AU2004201405A1 - Ent-Steroids as selectively active estrogens - Google Patents

Description

Our Ref: 12236981 P/00/011 Regulation 3:2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant(s): Schering Aktiengesellschaft Frau Dr. Kirsch Corporate Patents Mullerstr. 178 13353 Berlin Germany Address for Service: Invention Title: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Trade Mark Attorneys Level 10, 10 Barrack Street Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2000 Ent-Steroids as selectively active estrogens The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- 5951 Ent-Steroids as Selectively Active Estrogens This application is a divisional of Australian patent application No. 4401 1/00, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

Field of the Invention This invention relates to new compounds as pharmaceutical active ingredients, which have in vitro a higher affinity to estrogen receptor preparations from rat prostates than to estrogen receptor preparations from rat uteri and in vivo preferably a preferential action on bone rather than the uterus and/or pronounced action with respect to stimulation of the expression of 5HT2a-receptors and transporters, their production, their therapeutic use as well as pharmaceutical dispensing forms that contain the new compounds.

The chemical compounds are novel, steroidal, tissue-selective estrogens.

Background of the Invention Established estrogen therapies for treatment of hormone-deficiency-induced symptoms and the protective action of estrogens on bones, brains, vessels and other organ systems: la The efficiency of estrogens in the treatment of hormone-deficiency-induced symptoms such as hot flashes, atrophy of estrogen target organs and incontinence, as well as the successful use of estrogen therapies for prevention of bone mass loss in peri- and postmenopausal women, is well documented and generally accepted (Grady, D. et al., 1992, Ann Intern Med 117: 1016-1037). It is also well documented that estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women or in women with ovarian WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 2 dysfunction that is caused in some other way reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases compared to non-estrogen-treated women (Grady et al., loc. cit.).

In addition, more recent studies confirm a protective action of estrogens against neurodegenerative diseases, such as, Alzheimer's disease (Henderson 1997, Neurology 48 (Suppl S27-S35; Birge 1997, Neurology 48 (Suppl S36-S41), a protective action with respect to brain functions, such as memory and learning capacity (McEwen et al. 1997, Neurology 48 (Suppl S8-S15; Sherwin 1997, Neurology 48 (Suppl S21-S26), as well as against hormone-deficiency-induced mood swings (Halbreich 1997, Neurology 48 (Suppl S16-S20).

In addition, estrogen replacement therapy has proven effective relative to the reduction of the incidence of colorectal carcinoma (Calle, E. F. et al., 1995, J Nat Cancer Inst 87: 517-523).

In conventional estrogen or hormone replacement therapy HRT), natural estrogens, such as estradiol, and conjugated estrogens that consist of equine urine are used either by themselves or in combination with a gestagen. Instead of the natural estrogens, derivatives that are obtained by esterification, such as, 171 -estradiolvalerate, can also be used.

Because of the stimulating action of the estrogens that are used on the endometrium, which results in an increase of the risk of endometrial carcinoma (Harlap, S. 1992, Am J Obstet Gynecol 166: 1986-1992), estrogen/gestagen combination preparations are preferably used in hormone replacement therapy. The gestagenic component in the estrogen/gestagen combination avoids hypertrophy of the WO 00/63228 PCTIEP00/03470 endometrium, but the occurrence of undesirable intracyclic menstrual bleeding is also linked to the gestagen-containing combination.

Selective estrogens represent a more recent alternative to the estrogen/gestagen combination preparations. Up until now, selective estrogens have been defined as those compounds that have an estrogen-like effect on the brain, bones and vascular system, owing to their antiuterotrophic antiestrogenic) partial action, but they do not have a proliferative effect on the endometrium.

A class of substances that partially meet the desired profile of a selective estrogen are the so-called "Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators" (SERM) F.

Kauffman, H. U. Bryant 1995, DNAP 8 531-539). In this case, these are partial agonists of estrogen receptor subtype "ERa." This substance type is ineffective, however, with respect to the treatment of acute postmenopausal symptoms, such as, hot flashes. As an example of a SERM, the raloxifene that was recently introduced for the indication of osteoporosis can be mentioned.

Estrogen Receptor Beta (ERP Estrogen receptor (ERP) was recently discovered as a second subtype of the estrogen receptor (Kuiper et al. (1996), Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 93: 5925-5930; Mosselman, Dijkema (1996) Febs Letters 392: 49-53; Tremblay et al. (1997), Molecular Endocrinology 11: 353-365). The expression pattern of ERp differs from that of the ERa (Kuiper et al. (1996), Endocrinology 138: 863-870). ERp thus predominates over ERa in the rat prostate, while ERa predominates over ERp in the rat uterus. Areas in which in each case only one of the two ER-subtypes is expressed were identified in the WO 00/63228 PCT/EPOO/03470 4 brain (Shugrue et al. (1996), Steroids 61: 678-681; Li et al. (1997), Neuroendocrinology 66:63-67). ERp is expressed in, areas that are considered to be important for cognitive processes and "mood" (Shugrue et al. 1997, J Comparative Neurology 388: 507-525).

Molecular targets for ERp in these brain areas could be the 5HT2a-receptor and the serotonin transporter Fink B. E. H. Sumner 1996 Nature 383:306; B. E. H.

Sumner et al. 1999 Molecular Brain Research, in press). The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) is involved in the regulation of a considerable number of processes, which can be impaired in menopause. In particular, the effects of menopause on emotion and cognition are connected with the serotoninergic system.

Estrogen replacement therapy has proven effective with respect to treatment of these estrogen deficiency-produced symptoms, possibly by modulation of serotonin receptor and transporter expression.

Other organ systems with comparatively higher ER P -expression comprise the bones (Onoe, Y. et al., 1997, Endocrinology 138: 4509-4512), the vascular system (Register, T. Adams, M. R. 1998, J. Steroid Molec Biol 64: 187-191), the urogenital tract (Kuiper, G. J. M. et al. 1997, Endocrinology 138: 863-870), the gastrointestinal tract (Campbell-Thopson 1997, BBRC 240: 478-483), as well as the testis (Mosselmann, S. et al. 1996 Febs Lett 392 49-53) including the spermatides (Shugrue et al. 1998, Steroids 63: 498-504). The tissue distribution suggests that estrogens regulate organ functions via ERp. The fact that ER p is functional in this respect also follows by studies in ERa- (ERKO) or ER p -(pERKO)-knockout mice: ovariectomy produces bone mass loss in ERKO-mice, which can be cancelled out by estrogen WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 substitution (Kimbro et al. 1998, Abstract OR7-4, Endocrine Society Meeting New Orleans). Estradiol in the blood vessels of female ERKO mice also inhibits vascular media and smooth muscle cell proliferation (lafrati, M. D. et al. 1997, Nature Medicine 3: 545-548). These protective actions of estradiol are carried out in the ERKO mouse presumably via ER P Observations of BERKO mice provide an indication on a function of ERP in the prostate and bladder: in the case of older male mice, symptoms of prostate and bladder hyperplasia occur (Krege, J. H. et al. 1998, Proc NatI Acad Sci 95: 15677- 15682). In addition, female ERKO mice (Lubahn, D. B. et al. 1993, Proc Natl Acad Sci 11162-11166) and male ERKO mice (Hess, R. A. et al. 1997, Nature 390: 509- 512) as well as female JERKO mice (Krege, J. 1998) have fertility disorders.

Consequently, the important function of estrogens with respect to maintaining testis and ovary functions as well as fertility is confirmed.

Westerlind et al., 1998, describe a differential action of 16a-hydroxyestrone on the bones, on the one hand, and reproductive organs of female rats, on the other (Westerlind et al. 1998, J Bone and Mineral Res 13: 1023-1031).

Some studies showed that 16a-hydroxyestrone binds three times better to the human estrogen receptor p (ER P) than to the human estrogen receptor a (ERa). The RBA value of the substance on the rat prostate estrogen receptor is five times better than the RBA value of the substance on the rat uterus estrogen receptor. According to some findings, the dissociation of the substance that is described by Westerlind can be attributed to their preference for ERP rather than ERa.

WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 6 It was possible to achieve a selective estrogen action on specific target organs by subtype-specific ligands based on the different tissue or organ distribution of the two subtypes of the ERs. Substances with preference for ER p compared to ERa in the in vitro receptor binding test were described by Kuiper et al. (Kuiper et al. (1996), Endocrinology 138: 863-870). A selective action of subtype-specific ligands of the estrogen receptor on estrogen-sensitive parameters in vivo was not previously shown.

The object of this invention is therefore to prepare compounds that have in vitro a dissociation with respect to the binding to estrogen receptor preparations from rat prostates and rat uteri and that have in vivo preferably a dissociation with respect to bones rather than the uterus action. The compounds are to have in vitro a higher affinity to estrogen receptor preparations from rat prostates than to estrogen receptor preparations from rat uteri and in vivo preferably a higher potency with respect to protection against hormone-deficiency-induced bone mass loss in comparison to uterus-stimulating action and/or pronounced action with respect to stimulation of the expression of 5HT2a-receptors and transporters.

In the broader sense, a structure-action relationship, which allows for access to compounds that have the above-formulated pharmacological profile of better estrogenic action on bones than on the uterus, is to be made available by this invention.

According to the invention, the object above is achieved by the provision of steroids, which is based on the (8 a-H, 9 p-H, 10a-H, 13a-H, 14P-H)-gonane skeleton, for treatment and prevention (prophylaxis) of estrogen-deficiency-induced diseases and conditions.

WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 Certain of these chirality centers optionally can be arranged inversely, for example carbon atom 14 if a 14a,15a-methylene group is present.

According to a variant of the invention, those compounds with (8a-H, 9p-H, H, 13a-H, 14 p-H)-gonane skeletons, which are derived from ent-13-alkylgonane, can be used.

These 13-alkylgonanes can have one or more double bonds in the steroid skeleton.

In the case of 13-alkylgonanes that are to be used according to the invention with several double bonds in the steroid skeleton, these are preferably steroids with an aromatic A-ring. In the remaining rings of the steroid skeleton, other double bonds can be present.

In the presence of additional double bonds in the steroid skeleton, the number of stereocenters is optionally reduced. In this respect, however, the chirality of the molecule is not changed in principle.

The steroids with an aromatic A-ring are preferably derived from ent-13alkylgona-1,3,5(1 0)-trien-3-ol.

In particular, these ent-13-alkylgona-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ols are derived from entestradiol, ent-estriol, ent-estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,16-diol as well as their 18homologues.

Another embodiment of the steroids that are to be used according to the invention has the skeleton of the ent-estrone.

For example, in terms of this invention, the following compounds can be used (the first-mentioned compounds are new): WO 00/63228 PCT/EPOO/03470

S

ent-Estriol ent-E strio 1-3-s u Ifa mate ent- Estriol1-3-(N-acetyl)sulIfa mate ent-Estriol-3, 16,1 7-tripropionate ent-E stro ne-3-su Ifa mate ent-E stro ne-3-(N-a cetyl)s ulfa mate ent-Estradiol-3-sulfa mate ent-Estradiol-3,1 7-disulfa mate ent-E strad iol-3-(N-a cetyl )s ulfa mate ent-Estradiol-3,1 7-b is (N-a cetyl)su Ifa mate ent-Estrone-(N-propionyl )sulfamate ent-E strad iol-3-(N, N -d imethyl)s u fa mate ent-Estrad iol-3-(N, N -d iethyl )sulIfa mate ent-Estrad 10-3-pyrrolidi nosulfonate ent-Estradiol-1 7-valerianate ent-Estradiol-1 7-decanoate ent-3, 1 7f -Dihydroxy-estra-1 1 0)trien-2-yI-sulfa mate ent-1 6a -Hydroxy-1 7-oxo-estra-1 ,3,5(1 0)-trien-3-yI-sulIfam ate ent-3, 1 6c -Dihyd roxy-estra-1 ,3 1 0)-ten-i 7-one ent-1 6cc -Hydroxy-3-methoxy-estra-1 ,3,5(1 0)-then-i 7-one ent-Estra-1 ,3,5(1 O)-triene-3, I 6ac -diol ent-3-Methoxy-estra-1 13,5(1 0)-triene-1 6ac 1 7p~ -diol ent-2-Methoxy-estra- 1,3 ,5(1 0)-triene-3,17 P -diol WO 00/63228 PCT/EPOO/03470 9 ent- 17f3 -Hyd roxy-1 4cf .15ct -methylen-estra-l .3.5(1 O)-trien-3-yI-(Nacetyl)su lfa mate ent-l 4cz .1 5ax -Methylen-estra-l ,3,5(1 O)-triene-3, 17 0 -diol ent-14 0 .15 P3 -M ethyl en-estra- 1, 3,5 (1O0)-triene-3,1 7 P -diol ent-l 4cc 1 5a -M ethyl en-estra-1, .3,5 (1 O),8-tetraene-3, 1 7cc -diol ent-l 7a -Hydroxy-1 4a, 15ac-methylen-estra-1 1 ),8-tetraen-3-yI-(Nacetyl)su lfa mate ent-14 p .15 P -M ethyl en-estra- 1, 3.5 (1O0),8-tetrae ne-3,1 7 P -diol ent-1 6aL -Hyd roxy-estra- 1 3,5(1 O)-trien-3-y-sulfamate ent-1 6c -Hydroxy-estra-1 .3,5(10O)tnen-3-y-benzoate ent-3-Hydroxy-estra-1 .3,5(10O)trien-1 7a -y-undecanoate ent-1 7 p -Hyd roxy-estra- 1 ,3,5(l 1 ),8-tetraen-3-yI-sulIfa mate ent-1 7 p -Hyd roxy-estra- 1 .3,5(1 O),8-tetraen-3-yl-(N-butyryl)su Ifa mate ent-Estra-1 .3,5(1 O),8-tetraene-3,1 7a -diol ent-Estra-1 5-tetraene-3,1I7f3 -diol ent-Estra-1 .3,5(1 0),9(1 1 )-tetraene-3,1 7 P3 -diol ent-Estra-1 .3,5(1 O),7-tetraene-3,17 f3 -diol ent-Estra-1 .3,5(1 0),7-tetraene-3,1 7c -dioi ent- 17 p Hydl roxy-estra-1 .3,5(1 0),7-tetraen-3-yI-su Ifa mate ent-Estra-1 .3,5(1 0),6-tetraene-3,1 7 P3 -diol ent-Estra-1 .3,5(1 0),6,8-tetraene-3,1 7 P -diol ent-Estra-1 .3,5(1 6,8-tetraene-3, 17a -diol WO 00/63228 WO 0063228PCT/EPOO/03470 ent-Estra- 1,3,5(10 14-pentaene-3, 17 P3 -diol-3-butyrate ent-Estra-1 ,3,5(1 14-pentaene-3, 17a -dial ent-7a-Methylestra-1 ,3,5(1 0)-triene-3,1 7 j3-diol ent-ga -Methylestra-1 ,3 ,5(1 0)-triene-3, 17 ~3-diol ent-1 10f -Fluoroestra-1 ,3,5(1 0)-triene-3,1 7 P -diol ent-Estra-1 ,3,5(1O)-triene-3,16 P5 -diol In addition to the compounds above, ent-steroids, for example the compounds below, that are already known are also suitable for the purposes of this invention: ent-Estradiol ent-Estradiol-3-acetate ent-Estradiol-1 7-acetate ent-Estradiol-d iacetate ent-Estrone ent-Estron-acetate ent-Estradiol-3-benzoate ent-1 7 at -Ethinyi-estra-1 73,5(1 0)-triene-3, 17-diol ent-1 7a -Ethinyl-estra-1 ,3 10)-tnene-3, 17-diyl-diacetate ent-3-Hydroxy-estral 5(1 0),7-tetraen-1 7-one ent-3-Hydroxy-estra-1i,3,5( 10),6,8-pentaen-1 7-one ent-1 6 P3 -Bromo-3-methoxy-estra-1 ,3,5(1 0)-trien-1 7-one WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 ent-3,16a-Dihydroxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-1 7-one.

For these last-mentioned, known compounds, a selective estrogenic action, and especially their use in terms of this invention, thus far has not been described.

In addition to the above use of steroids, which is based on the (8ca-H, 9 3-H, H, 13a-H, 14p-H)-gonane skeleton, optionally with one or more double bonds in the steroid skeleton, for treatment of estrogen-deficiency-induced diseases and conditions, the invention also relates to the ent-steroids of general formula I themselves in which

R

1 means a hydrogen atom; a group R 12 whereby R 12 means a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon radical with up to 5 carbon atoms, which can contain a C-C-double bond or a C-C-triple bond; WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 12 a group R 13

SO

2 in which R 13 is an R 14R5N group, whereby R 14 and

R

i s independently of one another, mean a hydrogen atom, a C1-C 5 alkyl radical, a group in which R 1 6 represents a hydrocarbon radical with up to 12 carbon atoms, which can additionally contain up to three double bonds and/or triple bonds, a C 3

-C

7 cycloalkyl radical, an aryl radical or a combination of these structural features, or, together with the N-atom mean a polymethylenimino radical with 4 to 6 C atoms or a morpholino radical;

R

2 means a group R12-O-, R' 3

SO

2 or -O-C(O)R 1 6 with R 1 2

R

13 and

R

16 in each case in the meaning that is indicated under R1;

R

3

R

4

R

5

R

8 and R 9 independently of one another, mean a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a group R 12

R

13 SO0O-, or-

R

1 with R 12

R

13 and R 6 in each case in the meaning that is indicated under R 1

R

6 means a P-position hydrogen atom and

R

7 means a hydrogen atom or

R

6 and R 7 together mean an a- or P-methylene group;

R

1 o means two hydrogen atoms; two halogen atoms; a hydrogen atom and a halogen atom; a group in which R 1 7 and R" 8 independently of one another, represent a hydrogen atom and a halogen atom; a hydrogen atom and a group R 12 a hydrogen atom and a group

R

13

SO

2 a group R 12 and a group -O-C(O)R 16 a group R 12 and a WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 13 hydroxyl group; with R 12

R

3 and R 16 in each case in the meaning that is indicated under R 1 an oxygen atom;

R

1 means a hydrogen atom, a methyl or ethyl group;

R

19 means a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon radical with up to five carbon atoms, which can be partially or completely fluorinated and which can contain a C-C double bond or a C-C triple bond; and one or more double bonds can be present in positions 6, 7; 7, 8; 8, 9; 9, 11; 11, 12; 8, 14; 14, 15; 15, 16 and 16, 17, excluding the compounds ent-estradiol, ent-estradiol-3-acetate, ent-estradiol-17acetate, ent-estradiol-diacetate, ent-estrone, ent-estron-acetate, ent-estradiol-3benzoate, ent-17a -ethinyl-estra-1,3,5(1 0)-triene-3,17-diol, ent-17c -ethinyl-estra- 1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17-diyl-diacetate, ent-3-hydroxy-estra-1,3,5(1 0),7-tetraen-17-one, ent- 3-hydroxy-estra-1,3,5(10),6,8-pentaen-17-one, ent-16p -bromo-3-methoxy-estra- 1,3,5(10)-trien-1 7-one.

A variant of the invention calls for compounds of general formula I that are derived from ent-13-alkylgonane.

The compounds of general formula I that are derived from ent-13-alkylgonane can have one or more double bonds in the steroid skeleton.

In this case, these are preferably ent-13-alkylgonanes with an aromatic A-ring.

The compounds of general formula I and the alkylgonanes with an aromatic Aring can have one or more (additional) double bonds in rings B, C, D of the steroid skeleton.

WO 00/63228 PCTF/EPOO/03470 14 According to a further embodiment of the invention, the ent-13-alkylgonanes with an aromatic A-ring carry a 3-hydroxy group (R 2 In addition, these ent-13-alkylgona-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ols can have a 17c or 173 -hydroxyl group, R 1 0 stands for a hydrogen atom and a hydroxyl group.

A hydroxyl group can also stand in the ent-13-alkylgona-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ols in 16-position (R 9 The two last-mentioned variants can also be produced simultaneously according to the invention; these are then thus 3,16,17-triols.

In addition, there is the possibility that the ent-13-alkylgona-1 ,3,5(10)-trien-3-ols have a 17-keto group; R 1 0 thus stands for an oxygen atom.

In 13-position the compounds according to the invention can carry primarily a methyl or ethyl group.

The halogen atom of substituents R 3

R

4

R

5

R

8 and R 9 and in substituent combination R 10 can be a fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine atom, preferably a fluorine atom.

Preferred according to this invention are the compounds of general formula I below: ent-Estriol ent-Estriol-3-sulfamate ent-Estriol-3-(N-acetyl)sulfamate ent-Estriol-3,16,17-tripropionate ent-Estrone-3-sulfamate ent-Estrone-3-(N-acetyl)sulfamate WO 00/63228 PCT/EPOO/03470 ent-Estrad ioI-3-sulfa mate e nt- Estrad iol-3, 1 7-d isulIfa mate ent-Estrad iol-3-(N-acetyl )su Ifa mate ent-Estradiol-3,1I7-bis-(N-acetyl)sulfamate ent-Estrone-(N-propionyl )sulfamate ent-E strad iol-3-(N, N-d i methyl)s u fa mate ent-Estrad iol-3-(N,,N-d iethy )suffa mate ent-Estrad iol-3-pyrrolid inosulfonate ent-Estradiol-1 7-valerianate ent-Estradiol-1 7-decanoate ent-3, 17 ~3-Dihyd roxy-estra- 1,3,5(1 O)-tne n-2-yi-sulfa mate ent-1 6ac -Hydroxy-1 7-oxo-estra-1 ,3 ,5(1 O)-trie n-3-y-su Ifa mate ent-3,1I6a -Dihydroxy-estra-1 ,3,5(l 1 )-trien-1 7-one ent-1 6a -Hydroxy-3-methoxy-estra-1 ,3,5(10O)tnen-1 7-one ent-Estra-1 ,3,5(1O)-triene-3,l6ct -diol ent-3-Methoxy -estra-1 ,3,5(1 O)-triene-1 6Q 1 7p3 -diol ent-2-Methoxy-estra-1 ,3,5(1 O)-triene-3,17 P3 -diol ent-1 7 p3 -Hydroxy-1 4 ,15 -methylfen-estra-1, ,3,5 (1 O)-trie n-3-yI-(N-acetyt)sulIfa mate ent-14a ,15a -M ethyl en-estra- 1, 3,5(1O)-triene-3,17 13 -diol ent-14 p3 15 P3 -Methylen-estra-1,3,5(1O)-triene-3,17 p3 -diol ent-14L ,15a -M ethyl en-estra-1, ,3,5 (1 O),8-tetraene-3, 1 7(X -diol ent-1 7a -Hydroxy-1 4a ,1 5a -methylen-estra-1 1 ),8-tetraen-3-y-(Nacety)sulfamate WO 00/63228 WO 0063228PCT/EPOO/03470 16 ent-14 3 .15 P3 -M ethyl en-estra- 1, 3,5 (1 0),8-tetrae ne-3,1 7 P~ -diol ent-1 6 aL -Hydroxy-estra-1 ,3 ,5(1 0)-trie n-3-yl-su (fa mate ent- 16ct -Hyd roxy-estra- 1,3,5(10 )-trien-3-yI-benzoate ent-3-Hyd roxy-estra-1 10)-trien-1 7 ct -yl-undecanoate ent-1 7 P -Hyd roxy-estra-1, ,3,5(l 10),8-tetra en-3-yl-su Ifa mate ent-1 7 P3 -Hydroxy-estra-1 .3,5(1 0),8-tetraen-3-yI-(N-bu tyryl)-s u fa mate ent-Estra-1 .3,5(1 0),8-tetraene-3, 17a -d 101 ent-Estra-1 .3,5(1 0),8-tetraene-3,1 7 P3 -diol ent-Estra-1 ,3 5(1 0),97 -tetraene-3, 17 P -d 1 ent-Estra-1 .3,5(1 0),7-tetraene-3, 1 7P -diol ent-1 7 03 -Hyd roxy-estra-1, 3,5(1 0),7-tetraen-3-yl-su Ifa mate ent-Estra-1 .3,5(1 0),6-tetraene-3,1 7 f3 -diol ent-Estra-1 ,3,5(1 0),6,8-tetraene-3, 17 P~ -diol ent-Estra-1 ,3,5(10),6,8-tetraene-3,17a -diol ent-Estra-1 ,3,5(1I0),8,1 4-pentaene-3, 17 P3 -diol-3-butyrate ent-Estra-1 10),8 ,1 4-pentaene-3,1I7a -diol ent-7a -Methylestra-1 ,3,5(1 0)-triene-3, 17 P3 -diol ent-9at -Methylestra-1 .3,5(1 0)-triene-3, 17 J3 -diol ent-9L -Ethylestra-1 .3,5(1 0)triene-3,1 7 P -diol ent-li 1 0 -Fluoroestra- 1,3,5(1iO)-triene-3,1 7 P -diol WO 00/63228 PCTIEPOO/03470 17 ent-Estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,16 P -diol ent-3,16c -Dihydroxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-1 7-one Definition of the substituents in the compounds of formula I: In terms of this invention, an aryl radical is a phenyl, 1- or 2-napthyl radical; and the phenyi radical is preferred.

Unless expressly indicated otherwise, aryl also always includes a heteroaryl radical. Examples of a heteroaryl radical are 3- or 4-pyridinyl, 2- or 3-furyl, 2- or 3thienyl, 2- or 3-pyrrolyl, 4- or 5-imidazolyl, pyrazinyl, 4- or 5-pyrimidinyl or 3- or 4pyridazinyl radicals.

Both the aryl and the heteroaryl radical can be substituted.

As substituents for an aryl or heteroaryl radical, for example, a methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, trifluoromethylthio, methoxy, ethoxy, nitro, cyano, halogen- (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine), hydroxy-, amino-, mono(Cl.- alkyl) or di(Ci.salkyl)amino, whereby both alkyl groups are identical or different, di(aralkyl)amino, whereby both aralkyl groups are identical or different, can be mentioned.

The hydrocarbon radical with up to 5 carbon atoms is a C 1 -Cs alkyl radical, such as, a methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl or neopentyl radical or a C2-Cs alkenyl or C 2 -C5 alkinyl radical, such as, an ethinyl, propinyl, pentinyl, vinyl or allyl radical.

As representatives of straight-chain or branched-chain hydrocarbon radicals with 1-12 carbon atoms, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert- WO 00/63228 PCT/EPOO/03470 18 butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, heptyl, hexyl, and decyl can be mentioned; methyl, ethyl, propyl and isopropyl are preferred for the alkyl or hydrocarbon radical.

The alkyl group or the hydrocarbon radical can be fluorinated partially or completely or substituted by 1-5 halogen atoms, hydroxy groups or C 1

-C

4 alkoxy groups. As perfluorinated alkyl groups, for example, trifluoromethyl, pentafluoroethyl and nonafluorobutyl can be mentioned. Representatives of the partially fluorinated alkyl groups are, for example, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 5,5,5,4,4-pentafluoropentyl, 9,9,9,8,8,7,7,6,6-nonafluorohexyl, etc.

If a double bond is present in rings B, C and D of the steroid skeleton, the following variants exist: a double bond between C atoms 6 and 7 or between C atoms 7 and 8 or between C atoms 8 and 9 or between C atoms 9 and 11 or between C atoms 11 and 12 or between C atoms 8 and 14 or between C atoms 14 and 15 or between C atoms and 16 or between C atoms 16 and 17; preferably between C atoms 7, 8; 8, 9; 15, 16; 16, 17; and if several double bonds are present in rings B, C and D of the steroid skeleton, the following variants preferably exist: double bonds between C atoms 6 and 7 and C atoms 8 and 9 or between C atoms 8 and 9 and C atoms 14 and 15 or between C atoms 6 and 7, C atoms 8 and 9 as well as C atoms 14 and Free hydroxyl groups in the compounds of general formula I can be esterified with an aliphatic, straight-chain or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated Cl-C 1 4 mono- or polycarboxylic acid or an aromatic carboxylic acid or with an a- or p-amino acid.

Suitable as such carboxylic acids for esterification are, for example: WO 00163228 PCT/EP00/03470 19 Monocarboxylic acids: formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid, pivalic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, acrylic acid, propiolic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, isocrotonic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid.

Dicarboxylic acids: oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, muconic acid, citraconic acid, and mesaconic acid.

Aromatic carboxylic acids: benzoic acid, phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, naphthoic acid, m- and p-toluic acid, hydratropic acid, atropic acid, cinnamic acid, nicotinic acid, and isonicotinic acid.

As amino acids, the representatives of these classes of substances that are known sufficiently to one skilled in the art are suitable, for example, alanine, p-alanine, arginine, cysteine, cystine, glycine, histidine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, proline, etc.

The esters of the ent-steroids according to the invention have advantages as prodrugs compared to unesterified active ingredients with respect to their method of administration, their type of action, their strength and duration of action.

The ent-steroid-sulfamates according to the invention also have pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic advantages. In this connection, effects were already described in the case of sulfamates that are derived from estrogens with natural absolute configurations Steroid Biochem. Molec. Biol., 55, 395-403 (1995); Exp. Opinion Invest. Drugs 7, 575-589 (1998)).

WO 00/63228 PCT/EPOO/03470 Another aspect of this invention relates to the use of 9p-, 10a-, 13a-, 140-)gonane structural parts as components of the total structure of compounds, which have a dissociation in favor of their estrogenic action on bone rather than the uterus.

The substituents in carbon atoms 6, 7, 11, 15, 16 and 17 that are possible in these structural parts can be respectively in a- or p-position. If a substituent other than hydrogen is in 14, the latter can be in p-position or else in a-position.

The structural parts can be substituted in positions 2, 3, 6, 7, 11, 14, 15, 16 and 17, preferably with the substituents that are known from general formula I for these positions.

In the same manner, the structural parts can have one or more double bonds in their steroid skeleton, for example an aromatic A-ring and/or additional double bonds in the B, C, or D ring.

In this patent application, steroids on which the (8a-H, 9p-H, 10a-H, 13a-H, 143- H)-gonane skeleton is based are described as selective estrogens for treatment of estrogen receptor p-mediated diseases and conditions, and these estrogens have in vitro dissociation with respect to binding to estrogen receptor preparations of rat prostates and rat uteri and have in vivo preferably a dissociation with respect to bone action rather than uterus action: the substances act in a bone-protective manner over a wide dose range without stimulating the uterus. In the same dose range, their liver action is small. In addition, the substances exert estrogen-like action on the vascular system and brain functions.

The compounds according to the invention represent chiral steroids, whose molecular ring skeleton is arranged as a mirror image to naturally occurring steroids.

WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 21 Pairs of optically active compounds, which are identical with respect to their chemical structure, but are distinguished in all chirality centers by a mirror-image arrangement, are named enantiomers. Naturally occurring steroids, or steroid derivatives that are obtained synthetically that have the stereochemistry of the ring skeleton of naturally occurring steroids, do not require any special stereochemical designation with respect to the ring skeleton. For example, the stereochemistry of the estrane skeleton is implicitly contained in the name estrone. The name ent-(enantio-)estrone means that all chirality centers of estrone C-9, C-13 and C-14) are arranged inversely. A mixture of the same parts of the respective enantiomers is a racemate.

It is known of ent-steroids that they have little or no hormonal actions.

It was reported of enantiomers of naturally occurring female sex hormone estradiol (ent-estradiol) and the strongly estrogenically active 8cx -estradiol (ent-8ca estradiol) that they have antilipemic activity in the case of no feminization.

17a -Ethinylestradiol, which is an extremely strongly active estrogen, shows in its enantio form less than 5% estrogeneity, relative to estrone Med. Chem. 10, 199-204 (1967).

In the Clauberg Test, ent-17ca -chloroethinyl-17 p -hydroxy-18a-homo-estr-4-en- 3-one proved to be ineffective (Endocrinology 63, 464 (1958), while the compound with naturally absolute configuration is a gestagen.

RU 486 (11 p -[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-17 3 -hydroxy-17ca -(1-propinyl)estra- 4,9-dien-3-one), a steroid with a natural absolute configuration, is distinguished by strong antihormonal actions. ent-RU 486 showed neither antigestagenic nor antiglucocorticoidal activity (Steroids 44, 519 530 (1984).

WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 ent-Steroids can have actions other than hormonal actions, however.

RU 1868, an ent-estra-1,3,5(10)-triene derivative, was described as a compound that has selective affinity for PPP-binding sites in the membrane of the rat test, but no binding to standard steroid receptors forms Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol. 59, 49-54 (1996)).

It was reported of ent-steroids that they affect calcium influx in human sperm and thus are potentially suitable for male birth control (EP-A 67 62 02: EP-A 67 51 34).

ent-Steroids showed anti-arrhythmic activities in rats, without the cholesterol level of the plasma being lowered (Steroids 40, 615-623 (1982); US Pat. 4 330 540), neuromuscular inhibition in cats (Eur. J. Med. Chem. 19, 43 47 (1984)), activation of lordosis in ovariectomized rats (Symposium on Steroid Horm. Brain Funct. 1970, Conference Proceedings 237-245 (197)) as well as cholesterol-lowering activity in the absence of any estrogeneity (French Patent 1 45 32 12; Supplement to French Patent 1 33 83 08).

It has been found that the ent-steroids according to the invention are suitable as selective estrogens for treating different conditions and diseases, which are characterized by a higher content of estrogen receptor p than estrogen receptor a in the corresponding target tissue or organ.

The invention also relates to pharmaceutical preparations that contain at least one compound of general formula I (or physiologically compatible addition salts with organic and inorganic acids of them) and the use of these compounds for the production of pharmaceutical agents, especially for the indications below.

WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 The compounds can be used for the following indications both after oral and parenteral administration.

The novel selective estrogens that are described in this patent can be used as individual components in pharmaceutical preparations or in combination especially with antiestrogens or gestagens. Especially preferred is the combination of selective estrogens with ERrc -selective antiestrogens, or with antiestrogens that are peripherallyselectively active, that do not pass through the blood-brain barriers.

The substances and the pharmaceutical agents that contain them are especially suitable for the treatment of peri- and postmenopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes, sleep disturbances, irritability, mood swings, incontinence, vaginal atrophy, and hormone-deficiency-induced emotional diseases. The substances for hormone substitution and therapy of hormone-deficiency-induced symptoms in the case of surgical, medicinal or ovarian dysfunction that is caused in some other way are also suitable. Prevention of bone mass loss in postmenopausal women, in women who have undergone hysterectomies or in women who were treated with LHRH agonists or LHRH antagonists is also part of this.

The compounds are also suitable for alleviating symptoms of male menopause and female menopause, for male and female hormone replacement therapy (HRT), specifically both for prevention and for treatment, in addition for treatment of symptoms that are accompanied by a dysmenorrhea as well as for treatment of acne.

In addition, the substances can be used for prophylaxis against hormonedeficiency-induced bone mass loss and osteoporosis, for prevention of cardiovascular diseases, especially vascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis, for inhibition of the WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00103470 24 proliferation of arterial smooth muscle cells, for treatment of primary pulmonary high blood pressure and for prevention of hormone-deficiency-induced neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, as well as hormone-deficiency-induced impairment of memory and learning capacity.

In addition, the substances can be used for treatment of inflammatory diseases and diseases of the immune system, especially auto-immune diseases, such as, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis.

In addition, the compounds can be used for the treatment of male fertility disorders and prostatic diseases.

The compounds can also be used in combination with the natural vitamin D3 or with calcitriol analogues for bone formation or as supporting therapies to therapies that cause bone mass loss (for example, therapy with glucocorticoids, chemotherapy).

Finally, the compounds of general formula I can be used in connection with progesterone receptor antagonists, specifically especially for use in hormone replacement therapy and for treatment of gynecological disorders.

A therapeutic product that contains an estrogen and a pure antiestrogen for simultaneous, sequential or separate use for the selective estrogen therapy of perimenopausal or postmenopausal conditions is already described in EP-A 0 346 014.

The amount of a compound of general formula I that is to be administered varies within a wide range and can cover any effective amount. On the basis of the condition that is to be treated and the type of administration, the amount of the compound that is administered can be 0.01 pg/kg 10 mg/kg of body weight, preferably 0.04 pg/kg 1 mg/kg of body weight, per day.

WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 In humans, this corresponds to a dose of 0.8 pg to 800 mg, preferably 3.2 pg to mg, daily.

According to the invention, a dosage unit contains 1.6 pg to 200 mg of one or more compounds of general formula I.

The compounds according to the invention and the acid addition salts are suitable for the production of pharmaceutical compositions and preparations. The pharmaceutical compositions or pharmaceutical agents contain as active ingredient one or more of the compounds according to the invention or their acid addition salts, optionally mixed with other pharmacologically or pharmaceutically active substances.

The production of the pharmaceutical agents is carried out in a known way, whereby the known and commonly used pharmaceutical adjuvants as well as other commonly used vehicles and diluents can be used.

As such vehicles and adjuvants, for example, those are suitable that are recommended or indicated in the following bibliographic references as adjuvants for pharmaceutics, cosmetics and related fields: Ullmans Encyklopadie der technischen Chemie [Ullman's Encyclopedia of Technical Chemistry], Volume 4 (1953), pages 1 to 39; Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 52 (1963), page 918 ff., issued by Czetsch-Lindenwald, Hilfsstoffe for Pharmazie und angrenzende Gebiete [Adjuvants for Pharmaceutics and Related Fields]; Pharm. Ind., Issue 2, 1961, p. 72 and ff.: Dr. H. P.

Fiedler, Lexikon der Hilfsstoffe fir Pharmazie, Kosmetik und angrenzende Gebiete [Dictionary of Adjuvants for Pharmaceutics, Cosmetics and Related Fields], Cantor KG, Aulendorf in WOrttemberg 1971.

WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 26 The compounds can be administered orally or parenterally, for example intraperitoneally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously or percutaneously. The compounds can also be implanted in the tissue.

For oral administration, capsules, pills, tablets, coated tablets, etc., are suitable.

In addition to the active ingredient, the dosage units can contain a pharmaceutically compatible vehicle, such as, for example, starch, sugar, sorbitol, gelatin, lubricant, silicic acid, talc, etc.

For parenteral administration, the active ingredients can be dissolved or suspended in a physiologically compatible diluent. As diluents, very often oils with or without the addition of a solubilizer, a surfactant, a suspending agent or an emulsifying agent are used. Examples of oils that are used are olive oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, castor oil and sesame oil.

The compounds can also be used in the form of a depot injection or an implant preparation, which can be formulated so that a delayed release of active ingredient is made possible.

As inert materials, implants can contain, for example, biodegradable polymers, or synthetic silicones such as, for example, silicone rubber. In addition, for percutaneous administration, the active ingredients can be added to, for example, a patch.

For the production of intravaginal systems vaginal rings) or intrauterine systems pessaries, coils, IUDs, Mirena(R)) that are loaded with active compounds of general formula I for local administration, various polymers are suitable, such as, for example, silicone polymers, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene or polypropylene.

WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 27 To achieve better bio-availability of the active ingredient, the compounds can also be formulated as cyclodextrin clathrates. For this purpose, the compounds are reacted with or y-cyclodextrin or derivatives of the latter (PCT/EP95/02656).

According to the invention, the compounds of general formula I can also be encapsulated with liposomes.

Methods Estrogen Receptor Binding Studies The binding affinity of the new selective estrogens was tested in competitive experiments with use of 3H-estradiol as a ligand to estrogen receptor preparations of rat prostates and rat uteri. The preparation of prostate cytosol and the estrogen receptor test with prostate cytosol was carried out as described by Testas et al. (1981) (Testas, J. et al., 1981, Endocrinology 109: 1287-1289).

The preparation of rat uterus cytosol, as well as the receptor test with the ERcontaining cytosol were basically performed as described by Stack and Gorski, 1985 (Stack, Gorski 1985, Endocrinology 117, 2024-2032) with some modifications as described in Fuhrmann et al. (1995) (Fuhrmann, U. et al. 1995, Contraception 51: 52).

The substances that are described herein have higher binding affinity to the estrogen receptor of rat prostates than to estrogen receptors of rat uteri. In this case, it is assumed that ER P predominates in the rat prostates over ERa, and ERa predominates in rat uteri over ER p. Table 1 shows that the ratio of the binding to prostate and uterus receptor qualitatively coincides with the quotient of relative binding WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 28 affinity (RBA) to human ER 3 and ERa of rats (according to Kuiper et al. (1996), Endocrinology 138: 863-870) (Table 1).

In addition, the predictability of the 'prostate-ER versus the uterus-ER test system' was confirmed with respect to tissue-selective action by in vivo studies.

Substances with a preference for prostate-ER are dissociated in vivo with respect to bone and uterus action in favor of action on bones (Table 2).

Bone Studies Three-month-old female rats are ovariectomized and treated once daily with the test compound immediately after the operation for 28 days. The administration is carried out subcutaneously in arachis oil/ethanol. The animals are sacrificed on the day after the last administration, and tibia as well as uteri are removed. The uteri are weighed, fixed and worked up for histological studies. The determination of bone density is carried out ex vivo on prepared long bones by means of QCT (quantitative computer tomography). The measurements are made at a distance of 4-6 mm from the ball of the joint of the proximal tibia.

The ovariectomy reduces the density of the trabecular bone in the measured area by about 400 mg of Ca 2 */cm 3 to about 300 mg of Ca2/cm 3 By treatment with a compound of general formula I according to this invention, the degradation of the bone density is prevented or inhibited. The bone density in the proximal tibia was measured.

Table 2 shows the results for the compound ent-17-estradiol that is to be used according to the invention. It shows a higher binding affinity to the estrogen receptor of rat prostates [ER(RBA) 6.1] than in the estrogen receptor of rat uteri [ER(RBA) 0.8].

WO 00/63228 PCT/EPOO/03470 29 ent-17-Estradiol reflects this in vivo in the greatly different amounts, which produce a bone protection [30 pg/animal] or a 15% uterus stimulation [300 pg/animal], relative to the bone mass loss, which can be measured in ovariectomized, untreated female rats 28 days after the ovariectomy unlike in intact animals that are subjected to sham operations.

The vascular action of the estrogens according to the invention is determined in the model of the ApoE-knockout mouse, as described by R. Elhage et al., 1997, (Elhage, R. et al. 1997, Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology 17: 2679- 2684).

To detect the action of estrogens on the brain function, the oxytocin receptor mRNA expression is used as a surrogate parameter (Hrabovszky, E. et al. 1998, Endocrinology 1339: 2600-2604). Ovariectomized rats are treated for 7 days with the test substance or vehicle (administration: subcutaneous or oral, six times daily). On day 7 after the first administration, the animals are decapitated, the uterus weight is determined, and the oxytocin receptor mRNA level is studied by means of in situ hybridization in suitable brain sections. The EDso values are determined with respect to stimulation of uterus growth and induction of the oxytocin receptor mRNA.

Another possibility to demonstrate in vivo the dissociated estrogen action of the substances according to the invention consists in the fact that after a one-time administration of the substances in rats, effects on the expression of 5HT2a-receptor and serotonin transporter proteins and mRNA levels in ERP-rich brain areas can be measured. Compared to the effect on the serotonin receptor and transporter expression, the effect on the LH-secretion is measured. Substances with higher WO 00/63228 PCT/EPO/03470 binding to the rat prostate compared to the rat uterus estrogen receptor are potent with respect to increasing the expression of serotonin receptors and transporters, in comparison to their positive effect on the LH release. The density of serotonin receptors and transporters is determined in brain sections using radioactive ligands, and the corresponding mRNA is determined using in situ hybridization. The method is described in the literature: G. Fink B. E. H. Sumner 1996 Nature 383: 306; B. E. H.

Sumner et al. 1999 Molecular Brain Research.

Production of the Compounds According to the Invention From the commercial standpoint, the bases of the ent-steroids according to the invention are accessible only through total synthesis. In the case of total syntheses, which result in racemates, the bases can be obtained by racemate cleavage with the aid of a chiral adjuvant Brit. Pat. 1 139 019; Brit. Pat. 1 159 649; French Pat. 1 526 031: J. Med. Chem. 10, 199-204 (1967). Or they can be obtained by asymmetric synthesis, by prochiral initial products being converted microbiologically into chiral intermediate products and further processed Liebigs, Ann. Chem. 701, 206-216 (1967). Another production method consists in the fact that the starting material is a chiral natural product, and the steroid skeleton is built up from the latter Can. J.

Chem. 65, 1-6, (1987)).

Since the chemistry of ent-steroids is identical to the naturally configured steroids, if no chiral reagents are used, the ent-steroids according to the invention are available from the chemistry of naturally configured steroids according to methods that are known in the art. ent-Estrone or ent-estradiol is thus obtained analogously to the WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 31 natural hormones from ent-estradiol-3-methyl ether that is produced totally synthetically by oxidation, ether cleavage and reduction Med. Chem. 10, 199-202 (1967)).

ent-Estriol is synthesized from ent-estrone in a way that is similar to the process for the production of estriol Am. Chem. Soc. 76, 2943 (1954)) from ent-estrone.

Analogously, steroids on which the enantio-gonane skeleton is based, and which have additional double bonds in the C- and/or D-ring, are obtained from the corresponding unsaturated enantiomer steroid-intermediate products.

The introduction of variable substituents in rings B, C and D of the enantiomer gonane skeleton is carried out according to the same chemical teaching with which the corresponding gonane derivatives are produced (see, Steroide [Steroids], L. F.

Fieser, M. Fieser, Verlag Chemie, Weinheim/Bergstr., 1961; Organic Reactions in Steroid Chemistry, J. Fried, J. A. Edwards, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York, Cincinnati, Toronto, London, Melboume, 1972; Medicinal Chemistry of Steroids, F. J. Zeelen, Elsevier, Amsterdam, Oxford, New York, Tokyo, 1990). This relates to, for example, the introduction of substituents, such as hydroxyl or alkyloxy groups, alkyl, alkenyl or alkinyl groups or fluorine in positions 2, 6, 7, 11, 14, 15, 16 or 17.

The ent-steroid-carboxylic acid esters according to the invention are produced analogously to the esters that are derived from natural steroid active ingredients (see, Pharmazeutische Wirkstoffe, Synthesen, Patente, Anwendungen [Pharmaceutical Active Ingredients, Syntheses, Patents, Applications]; A. Kleemann, J. Engel', Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart 1978. Arzneimittel, Fortschritte [Pharmaceutical Agents, Advances] 1972 to 1985; A. Kleemann, E. Lindner, J. Engel (Editors), VCH 1987, pp.

773-814).

WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 The ent-steroid-sulfamates according to the invention are available in a way that is known in the art from the corresponding ent-steroids by esterification with sulfamoyl chlorides in the presence of a base Chem. 15, 270-272 (1975); Steroids 61, 710- 717 (1996)). Subsequent acylation of the sulfamide group results in the ent-steroidal (N-acyl)sulfamates according to the invention, for which pharmacokinetics advantages have already been demonstrated in the naturally configured series (cf. DE 195 40 233 Al).

The regioselective esterification of polyhydroxylated steroids with N-substituted and N-unsubstituted sulfamoyl chlorides is carried out after partial protection of the hydroxyl groups that are to remain unesterified. Silyl ethers have turned out to be protective groups with suitable selective reactivity in this respect, since silyl ethers are stable under the conditions of sulfamate formation, and the sulfamate group remains intact when the silyl ethers are cleaved again to regenerate the remaining hydroxyl groups that are contained in the molecule (Steroids 61, 710-717 (1996)).

The production of the sulfamates according to the invention with one or more additional hydroxyl groups in the molecule is also possible in that the starting material is suitable hydroxy-steroid ketones. First, depending on the goal, one or more existing hydroxyl groups are subjected to sulfamoylation. Then, the sulfamate groups can optionally be converted with a desired acyl chloride in the presence of a base into particular (N-acyl)sulfamates. The now present oxosulfamates or oxo-(Nacyl)sulfamates are then converted by reduction into the corresponding hydroxysulfamates or hydroxy-(N-acyl)sulfamates (Steroids 61, 710-717 (1996)).

Sodium borohydride and borane-dimethyl sulfide complexes have proven to be suitable reducing agents. An example of this procedure is the production of entestradiol-3-(N-acetyl or propionyl)sulfamate, as described in Examples 16, 26 and 27.

The compounds of general formula I according to the invention are produced as described in the examples. By an analogous procedure using reagents that are homologous to the reagents that are described in the examples, additional compounds of general formula I can be obtained.

Etherification and/or esterification of free hydroxy groups is carried out according to methods that are common to one skilled in the art.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

WO 00/63228 PCTEEPOO/03470 34 Examples Example 1 ent-Estriol Sodium borohydride (0.508 g) was added within 5 minutes while being stirred to a solution of ent-3,16a -dihydroxy-estra-1,3,5(10)trien-17-one (EP 33 561 Al) (0.508 g) in methanol (50 mL) that was cooled to 0°C. The mixture was allowed to stir for 1 more hour at 0°C, then acetic acid was carefully added drop by drop until a pH of 6 was reached. Then, the solution was completely distilled in a vacuum rotary evaporator (VRV). The residue was extracted with water, dried and recrystallized from ethyl acetate, whereby ent-estriol with a melting point of 275-2800C was obtained.

Example 2 ent-Estra 1,3,5(10)-triene-3,16a -diol N-bromosuccinimide (0.815 g) was added in portions to a solution of ent-3methoxy-1,3,5(10),16-estratetraene (1.0 g) in dimethyl sulfoxide (38 mL) and water mL) that was stirred to +80C. After 30 minutes, it was diluted with water and extracted with ether. The combined extracts were washed with water, dried on anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated by evaporation in a VRV. The residue (ent-17a -bromo-3methoxy-1,3,5(10)-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-16p-ol) was dissolved in ethanol (29 mL).

Hydrazine hydrate 2.6 mL) and Raney nickel were added to the solution. The mixture was reflux-boiled for 6 hours. Then, Raney nickel was filtered out, and the filtrate was evaporated to the dry state in a VRV. The residue was extracted several times with boiling benzene. The combined extracts were concentrated by evaporation WO 00/63228 PCTIEPOO/03470 in a VRV. By recrystallization of the residue from n-hexane, ent-3-methoxy-estra- 1,3,5(10)-trien-16 p-ol was obtained. A solution of diethyl-azodicarboxylate (1.12 mL) and anhydrous benzene (3.5 mL) was added at room temperature drop by drop to a stirred mixture of benzene (14 mL), acetic acid (0.4 mL), triphenylphosphane (1.83 g) and ent-3-methoxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-1 6p-ol (1.0 After 1 hour, precipitate was filtered out, and the filtrate was concentrated by evaporation in a VRV. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: benzene), whereby ent-3-methoxy-estra- 1,3,5(10)-trien-16ca -yl-acetate was obtained, whose hydrolysis with potassium hydroxide (0.209 g) in methanol (7 mL) yielded ent-3-methoxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-16 6 a -ol. Reductive ether cleavage with diisobutylaluminum hydride (3.9 mL) in boiling toluene (7.8 mL) resulted in the title compound, melting point 222-2260C (from methanol).

ent-Estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17-diols with Additional Double Bonds Example 3 ent-3-Methoxy-estra-1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaen-17a -ol 14a -Hydroxy-3-methoxy-8,14-seco-estra-1,3,5(10),9(11 )-tetraen-17-one (50 g) was dissolved at boiling heat in methanol (200 mL). After a clear solution was obtained, concentrated hydrochloric acid (5 mL) was added in drops and heated to boiling for another 3 hours. Then, the product was precipitated with water. Melting point 75-77 0

C.

Example 4 ent-3-Methoxy-1,3,5(10),8-tetraen-17a -ol WO 00/63228 PCT/EPOO/03470 36 ent- 3 -Methoxy-estra-1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaen-17 -ol (10 g) was dissolved in a tetrahydrofuran/methanol mixture (70:30, v/v. 75 mL). While being exposed to argon gassing, Raney nickel was added to it (water-moistened, 2.20 Then, it was hydrogenated with hydrogen with zero pressure. Then, catalyst was filtered out, and the filtrate-was concentrated by evaporation in a VRV to 55 mL, whereby the product crystallized out; melting point 105-1150C.

Example ent-Estra-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraene-3,17-diol Water (200 mL), sodium bicarbonate (64 acetone (177 mL) and tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulfate (0.1 g) were added to a solution of ent-estradiol diacetate (10 g) in dichloromethane (200 mL). The suspension was cooled to +12 0

C,

and then oxone (133 g) was added in portions within 2.5 hours, whereby it was stirred intensively. The stirring continued for 3.5 more hours at +15 0 C to +20°C. Then, the mixture was filtered, and the separated organic phase was concentrated by evaporation in a VRV. Flash chromatography on silica gel with toluene/ethyl acetate 10:1 and crystallization from methanol yielded ent-9-hydroxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17 1-diyldiacetate. ent-9-Hydroxy compound (10 g) was dissolved in dichloromethane (200 mL).

The solution was cooled to -200C and stirred intensively for 2 hours with aqueous sulfuric acid 1 mL). Then, saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution was added until neutrality was achieved, the organic phase was separated, dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated by evaporation in a VRV. The residue was treated with potassium hydroxide (6.65 g) in methanolic solution (133 mL) for 4 hours at WO 00/63228 PCT/EPOO/03470 0 C. Then, the bulk of the methanol was distilled off in a VRV, and the title compound was precipitated with water. The purification was carried out by recrystallization from methanol; melting point 186-191 0

C.

Example 6 ent-Estra-1,3,5(10),6-tetraene-3,17-diol (107.9 g) was added in portions to a stirred suspension of chromium-VI-oxide (112.4 g) in dichloromethane (845 mL) that was cooled to -200C.

After another 15 minutes of stirring, a solution of ent-17a -estradiol diacetate (20 g) in dichloromethane (150 mL) was added. It was allowed to react for another 4.5 hours at 0 C while being stirred. Then, the reaction was completed by adding aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (5N, 460 mL). The phases were separated from one another, the aqueous phase was exhaustively extracted with dichloromethane, the organic solutions were combined, washed in succession with water, dilute hydrochloric acid, saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution and water, dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated by evaporation in a VRV to a very large extent. The residue was crystallized with acetone. The substance that was obtained was then further chromatographically purified on a silica gel column with toluene/ethyl acetate/ dichloromethane 6:3:1 whereby ent-6-oxo-estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17c -diyldiacetate was obtained. This compound (4 g) was subjected at 600C to hydrolysis with potassium carbonate (11.2 g) in a mixture of methanol (160 mL) and water (28 mL).

After working-up, ent-3,17a -dihydroxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-6-one was obtained. By reduction of this compound (2 g) with sodium borohydride (1.3 g) in a mixture of WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 38 methanol (25 mL) and tetrahydrofuran (20 mL), ent-estra-1,3,5(10)-3, 6 a, 17a-triol was obtained. The triol (1.03 g) was dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (6 mL), and the solution was heated for 3 hours to 1800C. After cooling to room temperature, it was poured onto ice. The precipitate produced, which was from the title compound, was filtered off, washed with water and dried; melting point 2220C.

Ether Cleavage of ent-3-Methoxyestratetraene- and 3 -methoxy-estrapentaene Steroids A solution that consists of ent-3-methoxy-estratetraen-17-ol or ent-3methoxyestrapentaen-17-ol (in each case 1 toluene (10 mL) and diisobutylaluminum hydride (5 mL) was reflux-boiled for 3 hours. Then, the reaction solution was cooled to and excess diisobutylaluminum hydride was decomposed with ethanol. After subsequent careful addition of water and dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid, the organic phase was separated, washed neutral, dried and evaporated to the dry state in a VRV.

Crystallization, optionally after prior flash chromatography, yielded the following compounds according to the invention by way of example: Examples 7-14 ent-Estra-1,3,5(10),8-tetraene-3,17p -diol, melting point 130-20C; ent-Estra-1,3,5(10),8-tetraene-3,17a -diol, amorphous; ent-Estra-1,3,5(10),7-tetraene-3,17 -diol, melting point 170-176C; ent-Estra-1,3,5(10),7-tetraene-3,17a -diol, melting point 2000C; ent-Estra-1,3,5(10),6,8-pentaene-3,17p-diol, melting point 2410C; WO 00/63228 PCTIEP00103470 39 ent-Estra-1 ,3,5(1 0),6,8-pentaene-3,1 7c -diol, melting point 212-21 5 0

C;

ent-Estra-1 ,3,5(1 0),8,1 4-pentaene-3, 1 N-diol, oil.

ent-Gona-1 ,3,5(1 0)-trien -3-yl-sulfamate and -methyl)s ulfa mate Sulfamoyl chloride or N-methylsulfamoyl chloride (in each case 6 mmol) was added drop by drop to a solution of gona-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol (1 mmol) and 2,6-di-tertbutyl-pyridine (3 mmol) in dichloromethane (16 ml) while being stirred. After minutes, the organic phase was washed neutral with water, dried on anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to the dry state in a VRV. The crude product was purified by means of flash chromatography. Additional, optionally necessary reaction steps, such as cleavage of protective groups or reduction of a 17-oxo group, followed. Subsequent flash chromatography and recrystallization from acetone/n-hexane yielded the following ent-sulfamates: Examples 15-23 ent-Estriol-3-sulIfa mate, melting point 207-209OC; ent-Estrone-sulfamate, melting point 200-201 0

C;

ent-Estradiol-3-sulfamate, melting point 202-203OC; ent-1 6az -Hydroxy-estra-1 ,3 ,5(1 0)-trien-3-yl-sulfamate, amorphous; ent-1 6a -Hydroxy-1 7-oxo-estra-1 ,3,5(1 0)-trien-3-yl-su lfa mate, melting point 180- 1 82 0

C;

ent-1 7 0-Hydroxy-estra-1 ,3 ,5(1 0),8-tetraen-3-yl-sulfamate, amorphous; ent-I 7 P3 -Hydroxy-estra- 1,3,5(1 0),7-tetraen-3-yl-sulfamate, melting point 199-201* 0

C;

WO 00/63228 PCT/EPOO/03470 ent-17-Oxo-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-yl-(N-methyl)sulfamate, melting point 190-1920C; ent-17-Oxo-18c -homo-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-yl-sulfamate; melting point 174-176 0

C.

ent-Gona-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-yl-(N,N-dialkyl)sulfamates Aqueous sodium hydroxide solution 6 mL) is added in drops within minutes to a suspension of ent-estradiol (1 dichloromethane (30 mL), N,Ndialkylsulfamoyl chloride (10 molar equivalents), water (3 mL) and triethylbenzylammonium chloride (0.24 g) while being stirred intensively. It was stirred for another 2 hours, then the organic phase was separated, and it was washed in succession with dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid, saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and water. After the solution was dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentration by evaporation in a VRV, the residue was recrystallized: Examples 24 and ent-Estradiol-3-(N,N-dimethyl)sulfamate, melting point 204-2080C; ent-Estradiol-3-(N,N-diethyl)sulfamate: melting point 174-177 0

C.

Example 26 ent-Estradiol-3-(N-acetyl)sulfamate ent-Estrone-sulfamate (2.0 g) was dissolved in pyridine (100 mL). Acetic anhydride (100 mL) was added to the solution, and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours at +23 0 C. Then, it was decomposed with ice, the precipitate was filtered off, washed neutral with water and dried in a stream of air. Recrystalliza-tion from acetone yielded WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 41 ent-estrone-(N-acetyl)sulfamate; melting point 219-2220C. The ent-estrone derivative (1 g) was reduced at 0OC in a mixture of tetrahydrofuran (100 mL) and methanol (100 mL) with sodium borohydride (0.68 After neutralization of the reaction solution with acetic acid (2 ml), it was evaporated to the dry state in a vacuum rotary evaporator.

The residue was taken up in a mixture of water (150 mL) and ethyl acetate (150 mL).

The organic phase was separated, washed with water, dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated by evaporation in a VRV. The residue was recrystallized from acetone/n-hexane, whereby the title compound was obtained; melting point 194-1960C.

Example 27 ent-Estradiol-3-(N-propionyl)sulfamate Triethylamine (0.4 mL), p-dimethylaminopyridine (0.35 g) and propionic acid anhydride (7.4 mL) were added in succession to a solution of ent-estrone-sulfamate g) in dichloromethane (35 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 20 hours at +23 0 C, then it was decomposed with ice. The organic phase was washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and water, dried on anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated by evaporation in a VRV, whereby ent-estrone-(Npropionyl)sulfamate was obtained; melting point 207-2090C. Reduction of this compound analogously to the reduction of estrone-(N-acetyl)sulfamate yielded the title compound: melting point 199-202 0

C.

Example 28 ent-Estra-1 3,5(1 )-triene-3,16B -diol WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 42 0.2 g (0.73 mmol) of ent-estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,16a -diol is dissolved in 20 ml of toluene with the addition of 0.77 g (2.94 mmol) of triphenylphosphine and 0.49 g (2.94 mmol) of 4-nitrobenzoic acid. 1.3 ml (2.94 mmol) of diethylazodicarboxylate solution in toluene) is slowly added in drops to it. After a 48-hour reaction at room temperature, it is diluted with ethyl acetate, and the organic phase is washed with sodium bicarbonate solution, water and sodium chloride solution. It is dried on magnesium sulfate and concentrated by evaporation.

The product that is obtained (0.345 g) is dissolved in 50 ml of methanol and mixed with 1.67 g of potassium carbonate. It is stirred at room temperature until the saponification is completed. For working-up, the main amount of the methanol is distilled off, and the residue is taken up in ethyl acetate. It is washed with sodium chloride solution and dried on magnesium sulfate. After the concentration by evaporation, the crude product is chromatographed (silica gel; eluant: cyclohexane/ethyl acetate whereby 0.17 g (0.62 mmol; 85% of theory) of entestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,16 1-diol accumulates. The recrystallization from ethyl acetate produces colorless crystals; melting point 235...241 0 C; []oD -76° (dioxane, c 1.1).

Example 29 ent-7a -Methylestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17 0-diol 3,17 -Bis(tetrahydropyran-2-yloxy)estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-6-one 0.25 g (0.87 mmol) of ent-3,17 3 -dihydroxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-6-one (cf.

Example 6) is dissolved in 25 ml of methylene chloride and mixed with 1.58 ml of 3,4dihydro-2H-pyran as well as 44 mg of pyridinium-4-toluenesulfonate. The solution is WO 00/63228 PCT/EPOO/03470 43 stirred at room temperature, and after the reaction is completed, it is mixed with 150 ml of saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. After extraction with methylene chloride, it is dried on magnesium sulfate and concentrated by evaporation. The crude product is purified on silica gel (eluant: cyclohexane/ethyl acetate whereby 0.4 g (0.87 mmol; 99% of theory) of 3,17 p-bis(tetrahydropyran-2-yloxy)estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-6-one accumulates as a colorless foam.

3,17p-Bis(tetrahydropyran-2-yloxy)-7a -methylestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-6-one 0.42 g (3.75 mmol) of potassium-tert-butylate in 3.5 ml of tert-butanol is dissolved in a moisture-free environment. 0.396 g (0.87 mmol) of 3,17 bis(tetrahydropyran-2-yloxy)estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-6-one, dissolved in 2 ml of 1,2dimethoxy-ethane, is added to this solution. Then, it is mixed with 0.27 ml (4.3 mmol) of methyl iodide and stirred at room temperature until the reaction is completed. For working-up, it is mixed with saturated sodium chloride solution and extracted with ethyl acetate. The crude product is purified on silica gel (eluant: cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 0.15 g (0.33 mmol; 37% of theory) of 3,17 p-bis(tetrahydropyran-2-yloxy)-7a methylestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-6-one is obtained as a colorless foam.

ent-7a -Methylestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17 1-diol 150 mg (0.33 mmol) of 3,17 p-bis(tetrahydropyran-2-yloxy)-7a -methylestra- 1,3,5(10)-trien-6-one is dissolved in 10 ml of methylene chloride and mixed with 3.1 ml (19.2 mmol) of triethylsilane. The solution is then cooled to -10 0 C. 6.43 ml (51.2 mmol) of boron trifluoride ethyl etherate is added, and it is stirred for 1 hour at -100C. It is then WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 44 mixed with saturated sodium chloride solution and extracted with ethyl acetate. After drying (MgSO 4 and evaporation of the solvent, 90 mg (3.14 mmol; 95% of theory) of ent-7a -methylestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17 3-diol is obtained. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate yields colorless crystals; melting point 151...1550C; [a]D -540 (dioxane, c 1.29).

Example ent-11 B-Fluoro-estra-1.3,5(10)-triene-3,17 1-diol ent-3,17 p-Bis-(tert-butyldimethyl)silyloxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-11a -ol First 13.5 g of imidazole and then 17.1 g of tert-butyldimethylchlorosilane were added to 4.5 g of ent-estra-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraene-3,17 P-diol (Example 5) in 105 ml of dimethylformamide, and it was stirred for 1 hour at room temperature. The reaction mixture was mixed with 100 ml of n-hexane, washed several times with water and dried on sodium sulfate. The solvent was evaporated in a vacuum, and the foamy residue g) was used in the next stage without further purification.

g of crude ent-3,17 p-bis-(tert-butyldimethyl)silyloxy-estra-1,3,5(10),9(11 tetraene was dissolved in 40 mi of THF, mixed carefully with 4.9 ml of boranedimethyl sulfide complex at a temperature of 500C, and the temperature was maintained for 1 hour. Then, 8 ml of water and 32 ml of 3N sodium hydroxide solution were added in succession at 0°C, and then mixed with 15.5 ml of 30% hydrogen peroxide. The reaction mixture was stirred for four hours while being heated to room temperature, then 200 ml of n-hexane was added; it was washed with saturated sodium thiosulfate solution and saturated sodium chloride solution and dried on sodium sulfate.

WO 00/63228 PCT/EPOO/03470 The solvent was distilled off in a rotary evaporator, and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel (solvent mixture: cyciohexane/ethyl acetate 96/4).

The product ent-3, 17 J-bis-(tert-butyld imethyl)silyloxy-estra-1 ,3 ,5(1 0 )-trien-1 1 aL -o1 (3) accumulated as a foam in a yield of 5.6 g.

ent-11 j-Fluoro-3-perfluorobutanes ulfonyloxy-1 7 P-(tert-butyIldimethyl)silyloxyestra-1 ,3,5(1 0)-triene (4) A solution of 550 mg of ent-3,17 f-bis-(tert-butyldimethyl)silyloxy-estra-1 ,3,5(10)trien-1 1 a -o1 in 4 ml of anhydrous toluene was mixed at -5'C with 0.5 ml of 1,8diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene and slowly with 0.4 ml of perfluorobutanesulfonic acid fluoride. While being heated to room temperature, it was stirred for 1 hour. The mixture was taken up in dichloromethane, washed several times with water, dried on sodium sulfate and evaporated to the dry state in a vacuum. By chromatography of the residue on silica gel (solvent mixture: cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 99/1), 511 mg of oily ent-1 1 P-fluoro-3-perfluorobutane-su lfonyloxy-1 7 1-(tert-butyldimethyl)silyloxy-estra- 1 ,3,5(10)-triene was obtained.

ent-11 1-Fuoro-estra-I .3,5(1 O)-riene-3, 17 13-diol 374 mg of lithium aluminum hydride in 100 ml of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was mixed at -78 0 C under argon with a solution of 420 mg of ent-1 1 IP-fluoro-3perfiuorobutanesulfonyloxy-1 7 P-(tert-butydimethyl)silyloxy-estra-1 ,3 ,5(1I0)-triene in ml of tetrahydrofuran, kept at this temperature for 10 minutes and then stirred for another 3 hours while being heated to room temperature. The mixture was mixed with WO 00/63228 PCT/EPOO/03470 46 water while being cooled with ice, then acidified with 4N sulfuric acid and extracted three times each with toluene and diethyl ether. After the collected organic phases were dried on sodium sulfate, it was evaporated to the dry state in a vacuum. The evaporation residue was dissolved in 9 ml of tetrahydrofuran, 3.90 g of tetrabutylammonium fluoride-trihydrate was added, and it was stirred for 3.5 hours at 0 C. Then, the mixture was cooled, acidified with 4N sulfuric acid to a pH of 2 and mixed with 10 ml each of water and ethyl acetate. The organic phase was separated, dried with sodium sulfate, the solvent was removed in a rotary evaporator, and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel (solvent mixture: toluene/ethyl acetate/chloroform 148 mg of colorless ent-11 3-fluoro-estra-1,3,5(10)-triene- 3,17 P-diol with a melting point of 199-2000C was obtained.

Example 31 ent-9a -Methvl-estra-1.3,5(10)-triene-3,17 1-triol ent-3,17 1-Bis-(tert-butyldimethyl)silyloxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-11-one (6) 3.16 g of ent-3,17 P-bis-(tert-butyldimethyl)silyloxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-1 1 c -ol (Example 30) was dissolved in 30 mi of dichloromethane and stirred at room temperature with 4.1 g of pyridinium chlorochromate in 12 g of aluminum oxide for 3 hours. The reaction batch was filtered with dichloromethane on a little silica gel and then purified on silica gel (solvent mixture: dichloromethane/methanol 2.47 g of 11-oxosteroid 6 in the form of a colorless foam was obtained.

WO 00/63228 PCT/EPOO/03470 47 ent-9a -Methyl-3,17 3-bis-(tert-butyldimethyl)silyloxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-11 -one (7a) 890 mg of solid potassium-tert-butylate was added under argon at room temperature to a solution of 1.0 g of ent-3,17 3-bis-(tert-butyldimethyl)silyloxy-estra- 1,3,5(10)-trien-11-one in 7.3 ml of methyl iodide and 7.3 ml of tert-butanol, and the mixture was stirred for 15 hours at room temperature. Then, it was poured onto crushed ice, extracted three times with dichloromethane and dried on sodium sulfate.

The solvent was removed in a rotary evaporator, and the residue was purified on silica gel (solvent mixture: dichloromethane/cyclohexane 770 mg of steroid 7a in the form of a colorless foam was obtained.

ent-9a -Methyl-estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17 1-diol (8a) 350 mg of ent-9g -methyl-3,17 p-bis-(tert-butyldimethyl)silyloxy-estra-1,3,5(10)trien-11-one (7a) was added to a solution of 930 mg of potassium hydroxide in 70 ml of triethylene glycol, mixed with 0.74 ml of hydrazinium hydrate (80% with water) and heated for 3 hours to 2050C. After cooling, it was diluted with 55 ml of water, 10.5 ml of 4N sulfuric acid was carefully added and extracted several times with diethyl ether. The collected organic phases were dried on sodium sulfate, concentrated by evaporation in a vacuum, and the crude product was recrystallized from n-hexane/acetone. ent-9a Methyl-estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17 p-diol accumulated in a yield of 135 mg with a melting point of 144-147cC.

WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 4S Example 32 ent-9a-Ethyl-estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17 5-diol (8b) Analogously to Example 31, 54 mg of ent-9a -ethyl-estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17 Pdiol with a melting point of 121-123C was obtained from 1.0 g of ent-3,17 0-bis-(tertbutyldimethyl)silyloxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-11-one.

Example 33 ent-14a .15a -Methylen-estra-1,3,5(10),8-tetraene-3,17c -diol ent-3-Methoxy-14c ,15a -methylen-estra-1,3,5(10),8-tetraen-17a -ol 22.5 g of zinc dust, 5.0 g of ent-3-methoxy-estra-1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaen-17a -ol, and 30 mg of iodine were suspended in 50 ml of tetrahydrofuran and heated to a temperature of 70°C under argon. Then, 8 ml of diiodomethane was slowly added in drops under ultrasound (35 kHz), and the mixture was kept at 700C for another 3 hours under ultrasound. Then, it was cooled to 100C, diluted with 75 ml of ethyl acetate and decomposed by adding 370 ml of 20% ammonium chloride solution. It was filtered off from the precipitate and rewashed several times with ammonium chloride solution and water. In this case, the precipitate was kept constantly wet until its disposal. The organic phase of the filtrate was separated, and the aqueous phase was extracted several times with ethyl acetate. The collected organic phases were washed in succession with aqueous ammonium chloride solution, aqueous sodium thiosulfate solution and water and subjected to a subsequent steam distillation. The product was obtained by filtration of the suspension obtained in the distillation. The filter cake was WO 00/63228 PCTIEPOO/03470 49 dried first in the desiccator on calcium chloride and then recrystallized from methanol.

g of colorless crystals with a melting point of 167-1680C was obtained.

WO 00/63228 WO 0063228PCT/EPOO/03470 ent-14a,5a -Methlen-estr-1,3,5 0ran-,7 do ent-4a 1 4a -Methylen-estra-1 ,31 ),8-tetraene-3,1 7ct -dilwaprdcdb ether cleavage from ent-3-methoxy-14a ,15a -methylen-estra-1 ,3,5(10),8-tetraen-1 7a ol with DIBAH according to the general operating instructions. The melting point is not characteristic (decomposition T 8000).

Example 34 ent-1 4ac .1 Sa -Methylen-estra-1 .3,5(1 0)-triene-3,1 7 (3-diol ent-3-Methoxy-1 4ac,1 5c -methylen-estra-1 ,3,5(1 0)-trien-1 7c -01 1.33 g of ent-3-methoxy-l 4a Jl5cc -methylen-estra-1,3,5(10),8-tetraen-1 7a -oi, dissolved in 20 ml of tetrahydrofuran, and 1.6 ml of aniline, were added in drops to ml of liquid ammonia. 200 mg of lithium in small pieces was added successively at a temperature of -60oC. After the reduction was completed, 1.9 g of ammonium chloride was added to the reaction mixture, and the ammonia was evaporated. The residue was mixed with water and extracted with methylene chloride. The organic phase was washed neutral, dried and concentrated by evaporation. The crude product was recrystallized from methanol. In this case, 0.9 g of ent-3-methoxy-l4CL j1 5ac -methylenestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17c -ol was isolated as colorless crystals.

ent-3-Methoxy-l 4ac,l 5c -methylen-estra-l ,3,5(l O)-trien-1 7 j3-al A solution of 0.9 g of ent-3-methoxy-1 4ac 1 5ac -methylen-estra-1 .3,5(1 0)-trien- 1 7c -ol in 25 ml of acetone was cooled to 1000C, and 1.7 ml of Jones reagent was added in drops within 6 minutes. After 0.25 hour, first 0.9 ml of isopropanol and then 35 ml of WO 00/63228 PCT/EPOO/03470 51 water were added and extracted several times with ethyl acetate. The collected organic phases were washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and water, dried on sodium sulfate and evaporated to the dry state in a rotary evaporator. The crude product (0.9 g) was used in the next stage without further purification.

A solution of 0.9 g of crude ent-3-methoxy-14a ,15c -methylen-estra-1,3,5(10)trien-17-one in 3 ml of tetrahydrofuran was stirred for 3.5 hours at 0°C with a solution of diborane (prepared fresh from sodium borohydride and boron trifluoride etherate in tetrahydrofuran). After the reaction mixture was hydrolyzed with water, the precipitate that was produced was filtered off and dried in air. By chromatographic purification on silica gel (solvent mixture: cyclohexane/methyl-tert-butyl ether 511 mg of ent-3methoxy-14a ,15a -methylen-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17 P-ol was obtained in the form of a colorless foam.

ent-14a ,15ac -Methylen-estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3 17 1-diol ent-14c ,15a -Methylen-estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17 P-diol was produced by ether cleavage of ent-3-methoxy-14a ,15a -methylen-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17 p-ol with DIBAH according to general operating instructions. The melting point is 213-2150C.

WO 00/63228 PCT/EPOO/03470 Example ent-3,16a -Dihvdroxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one ent-3-tert-Butyldimethylsilyloxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one 4.7 g (17.4 mmol) of ent-3-hydroxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one and 4.5 g (65.7 mmol) of imidazole are dissolved at room temperature in 100 ml of DMF. Then, the solution is mixed with 5.9 g (39.2 mmol) of tert-butyldimethylchlorosilane. The reaction temperature increases to about 300C, and the solution turns dark brown. The educt has reacted completely to silyl ether after 1.5 hours. To isolate the product, the reaction solution in 250 ml of ice water is added in drops. The suspension that is obtained is suctioned off, washed with water, and the product is dried.

The crude product that is thus obtained is purified by filtration on silica gel (methylene chloride).

5.7 g (85% of theory) of ent-3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-estra-1,3,5(1 0)-trien-17one is obtained.

ent-3-tert-Butyldimethylsilyloxy-1 7-trimethylsilyloxy-estra-1,3,5(10),16-tetraene 1.24 ml (8.8 mmol) of diisopropylamine is added to 10 ml of tetrahydrofuran and cooled to about -300C. While being cooled steadily, 3.2 mi (8 mmol) of n-butyllithium solution (2.5 M in toluene) is added in drops. After 0.5 hour of reaction time at about 300C, 769 mg (2 mmol) of ent-3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one, dissolved in 5 ml of tetrahydrofuran, is added to the solution. Then, after another hour of stirring, the mixture is mixed with 1.54 ml (12 mmol) of trimethylchlorosilane. It is stirred for one more hour at about -300C, and the reaction solution is added in sodium WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 bicarbonate solution. The extraction of the product is carried out with chloroform. After the extraction solution is concentrated by evaporation to a volume of about 10 ml, this solution is used immediately in the next stage.

ent-3-tert-Butyldimethylsilyloxy-1 6a ,17a -epoxy-1 7 -trimethylsilyloxy-estra.

1,3,5(10)-triene 740 mg (4.3 mmol) of m-chloroperbenzoic acid is added to the chloroform solution from the precursor (about 10 ml). The reaction temperature slightly increases.

After one hour of stirring at room temperature, the reaction solution is washed with sodium bicarbonate solution and water. After drying on sodium sulfate and concentration by evaporation of the chloroform solution, it was possible to obtain 0.91 g of yellow, crystalline substance.

ent-3,16a -Dihvdroxy-estra-1,3,5(1 0)-trien-17-one 0.91 g of ent-3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-16c ,17a -epoxy-17-trimethylsilyloxyestra-1,3,5(10)-triene (crude product) is dissolved in methanol, and the pH is set at 8-9 with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (5 After several hours of stirring, the reaction solution is neutralized, methanol is distilled off, and the reaction products are extracted with ethyl acetate. The crude product is purified by chromatography on silica gel (cyclohexane/ethyl acetate, 2/1).

Yield: 175 mg (65% of theory relative to ent-3-hydroxy-estra-1 ,3,5(10)-trien-17one) Melting point 204-2080C: [a] 25 D -1700 (ethanol) WO 00/63228'PTEO/37 PCT/EPOO/03470 Table 1 S Estrogen Estra-diol Structure hER

RBA

hER3

RBA

ERP/

ER

Rat uterus Rat prost.

E R(RBA) prost.

ERIuterus ER I ER(RBA)

I

100 100 100 100 Estrone 4. 4 0.8 1 7&(-Estra- 112.4 1.3 dial A 58 11 0.2 Estriol -4C 4 205 14 21 5-nr-0.1 5 stene-diol ib' 6 17 3 Geni- *0.1 10 100 steine 5 36 7 Coumnes- 1.3 24 18 trol Z~ 94 185 2 Cited from: Kuiper et al. (1996), Endocrinology 138: 863-870 WO 00/63228 PTEO/37 PCTIEPOO/03470 Table 2 Compound Struc- In vitro In vivo Compound tu re In vitro In vivo Rat Rat prost. 50% uterus bone uterus protec- stimution lation ER(RBA) ER(RBA) [pg/animal] ent-Es- L .0.8 6.1 30 300 [tradiol

Claims (41)

1. ent-Steroids of general formula I R11 SH I -R9 R 1 R8 R1 R6 R7 R2 R4 R3 (I) in which R 1 means a hydrogen atom; a group R 12 whereby R 12 means a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon radical with up to 5 carbon atoms, which can contain a C-C-double bond or a C-C-triple bond; a group. R 13 SO 2 in which R 13 is an R' 4 R 15 N group, whereby R 14 and R 15 independently of one another, mean a hydrogen atom, a Ci-Cs alkyl radical, a group C(O)R 6 in which R' 6 represents a hydrocarbon radical with up to 12 carbon atoms, which can additionally contain up to three double bonds and/or triple bonds, a C3-C7 cycloalkyl radical, an aryl radical or a combination of these structural features, or, together with the N-atom mean a polymethylenimino radical with 4 to 6 C atoms or a morpholino radical; WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 R 2 means a group R 2 R'S0 2 or -O-C(O)R' 6 with R 12 R 13 and R 16 in each case in the meaning that is indicated under R'; R 3 R 4 R 5 R 8 and R 9 independently of one another, mean a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a group R 12 R' 3 SO 2 or- R 1 with R 12 R 3 and R 16 in each case in the meaning that is indicated under R 1 R 6 means a p-position hydrogen atom and R 7 means a hydrogen atom or R 6 and R 7 together mean an c- or 3-methylene group; R 1 means two hydrogen atoms; two halogen atoms; a hydrogen atom and a halogen atom; a group =CR 1 R' 8 in which R 1 7 and R 8 independently of one another, represent a hydrogen atom and a halogen atom; a hydrogen atom and a group R' 2 a hydrogen atom and a group R SO 2 a group R 12 and a group -O-C(O)R 16 a group R' 2 and a hydroxyl group; with R 12 R 13 and R 1 6 in each case in the meaning that is indicated under an oxygen atom; R means a hydrogen atom, a methyl or ethyl group; R 19 means a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon radical with up to five carbon atoms, which can be partially or completely fluorinated and which can contain a C-C double bond or a C-C triple bond; and WO 00/63228 PCTI/EPOO/03470 one or more double bonds can be present in positions 6, 7; 7, 8; 8, 9; 9, 11; 11, 12; 8, 14; 14, 15; 15, 16 and 16, 17, excluding the compounds ent-estradiol, ent-estradiol-3-acetate, ent-estradiol-17- acetate, ent-estradiol-diacetate, ent-estrone, ent-estron-acetate, ent-estradiol-3- benzoate, ent-17a -ethinyl-estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17-diol, ent-1 7a -ethinyl-estra- 1,3,5(10)-triene-3, 17-diyl-diacetate, ent-3-hydroxy-estra-1,3,5(1 0),7-tetraen-1 7-one, ent-

3-hydroxy-estra-1,3,5(10),6,8-pentaen-17-one, ent-16 P-bromo-3-methoxy-estra- 1,3,5(10 )-trien-1 7-one. 2. Compounds of general formula 1, which are derived from ent-13-alkylgonane. 3. 13-Alkylgonanes according to claim 2, which have one or more double bonds in the steroid skeleton.

4. 13-Alkylgonanes according to claim 3 with an aromatic A-ring. Alkylgonanes according to claim 4 with one or more additional double bonds in rings B, C and D of the steroid skeleton.

6. 13-Alkylgonanes according to claim 4, in which R2 is a hydroxyl group.

7. ent-13-Alkylgona-1,3,5(10O)-trien-3-ols according to claim 6, in which Ro 1 0 means a hydrogen atom and a hydroxyl group.

8. ent-13-Alkylgona-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ols according to claim 6, in which R 9 means a hydroxyl group.

9. ent-13-Alkylgona-1,3,5(10O)-trien-3-ols according to claim 6, in which R 9 stands for a hydroxyl group and RIo stands for a hydrogen atom and a hydroxyl group. ent-13-Alkylgona-1,3,5(1O)-trien-3-ols according to claim 6, in which RIo stands for an oxygen atom. WO 00/63228 PCT/EPOO/03470

11. ent-1 3-Alkylgona-1,3,5(O)-trien- 3 -oIs according to claim 8, in which R1 0 stands for an oxygen atom.

12. nt-terids ccodin to lai 2,in wichR" s a ethl goup 12. ent-Steroids according to claim 2, in which R" is an methyl group.

14. Compounds of general formula I ent-Estriol ent-Estriol-3-sulfamate ent-Estriol-3-(N-acetyl )su Ifa mate ent-Estriol-3,1 6,1 7-tripropionate ent-Estro n e-3-sulIfa mate ent-Estro ne-3-(N-acetyl)su lfa mate ent-Estrad iol-3-su lfa mate ent-Estrad iol-3,1 7-d isulfa mate ent-Estrad iol-3-(N-acetyl )sulIfa mate ent-Estradiol-3, 17-bis-(N-acetyl)sulfamate ent-Estrone-(N-p ropionyl )su Ifa mate ent-Estrad iol-3-(N N-d i methyl)su Ifa mate ent-Estradiol-3-(N ,N-d iethyl)sulfamate ent-Estradiol-3-pyrrolidinosulfonate ent-Estradiol-1 7-valerianate ent-Estradiol-1 7-decanoate ent-3, 17 P-Dihyd roxy-estra- 1,3,5(1 O)-trien-2-yl-sulfamate ent-1 6a -Hyd roxy- 17-oxo-estra- 1,3,5(1 O)-trien-3-yI-sulfamate WO 00/63228 WO 0063228PCT/EPOO/03470 ent-3, 1 6c -Dihydroxy-estra-1 .3,5(1 O)-trien-1 7-one ent-1 6 ct -Hydroxy-3-methoxy-estra-1 ,3,5(1 0)-trien-1 7-one ent-Estra-1 ,3 .5(1 0)-thene-3, 1 6c -diol ent-3-Methoxy-estra-1 .3,5(1 O)-thene-1 6a, 1 713-diol ent-2-Methoxy-estra-1 1 0)-triene-3, 1 71-diol ent-1 7 P-Hydroxy-1 4a ,l 5az -methylen-estra-1 .3,5(1 0)-trien-3-yI-(N- acetyl)suffa mate ent-l 4a l1 5cc -Methylen-estra-1 .3,5(1 0)-triene-3, 17 f3-diol ent-1 403,15f3-Methylen-estra-1 ,3,5(1 0)-triene-3,1 7 P-diol ent-1 4ax 1 5at -Methylen-estra-1 .3,5(1 0),8-tetraene-3, 17cc -diol ent-1 7a~ -Hydroxy-1l 4ac ,I 5a -methylen-estra-1 10),8-tetraen-3-y-(N- acetyl)sulfamate ent-1 4 P,15 P-Methyen-estra-1 .3,5(1 0),8-tetraene-3, 17 P-dioI ent-1I6cc -Hyd roxy-estra-1 .3,5(1 O)-trien-3-yI-su lfa mate ent-1 6ac -Hydroxy-estra- 1,3,5(1 0)-trien-3-yI-benzoate ent-3-Hydroxy-estra- 1,3,5(1 0)-trien-1 7ac -yI-u ndecanoate ent- 17 j3-Hyd roxy-estra- 1,3,5(1 8-tetraen-3-yI-su Ifamate ent-1 7 P-Hyd roxy-estra-1, .3,5(1 0), 8 -tetra en-3-yt-(N-butyryl)su Ifa mate ent-Estra-1 ,3,5(10),8-tetraene-3,l7cc -diol ent-Estra-1 ,3 .5(1 0),8-tetraene-3, 17 1-diol ent-Estra-1 ,3,5(1 O),9(1 1 )-tetraene-3,1 7 j3-diol ent-Estra-1 .3,5(1 0),7-tetraene-3, 17 P-diol WO 00/63228 WO 0063228PCT/EPOO/03470 ent-Estra-1 ,3,5(1 O),7-tetraene-3, 1 7c -diol ent- 17 71-Hyd roxy-estra-1, ,3,5(l 1 7 -tetrae n-3-yI-s u fa mate ent-Estra-1 1 ),6-tetraene-3, 17 1-diol ent-Estra-1 10Q),6,8-tetraene-3, 17 P-dioI ent-Estra-1,3,5(10),6,8-tetraene317ca -diol ent-Estra-1 1 14-pentaene-3, 17 1-diol-3-butyrate ent-Estra-1 ,3,5(1 14-pentaene-3, 1 7a -diol ent-7a -Methylestra-1 ,3 ,5(1 O)-triene-3, 17 P3-diol ent-9a -Methylestra-1 ,3,5(1 Q)-triene-3, 17 f3-diol ent-9a -Ethylestra-1 1 )-triene-3, 17 P-diol ent-1 1 f-Fluoroestra-1 ,3,5(l 1 )-tdene-3, 17 1-dial ent-Estra-1 ,3,5(1 O)-triene-3, 16 1-dial ent-3, 16a -Dihydroxyestra-1 5(1 O)-trien-1 7-one. WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 62 Use of ent-steroids of general formula I R11 R3(I) in which R means a hydrogen atom; a group R1 2 whereby R 12 means a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon radical with up to 5 carbon atoms, which can contain a C-C-double bond or a C-C-triple bond; a group R' 3 SO 2 in which R 1 3 is an R' 4 R' 5 N group, whereby R 14 and R i 1 independently of one another, mean a hydrogen atom, a C 1 -Cs alkyl radical, a group C(O)R' 6 in which R 1 represents a hydrocarbon radical with up to 12 carbon atoms, which can additionally contain up to three double bonds and/or triple bonds, a C 3 -C 7 cycloalkyl radical, an aryl radical or a combination of these structural features, or, together with the N-atom mean a polymethylenimino radical with 4 to 6 C atoms or a morpholino radical; R 2 means a group R 12 R' 3 SO 2 or -O-C(O)R 16 with R 12 R 13 and R' 6 in each case in the meaning that is indicated under R 1 WO 00/63228 PCT/EP00/03470 63 R 3 R 4 R 8 and R 9 independently of one another, mean a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a group R 12 R 3 SO 2 or R 1 6 with R 12 R 13 and R 16 in each case in the meaning that is indicated under R'; R 6 means a P-position hydrogen atom and R means a hydrogen atom or R 6 and R 7 together mean an c- or p-methylene group; R 1 i means two hydrogen atoms; two halogen atoms; a hydrogen atom and a halogen atom; a group =CR 7 R1 8 in which R' 7 and R 1 8 independently of one another, represent a hydrogen atom and a halogen atom; a hydrogen atom and a group R 12 a hydrogen atom and a group R' 3 SOz-O-; a group R 12 and a group -O-C(O)R 16 a group R 1 2 and a hydroxyl group; with R' 2 R 1 and R 16 in each case in the meaning that is indicated under an oxygen atom; R" 1 means a hydrogen atom, a methyl or ethyl group; R 9 means a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon radical with up to five carbon atoms, which can be partially or completely fluorinated and which can contain a C-C double bond or a C-C triple bond; and one or more double bonds can be present in positions 6, 7; 7, 8; 8, 9; 9, 11; 11, 12; 8, 14; 14, 15; 15, 16 and 16, 17, for treatment of estrogen-deficiency-induced diseases and conditions in the female and the male. WO 00/63228 PCT/EPOO/03470 64

16. Use of steroids according to claim 15, which are derived from ent-13- alkylgonane.

17. Use of 13-alkylgonanes according to claim 16, which have one or more double bonds in the steroid skeleton.

18. Use of 13-alkylgonanes according to claim 3 with an aromatic A-ring.

19. Use of alkylgonanes according to claim 18 with one or more additional double bonds in rings B, C and D of the steroid skeleton. Use of 13-alkylgonanes according to claim 18, in which R 2 is a hydroxy group.

21. Use of ent-13-alkylgona-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ols according to claim 20, in which R 10 means a hydrogen atom and a hydroxyl group.

22. Use of ent-13-alkylgona-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ols according to claim 20, in which R 9 means a hydroxyl group.

23. Use of ent-13-alkylgona-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ols according to claim 20, in which R 9 stands for a hydroxyl group and R 1 0 stands for a hydrogen atom and a hydroxyl group.

24. Use of ent-13-alkylgona-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ols according to claim 20, in which R 1 stands for an oxygen atom. Use of ent-13-alkylgona-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ols according to claim 22, in which R 1 0 stands for an oxygen atom.

26. Use of ent-steroids according to claim 16, in which R" is a methyl group.

27. Use of ent-steroids according to claim 16, in which R 1 is an ethyl group.

28. Use of the ent-steroids below according to claim WO 00/63228 PCT/EPOO/03470 ent-Estriol ent-Estriol-3-sulfa mate e nt-EstrioI- 3 -(Nacetyl)su Ifa mate ent-Estriol-3, 16,1 7 -trip ropionate ent-Estron e-3-suIfa mate ent-Estro n e-3.(N-a cety)suIfa mate e nt-Estradiol3s ulfa mate ent-Estradiol-3, 1 7 -disulfamate ent-Estrad ioI- 3 -(N-acetyI)sulfa mate ent-Estraldiol-3, l 7 -bis(N-acetyl)sulfa mate ent-Estrone-(N-.propionyl)sulfamate ent-Estradioi3(N,N-d.imethyl)sulfamate ent-Estradiol-3-(N, N-d iethyl)su lfa mate ent-Estradio-3-pyrrolidinosulfonate ent-Estradioll1 7 -valerianate ent-EstradiollI 7 -decanoate ent-3, 17 1-Dihydroxy-estra.l,3 ,5(l l)-trien-2-yl-sulfa mate ent- 1 6a -Hydroxy- 1 7 -oxo-estra- 1,3,5(1 O)-trien-3-yl-sulfamate ent-3, 16a -Dihydroxyestrai 73,5(1 O)-trien-1 7 -one ent-1 6cx -Hydroxy-3methoy-estra-1,3, 5(1 O)-trien-1 7-one ent-Estra- 1,3,5(1 O)-triene-3,1I6a -diol ent- 3 -Methoxyestra-1,3,5(1 O)-triene-i 6cc, 1 7J3-diol ent-2-Methoxyestra-1,3,5(1 O)-triene-3, 17 O3-diol PCT/EPOOIO3470 WO 00/63228 66 ent-1 7P-Hydroxy-l 4c ,15ac -methylen-estra- 1,3,5(1 0)-trien-3-yI-(N- acetyl)sulfa mate ent-14cc 1 5ca -Methylen-estra-1 ,3,5(1 Q)triene-3,1 7 P-dioI ent-1 4 P, 15 f-Methylen-estra-l ,3 1 0)-triene-3, 17 p-dioI ent-1 4ca 1 5a -M ethyl en-estra- 1 3,5 (1 0),8-tetra ene-3,1 7ca -diol ent-l 7cc -Hydroxy-1 4ac 1 5a -methylen-estra-1 ,3 ,5(1I0),8-tetraen-3-yI-(N- acetyl)sulIfa mate ent-1 4 P, 15 P-Methylen-estra-1 ,3,5(1 Q),8-tetraene-3,1 7 P-diot ent-1 6c-Hydroxy-estra-l13,5(1 0)-tden-3-yI-suifa mate ent- 1 6cc-Hyd roxy-estra-1 ,3,5(l 10)-trien-3-y-benzoate ent-3-Hyd roxy-estra-1 ,3 1 0)-trien-1 7cc -yI-undecanoate ent-1 7 P-Hyd roxy-estra-1, ,3,5(l 0),8-tetraen-3-yl-su lfa mate ent-1 7 J-Hyd roxy-estra-1 ,3,5(1I0),8-tetraen-3-y-(N-butyryl)sulfamate ent-Estra-1 .3,5(10) ,8-tetraene-3, 17cc -diol ent-Estra-1 ,3,5(1 0),9(8 -tetraene-3, 17 -dio ent-Estra-1 ,3,5(1 Q),9(lItetraene-3 ,17 3-diol ent-Estra-1 ,3,5(10),7-tetraene-3,17c P-diol ent-1 7 P-Hydroxy-estra-1 ,3,5(1 0),7-tetraen-3-yI-sulfamate ent-Estra- 1,3,5(1 0),6-tetraene-3,1I7j3-diol ent-Estra-1 ,3,5(1 0),6 ,8-tetraene-3, 1 7f-diol ent-Estra-1 ,3 ,5(1I0),6 ,8-tetraene-3, 17cc -diol WO 00/63228 PCTIEPOO/rj3470 67 ent-Estra- 1,3,5(1 1 4 -pentaene-3,1 l 7 0-dioI-3-butyrate ent-Estra-1 ,3,5(1 1 4-pentaene-3, 1 7 a -diol ent-Estradjol ent-EstradioI-3acetate ent-Estradol. 1 7 -acetate ent-Estradiof..diacetate ent-Estrone ent-Estron-acetate ent-Estradiol3benzoate ent-1 7a -Ethinyl-estra-i ,3,5(1 O)-triene-3, 17-dioI ent-1 7a -Ethinyl-estra-l ,3,5(1 O)-triene-3, l 7 -diyI-djacetate ent-3-Hydroxfrestra-1, 3 ,5(lO), 7 -tetraen-1 7-one ent-3-Hydroxy-estra-1,3,5(1 O),6 8 -pentaen-1 7-one ent-1 6 I-Bromo-3..methoy-estra-1,3,5(1 0)-trien- 1 7 -one ent-7ca -Methylestra- 1,3,5(1 O)-triene-3, 17 j3-diol ent-9a -Methylestra..i,3,5(1 O)-triene-3, 17 P-diol ent-9a -Ethylestra-1 ,3 ,5(1 O)-triene-3, 17 f3-dioI ent-1 1 1-Fluoroestra-1 ,3,5(10O)triene-3, 17 P-dioI ent-Estra- 1,3,5(1 O)-tdene-3, 16 1-dial .ent-3, 1 6 a -Dihydroxyestrai 1 )-trien-1 7 -one. WO 00/63228 PCTIEPOO/03470 68

29. Use according to claim 15 for treatment of peri- and postmenopausal symptoms. Use according to claim 15 for treatment of peri- and post-male-menopausal symptoms.

31. Use according to claim 29 for prevention and treatment of hot flashes, sleep disturbances, irritability, mood swings, incontinence, vaginal atrophy, and hormone- deficiency-induced emotional diseases.

32. Use according to claim 31 for prevention and treatment of diseases in the urogenital tract.

33. Use according to claim 15 for prevention and therapy of gastrointestinal diseases.

34. Use according to claim 33 for prevention and therapy of ulcers and hemorrhagic diatheses in the gastrointestinal tract. Use according to claim 34 for prevention and therapy of neoplasias.

36. Use according to claim 15 for in-vitro treatment of male infertility.

37. Use according to claim 15 for in-vivo treatment of male infertility.

38. Use according to claim 15 for in-vitro treatment of female infertility.

39. Use according to claim 15 for in-vivo treatment of female infertility. Use according to claim 15 for hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

41. Use according to claim 15 for the therapy of hormone-deficiency-induced symptoms in the case of surgical, medicinal or ovarian dysfunction that is caused in some other way.

42. Use according to claim 15 for prophylaxis and therapy of a hormone- deficiency-induced bone mass loss.

43. Use according to claim 42 for prophylaxis and therapy of osteoporosis.

44. Use according to claim 15 for prevention and therapy of cardiovascular diseases. Use according to claim 15 for prevention and treatment of vascular diseases.

46. Use according to claim 45 for prevention and treatment of arteriosclerosis.

47. Use according to claim 45 for prevention and treatment of neointimal hyperplasias.

48. Use according to claim 15 for prevention and treatment of hormone- deficiency-induced neurodegenerative diseases.

49. Use according to claim 15 for prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and hormone-deficiency-induced impairment of memory and learning capacity. Use according to claim 15 for treatment of inflammatory diseases and diseases of the immune system.

51. Use according to claim 15 for prevention and treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

52. Use of structural part 9P-, 10a-, 13a-, 14p-)-gonane as a component of the total structure of compounds, that have a dissociation in favor of their estrogenic action on bone rather than the uterus.

53. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain at least one compound according to one of claims 1 to 14 as well as a pharmaceutically compatible vehicle. DATED this 3 1 st day of MARCH 2004 Schering Aktiengesellschaft By its Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE