Elacestrant stands out as a selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), developed for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer. This compound brings a new approach for patients, acting differently from older antiestrogen drugs. Elacestrant’s chemical name, RAD1901, comes up in studies and discussions about new cancer treatments. Researchers and clinicians alike follow its journey, recognizing that modern oncology increasingly depends on molecules with targeted actions. Treatment now often gets personalized, and drugs like Elacestrant offer choices when standard therapies fall short.
Elacestrant appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder, offering a stable, solid form suitable for both storage and formulation into oral medications. The compound’s chemical stability allows for ease in processing and handling. In the lab, Elacestrant’s hydrophobic nature means it doesn’t dissolve easily in water, but it fares better in organic solvents. This property affects manufacturing, since drug companies must look for the right materials and blending techniques, balancing cost and safety. Pharmaceutical use demands a high level of purity, and Elacestrant batches often reach purities above 98%, confirmed by chromatographic methods. Moisture content and melting point become critical for storage—privately, I appreciate how scientists pay attention to such practical details; even a slight change in these factors can affect medication quality and shelf life.
Chemically, Elacestrant goes by the molecular formula C30H47NO2. Its exact molecular weight lands at 453.70 g/mol. This synthetic compound holds a unique bicyclic structure focusing on a steroidal core, which resembles natural estrogens but with significant modifications. The presence of nitrogen in its scaffold allows it to interact closely with estrogen receptors, influencing its effectiveness as a SERD. One thing that fascinates me about such molecules is how small tweaks to structure—like adding functional groups—change not only activity but safety and behavior in the body. This structural design blocks estrogen receptor function, so tumor cells depending on estrogen signaling lose their growth advantage.
Elacestrant exists most often as a crystalline solid, and the fine flake or powdery texture aids in blending into tablets or capsules. The bulk density typically ranges from 0.3 to 0.5 g/cm³, offering a manageable feel during manufacturing. Pour a scoop into your hand and it flows freely, though electrostatic cling occasionally creates dust that workers must control. The melting point sits around 160–170°C. This range is vital to maintain integrity during granulation and tablet pressing. As a solid, the compound remains inert under standard conditions, so it resists moisture uptake, clumping, and other problems seen in less stable ingredients. Even though Elacestrant rarely appears as a solution, small volumes dissolve in ethanol or DMSO for lab assays, showing flexibility for formulation scientists.
Ships and customs departments around the world organize chemicals by Harmonized System (HS) Codes. Elacestrant, as a pharmaceutical intermediate or active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), usually gets assigned under HS Code 2937.29, which covers steroidal agents. This kind of classification streamlines paperwork and import regulations. From experience working with suppliers and customs, the accuracy of these codes ensures timely shipping and avoids costly delays at the border. Failure to classify properly can hold up production, impacting patients downstream who depend on continuous supply.
Handling Elacestrant, workers look for guidance in material safety data sheets (MSDS). The powder has a low volatility; dust respirable risk remains minor with simple protections such as gloves, goggles, and engineering controls. As with many bulk drug substances, ingestion or skin exposure at industrial scales could present risks, though toxicology studies point toward specific dosing issues relating to pharmacological use, not acute hazard. The synthesis route to Elacestrant relies on accessible steroidal raw materials, processed with reagents that require skilled handling and waste management. Chemical safety regulations call for careful record-keeping, controlled workspaces, and responsible disposal. Nobody wants to see hazardous build-up in the work environment, so ongoing staff training becomes crucial. The move to greener chemistry, with safer reagents and less hazardous waste, is a welcome trend in pharmaceutical production—something I notice more with each passing year.
In the pharma sector, demand for Elacestrant highlights the ongoing need for improved breast cancer therapies. Markets across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia show increasing adoption since regulatory approvals and clinical trials have illustrated both safety and incremental therapeutic advantage. Hospital pharmacies and oncology centers look for stable, consistent-grade raw material for compounding and manufacturing. The rising incidence of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cases, especially among postmenopausal women, drives demand, which, in turn, keeps pressure on supply chain integrity. The pricing and availability of key raw materials, as well as strict compliance with good manufacturing practices (GMP), shape purchasing decisions.
Challenges such as costly chemical synthesis, regulatory scrutiny, and the environmental footprint of pharmaceutical production stand out for manufacturers. Research teams experiment with alternative synthetic routes, using renewable feedstocks and milder conditions to reduce hazardous byproducts. Automation in synthesis and purification steps can enhance both yields and worker safety, trimming costs in the long run. Collaboration across academic chemists, process engineers, and regulatory bodies paves the way for cleaner, faster, and more reliable production pipelines. I’ve seen companies work closely with their suppliers to create multi-purpose production lines that can switch quickly to new APIs, ensuring both flexibility and minimal waste. For anyone following the world of next-generation anticancer agents, Elacestrant’s journey offers lessons in adaptation, technology, and the drive to deliver targeted hope—one carefully engineered molecule at a time.
