Desogestrel is a synthetic progestin used in contraception, often in combination with ethinyl estradiol. 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.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 2 references
Desogestrel enters the cell passively and acts by binding selectively to the progesterone receptor and generating low androgenic activity. Its binding produces an effect like a transcription factor and thus, it produces modifications in the mRNA synthesis.
The active metabolite of desogestrel, etonogestrel, presents a combination of high progestational activity with minimal intrinsic androgenicity.
- Primary indication
- Oral desogestrel is used in combination with ethinylestradiol as a contraceptive agent for the prevention of pregnancy.Curator reviewed · 3 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C22H30O · 310.473 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1999 · United States, 1992
- Code names
- ORG-2969
- Brand names
Resolves to
RPLCPCMSCLEKRS-BPIQYHPVSA-NSMILES[H][C@@]12CC[C@@](O)(C#C)[C@@]1(CC)CC(=C)[C@]1([H])[C@@]3([H])CCCC=C3CC[C@@]21[H]What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Desogestrel, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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