The emergence of ORG NC 45, 1- [2 beta,3 alpha,5 alpha,16 beta,17 beta)-3, 17-bis(acetyloxy)-2-(1-piperidinyl)-androstan-16-yl]-1-methylpiperidinium bromide, from the pancuronium series.

A novel approach is described for obtaining a drug that will be a potent non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent with the potential for a short duration of action and little cumulative effect. This approach led to the discovery of Org NC 45, from the pancuronium series.