Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the crystallisation and for the preparation and isolation of a novel crystalline form of fusidic acid, to the use of said processes in the manufacture of pharmaceutical formulation or medicament, and to the use of said crystalline fusidic acid form for the treatment of bacterial infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel 4-pregenen-11?-17-21-triol-3,20-dione derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals, as modulators of glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid receptors. The invention relates specifically to the use of these compounds and their pharmaceutical compositions to treat disorders associated with glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid receptor modulation.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for identifying agents which modulate microRNA activity. The invention involves contacting a cell harboring a microRNA and a microRNA binding sequence, which is operably linked to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a reporter protein, with a test agent and determining whether the test agent increases or decreases the expression of the reporter protein thereby identifying a microRNA modulator. Antagonists identified by this screening assay are provided, as are methods for using the same to inhibit microRNA activity and prevent or treat disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to neuroactive 13,17-substituted steroids as referenced herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for use as, for example, an anesthetic, and/or in the treatment of disorders relating to GABA function and activity. The present disclosure is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds.

Abstract: The invention discloses a process to make dermaceutical cream containing Fusidic acid which is formed in situ from Sodium Fusidate as the starting raw material, wherein Sodium Fusidate is converted into Fusidic acid under oxygen-free environment created using inert gas, preferably nitrogen. The cream produced by the process of the present invention has greater shelf-life stability and the finer particle size of the API than the conventional creams containing Fusidic acid. The cream produced by the process of the present invention contains Fusidic acid as the API that has been formed in situ from Sodium Fusidate, in a cream base comprising a preservative, an acid, a co-solvent, an emulsifier and a waxy material along with water, preferably purified water. The cream produced by the process of the present invention further optionally contains an ingredient selected from a group comprising, a buffering agent, an anti oxidant, a chelating agent, and a humectant, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel method for producing a steroid compound. The present invention provides a method for producing 3,7-dioxo-5?-cholanic acid or ester derivatives thereof, which uses, as raw materials, sterols having double bonds at positions 5 and 24, such as cholesta-5,7,24-trien-3?-ol, ergosta-5,7,24(28)-trien-3?-ol, desmosterol, fucosterol, or ergosta-5,24(28)-dien-3?-ol, and which comprises the following 4 steps: (I) a step of performing oxidation of a hydroxyl group at position 3 and isomerization of a double bond at position 5 to position 4; (II) a step of converting position 24 to a carboxyl group or an ester derivative thereof by the oxidative cleavage of a side chain; (III) a step of introducing an oxygen functional group into position 7; and (IV) a step of constructing a 5?-configuration by reduction of a double bond at position 4.

Abstract: Syntheses of steroids such as 3-hydroxy-7?-methyl-21-[2?-methoxy-4?-(diethylaminomethyl)-phenoxy]-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10)triene citrate (“SR 16234”) and analogs thereof are provided, wherein 21-hydroxy-19-norpregna-4-en-3-one serves as a starting material or intermediate. The latter compound may be readily prepared from estrone-3-methyl ether. Certain intermediates in these syntheses also have value as therapeutic agents, for example in the treatment of prostate disorders such as prostatic cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the crystallisation and for the preparation and isolation of a novel crystalline form of fusidic acid, to the use of said processes in the manufacture of pharmaceutical formulation or medicament, and to the use of said crystalline fusidic acid form for the treatment of bacterial infections.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating mammalian disease characterized by undesirable angiogenesis by administering compounds of the general formula: wherein the variables are defined in the specification.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for the preparation of Guggulsterones which comprises epoxidising 16-dihydropegnenolone acetate (16 DPA) by reacting 16DPA with hydrogen peroxide reagent adduct in the presence of a co-base in a polar solvent to obtain 3 ? hydroxy-16 ?, 17-oxido-5 pregnen-20-one, converting the 3 ? hydroxy-16?, 17-oxido-5-pregnen-20-one by reacting with hydrazine in the presence of a strong base at refluxing temperature followed by oxidation to obtain desired guggulsterones viz. to 5, 17-(20)-cis and trans pregnadiene-3 ?, 16-diol of the formula Ia and Ib.

Abstract: The invention relates to 17-methylene steroids, process for their production and pharmaceutical compositions that contain these compounds. The compounds according to the invention have a hybrid-type profile of action in the sense that they act as inhibitors of 5?-reductase and simultaneously as gestagens. They are therefore suitable for treating diseases that are the result of elevated androgen levels in certain organs and tissues in men and women. Together with other hormonal substances, such as an estrogen, testosterone or a strong androgen, the compounds according to the invention are suitable as contraceptive agents for women and for men.

Abstract: A method of producing 3-alkoxy-1,3,5(10)-triene-6-one-steroid derivatives having, in the steroid skeleton thereof, a partial structure of A- and B-rings represented by formula (2): (wherein R represents an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group, or an aralkyl group), including reacting a 19-norsteroid derivative having, in the steroid skeleton thereof, a partial structure of A- and B-rings represented by formula (1): with an alcohol represented by ROH (wherein R has the same meaning as defined above) and iodine in the absence of a rare earth compound catalyst. According to the method of the present invention, 3-alkoxy-1,3,5(10)-triene-6-one-steroids can be selectively produced from 19-norsteroides through a single reaction step without employment of a special catalyst.

Abstract: Novel 17,20-methanofusidic acid derivatives are used in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of infections, in particular in topical compositions for the treatment of skin or eye infections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for representing compounds of the general formula (1). The invention further relates to the hitherto unknown compounds of general formulas (5, 6 and 7) in the form of intermediate products and to the use of 4,4-dimethyl-3&bgr; hydroxypregna-8,14-diene-21-carboxylic acid esters of the general formula (1) for producing 4,4-dimethyl-5&agr;-cholesta-8,14,24-triene-3&bgr;-ol (2).

Abstract: Novel 17,20-dihydrofusidic acid derivatives are used in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of infections, in particular in topical compositions for the treatment of skin or eye infections.

Abstract: The invention concerns a 3-methylene steroid derivative having general formula (1) wherein R1 is H or together with R3 forms a &bgr;-epoxide or R1 is absent if there is a 5-10 or 4-5 double bond; R2 is (C1-C5) alkyl or CF3; R3 is &bgr;H, &bgr;CH3 or together with R1 forms a &bgr;-epoxide or R3 is absent if there is a 5-10 double bond; R4 is H, lower alkyl; Y is [H, H], [OH, H], ═O, [OH, lower alkyl], [OH, (C2-C5)alkenyl], [OH, (C2-C5)alkynyl] or (C1-C6) alkylidene, whereby said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and alkylidene is optionally halogenated; ═NOR5, whereby R5 is H, lower alkyl; dotted lines represent an optional double bond, or prodrugs thereof for the treatment of arthritic diseases and/or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Novel anti-estrogenic compounds are provided which are useful to treat a variety of disorders, particularly estrogen-dependent disorders. Preferred compounds have a 1,3,5(10)-estratriene nucleus, and are substituted at the C-17 or C-11 position with a molecular moiety which renders the compounds effective to competitively block the binding of estrogen to its receptor. Particularly preferred compounds are 17-desoxy-1,3,5(10)-estratrienes. Therapeutic methods and pharmaceutical compositions are provided as well.

Abstract: 17-Methyleneandrostan-3&agr;-ol analogs are useful as corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) inhibitors, and especially as anti-depressants, when administered to the vomeronasal organ. An improved synthesis of 17-methylenandrost-4-en-3&agr;-ol is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of altering hypothalamic function in an individual. The method comprises nasally administering a human vomeropherin, e.g. a 19-nor cholane steroid, or a pharmaceutical composition containing a vomeropherin, such that the vomeropherin binds to a specific neuroepithelial receptor. The steroid or steroids is/are preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Other embodiments of the invention include pharmaceutical compositions containing the steroids.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel, androstane steroids which are the ligand semiochemicals which bind to neuroepithelial receptors.

Abstract: The invention relates to 20&xgr;-fluoropregna-4,17(20)-dien-3-on-21-oic acid ethyl ester, 20&xgr;-fluoro-3&bgr;-hydroxypregna-5,17(20)-dien-21-oic acid ethyl ester, 20&xgr;-fluoro-21-hydroxypregna-4,17 (20)-dien-3-one, 20&xgr;-fluoropregna-5,17(20)-dien-3&bgr;,21-diol and related compounds and to compositions incorporating these compounds, as well as the inhibition of C17,20 lyase, 5&agr;-reductase and C17-hydroxylase, and to the use of these compounds in the treatment of androgen and estrogen mediated or dependent disorders, including benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer, breast cancer and DHT-mediated disorders such as acne and hirsutism. Treatment of disorders related to the over synthesis of cortisol, for example, Cushing's Syndrome are also included. The treatment of androgen-dependent disorders also includes a combination therapy with known androgen-receptor antagonists, such as flutamide.

Abstract: Several 19-nor-pregnanes are provided which have the capacity to neurochemically alter the hypothalamic function in an individual through nasal administration. These pharmaceutically active compounds can be administered by themselves or in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers to produce the desired effect.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compounds, compositions and method of preparation of compounds of formulae I and II: wherein X, Q1, Q2, R1 and R2 are as defined by the specification. The compounds are disclosed as useful cholesterol-lowering and anti-atherosclerosis agents.

Abstract: This invention describes the new 17-difluoromethylene-estratrienes of general formula I ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl group,R.sup.5 is a methyl or ethyl group, andR.sup.2 is a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl group in .alpha.- or .beta.-position,R.sup.3 is a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyloxy group in .alpha.- or .beta.-position,R.sup.4 is a hydrogen atom in .alpha.- or .beta.-position, and A, B, D, E and G each is a hydrogen atom, and optionally at least one of substituent pairsG and R.sup.2, R.sup.2 and R.sup.4, R.sup.4 and A, A and R.sup.3, B and D, D and E is a double bond.

Abstract: Steroid compounds having various oxygen substitution on the steroid nucleus are disclosed. A specific functionality present on many of the steroid compounds is oxygen substitution at both of positions 6 and 7. Thus, certain steroids have oxygen substitution at C6 and C7, and some have specific stereochemistries such as 6.alpha. and 7.beta. oxygen substitution, and an alpha hydrogen at the 5 position in addition to having 6.alpha. and 7.beta. oxygen substitution. Steroids having 3,4-epoxy functionality are also disclosed. In addition, steroids having C17 pyran and .delta.-lactone functionality, with oxygen substitution at C6 and C7, or at C15, of the steroid nucleus, are disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula I ##STR1## a process for their preparation, their use in the treatment of autoimmune disorders as well as new intermediates for their preparation.

Abstract: This invention describes the new 17-difluoromethylene-estratrienes of general formula I ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 means a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl group,R.sup.5 means a methyl or ethyl group, andR.sup.2 means a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl group in .alpha.- or .beta.-position,R.sup.3 means a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyloxy group in .alpha.- or .beta.-position,R.sup.4 means a hydrogen atom in .alpha.- or .beta.-position, andA, B, D, E and G each mean a hydrogen atom, and optionally at least one of substituent pairsG and R.sup.2, R.sup.2 and R.sup.4, R.sup.4 and A, A and R.sup.3, B and D, D and E mean a double bond.

Abstract: The invention relates to estrene steroids, which bind to neuroepithelial receptors. The steroid is preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel classes of anti-androgens including dihydrophenanthrene derivatives, their method of synthesis and their use in treating disorders associated with excessive androgenic activities.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a steroidal allylic tertiary alcohol is disclosed which involves the deprotonation of a sulfoxide with a strong base which is capable of deprotonating the methine proton which is .alpha. to the sulfoxide, in an inert solvent to give the anion; reaction of the anion with a steroidal spiro-2'-oxirane to give a steroidal .gamma.-hydroxysulfoxide; and thermolysis in the presence of a base other than calcium carbonate to give the steroidal allylic tertiary alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a process for extracting compounds from plant material, comprisinga) contacting hydrolyzed plant material with a supercritical fluid and optionally with a co-solvent and p1 b) recovering the compound from the supercritical fluid.In another embodiment, the present invention is directed toward a process for removing a compound from plant material, comprising contacting the plant material with an acid, a supercritical fluid and a co-solvent, and recovering the compound from the supercritical fluid. The sterols, diosgenin and sarsapogenin, are efficiently extracted from barbasco root and Yucca seed, respectively.

Abstract: New 9.alpha.-hydroxy-17-methylene steroids are prepared by the introduction of a substituted 17-methylene group in 9.alpha.-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3, 17-dione.The resulting compounds are useful starting compounds in the synthesis of corticosteroids.

Abstract: 17-halomethylene estratrienes of Formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen, a methyl or acyl group, andR.sub.2 is a halogen atom, show low affinity to the estrogen receptor and bring about a cellular membrane and blood/lymphatic vessel permeability that is increased as compared with estradiol.

Abstract: A compound selected from the group consisting of a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkylthio and haloalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, alkenyl and alkynyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally substituted arylthio of 6 to 10 carbon atoms, aryl of 6 to 12 carbon atoms, acyl of an organic carboxylic acid of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, --CN, cycloalkyl of 3 to 6 carbon atoms and --(CH.sub.2).sub.m --Re, m is an integer from 1 to 3, Re is --OH or --SH or --Salk, Alk is alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, X is selected from the group consisting of oxygen, N--O--R.sub.1, ##STR2## or =X is H.sub.2 or ##STR3## R.sub.A and R.sub.B are individually selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen and alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, R.sub.1 is hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon, R' is hydrogen or acyl, the wavy lines indicate --or -position, Y is selected from the group consisting of oxygen, NOR, ##STR4## or =Y is ##STR5## H.sub.

Abstract: There are disclosed a process for producing an .alpha.-acyloxy-.alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carbonyl compound represented by the general formula (VI): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.4 are independently hydrogen atoms or substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon residues, or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, when taken together with one another in an optional combination, form a ring, R.sub.3 is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon residue, and indicates that the configuration may be either E-configuration or Z-configuration, in particular, a 20-acyloxy-17(20)-methylen-21-al-steroid represented by the partial structural formula (II): ##STR2## wherein R is a hydrocarbon residue, and indicates that the configuration of the acyloxy group and the formyl group bonded to the carbon atom at the 20-position may be either E-configuration or Z-configuration, which comprises oxidizing a propargyl ester represented by the general formula (V): ##STR3## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.

Abstract: A compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, ##STR2## alkyl and alkoxy of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, aryl and aryloxy of 6 to 12 carbon atoms and aralkyl and aralkoxy of 7 to 12 carbon atoms, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are individually alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5 or 6 membered heterocycle optionally containing a second heteroatom of --S--, --O-- or --N--, R.sub.A is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, --OH, alkyl, alkylthio and alkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, --NH.sub.2, mono- and dialkylamino of 1 to 6 alkyl carbon atoms, carbamoyl and alkoxy carbamoyl of up to 7 carbon atoms, X is --O-- or ##STR3## R.sub.17 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms and acyl of an organic carboxylic acid of 1 to 12 carbon atoms and the dotted lines at 1(2) and 6(7) indicates an optional double bond, with the proviso that R.sub.

Abstract: Invented are carboxyl and carboxyl alkyl ester substituted 7-keto and hydroxy analogues of synthetic steroidal compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and methods of using these compounds to inhibit steroid 5-.alpha.-reductase. Also invented are methods for preparing these compounds.