Abstract: Novel methods for the medical treatment and/or inhibition of the development of osteoporosis, breast cancer, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia or atherosclerosis in susceptible warm-blooded animals including humans involving administration of selective estrogen receptor modulator particularly compounds having the general structure: and an amount of a sex steroid precursor selected from the group consisting of dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androst-5-ene-3&bgr;,17&bgr;-diol and compounds converted in vivo to one of the foregoing presursor. Further administration of bisphosphonates in combination with selective estrogen receptor modulators and/or sex steroid precursor is disclosed for the medical treatment and/or inhibition of the development of osteoporosis. Pharmaceutical compositions for delivery of active ingredient(s) and kit(s) useful to the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Androst-5-ene-3&bgr;,17&bgr; diol is used to treat or reduce the likelihood of acquiring osteoporosis or menopausal symptoms, or other diseases affected by estrogen receptor activity, and for conditions which respond well to DHEA treatment, but where a higher ratio of estrogenic to androgenic effects is desired. Combination therapies are included, as are kits and pharmaceutical compositions for providing the active ingredients of claimed methods and combinations.

Abstract: A combination therapy for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in susceptible warm-blooded animals which comprises administering a combination of two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of an inhibitor of 5&agr;-reductase activity, an anti-estrogen, an inhibitor of aromatase activity, an inhibitor of 17&bgr;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and, in some cases, an anti-androgen and/or an LHRH agonist. Pharmaceutical compositions useful for such treatment and pharmaceutical kits containing such compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: A uridine diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase (UGTB217) is provided. Methods of producing the enzyme and using the enzyme to identify potential compounds which inhibit or alter the activity of the enzyme are described. In addition, methods of using antibodies to localize the protein, or using the gene sequence or portions thereof for probes or using the gene sequence to produce expression-disrupting sense or antisense DNA fragments thereof, or antisense RNA, are provided.

Abstract: A novel type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is provided. Methods of producing the enzyme and using the enzyme to identify potential compounds which inhibit or alter the activity of the enzyme are described. In addition, methods of using the gene sequence or portions thereof for probes or to produce expression-disrupting sense or antisense DNA fragments thereof, or antisense RNA, are provided.

Abstract: Methods for treating sex steroid-dependent diseases by inhibiting sex steroid activity include administration of novel compounds which include an androgenic nucleus substituted at a ring carbon with at least one substituent specified herein. Such compounds may function by inhibiting sex steroid synthesis (both estrogen and androgen synthesis) and/or by antagonistically blocking androgen receptors.

Abstract: Certain benzopyran antiestrogens are disclosed for treating estrogen sensitive diseases such as breast cancer. Prodrug forms provide ease of manufacturing, good shelf life, and bioavailability, and preferred stereoisomers are shown to be more effective than racemic mixtures.

Abstract: Androgen nucleus derivatives having specified substituents at the 17.alpha. position are disclosed for use as antiandrogens for the treatment of androgen-dependent diseases. In some preferred embodiments, the compound ##STR1## is formulated together with pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier for topical use in the treatment of androgen-dependent diseases associated with the skin.

Abstract: Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to either of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment of vaginal atrophy, hypogonadism, diminished libido, loss of collagen or connective tissues in the skin, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.

Abstract: Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to either of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment and/or prevention of vaginal atrophy, hypogonadism, diminished libido, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, skin atrophy, for contraception, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.

Abstract: Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to either of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment of vaginal atrophy, hypogonadism, diminished libido, loss of collagen or connective tissues in the skin, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.

Abstract: Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to either of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment and/or prevention of vaginal atrophy, hypogonadism, diminished libido, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, skin atrophy, for contraception, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.

Abstract: Methods of treatment and prevention of estrogen-related diseases, and of fertility control, include low dose (e.g. less than 50 nanomolar serum concentration) administration of certain anabolic steroids, progestins and other substantially non-masculinizing androgenic compounds. Sustained release formulations substantially free of organic solvent, and sustained release formulations for maintaining low serum levels of androgen are disclosed.

Abstract: Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to either of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment and/or prevention of vaginal atrophy, hypogonadism, diminished libido, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, skin atrophy, for contraception, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.

Abstract: A method of treatment or prevention of breast and endometrial cancer, osteoporosis and endometriosis in susceptible warm-blooded animals comprising administering a low dose of a progestin or other steroid derivative having androgenic activity and low masculinizing activity. Pharmaceutical compositions useful for such treatment and pharmaceutical kits containing such compositions are disclosed. An in vitro assay permitting specific measurements of androgenic activity of potentially useful compounds is also disclosed.

Abstract: Inhibitors of sex steroid activity, for example those having the general structure ##STR1## may be used as part of a pharmaceutical composition to provide antiestrogenic effects and/or to suppress estrogen synthesis. Such pharmaceutical compositions are useful for the treatment of breast cancer or other diseases whose progress is aided by activation of sex steroid receptors.

Abstract: Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to either of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment and/or prevention of vaginal atrophy, hypogonadism, diminished libido, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, skin atrophy, for contraception, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.

Abstract: Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to either of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment of vaginal atrophy, hypogonadism, diminished libido, loss of collagen or connective tissues in the skin, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.

Abstract: A combination therapy for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in susceptible warm-blooded animals which comprises administering a combination of two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of an inhibitor of 5.alpha.-reductase activity, an anti-estrogen, an inhibitor of aromatase activity, an inhibitor of 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and, in some cases, an anti-androgen and/or an LHRH agonist. Pharmaceutical compositions useful for such treatment and pharmaceutical kits containing such compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of treatment and prevention of estrogen-related diseases, and of fertility control, include low dose (e.g. less than 50 nanomolar serum concentration) administration of certain anabolic steroids, progestins and other substantially non-masculinizing androgenic compounds. Sustained release formulations substantially free of organic solvent, and sustained release formulations for maintaining low serum levels of androgen are disclosed.