RESUMO
PURPOSE: To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oestriol (E3) and trimegestone (TMG) in healthy women after application of three different vaginal rings over 21 days. The vaginal rings had a nominal delivery rate of 0.413/0.050 mg/day (Test 1), 0.311/0.090 mg/day (Test 2) and 0.209/0.137 mg/day (Test 3) E3/TMG. METHODS: Thirty-five healthy women were randomised to receive a single application of Test 1, 2 or 3 (Clinical Trial NCT03343912). The E3 and TMG plasma concentration was determined by LC-MS/MS. Oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (PG) serum concentrations, and bleeding patern were determined as pharmacodynamic parameters. Safety was assessed by evaluation of adverse events and local tolerability. RESULTS: The total and maximum exposure of E3 and TMG increased in a proportional ratio to dose. However, not in a magnitude which was expected from the dose differences for E3. During Test 2 and 3 treatment all E2 and PG values remained on a well suppressed level until end of treatment. E2 and PG serum levels increased distinctly earlier after ring removal with Test 1 compared to Test 2 and 3. Test 3 achieved 95.24% of "no bleeding" days under treatment followed by Test 1 (91.67%), and Test 2 (86.15%). CONCLUSIONS: The Test 3 formulation presented the best dose combination of E3/TMG for contraception. Moreover, all vaginal rings were well tolerated.
