Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

12-1-2016

Journal

Journal of Sexual Medicine

Volume

13

Issue

12

DOI

10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.09.002

Keywords

Administration, Intravaginal; Aged; Atrophy; Double-Blind Method; Dyspareunia; Estradiol; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Orgasm; Personal Satisfaction; Postmenopause; Vaginal Diseases; Vulva

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: TX-004HR is an investigational, applicator-free, vaginal soft gel capsule containing low-dose solubilized 17β-estradiol. The phase 3, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter REJOICE trial has shown TX-004HR to be safe and effective for the treatment of moderate to severe dyspareunia in postmenopausal women with vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA).

AIM: To evaluate the effect of TX-004HR on female sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women with VVA.

METHODS: The REJOICE study compared the effects of 12-week treatment with TX-004HR (4, 10, or 25 μg) with placebo in postmenopausal women (40-75 years old) with VVA and a most bothersome symptom of moderate to severe dyspareunia. Changes in the percentage of superficial and parabasal cells, vaginal pH, and dyspareunia were measured as co-primary end points. Female sexual dysfunction was evaluated as a secondary end point using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) patient self-report inventory.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes from baseline to week 12 in total and individual domain FSFI scores for each TX-004HR dose were compared with those for placebo.

RESULTS: All three TX-004HR doses increased the baseline total FSFI score after 12 weeks, with 10 μg (P < .05) and 25 μg (P = .0019) having a significantly greater effect than placebo. A similar trend was observed for the individual FSFI domains, with 10 and 25 μg significantly improving baselines scores for pain and lubrication at 12 weeks (P ≤ .015 for all vs placebo). Changes from baseline to week 12 in arousal (P = .0085) and satisfaction (P = .0073) were significantly greater for TX-004HR 25 μg vs placebo. All three TX-004HR doses were comparable to placebo in their effect on desire and orgasm.

CONCLUSION: TX-004HR improved FSFI scores in a dose-dependent manner. The observed improvements in sexual function suggest that TX-004HR is a promising treatment option for postmenopausal VVA with a potential added beneficial effect on female sexual dysfunction.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Peer Reviewed

1

Open Access

1

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