Levonorgestrel cyclobutylcarboxylate

Levonorgestrel cyclobutylcarboxylate

Levonorgestrel cyclobutylcarboxylate is a progestin medication which was developed for potential use in birth control but was never marketed. It is a derivative of levonorgestrel, a hormone used in many birth control methods.

Chemistry

Levonorgestrel cyclobutylcarboxylate is a synthetic steroid and a derivative of progesterone. It is more specifically a derivative of 19-nortestosterone and is a member of the gonane family. It is also a derivative of levonorgestrel, with a cyclobutylcarboxylate ester at the C17α position.

Pharmacology

As a progestin, levonorgestrel cyclobutylcarboxylate has progestogenic activity and hence can prevent ovulation and changes in the endometrium, thereby preventing pregnancy. It does not have estrogenic, androgenic, glucocorticoid, or mineralocorticoid activity.

History

Levonorgestrel cyclobutylcarboxylate was developed in the late 20th century as a potential contraceptive but was never marketed. The reason for its lack of introduction is not entirely clear but may be related to its pharmacokinetics or to business decisions.

See also

• List of progestogens
• List of progestogen esters