Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Cytotec (reference drug)

Dong-A ST Co., Ltd. · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Cytotec (reference drug) is a Prostaglandin E1 analog Small molecule drug developed by Dong-A ST Co., Ltd.. It is currently FDA-approved for Prevention of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers, Treatment of gastric ulcers.

Cytotec (misoprostol) is a prostaglandin E1 analog that reduces gastric acid secretion and protects the gastric mucosa.

Cytotec (misoprostol) is a prostaglandin E1 analog that reduces gastric acid secretion and protects the gastric mucosa. Used for Prevention of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers, Treatment of gastric ulcers.

At a glance

Generic name	Cytotec (reference drug)
Sponsor	Dong-A ST Co., Ltd.
Drug class	Prostaglandin E1 analog
Target	Prostaglandin E receptor (EP receptor)
Modality	Small molecule
Therapeutic area	Gastroenterology
Phase	FDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Misoprostol binds to prostaglandin receptors on gastric parietal cells, inhibiting acid secretion while simultaneously increasing mucus and bicarbonate production to strengthen the protective gastric lining. It is commonly used to prevent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastric ulcers by restoring the balance between aggressive acid and protective mechanisms.

Approved indications

Prevention of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers
Treatment of gastric ulcers

Common side effects

Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Flatulence
Headache

Key clinical trials

A Multicenter, Double Blinded, Randomized, Parallel Assignment Study to Demonstrate the Efficacy of DA9601 (PHASE4)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Source	Used for
ClinicalTrials.gov	Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Cytotec (reference drug) CI brief — competitive landscape report
Cytotec (reference drug) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
Dong-A ST Co., Ltd. portfolio CI

Frequently asked questions about Cytotec (reference drug)

What is Cytotec (reference drug)?

Cytotec (reference drug) is a Prostaglandin E1 analog drug developed by Dong-A ST Co., Ltd., indicated for Prevention of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers, Treatment of gastric ulcers.

How does Cytotec (reference drug) work?

Cytotec (misoprostol) is a prostaglandin E1 analog that reduces gastric acid secretion and protects the gastric mucosa.

What is Cytotec (reference drug) used for?

Cytotec (reference drug) is indicated for Prevention of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers, Treatment of gastric ulcers.

Who makes Cytotec (reference drug)?

Cytotec (reference drug) is developed and marketed by Dong-A ST Co., Ltd. (see full Dong-A ST Co., Ltd. pipeline at /company/dong-a-st-co-ltd).

What drug class is Cytotec (reference drug) in?

Cytotec (reference drug) belongs to the Prostaglandin E1 analog class. See all Prostaglandin E1 analog drugs at /class/prostaglandin-e1-analog.

What development phase is Cytotec (reference drug) in?

Cytotec (reference drug) is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Cytotec (reference drug)?

Common side effects of Cytotec (reference drug) include Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Nausea, Flatulence, Headache.

What does Cytotec (reference drug) target?

Cytotec (reference drug) targets Prostaglandin E receptor (EP receptor) and is a Prostaglandin E1 analog.

Drug class: All Prostaglandin E1 analog drugs
Target: All drugs targeting Prostaglandin E receptor (EP receptor)
Manufacturer: Dong-A ST Co., Ltd. — full pipeline
Therapeutic area: All drugs in Gastroenterology
Indication: Drugs for Prevention of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers
Indication: Drugs for Treatment of gastric ulcers

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing