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prasterone (Mylis)

✓ Approved

Merck & Co. · AR · Small Molecule

What is prasterone?

prasterone is a small molecule developed by Merck & Co.. It is approved for therapeutic indications.

Drug Profile

Brand NamesMylis
CompanyMerck & Co.
Drug ClassSmall Molecule
Molecular TargetAR
StatusApproved
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, Merck & Co.

Mechanism of Action

Molecular Targets

prasterone acts on 1 molecular target:

ARandrogen receptor (DHTR, AR8)
Want deeper analysis?Noah AI can explain complex mechanisms and compare to similar drugs.

Therapeutic Indications

prasterone is developed for 1 unique indication across 1 therapeutic area.

Therapeutic AreaConditionPhase
Surgical and medical proceduresLabour induction✓ Approved

Related Research Articles

PubMedEuropean journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology2026-08-26

Intravaginal radiofrequency versus local estrogen and prasterone for genitourinary syndrome of menopause: a comparative study of clinical outcomes.

Llaneza Iris Porcel IP, Parugues Beatriz Duplá BD, de la Noval Begoña Díaz BD, Aldecoa Álvarez M Belén MB et al.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) causes vulvovaginal and urinary symptoms due to estrogen deficiency. While local estrogen therapy is a standard treatment, non-hormonal alternatives such as intravaginal radiofrequency (RF) are under investigation. To compare the effectiveness of intravaginal RF with local estriol and prasterone in postmenopausal women with clinically significant GSM. Prospective, multicenter, quasi-experimental, non-randomized study with sequential allocation (2:2:1) to estriol, prasterone, or RF (three monthly sessions). Primary outcome was defined as favorable response in vaginal dryness, while secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction and favorable response in: pruritus/pain, dyspareunia, vaginal cytology, pH, Bladder Control Self-Assessment Questionnaire (B-SAQ) score, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) score and urinary symptoms. Of 146 women allocated, 131 completed follow-up (estriol n = 54; prasterone n = 52; RF n = 25). RF showed comparable outcomes in selected urinary endpoints, including recurrent urinary tract infections, nocturia, urinary incontinence, and patient satisfaction compared with estriol. In adjusted analyses controlling for baseline pollakiuria, prasterone was associated with higher odds of favorable response in vaginal dryness compared with RF (OR 7.50; 95% CI 2.22-25.32; p = 0.001). RF showed lower favorable-response proportions for vaginal dryness and vaginal cytology, although only the comparison with prasterone for vaginal dryness reached statistical significance in adjusted analyses. RF showed partial clinical effectiveness and may be considered a non-hormonal option for selected women, particularly when urinary symptoms are prominent or hormonal therapy is not suitable. However, local estriol and prasterone showed greater benefit for vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and epithelial outcomes.

PMID 42648084
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PubMedJournal of Nippon Medical School = Nippon Ika Daigaku zasshi2026-08-26

Periodontal Disease is a Risk Factor for Placenta-Mediated Pregnancy Complications.

Kikuchi Eriko E, Suzuki Asami A, Hayashi Masako M, Sekiguchi Atsuko A et al.

Although periodontal disease is known to be associated with obstetric complications, evidence is limited regarding the relationship with placenta-mediated pregnancy complications (PMPCs), a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. This study investigated whether periodontal disease is a risk factor for PMPCs. We conducted a retrospective case-control study of inpatients with singleton pregnancies who underwent perinatal dental examinations at Nippon Medical School Tama Nagayama Hospital between September 2012 and August 2015. Medical records were reviewed for incident PMPCs, including preterm birth, preeclampsia, small for gestational age birth, placental abruption, and late pregnancy loss. Associations of periodontal disease with PMPCs were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Among 262 inpatients, 130 (49.6%) developed PMPCs. The prevalence of periodontal disease was significantly higher among women with PMPCs than among those without PMPCs (90.0% vs. 75.0%, P = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified periodontal disease as an independent risk factor for PMPCs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41-5.88). Younger maternal age (<35 years; aOR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.04-2.92) and a past history of PMPCs (aOR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.47-7.27) were also significantly associated with PMPCs. Periodontal disease was independently associated with increased risk of PMPCs. Management of periodontal disease during pregnancy may help prevent PMPCs.

PMID 42649029
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PubMedCureus2026-08-24

Exploratory Clinical and Cost Evaluation of Robot-Assisted Adrenalectomy Using the hinotori™ Surgical Robotic System: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Obayashi Kotaro K, Nishino Takuya T, Takadate Mami M, Hasegawa Hiroya H et al.

Although the hinotori™ surgical robotic system is Japan's first domestically developed platform, evidence regarding its clinical feasibility remains limited. Because adrenalectomy is a standardized minimally invasive procedure with well-defined perioperative outcomes, it provides an appropriate model for evaluating newly introduced robotic platforms. We evaluated the clinical outcomes and medical costs of robot-assisted adrenalectomy (RAAD) using the hinotori™ system (H-RAAD) and compared them retrospectively with those of da Vinci Xi™-assisted RAAD (D-RAAD). We retrospectively examined patients who underwent RAAD at Nippon Medical School Hospital between September 2023 and May 2025. Baseline demographic characteristics, perioperative variables, postoperative outcomes, pathological findings, and medical costs extracted from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) database were evaluated. We evaluated 12 patients (H-RAAD, n = 5; D-RAAD, n = 7). Baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups, although the median tumor diameter was numerically smaller in the H-RAAD group. The median anesthesia, operative, and console times in the H-RAAD group were 264 (253-307, U = 10.0, p = 0.22), 189 (156-264, U = 10.0, p = 0.29), and 108 (71-180, U = 14.0, p = 0.57) minutes, respectively, comparable with those in the D-RAAD group. Total medical costs per case were similar between the D-RAAD ($6,333.1) and H-RAAD ($6,398.4) groups (U = 23.0, p = 0.34). In this small cohort, H-RAAD was completed safely without conversion or major complications, demonstrating perioperative outcomes similar to those of D-RAAD. Although individual cost components varied, total reimbursed medical costs under the DPC system were comparable. Given the limited sample size and exclusion of robotic system capital and maintenance costs, these findings remain exploratory.

PMID 42634690
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PubMedTobacco control2026-08-21

Tobacco advertising on TVer, Japan's ad-supported video-on-demand platform: a commercial message content analysis.

Yamada Ginga G, Kuwabara Yuki Y, Kinjo Aya A, Kim Hongja H et al.

Exposure to tobacco advertising influences youth smoking initiation and acceptance of tobacco use. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control mandates comprehensive regulation of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. This study quantified the frequency of tobacco advertisements on TVer, an ad-supported video-on-demand platform. We conducted a commercial message content analysis of catch-up streaming programmes on TVer, broadcast by four major commercial TV stations (Nippon TV, TV Asahi, TBS and Fuji TV) between 10 and 14 March 2025. Total commercial duration and commercial duration across nine advertising categories (eg, tobacco and alcohol) were measured manually. Measurements were conducted without declaring age and then while logging in with an age of 18 years (under the legal smoking age). The proportion of each commercial category relative to total commercial duration was tabulated for each TV station. Differences across commercial categories across the four TV stations were examined. Advertisements for heated tobacco products (Ploom) were observed when age was not declared. Tobacco advertisements accounted for 1.2% of the targeted total commercial duration, appearing primarily within variety programmes (comedy sub-genre). No tobacco advertisements were displayed when logged in with an age of 18 years. The appearance of tobacco advertisements varied across the four TV stations. Tobacco advertisements (Ploom) appeared in commercials delivered via TVer. In the absence of age verification, tobacco advertisements appeared, particularly within variety programmes, indicating potential youth exposure to tobacco advertising. Accordingly, current industry-led self-regulations of tobacco advertising are insufficient in the digital space.

PMID 42629202
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PubMedHeart and vessels2026-08-20

Real-world clinical outcomes after cardiac resynchronization therapy in cardiac sarcoidosis.

Aizawa Yoshiyasu Y, Yodogawa Kenji K, Okajima Shuhei S, Ito Nobuaki N et al.

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is an inflammatory/granulomatous disease that affects the heart and is responsible for mortality due to fatal arrhythmias or systolic heart failure. The efficacy and outcomes of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for CS remain uncertain. We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 108 patients diagnosed with CS at Nippon Medical School Hospital and extracted 19 patients who underwent CRT implantation between 2007 and 2024 (68% female, mean age 70 ± 8 years). The mean follow-up period was 6.7 ± 4.3 years. Of 19 patients with CRT devices (2 CRT-Ps and 17 CRT-Ds), 5 patients were upgraded from pacemakers and 5 from ICDs. At 6 months after device implantation, QRS duration shortened (172 ± 34 vs. 128 ± 27ms, p < 0.001), NYHA (2.6 ± 0.8 vs. 2.1 ± 1.0, p = 0.037) improved, and BiV pacing percentage was 98 ± 2%. However, LVESV (147 ± 74 vs. 155 ± 70 ml, p = 0.878) and LVEF (28 ± 9 vs. 28 ± 11%, p = 0.452) did not improve. During the follow-up period, 8 hospitalizations due to heart failure, 2 appropriate ICD shocks, and 6 deaths due to progressive heart failure were observed. Device-related complications developed in 4 patients. In this small retrospective cohort of patients with advanced cardiac sarcoidosis undergoing CRT implantation, echocardiographic reverse remodeling was limited despite improvements in QRS duration and NYHA functional class. Clinical outcomes remained poor, likely reflecting the advanced and heterogeneous nature of the underlying disease. Further comparative studies are warranted.

PMID 42618667
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PubMedThe European journal of contraception & reproductive health care : the official journal of the European Society of Contraception2026-08-17

Pharmacokinetic bioequivalence between (etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol 11.7/2.7 mg) NuvaRing® and Ornibel Premium® (etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol 8.25/2.6 mg), a novel polymer composition contraceptive vaginal ring.

Pérez de la Cruz María Ángeles MÁ, Diez Carlos C, Urek Sandra S, Matilla Sonia S et al.

This was a single-centre, randomised, single-ring insertion, 2-period, 2-sequence, crossover study designed to assess comparative bioavailability and thereby establish bioequivalence of two ethinylestradiol/etonogestrel vaginal rings (delivering 0.015/0.12 mg per day) after a single vaginal ring was inserted and worn for 28 days in healthy female subjects. Forty subjects were randomised for this bioequivalence study. The test product contains etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol 8.25/2.6 mg, compared with etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol 11.00/3.474 mg in the existing Ornibel® formulation, and was compared with NuvaRing (etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol 11.7/2.7 mg) as the reference product. The criteria for bioequivalence between the test and reference products were met. The test-to-reference ratio of geometric LSmeans and corresponding 90% CI for Cmax after Day 1, C504, AUC0-504, C672 and AUC0-672 were all within the acceptance range of 80.00 to 125.00% for ethinylestradiol and etonogestrel. The percentage reduction in residual hormone content remaining in the device after 21 days use, in comparison with NuvaRing®, is as follows: ETO residue after 21 days was reduced by 30%, and EE residue after 21 days was reduced by 4%. The test formulation (ethinylestradiol/etonogestrel vaginal ring delivering 0.015/0.12 mg per day; manufactured by Laboratorios Leon Farma, S.A.) is bioequivalent to the reference formulation (NuvaRing®; manufactured by N.V. Organon) following a single vaginal ring insertion worn for 28 days in healthy adult female subjects. Overall, the products tested were generally safe and well tolerated.

PMID 42605869
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