The manufacture of steroid and hormone raw materials and intermediates is a highly specialized field in the pharmaceutical industry.

It involves the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from raw materials, and then the conversion of these APIs into intermediates, which can then be used to manufacture various drugs.

The production of steroid and hormone raw materials and intermediates needs to be combined with highly complex and advanced technologies. This includes the use of modern analytical techniques, such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. These techniques can identify the exact chemical structure of steroid or hormone APIs and their intermediates, and determine their purity and efficacy.

Once the steroid or hormone drug substance is determined and its purity and efficacy are confirmed, the intermediate product can be synthesized. This involves the use of a series of organic reactions, such as condensation and esterification. Intermediate products are purified and then prepared into various forms, such as tablets, capsules, liquids and creams.