Abstract: This invention relates to antitumoral ecteinascidin derivatives that contain a fused ecteinascidin five ring system with a 1,4-bridge having the structure of formula (VIa) or (VIb) as described herein and compounds in which the —NH2 or —OH of the 1,4-bridge is derivatized, and related pharmaceutical compositions and methods. Such ecteinascidin derivatives include, but are not limited to, those compounds having formula (XVIIb): in which R1 and R4 together form a group of formula (VIa) or (VIb) as described herein, and R5, R7, R8, R14a, R14b, R15, and R21 are as defined herein.

Abstract: A hatch-actuating mechanism, particularly for aircraft landing gear. The mechanism includes a lateral closing panel (1) and a secondary closing panel (4) articulated to one another. A lateral pivoting fitting (5) is joined to the lateral panel (1) and pivots about a fixed point on the structure (7). A secondary pivoting fitting (8) is joined to the secondary panel (4). A lateral actuating cylinder (10) controls the movement of the lateral panel. An intermediate actuating cylinder controls the movement of the secondary panel, the intermediate actuating cylinder (13) being actuatable independently from the lateral actuating cylinder (10).

Abstract: Methods are provided for preparing a compound with a fused ring structure of formula (XIV) which comprises one or more reactions starting from a 21-cyano compound of formula (XVI) where typically; R1 is an amidomethylene group or an acyloxymethylene group; R5 and R8 are independently chosen from —H, —OH or —OCOCH2OH, or R5 and R8 are both keto and the ring A is a p-benzoquinone ring; R14a and R14b are both —H ozone is —H and the other is —OH, —OCH3 or —OCH2CH3, or R14a and R14b together form a keto group; and R15 and R18 are independently chosen from —H or —OH, or R5 and R8 are both keto and the ring A is a p-benzoquinone ring. In modified starting materials, the 21-cyano group can be replaced by other groups introduced using nucleophilic reagents.

Abstract: Processes are provided for preparing compounds with a fused ring structure of formula (XIV). Such products include ecteinascidins and have a spiroamine-1,4-bridge. The process involving forming a 1,4 bridge using a 1-labile, 10-hydroxy, 18-protected hydroxyl, di-6,8-en-5-one fused ring compound. After formation of the 1,4 brige, C-18 protection is removed before spiroamine introduction.

Abstract: This invention relates to antitumoral ecteinascidin derivatives.

Abstract: Device for facilitating the lowering of a landing gear by gravity, comprising at least on roller device (4) positioned on at least one closing panel (2) of the hatch for the landing gear in a contact area with the tire (1a) of the landing gear of an aircraft (7) on initiating its descent, the roller device (4) comprising a rigid roller device which can rotate freely about its axis (4a), and being positioned such that its axis is perpendicular to the path of the tire (1a) so that the tire will make the roller device (4) turn without sliding over it.

Abstract: Methods are provided for preparing a compound with a fused ring structure of formula (XIV) which comprises one or more reactions starting from a 21-cyano compound of formula (XVI) where typically: R1 is an amidomethylene group or an acyloxymethylene group; R5 and R8 are independently chosen from —H, —OH or —OCOCH2OH, or R5 and R8 are both keto and the ring A is a p-benzoquinone ring; R14a and R14b are both —H ozone is —H and the other is —OH, —OCH3 or —OCH2CH3, or R14a and R14b together form a keto group; and R15 and R18 are independently chosen from —H or —OH, or R5 and R8 are both keto and the ring A is a p-benzoquinone ring. In modified starting materials, the 21-cyano group can be replaced by other groups introduced using nucleophilic reagents.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds of the formula: wherein: the substituent groups defined by R1, R2 are each independently selected of H, C(?O)R?, C1–C18 alkyl, C2–C18 alkenyl, C2–C18 alkynyl, or aryl; each of the R? groups is independently selected from the group consisting of H; OH; NO2; NH2; SH; CN; halogen; ?O; C(?O)H; C(?O)CH3; CO2H; or C1–C18 alkyl, C2–C18 alkenyl, C2–C18 alkynyl, or aryl, each of which, independently, may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, cyano, hydroxy, nitro, azido; alkanoyl, carboxamido, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryloxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, aminoalkyl, carbocylic aryl having 6 or more carbons, and aralkyl; X2 is OX1 or N(X1)2 wherein each X1 is independently H, C(?O)R? where R? is as defined, C1–C18 alkyl, C2–C18 alkenyl, C2–C18 alkynyl, aryl, alkoxy, heterocyclyl, or two X1 groups together form a cyclic substituent on the nitrogen atom, or X1 is SO2CH3 when X2 is OX1, or N(X1)2 is NHCOalk

Abstract: Processes are provided for preparing compounds with a fused ring structure of formula (XIV). Such products include ecteinascidins and have a spiroamine-1,4-bridge. The process involving forming a 1,4 bridge using a 1-labile, 10-hydroxy, 18-protected hydroxy, di-6,8-en-5-one fused ring compound. After formation of the 1,4 bridge, C-18 protection is removed before spiroamine introduction.

Abstract: Compounds having a fused ecteinascidin five ring system with a 1,4 bridge having the structure of formula (VIa or VIb) and compounds in which the —NH2 or —OH of the 1,4 bridge is derivatised are disclosed. Such compounds are useful in the treatment of tumours.