Baulieu Develops RU-486, a Pill That Induces Abortion
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History II: Science and Technology Series
- Categories: Women’s Issues, Science, Medicine, Health
- Subcategories: Biology, Biologists, Scientists, Chemistry, Chemists, Reproductive Rights, Abortion
- Curriculum: Women’s History, 20th & 21st Century European History, French History
- Geographical Location: Paris
- Date: 1982
Article abstract: Baulieu developed RU-486, a progesterone antagonist, as an early contragestin drug in humans, thus giving rise to success and controversy.
Summary of Event
Étienne-Émile Baulieu literally rescued a steroid (derivative of cholesterol) compound, RU-486 (trade name Mifepristone), from certain oblivion at the drug company Roussel Uclaf. He went on to show that it is an effective and safe drug to use as a contragestive agent (prevention of or disruption of implantation of the embryo in the uterus) within the first forty-nine days after a...
[The entire page is 2069 words long]
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