CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Mechanism of Action
Endogenous estrogens are largely responsible for the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. Although circulating estrogens exist in a dynamic equilibrium of metabolic interconversions, estradiol is the principal intracellular human estrogen and is substantially more potent than its metabolites, estrone and estriol, at the receptor level.
The primary source of estrogen in normally cycling adult women is the ovarian follicle, which secretes 70 to 500 mcg of estradiol daily, depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. After menopause, most endogenous estrogen is produced by conversion of androstenedione, which is secreted by the adrenal cortex, to estrone in the peripheral tissues. Thus, estrone and the sulfate conjugated form, estrone sulfate, are the most abundant circulating estrogens in postmenopausal women.
Estrogens act through binding to nuclear receptors in estrogen-responsive tissues. To date, two estrogen receptors have been identified. These vary in proportion from tissue to tissue.
Circulating estrogens modulate the pituitary secretion of the gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and FSH through a negative feedback mechanism. Estrogens act to reduce the elevated levels of these hormones seen in postmenopausal women.
Pharmacodynamics
There are no pharmacodynamic data for Femring.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Estradiol acetate is hydrolyzed to estradiol which is absorbed through the vaginal mucosa as evidenced by the mean time to maximum concentration (tmax) for estradiol of about 1 hour (range 0.25 to 1.5 hrs). After achieving the Cmax the estradiol concentration starts declining during the first 24 to 48 hours and then at a relatively constant rate for the remainder of the 3‑month dosing interval (see Figure 1 for results from rings stored for 16 months). In vitro studies have shown that this initial release is higher as the rings age upon storage.
Figure 1. Mean serum estradiol concentrations following multiple dose administration of Femring (0.05 mg/day estradiol) (second dose administered at 13 weeks) (inset: mean (±SD) of serum concentration-time profile for dose 1 from 0-24 hours)
Following administration of Femring (0.05 mg/day estradiol), average serum estradiol concentration was 40.6 pg/mL; the corresponding apparent in vivo estradiol delivery rate was 0.052 mg/day. Following administration of Femring (0.10 mg/day estradiol), average serum estradiol concentration was 76 pg/mL; apparent in vivo delivery rate was 0.097 mg/day. Results are summarized in Table 2 below.
Table 2. Summary of Mean (Percent RSD)* Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Femring
|
Dose (as estradiol)
|
|
Number of subjects
|
Cmax
(pg/mL)
|
Tmax
(hour)
|
Cavg
(pg/mL)
|
| Estradiol1
|
25 |
1129 (25) |
0.9 (41) |
40.6 (26) |
0.05 mg/day |
Estrone1
|
25 |
141 (25) |
6.2 (84) |
35.9 (21) |
| Estrone sulfate1
|
25 |
2365 (44) |
9.3 (39) |
494.6 (48) |
| Estradiol2
|
12 |
1665 (23) |
0.7 (90) |
--4
|
0.10 mg/day |
Estradiol3
|
11 |
-- |
-- |
76.0 (24) |
| Estrone3
|
11 |
-- |
-- |
45.7 (25) |
*Relative Standard Deviation, 1Study 1, 2Study 2, 3Study 3, 4--Not determined
Consistent with the avoidance of first pass metabolism achieved by vaginal estradiol administration, serum estradiol concentrations were slightly higher than estrone concentrations.
Distribution
The distribution of exogenous estrogens is similar to that of endogenous estrogens. Estrogens are widely distributed in the body and are generally found in higher concentrations in the sex hormone target organs. Estrogens circulate in the blood largely bound to SHBG and albumin.
Metabolism
Exogenous estrogens are metabolized in the same manner as endogenous estrogens. Circulating estrogens exist in a dynamic equilibrium of metabolic interconversions. These transformations take place mainly in the liver. Estradiol is converted reversibly to estrone, and both can be converted to estriol, which is a major urinary metabolite. Estrogens also undergo enterohepatic recirculation via sulfate and glucuronide conjugation in the liver, biliary secretion of conjugates into the intestine, and hydrolysis in the intestine followed by reabsorption. In postmenopausal women, a significant proportion of the circulating estrogens exist as sulfate conjugates, especially estrone sulfate, which serves as a circulating reservoir for the formation of more active estrogens.
Excretion
Estradiol, estrone, and estriol are excreted in the urine along with glucuronide and sulfate conjugates.
The estradiol apparent elimination half-life value is 21 to 26 hours.
Use in Specific Populations
No pharmacokinetic studies were conducted with Femring in specific populations, including women with renal or hepatic impairment.
NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Long-term continuous administration of natural and synthetic estrogens in certain animal species increases the frequency of carcinomas of the breast, uterus, cervix, vagina, testis, and liver.
Estradiol acetate was assayed for mutation in four histidine-requiring strains of Salmonella typhimurium and in one tryptophan-requiring strain of Escherichia coli. Estradiol acetate did not induce mutations in any of the bacterial strains tested under the conditions employed.
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CLINICAL STUDIES
Effects on Vasomotor Symptoms
A 13-week double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of 2 doses of the vaginal ring in the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms in 333 postmenopausal women between 29 and 85 years of age (mean age 51.7 years, 77 percent were Caucasian) who had at least 7 moderate to severe hot flushes daily or at least 56 moderate to severe hot flushes per week before randomization. Patients were randomized to receive either placebo, Femring 0.05 mg/day or Femring 0.10 mg/day. Femring 0.05 mg/day and Femring 0.10 mg/day were shown to be statistically better than placebo at weeks 4 and 12 for relief of both the frequency and severity of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms. Frequency results are shown in Table 3. Severity results are shown in Table 4.
Table 3. Mean Change from Baseline in the Number of Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms per Week - ITT Population, LOCF
|
Visit
|
Placebo (n=105)
|
Estradiol 0.05 mg/day (n=111)
|
Estradiol 0.10 mg/day (n=109) |
Baseline [1] Mean (SD) |
83.62 (60.42) |
73.83 (24.53) |
75.11 (25.44) |
|
|
|
|
Week 4
Mean (SD) Mean Change from Baseline (SD) p value vs. Placebo (95 percent CI) [2]
|
51.14 (51.19) -32.48 (46.25) -
|
21.59* (27.76) -52.24* (32.92) < 0.001 (-30.7, -8.8) |
11.37* (19.43) -63.75* (26.68) < 0.001 (-42.2, -20.3)
|
|
|
|
|
Week 12
Mean (SD) Mean Change from Baseline (SD) p value vs. Placebo (95 percent CI) [2] |
42.21 (41.13) -41.41 (65.61) - |
15.48* (25.42) -58.36* (31.36) 0.006 (-30.5, -3.4) |
8.25* (16.58) -66.87* (27.44) < 0.001 (-39.1, -11.8) |
*Denotes statistical significance at the 0.050 level. [1] The baseline number of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (MSVS) is the weekly average number of MSVS during the two weeks between screening and randomization. [2] p values and confidence intervals are from a two-way ANOVA with factors for treatment and study center for the difference between treatment groups in the mean change from baseline. Confidence intervals are adjusted for multiple comparisons within each timepoint using Dunnett's method. ITT = intent to treat; LOCF = last observation carried forward; CI = confidence interval
Table 4. Mean Change from Baseline in the Severity of Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms per Week - ITT Population, LOCF
|
Visit
|
Placebo (n=105)
|
Estradiol 0.05 mg/day (n=111)
|
Estradiol 0.10 mg/day (n=109)
|
Baseline [1] Mean (SD) |
2.51 (0.26) |
2.46 (0.23) |
2.48 (0.24) |
|
|
|
|
Week 4
Mean (SD) Mean Change from Baseline (SD) p value vs. Placebo (95 percent CI) [2] |
2.23 (0.71) -0.28 (0.69) - |
1.67* (1.07) -0.79* (1.08) < 0.001 (-0.8, -0.2) |
1.15* (1.14) -1.33* (1.10) < 0.001 (-1.3, -0.8) |
|
|
|
|
Week 12
Mean (SD) Mean Change from Baseline (SD) p value vs. Placebo (95 percent CI) [2]
|
2.00 (0.96) -0.51 (0.94) - |
1.41* (1.17) -1.06* (1.16) < 0.001 (-0.9, -0.2) |
0.92* (1.09) -1.56* (1.06) < 0.001 (-1.4, -0.7) |
*Denotes statistical significance at the 0.050 level. [1] The baseline severity of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (MSVS) is the average severity of MSVS during the two weeks between screening and randomization. [2] p values and confidence intervals are from a two-way ANOVA with factors for treatment and study center for the difference between treatment groups in the mean change from baseline. Confidence intervals are adjusted for multiple comparisons within each timepoint using Dunnett's method. ITT = intent to treat; LOCF = last observation carried forward; CI = confidence interval
Effects on Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy
In the same 13-week clinical trial, vaginal superficial cells increased by a mean of 16.0 percent and 18.9 percent for Femring 0.05 mg/day and Femring 0.10 mg/day, respectively, as compared to 1.11 percent for placebo at week 13. A corresponding reduction in parabasal cells was observed at week 13. Vaginal pH decreased for Femring 0.05 mg/day and Femring 0.10 mg/day by a mean of 0.73 and 0.60, respectively, compared to a mean decrease of 0.25 in the placebo group.
Women's Health Initiative Studies
The WHI enrolled approximately 27,000 predominantly healthy postmenopausal women in two substudies to assess the risks and benefits of daily oral CE (0.625 mg)-alone or in combination with MPA (2.5 mg) compared to placebo in the prevention of certain chronic diseases. The primary endpoint was the incidence of CHD (defined as nonfatal MI, silent MI and CHD death), with invasive breast cancer as the primary adverse outcome. A “global index” included the earliest occurrence of CHD, invasive breast cancer, stroke, PE, endometrial cancer (only in the CE plus MPA substudy), colorectal cancer, hip fracture, or death due to other cause. These substudies did not evaluate the effects of CE-alone or CE plus MPA on menopausal symptoms.
WHI Estrogen-Alone Substudy
The WHI estrogen-alone substudy was stopped early because an increased risk of stroke was observed, and it was deemed that no further information would be obtained regarding the risks and benefits of estrogen-alone in predetermined primary endpoints.
Results of the estrogen-alone substudy, which included 10,739 women (average 63 years of age, range 50 to 79; 75.3 percent White, 15.1 percent Black, 6.1 percent Hispanic, 3.6 percent Other), after an average follow-up of 7.1 years, are presented in Table 5.
Table 5. Relative and Absolute Risk Seen in the Estrogen-Alone Substudy of WHIa
|
Event |
Relative Risk CE vs. Placebo (95 percent nCIb)
|
CE n = 5,310 |
Placebo n = 5,429 |
|
|
Absolute Risk per 10,000 Women- Years |
CHD eventsc
|
0.95 (0.78-1.16) |
54 |
57 |
Non-fatal MIc
|
0.91 (0.73-1.14)
|
40
|
43
|
CHD deathc
|
1.01
(0.71-1.43)
|
16
|
16 |
All strokesc
|
1.33 (1.05-1.68) |
45 |
33 |
Ischemic strokec
|
1.55 (1.19-2.01)
|
38
|
25
|
Deep vein thrombosisc,d
|
1.47 (1.06-2.06) |
23 |
15 |
Pulmonary embolismc
|
1.37 (0.90-2.07) |
14 |
10 |
Invasive breast cancerc
|
0.80 (0.62-1.04) |
28 |
34 |
Colorectal cancerc
|
1.08 (0.75-1.55) |
17 |
16 |
Hip fracturec
|
0.65 (0.45-0.94) |
12 |
19 |
Vertebral fracturesc,d
|
0.64 (0.44-0.93) |
11 |
18 |
Lower arm/wrist fracturesc,d
|
0.58 (0.47-0.72) |
35 |
59 |
Total fracturesc,d
|
0.71 (0.64-0.80) |
144 |
197 |
Deaths due to other causese,f
|
1.08 (0.88-1.32) |
53 |
50 |
Overall Mortalityc,d
|
1.04 (0.88-1.22) |
79 |
75 |
Global Indexg
|
1.02 (0.92-1.13) |
206 |
201 |
aAdapted from numerous WHI publications. WHI publications can be viewed at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/whi.
bNominal confidence intervals unadjusted for multiple looks and multiple comparisons.
cResults are based on centrally adjudicated data for an average follow-up of 7.1 years.
dNot included in “global index”.
eResults are based on an average follow-up of 6.8 years.
fAll deaths, except from breast or colorectal cancer, definite or probable CHD, PE or cerebrovascular disease.
gA subset of the events was combined in a “global index” defined as the earliest occurrence of CHD events, invasive breast cancer, stroke, PE, colorectal cancer, hip fracture, or death due to other causes.
For those outcomes included in the WHI “global index” that reached statistical significance, the absolute excess risk per 10,000 women-years in the group treated with CE-alone were 12 more strokes, while the absolute risk reduction per 10,000 women-years was 7 fewer hip fractures.9 The absolute excess risk of events included in the “global index” was a non-significant 5 events per 10,000 women-years. There was no difference between the groups in terms of all-cause mortality.
No overall difference for primary CHD events (nonfatal MI, silent MI and CHD death) and invasive breast cancer incidence in women receiving CE-alone compared with placebo was reported in final centrally adjudicated results from the estrogen-alone substudy, after an average follow-up of 7.1 years. See Table 5.
Centrally adjudicated results for stroke events from the estrogen-alone substudy, after an average follow-up of 7.1 years, reported no significant difference in distribution of stroke subtype or severity, including fatal strokes, in women receiving CE-alone compared to placebo. Estrogen-alone therapy increased the risk of ischemic stroke, and this excess was present in all subgroups of women examined.10 See Table 5.
Timing of the initiation of estrogen-alone therapy relative to the start of menopause may affect the overall risk benefit profile. The WHI estrogen-alone substudy stratified by age, showed in women 50 to 59 years of age, a non-significant trend toward reduced risk for CHD [hazard ratio (HR) 0.63 (95 percent CI, 0.36-1.09)] and overall mortality [HR 0.71 (95 percent CI, 0.46-1.11)].
WHI Estrogen Plus Progestin Substudy
The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy was stopped early. According to the predefined stopping rule, after an average follow-up of 5.6 years of treatment, the increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular events exceeded the specified benefits included in the “global index”. The absolute excess risk of events included in the “global index” was 19 per 10,000 women-years.
For those outcomes included in the WHI “global index” that reached statistical significance after 5.6 years of follow-up, the absolute excess risks per 10,000 women-years in the group treated with CE plus MPA were 7 more CHD events, 8 more strokes, 10 more PEs, and 8 more invasive breast cancers, while the absolute risk reductions per 10,000 women-years were 6 fewer colorectal cancers and 5 fewer hip fractures.
Results of the CE plus MPA substudy, which included 16,608 women (average 63 years of age, range 50 to 79; 83.9 percent White, 6.8 percent Black, 5.4 percent Hispanic, 3.9 percent Other) are presented in Table 6. These results reflect centrally adjudicated data after an average follow-up of 5.6 years.
Table 6. Relative and Absolute Risk Seen in the Estrogen Plus Progestin Substudy of WHI at an Average of 5.6 Yearsa,b
|
Event |
Relative Risk CE/MPA vs. Placebo (95% nCIc) |
CE/MPA n = 8,506 |
Placebo n = 8,102 |
|
|
Absolute Risk per 10,000 Women-Years |
CHD events |
1.23 (0.99-1.53) |
41 |
34 |
Non-fatal
|
1.28 (1.00-1.63)
|
31
|
25
|
CHD death
|
1.10 (0.70-1.75)
|
8
|
8
|
All strokes |
1.31 (1.03-1.68) |
33 |
25 |
Ischemic stroke
|
1.44 (1.09-1.90)
|
26
|
18
|
Deep vein thrombosisd
|
1.95 (1.43-2.67) |
26 |
13 |
Pulmonary embolism |
2.13 (1.45-3.11) |
18 |
8 |
Invasive breast cancere
|
1.24 (1.01-1.54) |
41 |
33 |
Colorectal cancer |
0.61 (0.42-0.87) |
10 |
16 |
Endometrial cancerd
|
0.81 (0.48-1.36) |
6 |
7 |
Cervical cancerd
|
1.44 (0.47-4.42) |
2 |
1 |
Hip fracture |
0.67 (0.47-0.96) |
11 |
16 |
Vertebral fracturesd
|
0.65 (0.46-0.92) |
11 |
17 |
Lower arm/wrist fracturesd
|
0.71 (0.59-0.85) |
44 |
62 |
Total fracturesd
|
0.76 (0.69-0.83) |
152 |
199 |
Overall Mortalityc,f
|
1.00 (0.83-1.19) |
52 |
52 |
Global Indexg
|
1.13 (1.02-1.25) |
184 |
165 |
aAdapted from numerous WHI publications. WHI publications can be viewed at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/whi.
bResults are based on centrally adjudicated data.
cNominal confidence intervals unadjusted for multiple looks and multiple comparisons.
dNot included in “global index”.
eIncludes metastatic and non-metastatic breast cancer with the exception of in situ cancer.
fAll deaths, except from breast or colorectal cancer, definite or probable CHD, PE or cerebrovascular disease.
gA subset of the events was combined in a “global index” defined as the earliest occurrence of CHD events, invasive breast cancer, stroke, PE, colorectal cancer, hip fracture, or death due to other causes.
Timing of initiation of estrogen plus progestin therapy relative to the start of menopause may affect the overall risk benefit profile. The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy stratified by age showed in women 50 to 59 years of age a non-significant trend toward reduced risk for overall mortality [HR 0.69 (95 percent CI, 0.44-1.07)].
Women's Health Initiative Memory Study
The WHIMS estrogen-alone ancillary study of WHI enrolled 2,947 predominantly healthy hysterectomized postmenopausal women 65 to 79 years of age and older (45 percent were 65 to 69 years of age; 36 percent were 70 to 74 years of age; 19 percent were 75 years of age and older) to evaluate the effects of daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone on the incidence of probable dementia (primary outcome) compared to placebo.
After an average follow-up of 5.2 years, the relative risk of probable dementia for CE-alone versus placebo was 1.49 (95 percent CI, 0.83-2.66). The absolute risk of probable dementia for CE-alone versus placebo was 37 versus 25 cases per 10,000 women-years. Probable dementia as defined in this study included Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD) and mixed types (having features of both AD and VaD). The most common classification of probable dementia in the treatment group and the placebo group was AD. Since the ancillary study was conducted in women 65 to 79 years of age, it is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions and Use in Specific Populations].
The WHIMS estrogen plus progestin ancillary study of WHI enrolled 4,532 predominantly healthy postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older (47 percent were 65 to 69 years of age, 35 percent were 70 to 74 years of age, and 18 percent were 75 years of age and older) to evaluate the effects of CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) on the incidence of probable dementia (primary outcome) compared to placebo.
After an average follow-up of 4 years, the relative risk of probable dementia for CE plus MPA versus placebo was 2.05 (95 percent CI, 1.21-3.48). The absolute risk of probable dementia for CE plus MPA versus placebo was 45 versus 22 per 10,000 women-years. Probable dementia as defined in this study included AD, VaD and mixed types (having features of both AD and VaD). The most common classification of probable dementia in the treatment group and the placebo group was AD. Since the substudy was conducted in women 65 to 79 years of age, it is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions and Use in Specific Populations].
When data from the two populations were pooled as planned in the WHIMS protocol, the reported overall relative risk for probable dementia was 1.76 (95 percent CI, 1.19-2.60). Differences between groups became apparent in the first year of treatment. It is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions and Use in Specific Populations].
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