Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

Methods for Studying Uterine Contributions to Pregnancy Establishment in an Ovariectomized Mouse Model
Published on: April 7, 2023
Selective progesterone receptor modulators in reproductive medicine: pharmacology, clinical efficacy and safety
Philippe Bouchard1, Nathalie Chabbert-Buffet, Bart C J M Fauser
1Endocrinology Unit, AP-HP Hospital Saint-Antoine, Paris, France. philippe.bouchard@sat.aphp.fr
Objective:
To discuss the mechanism of action of selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs) and summarize the preclinical and clinical efficacy and safety data supporting the potential use of these compounds for gynecologic indications.
Design:
Relevant publications from 2005 onward were identified using a PubMed search. Additional relevant articles were identified from citations within these publications.
Setting:
None.
Patient(S):
None.
Intervention(S):
None.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
None.
Result(S):
Mifepristone was first developed as a progesterone receptor antagonist and licensed for pregnancy termination because of the unique property of this compound to terminate pregnancy when associated with prostaglandins. Then SPRMs were developed, and among those ulipristal acetate, an efficient emergency contraceptive. Because SPRMs effectively inhibit endometrial proliferation and reduce endometriotic lesions in animal models, this suggests a possible role in the treatment of endometriosis in humans. Finally, a number of double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of asoprisnil, mifepristone, telapristone acetate, and ulipristal acetate in reducing leiomyoma and uterine volume, and suppressing bleeding in women with uterine fibroids.
Conclusion(S):
Mifepristone in combination with prostaglandins has been licensed for pregnancy termination because of its unique ability is this area. Ulipristal acetate is available for emergency contraception. Several SPRMs hold further promise as an effective medical therapy for patients suffering from endometriosis and leiomyoma.
Related Concept Videos
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Prodrugs
Prodrugs help overcome...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Dose-Response Relationship: Selectivity and Specificity
