Abstract: Hormone replacement therapies are provided comprising solubilized progesterone alone and optionally with an estrogen, cyclic/sequential and continuous-combined dosing, and administered via transdermal HRT delivery systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of protozoal diseases by administering cytotoxic and/or cytostatic compounds, in particular those used in anticancer therapy, to patients. In particular, the invention relates to the use of anticancer agents that can penetrate into the CNS for treatment of late stage African sleeping sickness or cerebral malaria.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of 7?-methyl hydroxy steroids of the formula I wherein R1 is hydrogen, methyl or C?CH; R2 is (CH2)nOH, wherein n is 0, 1 or 2; by a copper mediated 1,6-conjugate addition of a Grignard reagent CH3MgX, X being a halogen, to the 4,6-unsaturated 3-ketosteroid of formula II, wherein R1 and R2 are as previously defined, comprising protecting the hydroxy group of the steroid of formula II with a trialkylsilyl group, followed by treating the hydroxy protected steroid with the Grignard reagent. The process of the invention is useful for the production of pharmacologically interesting steroids.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include apparatus and methods for aerosolizing liquid. One embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus for generating an aerosol. The apparatus includes an actuator having a first face and a second face and defining an opening therethrough, as well as a vibratory element in mechanical communication with the actuator, and a sealing member configured to isolate the vibratory element from a surrounding environment. In accordance with certain embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an aerosolization element mounted on the actuator and disposed substantially over the opening, wherein the aerosolization element defines at least one aperture therethrough. Hence, the vibratory element may be operated to vibrate to cause movement of the aerosolization element in such a manner that a liquid at the first face of the aerosolization element can be dispensed as an aerosol through the at least one aperture.

Abstract: This invention relates to phytosterols and phytostanols, in particular to fatty acid esters of phytosterols and phytostanols with a specified fatty acid composition. The invention further relates to methods for preparation of the phytosterol and phytostanol esters and their uses.

Abstract: Syntheses of steroids such as 3-hydroxy-7&agr;-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: 16.alpha., 17.alpha.-dialkylated steroids are prepared by reacting a 16.alpha.-alkyl-17(20)-enyl-20-silyl ether with an alkylating agent and an enol silyl ether cleaving agent in a suitable solvent.

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 pregnane or 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: Androgen synthesis inhibitors, as well as methods for the use of the same to reduce plasma levels of testosterone and/or dyhydrotestosterone, and to treat prostate cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention describes 14,17-C.sub.2 -bridged steroids of general formula (I), ##STR1## wherein the various R groups are as defined in the specification, and wherein said steroids are, in contrast with the disclaimed compound 14,17-ethano-19-norpregn-4-ene-3,20-dione bioavailable even after peroral administration with high gestagenic action and are suitable for the production of pharmaceutical agents.

Abstract: 17-Deoxycorticoid-21-carboxylic esters of the formula I ##STR1## are described, in which A is CHOH and CHCl, CH.sub.2, C.dbd.O or 9(11) double bond; Y is H, F or Cl; Z is H, F or CH.sub.3 ; R(1) is aryl or hetaryl and R(2) is H or methyl. They are obtained by reacting a compound of the formula II, ##STR2## in which R(4) is OH, with an activated carboxylic acid of the formula III,R(5)-CO--X-R(1) III.The compounds I possess very strong local and topical antiinflammatory activity and exhibit a very good ratio of local to systemic antiinflammatory effect, which ratio is often clearly superior to that of structurally related corticoid 21-esters which do not carry any aryl or hetaryl group in the 21-ester residue or to that of analogous 17-deoxycorticoids having an unesterified, that is a free, 21-hydroxyl group.

Abstract: Novel 17-hydroxyiminoalkyl and 17-hydroxyiminomethylalkenyl steroids of the general formula (I) ##STR1## where A, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are defined in the specification are disclosed. The compounds have cardiovascular activity. Pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds of formula (I) are also disclosed for the treatment of heart failure and hypertension.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-obesity agent comprising 4-cholesten-3-one represented by the following formula: ##STR1## as an effective component. The anti-obesity agent of the present invention is useful because of inhibition effect of body weight increase and body fat accumulation. The present invention also provides a medicinal composition comprising 4-cholesten-3-one as an effective component and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient as well as methods for preventing and treating obesity comprising administering an effective amount of 4-cholesten-3-one to a person.

Abstract: Corticoid 17-alkyl carbonate 21-carboxylic and carbonic esters of the formula I ##STR1## are described in which A is CHOH and CHCl, CH.sub.2, C.dbd.O or 9(11) double bond; Y is H, F or Cl; Z is H, F or CH.sub.3 ; R(1) is aryl or hetaryl; n and m are zero or 1; R(2) is alkyl or --(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --OCH.sub.3 ; R(3) is H or methyl. They are obtained by reacting a compound of the formula II, ##STR2## in which R(5) is OH, with an activated carboxylic acid of the formula III,R(6)--CO--(O).sub.n --(X)--R(1) III.The compounds I have a very strong local and topical antiinflammatory action and exhibit a very good ratio of local to systemic antiinflammatory effects, which ratio is often markedly superior to that of analogous corticoid 17-alkyl carbonate 21-esters which do not carry any aryl or heteraryl group in the 21-ester radical.

Abstract: The invention relates to substituted 17.alpha.-acyl steroidal 5.alpha.-reductase inhibiting compounds. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and their use for reducing prostate size and treating prostate adenocarcinoma. Further, the invention describes a process for making these compounds by heating the corresponding substituted 17.beta.-acyl steroid in a solvent, such as ethylene glycol or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), in a base, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for using the anti-obesity agent comprising 4-cholesten-3-one represented by the following formula: ##STR1## as an effective component. The anti-obesity agent of the present invention is useful because of inhibition effect of body weight increase and body fat accumulation. The present invention also provides a medicinal composition comprising 4-cholesten-3-one as an effective component and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient as well as methods for preventing and treating obesity comprising administering an effective amount of 4-cholesten-3-one to a person.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms optionally substituted by halogen or a nitrogen or oxygen function and alkenyl and alkynyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and the A, B, C and D rings are optionally substituted by at least one member of the group consisting of optionally protected --OH or .dbd.0, halogen, alkyl and alkoxy of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and alkenyl and alkynyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms comprising reacting a compound of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 and the A, B, C and D rings are defined as above with an oxidizing agent in the presence of water and an at least partially water-miscible solvent to obtain a compound of the formula ##STR3## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.

Abstract: Novel 20-substituted-pregnene derivatives, compositions containing such derivatives and methods for their use and manufacture are disclosed. The 20-substituted-pregnene derivatives inhibit the androgen biosynthesis enzymes 17(alpha)-hydroxylase/C.sub.17,20 -lyase and 5(alpha)-reducatase and are therefore useful for reducing or inhibiting production of androgens where they have an adverse role in a disease or physiological condition in vertebrate species.

Abstract: A compound of the formula ##STR1## in which ##STR2## is either a 3-keto-.DELTA.4-system or a 3-keto -.DELTA.1,4-system or a 3-OR.sub.4 -.DELTA.5-system in which R.sub.4 is hydrogen or a protector group of hydroxy, R is methyl, --CH.sub.2 OH or --CH.sub.2 OR', in which R' is a protector group of hydroxy, R.sub.1 and R'.sub.1 are individually selected from the group consisting of methyl, a branched alkyl not possessing hydrogen in the .beta. position of 5 to 8 carbon atoms, aryl of up to 10 carbon atoms, heteroaryl of up to 10 carbon atoms and at least one heteroatom chosen from nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen and benzyl, n and m, are individually numbers 0 or 1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are hydrogen or R.sub.2 is fluorine and R.sub.3 is formyloxy or acetyloxy and the dotted lines in position 9(11) indicate the optional presence of a second bond which are useful for the preparation of compounds of formula A.

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: 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, R.sub.2 and R.sub.4, when taken together with one another in an optional combination, form a ring, R.sub.

Abstract: Invented are 3-acetic acid-steroidal compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, and methods of using these compounds to inhibit steroid 5.alpha.-reductase including using these compounds to reduce prostate size and to treat prostatic adenocarcinoma. Also invented are intermediates used in preparing these compounds.

Abstract: Aldosterone biosynthesis inhibitors having substantially no intrinsic antiandrogenic activity are disclosed as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and methods of treatment utilizing these compositions.

Abstract: 19-Fluoro- and cyano- substituted 21-hydroxyprogesterone derivatives and related compounds which are active as 19-hydroxylase inhibitors and useful as antihypertensive agents are described herein. The compounds are prepared using appropriate synthetic pathways which will vary according to the nature of the specific 19-substituted progesterone or related compound desired.

Abstract: Compounds obtained from the associative synthesis of sulfur-containing or sulfur-free amino acids with derivatives of .DELTA.-4-pregnene-3,20-dione or with derivatives of .DELTA.-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione of the general formulas (I), (II) and (III), having glucocorticoidal and anti-inflammatory properties have been prepared and tested. Pharmaceutical compositions, medicaments containing them as well as their applications are claimed, particularly in the cutaneous and ophthalmic fields.