The SERMs (selective estrogen receptor modulators) are a new class of molecules 
that bind to the estrogen receptor, resulting in an estradiol agonist or 
antagonist response according to the target tissue. Raloxifene, a new SERM, has 
been shown to prevent postmenopausal bone loss, to reduce the risk of vertebral 
fractures in osteoporotic women, to decrease serum cholesterol and its LDL 
fraction, and to reduce significantly the risk of breat cancer. Raloxifene is 
available in France for the prevention of post-menopausal osteoporosis.