Desogestrel

Desogestrel(Org-2969) is a third-generation 19-nortestosterone derivative progestogen; is contained in many oral contraceptive preparations, both combined (COCs) to ethinyl-estradiol (EE) or alone in a progestin-only pill (POP).
Solid
Desogestrel is a 17beta-hydroxy steroid and a terminal acetylenic compound. It has a role as a contraceptive drug, a progestin and a synthetic oral contraceptive.|Desogestrel, a prodrug, is a third generation progestogen and hence, a member of the gonane family which was largely used in Europe before being approved in the US and Canada. It was firstly generated from a study that showed that 11-beta and 11-alkylidene substituent in nortestosterone can enhance the biological activity. Desogestrel is now produced semi-synthetically from naturally occurred plant steroids. In the US, desogestrel is found only in combination with [ethinyl estradiol]. The first approved drug containing desogestrel was developed by Organon USA Inc in 1972 and FDA approved in 1992.|Desogestrel is a Progestin.|Desogestrel is a synthetic progestogen structurally related to levonorgestrel, with progesterone hormone receptor agonistic activity, used as a contraceptive and hormone replacement agent. Upon administration, desogestrel binds intracellular progesterone receptors in progesterone responsive tissue and the resultant complex interacts with DNA causing either gene transcription or gene repression. This eventually leads to an inhibition of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from the hypothalamus and a subsequent inhibition of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release. This prevents ovulation and alters the cervical mucus.|A synthetic progestational hormone used often as the progestogenic component of combined oral contraceptive agents (ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, COMBINED).