Dimepregnen

Dimepregnen is a synthetic, steroidal progestogen with antigonadotropic effects, which was developed by Schering AG in the 1960s but was never marketed. It is a derivative of progesterone and is related to other 19-norprogesterone derivatives such as gestronol, gestonorone, gestonorone caproate, and nomegestrol acetate.

Chemistry

Dimepregnen is a synthetic steroid and a derivative of progesterone. It is more specifically a derivative of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and is a member of the 19-norprogesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone groups of progestogens. Dimepregnen is closely related to gestronol (17α-hydroxy-19-norprogesterone), gestonorone (17α-hydroxy-19-norprogesterone 3-cyclopentyl enol ether), gestonorone caproate (17α-hydroxy-19-norprogesterone 3-cyclopentyl enol ether caproate), and nomegestrol acetate (17α-hydroxy-6-methyl-19-norprogesterone acetate).

Pharmacology

As a progestogen, dimepregnen has antigonadotropic effects. It works by binding to and activating the progesterone receptor, which inhibits the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus. This in turn suppresses the release of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone from the anterior pituitary, thereby inhibiting ovulation and preventing pregnancy.

History

Dimepregnen was developed by the pharmaceutical company Schering AG in the 1960s. Despite its development, it was never marketed for medical use.

See also

• List of progestogens
• List of antigonadotropins