New research suggests that Duavee, a medication combining conjugated estrogen and bazedoxifene, may offer menopausal women relief from symptoms while potentially reducing breast cancer risk.

At a Glance

• Duavee combines bazedoxifene (BZA) and conjugated estrogen (CE), FDA-approved for hot flashes and osteoporosis prevention
• Studies show Duavee suppresses the growth of cells in breast tissue, suggesting potential cancer prevention benefits
• Unlike current breast cancer prevention drugs that worsen menopausal symptoms, Duavee actually relieves them
• Research indicates Duavee may offer a lower risk of breast cancer compared to traditional estrogen/progestin hormone therapy
• Participants in pilot studies reported significant improvement in hot flashes, with most experiencing complete relief within two weeks

Promising Alternative for Women’s Health

Researchers at Northwestern University and The University of Kansas Cancer Center have identified Duavee as a potential breakthrough in menopausal healthcare. The medication, which combines conjugated estrogen (CE) with bazedoxifene (BZA), was originally FDA-approved for treating hot flashes and preventing osteoporosis.

However, recent studies suggest it may offer additional benefits by reducing breast cancer risk while effectively managing menopausal symptoms. This dual action could provide a significant advantage over current prevention options, which often worsen the very symptoms women are already struggling with during menopause.

Very exciting a drug that treats menopausal symptoms may also decrease the risk of developing breast cancer. Can you say win – win. @ASCO https://t.co/sDbdKmW4WM

— James Jakub (@DrJamesJakub) May 30, 2025

Research Findings Support Safety and Efficacy

A comprehensive study using five US healthcare claims databases, covering over 92 million women, analyzed the safety outcomes of CE/BZA compared to traditional estrogen/progestin hormone therapy. The findings suggest that Duavee users may experience a lower rate of breast cancer compared to those using conventional hormone replacement therapy. The bazedoxifene component specifically reduces estrogen’s effect on breast tissue, eliminating the need for progestin and its associated risks. This selective action allows the medication to provide menopausal symptom relief without increasing cancer concerns.

Additional research documented in the American Association for Cancer Research journals investigated Duavee’s effects on obesity and postmenopausal breast cancer using rodent models. The studies found no evidence that Duavee promoted tumor development or growth in either lean or obese subjects. In fact, the medication significantly reduced weight gain and body fat while improving glucose levels, suggesting it may offer metabolic benefits alongside its primary therapeutic effects. These findings are particularly relevant as obesity is a known risk factor for breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Patient Benefits and Symptom Relief

Women participating in a six-month pilot study at The University of Kansas Cancer Center reported remarkable improvements in quality of life. Most experienced complete relief from hot flashes within just two weeks of starting Duavee. This represents a significant advancement over current chemoprevention medications like Tamoxifen, which frequently worsen menopausal symptoms and lead to poor compliance. The harsh side effects of existing preventive medications have resulted in extremely low usage rates among eligible women, creating a substantial gap in preventive care that Duavee may help address.

PROMISE: randomized window (28d) trial of conjugated estrogens + bazedoxifene (duavee) v placebo in ER+DCIS.
-⬇️Ki67
-no change in QoL
-⬇️ hot flashes
-supports CE/BZA as an HRT option in post menopausal women and testing its potential in breast ca risk reduction pic.twitter.com/2SqbSH0zk9

— Nancy Lin, MD (@nlinmd) June 1, 2025

Ongoing Research and Future Directions

While initial results are promising, researchers acknowledge that more extensive studies are needed. A Phase IIB trial has been proposed to confirm Duavee’s effectiveness as a safer chemoprevention alternative, although the trial has faced challenges due to medication availability issues. Study designs have been modified to compare BZA + CE versus waitlist controls, with mammographic density changes serving as the primary endpoint. These studies aim to provide more definitive evidence regarding Duavee’s potential role in breast cancer prevention strategies.

The findings highlight the importance of personalized approaches to menopausal healthcare. For women at elevated risk of breast cancer, medications that can simultaneously address quality of life and reduce cancer risk represent a significant advancement. Researchers caution that assessing rare outcomes in observational studies presents challenges, and further research is necessary to fully understand the long-term implications of different hormone therapy options. As this research continues, Duavee may emerge as an important tool in the broader effort to improve women’s health during and after menopause.