VG3

Vaginal dryness is a common problem in menopausal women. Vaginal dryness occurs in about 20% of perimenopausal women and 50% in the postmenopausal years.

Vaginal dryness is a chronic condition that progressively worsens with age. As estrogen levels decline during menopause there is less secretion of vaginal fluid leading to dryness. The vagina becomes increasingly thinner and atrophic causing it to become more susceptible to trauma, tearing and bleeding, particularly during sexual activity. The dryness often leads to painful intercourse and diminished sexual activity. Vaginal estrogens are frequently prescribed for vaginal dryness and are generally safe, but the Food and Drug Administration has not approved them for long-term therapy. There is a need for new therapies that can be used for long-term for vaginal dryness. Vaginal estrogens act by activating both estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ). Studies have shown that the activation of ERα is associated with breast cancer, whereas ERβ-activation prevents the proliferation of breast cancer cells. To make treatment of vaginal dryness safer for long-term therapy, we developed a preparation that combines several ERβ-selective compounds.