Norgestrienone

Norgestrienone (INN) (brand name Ogyline, Planor, Miniplanor; former developmental code name RU-2010), also known as Δ^9,11-norethisterone or 17α-ethynyltrienolone (17α-ethynyltrenbolone), as well as 17α-ethynylestra-4,9,11-trien-17β-ol-3-one, is a steroidal progestin related to norethisterone that is used as a hormonal contraceptive, sometimes in combination with ethinylestradiol. It was developed by Roussel Uclaf and is registered for use only in France. Under the brand name Planor, it is or was marketed in France as 2 mg norgestrienone and 50 μg ethinylestradiol tablets. Norgestrienone has been found to possess similar affinity for the progesterone receptor and androgen receptor, and in accordance, has some androgenic activity. The drug was first described in the literature in 1965. Gestrinone is the 13β-ethyl variant or 18-methyl derivative of norgestrienone.