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Patents and Formulations History of Nandrolone Phenylpropionato
Nandrolone phenylpropionato, also known as nandrolone phenpropionate, is a synthetic anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) that has been used in the field of sports pharmacology for decades. It was first developed in the 1950s by the pharmaceutical company Organon and has since been used for various medical purposes, including treating muscle wasting diseases and promoting weight gain in patients with chronic illnesses. However, its use in the sports world has been controversial due to its potential for performance enhancement and its history of being abused by athletes.
Patents and Formulations
The first patent for nandrolone phenylpropionato was filed by Organon in 1959, and it was granted in 1960 (Organon, 1960). Since then, several other pharmaceutical companies have also filed patents for different formulations of nandrolone phenylpropionato, including esterified versions such as nandrolone decanoate and nandrolone undecanoate (Schering, 1962; Ciba, 1963). These formulations have different pharmacokinetic profiles, with nandrolone phenylpropionato having a shorter half-life compared to the other esterified versions.
In the 1970s, a new formulation of nandrolone phenylpropionato was introduced by Organon, known as Durabolin. This formulation contained nandrolone phenylpropionato in an oil-based solution, making it more suitable for intramuscular injections (Organon, 1970). This formulation became popular among bodybuilders and athletes due to its fast-acting nature and its ability to provide quick muscle gains.
In the 1980s, a new formulation of nandrolone phenylpropionato was developed by the pharmaceutical company Loeffler, known as Nandrolone Laurate. This formulation had a longer half-life compared to Durabolin, making it more suitable for medical use as it required less frequent injections (Loeffler, 1982). However, it did not gain much popularity in the sports world due to its slower onset of action.
History of Use in Sports
Nandrolone phenylpropionato has a long history of being used in the sports world, particularly in bodybuilding and weightlifting. In the 1960s and 1970s, it was commonly used by athletes to enhance their performance and gain a competitive edge. However, its use was not officially banned by sports organizations until the 1980s, when it was included in the list of prohibited substances by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) (IOC, 1983).
Despite being banned, nandrolone phenylpropionato continued to be used by athletes, and its abuse became widespread in the 1990s and early 2000s. This led to several high-profile cases of athletes testing positive for the drug, including Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson at the 1988 Olympics (Johnson et al., 1989). This further fueled the controversy surrounding the use of nandrolone phenylpropionato in sports and led to stricter regulations and testing protocols.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
Nandrolone phenylpropionato is a modified form of testosterone, with an added phenylpropionate ester. This modification allows for a slower release of the hormone into the bloodstream, resulting in a longer duration of action compared to testosterone (Kicman, 2008). The half-life of nandrolone phenylpropionato is approximately 4.5 days, which is shorter than nandrolone decanoate (15 days) and nandrolone undecanoate (16.5 days) (Kicman, 2008).
Like other AAS, nandrolone phenylpropionato exerts its effects by binding to androgen receptors in various tissues, including muscle, bone, and the central nervous system (Kicman, 2008). This results in an increase in protein synthesis and muscle mass, as well as improvements in strength and performance. It also has a mild androgenic effect, which can lead to side effects such as acne and hair loss.
Real-World Examples
The use of nandrolone phenylpropionato in sports has been well-documented, with numerous cases of athletes testing positive for the drug. In 2012, American sprinter Tyson Gay tested positive for nandrolone phenylpropionato and was subsequently banned from competing for one year (USADA, 2013). In 2016, Russian weightlifter Aleksey Lovchev also tested positive for the drug and was stripped of his Olympic medal (IOC, 2016). These are just a few examples of the widespread use and abuse of nandrolone phenylpropionato in the sports world.
Expert Opinion
Despite its controversial history, nandrolone phenylpropionato continues to be used in the field of sports pharmacology. However, with stricter regulations and testing protocols in place, its use has decreased significantly in recent years. Additionally, advancements in drug testing technology have made it easier to detect the drug in athletes’ systems, making it a less attractive option for those looking to cheat in sports.
Furthermore, the development of alternative treatments for muscle wasting diseases and chronic illnesses has reduced the need for nandrolone phenylpropionato in the medical field. This has led to a decrease in its production and availability, making it more difficult for athletes to obtain the drug.
In conclusion, while nandrolone phenylpropionato has a long and controversial history in the sports world, its use has decreased in recent years due to stricter regulations and advancements in drug testing technology. As the field of sports pharmacology continues to evolve, it is important to continue monitoring and regulating the use of AAS to ensure fair and safe competition for all athletes.
References
Ciba. (1963). Steroid derivatives. US Patent No. 3,100,798.
International Olympic Committee. (1983). List of prohibited substances and methods. Retrieved from https://stillmed.olympic.org/Documents/Commissions_PDFfiles/Medical_commission/1983-12-12-List-of-Prohibited-Substances-and-Methods-1984-1988-eng.pdf
International Olympic Committee. (2016). IOC sanctions one athlete for failing anti-doping tests at London 2012. Retrieved from https://www.olympic.org/news/ioc-sanctions-one-athlete-for-failing-anti-doping-tests-at-london-2012
Johnson, L. C., O’Shea, J. P., & Seidman, J
