Efficacy of tissue-selective estrogen complex of bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens for osteoporosis prevention in at-risk postmenopausal women

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the tissue-selective estrogen complex, bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens (BZA/CE), for postmenopausal osteoporosis prevention. Design: Multicenter, randomized, double-blind., placebo- and active-controlled, phase 3 trial (Selective estrogen Menopause And Response to Therapy [SMART]-1). Setting: Outpatient clinical study. Patient(s): Women (n = 3,397) more than 5 years and 1-5 years postmenopause were enrolled in the Osteoporosis Prevention I and II Substudies, respectively. Intervention(s): Single tablets of BZA (10 20, or 40 mg) each with CE (0.625 or 0.45 mg), raloxifene (60 mg), or a placebo taken daily for 2 years. Main Outcome Measure(s): The primary outcome for both substudies was change in bone mineral density of the lumbar spine; bone mineral density was also measured at the hip. Result(s): In both substudies, bone mineral density increased significantly more with all BZA/CE doses compared with placebo at the lumbar spine and total hip, and for most BZA/CE doses compared with raloxifene at the lumbar spine. Osteocalcin and N-telopeptide significantly decreased with all BZA/CE doses vs. placebo and most BZA/CE doses vs. raloxifene. Conclusion(s): BZA/CE combinations decreased bone turnover and bone loss in postmenopausal women at increased risk for osteoporosis. (Fertil Sleril (R) 2009;92:1045-52. (C)2009 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)