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Mifepristone: Reflections on its Early Clinical Development for Medical Abortion

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Mifepristone (RU-486), the first clinically effective progesterone antagonist, was initially identified as having antiglucocorticoid activity. Although early interest focused on its role as a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, recognition of its antiprogesterone effects led to studies of its role in pregnancy termination. This article reviews the steps leading to its use as an abortifacient, from its initial identification for this indication and draws on the author's direct involvement in the field with reflections on his contribution to the early clinical development of mifepristone. These studies established the efficacy of mifepristone in pregnancy termination. Unfortunately, its wider therapeutic applications have received limited attention.

Source: Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal

DOI: 10.5041/rmmj.10576

Author: Irving Spitz

Institutions: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Cornell University, Weill Cornell Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Reproductive Health and Contraception

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7155703460

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