Abstract: The present invention relates to a pure polymorph of Nor-UDCA or Bis-nor-UDCA, or of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The inventions further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the polymorph of the invention, and a method for preparing the polymorph. The invention includes the pharmaceutical use of the polymorph or of the pharmaceutical composition of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods to manipulate stem cells in vivo and in vitro to treat, e.g., a condition where cell or tissue repair is needed.

Abstract: Newly isolated aminosterol compounds and pharmaceutical compositions based on the aminosterol compounds are described. Methods for the treatment of various disorders, for example, a microbial infection, are also described.

Abstract: Steroid derivatives useful as intermediates for producing vitamin D derivates as well as processes for producing the steroid derivatives are provided. The steroid derivatives include halide compounds represented by the following formulae: wherein X, R1 and R2 are as defined by the specification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of altering hypothalamic function in an individual. The method comprises nasally administering a human vomeropherin, e.g. a pregnane or cholane steroid, or a pharmaceutical composition containing a vomeropherin, such that the vomeropherin binds to a specific neuroepithelial receptor. The steroid or steroids is/are preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Other embodiments of the invention include pharmaceutical compositions containing the steroids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of altering hypothalamic function in an individual. The method comprises nasally administering a human vomeropherin, e.g. a 19-nor cholane steroid, or a pharmaceutical composition containing a vomeropherin, such that the vomeropherin binds to a specific neuroepithelial receptor. The steroid or steroids is/are preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Other embodiments of the invention include pharmaceutical compositions containing the steroids.

Abstract: Compounds having a broad range of antimicrobial activity generally have a structure including asteroid nucleus with a cationic, preferably polyamine, side chain (X) and an anionic side chain (Y). The invention is also directed to compounds of the Formula III: ##STR1## preferably where the steroid ring nucleus is saturated; the steroid ring substituent Z.sub.5 is .alpha.-H; one Z.sub.7 is .beta.-H and the other is .alpha.-H or .alpha.-OH; both substituents Z.sub.12 are hydrogen; X' is a polyamine side chain of the formula --NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.p --NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.q --N(R.sup.II)(R.sup.III) where p and q are each independently 3 or 4, and R.sup.II and R.sup.III are each independently hydrogen or methyl; R' is methyl; and Y' is (C.sub.1 -C.sub.10)-alkyl substituted with a group such as --CO.sub.2 H or --SO.sub.3 H.

Abstract: A process for the production of medrogestone, in which, in an intermediate step, the solvate 3.beta.,5.alpha.,6.beta.-trihydroxy-6.alpha.,17.alpha.-dimethylpregnan-20- one monomethanolate is obtained as a solid, stable compound by displacing the organic solvent from a solution of of 3.beta.,5.alpha.,6.beta.-trihydroxy-6.alpha.,17.alpha.-dimethylpregnan-20- one with a lower alkanol, and a Diels-Alder adduct of 6-methylene-17.alpha.-methylpregn-4-ene-3,20-dione with maleic anhydride is used as an intermediate for production of the corresponding dicarboxylic acid salt for removal of 6-methylene-17.alpha.-methylpregn-4-ene-3,20-dione contamination of the desired product. Another intermediate, 6.beta.-hydroxy-6.alpha.,17.alpha.-dimethylpregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, has been found to prevent smooth muscle proliferation and is useful in the treatment of atherosclerosis and restinosis.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms optionally substituted by halogen or a nitrogen or oxygen function and alkenyl and alkynyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and the A, B, C and D rings are optionally substituted by at least one member of the group consisting of optionally protected --OH or .dbd.0, halogen, alkyl and alkoxy of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and alkenyl and alkynyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms comprising reacting a compound of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 and the A, B, C and D rings are defined as above with an oxidizing agent in the presence of water and an at least partially water-miscible solvent to obtain a compound of the formula ##STR3## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.

Abstract: Novel 3-keto-19-nor-.DELTA..sup.4,9 -steroids of the formula ##STR1## and their non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts possessing a remarkable antiglucocorticoidal activity.

Abstract: There are provided pregnane derivatives represented by formula ##STR1## wherein A.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group, A.sup.2 represents a substituent such as a hydroxyl group when A.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom, or A.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom when A.sup.1 represents a hydroxyl group, or A.sup.1 and A.sup.2 are combined together to form an oxo group; D.sup.1 represents a substitutent such as a hydroxyl group, and D.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom, or D.sup.1 and D.sup.2 are combined together to form an epoxy group or a single bond; D.sup.3, D.sup.5 and D.sup.7 each represents a hydrogen atom, D.sup.4 represents a hydroxyl group, and D.sup.6 represents a substitutent such as a hydroxyl group, or D.sup.3 and D.sup.4 may be combined together to form an epoxy group or a single bond, or D.sup.4 and D.sup.5 may be combined together to form a single bond, or D.sup.5 and D.sup.6 may be combined together to form an epoxy group or a single bond, or D.sup.6 and D.sup.

Abstract: 19-Fluoro- and cyano- substituted 21-hydroxyprogesterone derivatives and related compounds which are active as 19-hydroxylase inhibitors and useful as antihypertensive agents are described herein. The compounds are prepared using appropriate synthetic pathways which will vary according to the nature of the specific 19-substituted progesterone or related compound desired.