Estradiol dibenzoate

Estradiol dibenzoate (EDB) is an estrogen ester that is used in hormone therapy. It is a synthetic, steroidal estrogen and a long-lasting estrogen ester. EDB is a prodrug of estradiol, and hence, is considered to be a natural, bioidentical form of estrogen.

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

As a prodrug of estradiol, EDB has the same pharmacodynamics as estradiol. It has high affinity for the estrogen receptor and is an agonist of the receptor. EDB has no affinity for the progesterone receptor or the androgen receptor.

Pharmacokinetics

EDB is a prodrug of estradiol, and is converted into estradiol in the body. The conversion of EDB into estradiol is thought to occur via esterase-mediated hydrolysis. The pharmacokinetics of EDB have not been studied in detail.

Chemistry

EDB is a synthetic estrane steroid and a derivative of estradiol. It is specifically a combined derivative of estradiol with two benzoate esters. The compound is also known as estradiol 3,17β-dibenzoate.

History

EDB was first described in the scientific literature in 1935. It was introduced for medical use by 1939.

Society and culture

Generic names

EDB is the generic name of the drug and its INN, USAN, and BAN, while estradiolo dibenzoato is its DCIT.

Brand names

EDB is marketed under the brand names Agofollin, Difollisterol, and Progynon DB, among others.

Availability

EDB is not widely available. It is marketed in a few countries, including the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

See also

• List of estrogen esters
• List of hormonal cytostatic antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents