elagolix

Elagolix is a small molecule, non-peptide, oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist used to treat moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis in women. It works by competitively binding to GnRH receptors in the anterior pituitary gland, suppressing the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which leads to decreased production of ovarian sex hormones such as estradiol and progesterone. This reduction in estrogen levels helps decrease the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus and alleviates symptoms like pelvic pain. Elagolix offers dose-dependent suppression of hormones with rapid onset and reversibility upon discontinuation. It was developed as an alternative to first-generation GnRH modulators, providing partial hormonal suppression with fewer side effects such as hot flashes or bone mineral density loss[2][3][5][6].

Brand names

Orilissa

Other names

elagolix sodium(R)-elagolix