A new progestagen for oral contraception.

Desogestrel (13-ethyl-11-methylene-18, 19-dinor-17alpha-pregn-4-en-20-yn-17-ol) is a new potent progestagen suitable for incorporation into combined oral contraceptives (OC)s. 2 products have thus far been developed, 1 containing 150 mcg desogestrel plus 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol (EE)/tablet (Marvelon) and the other a normophasic product containing 50 mcg EE (7 tablets) followed by 125 mcg desogestrel plus 50 mcg EE (15 tablets). No tablet failures were reported in large-scale multicenter trials. Clinical studies, confirmed by receptor studies, showed that desogestrel lacks androgenicity in the dosages used. Also, studies on lipid metabolism revealed that desogestrel does not abolish EE-induced rises in HDL cholesterol. Since low levels of HDL cholesterol have been associated with an increased risk of ischemic heart disease, this can be regarded as a favorable aspect of desogestrel. In view of increasing demands for safer OCs, it can be concluded that preference should be given to OCs containing this progestogen.