Method for treating uterine fibroids

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for treating uterine fibroids, which method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof, an effective amount of 17α-acetoxy-11β-[4-N,N-dimethylamino-phenyl) -19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione (ulipristal) or any metabolite thereof. More particularly, the method is useful for reducing or stopping bleeding in a patient afflicted with uterine fibroids, and/or for reducing the size of uterine fibroids.

1 . A method for treating uterine fibroids or tumors derived therefrom, which method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof, an effective amount of 17α-acetoxy-11β-[4-N,N-dimethylamino-phenyl) -19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione (ulipristal acetate) or any metabolite thereof. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the patient is administered with a tablet comprising ulipristal acetate or any metabolite thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the patient is administered with a daily dosage of 5 to 15 mg ulipristal acetate or any metabolite thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the patient is administered with, a daily dosage of 10 mg ulipristal acetate or any metabolite thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the patient is administered with ulipristal acetate. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the the patient is administered with a ulipristal acetate metabolite which is selected from the group consisting of CDB-3877, CDB-3963, CDB-3236, and CDB-4183. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the patient is administered with an oral dosage of ulipristal acetate or any metabolite thereof during a period of about 2 to about 4 months. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , which is repeated once a year. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the patient is administered with ulipristal acetate or any metabolite thereof before undergoing surgery of the uterus. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , whereby bleeding is reduced or stopped. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein ulipristal acetate or a metabolite thereof further acts as a contraceptive. 
     
     
         12 . A method for reducing or stopping bleeding in a patient afflicted with uterine fibroids, which method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof, an effective amount of 17α-acetoxy-11β-[4-N,N-dimethylamino-phenyl) -19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione (ulipristal acetate) or any metabolite thereof. 
     
     
         13 . A method for preventing or treating anemia in a patient afflicted with uterine fibroids, which method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof, an effective amount of 17α-acetoxy-11β-[4-N,N-dimethylamino-phenyl) -19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione (ulipristal acetate) or any metabolite thereof. 
     
     
         14 . A method for reducing the size of uterine fibroids, which method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof, an effective amount of 17α-acetoxy-11β-[4-N,N-dimethylamino-phenyl) -19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione (ulipristal acetate) or any metabolite thereof. 
     
     
         15 . A method for reducing uterine volume, which method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof, an effective amount of 17α-acetoxy-11β-[4-N,N-dimethylamino-phenyl) -19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione (ulipristal acetate) or any metabolite thereof. 
     
     
         16 . A method for preventing dissemination of uterine fibroids to other organs, in a patient afflicted with uterine fibroids, which method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof, an effective amount of 17α-acetoxy-11β-[4-N,N-dimethylamino-phenyl) -19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione (ulipristal acetate) or any metabolite thereof. 
     
     
         17 . A method for treating metastatic leiomyoma, which method comprising administering to a patient in need thereof, an effective amount of 17α-acetoxy-11β-[4-N,N-dimethylamino-phenyl) -19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione (ulipristal acetate) or any metabolite thereof.