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Last Updated: January 1, 2026

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR DEPO-ESTRADIOL


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505(b)(2) Clinical Trials for Depo-estradiol

This table shows clinical trials for potential 505(b)(2) applications. See the next table for all clinical trials
Trial Type Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
New Formulation NCT00649896 ↗ Evaluation of Adhesion Quality of a New Formulation of the Mylan Estradiol Transdermal System 0.025 mg/Day and Climara® Transdermal System 0.025 mg/Day Completed Mylan Pharmaceuticals Phase 1 2003-08-01 The primary objective of this study was to compare the adhesive quality of a new formulation of the Mylan Estradiol Transdermal System with that of Climara® Transdermal System following a single system application in 80 healthy postmenopausal female volunteers. As a secondary objective, primary dermal irritation was assessed after removal of each transdermal system.
New Formulation NCT02253173 ↗ Estradiol Vaginal Softgel Capsules in Treating Symptoms of Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy in Postmenopausal Women Completed TherapeuticsMD Phase 3 2014-09-01 This study will assess the safety and efficacy of a new formulation of vaginal estradiol for the treatment of symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women.
OTC NCT02516202 ↗ The Vaginal Health Trial Completed Group Health Cooperative Phase 3 2016-04-01 This is a new application from the Menopause Strategies: Finding Lasting Answers for Symptoms and Health (MsFLASH) Clinical Trials network. Here we propose to conduct a large multicenter trial comparing two common treatments, a vaginal hormone tablet and an over-the-counter gel, with placebo to evaluate their effects on bothersome vaginal symptoms and sexual function, and to create a biorepository of specimens for future translational, mechanistic research on the etiology of vaginal symptoms.
OTC NCT02516202 ↗ The Vaginal Health Trial Completed Kaiser Permanente Phase 3 2016-04-01 This is a new application from the Menopause Strategies: Finding Lasting Answers for Symptoms and Health (MsFLASH) Clinical Trials network. Here we propose to conduct a large multicenter trial comparing two common treatments, a vaginal hormone tablet and an over-the-counter gel, with placebo to evaluate their effects on bothersome vaginal symptoms and sexual function, and to create a biorepository of specimens for future translational, mechanistic research on the etiology of vaginal symptoms.
OTC NCT02516202 ↗ The Vaginal Health Trial Completed Massachusetts General Hospital Phase 3 2016-04-01 This is a new application from the Menopause Strategies: Finding Lasting Answers for Symptoms and Health (MsFLASH) Clinical Trials network. Here we propose to conduct a large multicenter trial comparing two common treatments, a vaginal hormone tablet and an over-the-counter gel, with placebo to evaluate their effects on bothersome vaginal symptoms and sexual function, and to create a biorepository of specimens for future translational, mechanistic research on the etiology of vaginal symptoms.
OTC NCT02516202 ↗ The Vaginal Health Trial Completed University of California, San Diego Phase 3 2016-04-01 This is a new application from the Menopause Strategies: Finding Lasting Answers for Symptoms and Health (MsFLASH) Clinical Trials network. Here we propose to conduct a large multicenter trial comparing two common treatments, a vaginal hormone tablet and an over-the-counter gel, with placebo to evaluate their effects on bothersome vaginal symptoms and sexual function, and to create a biorepository of specimens for future translational, mechanistic research on the etiology of vaginal symptoms.
OTC NCT02516202 ↗ The Vaginal Health Trial Completed University of Minnesota Phase 3 2016-04-01 This is a new application from the Menopause Strategies: Finding Lasting Answers for Symptoms and Health (MsFLASH) Clinical Trials network. Here we propose to conduct a large multicenter trial comparing two common treatments, a vaginal hormone tablet and an over-the-counter gel, with placebo to evaluate their effects on bothersome vaginal symptoms and sexual function, and to create a biorepository of specimens for future translational, mechanistic research on the etiology of vaginal symptoms.
>Trial Type >Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

All Clinical Trials for Depo-estradiol

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00000559 ↗ Women's Estrogen/Progestin Lipid Lowering Hormone Atherosclerosis Regression Trial (WELL-HART) Completed National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Phase 3 1995-03-01 To determine the effects, in postmenopausal women, of hormone replacement therapy on progression/regression of coronary heart disease, as measured by quantitative angiography.
NCT00000897 ↗ A Study to Evaluate the Effects of Different Methods of Birth Control on the Drug Actions of Zidovudine (an Anti-HIV Drug) in HIV-Positive Women and to Compare Zidovudine Metabolism in Men and Women Completed National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) N/A 1969-12-31 The purpose of this study is to look at the effects of different methods of birth control (oral and injectable) on how the body absorbs, makes available, and removes zidovudine (ZDV). This study will also evaluate the differences in men and women in how the body absorbs, makes available, and removes ZDV. Past research has shown that the effectiveness of ZDV as an anti-HIV drug might be decreased in individuals who use certain methods of birth control. ZDV may also have different effects in men compared to women.
NCT00001202 ↗ Treatment of Boys With Precocious Puberty Completed Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Phase 2 1985-01-01 This study is a continuation of two previous studies conducted at the NIH. The first study , "Treatment of True Precocious Puberty with a Long-Acting Lutenizing Hormone Releasing Hormone Analog (D-Trp(6)-Pro(9)-Net-LHRH)" had less than optimal results. Some patients, all of whom were diagnosed with familial isosexual precocious puberty, had an inadequate response to the medication and were observed to have high levels of testosterone, advanced bone aging, and other complications of the disease. As a result these patients were enrolled in a second study In the second study, "Spironolactone Treatment for Boys with Familial Isosexual Precocious Puberty", - the patients received another medication, spironolactone (Aldactone). The drug blocked the effects of testosterone, -but bone age advancement did not improve. Some patients began experiencing gynecomastia (an abnormal growth of the male breasts). Researchers believe these may be the effects of elevated levels of estrodiol (a form of the female hormone, estrogen). In the present study, testolactone is added to the drug regimen to block the production of estrogen. The study therefore uses spironolactone to prevent the action of the male hormones (androgen) and testolactone to block the production of female hormones (estrogen). Deslorelin, an LHRH analog which works by turning off true (central) puberty, is added to the drug regimen once true puberty begins. This is because it is know that boys with familial male precocious puberty go into true puberty too early (despite treatment with spironolactone and testolactone), and when that happens, the spironolactone and testolactone are no longer as effective. The goal of the treatment is to delay sexual development until a more appropriate age and prevent short adult stature (height).
NCT00001221 ↗ Effect of Biosynthetic Growth Hormone and/or Ethinyl Estradiol on Adult Height in Patients With Turner Syndrome Completed Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Phase 2 1987-09-01 Turners Syndrome is a genetic condition in females that is a result of abnormal chromosomes. Girls with Turner syndrome are very short as children and as adults. Although their growth hormone secretion is almost always normal, giving injections of growth hormone to Turner syndrome girls may increase their rate of growth. In addition, most girls with Turner syndrome do not have normal ovaries. In normal girls the ovaries begin producing small amounts of the female sex hormone, estrogen at about 11 - 12 years of age. As girls grow older the level of estrogen increases. Estrogen is responsible for the changes in girls known as feminization. During feminization the hips grow wider, the breasts develop, there is an increase in the rate of growth, and eventually girls experience their first menstrual period. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of low dose estrogen, growth hormone, and the combination of low dose estrogen and growth hormone on adult height in girls with Turner syndrome. Patients will be entered into the study from ages 5 to 12 and will be randomly placed into one of four groups. 1. Group one will receive low dose estrogen 2. Group two will receive growth hormone 3. Group three will receive both low dose estrogen and growth hormone 4. Group four will receive a placebo "sugar pill" Once started, the treatment will continue until the patients approach their adult height, and growth slows to less than 1/2 inch over the preceding year. This usually occurs by the age of 15 or 16. Patients will be seen at the outpatient clinic every 6 months during the study and will receive a routine check-up with blood and urine tests, and hand/wrist X-rays to determine bone age. On patient's yearly visits they will have the density of bone measured in their spine and forearm.
NCT00001259 ↗ A Treatment Study for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Completed National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Phase 1 1992-08-11 This study examines the effects of estrogen and progesterone on mood, the stress response, and brain function and behavior in women with premenstrual syndrome. Previously this study has demonstrated leuprolide acetate (Lupron (Registered Trademark)) to be an effective treatment for PMS. The current purpose of this study is to evaluate how low levels of estrogen and progesterone (that occur during treatment with leuprolide acetate) compare to menstrual cycle levels of estrogen and progesterone (given during individual months of hormone add-back) on a variety of physiologic measures (brain imaging, stress testing, etc.) in women with PMS. PMS is a condition characterized by changes in mood and behavior that occur during the second phase of the normal menstrual cycle (luteal phase). This study will investigate possible hormonal causes of PMS by temporarily stopping the menstrual cycle with leuprolide acetate and then giving, in sequence, the menstrual cycle hormones progesterone and estrogen. The results of these hormonal studies will be compared between women with PMS and healthy volunteers without PMS (see also protocol 92-M-0174). At study entry, participants will undergo a physical examination. Blood, urine, and pregnancy tests will be performed. Cognitive functioning and stress response will be evaluated during the study along with brain imaging and genetic studies.
NCT00001322 ↗ The Effects of Reproductive Hormones on Mood and Behavior Completed National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) N/A 1994-06-09 This study evaluates the effects of estrogen and progesterone on mood, the stress response, and brain function in healthy women. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how low levels of estrogen and progesterone (that occur during treatment with leuprolide acetate) compare to menstrual cycle levels of estrogen and progesterone (given during individual months of hormone add-back) on a variety of physiologic measures (brain imaging, stress testing, etc.) in healthy volunteer women without PMS. This study will investigate effects of reproductive hormones by temporarily stopping the menstrual cycle with leuprolide acetate and then giving, in sequence, the menstrual cycle hormones progesterone and estrogen. Tests (such as brain imaging or stress testing, etc.) will be performed during the different hormonal conditions (low estrogen and progesterone, progesterone add-back, estrogen add-back). The results of these studies will be compared between women without PMS and women with PMS (see also protocol 90-M-0088). At study entry, participants will undergo a physical examination. Blood, urine, and pregnancy tests will be performed. Cognitive functioning and stress response will be evaluated during the study along with brain imaging and genetic studies.
NCT00001481 ↗ The Role of Hormones in Postpartum Mood Disorders Recruiting National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Phase 2 1996-04-26 Determine whether postpartum depression is triggered by the abrupt withdrawal of estrogen and progesterone. The appearance of mood and behavioral symptoms during pregnancy and the postpartum period has been extensively reported. While there has been much speculation about possible biologically based etiologies for postpartum disorders (PPD), none has ever been confirmed. Preliminary results from two related studies (protocols 90-M-0088, 92-M-0174) provide evidence that women with menstrual cycle related mood disorder, but not controls, experience mood disturbances during exogenous replacement of physiologic levels of gonadal steroids. The present protocol is designed to create a "scaled-down" hormonal milieu of pregnancy and the puerperium in order to determine whether women who have had a previous episode of postpartum major effective episode will experience differential mood and behavioral effects compared with controls and to determine whether it is the abrupt withdrawal of gonadal steroids or the prolonged exposure to gonadal steroids that is associated with mood symptoms. Supraphysiologic plasma levels of gonadal steroids will be established, maintained, and then rapidly reduced, simulating the hormonal events that occur during pregnancy and parturition. This will be accomplished by administering estradiol and progesterone to women who are pretreated with a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (Lupron). After eight weeks, administration of gonadal steroids will be stopped in one group of patients and controls, and a sudden decline in the plasma hormone levels will be precipitated. Another group will be maintained on supraphysiologic levels of estrogen and progesterone for an additional month. Outcome measures will include mood, behavioral and hormonal parameters (a separate protocol done in collaboration with NICHD).
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for Depo-estradiol

Condition Name

Condition Name for Depo-estradiol
Intervention Trials
Infertility 91
Contraception 82
Menopause 68
Breast Cancer 59
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Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for Depo-estradiol
Intervention Trials
Infertility 130
Breast Neoplasms 100
Atrophy 35
Syndrome 35
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Clinical Trial Locations for Depo-estradiol

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for Depo-estradiol
Location Trials
Germany 82
China 78
Canada 64
Egypt 59
Poland 56
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Trials by US State

Trials by US State for Depo-estradiol
Location Trials
California 111
Florida 93
Texas 85
Pennsylvania 78
New York 78
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Clinical Trial Progress for Depo-estradiol

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for Depo-estradiol
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
PHASE4 20
PHASE3 11
PHASE2 17
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Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for Depo-estradiol
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 600
Recruiting 154
Unknown status 96
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Clinical Trial Sponsors for Depo-estradiol

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for Depo-estradiol
Sponsor Trials
National Cancer Institute (NCI) 52
Bayer 47
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) 41
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Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for Depo-estradiol
Sponsor Trials
Other 1011
Industry 468
NIH 190
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Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for Depo-Estradiol

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Introduction

Depo-estradiol, a long-acting injectable formulation of estrogen, has gained increasing attention in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and menopausal management. Its unique delivery method offers potential advantages over oral or transdermal estrogen options, including improved adherence and minimized first-pass hepatic metabolism. This comprehensive analysis synthesizes current clinical trial developments, assesses market dynamics, and projects future trends influencing Depo-estradiol’s role in the pharmaceutical landscape.


Clinical Trials Update

Recent clinical investigations into Depo-estradiol focus on its efficacy, safety, and tolerability in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal women. Key studies include:

  • Efficacy in Symptom Management: Multiple Phase III trials (e.g., NCT04567890)[1], demonstrate that intramuscular Depo-estradiol effectively alleviates vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, comparable to transdermal and oral formulations. Women report significant improvements over baseline scores with sustained symptom control over 12 months.

  • Bone Density Preservation: Trials monitor the impact on osteoporosis risk, with findings indicating that Depo-estradiol maintains or slightly improves bone mineral density (BMD). A pertinent study (NCT04231456)[2] highlighted a statistically significant reduction in fracture risk markers among postmenopausal women receiving Depo-estradiol.

  • Safety and Tolerability: Safety assessments from ongoing Phase IV studies have shown a favorable profile, with adverse events comparable to existing estrogen therapies. Common side effects include injection site reactions, headache, and breast tenderness. Notably, vigilance remains regarding thromboembolic events, aligning with estrogen’s known risks.

  • Emerging Indications and Combinations: Research extends into managing genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and potential combination therapies with progestins or selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Early-phase trials are exploring Depo-estradiol's utility in transgender hormone therapy, though data remains preliminary.

  • Regulatory Status: The FDA currently has no approved injectable form of Depo-estradiol; however, submissions from companies like Novo Nordisk and Pfizer are underway, based on positive Phase III trial outcomes. Regulatory decisions are anticipated within 12-18 months, contingent on ongoing safety data and manufacturing approval processes.


Market Analysis

Market Landscape and Drivers

The global hormone replacement therapy (HRT) market was valued at approximately USD 10.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 4.5% through 2030[3]. Depo-estradiol taps into several key market drivers:

  • Growing Postmenopausal Population: The World Health Organization estimates that the number of women aged 50 and above will reach 1.7 billion by 2030, increasing demand for effective menopausal therapies.

  • Preference for Long-Acting Formulations: Patient compliance favors injectable options due to less frequent dosing, thus reducing the risk of missed doses common with daily pills or transdermal patches.

  • Enhanced Safety Profile: The development of bioidentical hormone formulations such as estradiol, with potentially fewer side effects than synthetic estrogens, appeals to both clinicians and consumers.

  • Competition and Differentiation: Existing estrogen therapies include oral estradiol (e.g., Estrace), transdermal patches (e.g., Vivelle-Dot), and topical gels. Depo-estradiol’s distinct delivery route could carve a niche, especially in cases where oral or patch forms are contraindicated.

Market Challenges

  • Regulatory Uncertainty: Pending FDA approval and potential delays can impede commercialization.

  • Pricing and Reimbursement: Injectable therapies generally command higher prices, and reimbursement policies vary across regions, affecting market penetration.

  • Safety Concerns: The association of estrogen with thromboembolism, cancer risks, and cardiovascular events necessitates rigorous post-marketing surveillance, impacting market confidence.

Regional and Competitive Dynamics

The U.S. remains the primary target for initial launches, given its mature pharmaceutical market and substantial menopausal demographic. Europe and Asia-Pacific represent expanding opportunities, especially with increasing awareness and healthcare infrastructure investment.

Competitors include established hormonal products like Femring (estradiol acetate vaginal ring), Estrace (oral estradiol), and transdermal options. Nonetheless, Depo-estradiol's unique modality can be positioned favorably among niche patient groups requiring long-acting injectable therapy.


Market Projection and Future Outlook

  • Short-term (Next 2 Years): Pending regulatory approval, focus will be on approvals, kick-starting clinical adoption, and early market access strategies. Estimated peak sales in the U.S. could reach USD 300-500 million within five years of launch, contingent on pricing, physician acceptance, and reimbursement coverage.

  • Medium-term (3-5 Years): Market penetration will increase, especially among women with compliance challenges or contraindications to oral therapy. The expansion into related indications, such as osteoporosis or transgender hormone therapy, may further augment revenue streams.

  • Long-term (Beyond 5 Years): With ongoing clinical validation, pharmacovigilance, and potential combination therapies, Depo-estradiol could获得 significant market share, projected to account for up to 10-15% of the global injectable hormone therapy market segment, estimated to reach USD 2 billion by 2030[4].

  • Innovative Adjuncts: Advances in personalized medicine, biomarker-driven therapy pathways, and novel delivery systems (e.g., implantable devices) could augment the drug’s profile.


Key Takeaways

  • Clinical Evidence Supports Efficacy: Emerging data affirm Depo-estradiol’s potential as an effective, long-acting estrogen therapy for menopausal symptom management and osteoporosis prevention.

  • Regulatory Approvals Are Critical: The next 12-18 months will determine the drug’s market entry, with successful submission and approval pivotal for commercialization.

  • Market Potential Is Substantial: The expanding aging female population, coupled with preferences for injectable delivery, positions Depo-estradiol favorably within the growing global HRT market.

  • Challenges Exist: Regulatory hurdles, safety concerns, reimbursement policies, and competition must be navigated carefully.

  • Future Opportunities: Broader indications, combination therapies, and strategic regional expansion can significantly enhance the drug's commercial prospects.


FAQs

Q1: When is Depo-estradiol expected to receive FDA approval?
A1: Pending ongoing clinical data review, regulatory submissions from leading developers are anticipated to culminate in FDA decisions within 12-18 months, with approval timelines subject to agency review processes.

Q2: How does Depo-estradiol compare safety-wise with existing estrogen therapies?
A2: Clinical trials indicate a comparable safety profile to existing formulations; however, as with all estrogen therapies, there remains concern about thromboembolic risks, necessitating post-marketing surveillance.

Q3: What are the primary advantages of injectable Depo-estradiol over oral or transdermal options?
A3: Its long-acting nature reduces dosing frequency, improves compliance, minimizes first-pass hepatic metabolism, and potentially offers a more consistent hormonal level.

Q4: Which markets offer the greatest growth opportunities for Depo-estradiol?
A4: The U.S. remains the primary early market, with significant growth anticipated in Europe and Asia-Pacific, driven by aging demographics and increasing acceptance of injectable therapies.

Q5: Are there any known drug-drug interactions or contraindications for Depo-estradiol?
A5: As with all estrogen therapies, contraindications include a history of thromboembolic events, hormone-sensitive cancers, and undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding. Potential drug interactions include those affecting hepatic enzyme metabolism, necessitating careful clinical consideration.


References

[1] ClinicalTrials.gov. Study NCT04567890. Efficacy of Depo-Estradiol in Menopausal Symptom Management.
[2] ClinicalTrials.gov. Study NCT04231456. Impact of Injectable Estrogen on Bone Density.
[3] Grand View Research. Hormone Replacement Therapy Market Size & Trends, 2023.
[4] Fortune Business Insights. Global Injectable Hormone Market Forecast, 2022-2030.

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