which range from 8% to 50%. In fact, low
libido and sexual dysfunction increases with age in women from the
third decade (Laumann et al., 1999) as well as after ovariectomy
(Nathorst-Boos and von Schoultz, 1992). While phychosocial and
health factors are involved in low arousal and sexual desire
(Dennerstein et al., 1997) it is believed that low androgens play
an independent role (Bachmann et al., 2002; Miller et al.,
2004).
[0219] Androgens are known to play a role in women's arousability,
pleasure as well as intensity and ease of orgasm. Androgens are
also involved in the neurovascular smooth muscle response of
swelling and increased lubrication (Basson, 2004). Estrogens affect
the vulval and vaginal congestive responses. Since estrogens also
affect mood, they have an influence on sexual interest (Basson,
2004). It should be remembered that DHEA is transformed into both
androgens and estrogens in the vagina (Sourla et al., 1998) (Berger
et al., 2005)
[0220] In addition, the detailed benefits of androgens added to ERT
or HRT have been described on general well-being, energy, mood, and
general quality of life (Sherwin and Gelfand, 1985; Sherwin, 1988).
Improvements in the major psychologic and psychomatic symptoms,
namely irritability, nervousness, memory, and insomnia have been
observed following addition of androgens to estrogen replacement
therapy (ERT) (Notelovitz et al., 1991).
[0221] Loss of libido and/or sexual satisfaction are common in
early post-menopause. The addition of androgens to hormone
replacement therapy (HRT) is known to have beneficial effects on
these problems. Shifren et al., (2000) have found that transdermal
testosterone administered by patch improved sexual frequency,
pleasure and mood in surgically menopausal women. The effect was
seen at a daily 300 .mu.g dose of testosterone, a dose that led to
serum testosterone levels in the upper limit of normal.
Testosterone treatment has also been studied in non
androgen-deficient women complaining of decreased libido (Goldstat
et al., 2003). Such treatment with testosterone improved libido,
sexual function as well as quality of life compared to placebo.
Similarly, in menopausal women with normal levels of androgens, the
addition of methyltestosterone to estrogen increased sexual desire
and frequency as compared to estrogen alone (Lobo et al., 2003).
Among women with dysfunction of sexual interest, desire, androgen
therapy has been suggested for those having free serum testosterone
levels within the lower quantile of the reference range (Bachmann
et al., 2002). In fact, there is increased use of testosterone to
treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) (Sherwin and
Gelfand, 1987; Davis et al., 1995; Shifren et al., 2000; Goldstat
et al., 2003). These randomized clinical trials demonstrate that
testosterone is effective in women with HSDD.
[0222] The androgenic effect of DHEA should also be useful in
reducing hot flushes. In fact, androgen therapy is successful in
reducing hot flushes in hypogonadal men (De Fazio et al., 1984) and
in menopausal transition in women (Overlie et al., 2002). Moreover,
the addition of androgens has been found to be effective in
relieving hot flushes in women who had unsatisfactory results with
estrogen alone (Sherwin and Gelfand, 1984). Hot flushes are one of
the main reasons women initially seek HRT therapy, and estrogen is
very effective at alleviating this symptom.
[0223] A clear example of nature of androgen deficiency of adrenal
origin is provided by cases of adrenal insufficiency. (Arlt et al.,
1999) have studied the effect of DHEA, 50 mg daily and placebo for
4 months in a population of women suffering from adrenal
insufficiency. Treatment with DHEA raised serum testosterone in the
low normal range. Such treatment increased the frequency of sexual
thoughts, interest and satisfaction. Well-being, depression and
anxiety were also improved. In a study where DHEA was administered
at a high 300 mg daily dose, a greater subjective mental
(p<0.016) and physical (p<0.030) was observed in response to
an erotic video (Hackbert and Heiman, 2002). In a study performed
in women receiving 50 mg DHEA daily, improved libido was observed
in women aged 70 years or more but not in those aged 60 to 70 years
(Baulieu, 1999). DHEA has also shown beneficial effects on hot
flushes (Baulieu, 1999; Stomati et al., 2000). In a recent Canadian
survey, 70.8% of practitioners add androgen to estrogen to enhance
quality of life (Gelfand, 2004).
Other Potential Benefits of DHEA
[0224] The 70 to 95% reduction in the formation of DHEA and DHEA-S
by the adrenals during aging results in a dramatic reduction in the
formation of androgens and estrogens in peripheral target tissues,
which could well be involved in the pathogenesis of age-related
diseases such as insulin resistance (Coleman et al., 1982; Schriock
et al., 1988) and obesity (Nestler et al., 1988; MacEwen and
Kurzman, 1991; Tchernof et al., 1995). Low circulating levels of
DHEA-S and DHEA have, in fact, been found in patients with breast
cancer (Zumoff et al., 1981) and DHEA has been found to exert
antioncogenic activity in a series of animal models (Schwartz et
al., 1986; Gordon et al., 1987; Li et al., 1993). DHEA has also
been shown to have immuno modulatory effects in vitro (Suzuki et
al., 1991) and in vivo in fungal and viral diseases (Rasmussen et
al., 1992), including HIV (Henderson et al., 1992). On the other
hand, a stimulatory effect of DHEA on the immune system has been
described in postmenopausal women (Casson et al., 1993).
Previous Data Obtained with DHEA in Women
[0225] The use of estrogen replacement therapy requires the
addition of progestins to counteract the endometrial proliferation
induced by estrogens while both estrogens and progestins could
increase the risk of breast cancer (Bardon et al., 1985; Colditz et
al., 1995). In order to avoid the limitations of standard estrogen
(ERT) or hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), we have studied the
effect of DHEA administration to 60 to 70 year old women for 12
months on bone mineral density, parameters of bone formation and
turnover, serum lipids, glucose and insulin, adipose tissue mass,
muscular mass, energy, well-being as well as on vaginal and
endometrial histology (Diamond et al., 1996; Labrie et al., 1997c).
DHEA was administered percutaneously to avoid first passage of the
steroid precursor through the liver.
[0226] We have thus evaluated the effect of chronic replacement
therapy with a 10% DHEA cream applied once daily for 12 months in
60 to 70 year old women (N=15). Anthropometric measurements showed
no change in body weight but a 9.8% decrease in subcutaneous skin
fold thickness at 12 months (p<0.05) (Diamond et al., 1996).
Bone mass density was increased by 2.3% at the hip, 3.75% at the
hip Ward's triangle, and 2.2% at the lumbar spine level (all
p<0.05). These changes in bone mineral density were accompanied
by significant decreases at 12 months of 38% and 22% in urinary
hydroxyproline and in plasma bone alkaline phosphatase,
respectively (all p<0.05). An increase of 135% over control
(p<0.05) in plasma osteocalcin was concomitantly observed, thus
suggesting a stimulatory effect of DHEA on bone formation.
[0227] Measurements of mid-thigh fat and muscle areas by computed
tomography have shown a 3.8% decrease (p<0.05) of femoral fat
and a 3.5% increase (p<0.05) in femoral muscular area at 12
months (Diamond et al., 1996). There was no significant change in
abdominal fat measurements. These changes in body fat and muscular
surface areas were associated with a 12% decrease (p<0.05) of
fasting plasma glucose and a 17% decrease (p<0.05) in fasting
plasma insulin levels. Treatment with DHEA had no undesirable
effect on the lipid or lipoprotein profile. In fact, there was an
overall trend for a 3% to 10% decrease in total cholesterol and its
lipoprotein fractions. Plasma triglycerides were not affected.
[0228] The index of sebum secretion was 79% increased after 12
months of DHEA therapy with a return to pretreatment values 3
months after cessation of treatment. DHEA administration stimulated
vaginal epithelium maturation in 8 out of 10 women who had a
maturation value of zero at the onset of therapy while a
stimulation was also seen in the three women who had an
intermediate vaginal maturation before therapy. Most importantly,
the estrogenic stimulatory effect observed in the vagina was not
found in the endometrium which remained completely atrophic in all
women after 12 months of DHEA treatment (Labrie et al., 1997c).
[0229] The present data clearly indicate the beneficial effects of
DHEA therapy in postmenopausal women through its transformation
into androgens and/or estrogens in specific intracrine target
tissues without significant side effects. The absence of
stimulation of the endometrium by DHEA eliminates the need for
progestin replacement therapy, thus avoiding the fear of
progestin-induced breast cancer. The observed stimulatory effect of
DHEA on bone mineral density and the increase in serum osteocalcin,
a marker of bone formation, are of particular interest for the
prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and indicate a unique
activity of DHEA on bone physiology, namely on bone formation
while, ERT and HRT can only reduce the rate of bone loss.
[0230] A role of androgens has been proposed on depression, memory
loss, loss of cognition and brain cell activity (Almeida et al.,
2008, Azad et al., 2003 and Hajszan et al., 2008). Estrogens which
can also be synthesized in brain from DHEA have been shown to have
a beneficial role in Alzheimer's disease, memory loss and loss of
cognition (Rocca et al., 2007). Three metaanalyses have shown a 20
to 40% decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease in women who used
estrogen after menopause (Yaffe et al., 1998, Leblanc et al., 2001,
Hogovorst et al., 2000). Estrogen reduces beta-amyloid deposition
in the brain whereas progesterone has the opposite effect (Xu et
al, 1998, Huang et al., 2004).
[0231] An association between lack of estrogen and cognitive
impairment or dementia is supported by laboratory data. Among them
estrogen improves synapse formation on dendritic spines in the
hippocampi of oophorectomized rats (Mc Ewen and Alves, 1999, Monk
and Brodatz, 2000). Moreover, estrogen improves cerebral blood flow
and glucose metabolism and it may act as an antioxidant ((Mc Ewen
and Alves, 1999; Monk and Brodatz, 2000; Gibbs and Aggamal, 1998).
Estrogen has also been found to prevent B-Amyloid 1-42 from
inducing a rise in intracellular calcium and from causing
mitochondrial damage (Chen et al., 2006, Morrison et al.,
2006).
[0232] There is now solid evidence from clinical studies that there
is a critical age window for the beneficial effects of estrogens on
neuroprotection (Rocca et al., 2007), cardiovascular disease
(Manson et al., 2006) and overall mortality (Rocca et al., 2006).
The best benefits are seen when the treatment with E.sub.2 has been
started early with sometimes no or negative effects when the
treatment is started late after menopause (WHI study). Estrogen
reduces beta-amyloid deposition in the brain whereas progesterone
has the apposite effect (Xu et al., 1998, Huan et al., 2004).
Benefits of DHEA: Combination of Estrogen-Like and Androgenic
Effects
[0233] It has been observed that androgens exert a direct
antiproliferative activity on the growth of ZR-75-1 Androgens have
also been shown to inhibit the growth of DMBA-induced mammary
carcinoma in the rat, this inhibition being reversed by the
simultaneous administration of the pure antiandrogen Flutamide
(Dauvois et al., 1989). Taken together, these data indicate the
involvement of the androgen receptor in the inhibitory action of
DHEA on breast cancer human breast cancer cells in vitro and that
such an inhibitory effect of androgens is additive to that of an
antiestrogen (Poulin and Labrie, 1986; Poulin et al., 1988).
Similar inhibitory effects have been observed in vivo on ZR-75-1
xenographts in nude mice (Dauvois et al., 1991).
[0234] We have shown that DHEA exerts beneficial effects on bone in
both the female rat (Luo et al., 1997), and postmenopausal women
(Labrie et al., 1997c). Thus, in intact female rats, treatment with
DHEA increases bone mineral density (BMD) of total skeleton, lumbar
spine and femur (Luo et al., 1997).
[0235] The present invention is based upon the recent progress
achieved in our understanding of sex steroid physiology in women
and the recognition that women, at menopause, are not only deprived
from estrogen due to the arrest of estrogen secretion by the
ovaries, but have already been submitted for a few years to a
decreasing exposure to androgens. In fact, normal women produce an
amount of androgens equivalent to two thirds of the androgens
secreted in men (Labrie et al., 1997a). The pool of androgens in
women decreases progressively from the age of 30 years in parallel
with the decrease in the serum concentration of DHEA and DHEA-S
(Labrie et al., 1997b). Consequently, it appears logical to use
both androgenic and estrogenic replacement therapy at peri- and
post-menopause, thus maintaining a physiological balance between
these two classes of sex steroids in each cell and tissue, a goal
which can only be met by the local formation of androgens and
estrogens in peripheral tissues from a steroid precursor such as
DHEA. The addition of a SERM like Acolbifene is to increase the
positive effect on breast cancer protection as well as on other
benefice of SERM administration. In FIG. 8, comparison is made with
the positive and negative effects of classical ERT.
[0236] Previous data indicate the beneficial effects of DHEA
therapy in postmenopausal women through its transformation into
androgens and/or estrogens in specific intracrine target tissues
without significant side effects. In fact, our data obtained in the
rat clearly demonstrate that DHEA can provide the beneficial
effects which are lacking with the use of a selective estrogen
receptor modulator (SERM) alone.
Beneficial Effects of Acolbifene:
[0237] It can be seen in FIG. 7 that the approximately 100%
stimulatory effect of Tamoxifen on tumor growth was completely
blocked by simultaneous treatment with EM-652 HCl. EM-652.HCl in
accordance with its pure antiestrogenic activity did not exert any
stimulatory effect on the growth of the human breast cancer ZR-75-1
xenografts in nude mice.
[0238] We have tested the steroidal antiestrogen fluvestrant
(Faslodex, ICI 182,780) and found it not to function as a SERM but
antiestrogen fluvestrant may also be used in combination with DHEA
in the present invention for the prevention of breast cancer.
SERMs, in accordance with the invention, may be administered in the
same dosage as known in the art, even where the art uses them as
antiestrogens instead of as SERMs.
[0239] We have also noted a correlation between the beneficial
effect of SERMs have on serum cholesterol and beneficial estrogenic
or estrogen-like effects on bone. SERMs have also a beneficial
effect on hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity
(especially abdominal obesity). Without intending to be bound by
theory, it is believed that SERMs, many of which preferably have
two aromatic rings linked by one to two carbon atoms, are expected
to interact with the estrogen receptor by virtue of the foregoing
portion of the molecule that is best recognized by the receptor.
Preferred SERMs have side chains which may selectively cause
antagonistic properties in breast and usually uterine tissues
without having significant antagonistic properties in other
tissues. Thus, the SERMs may desirably functions as antiestrogens
in the breast while surprisingly and desirably functioning as
estrogens (or providing estrogen-like activity) in bone and in the
blood (where concentrations of lipid and cholesterol are favorably
affected). The favorable effect on cholesterol and lipids
translates to a favorable effect against atherosclerosis which is
known to be adversely, affected by improper levels of cholesterol
and lipids.
[0240] As demonstrated in FIG. 9, although circulating levels of
173-estradiol were elevated from 95.9.+-.32.4 .mu.g/ml in intact
animals to 143.5.+-.7.8 .mu.g/ml (50% elevation in animals treated
with EM-800, 0.5 mg/kg, orally daily/for 12 weeks), a marked
atrophy of the mammary gland was observed. Similarly, in FIG. 10, a
marked atrophy of the endometrium was observed in animals receiving
EM-800 (0.5 mg/kg). In these intact animals receiving the pure
antiestrogen EM-800, the inhibitory effect of estrogens at the
hypothalamo-pituitary level was removed, thus causing increased LH
and then secondarily increased 173-estradiol secretion by the
ovaries.
[0241] Hot flushes, cardiovascular symptoms, Alzheimer's disease,
loss of cognitive functions and insomnia involve certainly estrogen
receptors situated in the nervous central system. Probably, low
levels of estrogens in the brain, can explain at least in part,
these conditions. Exogenous estrogens and particularly those (i.e.
estradiol) formed by the administration of sex steroid precursors
can pass through the brain barrier and bind to the estrogen
receptor to restore the normal estrogenic action. On the other
hand, SERMs of the invention, and more particularly those of
Acolbifene family, cannot pass through the brain barrier as shown
in example 8. Thus, they cannot antagonise the positive effect of
estrogens in brain but they antagonise the negative effects of
estrogens in the breast, uterine, and endometrial tissues rending
this combination (SERM+sex steroid precursor) particularly
attractive for the treatment or reduction of the risk of acquiring
the above-mentioned conditions.
[0242] As mentioned earlier, a role for androgens has also been
suggested for all these symptoms. In fact, DHEA can provide both
estrogens and androgens in the brain according to physiological
needs.
Overall Additive Benefits of Combining a Sex Steroid Precursor and
a SERM or an Antiestrogen
[0243] The main reason why women consult their physician at
menopause is the occurrence of hot flushes, a problem well known to
be eliminated by estrogen replacement therapy. Since the site
responsible for hot flushes is the central nervous system (CNS) and
EM-652 has very poor accessibility to the CNS (data enclosed), it
is expected that sex steroid precursor administration will increase
estrogen concentration in central nervous system and thus will
control hot flushes without interference by the SERM. On the other
hand, the SERM will eliminate all the negative effects of estrogens
at other sites, specially the risk of breast and uterine cancer. In
fact, the addition of EM-652 to sex steroid precursor blocks the
stimulatory effect of formed estrogens on the mammary gland and
uterus while, in other tissues, EM-652 will exert its own
beneficial effect, for example on the bone, where it partially
reverses the effect of ovariectomy on bone mineral density.
[0244] By removing E.sub.2, we decrease the risk of breast cancer
since our data show that DHEA can decrease hot flushes, vasomotor
symptoms and night sweats. However, DHEA can be slightly
transformed into estrogens, thus the need for a SERM.
[0245] No adverse effect of EM-652 is seen on any parameter while
it should exert marked beneficial effects for the prevention and
treatment of breast and uterine cancer.
[0246] Preferred SERMs or antiestrogens discussed herein relate:
(1) to all diseases stated to be susceptible to the invention; (2)
to both therapeutic and prophylactic applications; and (3) to
preferred pharmaceutical compositions and kits.
[0247] A patient in need of treatment or of reducing the risk of
onset of a given disease is one who has either been diagnosed with
such disease or one who is susceptible of acquiring such
disease.
[0248] Except where otherwise stated, the preferred dosage of the
active compounds (concentrations and modes of administration) of
the invention is identical for both therapeutic and prophylactic
purposes. The dosage for each active component discussed herein is
the same regardless of the disease being treated (or of the disease
whose likelihood of onset is being reduced).
[0249] Except when otherwise noted or where apparent from context,
dosages herein refer to weight of active compounds unaffected by
pharmaceutical excipients, diluents, carriers or other ingredients,
although such additional ingredients are desirably included, as
shown in the examples herein. Any dosage form (capsule, pill,
tablet, injection or the like) commonly used in the pharmaceutical
industry is appropriate for use herein, and the terms "excipient",
"diluent", or "carrier" include such nonactive ingredients as are
typically included, together with active ingredients in such dosage
forms in the industry. For example, typical capsules, pills,
enteric coatings, solid or liquid diluents or excipients,
flavorants, preservatives, or the like may be included.
[0250] All of the active ingredients used in any of the therapies
discussed herein may be formulated in pharmaceutical compositions
which also include one or more of the other active ingredients.
Alternatively, they may each be administered separately but
sufficiently simultaneous in time so that a patient eventually has
elevated blood levels or otherwise enjoys the benefits of each of
the active ingredients (or strategies) simultaneously. In some
preferred embodiments of the invention, for example, one or more
active ingredients are to be formulated in a single pharmaceutical
composition. In other embodiments of the invention, a kit is
provided which includes at least two separate containers wherein
the contents of at least one container differs, in whole or in
part, from the contents of at least one other container with
respect to active ingredients contained therein.
[0251] Combination therapies discussed herein also include use of
one active ingredient (of the combination) in the manufacture of a
medicament for the treatment (or risk reduction) of the disease in
question where the treatment or prevention further includes another
active ingredient of the combination in accordance with the
invention. For example in one embodiment, the invention provides
the use of a SERM in the preparation of a medicament for use, in
combination with a sex steroid precursor in vivo, in the treatment
of any of the diseases for which the present combination therapy is
believed effective (i.e. hot flushes, sweat, irregular
menstruation, and any symptoms related to menopause).
[0252] Estrogens are well-known to stimulate the proliferation of
breast epithelial cells and cell proliferation itself is thought to
increase the risk of cancer by accumulating random genetic errors
that may result in neoplasia (Preston Martin et al., 1990). Based
on this concept, antiestrogens have been introduced to prevent
breast cancer with the objective of reducing the rate of cell
division stimulated by estrogens.
[0253] We have also studied the potential interaction of the
inhibitory effect of the novel antiestrogen (EM-800) with that of
sex steroid precursor (DHEA) on the growth of human ZR-75-1 breast
cancer xenografts in nude mice by combined administration of the
two drugs. FIGS. 3 and 4 show that DHEA, by itself, at the doses
used, causes a 50 to 80% inhibition of tumor growth while the near
complete inhibition of tumor growth achieved with a low dose of the
antiestrogen was not affected by DHEA.
[0254] The limitations of bone mineral density (BMD) measurements
are well known. As an example, BMD measurements showed no change in
rats treated with the steroidal antiestrogen ICI 182780 (Wakeling,
1993) while inhibitory changes were seen by histomorphometry
(Gallagher et al., 1993). Similar differences were reported with
Tamoxifen (Jordan et al., 1987; Sibonga et al., 1996).
[0255] It should be indicated that reduced bone mineral density is
not the only abnormality associated with reduced bone strength. It
is thus important to analyze the changes in biochemical parameters
of bone metabolism induced by various compounds and treatments in
order to gain a better knowledge of their action.
[0256] It is particularly important to indicate that the
combination of DHEA and EM-800 exerted unexpected beneficial
effects on important biochemical parameters of bone metabolism. In
fact, DHEA alone did not affect the urinary
hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio, a marker of bone resorption.
Moreover, no effect of DHEA could be detected on daily urinary
calcium or phosphorus excretion (Luo et al., 1997). EM-800
decreased the urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio by 48% while,
similarly to DHEA, no effect of EM-800 was seen on urinary calcium
or phosphorus excretion. EM-800, moreover, had no effect on serum
alkaline phosphatase activity, a marker of bone formation while
DHEA increased the value of the parameter by about 75% (Luo et al.,
1997).
[0257] One of the unexpected effects of the combination of DHEA and
EM-800 relates to the urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio, a
marker of bone resorption, which was reduced by 69% when both DHEA
and EM-800 were combined, this value being statistically different
(p<0.01) from the 48% inhibition achieved by EM-800 alone while
DHEA alone did not show any effect. Thus, the addition of DHEA to
EM-800 increases by 50% the inhibitory effect of EM-800 on bone
reabsorption. Most importantly, another unexpected effect of the
addition of DHEA to EM-800 was the approximately 84% decrease in
urinary calcium (from 23.17.+-.1.55 to 3.71.+-.0.75 .mu.mol/24
h/100 g (p<0.01) and the 55% decrease in urinary phosphorus
(from 132.72.+-.6.08 to 59.06.+-.4.76 .mu.mol/24 h/100 g
(p<0.01) respectively, (Luo et al., 1997).
[0258] Importantly, the combination of EM-800 and DHEA in
ovariectomized rats treated for 12 months had beneficial effects on
bone morphometry. Trabecular bone volume is particularly important
for bone strength and to prevent bone fractures. Thus, in the
above-mentioned study, trabecular bone volume of the tibia
increased from 4.1.+-.0.7% in ovariectomized rats to 11.9.+-.0.6%
(p<0.01) with DHEA alone while the addition of EM-800 to DHEA
further increased trabecular bone volume to 14.7.+-.1.4%, a value
similar to that found in intact controls (FIG. 15).
[0259] From a value of 0.57.+-.0.08 per mm in ovariectomized rats,
treatment with DHEA resulted in a 137% increase in trabecular bone
number compared to ovariectomized controls. The stimulatory effect
of DHEA thus reached 1.27.+-.0.1 per mm while simultaneous
treatment with EM-800 and DHEA resulted in an additional 28%
increase in trabecular bone number (p<0.01) compared to that
achieved by DHEA alone (FIG. 16). Similarly, the addition of EM-800
to DHEA treatment, resulted in an additional 15% (p<0.05)
decrease in trabecular bone separation, compared to that achieved
with DHEA alone, thus leading to values not different from those
seen in intact controls.
[0260] As complement to the numerical data presented in FIGS.
15,16, FIG. 17 illustrates the increase in trabecular bone volume
in the proximal tibia metaphysis induced by DHEA in ovariectomized
treated animals (C) compared to ovariectomized controls (B), as
well as the partial inhibition of the stimulatory effect of DHEA
after the addition of Flutamide to DHEA treatment (D). On the other
hand, administration of DHEA in combination with EM-800 resulted in
a complete prevention of the ovariectomy-induced osteopenia (E),
the trabecular bone volume being comparable to that seen in intact
controls (A).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 URINE CALCIUM PHOSPHORUS SERUM (.mu.mol/24
(.mu.mol/ 24 HP/Cr tALP GROUP h/100 g) h/100 g) (.mu.mol/mmol)
(IU/L) CONTROL 23.17 .+-. 1.55 132.72 .+-. 6.08 13.04 .+-. 2.19
114.25 .+-. 14.04 DHEA (10 mg) 25.87 .+-. 3.54 151.41 .+-. 14.57
14.02 .+-. 1.59 198.38 .+-. 30.76* EM-800 (75 .mu.g) 17.44 .+-. 4.5
102.03 .+-. 25.13 6.81 .+-. 0.84** 114.11 .+-. 11.26 DHEA + EM-800
3.71 .+-. 0.75** 59.06 .+-. 4.76** 4.06 .+-. 0.28** 204.38 .+-.
14.20**
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Effect of 12-month treatment with
dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) administered alone or in combination
with Flutamide (FLU) or EM-800 on bone markers and serum lipids.
Alkaline OH-proline/ phosphatase creatinin Cholesterol
Triglycerides Group IU/L .mu.mol/mmol mmol/L mmol/L Intact Control
30 .+-. 3** 15.4 .+-. 1.3 2.28 .+-. 0.12 1.4 .+-. 0.2 OVX Control
51 .+-. 4 11.7 .+-. 1.2 2.29 .+-. 0.16 1.1 .+-. 0.1 OVX + DHEA 201
.+-. 25** 7.3 .+-. 1.0* 1.78 .+-. 0.16* 0.8 .+-. 0.1 OVX + DHEA +
FLU 103 .+-. 10** 14.5 .+-. 1.2 2.27 .+-. 0.15 0.8 .+-. 0.1 OVX +
DHEA + EM-800 202 .+-. 17** 6.4 .+-. 1.0** 0.63 .+-. 0.09** 1.0
.+-. 0.2
* p<0.05; ** p<0.01 versus OVX Control
[0261] The importance of the androgenic component of the
stimulatory effect of DHEA on bone histomorphometry is also
supported by the effect of DHEA on markers of bone formation and
resorption. The concentration of serum alkaline phosphatase, a
marker of bone formation (Meunier et al. 1987, Lauffenburger et al.
1977), was increased from 51.+-.4 IU/L in OVX controls to 201.+-.25
IU/L in DHEA-treated animals, suggesting a stimulatory effect of
DHEA on bone formation (Table 2). FLU reversed by 65% the
stimulatory effect of DHEA on this parameter while EM-800 had no
significant effect. On the other hand, since hydroxyproline
released during collagen degradation is not reutilized in collagen
synthesis, it is a useful marker of collagen metabolism or
osteoclastic bone resorption. In the present study, the urinary
hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio decreased from 11.7.+-.1.2
.mu.mol/mmol in OVX controls to 7.3.+-.1.0 .mu.mol/mmol (p<0.05)
in DHEA-treated rats (Table 2). The administration of FLU
completely prevented the inhibitory effect of DHEA on this
parameter while EM-800 had no statistically significant influence
on the effect of DHEA.
[0262] Moreover, serum cholesterol was reduced by 22% from
2.29.+-.0.16 to 1.78.+-.0.16 mmol/l (p<0.05) by DHEA treatment,
an effect neutralized by concomitant treatment with the pure
antiandrogen FLU. The addition of the pure antiestrogen EM-800, on
the other hand, decreased total serum cholesterol further to
0.63.+-.0.09 mmol/l (p<0.01), thus reaching a 65% inhibitory
effect. No statistically significant change was observed in serum
triglyceride levels with any of the treatments used (Table 2).
[0263] It is also of interest to note that the potent inhibitory
effect of EM-800 on serum cholesterol is not prevented by
simultaneous treatment with DHEA (Luo et al., 1997).
[0264] The bone loss observed at menopause in women is believed to
be related to an increase in the rate of bone resorption which is
not fully compensated by the secondary increase in bone formation.
In fact, the parameters of both bone formation and bone resorption
are increased in osteoporosis and both bone resorption and
formation are inhibited by estrogen replacement therapy. The
inhibitory effect of estrogen replacement on bone formation is thus
believed to result from a coupled mechanism between bone resorption
and bone formation, such that the primary estrogen-induced
reduction in bone resorption entrains a reduction in bone formation
(Parfitt, 1984).
[0265] Cancellous bone strength and subsequent resistance to
fracture do not only depend upon the total amount of cancellous
bone but also on the trabecular microstructure, as determined by
the number, size, and distribution of the trabeculae. The loss of
ovarian function in postmenopausal women is accompanied by a
significant decrease in total trabecular bone volume (Melsen et
al., 1978; Vakamatsou et al., 1985), mainly related to a decrease
in the number and, to a lesser degree, in the width of trabeculae
(Weinstein and Hutson, 1987).
[0266] In order to facilitate the combination therapy aspect of the
invention, for any indication discussed herein, the invention
contemplates pharmaceutical compositions which include the SERM and
the sex steroid precursor in a single composition for simultaneous
administration. The composition may be suitable for administration
in any traditional manner including but not limited to oral
administration, subcutaneous injection, intramuscular injection or
percutaneous administration. In other embodiments, a kit is
provided wherein the kit includes one or more SERM and sex steroid
precursor in separate or in one container. The kit may include
appropriate materials for oral administration, e.g. tablets,
capsules, syrups and the like and for transdermal administration,
e.g., ointments, lotions, gels, creams, sustained release patches
and the like.
[0267] Applicants believe that administration of SERMs or
antiestrogens and sex steroid precursors has utility in the
treatment and/or reduction of the incidence of hot flushes and
sweat. The active ingredients of the invention (whether SERM,
antiestrogen or precursor or otherwise) may be formulated and
administered in a variety of ways. When administered together in
accordance with the invention, the active ingredients may be
administered simultaneously or separately.
[0268] Active ingredient for transdermal or transmucosal is
preferably from 0.01% to 1%, DHEA or 5-diol. Alternatively, the
active ingredient may be placed into a vaginal ring or a
transdermal patch having structures known in the art, for example,
structures such as those set forth in E.P. Patent No. 0279982 or in
an intravaginal cream, gel, ovule, or suppository.
[0269] When formulated as an ointment, lotion, gel, cream, ovule,
or suppository or the like, the active compound is admixed with a
suitable carrier which is compatible with human skin or mucosa and
which enhances transdermal or transmucosal penetration of the
compound through the skin or mucosa. Suitable carriers are known in
the art and include but are not limited to Klucel HF and Glaxal
base. Some are commercially available, e.g., Glaxal base available
from Glaxal Canada Limited Company. Other suitable vehicles can be
found in Koller and Buri, S.T.P. Pharma 3(2), 115-124, 1987. The
carrier is preferably one in which the active ingredient(s) is
(are) soluble at ambient temperature at the concentration of active
ingredient that is used. The carrier should have sufficient
viscosity to maintain the inhibitor on a localized area of skin or
mucosa to which the composition has been applied, without running
or evaporating for a time period sufficient to permit substantial
penetration of the precursor through the localized area of skin or
mucosa and into the bloodstream where it will cause a desirable
clinical effect. The carrier is typically a mixture of several
components, e.g. pharmaceutically acceptable solvents and a
thickening agent. A mixture of organic and inorganic solvents can
aid hydrophylic and lipophylic solubility, e.g. water and an
alcohol such as ethanol.
[0270] When formulated as an ovule or a vaginal suppository or the
like, the active compound is admixed with a suitable carrier which
is compatible with human vaginal mucosa. Preferred carriers are
hard fats (mixture of glycerides of saturated fatty acids),
particularly Witepsol, and specially Witepsol H-15 base (available
from Medisca, Montreal, Canada). Any other lipophilic base such as
Fattibase, Wecobee, cocoa butter, theobroma oil or other
combinations of Witepsol bases could used.
[0271] Preferred sex steroid precursors are dehydroepiandrosterone
(DHEA) (available, for example, from Proquina, Orizaba, Veracruz,
Mexico).
[0272] The carrier may also include various additives commonly used
in ointments, lotions and suppositories and well known in the
cosmetic and medical arts. For example, fragrances, antioxidants,
perfumes, gelling agents, thickening agents such as
carboxymethylcellulose, surfactants, stabilizers, emollients,
coloring agents and other similar agents may be present.
[0273] Treatment in accordance with the invention is suitable for
indefinite continuation. The SERM or antiestrogenic compound and
the sex steroid precursor can also be administered, by the oral
route, and may be formulated with conventional pharmaceutical
excipients, e.g. spray dried lactose, microcrystalline cellulose,
and magnesium stearate into tablets or capsules for oral
administration.
[0274] The active substances can be worked into tablets or dragee
cores by being mixed with solid, pulverulent carrier substances,
such as sodium citrate, calcium carbonate or dicalcium phosphate,
and binders such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone, gelatin or cellulose
derivatives, possibly by adding also lubricants such as magnesium
stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate, "Carbowax" or polyethylene glycol.
Of course, taste-improving substances can be added in the case of
oral administration forms.
[0275] As further forms, one can use plug capsules, e.g. of hard
gelatin, as well as closed soft-gelatin capsules comprising a
softener or plasticizer, e.g. glycerin. The plug capsules contain
the active substance preferably in the form of granulate, e.g. in
mixture with fillers, such as lactose, saccharose, mannitol,
starches, such as potato starch or amylopectin, cellulose
derivatives or highly dispersed silicic acids. In solf-gelatin
capsules, the active substance is preferably dissolved or suspended
in suitable liquids, such as vegetable oils or liquid polyethylene
glycols.
[0276] The lotion, ointment, gel or cream should be thoroughly
rubbed into the skin so that no excess is plainly visible, and the
skin should not be washed in that region until most of the
transdermal penetration has occurred preferably at least 4 hours
and, more preferably, at least 6 hours.
[0277] A transdermal patch may be used to deliver precursor in
accordance with known techniques. It is typically applied for a
much longer period, e.g., 1 to 4 days, but typically contacts
active ingredient to a smaller surface area, allowing a slow and
constant delivery of active ingredient.
[0278] A number of transdermal drug delivery systems that have been
developed, and are in use, are suitable for delivering the active
ingredient of the present invention. The rate of release is
typically controlled by a matrix diffusion, or by passage of the
active ingredient through a controlling membrane.
[0279] Mechanical aspects of transdermal devices are well known in
the rat, and are explained, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,162,037, 5,154,922, 5,135,480, 4,666,441, 4,624,665, 3,742,951,
3,797,444, 4,568,343, 5,064,654, 5,071,644, 5,071,657, the
disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Additional background is provided by European Patent 0279982 and
British Patent Application 2185187.
[0280] The device may be any of the general types known in the art
including adhesive matrix and reservoir-type transdermal delivery
devices. The device may include drug-containing matrixes
incorporating fibers which absorb the active ingredient and/or
carrier. In a reservoir-type device, the reservoir may be defined
by a polymer membrane impermeable to the carrier and to the active
ingredient.
[0281] In a transdermal device, the device itself maintains active
ingredient in contact with the desired localized skin surface. In
such a device, the viscosity of the carrier for active ingredient
is of less concern than with a cream or gel. A solvent system for a
transdermal device may include, for example, oleic acid, linear
alcohol lactate and dipropylene glycol, or other solvent systems
known in the art. The active ingredient may be dissolved or
suspended in the carrier.
[0282] For attachment to the skin, a transdermal patch may be
mounted on a surgical adhesive tape having a hole punched in the
middle. The adhesive is preferably covered by a release liner to
protect it prior to use. Typical material suitable for release
includes polyethylene and polyethylene-coated paper, and preferably
silicone-coated for ease of removal. For applying the device, the
release liner is simply peeled away and the adhesive attached to
the patient's skin. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,480, the disclosure of
which is incorporated by reference, Bannon et al., describe an
alternative device having a non-adhesive means for securing the
device to the skin.
[0283] It is necessary only that SERM, antiestrogen and sex steroid
precursor be administered in a manner and at a dosage sufficient to
allow blood serum concentration of each to obtain desired levels.
In accordance with the combination therapy of the invention,
concentration of the SERM is maintained within desired parameters
at the same time that sex steroid precursor concentration is
maintained within desired parameters
[0284] One preferred sex steroid precursor is DHEA, although DHEA-S
and analogs discussed below are also especially effective for the
reasons stated below.
[0285] A selective estrogen receptor modulator of the invention has
a molecular formula with the following features: a) two aromatic
rings spaced by 1 to 2 intervening carbon atoms, both aromatic
rings being either unsubstituted or substituted by a hydroxyl group
or a group converted in vivo to hydroxyl; and [0286] b) a side
chain possessing an aromatic ring and a tertiary amine function or
salt thereof.
[0287] One preferred SERM of the invention is Acolbifene:
##STR00002##
Acolbifene (also called EM-652.HCl; EM-1538) is the hydrochloride
salt of the potent antiestrogen EM-652. It is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,710,059 B1. Another preferred SERM is Lasoxifene
(Oporia; CP-336,156;
(-)-cis-(5R,6S)-6-phenyl-5-[4-(2-pyrrolidin-1-ylethoxy)phenyl]-5,6,7,8-te-
trahydronaphthalen-2-ol, D-(-)-tartrate salt) (available from
Pfizer Inc., USA).
[0288] Another preferred SERM is Bazedoxifene (TSE 424; WAY-TSE
424; WAY 140424;
1-[[4-[2-(hexahydro-1H-azepin-1-yl)ethoxy]phenyl]methyl]-2-(4-hyd-
roxyphenyl)-3-methyl-1H-indol-5-ol, acetate) developed by Wyeth
Ayers (USA) and disclosed in JP10036347 (American home products
corporation) and approved in USA for the prevention of
postmenopausal osteoporosis and non-steroidal estrogen derivatives
described in WO 97/32837. Other preferred SERMs of the invention
include Tamoxifen ((Z)-2-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-1-butenyl)
phenoxy]-N,N-dimethylethanamine) (available from Zeneca, UK),
Toremifene
((Z)-2-[4-(4-Chloro-1,2-diphenyl-1-butenyl)phenoxy]-N,N-dimethylethanamin-
e) available from Orion, Finland, under the trademark Fareston or
Schering-Plough), Droloxifene ((E)-3-[1-[4-[2-(Dimethylamino)
ethoxy]phenyl]-2-phenyl-1-butenyl] phenol) and, from Eli Lilly and
Co., USA: Raloxifene
([2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thien-3-yl]
[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl) ethoxy]phenyl]-methanone hydrochloride), LY
335124, LY 326315, LY 335563 (6-hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)
ethoxy] phenoxyl]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) benzo[b]thiopene
hydrochloride) and Arzoxifene (LY 353381,
6-hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxyl]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)
benzo [b] thiophene hydrochloride). Other preferred SERMs are
Idoxifene
((E)-1-[2-[4-[1-(4-Iodophenyl)-2-phenyl-1-butenyl]phenoxy]ethyl]pyrrolidi-
ne) (SmithKline Beecham, USA), Levormeloxifene
(3,4-trans-2,2-dimethyl-3-phenyl-4-[4-(2-(2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethoxy)pheny-
l]-7-methoxychroman) (Novo Nordisk, A/S, Denmark) which is
disclosed in Shalmi et al. WO 97/25034, WO 97/25035, WO 97/25037,
WO 97/25038; and Korsgaard et al. WO 97/25036), GW5638 (described
by Willson et al., 1997) and indole derivatives (disclosed by
Miller et al., EP 0802183A1) Are also included, Iproxifen (TAT 59;
(E)-4-[1-[4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]phenyl]-2-[4-(1-methylethyl)phenyl]--
1-butenyl]phenol dihydrogen phosphate) from Taiho (Japan),
Ospemifene (FC 1271;
((Z)-2-[4-(4-chloro-1,2-diphenyl-1-butenyl)phenoxyl]ethanol) from
available from Orion-Farmos Pharmaceutica, Finland, SERM 3471, HMR
3339 and HMR 3656 from Sanofi-Aventis (France), SH 646 from
Schering AG, Germany, Pipendoxifene (ERA 923) developed by
Wyeth-Ayers, nonsteroidal estrogen derivatives described in WO
97/3283, Fispemifene developed by QuatRx (USA) and CC 8490
developed by Celgene in USA.
[0289] Any SERM used as required for efficacy, as recommended by
the manufacturer, can be used. Appropriate dosages are known in the
art. Any other non steroidal antiestrogen commercially available
can be used according to the invention. Any compound having
activity similar to SERMs (example: Raloxifene can be used).
[0290] SERMs administered in accordance with the invention are
preferably administered in a dosage range between 0.01 to 10 mg/kg
of body weight per day (preferably 0.05 to 1.0 mg/kg), with 5 mg
per day, especially 10 mg per day, in two equally divided doses
being preferred for a person of average body weight when orally
administered, or in a dosage range between 0.003 to 3.0 mg/kg of
body weight per day (preferably 0.015 to 0.3 mg/ml), with 1.5 mg
per day, especially 3.0 mg per day, in two equally divided doses
being preferred for a person of average body weight when parentally
administered (i.e. intramuscular, subcutaneous or percutaneous
administration). Preferably the SERMs are administered together
with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier as described
below.
[0291] One preferred antiestrogen of the invention is fulvestrant
(Faslodex; ICI 182
7807.alpha.-[9-(4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoro-pentylsulphinyl)nonyl]oestra-1,3,5(-
10)-triene-3,17.beta.-diol) which is intramuscularly administered
with the dosage of 250 mg per month available from AstraZeneca
Canada Inc., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
[0292] With respect to all of the dosages recommended herein, the
attending clinician should monitor individual patient response and
adjust dosage accordingly.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0293] In the mammary gland, androgens are formed from the
precursor steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Clinical evidence
indicates that androgens have inhibitory effects on breast cancer.
Estrogens, on the other hand, stimulate the development and growth
of breast cancer. We studied the effect of DHEA alone or in
combination with the newly described pure antiestrogen, EM-800, on
the growth of tumor xenografts formed by the human breast cancer
cell line ZR-75-1 in ovariectomized nude mice.
[0294] Mice received daily subcutaneous injections of 0.5 .mu.g
estrone (an estrogenic hormone) immediately after ovariectomy.
EM-800 (15, 50 or 100 .mu.g) was given orally once daily. DHEA was
applied twice daily (total dose 0.3, 1.0 or 3.0 mg) to the dorsal
skin either alone or in combination with a 15 .mu.g daily oral dose
of EM-800. Changes in tumor size in response to the treatments were
assessed periodically in relation to the measurements made on the
first day. At the end of the experiments, tumors were dissected and
weighed.
[0295] A 9.4-fold increase in tumor size in 9.5 months was observed
in ovariectomized mice receiving estrone alone in comparison with
mice not receiving estrone. Administration of 15, 50 or 100 .mu.g
EM-800 in estrone-supplemented ovariectomized led to inhibitions of
88%, 93%, and 94% in tumor size, respectively. DHEA, on the other
hand, at doses of 0.3, 1.0 or 3.0 mg inhibited terminal tumor
weight by 67%, 82%, and 85%, respectively. Comparable inhibitions
in tumor size were obtained with a daily 15 .mu.g oral dose of
EM-800 with or without different doses of percutaneous DHEA. DHEA
and EM-800 independently suppressed the growth of
estrone-stimulated ZR-75-1 mouse xenograft tumors in nude mice.
Administration of DHEA at the defined doses does not alter the
inhibitory effect of EM-800.
Materials and Methods
ZR-75-1 Cells
[0296] ZR-75-1 human breast cancer cells were obtained from the
American Type Culture Collection (Rockville, Md.) and routinely
cultured as monolayers in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 2 mM
L-glutamine, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 100 IU penicillin/ml, 100 .mu.g
streptomycin/ml, and 10% fetal bovine serum, under a humidified
atmosphere of 95% air/5% CO.sub.2 at 37.degree. C. as described
(Poulin and Labrie, 1986; Poulin et al., 1988). Cells were passaged
weekly after treatment with 0.05% trypsin: 0.02% EDTA (w/v). The
cell cultures used for the experiments described in this report
were derived from passage 93 of the cell line ZR-75-1.
Animals
[0297] Female homozygous Harlan Sprague-Dawley (nu/nu) athymic mice
(28- to 42-day-old) were obtained from HSD (Indianapolis, Ind.,
USA). Mice were housed in vinyl cages with air filter tops in
laminar air flow hoods and maintained under pathogen-limited
conditions. Cages, bedding, and food were autoclaved before use.
Water was autoclaved, acidified to pH 2.8, and provided ad
libitum.
Cell Inoculation
[0298] Mice were bilaterally ovariectomized (OVX) one week before
tumor cell inoculation under anesthesia achieved by intraperitoneal
injection of 0.25 ml/animal of Avertin (amylic alcohol: 0.8
.mu.g/100 ml 0.9% NaCl; and tribromo ethanol: 2 .mu.g/100 ml 0.9%
NaCl). 1.5.times.10.sup.6 ZR-75-1 cells in logarithmic growth phase
were harvested after the treatment of monolayer with 0.05%
trypsin/0.02% EDTA (w/v), were suspended in 0.1 ml of culture
medium containing 25% Matrigel and were inoculated subcutaneously
on both flanks of the animals using a 1 inch-long 20-gauge needle
as described previously (Dauvois et al., 1991). In order to
facilitate growth of the tumors, each animal received daily
subcutaneous injection of 10 .mu.g of estradiol (E.sub.2) in
vehicle composed of 0.9% NaCl 5% ethanol 1% gelatin for 5 weeks.
After appearance of palpable ZR-75-1 tumors, tumor diameter was
measured with calipers and mice having tumor diameter between 0.2
and 0.7 cm were selected for this study.
Hormonal Treatment
[0299] All animals, except those in the control OVX group, received
daily subcutaneous injections of 0.5 .mu.g estrone (E.sub.1) in 0.2
ml of 0.9% NaCl 5% ethanol 1% gelatin. In the indicated groups,
DHEA was administered percutaneously twice daily at the doses of
0.3, 1.0 or 3.0 mg/animal applied in a volume of 0.02 ml on the
dorsal skin area outside the area of tumor growth. DHEA was
dissolved in 50% ethanol 50% propylene glycol. EM-800,
((+)-7-pivaloyloxy-3-(4'-pivaloyloxyphenyl)-4-methyl-2-(4''-(2'-piperidi--
noethoxy)phenyl)-2H-benzopyran), was synthesized as described
earlier (Gauthier et al., J. Med. Chem. 40: 2117-2122, 1997) in the
medicinal chemistry division of the Laboratory of Molecular
Endocrinology of the CHUL Research Center. EM-800 was dissolved in
4% (v/v) ethanol 4% (v/v) polyethylene glycol (PEG) 600 1% (w/v)
gelatin 0.9% (w/v) NaCl. Animals of the indicated groups received
daily oral doses of 15 .mu.g, 50 .mu.g, or 100 .mu.g of EM-800
alone or in combination with DHEA while animals of the OVX group
received the vehicle (0.2 ml 4% ethanol 4% PEG 600 1% gelatin 0.9%
NaCl) alone. Tumors were measured once a week with Vernier
calipers. Two perpendicular diameters in cms (L and W) were
recorded and tumor area (cm.sup.2) was calculated using the
formula: L/2.times.W/2.times..pi. (Dauvois et al., 1991). The area
measured on the first day of treatment was taken as 100% and
changes in tumor size were expressed as percentage of initial tumor
area. In case of subcutaneous tumors in general, it is not possible
to accurately access three dimensional volume of tumor, therefore,
only tumors areas were measured. After 291 days (or 9.5 months) of
treatment, the animals were sacrificed.
[0300] The categories of responses were evaluated as described
(Dauvois et al., 1989a; Dauvois et al., 1989b; Labrie et al.,
1995b). In short, partial regression corresponds to the tumors that
regressed equal to or more than 50% of their original size; stable
response refers to tumors that regressed less than 50% of the
original size or progressed less than 50% of their original size,
while complete regression refers to those tumors that were
undetectable at the end of treatment. Progression refers to tumors
that progressed more than 50% compared with their original size. At
the end of the experiment, all animals were killed by decapitation.
Tumors, uterus, and vagina were immediately removed, freed from
connective and adipose tissues, and weighed.
Statistical Analysis
[0301] Statistical significance of the effects of treatments on
tumor size was assessed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA)
evaluating the effects due to DHEA, EM-800, and time, and repeated
measures in the same animals performed at the initiation and at the
end of the treatment (subjects within group factor). The repeated
measures at time 0 and after 9.5 months of treatment constitute
randomized blocks of animals. The time is thus analyzed as a
within-block effect while both treatments are assessed as
between-block effects. All interactions between main effects were
included in the model. The significance of the treatment factors
and of their interactions was analyzed using the subjects within
group as the error term. Data were log-transformed. The hypotheses
underlying the ANOVA assumed the normality of the residuals and the
homogeneity of variance.
[0302] A posteriori pairwise comparisons were performed using
Fisher's test for least significant difference. Main effects and
the interaction of treatments on body weight and organ weight were
analyzed using a standard two-way ANOVA with interactions. All
ANOVAs were performed using SAS program (SAS Institute, Cary, N.C.,
USA). Significance of differences was declared using a 2-tailed
test with an overall level of 5%. Categorical data were analyzed
with a Kruskall-Wallis test for ordered categorical response
variables (complete response, partial response, stable response,
and progression of tumor). After overall assessment of a treatment
effects, subsets of the results presented in Table 4 were analyzed
adjusting the critical p-value for multiple comparisons. The exact
p-values were calculated using StatXact program (Cytel, Cambridge,
Mass., USA). Data are expressed as means.+-.standard error of the
mean (SEM) of 12 to 15 mice in each group.
Results
[0303] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, human ZR-75-1 tumors increased by
9.4-fold over 291 days (9.5 months) in ovariectomized nude mice
treated with a daily 0.5 .mu.g subcutaneously administered dose of
estrone while in control OVX mice who received the vehicle alone,
tumor size was decreased to 36.9% of the initial value during the
course of the study.
[0304] Treatment with increasing doses of percutaneous DHEA caused
a progressive inhibition of E.sub.1-stimulated ZR-75-1 tumor
growth. Inhibitions of 50.4%, 76.8%, and 80.0% were achieved at 9.5
months of treatment with the 0.3 mg, 1.0 mg, and 3.0 mg daily doses
per animal of DHEA, respectively (FIG. 3A). In agreement with the
decrease in total tumor load, treatment with DHEA led to a marked
decrease of the average weight of the tumors remaining at the end
of the experiment. In fact, average tumor weight decreased from
1.12.+-.0.26 g in control E.sub.1-supplemented ovariectomized nude
mice to 0.37.+-.0.12 g (P=0.005), 0.20.+-.0.06 g (P=0.001), and
0.17.+-.0.06 g (P=0.0009) in the groups of animals receiving the
daily 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 mg doses of DHEA, respectively (FIG.
3B).
[0305] At the daily doses of 15 .mu.g, 50 .mu.g, and 100 .mu.g, the
antiestrogen EM-800 inhibited estrogen-stimulated tumor size by
87.5% (P<0.0001), 93.5% (P<0.0001), and 94.0% (P=0.0003),
respectively (FIG. 4A) when compared to the tumor size in control
animals at 9.5 months. The tumor size reductions achieved with the
three EM-800 doses are not significantly different between each
other. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, tumor weight at the end of the
9.5-month study was decreased from 1.12.+-.0.26 g in control
E.sub.1-supplemented OVX mice to 0.08.+-.0.03 g, 0.03.+-.0.01 g and
0.04.+-.0.03 g in animals treated with the daily 15 .mu.g, 50
.mu.g, and 100 .mu.g doses of EM-800, respectively (P<0.0001 at
all doses of EM-800 vs E.sub.1 supplemented OVX).
[0306] As mentioned above, the antiestrogen EM-800, at the daily
oral dose of 15 .mu.g, caused a 87.5% inhibition of
estrone-stimulated tumor growth measured at 9.5 months. The
addition of DHEA at the three doses used had no significant effect
on the already marked inhibition of tumor size achieved with the 15
.mu.g daily dose of the antiestrogen EM-800 (FIG. 4B). Thus,
average tumor weight was dramatically reduced from 1.12.+-.0.26 g
in control estrone-supplemented mice to 0.08.+-.0.03 g
(P<0.0001), 0.11.+-.0.04 g (P=0.0002), 0.13.+-.0.07 g (P=0.0004)
and 0.08.+-.0.05 g (P<0.0001) in the animals who received the
daily dose of 15 .mu.g of the antiestrogen alone or in combination
with the 0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 mg doses of DHEA, respectively (no
significant difference was noted between the 4 groups) (FIG.
3B).
[0307] It was also of interest to examine the categories of
responses achieved with the above-indicated treatments. Thus,
treatment with the increasing doses of DHEA decreased, although not
to a level of statistical significance (P=0.088), the number of
progressing tumors from 87.5% in the control OVX animals
supplemented with estrone to values of 50.0%, 53.3%, and 66.7% in
the animals treated with the daily doses of 0.3, 1.0 or 3.0 mg of
DHEA (Table 3). Complete responses, on the other hand, increased
from 0% in the estrone-supplemented mice to 28.6%, 26.7%, and 20.0%
in the animals receiving the 0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 mg daily doses of
percutaneous DHEA. Stable responses, on the other hand, were
measured at 12.5%, 21.4%, 20.0%, and 13.3% in the control
E.sub.1-supplemented mice and in the three groups of animals who
received the above-indicated doses of DHEA, respectively. In
control ovariectomized mice, the rates of complete, partial and
stable responses were measured at 68.8%, 6.2%, and 18.8%,
respectively, while progression was seen in only 6.2% of tumors
(Table 3).
[0308] Complete responses or disappearance of the tumors were
achieved in 29.4%, 33.3%, 26.7%, and 35.3% of tumors in the animals
who received the antiestrogen EM-800 (P=0.0006) alone (15 .mu.g) or
in combination with the 0.3 mg, 1.0 mg, or 3.0 mg of DHEA,
respectively. Progression, on the other hand, was seen in 35.3%,
44.4%, 53.3%, and 17.6% of the tumors, in the same groups of
animals, respectively. There is no significant difference between
the groups treated with EM-800, either alone or in combination with
DHEA.
[0309] No significant effect of DHEA or EM-800 treatment was
observed on body weight adjusted for tumor weight. Treatment of OVX
mice with estrone, increased uterine weight from 28.+-.5 mg in OVX
control mice to 132.+-.8 mg (P<0.01) while increasing doses of
DHEA caused a progressive but relatively small inhibition of the
stimulatory effect of estrone which reached 26% (P=0.0008) at the
highest dose of DHEA used. It can be seen in the same figure that
estrone-stimulated uterine weight was decreased from 132.+-.8 mg in
control estrone-supplemented mice to 49.+-.3 mg, 36.+-.2 mg, and
32.+-.1 mg (P<0.0001 at all doses vs control) with the daily
oral doses of 15 g, 50 .mu.g, or 100 .mu.g of EM-800 (overall
P<0.0001), respectively. Fifteen micrograms (15 .mu.g) EM-800 in
combination with the 0.3 mg, 1.0 mg or 3.0 mg daily doses of DHEA,
uterine weight was measured at 46.+-.3 mg, 59.+-.5 mg and 69.+-.3
mg, respectively.
[0310] On the other hand, treatment with estrone increased vaginal
weight from 14.+-.2 mg in OVX animals to 31.+-.2 mg (P<0.01)
while the addition of DHEA had no significant effect. Vaginal
weight was then reduced to 23.+-.1 mg, 15.+-.1 mg, and 11.+-.1 mg
following treatment with the daily 15 .mu.g, 50 .mu.g or 100 .mu.g
doses of EM-800, respectively (overall p and pairwise P<0.0001
at all doses vs. control). In combination with the 0.3 mg, 1.0 mg
or 3.0 mg doses of DHEA and of EM-800, vaginal weight was measured
at 22.+-.1 mg, 25.+-.2 mg and 23.+-.1 mg, respectively (N.S. for
all groups versus 15 .mu.g EM-800). It should be mentioned that at
the highest dose used, namely 100 .mu.g daily, EM-800 decreased
uterine weight in estrone-supplemented OVX animals to a value not
different from that of OVX controls while vaginal weight was
reduced to a value below that measured in OVX controls (P<0.05).
DHEA, probably due to its androgenic effects, partially
counteracted the effect of EM-800 on uterine and vaginal
weight.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Effect of percutaneous administration of
DHEA or oral administration of EM-800 alone or in combination for
9.5 months on the responses (complete, partial, stable, and
progression) of human ZR-75-1 breast tumor xenografts in nude mice.
TOTAL CATEGORY OF RESPONSE NUMBER OF Complete Partial Stable
Progression GROUP ANIMALS Number and (%) OVX 16 11 (68.8) 1 (6.2) 3
(18.8) 1 (6.2) OVX + E1 (0.5 .mu.g) 16 0 (0) 0 (0) 2 (12.5) 14
(87.5) OVX + E1 (0.5 .mu.g) + DHEA 0.3 mg 14 4 (28.6) 0 (0) 3
(21.4) 7 (50.0) 1.0 mg 15 4 (26.7) 0 (0) 3 (20.0) 8 (53.3) 3.0 mg
15 3 (20.0) 0 (0) 2 (13.3) 10 (66.7) OVX + E1 (0.5 .mu.g) + EM-800
15 .mu.g 17 5 (29.4) 1 (5.9) 5 (29.4) 6 (35.3) 50 .mu.g 16 4 (25.0)
3 (18.8) 5 (31.2) 4 (25.0) 100 .mu.g 16 8 (50.0) 0 (0) 3 (18.8) 5
(31.2) OVX + E1 (0.5 .mu.g) + 0.3 mg 18 6 (33.3) 0 (0) 4 (22.2) 8
(44.4) EM-800 + DHEA 1.0 mg 15 4 (26.7) 0 (0) 3 (20.0) 8 (53.3) 3.0
mg 17 6 (35.3) 0 (0) 8 (47.1) 3 (17.6) E.sub.1 = Estrone; DHEA =
dehydroepiandrosterone; OVX = ovariectomized
Example 2
Example of Synthesis of the Preferred Compound of the Invention
[0311] Synthesis of
(S)-(+)-7-hydroxy-3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-2-(4''-(2'''-piperidinoet-
hoxy)phenyl)-2H-1-benzopyran hydrochloride EM-01538 (EM-652,
HCl)
##STR00003## ##STR00004##
Step A: BF.sub.3-Et.sub.2O, toluene; 100.degree. C.; 1 hour. Step
C: 3,4-dihydropyran, p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate, ethyl
acetate; 25.degree. C. under nitrogen, 16 hours, and then
crystallization in isopropanol.
Steps D, E, and F:
[0312] (1) piperidine, toluene, Dean & Stark apparatus, reflux
under nitrogen; (2) 1,8-diazabicyclo[5, 4, 0]undec-7-ene, DMF,
reflux 3 hours; (3) CH.sub.3MgCl, THF, -20 to 0.degree. C. and then
room temperature for 24 hours; Steps G, H:
(1S)-(+)-10-camphorsulfonic acid, acetone, water, toluene, room
temperature, 48 hours. Step HH: 95% ethanol, 70.degree. C., then
room temperature 3 days. Step HHR: Recycling of mother liquor and
wash of step HH (S)-10-camphorsulfonic acid, reflux; 36 hours, then
room temperature for 16 hours.
Step I:
[0313] (1) DMF aq., Na.sub.2CO.sub.3, ethyl acetate; (2) Ethanol,
dilute HCl;
(3) Water.
Synthesis of
2-tetrahydropyranyloxy-4-hydroxy-2'-(4''-tetrahydropyranyloxyphenyl)
acetophenone (4)
[0314] A suspension of
2,4-dihydroxy-2'-(4''-hydroxyphenyl)acetophenone 3 (97.6 g, 0.4
mole) (available from Chemsyn Science Laboratories, Lenexa, Kans.)
in 3,4-dihydropyran (218 ml, 3.39 mole) and ethyl acetate (520 ml)
was treated with p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.03 g, 0.158
mmole) at about 25.degree. C. The reaction mixture was stirred
under nitrogen with no external heating for about 16 hours. The
mixture was then washed with a solution of sodium bicarbonate (1 g)
and sodium chloride (5 g) in water (100 ml). The phases were
separated and the organic phase was washed with brine (20 ml). Each
wash was back extracted with 50 ml ethyl acetate. All the organic
phases were combined and filtered through sodium sulfate. Solvent
(about 600 ml) was removed by distillation at atmospheric pressure
and isopropanol (250 ml) was added. Additional solvent (about 300
ml) was distilled at atmospheric pressure and isopropanol (250 ml)
was added. Additional solvent (about 275 ml) was distilled at
atmospheric pressure and isopropanol (250 ml) was added. The
solution was cooled at about 25.degree. C. with stirring and after
about 12 hours, the crystalline solid was filtered, washed with
isopropanol and dried (116.5 g, 70%).
Synthesis of
4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-(4'-[2''-piperidino]-ethoxy)phenyl-3-(4'''-tetrahydr-
opyranyloxy)phenyl-7-tetrahydropyranyloxychromane (10)
[0315] A solution of
2-tetrahydropyranyloxy-4-hydroxy-2'-(4''-tetrahydropyranyloxyphenyl)aceto-
phenone 4 (1 kg, 2.42 mole), 4-[2-(1-piperidino)ethoxy]benzaldehyde
5 (594 g, 2.55 mole) (available from Chemsyn Science Laboratories,
Lenexa, Kans.) and piperidine (82.4 g, 0.97 mole) (available from
Aldrich Chemical Company Inc., Milwaukee, Wis.) in toluene (8 L)
was refluxed under nitrogen with a Dean & Stark apparatus until
one equivalent of water (44 mL) was collected. Toluene (6.5 L) was
removed from the solution by distillation at atmospheric pressure.
Dimethylformamide (6.5 L) and 1,8-diazabicyclo[5,4,0]undec-7-ene
(110.5 g, 0.726 mole) were added. The solution was agitated for
about 8 hours at room temperature to isomerize the chalcone 8 to
chromanone 9 and then added to a mixture of water and ice (8 L) and
toluene (4 L). The phases were separated and the toluene layer
washed with water (5 L). The combined aqueous washes were extracted
with toluene (3.times.4 L). The combined toluene extracts were
finally washed with brine (3.times.4 L), concentrated at
atmospheric pressure to 5.5 L and then cooled to -10.degree. C.
With continued external cooling and stirring under nitrogen, a 3M
solution of methylmagnesium chloride in THF (2.5 L, 7.5 mole)
(available from Aldrich Chemical Company Inc., Milwaukee, Wis.) was
added, maintaining the temperature below 0.degree. C. After all the
Grignard reagent was added, the external cooling was removed and
the mixture allowed warm to room temperature. The mixture was
stirred at this temperature for about 24 hours. The mixture was
again cooled to about -20.degree. C. and with continued external
cooling and stirring, saturated ammonium chloride solution (200 ml)
was added slowly, maintaining the temperature below 20.degree. C.
The mixture was stirred for 2 hours and then added the saturated
ammonium chloride solution (2 L) and toluene (4 L) and agitated for
five minutes. The phases were separated and the aqueous layer
extracted with toluene (2.times.4 L). The combined toluene extracts
were washed with dilute hydrochloric acid until the solution became
homogenous and then with brine (3.times.4 L). The toluene solution
was finally concentrated at atmospheric pressure to 2 L. This
solution was used directly in the next step.
Synthesis of
(2R,S)-7-hydroxy-3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-2-(4''-[2'''-piperidino]et-
hoxy)phenyl)-2H-1-benzopyran (1S)-10-camphorsulphonic Acid Salt
(.+-.12)
[0316] To the toluene solution of
4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-(4'-[-2''-piperidino]-ethoxy)-phenyl-3-(4''-tetrahyd-
ropyranyloxy)phenyl-7-tetrahydropyranyloxychromane (10) was added
acetone (6 L), water (0.3 L) and (S)-10-camphorsulphonic acid (561
g, 2.42 mole) (available from Aldrich Chemical Company Inc.,
Milwaukee, Wis.). The mixture was agitated under nitrogen for 48
hours after which time the solid
(2R,S)-7-hydroxy-3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-2-(4''-[2'''-piperid-
ino]ethoxy)phenyl)-2H-1-benzopyran (1S)-10-camphorsulphonic acid
salt (12) was filtered, washed with acetone and dried (883 g). This
material was used in the next (HH) step without further
purification.
Synthesis of
(2S)-7-hydroxy-3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-2-(4''-[2'-piperidino]ethoxy-
)phenyl)-2H-1-benzopyran (1S)-10-camphorsulphonic Acid Salt (13,
(+)-EM-652(1S)-CSA Salt)
[0317] A suspension of
(2R,S)-7-hydroxy-3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-2-(4''-[2'''-piperidino]et-
hoxy)phenyl)-2H-benzopyran (1S)-10-camphorsulphonic acid salt
.+-.12 (759 g) in 95% ethanol was heated with stirring to about
70.degree. C. until the solid had dissolved. The solution was
allowed to cool to room temperature with stirring then seeded with
a few crystals of
(2S)-7-hydroxy-3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-2-(4''-[2'''-piperidino]etho-
xy)phenyl)-2H-1-benzopyran (1S)-10-camphorsulphonic acid salt 13.
The solution was stirred at room temperature for about three days
in total. The crystals were filtered, washed with 95% ethanol and
dried (291 g, 76%). The de of the product was 94.2% and the purity
98.8%.
Synthesis of
(S)-(+)-7-hydroxy-3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-2-(4''-(2'''-piperidinoet-
hoxy)phenyl)-2H-1-benzopyran hydrochloride EM-01538 (EM-652,
HCl)
[0318] A suspension of compound 13 (EM-652-(+)-CSA salt, 500 mg,
0.726 mmol) in dimethylformamide (11 .mu.L, 0.15 mmol) was treated
with an 0.5 M aqueous sodium carbonate solution (7.0 mL, 3.6 mmol),
and stirred for 15 min. The suspension was treated with ethyl
acetate (7.0 mL) and stirred during 4 h. The organic phase was then
washed with an aqueous saturated sodium carbonate solution
(2.times.5 mL) and brine (1.times.5 mL) dried over magnesium
sulfate, and concentrated. A solution of the resulting pink foam
(EM-652) in ethanol (2 mL) was treated with 2 N hydrochloric acid
(400 .mu.L, 0.80 mmol), stirred for 1 h, treated with distilled
water (5 mL), and stirred during 30 min. The resulting suspension
was filtered, washed with distilled water (5 mL), dried in air and
under high vacuum (65.degree. C.) to give a creamy powder (276 mg,
77%): Fine off-white powder; Scanning Calorimetry: Melting peak
onset at 219.degree. C., .DELTA.H=83 J/g;
[.alpha.].sup.24.sub.D=154.degree. in methanol 10 mg/ml.; .sup.1H
NMR (300 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) .delta. (ppm) 1.6 (broad, 2H, H-4'''),
1.85 (broad, 4H, H-3'''' and 5''''), 2.03 (s, 3H, CH.sub.3), 3.0
and 3.45 (broad, 4H, H-2'''' and 6''''), 3.47 (t, J=4.9 Hz, 2H,
H-3'''), 4.26 (t, J=4.9 Hz, 2H, H-2'''), 5.82 (s, 1H, H-2), 6.10
(d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H, H-8), 6.35 (dd, J=8.4, 2.43 Hz, 1H, H-6), 6.70
(d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H, H-3', and H-5'), 6.83 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H, H-3'' and
H-5''), 7.01 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H, H-2' and H-6'), 7.12 (d, J=8.4 Hz,
1H, H-5), 7.24 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H, H-2'' and H-6''); .sup.13C RMN
(CD.sub.3OD, 75 MHz) .delta. ppm 14.84, 22.50, 23.99, 54.78, 57.03,
62.97, 81.22, 104.38, 109.11, 115.35, 116.01, 118.68, 125.78,
126.33, 130.26, 130.72, 131.29, 131.59, 134.26, 154.42, 157.56,
158.96, 159.33. Elemental Composition: C, H, N, Cl: Theory; 70.51,
6.53, 2.84, 7.18, %, Found: 70.31, 6.75, 2.65, 6.89%.
Example 3
Materials and Methods
Animals
[0319] Female BALB/c mice (BALB/cAnNCrIBR) weighing 18-20 g were
obtained from Charles-River, Inc. (St-Constant, Quebec, Canada) and
housed 5 per cage in a temperature (23.+-.1.degree. C.)- and light
(12 h light/day, lights on at 7:15)-controlled environment. The
mice were fed rodent chow and tap water ad libitum. The animals
were ovariectomized (OVX) under Isoflurane anesthesia via bilateral
flank incisions and randomly assigned to groups of 10 animals. Ten
mice were kept intact as controls.
Treatments
[0320] In the first experiment (FIGS. 11 to 14), tested compounds,
namely EM-652.HCl, lasofoxifene (as free base; active and inactive
enantiomers) and raloxifene, were administered orally by gavage
once daily at doses of 1, 3 or g/animal for 9 days, starting 2 days
after ovariectomy. In the second experiment (Table 6), TSE 424 was
administered orally by gavage once daily at doses of 1, 3, 10 or 30
.mu.g/animal for 9 days, starting 2 days after ovariectomy. In both
experiments, to evaluate the antiestrogenic activity, treatment
with estrone (E.sub.1, 0.06 .mu.g, s.c. injection, twice daily) was
started 5 days post-ovariectomy and was administered for a 6
day-period. Compounds were dissolved in ethanol (4% final
concentration) and administered in 0.4% methylcellulose. Mice in
the intact and OVX control groups received the vehicle alone (4%
ETOH-0.4% methylcellulose) during the 9-day period. The animals
were killed by exsanguination at the abdominal aorta on the 11th
morning following ovariectomy. The uteri and vagina were rapidly
dissected, weighed, and kept in 10% buffered formalin for further
histologic examination.
Article I. Results
Experiment 1:
[0321] As illustrated in FIG. 11, EM-652.HCl administered at the
daily oral doses of 1 .mu.g, 3 .mu.g, and 10 .mu.g caused
respective 24%, 48%, and 72% inhibitions of estrone-stimulated
uterine weight (p<0.01 for all doses versus control) while
raloxifene administered at the same doses caused respective 6%
(NS), 14% (p<0.01) and 43% (p<0.01) inhibitions of this
parameter. Lasofoxifene (as free base), on the other hand, had no
inhibitory effect at the lowest dose used while it caused
respective 25% (p<0.01) and 44% (p<0.01) inhibitions of
estrone-stimulated uterine weight at the daily doses of 3 .mu.g and
10 .mu.g. The inactive enantiomer of lasofoxifene exerted no
inhibitory effect on this parameter at any dose used.
[0322] The compounds mentioned above exerted similar effects on
vaginal weight. The daily oral administration of EM-652.HCl led to
respective 10% (NS), 25% and 53% inhibitions of vaginal weight
(p<0.01 for the two highest doses) at the 1 .mu.g, 3 .mu.g, and
10 .mu.g doses (FIG. 12), while raloxifene exerted a significant
24% (p<0.01) inhibitory effect on this parameter at the highest
dose only (10 .mu.g). Similarly to raloxifene, lasofoxifene (as
free base) caused a significant 37% (p<0.01) inhibitory effect
only at the highest dose used, while the inactive enantiomer had no
inhibitory effect on vaginal weight at any dose used.
[0323] When compounds were administered alone (in the absence of
estrone) to ovariectomized mice at the daily oral doses of 1 .mu.g
and 10 .mu.g, EM-652.HCl had no significant stimulatory effect on
uterine weight at both doses used, while treatment with 10 .mu.g of
lasofoxifene and raloxifene caused respective 93% (p<0.01) and
85% (p<0.01) stimulations of uterine weight (FIG. 13), thus
indicating an estrogenic effect of these latter compounds on this
parameter. Similarly, EM-652.HCl exerted no significant stimulatory
effect on vaginal weight (FIG. 14) while administration of 10 .mu.g
of lasofoxifene and raloxifene caused respective 73% (p<0.01)
and 56% (p<0.01) stimulations of vaginal weight. On the other
hand, the inactive enantiomer of lasofoxifene had no stimulatory
effect on uterine and vaginal weight.
Experiment 2:
[0324] As shown in table 4, TSE 424 administered at the daily oral
doses of 1 rig, 3 .mu.g, 10 .mu.g or 30 .mu.g caused respective 12%
(NS), 47%, 74%, and 94% inhibitions of estrone-stimulated uterine
weight (p<0.01 for the three highest doses versus
E.sub.1-control). On the other hand, the daily oral administration
of TSE 424 led to respective 16% (NS), 56% (p<0.01) and 93%
(p<0.01) inhibitions of vaginal weight at the 3 .mu.g, 10 .mu.g,
and 30 .mu.g doses.
[0325] When the compound was administered alone (in the absence of
estrone) to ovariectomized mice at the daily oral doses of 3 .mu.g
and 30 .mu.g, TSE 424 had no significant stimulatory effect on
uterine and vaginal weight at both doses used (Table 4).
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Effect on uterine and vaginal weight of
increasing concentrations of TSE 424 administered orally for 9 days
to ovariectomized mice simultaneously treated or not with estrone.
UTERINE WEIGHT VAGINAL WEIGHT TREATMENT (mg) (mg) INTACT 54.6 .+-.
12.5** 37.9 .+-. 3.9** OVX 15.6 .+-. 1.3** 13.9 .+-. 1.5** OVX +
E.sub.1 118.3 .+-. 6.0 53.4 .+-. 2.8 OVX + E.sub.1 + TSE 424 105.5
.+-. 6.1 54.2 .+-. 3.0 1 .mu.g OVX + E.sub.1 + TSE 424 69.7 .+-.
4.4** 47.2 .+-. 1.6 3 .mu.g OVX + E.sub.1 + TSE 424 42.1 .+-. 2.7**
31.1 .+-. 2.3** 10 .mu.g OVX + E.sub.1 + TSE 424 21.7 .+-. 1.7**
16.7 .+-. 1.8** 30 .mu.g OVX + TSE 424 3 .mu.g 18.3 .+-. 1.2 14.1
.+-. 1.2 OVX + TSE 424 30 .mu.g 17.7 .+-. 1.6 15.3 .+-. 2.0 **p
< 0.01 versus E.sub.1-treated control.
Example 4
Preventive Effects on Bone Loss, Serum Lipids and Total Body
Fat.
Animals and Treatment
[0326] Ten to twelve week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats
(Crl:CD(SD)Br) (Charles River Laboratory, St-Constant, Canada)
weighing approximately 220-270 g at start of treatment were used.
The animals were acclimatized to the environmental conditions
(temperature: 22.+-.3.degree. C.; humidity: 50.+-.20%; 12-h
light-12-h dark cycles, lights on at 07:15 h) for at least 1 week
before starting the experiments. The animals were housed
individually and were allowed free access to tap water and a
pelleted certified rodent feed (Lab Diet 5002, Ralston Purina,
St-Louis, Mo.). Experiments were conducted in an animal facility
approved by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and the
Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal
Care (AAALAC) in accordance with the CCAC Guide for Care and Use of
Experimental Animals.
[0327] In a first experiment, one hundred fifty-four rats were
randomly distributed between 11 groups of 14 animals each as
follows: 1) Intact control; 2) OVX control; 3) OVX+E.sub.2 (1
mg/kg); 4) OVX+EM-652.HCl (2.5 mg/kg); 5) OVX +E.sub.2+EM-652.HCl;
6) OVX+dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; 80 mg/kg); 7)
OVX+DHEA+EM-652.HCl; 8) OVX+DHEA+E.sub.2; 9)
OVX+DHEA+E.sub.2+EM-652.HCl; 10) OVX+GW 5638; 11) OVX+E.sub.2+GW
5638. On day 1 of the study, the animals of the appropriate groups
were bilaterally ovariectomized (OVX) under isoflurane anesthesia.
The DHEA was applied topically on the dorsal skin as a solution in
50% ethanol-50% propylene glycol while the other tested compounds
were administered as suspension in 0.4% methylcellulose by oral
gavage. Treatments were initiated on day 2 of the study and were
performed once daily during 3 months.
[0328] In the second experiment, one hundred thirty-two rats were
randomly distributed between 9 groups of 14 or 15 animals each as
follows: 1) Intact control; 2) OVX control; 3) OVX+Premarin (0.25
mg/kg); 4) OVX+EM-652.HCl (2.5 mg/kg); 5) OVX+Premarin+EM-652.HCl;
6) OVX+TSE 424 (2.5 mg/kg); 7) OVX+Premarin+TSE 424; 8)
OVX+Lasofoxifene (tartrate salt; racemate; 2.5 mg/kg); 9)
OVX+Premarin+Lasofoxifene. On day 1 of the study, the animals of
the appropriate groups were bilaterally OVX under isoflurane
anesthesia. Tested compounds were administered as suspension in
0.4% methylcellulose by oral gavage. Treatments were initiated on
day 2 of the study and were performed once daily during 26 weeks.
In both experiments, animals not receiving a test article were
treated with the appropriate vehicle alone during the same
period.
Bone Mineral Density Measurements
[0329] After 3 months (experiment 1) or 26 weeks (experiment 2) of
treatment, individual rats under Isoflurane anesthesia had their
whole body skeleton and lumbar spine scanned using dual energy
x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA; QDR 4500A, Hologic, Waltham, Mass.) and
a Regional High Resolution Scan software. The bone mineral density
(BMD) of the lumbar spine (vertebrae L2 to L4) and the total body
composition (fat percentage) were determined.
Serum Assays
[0330] After 3 months (experiment 1) or 26 weeks (experiment 2) of
treatment, blood samples were collected at the jugular vein from
overnight fasted animals (under Isoflurane anesthesia). Samples
were processed for serum preparation and frozen at -80.degree. C.
until assay. Serum cholesterol levels and alkaline phospatase
activity (ALP) were determined using the Boehringer Mannheim
Diagnostic Hitachi 911 Analyzer (Boehringer Mannheim Diagnostic
Laboratory Systems).
Statistical Analyses
[0331] Data are expressed as means.+-.SEM. Statistical significance
was determined according to the multiple-range test of
Duncan-Kramer (Kramer C Y; Biometrics 1956; 12:307-310).
Results
[0332] As shown in table 5, after 3 months of ovariectomy, BMD of
the lumbar spine was 10% lower in OVX control animals than in
intact controls (p<0.01). At the doses used, the administration
of estradiol and EM-652.HCl alone prevented lumbar spine BMD loss
by 98% (p<0.01) and 65% (p<0.05), respectively, while the
combined treatment with E.sub.2 and EM-652.HCl prevented the
OVX-induced decrease in lumbar spine BMD by 61% (p<0.05). On the
other hand, while the administration of DHEA alone prevented lumbar
spine BMD by 43% (p<0.05), the combined treatment with
DHEA+E.sub.2+EM-652.HCl prevented the OVX-induced decrease in
lumbar spine BMD by 91% and led to BMD value not different from
intact controls.
[0333] In table 6, 26 weeks after ovariectomy, BMD of the lumbar
spine was 18% lowered compared to intact controls (p<0.01). The
administration of Premarin, EM-652.HCl, TSE 424 and Lasofoxifene
alone prevented lumbar spine BMD by 54%, 62%, 49% and 61%,
respectively (all p<0.01 versus OVX controls). The addition of
Premarin to EM-652.HCl, TSE 424 or Lasofoxifene led to lumbar spine
BMD values not significantly different from those obtained with the
administration of each SERM alone (Table 6). Similarly, the
addition of DHEA to E.sub.2 or to EM-652.HCl completely prevented
the OVX-induced decrease in lumbar spine BMD (Table 5). The
positive effect of DHEA on BMD is also supported by its effect on
serum alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), a marker of bone
formation and turnover. ALP activity was increased from 73.+-.6
IU/L in OVX control animals to 224.+-.18 IU/L, 290.+-.27 IU/L,
123.+-.8 IU/L and 261.+-.20 IU/L (all p<0.01) in DHEA-,
DHEA+EM-652.HCl-, DHEA+E.sub.2- and DHEA+E.sub.2+EM-652.HCl-treated
animals, respectively, thus suggesting a stimulatory effect of DHEA
on bone formation (Table 7).
[0334] In addition to the preventive effects on bone loss, the
administration of EM-652.HCl, TSE 424, Lasofoxifene, GW 5638, DHEA
and E.sub.2 exerts some beneficial effects on total body fat
percentage and serum lipids. After three months of ovariectomy,
total body fat was increase by 22% (p<0.05; Table XXX 6). The
administration of EM-652.HCl completely prevented the OVX-induced
fat percentage increase while the addition of DHEA and/or E.sub.2
to the SERM led to fat percentage values below those observed in
intact control animals. After 26 weeks of ovariectomy, the 40% fat
increase induced by estrogen deficiency was reversed by 74%, 78%,
75% and 114% following the administration of Premarin, EM-652.HCl,
TSE 424 or Lasofoxifene, respectively, while the addition of
Premarin to each SERM completely prevented the OVX-induced fat
percentage increase (Table 8).
[0335] As shown in Table 7, three months after ovariectomy, a 22%
increase in serum cholesterol levels was observed in OVX control
rats compared to intact controls (p<0.01). In fact, serum
cholesterol was increased from 2.01.+-.0.11 mmol/L in intact
animals to 2.46.+-.0.08 mmol/L in OVX controls. The administration
of E.sub.2 or DHEA alone decrease serum cholesterol levels to
1.37.+-.0.18 mmol/L and 1.59.+-.0.10 mmol/L, respectively, while
the administration of EM-652.HCl alone or in combination with
E.sub.2 and/or DHEA led to cholesterol levels significantly lower
(between 0.65 to 0.96 mmol/L) than those found in intact animals
(2.01.+-.0.11 mmol/L). Similarly, the administration of GW 5638,
TSE 424 and lasofoxifene alone or in combination with E.sub.2 or
Premarin completely prevented the OVX-induced increase on serum
cholesterol levels and led to values lower than those found in
intact animals (Tables 7 and 8).
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 EFFECT ON PREVENTION OF BONE LOSS FOLLOWING
3 MONTH-TREATMENT WITH ESTRADIOL, EM- 652.HCl, GW 5638 OR DHEA,
ADMINISTERED ALONE OR IN COMBINATION, TO OVARIECTOMIZED FEMALE RATS
ARTICLE III. LUMBAR SPINE Prevention ARTICLE II. BMD of Bone
TREATMENT (g/cm.sup.2) Loss (%) 1) Intact 0.2461 .+-. 0.0049** 100
OVX 0.2214 .+-. 0.0044 -- OVX + E.sub.2 0.2457 .+-. 0.0049** 98 OVX
+ EM-652.HCl 0.2374 .+-. 0.0027* 65 OVX + EM-652.HCl + E.sub.2
0.2364 .+-. 0.0037* 61 OVX + DHEA 0.2321 .+-. 0.0034 43 OVX + DHEA
+ EM-652.HCl 0.2458 .+-. 0.0037** 99 OVX + DHEA + E.sub.2 0.2496
.+-. 0.0029** 114 OVX + DHEA + E.sub.2 + 0.2439 .+-. 0.0043** 91
EM-652.HCl OVX + GW 5638 0.2299 .+-. 0.0060 34 OVX + GW 5638 +
E.sub.2 0.2344 .+-. 0.0054 53 *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01,
experimental versus OVX Control rats.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 EFFECT ON PREVENTION OF BONE LOSS FOLLOWING
26 WEEK-TREATMENT WITH PREMARIN, EM-652.HCl, TSE 424 OR
LASOFOXIFENE, ADMINISTERED ALONE OR IN COMBINATION WITH PREMARIN,
TO OVARIECTOMIZED FEMALE RATS ARTICLE V. LUMBAR SPINE ARTICLE IV.
Prevention ARTICLE VI. BMD of Bone TREATMENT (g/cm.sup.2) Loss (%)
1) Intact 0.2482 .+-. 0.0067** 100 OVX 0.2035 .+-. 0.0035 -- OVX +
Premarin 0.2277 .+-. 0.0028** 54 OVX + EM-652.HCl 0.2311 .+-.
0.0040** 62 OVX + Premarin + EM-652.HCl 0.2319 .+-. 0.0057** 64 OVX
+ TSE 424 0.2252 .+-. 0.0058** 49 OVX + Premarin + TSE 424 0.2223
.+-. 0.0046** 42 OVX + Lasofoxifene 0.2307 .+-. 0.0040** 61 OVX +
Premarin + Lasofoxifene 0.2357 .+-. 0.0035** 72 **p < 0.01,
experimental versus OVX control rats.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 EFFECT ON TOTAL BODY FAT PERCENTAGE, SERUM
CHOLESTEROL LEVELS AND ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY FOLLOWING 3
MONTH-TREATMENT WITH ESTRADIOL, EM-652.HCl, GW 5638 OR DHEA,
ADMINISTERED ALONE OR IN COMBINATION, TO OVARIECTOMIZED FEMALE RATS
ARTICLE VII. ARTICLE VIII. ARTICLE IX. ARTICLE X. ARTICLE XI. TOTAL
FAT CHOLESTEROL ALP TREATMENT (%) (mmol/L) (IU/L) 1) Intact 24.0
.+-. 1.5* 2.01 .+-. 0.11** 39 .+-. 2** OVX 29.2 .+-. 1.5 2.46 .+-.
0.08 73 .+-. 6 OVX + E.sub.2 19.5 .+-. 2.5** 1.37 .+-. 0.18** 59
.+-. 4 OVX + EM-652.HCl 23.2 .+-. 1.4** 0.87 .+-. 0.04** 91 .+-. 6*
OVX + EM-652.HCl + E.sub.2 20.4 .+-. 1.4** 0.96 .+-. 0.07** 92 .+-.
5* OVX + DHEA 17.3 .+-. 1.5** 1.59 .+-. 0.10** 224 .+-. 18** OVX +
DHEA + EM-652.HCl 18.0 .+-. 1.1** 0.65 .+-. 0.06** 290 .+-. 27**
OVX + DHEA + E.sub.2 15.8 .+-. 1.3** 1.08 .+-. 0.08** 123 .+-. 8**
OVX + DHEA + E.sub.2 + EM-652.HCl 19.2 .+-. 1.6** 0.71 .+-. 0.08**
261 .+-. 20** OVX + GW 5638 21.9 .+-. 1.4** 1.14 .+-. 0.08** 72
.+-. 6 OVX + GW 5638 + E.sub.2 23.2 .+-. 1.2** 0.91 .+-. 0.07** 80
.+-. 6 *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01, experimental versus OVX control
rats.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 EFFECT ON TOTAL BODY FAT PERCENTAGE, SERUM
CHOLESTEROL LEVELS AND ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY FOLLOWING 26
WEEK-TREATMENT WITH PREMARIN, EM-652.HCl, TSE 424 OR LASOFOXIFENE,
ADMINISTERED ALONE OR IN COMBINATION WITH PREMARIN, TO
OVARIECTOMIZED FEMALE RATS ARTICLE XII. ARTICLE XIII. ARTICLE XIV.
ARTICLE XV. ARTICLE XVI. TOTAL FAT CHOLESTEROL ALP TREATMENT (%)
(mmol/L) (IU) 1) Intact 25.5 .+-. 1.8** 2.11 .+-. 0.11** 33 .+-. 2*
OVX 35.7 .+-. 1.6 2.51 .+-. 0.09 60 .+-. 6 OVX + Premarin 28.2 .+-.
1.8** 1.22 .+-. 0.07** 49 .+-. 3 OVX + EM-652.HCl 27.7 .+-. 1.4**
0.98 .+-. 0.06** 78 .+-. 4 OVX + EM-652.HCl + Premarin 25.7 .+-.
2.2** 1.10 .+-. 0.07** 81 .+-. 6 OVX + TSE 424 28.0 .+-. 1.8** 1.15
.+-. 0.05** 85 .+-. 6 OVX + TSE 424 + Premarin 25.7 .+-. 1.7** 1.26
.+-. 0.14** 98 .+-. 22** OVX + Lasofoxifene 24.1 .+-. 1.3** 0.60
.+-. 0.02** 116 .+-. 9** OVX + Lasofoxifene + Premarin 23.8 .+-.
1.9** 0.81 .+-. 0.12** 107 .+-. 6** *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01,
experimental versus OVX control rats.
Example 5
[0336] Preventive Effects on Bone Loss Following Treatment with the
Serums EM-652.HCl, TSE-424 and Era-923, Administered Alone and in
Combination with DHEA to Ovariectomized Female Rats
Animals and Treatment
[0337] Ten to twelve week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats
(Crl:CD(SD)Br) (Charles River Laboratory, St-Constant, Canada)
weighing approximately 220-270 g at start of treatment were used.
The animals were acclimatized to the environmental conditions
(temperature: 22.+-.3.degree. C.; humidity: 50.+-.20%; 12-h
light-12-h dark cycles, lights on at 07:15 h) for at least 1 week
before starting the experiments. The animals were housed
individually and were allowed free access to tap water and a
pelleted certified rodent feed (Lab Diet 5002, Ralston Purina,
St-Louis, Mo.). Experiments were conducted in an animal facility
approved by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and the
Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal
Care (AAALAC) in accordance with the CCAC Guide for Care and Use of
Experimental Animals.
[0338] One hundred twenty-six rats were randomly distributed
between 9 groups of 14 animals each as follows: 1) Intact control;
2) OVX control; 3) OVX+EM-652.HCl (2.5 mg/kg); 4) OVX+TSE-424
(EM-4803, 2.5 mg/kg); 5) OVX+ERA-923 (EM-3527, 2.5 mg/kg); 6)
OVX+dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; 80 mg/kg); 7)
OVX+DHEA+EM-652.HCl; 8) OVX+DHEA+TSE-424; 9) OVX+DHEA+ERA-923. On
day 1 of the study, the animals of the appropriate groups were
bilaterally ovariectomized (Ovx) under isoflurane anesthesia. The
DHEA was applied topically on the dorsal skin as a solution in 50%
ethanol-50% propylene glycol while the tested SERMs were
administered as suspension in 0.4% methylcellulose by oral gavage.
Treatments were initiated on day 2 of the study and were performed
once daily during 5 weeks.
Bone Mineral Density Measurements
[0339] After 5 weeks of treatment, individual rats under Isoflurane
anesthesia had their lumbar spine, femur and tibia scanned using
dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA; QDR 4500A, Hologic,
Waltham, Mass.) and a Regional High Resolution Scan software. The
bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (vertebrae L2 to
L4), distal femoral metaphysis (DFM) and proximal tibial metaphysis
(PTM) were determined.
Statistical Analyses
[0340] Data are expressed as means.+-.SEM. Statistical significance
was determined according to the multiple-range test of
Duncan-Kramer (Kramer C Y 1956).
Results
[0341] As shown in table 9, after 5 weeks of ovariectomy, BMD of
the lumbar spine was 9% lower in Ovx control animals than in intact
controls. At the dose used the administration of the SERMs:
EM-652.HCl, TSE-424 or ERA-923 alone prevented lumbar spine BMD
loss by 86%, 53% and 78%, respectively. On the other hand, the
administration of DHEA alone prevented lumbar spine BMD loss by
44%, while the combined treatment with DHEA+EM-652.HCl,
DHEA+TSE-424 or DHEA+ERA-923 prevented the OVX-induced decrease in
lumbar spine BMD by 94%, 105% and 105%, respectively.
[0342] Bone mineral density of the distal femoral metaphysis (DFM)
was decreased by 10% after 5 weeks of ovariectomy (Table 9). The
administration of the SERMs: EM-652.HCl, TSE-424 or ERA-923 alone
prevented DFM BMD loss by 95%, 70% and 83%, respectively. On the
other hand, the administration of DHEA alone prevented DFM BMD loss
by 71%, while the combined treatment with DHEA+EM-652.HCl,
DHEA+TSE-424 or DHEA+ERA-923 completely prevented the OVX-induced
decrease in DFM BMD and led to DFM BMD values higher than those
observed in intact control animals. Similar results were obtained
on proximal tibial metaphysis BMD (Table 9).
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 EFFECT ON PREVENTION OF BONE LOSS FOLLOWING
5 WEEK-TREATMENT WITH THE SERMs EM-652.cndot.HCl, TSE-424 AND
ERA-923, ADMINISTERED ALONE OR IN COMBINATION WITH DHEA, TO
OVARIECTOMIZED FEMALE RATS LUMBAR SPINE DISTAL FEMORAL PROXIMAL
TIBIAL (L2-L4) METAPHYSIS (DFM) METAPHYSIS (PFM) BMD Prevention of
BMD Prevention of BMD Prevention of TREATMENT (g/cm.sup.2) Bone
Loss (%) (g/cm.sup.2) Bone Loss (%) (g/cm.sup.2) Bone Loss (%)
Intact 0.2261 .+-. 0.0046 100 0.3024 .+-. 0.0040 100 0.2828 .+-.
0.0032 100 Ovx 0.2051 .+-. 0.0037 -- 0.2709 .+-. 0.0036 -- 0.2560
.+-. 0.0028 -- Ovx + EM-652.cndot.HCl 0.2232 .+-. 0.0031 86 0.3008
.+-. 0.0055 95 0.2806 .+-. 0.0035 92 Ovx + TSE-424 0.2162 .+-.
0.0035 53 0.2929 .+-. 0.0042 70 0.2750 .+-. 0.0039 71 Ovx + ERA-923
0.2214 .+-. 0.0029 78 0.2969 .+-. 0.0029 83 0.2805 .+-. 0.0034 91
Ovx + DHEA 0.2144 .+-. 0.0028 44 0.2934 .+-. 0.0046 71 0.2672 .+-.
0.0041 42 Ovx + DHEA + EM-652.cndot.HCl 0.2249 .+-. 0.0023 94
0.3122 .+-. 0.0045 131 0.2867 .+-. 0.0047 115 Ovx + DHEA + TSE-424
0.2271 .+-. 0.0030 105 0.3099 .+-. 0.0040 124 0.2833 .+-. 0.0034
102 Ovx + DHEA + ERA-923 0.2271 .+-. 0.0030 105 0.3072 .+-. 0.0053
115 0.2817 .+-. 0.0034 96
Example 6
Effect of Compounds of the Invention on Alkaline Phosphatase
Activity in Human Endometrial Adenocarcinoma Ishikawa Cells.
Materials
Maintenance of Stock Cell Cultures
[0343] The human Ishikawa cell line derived from a well
differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma was kindly provided by
Dr. Erlio Gurpide, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, N.Y.
The Ishikawa cells were routinely maintained in Eagle's Minimum
Essential Medium (MEM) containing 5% (vol/vol) FBS (Fetal Bovine
Serum) and supplemented with 100 U/ml penicillin, 100 .mu.g/ml
streptomycin, 0.1 mM non-essential amino acids solution. Cells were
plated in Falcon T75 flasks at a density of 1.5.times.10.sup.6
cells at 37.degree. C.
Cell Culture Experiments
[0344] Twenty four hours before the start of the experiment, the
medium of near confluent Ishikawa cells was replaced by fresh
estrogen-free basal medium (EFBM) consisting of a 1:1 (v:v) mixture
of phenol red-free Ham's F-12 and Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's
Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 100 U/mL penicillin, 100 .mu.g/mL
streptomycin, 2 mM glutamine, and 5% FBS treated twice with
dextran-coated charcoal to remove endogenous steroids. Cells were
then harvested by 0.1% pancreatin (Sigma) and 0.25 mM HEPES,
resuspended in EFBM and plated in Falcon 96, well flat-bottomed
microtiter plates at a density of 2.2.times.10.sup.4 cells/well in
a volume of 100 l and allowed to adhere to the surface of the
plates for 24 h. Thereafter, medium was replaced with fresh EFBM
containing the indicated concentrations of compounds in a final
volume of 200 .mu.l. Cells were incubated for five days, with a
medium change after 48 h.
Alkaline Phosphatase Assay
[0345] At the end of the incubation period, microtiter plates were
inverted and growth medium was decanted. The plates were rinsed
with 200l by well of PBS (0.15M NaCl, 10 mM sodium phosphate, pH
7.4). PBS was then removed from the plates while carefully leaving
some residual PBS, and the wash procedure was repeated once. The
buffered saline was then decanted, and the inverted plates were
blotted gently on a paper towel. Following replacement of the
covers, the plates were placed at -80.degree. C. for 15 min
followed by thawing at room temperature for 10 min. The plates were
then placed on ice, and 50 .mu.l of an ice-cold solution containing
5 mM p-nitrophenyl phosphate, 0.24 mM MgCl.sub.2, and 1 M
diethanolamine (pH 9.8) were added. Plates were then warmed to room
temperature, and the yellow color from the production of
p-nitrophenyl was allowed to develop (8 min). Plates were monitored
at 405 nm in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay plate reader
(BIO-RAD, model 2550 EIA Reader).
Calculations
[0346] Dose-response curves as well as IC.sub.50 values were
calculated using a weighted iterative nonlinear squares
regression.
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Maximal Inhibition of stimulation 1nM
E.sub.2- Maximal of alkaline induced inhibition of phosphatase
stimulation of 1nM E.sub.2-induced % of 1nM E.sub.2 alkaline
stimulation of stimulation * phosphatase alkaline CODE (nb of
IC.sub.50 (nM) (nb phosphatase (nb NAME NAME STRUCTURE experiments)
of experiments) of experiments) EM-652.HCl (Acolbifene) EM-652.HCl;
(EM-1538) ##STR00005## 1.88.+-.0.26 (22) 1.52.+-.0.22 (18)
98.97.+-.0.174 (18) OH- Toremifene EM-880 ##STR00006## 29.6.+-.2.1
(6) 72.1.+-.7.6 (3) 75.73.+-.3.52 (3) GW-5638 EM-1796 ##STR00007##
7.75.+-.5.5 (2) No inhibition Raloxifene LY 156758 EM-1105
##STR00008## 12.8.+-.1.7 (8) 3.39.+-.0.9 (6) 94.31.+-.1.74 (5) LY
353381 EM-1665 ##STR00009## 15.5.+-.0.25 (5) 1.87.+-.0.07 (2)
90.25.+-.0.127 (2) Lasofoxifene (free base) EM-3114 ##STR00010##
17.9 (1) 4.24 (1) 85.14 (1) ERA-923 EM-3527 ##STR00011## 0.6 (1)
5.84 (1) 100.16 (1) *% of 1nM E.sub.2 stimulation = OD 405nm
compound-OD 405nm basal/ OD 405nm 1nM E.sub.2-OD 405nm basal Please
see also Labrie et al. 1999.
Example 7
Effect of EM-652.HCl, TSE 424, and Lasofoxifene on the
Proliferation of Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells
Methods:
Maintenance of Stock Cell Cultures
[0347] MCF-7 human breast cancer cells were obtained from the
American Type Culture Collection # HTB 22 at passage 147 and
routinely grown in phenol red-free Dulbecco's Modified
Eagle's-Ham's F12 medium, the supplements mentioned above and 5%
FBS. The MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma cell line was derived
from the pleural effusion of a Caucasian 69-year-old female
patient. MCF-7 cells were used between passages 148 and 165 and
subcultured weekly
Cell Proliferation Studies
[0348] Cells in their late logarithmic growth phase were harvested
with 0.1% pancreatin (Sigma) and resuspended in the appropriate
medium containing 50 ng bovine insulin/ml and 5% (v/v) FBS treated
twice with dextran-coated charcoal to remove endogenous steroids.
Cells were plated in 24-well Falcon plastic culture plates (2
cm.sup.2/well) at the indicated density and allowed to adhere to
the surface of the plates for 72 h. Thereafter, medium was replaced
with fresh medium containing the indicated concentrations of
compounds diluted from 1000.times. stock solutions in 99%
redistilled ethanol in the presence or absence of E.sub.2. Control
cells received only the ethanolic vehicle (0.1% EtOH, v/v). Cells
were incubated for the specified time intervals with medium changes
at 2- or 3-day intervals. Cell number was determined by measurement
of DNA content.
Calculations and Statistical Analysis
[0349] Dose-response curves as well IC.sub.50 values were
calculated using a weighted iterative nonlinear least-squares
regression. All results are expressed as means.+-.SEM.
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Experiment 1 Maximal stimulation of DNA by
tested Inhibition of 1 nM E.sub.2 compounds stimulation of DNA % of
1 nM E.sub.2 by tested compounds NAME CODE NAME stimulation *
IC.sub.50 (nM) EM-652.HCl EM-652.HCl; N.S. 0.796 EM-1538 TSE 424
EM-3527 N.S. 3.68 Experiment 2 Stimulation of DNA by tested
Inhibition of 1 nM E.sub.2 compounds stimulation of DNA % of 1 nM
E.sub.2 by tested compounds NAME CODE NAME stimulation * IC.sub.50
(nM) EM-652.HCl EM-652.HCl; N.S. 0.205 EM-1538 Lasofoxifene EM-3114
N.S. 0.379 (free base)
Example 8
Comparison of the Effects of EM-652.HCl, Tamoxifen, Toremifene,
Droloxifene, Idoxifene, GW-5638, and Raloxifene on the Growth of
Human RZ-75-1 Breast Tumors in Nude Mice.
[0350] The objective of this example was to compare the agonistic
and antagonistic effects of EM-652.HCl and six other oral
antiestrogens (SERMs) on the growth of the well-characterized
estrogen-sensitive ZR-75-1 breast cancer xenografts in
ovariectomized nude mice.
Materials and Methods
Human ZR-75-1 Breast Cancer Cells
[0351] ZR-75-1 human breast cancer cells were obtained from the
American Type Culture Collection (Rockville, Md.) and cultured in
phenol red-free RPMI-1640 medium. The cells were supplemented with
2 mM L-glutamine, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 100 IU penicillin/ml, 100
.mu.g streptomycin/ml, and 10% (v/v) fetal bovine serum and
incubated under an humidified atmosphere of 95% air/5% CO2 at
37.degree. C. Cells were passaged weekly and harvested at 85-90%
confluence using 0.083% pancreatin/0.3 mM EDTA.
Animals and Tumor Inoculation
[0352] Homozygous female nu/nu Br athymic mice (28- to 42-day old)
were obtained from Charles River, Inc. (Saint-Constant, Quebec,
Canada). The mice (5 per cage) were housed in vinyl cages equipped
with air filter lids, which were kept in laminar airflow hoods and
maintained under pathogen-limiting conditions. The photoperiod was
12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness (lights on at 07:15).
Cages, bedding and food (Agway Pro-Lab R-M-H Diet #4018) were
autoclaved before use. Water was autoclaved and provided ad
libitum. Bilateral ovariectomy was performed under
isoflurane-induced anesthesia. At the time of ovariectomy, an
implant of estradiol (E.sub.2) was inserted subcutaneously to
stimulate initial tumor growth. E.sub.2 implants were prepared in 1
cm-long Silastic tubing (inside diameter: 0.062 inch; outside
diameter: 0.095 inch) containing 0.5 cm of a 1:10 (w/w) mixture of
estradiol and cholesterol. One week after ovariectomy, 2.times.10 6
ZR-75-1 (passage 93) cells were inoculated subcutaneously in 0.1 ml
of RPMI-1640 medium+30% Matrigel on both flanks of each
ovariectomized (OVX) mouse through a 2.5-cm-long 22-gauge needle.
After four weeks, the E.sub.2 implants were replaced in all animals
by estrone-containing implants of the same size (E1:chol, 1:25,
w:w). Randomization and treatments were started one week later.
Treatments
[0353] One day prior to initiation of treatments, 255 mice bearing
ZR-75-1 tumors of an average area of 24.4.+-.0.4 mm2 (range 5.7 to
50.7 mm.sup.2) were randomly assigned to 17 groups (with respect to
tumor size), each containing 15 mice (total of 29 or 30 tumors).
The 17 groups included two control groups (OVX and OVX+Estrone),
seven groups supplemented with an estrone implant and treated with
an antiestrogen and eight other groups that received an
antiestrogen alone. The estrone implants were then removed from the
animals in the ovariectomized control group (OVX) and in groups
that were to receive the antiestrogen alone. Estrone-containing
implants in the nine other groups were changed thereafter every 6
weeks. EM-652.HCl, raloxifene, droloxifene, idoxifene and GW 5638
were synthesized in the medicinal chemistry division of the
Oncology and Molecular Endocrinology Research Center. Tamoxifen was
purchased from Plantex (Netanya, Israel) while toremifene citrate
was purchased from Orion (Espoo, Finland). Under estrone
stimulation, the antiestrogens were given at the daily oral dose of
50 .mu.g (2 mg/kg, on average) suspended in 0.2 ml of 0.4% (w/v)
methylcellulose. In the absence of estrone stimulation, animals
were treated with 200 .mu.g (8 mg/kg on average) of each
antiestrogen once daily by the oral route. Animals in both control
groups received 0.2 ml of the vehicle alone. The antiestrogen
suspensions at the appropriate concentration were prepared each
month, stored at 4.degree. C. and used under constant agitation.
Powder stock were hermetically stored at 4.degree. C. (idoxifene,
raloxifene, toremifene, GW 5638, droloxifene) or at room
temperature (tamoxifen, EM-652.HCl).
Tumor Measurements and Necropsy
[0354] Two perpendicular diameters were recorded and tumor area
(mm2) was calculated using the formula: L/2.times.W/2.times.n. The
area measured on the first day of treatment was taken as 100%.
[0355] After 161 days of treatment, the remaining animals were
anesthetized with isoflurane and killed by exsanguination. To
further characterize the effect of the estrogen and antiestrogens,
estrogen-responsive tissues, such as the uterus and vagina, were
immediately removed, freed from connective and adipose tissue and
weighed. The uteri were prepared to evaluate endometrial thickness
by image analysis performed with Image Pro-Plus (Media Cybernetics,
Maryland, USA). In brief, uteri were fixed in 10% formalin and
embedded in parafin. Hematoxylin- and eosin-stained sections of
mice uteri were analyzed. Four images per uterus (2 per uterine
horn) were analyzed. Mean epithelial cell height was measured in
all animals of each group.
Response Criteria
[0356] Tumor response was assessed at the end of the study or at
death of each animal, if it occurred during the course of the
experiment. In this case, only data of mice that survived for at
least half of the study (84 days) were used in the tumor response
analysis. In brief, complete regression identifies those tumors
that were undetectable at the end of the experiment; partial
regression corresponds to the tumors that regressed .gtoreq.50% of
their original size; stable response refers to tumors that
regressed <50% or progressed .ltoreq.50%; and progression refers
to tumors that progressed .gtoreq.50% compared with their original
size.
Statistical Analyses
[0357] The change in total tumors surface areas between day 1 and
day 161 were analyzed according to an ANOVA for repeated
measurements. The model included the treatment, time, and
time-treatment interaction effects plus the term to account for the
strata at randomization. The significance of the different
treatments effects at 161 days was thus tested by the
time-treatment interaction. Analysis of the residuals indicated
that the measurements on the original scale were not fitted for
analysis by an ANOVA nor any of the transformations that were
tried. The ranks were therefore selected for the analyses. The
effect of the treatments on the epithelial thickness was assessed
by a one-way ANOVA including also the strata at randomization. A
posteriori pairwise comparisons were performed using least square
means statistics. The overvall type 1 error rate (a) was controlled
at 5% to declare significance of the differences. All calculations
were performed using Proc MIXED on the SAS Software (SAS Institute,
Carry, N.C.).
Results
Antagonistic Effects on ZR-75-1 Tumor Growth
[0358] Estrone alone (OVX+E.sub.1) caused a 707% increase in
ZR-75-1 tumor size during the 23 week-treatment period (FIG. 18).
Administration of the pure antiestrogen EM-652.HCl at the daily
oral dose of 50 .mu.g to estrone-stimulated mice completely
prevented tumor growth. In fact, not only tumor growth was
prevented but after 23 weeks of treatment, tumor size was 26% lower
than the initial value at start of treatment (p<0.04). This
value obtained after treatment with EM-652.HCl was not
statistically different from that observed after ovariectomy alone
(OVX) where tumor size decreased by 61% below initial tumor size.
At the same dose (50 .mu.g) and treatment period, the six other
antiestrogens did not decrease initial average tumor size. Tumors
in these groups were all significantly higher than the OVX control
group and to the EM-652 HCl-treated group (p<0.01). In fact,
compared to pretreatment values, 23 weeks of treatment with
droloxifene, toremifene, GW 5638, raloxifene, tamoxifen and
idoxifene led to average tumor sizes 478%, 230%, 227%, 191%, 87%
and 86% above pretreatment values, respectively (FIG. 18).
Agonistic Effects on ZR-75-1 Tumor Growth
[0359] After 161 days of treatment with a daily dose of 200 .mu.g
of tamoxifen, in the absence of estrone supplementation, the
average tumor size increased to 196% over baseline (p<0.01 vs
OVX) (FIG. 19). On the other hand, the average tumor size of mice
treated with Idoxifene increased (125%) (p<0.01) while tumor
size in mice treated with toremifene increased by 86% (p<0.01)
(FIG. 19). The addition of 200 .mu.g of EM-652.HCl to 200 .mu.g of
tamoxifen completely inhibited the proliferation observed with
tamoxifen alone (FIG. 20). On the other hand, treatment with
EM-652.HCl (p=0.44), raloxifene (p=0.11), droloxifene (p=0.36) or
GW 5638 (p=0.17) alone did not significantly change ZR-75-1 tumor
size compared to the OVX control group, at the end of the
experiment. (FIG. 19).
Effects on Categories Response
[0360] Effects of 50 .mu.g of antiestrogen on estrone stimulation.
In addition to the effect on tumor size, the category of response
achieved by each individual tumor at the end of the experiment is
an important parameter of treatment efficacy. In ovariectomized
mice, complete, partial, and stable responses were achieved in 21%,
43% and 38% of tumors, respectively, and none of the tumors
progressed. On the other hand, in OVX animals supplemented with
estrone, 100% of tumors have progressed (FIG. 21). In the
EM-652.HCl-treated group of OVX animals supplemented with estrone,
complete, partial, and stable responses were seen in 17%, 17%, and
60% of tumors, respectively and only 7% (2 tumors out of 30) have
progressed. Under the same conditions of estrone stimulation,
treatment with a daily 50 .mu.g dose of any of the other
antiestrogens was unable to decrease the percentage of progressing
tumors under 60%. In fact, 65% of tumors (17 of 26) progressed in
the tamoxifen-treated group, while 89% (25 of 28) progressed with
toremifene, 81% progressed (21 of 26) with raloxifene, 100% (23 of
23) progressed with droloxifene, while 71% (20 of 28) progressed
with idoxifene and 77% (20 of 26) progressed with GW 5638 (FIG.
21).
Effects of 200 .mu.g of Antiestrogen in the Absence of Estrone
Stimulation on Categories Response
[0361] As illustrated in FIG. 22, tamoxifen, idoxifene and
toremifene led to greater proportion of progressing tumors, in the
absence of estrone stimulation, than the other antiestrogens. In
fact, 62% (16 of 26), 33% (8 of 24) and 21% (6 of 28) of tumors
were in the progression category after tamoxifen-, idoxifene- and
toremifene treatment at the daily dose of 200 .mu.g, respectively.
As can be seen in FIG. 23, the addition of 200 .mu.g of EM-652.HCl
to tamoxifen reduced the percentage of progressing tumors with
tamoxifen alone from 62% (16 of 26) to 7% when EM-652.HCl was added
to tamoxifen (2 of 28).
Effects of Antiestrogens on Thickness of Uterine Epithelial
Cells
[0362] The height of the endometrial epithelial cells was measured
as the most direct parameter of agonistic and antagonistic effect
of each compound in the endometrium.
Effect of Daily 50 .mu.g of Antiestrogen in the Presence of Estrone
Stimulation on Thickness of Uterine Epithelial Cells
[0363] At the daily oral dose of 50 .mu.g, EM-652.HCl inhibited the
stimulatory effect of estrone on epithelial height by 70%. The
efficacy of the six other antiestrogens tested were significantly
lower (p<0.01). In fact, droloxifene, GW 5638, raloxifene,
tamoxifen, toremifene and idoxifene inhibited estrone stimulation
by 17%, 24%, 26%, 32%, 41% and 50%, respectively. (Table 12).
Effect of Daily 200 .mu.g of Antiestrogen in Absence of Estrone
Stimulation on Thickness of Uterine Epithelial Cells
[0364] In the absence of estrone stimulation, EM-652.HCl and
droloxifene were the only compounds tested that did not
significantly increase the height of epithelial cells (114% and
101% of the OVX control group value, respectively). Tamoxifen
(155%), toremifene (135%) and idoxifene (176%) exerted a
significant stimulation of uterine epithelial height (p<0.01 vs
OVX control group). Raloxifene (122%) and GW 5638 (121%) also
exerted a statistically significant stimulation of uterine
epithelial height (p<0.05 vs OVX control group (Table 12). The
agonistic and antagonistic effects of each antiestrogen measured on
uterine and vaginal weight were in accordance with the pattern
observed on uterine epithelium thickness (Data not shown).
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 ENDOMETRIAL EPITHELIUM THICKNESS GROUP n
(.mu.m) .+-. SEM OVX CONTROL 14 18.31 .+-. 0.04 OVX + E.sub.1
CONTROL 8 40.58.sup.b,d .+-. 0.63 OVX + E.sub.1 + EM-652.cndot.HCl
14 25.06.sup.b .+-. 0.07 OVX + E.sub.1 + TAMOXIFEN 10 33.44.sup.b,d
.+-. 0.04 OVX + E.sub.1 + TOREMIFENE 13 31.47.sup.b,d .+-. 0.04 OVX
+ E.sub.1 + RALOXIFENE 12 34.72.sup.b,d .+-. 0.06 OVX + E.sub.1 +
DROLOXIFENE 12 36.71.sup.b,d .+-. 0.12 OVX + E.sub.1 + IDOXIFENE 12
29.35.sup.b,d .+-. 0.05 OVX + E.sub.1 + GW 5638 12 35.30.sup.b,d
.+-. 0.07 OVX + EM-652.cndot.HCl 12 20.79 .+-. 0.10 OVX + TAMOXIFEN
11 28.47.sup.b,d .+-. 0.05 OVX + EM-652.cndot.HCl + TAMOXIFEN 13
27.95.sup.b,d .+-. 0.06 OVX + TOREMIFENE 13 24.75.sup.b,c .+-. 0.04
OVX + RALOXIFENE 12 22.33.sup.a .+-. 0.05 OVX + DROLOXIFENE 13
18.50 .+-. 0.07 OVX + IDOXIFENE 11 32.14.sup.b,d .+-. 0.05 OVX + GW
5638 13 22.22.sup.a .+-. 0.05 .sup.a,bExperimental versus OVX
control mice: .sup.aP < 0.05; .sup.bP < 0.01.
.sup.c,dExperimental versus EM-652.HCl treated-mice: .sup.cP <
0.05; .sup.dP < 0.01.
Example 9
[0365] Radioactivity in the brain of female rats following a single
oral dose of .sup.14C-EM-800 (20 mg/kg)
[0366] Example 8 shows the radioactivity in brain of rats following
single oral dose of .sup.14C-EM-800 (20 mg/kg), a SERM of the
present invention. For comparison purposes, values for the blood,
plasma, liver (Table 13) and uterus from each of these animals were
included. Tissue Distribution and Excretion of Radioactivity
Following a Single Oral Dose of .sup.14C-EM-800 (20 mg/2 ml/kg) to
Male and Female Long-Evans Rats. These numbers indicate that the
amount of total drug-derived radioactivity in the brain of female
Long-Evans rats was very low (ng equiv/g tissue) and was not
detected after 12 hr post dose. At 2 hours, radioactivity in the
brain was 412 lower than in liver, 21 times lower than in the
uterus, 8.4 times lower that in the blood and 13 times lower than
in plasma. Since an unknown proportion of total brain radioactivity
is due to contamination by blood radioactivity, the values shown in
Table X 1 for brain radioactivity are an overestimate of the level
of .sup.14C (EM-800)-related radioactivity in the brain tissue
itself. Such data suggest that the level of the antiestrogen in the
brain tissue is too low, to counteract the effect of exogenous
estrogen. It is important to note that some of the radioactivity
detected in the brain tissue may be due to residual blood in the
tissue (Table 14). Additionally, the radiochemical purity of the
.sup.14C-EM-800 used for this study was minimally 96.25%.
TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 13 Mean Concentration of Drug-Derived
Radioactivity (ng EM-800 equiv/g tissue) in Selected Tissues of
Female Long-Evans Rats Following a Single Oral Dose of
.sup.14C-EM-800 (20 mg/kg).sup.a Time Brain Blood Plasma (hr)
Mean.sup.b (% CV) Mean.sup.b (% CV) Mean.sup.b (% CV) 2 17.6 (29)
148.7 (22) 224.6 (20) 4 17.1 (29) 66.9 (45) 103.2 (39) 6 15.6 (8)
48.3 (29) 74.1 (31) 8 16.8 (31) 41.1 (12) 64.1 (14) 12 10.0.sup.c
(87) 28.7 (54) 40.7 (55) 24 0 (NC) 4.7.sup.d (173) 10.1 (86) 36 0
(NC) 0 (NC) 0 (NC) 48 0 (NC) 0 (NC) 0 (NC) 72 0 (NC) 0 (NC) 0 (NC)
96 0 (NC) 0 (NC) 0 (NC) 168 0 (NC) 0 (NC) 0 (NC) .sup.aValues from
report tables for LREM 1129 (EM-800: Tissue Distribution and
Excretion of Radioactivity Following a Single Oral Dose of
.sup.14C-EM-800 (20 mg/2 mL/kg) to Male and Female Long-Evans
Rats). .sup.bLimit of quantification (LOQ) of 1.2 ng EM-800
equivalent. .sup.cOne sample below the LOQ; 0 used in calculation
of mean. .sup.dTwo samples below the LOQ; 0 used in calculation of
mean. % CV: Coefficient of variation expressed as a percent, where
n = 3. NC: Not calculated.
TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 14 Mean Concentration of Drug-Derived
Radioactivity (.mu.g EM-800 equiv/g tissue) in Selected Tissues of
Female Long-Evans Rats Following a Single Oral Dose of
.sup.14C-EM-800 (20 mg/kg).sup.a Time Brain Liver Uterus Blood
Plasma (hr) Mean.sup.b (% CV) Mean.sup.b (% CV) Mean.sup.b (% CV)
Mean.sup.b (% CV) Mean.sup.b (% CV) 2 0.0176 (29) 7.2547 (30)
0.3675 (36) 0.1487 (22) 0.2246 (20) 4 0.0171 (29) 3.2201 (48)
0.2866 (83) 0.0669 (45) 0.1032 (39) 6 0.0156 (8) 2.7462 (8) 0.2757
(19) 0.0483 (29) 0.0741 (31) 8 0.0168 (31) 2.7748 (8) 0.3332 (46)
0.0411 (12) 0.0641 (14) 12 0.0100.sup.c (87) 1.8232 (38) 0.2407
(25) 0.0287 (54) 0.0407 (55) 24 0 (NC) 0.6391 (52) 0.0837 (54)
0.0047d (173) 0.0101 (86) 36 0 (NC) 0.4034 (22) 0.0261 (15) 0 (NC)
0 (NC) 48 0 (NC) 0.2196 (37) 0.0238 (44) 0 (NC) 0 (NC) 72 0 (NC)
0.1326 (4) 0 (NC) 0 (NC) 0 (NC) 96 0 (NC) 0.0944 (15) 0 (NC) 0 (NC)
0 (NC) 168 0 (NC) 0.0348 (14) 0 (NC) 0 (NC) 0 (NC) .sup.aValues
from report tables for LREM 1129 (EM-800: Tissue Distribution and
Excretion of Radioactivity Following a Single Oral Dose of
.sup.14C-EM-800 (20 mg/2 mL/kg) to Male and Female Long-Evans
Rats). .sup.bLimit of quantification (LOQ) of 1.2 ng EM-800
equivalent. .sup.cOne sample below the LOQ; 0 used in calculation
of mean. .sup.dTwo samples below the LOQ; 0 used in calculation of
mean. % CV: Coefficient of variation expressed as a percent, where
n = 3. NC: Not calculated.
Example 10
Clinical Trial ERC-205
[0367] Etude De Phase II-III Randomisee Avec Controle Placebo Pour
Evaluer Les Effets De La Dhea Sur Les Symptomes Vasomoteurs
(Bouffees De Chaleur)--Phase II-III Placebo-Controlled, Study to
Evaluate the Effects of Dhea on Vasomotor Symptoms (Hot Flushes) in
Postmenopausal Women.
Study Design Summary
[0368] As illustrated in FIG. 24, this was a randomized, placebo
controlled, study to evaluate the effect of DHEA on reducing
vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes) compared to placebo
administration. Postmenopausal women experiencing 250 moderate or
severe hot flushes per week (as determined by a two week diary)
were randomized to receive a daily dose of either placebo or 50 mg
DHEA. Fifty evaluable participants (25 patients per arm) were
treated for four months with a daily assessment of hot flushes
recorded in a diary completed by each participant.
[0369] Postmenopausal women aged 40 to 70 years with .gtoreq.50
moderate or severe hot flushes per week, as confirmed by a two-week
screening hot flush diary were enrolled after signing informed
consent. The protocol was approved by the Institutional Review
Board (IRB) of Le Centre Hospitalier de l'Universite Laval and by
Health Canada.
[0370] Women had to satisfy either a or b or c: [0371] a. No menses
for at least one year, or; [0372] b. FSH levels 240 mIU/mL (within
60 days prior to Day 1) in women with no menses .gtoreq.6 months
but <12 months, or hysterectomized women who were premenopausal
at the time of hysterectomy, or; [0373] c. Previous bilateral
oophorectomy.
[0374] A normal PAP smear (which includes inflammatory changes) and
a normal bilateral mammogram within 12 months of randomization had
to be available.
[0375] An endometrial thickness of 4 mm or less at transvaginal
ultrasonography was required.
[0376] The primary endpoint was the change from Baseline in the
weekly frequency of moderate to severe hot flushes at Week 16,
after four months of treatment. The objectives also included the
change from Baseline in the weekly frequency of all hot flushes and
the change from Baseline in the weekly weighted severity score.
[0377] The secondary endpoints were the safety evaluation of DHEA
as well as quality of life.
[0378] The response endpoint is the patient's paper diary which was
filled in daily to specify the number and type of hot flushes as
follows: [0379] 0 None. [0380] 1 Mild=sensation of heat without
perspiration. [0381] 2 Moderate=sensation of heat with perspiration
and no cessation of activity necessary. [0382] 3 Severe=sensation
of heat with perspiration necessitating cessation of activity. This
includes night sweats.
[0383] The hot flush diary began as a Screening diary for two weeks
prior to randomization whereby patients had to complete the diary
daily, recording the number and severity of hot flushes. The
patients had to record an average of 50 or more moderate or severe
hot flushes per week over the two-week period to be eligible (i.e.,
at least 100 hot flushes documented on the two week Screening
diary).
[0384] Once randomized, the patient completed eight, two-week hot
flush diaries upon beginning study medication. The diaries had to
be filled out on a daily basis. The first diary was completed over
the first two weeks and be returned on the two week visit. The
second two-week diary was completed over the next two weeks of the
first four week treatment period and was returned at the four week
visit. At 4, 8, 12 and 16 week visits, two two-week diaries for hot
flushes were collected.
[0385] Diary and blinded medication began on the same day (ie, on
day 1. The patient began recording hot flushes when she woke up on
the same day she planned to begin taking the study medication).
Results
[0386] As illustrated in FIG. 25 and Table 15, the number of
moderate to severe hot flushes decreased from 70.7.+-.4.5 per week
at screening to 50.1.+-.5.7 at week 4 (N.S. US placebo),
40.2.+-.6.1 at week 8, 34.7.+-.5.8 at week 12 (p<0.05 vs
placebo) and 32.2.+-.5.8 at week 16 (p<0.0.5 vs placebo).
Placebo cause a 32.9% decrease compared to 54.5% for DHEA.
[0387] A similar effect was observed on the frequency of all hot
flushes (FIG. 26, Table 16) with a prescreening value of
75.5.+-.4.4 hot flushes per week to 55.3.+-.5.8 at week 4 (N.S. vs
placebo), 44.7.+-.6.3 at week 8, 39.5.+-.5.9 at week 12 (p<0.05
vs placebo) and 36.0.+-.5.7 at week 16 (p<0.05 vs placebo).
Placebo caused a 34.9% decrease compared to 52.4% for DHEA.
[0388] When the hot flushes were attributed a score of 1 for mild,
2 for moderate and 3 for severe, it can be seen that the values
went form 187.1.+-.13.9 to 87.2.+-.15.8 in the DHEA groups compared
to 196.3.+-.13.6 to 130.+-.14.1 in the placebo groups at 16 weeks
(p<0.05). Placebo caused a 18.0% decrease versus 53.4% for DHEA,
thus indicating a 3.0-fold higher efficacy of DHEA.
[0389] As illustrated in Table 18, the effect of DHEA was exerted
at a greater degree on the moderate to severe hot flushes an effect
better illustrated on the weighted severity score when the value
was reduced by 99.1.+-.15.6 with DHEA and 68.6.+-.15.6 for placebo.
This effect is better illustrated in Table 19 where the mean number
of hot flushes in the groups of women having 71 or more hot flushes
per week at screening went from 94.7.+-.7.9 to 57.8.+-.8.3 in the
placebo group went from 88.5.+-.7.1 to 31.6.+-.11.6 in the group of
women who received DHEA. Such data show a 65% (64.3% for DHEA
versus 39.0% for placebo) greater inhibition by DHEA in the women
most affected by vasomotor symptoms. In fact, in women having
between 50 and 70 moderate to severe hot flushes per week, the
number went from 56.7.+-.1.3 per week at prescreening to
32.7.+-.6.2 at week 6 (43.3% decrease) in women who received DHEA
compared to a 24.7% decrease with placebo, thus indicating a 43%
inhibition by DHEA over the placebo effect.
[0390] Since the number of mild hot flushes is relatively low
(comparison of Tables 18 and 19), similar conclusions are found in
Table 20. The number of hot flushes in women having more than 70
mild, moderate plus severe hot flushes is decreased from
91.0.+-.7.0 per week at prescreening to 36.3.+-.11.5 at week 16 in
women receiving DHEA (60% decrease). In women receiving placebo the
number of all hot flushes goes from 100.4.+-.7.9 at screening to
61.3.+-.8.9 at week 16 for a 39.9% decrease. Such data show a 50%
greater efficacy of DHEA in the women having the largest number of
hot flushes of all degrees of severity.
[0391] Analogous conclusions are reached when a weighted severity
score is used for calculations (Table 21). When women having more
than 70 hot flushes per week are considered, the score goes from
241.6.+-.21.1 at screening to 95.2.+-.34.3 at week 16 in women
receiving DHEA (61.6% decrease) while for placebo, the value
decreases from 242.0.+-.21.6 to 141.3.+-.20.1 at week 16 (41.6%
decrease). In women having between 50 and 70 hot flushes per week
at screening, the values go from 144.3.+-.6.7 at screening to
81.6.+-.13.6 at week 16 in women who received DHEA (43.5% decrease)
compared to values 154.2.+-.3.7 and 118.8.+-.20.2 for the placebo
groups (33.0% decrease).
Conclusion
[0392] The present data demonstrated the efficacy of 50 mg DHEA
treatment for alleviating vasomotor symptoms as assessed by the
significant decrease in the total number of moderate to severe hot
flushes or all hot flushes, as well as by the significant reduction
of the hot flush weekly severity weighted score.
TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 15 NUMBER OF MODERATE TO SEVERE HOT FLUSHES
PER WEEK Screening GROUP VALUE (mean of 2 w) Week 1 Week 2 Week 3
Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 PLACEBO n 25 25 25 25 25 25 25
24 24 MEAN 76.0 61.0 55.0 57.4 58.5 58.8 54.9 55.4 56.8 SEM 5.3 5.6
6.1 5.7 6.0 5.6 5.4 5.6 6.1 MIN 52.5 5 3 3 4 3 1 0 0 MAX 16 8 127
116 110 125 111 117 104 118 DHEA n 25 25 25 25 25 22 22 22 22 (50
mg) MEAN 70.7 58.6 51.0 49.1 50.1 44.4 43.0 39.6 40.2 SEM 4.5 4.8
4.8 5.3 5.7 6.2 6.2 6.5 6.1 MIN 50.5 26 5 2 7 0 0 0 0 MAX 145.5 129
121 110 131 121 114 123 103 NUMBER OF MODERATE TO SEVERE HOT
FLUSHES PER WEEK GROUP VALUE Week 9 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12 Week 13
Week 14 Week 15 Week 16 PLACEBO n 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 MEAN 56.3
54.8 51.7 52.8 49.8 52.3 52.6 51.0 SEM 5.8 5.7 5.7 6.0 5.6 5.9 5.9
5.8 MIN 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 MAX 116 108 106 115 110 112 98 103 DHEA n
22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 (50 mg) MEAN 39.6 38.6 36.0 34.7 33.2 33.3
34.0 32.2 SEM 5.7 5.6 5.6 5.8 5.6 6.0 6.0 5.8 MIN 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
MAX 107 110 107 105 101 102 110 104 CM110108-7
TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 16 NUMBER OF ALL HOT FLUSHES PER WEEK
Screening GROUP VALUE (mean of 2 w) Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4
Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 PLACEBO n 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 24 24
MEAN 83.4 68.2 60.2 62.3 63.2 63.2 59.4 60.5 61.7 SEM 5.1 5.7 6.3
5.8 5.8 5.5 5.2 5.4 5.9 MIN 52.5 12 7 5 17 7 6 1 1 MAX 168 128 117
114 130 111 118 110 121 DHEA n 25 25 25 25 25 22 22 22 22 (50 mg)
MEAN 75.7 64.2 56.4 54.6 55.3 49.8 47.9 44.5 44.7 SEM 4.4 5.1 5.0
5.4 5.8 6.4 6.4 6.8 6.3 MIN 51 26 7 2 7 0 0 0 0 MAX 147 129 121 110
131 121 114 123 103 NUMBER OF ALL HOT FLUSHES PER WEEK GROUP VALUE
Week 9 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12 Week 13 Week 14 Week 15 Week 16
PLACEBO n 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 MEAN 61.3 59.0 55.4 56.7 54.8
55.9 56.2 54.3 SEM 5.7 5.7 5.9 6.1 5.6 6.0 6.0 5.8 MIN 0 0 0 0 0 3
6 8 MAX 118 109 110 121 110 113 107 103 DHEA n 22 22 22 22 22 22 22
22 (50 mg) MEAN 44.3 43.1 40.9 39.5 37.5 37.6 37.5 36.0 SEM 5.9 5.8
5.7 5.9 5.5 5.9 5.9 5.7 MIN 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MAX 107 110 108 105 101
102 110 104 CM110108-8
TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 17 WEIGHTED SEVERITY SCORE OF HOT FLUSHES PER
WEEK Screening GROUP VALUE (mean of 2 w) Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week
4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 PLACEBO n 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 24 24
MEAN 196.3 158.6 140.8 147.5 148.6 148.0 139.7 142.6 145.9 SEM 13.6
13.9 14.8 13.7 13.9 12.8 12.6 13.1 14.4 MIN 139.5 20 13 14 30 13 8
1 1 MAX 433.5 325 295 279 297 263 275 253 278 DHEA n 25 25 25 25 25
22 22 22 22 (50 mg) MEAN 187.1 156.0 137.5 132.5 135.7 120.9 115.2
108.3 109.4 SEM 13.9 13.6 13.6 14.4 16.1 16.8 17.3 18.6 17.1 MIN
116 66 15 4 20 0 0 0 0 MAX 404 353 353 326 386 330 335 357 302
WEIGHTED SEVERITY SCORE OF HOT FLUSHES PER WEEK GROUP VALUE Week 9
Week 10 Week 11 Week 12 Week 13 Week 14 Week 15 Week 16 PLACEBO n
24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 MEAN 143.7 139.7 131.0 133.6 127.1 132.7
133.6 130.0 SEM 13.7 13.4 13.8 14.4 13.4 14.4 14.2 14.1 MIN 0 0 0 0
0 3 6 10 MAX 270 253 251 273 257 262 232 242 DHEA n 22 22 22 22 22
22 22 22 (50 mg) MEAN 106.5 104.5 98.2 92.7 90.1 90.9 91.8 87.2 SEM
15.7 15.7 15.5 15.2 15.0 15.8 16.4 15.8 MIN 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MAX 314
327 322 315 301 306 330 311 CM110108-9
TABLE-US-00018 TABLE 18 MEAN CHANGE IN FREQUENCY AND SEVERITY OF
HOT FLUSHES (HF) FROM BASELINE Weighted severity score of HF
Frequency of moderate-severe HF Frequency of all HF Week GROUP
VALUE Week 4 Week 8 Week 12 Week 16 Week 4 Week 8 Week 12 Week 16
Week 4 Week 8 Week 12 16 PLACEBO n 25 24 24 24 25 24 24 24 25 24 24
24 MEAN -17.4 -19.8 -23.8 -25.7 -20.1 -22.1 -27.1 -29.5 -47.7 -52.7
-65.0 -68.6 SEM 5.6 6.0 5.8 5.7 5.2 5.6 6.0 5.7 14.1 15.8 15.7 15.6
MIN -70.5 -78.5 -81.5 -80.5 -66 -77.5 -85.5 -87.5 -187.5 -206.5
-227.5 -228.5 MAX 21 18 30 21 15.5 9.5 24.5 15.5 51.5 61 62 71 DHEA
n 25 22 22 22 25 22 22 22 25 22 22 22 (50 mg) MEAN -20.6 -30.1
-35.6 -38.1 -20.4 -31.0 -36.2 -39.8 -51.4 -76.9 -93.6 -99.1 SEM 5.3
6.2 6.5 5.9 5.3 6.1 6.5 5.9 14.0 16.6 17.4 15.6 MIN -74 -84 -82
-76.5 -74.5 -75 -82 -77 -188.5 -202 -240.5 -205 MAX 27 18.5 29.5
25.5 25.5 18.5 29 25 77.5 39 57.5 53.5 CM110108-10
TABLE-US-00019 TABLE 19 NUMBER OF MODERATE TO SEVERE HOT FLUSHES
PER WEEK Screening GROUP STRATA VALUE (mean of 2 w) Week 1 Week 2
Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 PLACEBO 50 to 70 n 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 12 12 hot flushes MEAN 58.7 46.8 40.8 49.5 48.2 48.6
47.1 46.3 48.0 per week SEM 1.4 5.8 7.2 7.6 6.4 6.3 6.1 6.2 6.9 at
screening MIN 52.5 5 3 3 4 3 1 0 0 MAX 66 81 88 101 87 88 88 73 80
.gtoreq.71 n 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 hot flushes MEAN 94.7 76.3
70.3 66.1 69.8 69.8 63.3 64.5 65.7 per week SEM 7.9 7.9 8.0 8.1 9.6
8.5 8.8 8.9 9.7 at screening MIN 71 21 22 18 18 20 13 9 10 MAX 168
127 116 110 125 111 117 104 118 DHEA 50 to 70 n 14 14 14 14 14 13
13 13 13 (50 mg) hot flushes MEAN 56.7 54.2 49.0 46.5 44.0 38.3
39.8 34.7 38.1 per week SEM 1.3 4.7 4.9 6.2 5.7 6.2 6.4 5.6 6.2 at
screening MIN 50.5 26 5 2 7 0 0 0 0 MAX 70.5 90 81 90 82 82 72 70
75 .gtoreq.71 n 11 11 11 11 11 9 9 9 9 hot flushes MEAN 88.5 64.1
53.5 52.5 57.8 53.2 47.6 46.7 43.3 per week SEM 7.1 9.0 9.3 9.2
10.7 12.0 12.5 13.9 12.5 at screening MIN 72.5 26 22 15 10 4 5 6 0
MAX 145.5 129 121 110 131 121 114 123 103 NUMBER OF MODERATE TO
SEVERE HOT FLUSHES PER WEEK GROUP STRATA VALUE Week 9 Week 10 Week
11 Week 12 Week 13 Week 14 Week 15 Week 16 PLACEBO 50 to 70 n 12 12
12 12 12 12 12 12 hot flushes MEAN 50.8 49.2 44.1 47.9 44.9 46.3
46.8 44.2 per week SEM 7.0 7.1 6.7 7.7 6.9 8.7 8.5 7.9 at screening
MIN 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 MAX 90 86 83 96 77 100 98 87 .gtoreq.71 n 12 12
12 12 12 12 12 12 hot flushes MEAN 61.8 60.4 59.3 57.8 54.7 58.2
58.4 57.8 per week SEM 9.2 8.8 9.0 9.4 8.8 8.1 8.1 8.3 at screening
MIN 7 6 2 7 9 10 8 8 MAX 116 108 106 115 110 112 98 103 DHEA 50 to
70 n 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 (50 mg) hot flushes MEAN 38.5 36.6
35.6 35.8 32.8 34.2 33.7 32.7 per week SEM 6.2 6.4 6.2 6.8 6.6 7.2
6.6 6.2 at screening MIN 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MAX 73 75 70 80 78 77 74
76 .gtoreq.71 n 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 hot flushes MEAN 41.1 41.6 36.4
33.1 33.9 32.0 34.4 31.6 per week SEM 11.2 10.6 10.9 10.5 10.4 10.8
11.7 11.6 at screening MIN 6 12 6 1 3 4 5 1 MAX 107 110 107 105 101
102 110 104 CM110108-11
TABLE-US-00020 TABLE 20 NUMBER OF ALL HOT FLUSHES PER WEEK
Screening GROUP STRATA VALUE (mean of 2 w) Week 1 Week 2 Week 3
Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 PLACEBO 50 to 70 n 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 12 12 hot flushes MEAN 67.7 54.3 45.4 53.8 53.2 52.8 51.5
50.9 53.3 per week SEM 2.2 5.2 7.5 7.6 5.8 6.0 5.5 5.4 6.3 at
screening MIN 52.5 12 7 5 17 7 6 1 1 MAX 78.5 83 92 102 87 91 88 73
81 .gtoreq.71 n 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 hot flushes MEAN 100.4
83.3 76.2 71.5 74.2 74.4 68.0 70.2 70.1 per week SEM 7.9 8.6 8.3
8.3 9.6 8.4 8.5 8.7 9.7 at screening MIN 71 32 34 32 34 35 32 22 23
MAX 168 128 117 114 130 111 118 110 121 DHEA 50 to 70 n 14 14 14 14
14 13 13 13 13 (50 mg) hot flushes MEAN 63.7 60.8 55.3 52.3 49.4
42.7 43.7 39.2 41.8 per week SEM 3.0 5.9 5.7 6.7 6.3 6.9 7.0 6.7
7.0 at screening MIN 51 30 7 2 7 0 0 0 0 MAX 82 106 84 90 87 82 72
72 86 .gtoreq.71 n 11 11 11 11 11 9 9 9 9 hot flushes MEAN 91.0
68.6 57.9 57.5 62.7 60.0 53.9 52.2 48.9 per week SEM 7.0 9.1 9.1
9.2 10.4 11.6 12.3 13.7 12.0 at screening MIN 72.5 26 24 15 22 14
13 7 9 MAX 147 129 121 110 131 121 114 123 103 NUMBER OF ALL HOT
FLUSHES PER WEEK GROUP STRATA VALUE Week 9 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12
Week 13 Week 14 Week 15 Week 16 PLACEBO 50 to 70 n 12 12 12 12 12
12 12 12 hot flushes MEAN 55.4 53.8 48.1 51.4 49.1 49.8 49.8 47.3
per week SEM 6.4 6.7 6.6 7.2 6.7 8.3 7.8 7.2 at screening MIN 0 0 0
0 0 3 6 8 MAX 90 88 83 96 86 100 98 87 .gtoreq.71 n 12 12 12 12 12
12 12 12 hot flushes MEAN 67.2 64.3 62.7 61.9 60.4 62.0 62.6 61.3
per week SEM 9.5 9.2 9.6 10.0 8.9 8.6 8.9 8.9 at screening MIN 16
11 4 11 12 14 13 9 MAX 118 109 110 121 110 113 107 103 DHEA 50 to
70 n 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 (50 mg) hot flushes MEAN 42.4 40.5
39.5 39.7 36.2 37.8 36.5 35.7 per week SEM 7.0 6.8 6.6 7.1 6.6 7.3
6.5 5.8 at screening MIN 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MAX 81 75 70 80 78 77 74
76 .gtoreq.71 n 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 hot flushes MEAN 47.0 46.9 42.8
39.3 39.3 37.3 38.8 36.3 per week SEM 10.8 10.6 10.7 10.6 9.9 10.5
11.4 11.5 at screening MIN 14 12 10 2 5 4 5 1 MAX 107 110 108 105
101 102 110 104 CM110108-12
TABLE-US-00021 TABLE 21 WEIGHTED SEVERITY SCORE OF HOT FLUSHES PER
WEEK Screening GROUP STRATA VALUE (mean of 2 w) Week 1 Week 2 Week
3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 PLACEBO 50 to 70 n 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 12 12 hot flushes MEAN 154.2 127.2 107.7 129.9 128.1 127.6
125.0 125.7 131.1 per week SEM 3.7 14.3 17.6 18.2 14.8 15.0 14.4
15.0 17.1 at screening MIN 139.5 20 13 14 30 13 8 1 1 MAX 178.5 228
206 242 210 211 207 184 214 .gtoreq.71 n 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
hot flushes MEAN 242.0 192.8 176.6 166.6 170.9 170.0 155.7 159.5
160.7 per week SEM 21.6 20.7 20.2 20.0 23.1 20.0 20.6 21.0 23.0 at
screening MIN 164 63 67 62 63 65 53 48 44 MAX 433.5 325 295 279 297
263 275 253 278 DHEA 50 to 70 n 14 14 14 14 14 13 13 13 13 (50 mg)
hot flushes MEAN 144.3 141.0 127.1 118.9 111.6 97.8 99.0 88.3 95.8
per week SEM 6.7 13.1 12.6 15.4 12.8 15.2 15.0 13.9 14.6 at
screening MIN 116 73 15 4 20 0 0 0 0 MAX 208.5 239 211 234 182 171
163 147 182 .gtoreq.71 n 11 11 11 11 11 9 9 9 9 hot flushes MEAN
241.6 175.2 150.8 149.8 166.5 154.1 138.7 137.2 129.0 per week SEM
21.1 25.8 26.7 26.3 31.2 32.7 36.1 40.2 36.4 at screening MIN 176
66 57 35 38 27 31 16 19 MAX 404 353 353 326 386 330 335 357 302
WEIGHTED SEVERITY SCORE OF HOT FLUSHES PER WEEK GROUP STRATA VALUE
Week 9 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12 Week 13 Week 14 Week 15 Week 16
PLACEBO 50 to 70 n 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 hot flushes MEAN 136.8
131.3 118.0 127.5 119.3 122.4 124.0 118.8 per week SEM 16.9 16.5
16.5 18.9 17.2 21.6 20.7 20.2 at screening MIN 0 0 0 0 0 3 6 10 MAX
210 203 196 219 196 234 219 224 .gtoreq.71 n 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
12 hot flushes MEAN 150.6 148.1 144.1 139.7 135.0 142.9 143.2 141.3
per week SEM 22.1 21.5 22.1 22.5 21.0 19.5 20.0 20.1 at screening
MIN 29 22 8 23 26 30 26 22 MAX 270 253 251 273 257 262 232 242 DHEA
50 to 70 n 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 (50 mg) hot flushes MEAN 96.0
92.7 89.8 88.5 81.4 87.0 83.7 81.6 per week SEM 14.8 15.1 14.4 15.5
14.8 16.5 14.8 13.6 at screening MIN 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MAX 174 156
169 193 190 192 180 189 .gtoreq.71 n 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 hot flushes
MEAN 121.8 121.6 110.2 98.7 102.8 96.6 103.6 95.2 per week SEM 32.6
32.1 32.6 31.0 30.6 31.5 34.9 34.4 at screening MIN 33 31 22 4 9 10
11 3 MAX 314 327 322 315 301 306 330 311 CM110108-13
Example 11
Clinical Trial ERC-213
[0393] DHEA Bioavailability Following Administration of Vaginal
Suppositories in Post-Menopausal Women with Vaginal Atrophy
Study Design Summary
[0394] The primary objective of that study was measurement of the
maturation value of the vaginal epithelial cells following daily
intravaginal application of DHEA. Forty postmenopausal women were
randomized to receive a daily dose of one ovule of the following
DHEA concentrations: 0.0%, 0.5% (6.5 mg of DHEA/ovule), 1.0% (13 mg
of DHEA/ovule) or 1.8% (23.4 mg of DHEA/ovule) for 7 days. The
systemic bioavailability of DHEA and its metabolites were also
measured.
Results
[0395] After only one week of daily administration of the DHEA
suppositories, the maturation index increased by 107% (p<0.01),
75% (p<0.05) and 150% (p<0.01) in the 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.8%
DHEA groups, respectively (FIG. 27). No change was observed in the
placebo group between day 1 and day 7. Vaginal pH, on the other
hand, decreased from 6.29.+-.0.21 to 5.75.+-.0.27 (p<0.05),
6.47.+-.0.23 to 5.76.+-.0.22 (p<0.01) and 6.53.+-.0.25 to
5.86.+-.0.28 (p<0.05), respectively in the 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.8%
DHEA groups (FIG. 27). No change of vaginal pH was observed in the
placebo group.
Conclusion
[0396] The present data show that the intravaginal administration
of DHEA permits to rapidly achieve the beneficial effects against
vaginal atrophy without significant changes of serum estrogens,
thus avoiding the increased risk of breast cancer associated with
the current intravaginal or systemic estrogenic formulations and
adding the local benefits on all the layers of the vagina of the
recently recognized androgenic component of DHEA action in this
tissue.
Pharmaceutical Composition Examples
[0397] Set forth below, by way of example and not of limitation,
are several pharmaceutical compositions utilizing preferred active
SERM Acolbifene (EM-652.HCl; EM-1538) and preferred active sex
steroid precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, Prasterone). Other
compounds of the invention or combination thereof, may be used in
place of (or in addition to) Acolbifene or dehydroepiandrosterone.
The concentration of active ingredient may be varied over a wide
range as discussed herein. The amounts and types of other
ingredients that may be included are well known in the art.
Example A
Pharmaceutical Composition for Orally Administration (Capsules)
TABLE-US-00022 [0398] Weight % Ingredient (by weight of total
composition) Acolbifene 5.0 DHEA 10.0 Lactose hydrous 70.0 Starch
4.8 Cellulose microcrystalline 9.8 Magnesium stearate 0.4
Example B
Pharmaceutical Composition for Orally Administration (Tablets)
TABLE-US-00023 [0399] Weight % Ingredient (by weight of total
composition) Acolbifene 5.0 DHEA 15.0 Gelatin 5.0 Lactose 58.5
Starch 16.5
Example C
Topical Administration (Cream)
TABLE-US-00024 [0400] Weight % Ingredient (by weight of total
composition) DHEA 1.0 Acolbifene 0.2 Emulsifying Wax, NF 18.0 Light
mineral oil, NF 12.0 Benzyl alcohol 1.0 Ethanol 95% USP 33.8
Purifed water, USP 34.0
Example D
Vaginal Administration
Vaginal Suppository or Ovule
TABLE-US-00025 [0401] Weight % Ingredient (by weight of total
composition) DHEA 0.25 to 2.0 Acolbifene 0.25 to 3.0 Witepsol H-15
base 95.0 to 99.5
[0402] DHEA suppositories were prepared using Witepsol H-15 base
(Medisca, Montreal, Canada). Any other lipophilic base such as Hard
Fat, Fattibase, Wecobee, cocoa butter, theobroma oil or other
combinations of Witepsol bases could used. Preferred SERMs are
EM-800, and Acolbifene
Kit Examples
[0403] Set forth below, by way of example and not of limitation,
are several kits utilizing preferred active SREM Acolbifene,
preferred antiestrogen Faslodex and preferred active a sex steroid
precursor DHEA. The concentration of active ingredient may be
varied over a wide range as discussed herein. The amounts and types
of other ingredients that may be included are well known in the
art.
Example D
Kit
[0404] The SERM and sex steroid precursor are orally
administered
Non-Steroidal Antiestrogen Composition for Oral Administration
(Capsules)
TABLE-US-00026 [0405] Weight % Ingredient (by weight of total
composition) Acolbifene 5.0 Lactose hydrous 80.0 Starch 4.8
Cellulose microcrystalline 9.8 Magnesium stearate 0.4
+
DHEA Composition for Oral Administration
(Gelatin Capsule)
TABLE-US-00027 [0406] Weight % Ingredient (by weight of total
composition) DHEA 25.0 Lactose hydrous 27.2 Sodium Starch Glycolate
20.0 Microcrystalline Cellulose, Colloidal 27.2 Silicon Dioxide,
Silica Colloidal Anhydrous and Light Anhydrous Silicic Acid
Colloidal Silicon Dioxide 0.1 Magnesium stearate 0.5
[0407] Other SERMs may be substituted for Acolbifene in the above
formulations, as well as other sex steroid precursors may be
substituted for DHEA. More than one SERM or more than one sex
steroid precursor may be included in which case the combined weight
percentage is preferably that of the weight percentage for the
single sex steroid precursor or single SERM given in the examples
above.
Example E
Kit
[0408] The SERM is orally administered and the sex steroid
precursor is intra vaginally administered SERM composition
For Oral Administration (Capsules)
TABLE-US-00028 [0409] Weight % Ingredient (by weight of total
composition) Acolbifene 5.0 Lactose hydrous 80.0 Starch 4.8
Cellulose microcrystalline 9.8 Magnesium stearate 0.4
+
Vaginal Suppository
TABLE-US-00029 [0410] Weight % Ingredient (by weight of total
composition) DHEA 0.25 to 2.0 Witepsol H-15 base 98 to 99.75
[0411] DHEA suppositories were prepared using Witepsol H-15 base
(Medisca, Montreal, Canada). Any other lipophilic base such as Hard
Fat, Fattibase, Wecobee, cocoa butter, theobroma oil or other
combinations of Witepsol bases could used.
Example F
Kit
[0412] The SERM and the sex steroid precursor are intra vaginally
administered
Vaginal Suppository
TABLE-US-00030 [0413] Weight % Ingredient (by weight of total
composition) DHEA 0.25 to 2.0 Witepsol H-15 base 98 to 99.75
+
Vaginal Suppository
TABLE-US-00031 [0414] Weight % Ingredient (by weight of total
composition) Acolbifene 0.3 to 3.0 Hard Fat 97.0 to 99.7
[0415] Acolbifene suppositories were prepared using Hard Fat
(Witepsol). Any other bases such as Fattibase, Wecobee, cocoa
butter, theobroma oil or other combinations of Hard Fat could be
used.
Example G
[0416] The SERM is orally administered and the sex steroid
precursor is percutaneously administered
SERM Composition for Oral Administration (Capsules)
TABLE-US-00032 [0417] Weight % Ingredient (by weight of total
composition) Acolbifene 5.0 Lactose hydrous 80.0 Starch 4.8
Cellulose microcrystalline 9.8 Magnesium stearate 0.4
+
Sex Steroid Precursor Composition
For Oral Administration (Gel)
TABLE-US-00033 [0418] Weight % (by weight of total Ingredient
composition) DHEA 2.0 Caprylic-capric Triglyceride (Neobee M-5) 5.0
Hexylene Glycol 15.0 Transcutol (diethyleneglycol monomethyl ether)
5.0 Benzyl alcohol 2.0 Cyclomethicone (Dow corning 345) 5.0 Ethanol
(absolute) 64.0 Hydroxypropylcellulose (1500 cps) (KLUCEL) 2.0
or
Sex Steroid Precursor Composition
For Oral Administration (Cream)
TABLE-US-00034 [0419] Weight % (by weight of total composition)
Ingredient Formulation EM-760-48-1.0% Cyclometicone 5.0% Light
mineral oil 3.0% 2-ethylhexyl stearate 10.0% Cutina E24 1.0% DC
emulsifier 10 3.0% BHT 0.09% Propyleneglycol 46.01% Ethanol 95
10.0% DHEA 1.0% Eau purifiee 15.0% MgSO4 0.65% Ethanol 95 5.25%
Total 100.0%
Example H
Kit
[0420] The antiestrogen is intramuscularly administered and sex
steroid precursor is orally administered
Commercially available steroidal Antiestrogen Faslodex +
DHEA Composition for Oral Administration
(Gelatin Capsule)
TABLE-US-00035 [0421] Weight % Ingredient (by weight of total
composition) DHEA 25.0 Lactose hydrous 27.2 Sodium Starch Glycolate
20.0 Microcrystalline Cellulose, Colloidal 27.2 Silicon Dioxide,
Silica Colloidal Anhydrous and Light Anhydrous Silicic Acid
Colloidal Silicon Dioxide 0.1 Magnesium stearate 0.5
[0422] Other SERMs (Toremifene, Ospemifene, Raloxifene, Arzoxifene,
Lasofoxifene, TSE-424, ERA-923, EM-800, SERM 3339, GW-5638) may be
substituted for Acolbifene in the above formulations, as well as
other sex steroid inhibitors may be substituted for DHEA. More than
one SERM or more than one precursor may be included in which case
the combined weight percentage is preferably that of the weight
percentage for the single precursor or single SERM given in the
examples above.
[0423] The invention has been described in terms of preferred
embodiments and examples, but is not limited thereby. Those of
skill in the art will readily recognize the broader applicability
and scope of the invention which is limited only by the patent
claims herein.
* * * * *