Effects of SP500263, a Novel Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator, on Bone, Uterus, and Serum Cholesterol in the Ovariectomized Rat

We describe here the activity of a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator, SP500263. When given to adult ovariectomized (OVX) rats for 28 days at doses of 0.3, 1, or 3 mg/kg/day, we found that SP500263 partially protected against OVX-induced loss of bone mineral content in the distal ends of femurs and in the whole bone. SP500263 also antagonized the OVX-induced increase in body weight. However, unlike 17-estradiol, SP500263 at efficacious doses did not prevent the OVX-induced loss in uterine wet weight. A small but significant effect on uterine wet weight was noted with raloxifene dosed at 1 mg/kg. As expected, SP500263 but not raloxifene acted as an estrogen antagonist on the uterus in adult rats when administered for 7 days at 30 mg/kg/day. Finally, SP500263 had no statistically significant effects on total serum cholesterol and serum triglycerides in OVX rats treated for 28 days. Raloxifene had no significant effects on body weight, bone mineral content, and serum cholesterol or triglycerides in the OVX-rat model. In summary, SP500263 is a new orally active SERM that acts in rats as an estrogen agonist on bone without causing uterine stimulatory effects. Present addresses: M. Kung Sutherland, Celltech R&D, Inc., Bothell, WA 98021, USA. L. M. Gayo-Fung, Structural Genomix Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA. E. OLeary, Chugai Pharma,USA, San Diego, CA 92121, USA, D. W. Anderson, Graceland University, Lamoni, IA 50140, USA.