Abstract: Process for the preparation of an enantiomerically enriched Schiff base wherein an amine is contacted with a carbonyl compound wherein the amine and/or the carbonyl compound is a chiral compound, to form a mixture of the enantiomers of the corresponding Schiff base wherein, if the amine is the chiral compound the carbonyl compound is an aromatic aldehyde; if the carbonyl compound is the chiral compound the amine is an aromatic amine and if both the amine and the carbonyl compound are chiral compounds, they in combination may have the same meanings as given above for both the chiral amine and the chiral carbonyl compound situation, and the mixture of enantiomers of the Schiff base is subjected to preparative chromatography on a stationary phase whereby separation of the enantiomers of the Schiff base is obtained. Preferably chiral Simulated Moving Bed chromatography is used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain 16-hydroxy-11-(substituted phenyl)-estra-4,9-diene derivatives, to processes for their preparation, to pharmaceutical formulations containing them and to their use in medicinal therapy, particularly in the treatment or prophylaxis of glucocorticoid dependent diseases or symptoms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a 11-(substituted phenyl)-estra-4,9-diene derivative of formula I ##STR1## wherein A, X, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are as defined by the specification. The compounds of the invention have anti-glucocorticoid activity and can be used in treating or preventing glucocorticoid-dependent diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a 11,21-bisphenyl-19-norpregnane derivative of formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from H, halogen, (1-6C)alkoxy, and NR.sub.5 R.sub.6, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 being independently hydrogen or (1-6C)alkyl or R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 together are (3-6C)alkylene; R.sub.2 is hydrogen; or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together are a (1-3C)alkylenedioxy group, optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms; R.sub.3 is methyl or ethyl; R.sub.4 is selected from C(O)-NR.sub.5 R.sub.6, SO.sub.n -(1-6C)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms, SO.sub.n -(3-6C)cycloalkyl, n being 1 or 2, SO.sub.2 -NR.sub.5 R.sub.6, 2-oxypyrrolidinyl, and NR.sub.5 R.sub.6 ; R.sub.7 is H or (1-6C)alkyl; R.sub.8 is H or carboxy-1-oxo(1-6C)alkyl; and X is selected from (H,OH), O, and NOH; 11 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.The compounds of the invention have anti-glucocorticoid activity and can be used in treating or preventing glucocorticoid-dependent diseases.