Etretinate is a synthetic retinoid and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) derived from vitamin A. It belongs to the first-generation retinoid class and has been used in the treatment of severe disorders of keratinization and certain forms of psoriasis.
Etretinate is a lipophilic retinoid and is metabolized to acitretin, another systemic retinoid with retinoid activity.
Etretinate is an aromatic retinoid ester with activity on nuclear retinoid receptors. It influences cellular differentiation and proliferation in epithelial tissues and has historically been used as a systemic treatment for severe keratinization disorders.
CAS Number: 54350-48-0
Molecular Formula: C₂₃H₃₀O₃
Molecular Weight: 354.49 g/mol
Etretinate and its active retinoid metabolites influence gene transcription through nuclear retinoid receptors, affecting epithelial cell differentiation and proliferation.
Its pharmacological effects include:
Etretinate has historically been used for:
Important: Etretinate has significant regulatory and safety restrictions and is not marketed in many countries. Its use should be considered only where specifically approved by the applicable regulatory authority.
Etretinate is a lipophilic retinoid API with defined chemical and physicochemical characteristics. Pharmaceutical-grade material requires appropriate control of identity, assay, related substances, stereochemical composition and other quality attributes.
Typical quality evaluation may include:
Pharmaceutical-grade Etretinate should comply with the applicable approved specification and relevant regulatory requirements.
Because systemic retinoids can have important safety and reproductive risks, manufacture, distribution and use of Etretinate are subject to applicable regulatory controls.
A qualified supplier should provide Certificate of Analysis (CoA), specification sheet, SDS/MSDS, batch traceability and applicable regulatory documentation.
Store Etretinate in a tightly closed container, protected from excessive moisture, heat and direct light, according to the manufacturer's approved storage and stability requirements.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Identification | IR & HPLC compliant |
| Assay (HPLC) | 98.0% – 102.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 1.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.2% |
| Heavy Metals | NMT 10 ppm |
| pH (1% Solution) | 2.0 – 4.0 |
| Individual Impurity | ≤ 0.5% |
| Total Impurities | ≤ 1.5% |
| Water Content | NMT 0.5% |
| Melting Point | 150°C – 154°C |