Last reviewed · How we verify
Anastrozole (Arimidex)
Anastrozole is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor that blocks the conversion of androgens to estrogen in postmenopausal women.
Anastrozole is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor that blocks the conversion of androgens to estrogen in postmenopausal women. Used for Hormone receptor-positive early-stage breast cancer in postmenopausal women (adjuvant therapy), Hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women (first-line treatment).
At a glance
| Generic name | Anastrozole (Arimidex) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Arimidex®, Arimidex |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia |
| Drug class | Aromatase inhibitor |
| Target | Aromatase (CYP19A1) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Anastrozole selectively inhibits the aromatase enzyme, which catalyzes the final step of estrogen synthesis in peripheral tissues. By reducing circulating estrogen levels, it suppresses estrogen-dependent growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells. This mechanism is particularly effective in postmenopausal women where peripheral aromatization is the primary source of estrogen.
Approved indications
- Hormone receptor-positive early-stage breast cancer in postmenopausal women (adjuvant therapy)
- Hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women (first-line treatment)
Common side effects
- Hot flashes
- Arthralgia/joint pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Vaginal dryness
- Osteoporosis/bone loss
- Elevated cholesterol
Key clinical trials
- A Study of Elacestrant Versus Standard Endocrine Therapy in Women and Men With ER+,HER2-, Early Breast Cancer With High Risk of Recurrence (PHASE3)
- Testing Whether Hormone Therapy With Ribociclib is as Effective as Chemotherapy Followed by Hormone Therapy With Ribociclib for the Treatment of High Anatomic Stage Breast Cancer With Low Recurrence Risk, The RxFINE-Low Trial (PHASE3)
- Hormone Therapy With or Without Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Women Who Have Undergone Surgery for Node-Negative Breast Cancer (The TAILORx Trial) (PHASE3)
- A Study of LOXO-783 in Patients With Breast Cancer/Other Solid Tumors (PHASE1)
- Tamoxifen Citrate, Letrozole, Anastrozole, or Exemestane With or Without Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Invasive RxPONDER Breast Cancer (PHASE3)
- Ribociclib And Endocrine Treatment of Physician's Choice for Locoregional Recurrent, Resected Hormone Receptor Positive HER2 Negative Breast Cancer (PHASE2)
- A Study of Tersolisib (LY4064809/STX-478) With Other Anti-Cancer Treatments in Participants With Advanced Breast Cancer With a Genetic Change (PIK3CA) (PHASE3)
- A Study of the Impact of Endocrine Therapy on Surgical Outcomes in People With Breast Cancer (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Anastrozole (Arimidex) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Anastrozole (Arimidex) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of British Columbia portfolio CI