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NOLVADEX (tamoxifen)
NOLVADEX (tamoxifen) is a Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) Small molecule drug developed by AstraZeneca. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Metastatic breast cancer (estrogen receptor-positive), Adjuvant treatment of early-stage breast cancer, Breast cancer risk reduction in high-risk women.
Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that blocks estrogen signaling in breast tissue by competitively binding to estrogen receptors.
Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that blocks estrogen signaling in breast tissue by competitively binding to estrogen receptors. Used for Metastatic breast cancer (estrogen receptor-positive), Adjuvant treatment of early-stage breast cancer, Breast cancer risk reduction in high-risk women.
At a glance
| Generic name | NOLVADEX (tamoxifen) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | AstraZeneca |
| Drug class | Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) |
| Target | Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Tamoxifen acts as an antagonist at estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells, preventing estrogen-driven proliferation. In other tissues such as bone and endometrium, it can exhibit partial agonist activity. This selective modulation makes it effective for both treatment and prevention of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
Approved indications
- Metastatic breast cancer (estrogen receptor-positive)
- Adjuvant treatment of early-stage breast cancer
- Breast cancer risk reduction in high-risk women
Common side effects
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal discharge
- Nausea
- Vaginal bleeding
- Endometrial cancer (rare)
- Thromboembolic events
- Cataracts
Key clinical trials
- Acolbifene Versus Low Dose Tamoxifen for the Prevention of Breast Cancer in Premenopausal Women at High Risk for Development of Breast Cancer (PHASE2)
- Finding the Best Tamoxifen Dose for Breast Cancer Risk Reduction in Premenopausal Women, RENAISSANCE Trial (PHASE2)
- Drug Repurposing in Thyroid Carcinoma: a Feasibility Trial (PHASE1)
- Tamoxifen Citrate or Z-Endoxifen Hydrochloride in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic, Estrogen Receptor-Positive, HER2-Negative Breast Cancer (PHASE2)
- A Study of Elacestrant Versus Standard Endocrine Therapy in Women and Men With ER+,HER2-, Early Breast Cancer With High Risk of Recurrence (PHASE3)
- Letrozole After Tamoxifen in Treating Women With Breast Cancer (PHASE3)
- Hormone Therapy With or Without Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Women Who Have Undergone Surgery for Node-Negative Breast Cancer (The TAILORx Trial) (PHASE3)
- Low Dose Tamoxifen With or Without Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Breast Cancer Risk Reduction (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:
- NOLVADEX (tamoxifen) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- NOLVADEX (tamoxifen) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- AstraZeneca portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about NOLVADEX (tamoxifen)
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Related
- Drug class: All Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)
- Manufacturer: AstraZeneca — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Oncology
- Indication: Drugs for Metastatic breast cancer (estrogen receptor-positive)
- Indication: Drugs for Adjuvant treatment of early-stage breast cancer
- Indication: Drugs for Breast cancer risk reduction in high-risk women
- Compare: NOLVADEX (tamoxifen) vs similar drugs
- Pricing: NOLVADEX (tamoxifen) cost, discount & access