3-year Study of Menostar Versus Evista to Prevent Osteoporosis in Post-menopausal Women

A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Double-Dummy, Randomized, Active- Controlled, 3-Year Study to Evaluate the Antiresorptive Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of a Ultra-Low Dose Estradiol Transdermal Delivery System Releasing 0.014 mg / Day Versus Oral Raloxifene Hydrochloride 60 mg / Day - as a Therapy for the Prevention of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Female Osteopenic Patients.

The aim of this trial is to investigate whether the Menostar patch is as safe and effective in the prevention of bone loss in postmenopausal women as raloxifen, a drug already registered for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

The study has previously been posted by Schering AG, Germany. Schering AG, Germany has been renamed to Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Germany.Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Germany is the sponsor of the trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Last (regular) menstrual period more than 5 years ago
• Relative good state of health
• Intact, normal uterus

Exclusion Criteria:

• Bone and musculoskeletal diseases
• Clinically significant vertebral fracture within the last 12 months
• Pre-existing cardiovascular disease (e.g. uncontrolled high/low blood pressure, stroke, thromboembolic event etc)
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (or treated with insulin)
• Uncontrolled thyroid disorders
• Relevant renal disorder or significant liver dysfunction (including cholestasis)
• History of alcohol or drug abuse
• History of immobilization of more than 2 months in the last 6 months
• Smoking of more than 10 cigarettes per day
• Unexplained uterine bleeding
• Known or suspected malignant or premalignant disease (e.g. cancer of breast or uterus, melanoma)