Abstract: Disclosed is a novel class of steroid compounds based on estradiol, and carrying an 11?-substitution. Said substitution is a hydrocarbon group which may be linear or branched, provided that it comprises, as the longest chain on carbon atom no. 11 of the steroid skeleton, one single linear chain having a length of from 5 to 9 carbon atoms, wherein said chain may be saturated or unsaturated. The resulting compounds have a desirable mixed agonist/antagonist profile for estrogen receptor ? and estrogen receptor ?.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel, selective estrogens type having a steroid skeleton with a non-aromatic A-ring and a free or capped hydroxyl group at carbon atom No. 3. The estrogens satisfy general formula (I), in which R1 is H, (C1-C3)alkyl or (C2-C3)acyl; R2 is H, &agr;-(C1-C4)alkyl, &agr;-(C2-C4)alkenyl or &agr;-(C2-C4)alkynyl; R3 is H or (C1-C4)alkyl, (C2-C4)alkenyl or (C2-C4)alkynyl, each at location 15 or 16 of the steroid skeleton; R4 is H or (C1-C5)alkyl, (C2-C5)alkenyl or (C2-C5)alkynyl, each optionally substituted with halogen; preferred is ethynyl; R5 is H, (C1-C3)alkyl or (C2-C3)acyl; R6 is (C1-C5)alkyl, (C2-C5)alkenyl, (C2-C5)alkynyl or (C1-C5)alkylidene, each optionally substituted.