Androstenedione (Androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, CAS 63-05-8) is an endogenous C19 steroid hormone produced primarily in the adrenal glands and gonads. With the molecular formula C₁₉H₂₆O₂ and molecular weight 286.41 g/mol, it features the classic Δ⁴-3-keto steroid backbone with ketone groups at positions 3 and 17. Biologically, androstenedione is the direct precursor to both testosterone (via 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) and estrone/estradiol (via aromatase/CYP19A1), making it the central branch-point intermediate in sex steroid biosynthesis. This unique position in the steroidogenic pathway — equidistant from both androgen and estrogen endpoints — gives androstenedione exceptional commercial importance as a pharmaceutical intermediate and as a research tool for studying steroidogenic enzyme function and regulation.

Androstenedione is the critical starting material for the industrial synthesis of corticosteroid pharmaceuticals — a drug class with global sales exceeding $15 billion annually. Through multi-step biotransformation (typically using Mycobacterium or Rhizopus species for regio- and stereoselective hydroxylation at C11β and C11α) and chemical elaboration, androstenedione is converted into prednisone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, betamethasone, triamcinolone, and other life-saving anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive corticosteroids. The androst-4-ene-3,17-dione scaffold provides the essential steroid nucleus with the correct stereochemistry (5α-androstane configuration) and key functional groups (Δ⁴ double bond, 3-keto, 17-keto) already in place, dramatically reducing the synthetic steps required compared to total synthesis or phytosterol degradation approaches. This translates to higher overall yield and lower manufacturing cost at industrial scale.

Our Androstenedione meets ≥98.0% purity by HPLC with related substances well-controlled (individual impurity ≤0.5%, total impurities ≤2.0%). Key specifications: appearance — white to off-white crystalline powder; melting point 170-175°C; specific optical rotation [α]D²⁰ +190° to +198° (c=1, dioxane) — confirming correct stereochemistry at all 6 chiral centers; identification confirmed by IR (characteristic carbonyl stretches at 1735 cm⁻¹ and 1660 cm⁻¹, Δ⁴ C=C at 1615 cm⁻¹), ¹H-NMR (Δ⁴ C4-H singlet at δ 5.75, C18 and C19 methyl singlets at δ 0.93 and 1.22), and MS (m/z 286.4 [M]⁺ with characteristic fragmentation); loss on drying ≤0.5%; heavy metals ≤10 ppm; residual solvents per ICH Q3C. Each batch includes a comprehensive COA with full analytical data package.

Yes. Androstenedione is classified as an anabolic steroid precursor and is regulated as a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States under the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 (21 USC §802). It is also included on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List under class S1 (Anabolic Agents). UPOR Biotech supplies this product strictly for licensed pharmaceutical manufacturing, analytical reference standard use, and authorized research purposes only. All purchasers must provide: (1) valid DEA registration (US customers) or equivalent national regulatory authorization (international customers); (2) a completed end-use declaration specifying the intended application; and (3) institutional credentials verifying legitimate pharmaceutical or research purpose. We maintain rigorous Know Your Customer (KYC) and supply chain security protocols including shipment tracking, diversion monitoring, and regulatory reporting. This product is emphatically not intended for human consumption as a dietary supplement or for any performance-enhancing purpose.

Every shipment includes a comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) with HPLC purity data, specific optical rotation, IR/NMR/MS spectra confirming identity and stereochemistry, and a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Our manufacturing facilities are ISO 9001:2015 and c-GMP certified, FDA-registered. We provide full lot traceability from raw material sourcing through final QC release. For pharmaceutical manufacturing customers, we can provide: residual solvent analysis (GC-HS), elemental analysis, heavy metal testing per USP <231>/<232>/<233>, microbial limits testing (USP <61>/<62>), bacterial endotoxins (USP <85>), ICH Q1A stability data, DMF support documentation, and GMP batch records. A valid DEA registration or equivalent regulatory authorization is required for purchase. All documentation is maintained in our secure quality management system and is available for customer and regulatory audits.