Prostaglandin E2 activates four distinct G protein-coupled receptors, EP1-4. Rivenprost is a potent and selective agonist for the EP4 receptor (Ki = 0.7, 56, 620, and >10,000 nM for EP4, EP3, EP2, and EP1, respectively). It has been used to promote EP4-mediated bone formation, prevent bone loss related to osteoporosis, drive osteoblast differentiation, and stabilize bone implants.[1][2][3][4][5] Rivenprost has also been used to support wound healing.[6]
Reference:
[1]. Yoshida, K., Oida, H., Kobayashi, T., et al. Stimulation of bone formation and prevention of bone loss by prostaglandin E EP4 receptor activation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 99(7), 4580-4585 (2002).
[2]. Ninomiya, T., Hosoya, A., Hiraga, T., et al. Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4-selective agonist (ONO-4819) increases bone formation by modulating mesenchymal cell differentiation. European Journal of Pharmacology 650, 396-402 (2011).
[3]. Ito, M., Nakayama, K., Konaka, A., et al. Effects of a prostaglandin EP4 agonist, ONO-4819, and risedronate on trabecular microstructure and bone strength in mature ovariectomized rats. Bone 39, 453-459 (2006).
[4]. Nakagawa, K., Imai, Y., Ohta, Y., et al. Prostaglandin E2 EP4 agonist (ONO-4819) accelerates BMP-induced osteoblastic differentiation. Bone 41, 543-548 (2007).
[5]. Hayashi, K., Fotovati, A., Abu Ali, S., et al. Effect of a prostaglandin EP4 receptor agonist on early fixation of hydroxyapatite/titanium composite- and titanium-coated rough-surfaced implants in ovariectomized rats. J.Biomed.Mater.Res.A 92(3), 1202-1209 (2010).
[6]. Honma, Y., Arai, I., Hashimoto, Y., et al. Prostaglandin D2 and prostaglandin E2 accelerate the recovery of cutaneous barrier disruption induced by mechanical scratching in mice. European Journal of Pharmacology 518, 56-62 (2005).