Abstract: The present invention relates to steroid-derived cyclopamine analogs and methods for using the same for inhibiting sonic hedgehog signaling and preventing or treating cancer. A method for synthesizing the analogs of the present invention from a steroid is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for obtaining steroids with a spirolactone group in position 17, particularly to industrially obtaining 6?,7?; 15?,16?-dimethylene-3-oxo-17?-pregn-4-ene-21,17-carbolactone, commonly known as Drospirenone, as well as to intermediates useful in said process.

Abstract: One or more agent selected from A/B-cis furostane, furostene, spirostane and spirostene steroidal sapogenins and ester, ether, ketone or glycosylated forms thereof, including E and/or F ring opened derivatives thereof, is used to treat or prevent L-DOPA, dopamine agonist and/or dopamine enhancer induced disorders, such as L-DOPA induced dyskinesia (LID), which is a side effect of L-DOPA, dopamine agonist and/or dopamine enhancer therapies, e.g., for Parkinson's disease. The agent according to the invention may be administered in association with the therapeutic agent for the treatment of the Parkinson's disease or another dopamine-responsive disorder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I): for its use as progesterone receptor antagonist, in particular for its use for the prevention and/or the treatment of cancer or uterine pathologies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of spironolactone for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition intended for preventing and/or treating multiple sclerosis. Alternatively, the invention relates to the use of spironolactone directly in T-lymphocytes or dendritic cells obtained from a blood sample taken from a patient and then injected back into the circulation. Therefore, the present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising spironolactone that can be used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, which covers the administration of spironolactone directly or lymphocytes pre-treated with spironolactone, or dendritic cells to individuals requiring such treatment. Spironolactone is an orally administered drug that is less expensive than many of the treatments available for MS and, furthermore, has the advantage of being a known compound already used in humans for extended periods and therefore the adverse effects thereof have been described in clinical studies.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, methods, and kits for treating subjects infected by or at risk of infection with a DNA virus (e.g., a JC Virus or a BK virus). Aspects of the invention are useful to prevent or treat DNA virus associated conditions (e.g., PML) in subjects that are immunocompromised. Compositions are provided that inhibit intracellular replication of DNA viruses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical composition containing a physiologically effective dose of a nanoparticle triterpene glycoside or nanoparticle triterpene complex, wherein said complex is a liposome encapsulated compound, or exosome-encapsulated compound.

Abstract: Methods for modulating (inhibiting or stimulating) retinoid-related orphan receptor ? (ROR?) activity. This modulation has numerous effects, including inhibition of TH-17 cell function and/or TH-17 cell activity, and inhibition of re-stimulation of TH-17 cells, which are beneficial to treatment of inflammation and autoimmune disorders. Stimulation of ROR? results in stimulation of TH-17 cell function and/or activity which is beneficial for immune-enhancing compositions (e.g., vaccines).

Abstract: A 18-Methyl-19-nor-17-pregn-4-ene-21,17-carbolactone of general formula I in which Z, R4, R6, R7 are as defined below with the proviso that the compound is not 18-Methyl-15?,16?-methylene-3-oxo-19-nor-17-pregn-4-ene-21,17-carbolactone.

Abstract: The 15?,16?-methylene-17-hydroxy-19-nor-17-pregna-4-en-3-one-21-carboxylic acid ?-lactone derivatives of the present invention possess progestational efficacy. They have the general chemical formula I, in which Z is selected from the group comprising an oxygen atom, two hydrogen atoms, NOR and NNHSO2R, where R is hydrogen, C1-C10-alkyl, aryl or C7-C20-aralkyl, R4 is hydrogen or halogen, and moreover either: R6a, R6b together form methylene or 1,2-ethanediyl or R6a is hydrogen and R6b is selected from the group comprising hydrogen, C1-C10-alkyl, C2-C10-alkenyl or C2-C10-alkynyl, and R7 is selected from the group comprising hydrogen, C1-C10-alkyl, C3-C6-cycloalkyl, C2-C10-alkenyl or C2-C10-alkynyl, or: R6a is hydrogen and R6b and R7, together, denote a bond, an oxygen or form methylene, R18 represents hydrogen or C1-C3-alkyl and in addition include their solvates, hydrates, stereoisomers and salts.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to therapeutic nanoparticles. Exemplary nanoparticles disclosed herein may include about 0.1 to about 50 weight percent of a corticosteroid; and about 50 to about 99 weight percent biocompatible polymer.

Abstract: Compounds having drug and bio-affecting properties, their pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use are set forth. In particular, C-17 and C-3 modified triterpenoids that possess unique antiviral activity are provided as HIV maturation inhibitors, as represented by compounds of Formulas I, II and III: These compounds are useful for the treatment of HIV and AIDS.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds which either act as pure antiprogestins or as antiprogestins with partial agonistic activity and methods of treating cancer using such compounds.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for inhibiting galectin-3 in a subject. Also described are methods and compositions for treating heart failure.

Abstract: Compounds having drug and bio-affecting properties, their pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use are set forth. In particular, C-28 amines of C-3 modified betulinic acid derivatives that possess unique antiviral activity are provided as HIV maturation inhibitors. These compounds are useful for the treatment of HIV and AIDS.

Abstract: A transdermal drug delivery system comprising a steroid as an active agent, wherein the steroid may be clobetasol propionate, betamethasone dipropionate, amcinonide, or loteprednol etabonate. The transdermal drug delivery system also comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and a support, wherein the steroid is present in the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is provided on a support. The transdermal drug delivery system may be applied onto the eyelid of a patient in need thereof, in order to treat a disease of the eyelid, such as chalazion, blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction.

Abstract: As described herein, the present invention provides compounds useful for treating or lessening the severity of a neurodegenerative disorder. The present invention also provides methods of treating or lessening the severity of such disorders wherein said method comprises administering to a patient a compound of the present invention, or composition thereof. Said method is useful for treating or lessening the severity of, for example, Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of drospirenone, a synthetic steroid with progestogenic, antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic activity, useful for preparing pharmaceutical compositions with contraceptive action; comprising the oxidation of 17?-(3-hydroxypropyl)-6?,7?,15?,16?-dimethylene-5?-androstane-3?,5,17?-triol.

Abstract: Provided herein is a stable pharmaceutical product comprising a dry powder inhalation device, and a pharmaceutical composition that comprises R,R-Formoterol L-tartrate salt, in particular crystalline R,R-formoterol L-tartrate; and ciclesonide.

Abstract: Methods of diagnosing osteoarthritis are carried out by measuring levels of Ihh, and methods of treating osteoarthritis comprise inhibiting Ihh to reduce or prevent cartilage degradation.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for prediction of a patient's response to a drug for treating androgenetic skin disorders such as alopecia, acne, and hirsutism. For a given drug such as anti-androgens and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, and a given dosage, the likely responsiveness of that drug and dosage may be determined, for example, by generating a set of patient scores based on a patient profile, including genetic sample information, and comparing that scores to a set of reference information.

Abstract: A cyclic carbonate monomer has the formula (2): wherein i) t and t? are integers independently having a value from 0 to 6 wherein t? and t cannot both be zero, ii) each Q1 is a monovalent radical independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halides, alkyl groups comprising 1 to 30 carbons, and aryl groups comprising 6 to 30 carbon atoms, iii) L? is a divalent linking group comprising one or more carbons, and iv) S? is a steroidal group.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the use of steroid compounds including spirosteroid analogues in treating, preventing or ameliorating the symptoms of inflammatory conditions. The steroid compounds are useful for treating a range of inflammatory conditions, including, but not limited to asthma, lung inflammation, retinal inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes type I, systemic lupus erythematosus, ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel diseases and myopathies, as well as multiple sclerosis. The active compounds are represented by Formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, A, B, X, Y and Z are defined in the description of the invention.

Abstract: Described herein are 3-(6,6-ethylene-17?-hydroxy-3-oxo-17?-pregna-4-ene-17?-yl)propionic acid ?-lactone derivatives having progestational and aldosterone antagonistic activity. Also described herein are methods of preparing and using these novel compounds.

Abstract: A method for hormonal contraception comprising administering at least one contraceptive hormone in a plurality of linked taking periods optionally having a sequence lasting several years. Each taking period comprises at least one taking cycle. Each taking cycle comprises a duration-constant taking phase lasting several days and a taking pause lasting several days. In each taking phase the hormonal component is administrated in a daily unit. In each taking pause either a placebo or no unit is administered. The duration of the taking phase or phases of at least the final taking period is at least 22 days. The duration of each taking phase in any taking period preceding a following taking period is shorter than that in each of the taking phases in each following taking period.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for improving at least one of cognitive deficits associated with menopausal syndrome, which includes diosgenin. Also disclosed herein is a method for improving at least one of cognitive deficits associated with menopausal syndrome in a subject via administering the aforesaid composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particles comprising Drospirenone encapsulated in a polymer selected from the group consisting of glycolic acid polymer, lactic acid polymer, poly caprolactones, poly anhydrides and any copolymer of these, e.g., poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) polymer and any combination of these. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to compositions comprising such particles. The present invention also relates to the use of such particles or compositions as contraceptives and for treatment of diseases, disorders and symptoms associated with deficient endogenous levels of estrogen in women.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds to treat a number of conditions, such as thrombocytopenia, neutropenia or the delayed effects of radiation therapy. Compounds that can be used in the invention include methyl-2,3,4-trihydroxy-1-O-(7,17-dioxoandrost-5-ene-3?-yl)-?-D-glucopyranosiduronate, 16?,3?-dihydroxy-5?-androstan-17-one or 3,7,16,17-tetrahydroxyandrost-5-ene, 3,7,16,17-tetrahydroxyandrost-4-ene, 3,7,16,17-tetrahydroxyandrost-1-ene or 3,7,16,17-tetrahydroxyandrostane that can be used in the treatment method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of following formula (I): or to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as well as to pharmaceutical compositions including same and to the use thereof as a drug, in particular for treating a proliferative disease such as cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising Drospirenone dispersed in a liquid or semi-solid lipophilic vehicle. The present invention further relates to the use of such compositions as contraceptives and for treatment of diseases, disorders and symptoms associated with deficient endogenous levels of estrogen in women.

Abstract: An agent selected from A/B-cis furostane, furostene, spirostane and spirostene steroidal sapogenins and ester, ether, ketone and glycosylated forms thereof is used to induce self-regulated homeostasis of neurotrophic factors (NFs), for example BDNF and/or GDNF, NFs with limited and manageable side effects in a subject, by modulating NFs in a non-toxic manner under homeostatic control. An effective amount of at least one such agent is administered to the subject, particularly in the treatment or prevention of a range of NF-mediated disorders, particularly neurological, psychiatric, inflammatory, allergic, immune and neoplastic disorders, and in the restoration or normalisation of neuronal and other function in or in relation to any damaged or abnormal tissue, including when assisting tissue (for example, skin, bone, eye and muscle) healing and general skin, bone, eye and muscle health.

Abstract: The invention relates in part to the discovery that certain CRAMs, such as schweinfurthin A, target OSBPs (a family of oxysterol binding proteins). Because OSBPs have been shown to be integral to atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease (AD), one aspect of the invention relates to the use of CRAMs, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, biologically active metabolite, solvate, hydrate, prodrug, enantiomer or stereoisomer thereof, in the treatment and/or prevention of atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Another aspect of the invention relates to novel derivatives of CRAMs, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, biologically active metabolite, solvate, hydrate, prodrug, enantiomer or stereoisomer thereof, for the treatment and/or prevention of atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of an immobilized CRAMs, such as OSW-I, to aid in screening of compounds to identify additional OSBP binders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to drug delivery compositions in the form of thin water-soluble films (wafers), which contain small particles that comprise at least one progestin and at least one protective agent. The protective agent provides effective taste-masking of the progestin due to limited release of the progestin in the mouth. The progestin is hence not absorbed via the buccal route, but rather via the enteral (per-oral) route.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates in part to pharmaceutical compositions comprising polymeric nanoparticles having certain glass transition temperatures. Other aspects of the invention include methods of making such nanoparticles.

Abstract: In certain embodiments this invention pertains to the discovery that inhibition of the expression and/or activity of eukaryotic initiation factor 4A (eIF4A) inhibits the aging process. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, methods are provided for inhibiting/slowing aging. The methods typically involve administering to a mammal an agent that inhibits the expression and/or activity of eukaryotic initiation factor 4A (eIF4A) in an amount sufficient to inhibit expression or activity of EIF4A, where the agent is not resveratrol.

Abstract: The present invention makes available, inter alia, methods and reagents for modulating smoothened-dependent pathway activation. In certain embodiments, the subject methods can be used to counteract the phenotypic effects of unwanted activation of a hedgehog pathway, such as resulting from hedgehog gain-of-function, ptc loss-of-function or smoothened gain-of-function mutations.

Abstract: Provided are steroid analogues functionalized with polar substituents at the C3 and/or C20 positions of the steroid ring system that exhibit improved water solubility. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the steroid analogues and methods using the novel steroid analogues for the treatment and prevention of neurodegeneration in a patient following injury to the central nervous system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) and/or SERPINA3 as biomarkers of the Mineralocorticoid Receptor (MR) activation in a patient. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for predicting the responsiveness of a patient to a treatment with a MR antagonist or an aldosterone synthase inhibitor, said method comprising determining in a biological sample obtained from said patient the expression level of the NGAL gene and/or of the SERPINA3 gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds to treat a number of conditions, such as thrombocytopenia, neutropenia or the delayed effects of radiation therapy. Compounds that can be used in the invention include methyl-2,3,4-trihydroxy-1-O-(7,17-dioxoandrost-5-ene-3?-yl)-?-D-glucopyranosiduronate, 16?,3?-dihydroxy-5?-androstan-17-one or 3,7,16,17-tetrahydroxyandrost-5-ene, 3,7,16,17-tetrahydroxyandrost-4-ene, 3,7,16,17-tetrahydroxyandrost-1-ene or 3,7,16,17-tetrahydroxyandrostane that can be used in the treatment method.

Abstract: A method of treating hair comprising applying a hair building solid agent for use on or with one or more of hair, skin and hair building solids for altering and/or maintaining the electrostatic charge of the hair and/or skin such that it has a substantially negative polarity. The method further comprises applying hair building solids to hair before and/or during and/or after applying the hair building solid agent. The hair building solid agent is applied as a spray on to the hair and/or skin and/or hair building solid.

Abstract: The invention discloses therapeutic methods and uses of certain steroidal sapogenins, related compounds and derivatives thereof, in the treatment of non-cognitive neurodegeneration, non-cognitive neuromuscular degeneration, motor-sensory neurodegeneration or receptor dysfunction or loss in the absence of cognitive, neural and neuromuscular impairment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to liquid compositions containing chitosan, a chitosan derivative or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, which form a film after application onto the scalp and/or the hair, which compositions are useful for delivery of actives onto the scalp surface and/or onto the hair.

Abstract: Described herein are diuretic condensation aerosols and methods of making and using them. Kits for delivering a condensation aerosol are also described. The diuretic aerosols typically comprise diuretic condensation aerosol particles that comprise a diuretic compound. In some variations the diuretic compound is selected from the group consisting of bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, muzolimine, spironolactone, torsemide, triamterene, tripamide, BG 9928, and BG 9719. Methods of treating edema using the described aerosols are also provided. In general, the methods typically comprise the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of diuretic condensation aerosol to a person with edema. The diuretic condensation aerosol may be administered in a single inhalation, or may be administered in more than one inhalation. Methods of forming a diuretic condensation aerosol are also described.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] The purpose of present invention is to provide a medicine which has low contamination with a fine-pulverizing medium, is safe and has improved bioavailability. [Solution] A method for producing a composite organic compound powder for medical use is used which comprises: mixing a poorly water-soluble and crystalline organic compound powder, a physiologically acceptable salt, a physiologically acceptable polyol, and a carboxyvinyl polymer and fine-pulverizing the organic compound powder; and removing at least the salt and the polyol during or after fine-pulverizing.

Abstract: A method for producing highly crystalline and stable microparticles of an active substance with a very narrow size distribution. The microparticles being crystallized out of a suspension made of primary particles of the active substance, a solution of the active substance, a non-solvent for the active substance and inert formed pieces. The resulting microparticles hare highly stable largely independent of the physiochemical properties of the active substance and can be especially suitable for fast release dosage forms of pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to C-ring-substituted pregn-4-ene-21,17-carbolactones of the general formula I in which R6,7 is an ?- or ?-methylene and R9 is a hydrogen atom and R11 is a bromine, chlorine or fluorine atom or R9 and R11 together are a bond. The novel compounds are progestational antimineralocorticoids.

Abstract: Provided herein is a stable pharmaceutical product comprising a dry powder inhalation device, and a pharmaceutical composition that comprises R,R-Formoterol L-tartrate salt, in particular crystalline R,R-formoterol L-tartrate; and ciclesonide.

Abstract: The invention relates to liquid pharmaceutical formulations for oral administration with the modified release of active principle(s), excluding amoxicillin, said formulations consisting of suspensions of coated particles of active principles (microcapsules). According to the invention, the microcapsules constituting the disperse phase of the suspension are designed to allow the modified release of the active principle(s) according to a profile that does not change during the storage of the liquid suspension. To do this the inventors propose the selection of a specific coating composition for the microcapsules which consists of at least four components that allow these microcapsules to be stored in water without modifying their properties of modified release of the active principle, this liquid phase furthermore being saturated with active principle(s).

Abstract: A method of preparing and composition of bioavailable hydrophobic, poorly water soluble drugs. It uses for example, lecithin, sterol, a calcium salt, and solvent; mixing to form liposomes and then the solvent driven off; the ratios used and physical form differ from others, and maximize performance.

Abstract: The invention provides for compounds of formula I wherein the substitutents are as described herein. Further provided are methods of using such compounds for the treatment of eating disorders, metabolic disorders, obesity, cognitive disorders, neurological disorders, pain disorders, inflammation disorders, in the promotion of smoking cessation and for the treatment of other psychiatric disorders Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and pharmaceutical combinations of the compounds of the invention with other therapeutic agents.