Promestriene is a synthetic estrogen composed of 3-propyl and 17-beta-methyl diether. It is extensively used as a 1% concentration in cream formulations to treat vulvovaginal atrophy (dryness and inflammation of the vaginal walls) and its related symptoms in women. Additionally, promestriene is a locally effective estrogen with no systemic estrogenic effects on vaginal walls. As a result, it is in high demand as a first-line alternative for women who require little or no vaginal absorption, such as symptomatic cancer patients. It is also used to hasten wound healing after vaginal surgery or trauma, such as postpartum. The rising prevalence of vaginal infections and atrophic vaginitis is driving the market. Atrophic vaginitis affects up to 60% of postmenopausal women. Due to all these reasons, according to OMR Research, the worldwide promestriene market is rising at a CAGR of 4.7% over the forecast period (2022–2028).
Segments of the Market
The global promestriene market is segmented on the basis of type and distribution channel. On the basis of type, the market is sub-segmented into tablet and cream. On the basis of distribution channel, it is sub-segmented into pharmacy stores, specialty pharmacies, and online stores.
Recent Developments
Companies such as Theramex HQ UK Ltd., Eurofarma Laboratórios SA, Apollo Pharmacy, CVS Pharmacy, Daré Bioscience, Inc., Omnicell, Inc., Duchesnay, Inc., and others are contributing to the market’s growth through various mergers, acquisitions, and new product launch activities. Some of the recent developments in the market include:
• In March 2022, Theramex launched Colpotrofin 15 mg, a new formulation for its treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy typical of genitourinary syndrome in menopause. This new presentation joins the 30 mg presentation to provide a more personalized treatment to each woman, taking into account her response to treatment, the persistence and severity of symptoms, and thus expanding the portfolio of products for the woman's health.
• In February 2022, Duchesnay Inc., a part of the Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group, announced the first treatment to help postmenopausal women in Canada who are suffering from vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. Osphena (ospemifene tablets), a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), is now available in the country and has been approved by Health Canada as a once-daily prescription treatment. Moreover, Osphena has been shown in phase II and III clinical studies to treat moderate to severe dyspareunia (painful intercourse) and vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women. These are the symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA), a component of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
• In October 2022, Omnicell, Inc. announced the launch of Specialty Pharmacy Services, a turnkey offering with dedicated services to set up and operate a specialty pharmacy program.
Conclusion
Promestriene is primarily used in the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy, postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis, postmenopausal urination problems, and vaginal infections. However, the presence of 3-propyl and 17-beta-methyl ether groups causes pharmacodynamic abnormalities. As a result, clinical study activities exploring the use of promestriene in different disorders such as vulvovaginal atrophy, vaginal atrophy, hypospadias, and others have increased significantly in the market. According to ClinicalTrials.gov, there are now four publicly available studies worldwide. Such innovations are assisting in market growth. In addition, women who are unable to utilize estrogen typically use a water-soluble vaginal lubricant as a moisturizer. However, estrogen treatment, diluted or created in the form of creams or ointments, is given to treat every genital condition. Using undiluted estrogen may raise the risk of endometrial or cervical cancer. As a result of such circumstances, industry players have been compelled to create and introduce innovative and effective vaginal creams for women, which may also be used by symptomatic women. Daré Bioscience, Inc., for instance, got permission from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market XACIATO in December 2021. It is a clindamycin phosphate vaginal gel that is used to treat bacterial vaginosis in women aged 12 and up. All such factors are contributing to the global promestriene market's growth.