Erteberel
Erteberel is a synthetic, nonsteroidal estrogen which acts as a selective ERβ agonist and is under development by Eli Lilly for the treatment of schizophrenia. It is specifically under investigation for the treatment of negative symptoms and cognitive impairment associated with the condition. As of 2015, it is in phase II clinical trials for this indication in the United States. Erteberel was also under investigation for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and reached phase II clinical studies for this use but failed to improve symptoms in men with the condition and development for this indication was discontinued. The drug has also been proposed as a potential novel treatment for glioblastoma.
Erteberel has 14-fold binding selectivity for the ERβ over the ERα. However, it shows 32-fold functional selectivity for activation of the ERβ over the ERα. It is roughly a full agonist of both the ERβ and ERα. Although selective for the ERβ, erteberel loses its selectivity at high dosages and activates the ERα as well, producing effects such as suppression of gonadal testosterone production in men.
