Formulation: A crystalline solid
Formal Name: 17-(acetyloxy)-6-methyl-pregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione
Purity: ≥98%
Formula Markup: C24H32O4
Formula Weight: 384,5
Shelf life (days): 1460
CAS Number: 595-33-5
Notes: Megestryl acetate is a synthetic progestogen and derivative of progesterone originally developed as a contraceptive.{38302} It binds with high relative affinity to the progesterone (Item No. 15876), androgen, and glucocorticoid receptors in mammary cancer cells.{38303} It increases neuropeptide Y (Item No. 15071) by 90-140% and inhibits calcium channel currents in the rat hypothalamus.{38301,38299} Megestryl acetate decreases cytokine and serotonin production in patient-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).{38300} In rats, it increases food and water intake when administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg per day.{38301} Formulations containing megestryl acetate have been used in the treatment of endometriosis, hormone-related cancers, and as an appetite stimulant for cancer patients with anorexia and cachexia.{38304}