Fertility control with RU 486
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 21, 2026

Reproductive Techniques for Ovarian Monitoring and Control in Amphibians
Published on: May 12, 2019
A Ulmann1, C Dubois, D Philibert
1Roussel-Uclaf Direction Médicale, Romainville, France.
Abstract:
RU 486 is a synthetic steroid possessing antiprogestin and antiglucocorticoid activities. This paper summarizes the main pharmacological properties of this molecule. It is now under the phase II-III clinical studies in the world for early pregnancy interruption. By itself, the drug shows a 85% complete efficacy provided it is given at the dose of 600 mg (3 X 200 mg) once in pregnancies below or equal to 41 days of amenorrhea. The clinical tolerance of the drug is extremely satisfactory, but metrorrhagia can in some instances be heavy, thus necessitating an adequate medical monitoring. The antiglucogenic activity of the molecule has no clinical relevance. In the future, soma data suggest that adjunction of a synthetic prostaglandin analog could somehow increase the success rate, but further studies are necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of such a combination.
Related Concept Videos
Reproductive Cloning
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
In SCNT, an egg cell is taken from an animal and its nucleus is removed, creating an enucleated egg. Then a somatic cell—any cell that is not a sex...
Fertilization
Reproductive Cloning
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
In SCNT, an egg cell is taken from an animal and its nucleus is removed, creating an enucleated egg. Then a somatic cell—any cell that is not a sex...
In Vitro Fertilization
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
Birth Control Methods
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems

