Estradiol diundecylate

Estradiol diundecylate is a synthetic, steroidal estrogen that was never marketed. It is an ester of estradiol, a naturally occurring estrogen hormone. The compound is part of a class of estrogens known as estradiol esters. These esters are prodrugs of estradiol and are more resistant to metabolism, having longer durations of action when given by injection.

Chemistry

Estradiol diundecylate, also known as estradiol 3,17β-diundecylate, is a synthetic estrane steroid and a derivative of estradiol. It is more specifically a derivative of estradiol with two undecylate (C11H23COO) groups esterified at the C3 and C17β positions. Other important estradiol esters include estradiol valerate and estradiol cypionate.

Pharmacology

As an estradiol ester, estradiol diundecylate is a prodrug of estradiol. Consequently, it is considered to be a natural and bioidentical form of estrogen. Once in the body, it is cleaved by enzymes into estradiol and the associated undecylate groups are metabolized separately. The result is a slow, sustained release of estradiol into the body.

See also

• List of estrogen esters
• List of estrogens