1. Home
2. Raw materials
3. Hormonal Agents
4. Aromatase inhibitors

Aromatase inhibitors

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are a subcategory of pharmaceutical active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) commonly used in the treatment of hormone-sensitive conditions, including breast cancer and endometriosis. These compounds work by blocking the enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for the conversion of androgens into estrogens in peripheral tissues.

AIs are classified into two main types: steroidal and non-steroidal inhibitors. Steroidal AIs, such as exemestane, bind irreversibly to aromatase, while non-steroidal AIs, such as anastrozole and letrozole, inhibit aromatase activity reversibly. Both types effectively reduce estrogen levels, which is beneficial in hormone-driven cancers where estrogen promotes tumor growth.

The use of AIs in breast cancer treatment has significantly improved patient outcomes, particularly in postmenopausal women. By suppressing estrogen production, AIs prevent estrogen from fueling the growth of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells. They are often prescribed as adjuvant therapy after surgery or as a first-line treatment for metastatic breast cancer.

Apart from their application in breast cancer, AIs have also shown efficacy in managing endometriosis, a painful condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. By reducing estrogen levels, AIs help alleviate symptoms and inhibit the growth of endometrial lesions.

Overall, aromatase inhibitors are vital components of modern pharmaceutical therapies targeting hormone-related diseases. Their ability to modulate estrogen levels through enzymatic inhibition has revolutionized the treatment landscape for breast cancer and endometriosis, improving patient prognosis and quality of life.