A Phase 2, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Proof-of-Concept Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Estetrol in Postmenopausal Subjects With Female Sexual Arousal Disorder
A Phase 2, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Proof-of-Concept Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Estetrol in Postmenopausal Subjects With Female Sexual Arousal Disorder
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigated the effect of once daily oral administration of 20 mg estetrol monohydrate tablet for 12 weeks in postmenopausal women who experienced sexual arousal disorder. Specifically, the main aim was to evaluate whether estetrol (E4) is effective in the treatment of female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) in women after their menopause.
Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD), a subtype of female sexual dysfunction, is an inability to attain or to maintain an adequate lubrication-swelling response of sexual excitement. FSAD may manifest as a decrease in vaginal lubrication and a decrease in genital sensation related to blood flow and can cause marked distress and/or interpersonal difficulty (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders, 4th edition [DSMIV]). Estrogen has a role in maintaining genital tissue structural integrity and pelvic nerve-stimulated genital blood flow.
This study was conducted with estetrol (E4), assessing the efficacy and safety of estetrol monohydrate 20 mg (E4 20 mg), equivalent to estetrol 18.9 mg, for the treatment of FSAD associated with menopause in hysterectomized postmenopausal women.
The design of this Phase 2, Proof of Concept (POC) study was: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm parallel group. Eligible subjects were randomized in a 1:1 ratio and received either an oral tablet of E4 20 mg or placebo, once daily for 12 weeks. Placebo tablet looked identical to E4 but had no active ingredient. During the study, participants visited the clinic 7 times and completed a daily e-diary. The results were evaluated regarding the effect of E4 and placebo on the sexual arousal of the participants, using several validated questionnaires.
The primary efficacy endpoints were the change from Baseline to Week 12:
Secondary efficacy endpoints were the change from Baseline to Week 12:
The secondary efficacy endpoint Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) was assessed at Week 12.
Main Inclusion Criteria:
• Hysterectomized postmenopausal women, ≥40 up to ≤65 years, diagnosed with Female Sexual Arousal Disorder
Main Exclusion Criteria: