OESCLIM®: an advanced delivery system for HRT

Abstract

Aims: Transdermal estradiol offers a number of advantages over traditional oral routes of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) because it is not subject to the hepatic first-pass effect. However, transdermal systems need to balance adhesion, tolerability, and flux if they are to be effective. OESCLIM® is a transdermal 17-β estradiol HRT system designed to address the problems of conventional transdermal patches and offer optimal adhesion and tolerability in an effective HRT system. This paper reviews some of the data on OESCLIM® with reference to its delivery system. Results: The innovative technology used in OESCLIM® results in a smooth pharmacokinetic profile throughout the 3–4 day application period. In recent pharmacokinetic studies, OESCLIM® 50 provided a more consistent release of hormone than Estraderm TTS® 50 and higher mean estradiol levels than Systen® and Vivelle®. This smooth pharmacokinetic profile is also maintained whether OESCLIM® is attached to different body sites. The local skin tolerability of OESCLIM® is good. One study reported that OESCLIM® 50 caused less than half the number of skin reactions as Estraderm TTS® 50 (4.2% compared to 9.5%). OESCLIM® has also been shown to have fewer detachments than Estraderm TTS® (6% compared to 11%). Both differences were statistically significant ( P<0.001). A study has shown OESCLIM® to be as effective as Estraderm TTS® at reducing vasomotor symptoms even in highly symptomatic women. Conclusion: OESCLIM® is a very good first-line choice for estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) or HRT providing effective therapy with optimum adhesion, flux and tolerability profiles.