Asoprisnil

Asoprisnil

Asoprisnil is a synthetic steroid and selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM) that was under development by Schering AG and was being investigated for its potential use in the treatment of conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and menorrhagia. However, its development was discontinued in 2007 due to safety concerns.

History

Schering AG, a German pharmaceutical company, began the development of Asoprisnil in the early 2000s. The drug was designed to be a selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM), a class of drugs that can either block or activate the progesterone receptor depending on the context. This makes them potentially useful in treating a variety of gynecological disorders.

Mechanism of Action

Asoprisnil acts as a partial agonist of the progesterone receptor. This means that it can both activate and inhibit the receptor, depending on the context. This dual action allows it to regulate the growth of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, which can be beneficial in conditions such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids.

Clinical Trials

Several clinical trials were conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of Asoprisnil. These trials showed promising results in the treatment of endometriosis and uterine fibroids. However, during a phase II trial, some participants developed endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that can lead to uterine cancer. This led to the discontinuation of the drug's development in 2007.

Safety Concerns

The development of Asoprisnil was discontinued due to safety concerns. During clinical trials, some participants developed endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that can lead to uterine cancer. This raised concerns about the long-term safety of the drug, leading to its discontinuation.

See Also

• Selective progesterone receptor modulator
• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Menorrhagia
• Schering AG