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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 4/2017

01-04-2017 | Review

Research development of a new GnRH antagonist (Elagolix) for the treatment of endometriosis: a review of the literature

Authors: Pontis Alessandro, Nappi Luigi, Sorrentino Felice, Paoletti Anna Maria, Melis Gian Benedetto, Angioni Stefano

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 4/2017

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Abstract

Purpose

Limitated studies have reported the efficacy of GnRH antagonist on endometriosis symptoms. The aim of our study was to review all available trials to investigate the medical treatment of endometriosis with only GnRH antagonists, with special attention to pharmacodynamic activity, safety, and efficacy.

Methods

Pub Med and Sciencedirect database were searched using terms of “endometriosis treatment”, “GnRH antagonist”, and “Elagolix”. The search was limited to clinical studies published in English. Title and abstract were screened to identify relevant articles.

Results

Five studies covering use of GnRH antagonist were found. A phase 1 study evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and inhibitory effects on gonadotropins and estradiol of single dose and 7 day elagolix administration to healthy premenopausal women; two phase II studies evaluated efficacy in patient with endometriosis. Moreover, there are two Phase III clinical trials just completed.

Conclusion

GnRH antagonists may have the advantage of oral administration and lower incidence of adverse events. Currently, only Phase II studies have been published demonstrating promising results in terms of efficacy, safety, and tolerability. From the results of the phase III studies, elagolix may become a valuable addition to the armamentarium of pharmacological agents to treat endometriosis-related pain.
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Metadata
Title
Research development of a new GnRH antagonist (Elagolix) for the treatment of endometriosis: a review of the literature
Authors
Pontis Alessandro
Nappi Luigi
Sorrentino Felice
Paoletti Anna Maria
Melis Gian Benedetto
Angioni Stefano
Publication date
01-04-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-017-4328-6

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