C19 position removed, and an acetate ester attached at the C17β position. In addition to testosterone, it is a combined derivative of nandrolone (19-nortestosterone) and ethisterone (17α-ethynyltestosterone). Synthesis Chemical syntheses of NETA have been published. History Schering AG filed for a patent for NETA in June 1957, and the patent was issued in December 1960. The drug was first marketed, by Parke-Davis as Norlestrin in the United States, in March 1964. This was a combination formulation of 2.5 mg NETA and 50 μg ethinylestradiol and was indicated as an oral contraceptive. Other early brand names of NETA used in oral contraceptives included Minovlar and Anovlar. Society and culture Generic names Norethisterone acetate is the , , and of NETA while norethindrone acetate is its and . Brand names NETA is marketed under a variety of brand names throughout the world including Primolut-Nor (major), Aygestin (), Gestakadin, Milligynon, Monogest, Norlutate (, ), Primolut N, SH-420 (), Sovel, and Styptin among others. Availability United States NETA is marketed in high-dose 5 mg oral tablets in the United States under the brand names Aygestin and Norlutate for the treatment of gynecological disorders. In addition, it is available under a large number of brand names at much lower dosages (0.1 to 1 mg) in combination with estrogens such as ethinylestradiol and estradiol as a combined oral contraceptive and for use in menopausal hormone therapy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Research NETA has been studied for use as a potential male hormonal contraceptive in combination with testosterone in men. See also Ethinylestradiol/norethisterone acetate Norethisterone enanthate References Acetate esters Androgens and anabolic steroids Antigonadotropins Estranes Hormonal contraception Enones Prodrugs Progestogen esters Progestogens Synthetic estrogens