Bazedoxifene: a selective estrogen-receptor modulator.

Bazedoxifene is a third-generation selective estrogen-receptor modulator being developed for use alone or in combination with estrogen for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Preliminary clinical trials are encouraging. Bazedoxifene has been found to be efficacious in reducing bone turnover without adverse effects of breast pain. In Phase III studies, bazedoxifene was found to increase vasomotor symptoms when compared with placebo. This effect is similar to that of raloxifene. Lack of endometrial stimulation is another advantage. Current literature suggests that bazedoxifene is likely to be safe, well tolerated and effective for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, completion of Phase III clinical trials will further elucidate its safety and efficacy, as well as its advantages in comparison with other selective estrogen-receptor modulators.