WO2009134725A2

WO2009134725A2 - Compositions and methods for treating progesterone-dependent conditions

Info

Publication number: WO2009134725A2
Application number: PCT/US2009/041841
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph S. Podolski; Ronald D. Wiehle
Original assignee: Repros Therapeutics Inc.
Priority date: 2008-04-28
Filing date: 2009-04-27
Publication date: 2009-11-05
Also published as: CL2009001012A1; WO2009134725A3; TW201002736A

Abstract

The subject matter of the instant invention is pertinent to the field of treatment of progesterone-dependent conditions. Compositions for practicing the methods, comprising one or more 19-norsteroid progesterone receptor modulators having a monomethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the 11 β-position of carbon 11 and exhibiting low antiglucocorticoid activity, are also disclosed. Embodiments of the instant invention disclose methods for treating endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, breast cancer, uterine fibroids and endometrial hyperproliferation.

Description

COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING PROGESTERONE- DEPENDENT CONDITIONS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[00001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/048,459, filed April 28, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[00002] The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the treatment of various progesterone-dependent conditions. More specifically, the present invention relates to compositions comprising one or more 19-norsteroid progesterone receptor modulators, preferably derived from 19-nortestosterone or 19- norprogesterone, comprising a monomethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the 11 β- position of carbon 11, with low antiglucocorticoid activity for treating a progesterone- dependent condition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[00003] The effect of the steroid hormone progesterone on the reproductive system has been well-documented. For example, progesterone is vital to establishing and maintaining pregnancy and exerts actions on a various tissues of the reproductive system. The action of progesterone on tissues outside the reproductive system has been reported but is less well characterized.

[00004] Antiprogestins, compounds which inhibit the action of progesterone, have considerable potential for use in the pharmacological regulation of fertility and a variety of conditions and diseases such as breast cancer and endometriosis. The first reported antiprogestin, mifepristone (RU 486), is one of a number of 19- nortestsosterone derivatives with strong affinity for both the progesterone and glucocorticoid receptors and with antiprogestational and antiglucocorticoid activity. A variety of antiprogestins based on the 19-norprogesterone backbone have also been synthesized; however, many of these molecules also exhibit marked antiglucocorticoid activity.

[00005] The antiglucocorticoid activity of these antiprogestins make them unsuitable for chronic administration due, inter alia, to increases in circulating concentrations of Cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone and adrenal androgens. Accordingly, there remains a need for antiprogestins with very low antiglucocorticoid activity for chronic administration in the treatment of progesterone-dependent conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00006] The instant invention relates to methods of using 19-nortestosterone- or 19-norprogesterone-derived antiprogestins comprising a monomethylamine- substituted phenyl ring at the 1 lβ-position of carbon 11, to treat a variety of progesterone-dependent conditions. The antiprogestin may be a pure antiprogestin or a selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM), so long as the antiprogestin has low affinity for glucocorticoid receptor and is administered in an amount effective to treat a progesterone-dependent condition.

[00007] Hormone-dependent conditions that may be treated by compositions of the invention include, without limitation, endometriosis, dysmenorrhea!, endocrine hormone-dependent tumors, uterine fibroids and endometrial hyperproliferation. Compositions of the instant invention may also be used to induce menses, to induce labor and for contraception.

[00008] The instant invention is also related to methods for improving the handling characteristics of 19-norsteroid-derived antiprogestins.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00009] The term "effective dosage" means an amount of the composition's active component sufficient to treat a particular condition.

[00010] The term "selective progesterone receptor modulators" means compounds that affect functions of progesterone receptor in a tissue-specific manner. The compounds act as progesterone receptor antagonists in some tissues (for example, in breast tissue) and as progesterone receptor agonists in other tissues (for example, in the uterus).

[00011] The term "treat" or "treatment" as used herein refers to any treatment of any progesterone-dependent disorder or disease, and includes, but is not limited to, inhibiting the disorder or disease arresting the development of the disorder or disease; relieving the disorder or disease, for example, causing regression of the disorder or disease; or relieving the condition caused by the disease or disorder, relieving the symptoms of the disease or disorder.

[00012] The term "prevent" or "prevention," in relation to a progesterone- dependent disorder or disease, means preventing the onset of disorder or disease development if none had occurred, or preventing further disorder or disease development if the disorder or disease was already present. For example, compositions of the present invention may be used to prevent the recurrence of tumors. Recurrence of tumors may occur because of residual microscopic groups or nests of tumor cells which subsequently expand into clinically detectable tumors. [00013] The term "progesterone agonist" means a compound that binds to a progesterone receptor and mimics the action of the natural hormone. [00014] The term "progesterone antagonist" means a compound that binds to a progesterone receptor and inhibits the effect of progesterone. [00015] The term "not substantially reduced" as used herein in reference to hormone levels in a female means that hormone levels are maintained within the normal range during administration of compositions of the invention. Thus, it is considered that some reduction in a hormone level may occur so long as the hormone level is maintained within the normal range.

[00016] The term "not substantially increased" as used herein in reference to hormone levels in a female means that hormone levels are maintained within the normal range during administration of compositions of the instant invention. Thus, it is considered that some elevation in a hormone level may occur so long as the hormone level is maintained within the normal range.

[00017] The present invention relates to methods of treating a progesterone- dependent condition by administering a composition comprising one or more 19- nortestosterone- or 19-norprogesterone-derived antiprogestins comprising a monomethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the 1 lβ-position of carbon 11. It is expected that a 19-nortestosterone- or 19-norprogesterone-derived antiprogestin with a monomethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the 11 β-position of carbon 11 will exhibit lower antiglucocorticoid activity than the identical compound comprising a dimethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the same position, while retaining at least a substantial fraction of the antiprogestin activity. The antiprogestin may be a pure antiprogestin or may be a specific progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM), so long as the antiprogestin has low glucorticoid activity. Preferably, the antiprogestin has low estrogenic/antiestrogenic activity such that serum estrogen levels are substantially preserved in the patient following administration of the antiprogestin.

[00018] In one aspect of the invention, a composition of the invention is administered to a patient with breast cancer in order to treat the breast cancer.

[00019] In a related aspect of the invention, a composition of the invention is administered to a breast cancer patient with one or more tumors resistant to antiestrogen treatments in order to treat the breast cancer. For example, compounds of the instant invention may be particularly useful for treating tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer in patients.

[00020] In another aspect of the invention, a composition of the instant invention is administered to a female undergoing estrogen therapy in order to prevent the development of breast cancer in the female.

[00021] In another aspect of the invention, a composition of the invention is administered to a female patient in need thereof in order to suppress endometrial proliferation.

[00022] In a related aspect of the invention, a composition of the invention is administered to a female patient in need thereof in order to treat endometriosis.

[00023] In another aspect of the invention, a composition of the invention is administered to a female in need thereof in order to treat dysmenorrheal.

[00024] In yet another aspect of the invention, a composition of the invention is administered to a female in need thereof in order to treat uterine fibroids.

[00025] In another aspect of the invention, a composition of the invention is administered to female in need thereof in order to induce menses in the female. [00026] In yet another aspect of the invention, a composition of the invention is administered to a female in need thereof in order to induce labor. [00027] In yet another aspect of the invention, a composition of the invention is administered to female in need thereof as a contraceptive. [00028] The compounds of the instant invention are suitable for a prolonged administration because the compounds have only low glucocorticoid receptor binding activity and therefore, the compounds do not interfere with functions of glucocorticoid receptor. Thus, the application of the compounds may have reduced side effects, such as mood swings, fatigue and weight loss, typically found when antiprogestins with a high affinity for glucocorticoid receptor are used. Preferably, compounds of the instant invention also have low, or substantially no, estrogenic, anti-estrogenic and anti-androgenic activities.

[00029] Any of the methods of the invention may comprise administering a composition of the invention for an administration period of least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 or more days. The composition may also be administered for an administration period of least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or more months. The composition may also be administered for an administration period of at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more years. During the administration period, the composition may be administered daily or periodically such as every other day, every other month, and the like. The composition may also be administered intermittently. For example, the composition may be administered for an administration period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more months, followed by a period of discontinuance, followed by an administration period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more months, and so on. [00030] Any known 19-norprogesterone or 19-nortestosterone derivative comprising a monomethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the 1 lβ-position of carbon 11 with characteristics of the compounds described above can be used by an artisan practicing the instant invention.

[00031] In one embodiment, compounds of the invention may be synthesized by monodemethylation of compounds disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,861,415 and 6,900,193, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, which are 21 -substituted 19-norpregnanes of the general formula:

wherein:

X is N,N-dimethylamino;

Ri may be, for example O, NOH or NO-methyl;

R-₂ may be, for example hydrogen or acetyl; and

R3 may be, for example methyloxy, formyloxy, acetoxy, acyloxy, S-alkoxy, acetyltheonyl, glycimate, vinyl ether, acethyloxymethyl, methyl carbonate, halogens, methyl, hydroxy, and ethyloxy. [00032] For example, 21 -substituted 19-norpregnanes which may be monodemethylated to form compounds useful in the invention include, but are not limited to, the following 24 compounds disclosed below.

1. CDB-4247 (21-propionyloxy-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4 N, N-dimethylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 21-propionyloxy-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4-N- methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione.

2. CDB-4361 (21-(l'-ethenyloxy)-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4 N, N-dimethylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 21 -vinyl ether- 17α-acetoxy- 1 lβ-(4-N- methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione.

3. CDB-4059 (21-acetoxy-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4 N, N-dimethylaminophenyl)-19- norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 21-acetoxy-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4-N- methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione.

4. CDB-4124 (21-methoxy-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4 N, N-dimethylaminophenyl)-19- norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 21-methoxy-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4-N- methylaminophenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione (CDB-4453).

5. CDB-4031 (21 -bromine- 17α-acetoxy- 11 β-(4 N, N-dimethylaminophenyl)- 19- norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 21 -bromine- 17α-acetoxy- 1 lβ-(4-N- methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione.

6. CDB-3876 (21 -chlorine- 17α-acetoxy- 1 lβ-(4 N, N-dimethylaminophenyl)-19- norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 21 -chlorine- 17α-acetoxy- 1 lβ-(4-N- methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione.

7. CDB-4058 (21-flourine-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4 N, N-dimethylaminophenyl)-19- norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 21-flourine-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4-N- methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione.

8. CDB-4030 (21 -methyl- 17α-acetoxy- 1 lβ-(4 N, N-dimethylaminophenyl)-19- norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 21 -methyl- 17α-acetoxy- 1 lβ-(4-N- methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione.

9. CDB-4152 (21 -hydroxy- 17α-acetoxy- 1 lβ-(4 N, N-dimethylaminophenyl)-19- norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 21 -hydroxy- 17α-acetoxy- 1 lβ-(4-N- methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione.

10. CDB-4167 (21-ethyloxy-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4 N, N-dimethylaminophenyl)-19- norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 21-ethyloxy-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4-N- methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione.

11. CDB-4101 (21 -methoxythio- 17α-acetoxy- 11 β-(4 N, N-dimethylaminophenyl)- 19- norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 21-methoxythio-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4-N- methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione.

12. CDB-4110 (21-acetonide-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4 N, N-dimethylaminophenyl)-19- norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 21-acetonide-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4-N- methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione.

13. CDB-4111 (21 -BMD- 17α-acetoxy- 11 β-(4 N, N-dimethylaminophenyl)- 19- norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 21-BMD-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4-N- methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione.

14. CDB-4125 (21-(Cyp*-hydroxy)-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4 N, N- dimethylaminophenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

*Cyp = 3-Cyclopentylpropionyloxy-

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 2 l-(Cyp* -hydroxy)- 17α-acetoxy- 1 lβ-(4-N- methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione.

15. CDB-4205 (3 -hydroxy amino-21 -methoxy- 17α-acetoxy- 11 β-(4 N, N- dimethylaminophenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 3-hydroxyamino-21-methoxy-17α-acetoxy- 11 β-(4-N-methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione

16. CDB-4206 (3-hydroxyamino-21-acetoxy-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4 N, N- dimethylaminophenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 3-hydroxyamino-21-acetoxy-17α-acetoxy- 11 β-(4-N-methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione.

17. CDB-4226 (3-hydroxyamino-21-ethyloxy-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4 N, N- dimethylaminophenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 3-hydroxyamino-21-ethyloxy-17a-acetoxy- 11 β-(4-N-methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione

18. CDB-4262 β-methoxyamino^l-ethyloxy-πα-acetoxy-l lβ-(4 N, N- dimethylaminophenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 3-methoxyamino-21-ethyloxy-17α-acetoxy- 11 β-(4-N-methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione.

19. CDB-4223 (21-methylthio-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4 N, N-dimethylaminophenyl)-19- norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 21-methylthio-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4-N- methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione

20. CDB-4119 (4-benzoin-21 -acetylthio- 17α-acetoxy- 11 β-(4 N, N- dimethylaminophenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 4-benzoin-21 -acetylthio- 17α-acetoxy- 1 lβ-(4- N-methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione. 21. CDB-4239 (4-benzoin-21-methoxy-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4 N, N- dimethylaminophenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 4-benzoin-21-methoxy-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4- N-methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione.

22. CDB-4306 (21-glycinate-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4 N, N-dimethylaminophenyl)-19- norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 21-glycinate-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4-N- methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione.

23. CDB-4352 (21-cyanothio-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4 N, N-dimethylaminophenyl)-19 norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula:

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 21-cyanothio-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4-N- methylaminophenyl)- 19 norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione.

24. CDB-4362 (21-methoxyacetyl-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4 N, N-dimethylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) with the following structural formula

which, when monodemethylated, becomes 21-methoxyacetyl-17α-acetoxy-l lβ-(4-N- methylaminophenyl)- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3 ,20-dione.

[00033] CDB-4453 (21 -methoxy- 17α-acetoxy- 11 β-(4-N-methylaminophenyl)- 19- norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione), a monodemethylated derivative of CDB-4124, has been demonstrated to possess even lower anti-glucocorticoid activity than its parent. Attardi et al, 2002, MoI. Cell. Endocrin. 188:111-123, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[00034] Monodemethylation of any 19-nortestosterone- or 19-norprogesterone- derived antiprogestin with a dimethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the 11 β- position of carbon 11 may occur by any method known in the art, such as the oxidative N-demethylation procedure described in Example 46 of U.S. Patent No. 6,900,193 for the synthesis of 17α-acetoxy-l lβ-[4-(N-methylamino)phenyl]-21- methoxy-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione from dimethylaminophenyl precursors. [00035] Other compounds which may be monodemethylated to form compounds useful in the invention include, without limitation, the following: [00036] Mifepristone (RU-486; 11 β-[4 N,N-dimethylaminophenyl]- 17β-hydroxy- 17-(l-propynyl)-estra-4,9-dien-3-one), which, upon monodemethylation becomes 11 β-[4-N-methylaminophenyl]- 17β-hydroxy- 17-(l -propynyl)-estra-4,9-dien-3-one with the following structure:

Mifepristone

[00037] l lβ-[4-N-methylaminophenyl]-17β-hydroxy-17-(l-propynyl)-estra-4,9- dien-3-one is a particularly preferred antiprogestin for use in the present invention. [00038] Onapristone (1 lβ-(4 N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)-17α-hydroxy-17-(3- hydroxypropyl)-13a-estra-4,9-dien-3-one), which upon monodemethylation becomes (11 β-(4-N-methylaminophenyl)- 17α-hydroxy- 17-(3-hydroxypropyl)- 13α-estra-4,9- dien-3-one) with the following structure:

Onapristone

[00039] Lilopristone (1 lβ-(4 N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)-17β-hydroxy-17-((Z)-3- hydroxypropenyl)estra-4,9-dien-3-one), which upon monodemethylation becomes (11 β-(4-N-methylaminophenyl)- 17β-hydroxy- 17-((Z)-3-hydroxypropenyl)estra-4,9- dien-3-one) with the following structure:

Lilopristone

[00040] ORG-31710 ((6α, 11 β, 17β)- 11 -(4-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)-6-methyl- 4',5'-dihydrospiro[estra-4,9-diene-17,2'(3'H)-furan]-3-one), which upon monodemethylation becomes (6α,l lβ,17β)-l l-(4-N-methylaminophenyl)-6-methyl- 4',5'-dihydrospiro[estra-4,9-diene-17,2'(3'H)-furan]-3-one with the following structure:

ORG-31710

[00041] ORG-31806 ((7β,l lβ,17β)-l l-(4 N,N-dimethylaminophenyl-7-methyl]- 4',5'-dihydrospiro[estra-4,9-diene-17,2'(3'H)-furan]-3-one), which upon monodemethylation becomes ((7β,l lβ,17β)-l l-(4-N-methylaminophenyl-7-methyl]- 4',5'-dihydrospiro[estra-4,9-diene-17,2'(3'H)-furan]-3-one) with the following structure:

ORG-31806

[00042] ORG-33245 ((I lβ,17α)-17,23-epoxy-l l-[(4 N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl]- 19,24- dinorchola-4,9,20-trien-3-one), which upon monodemethylation becomes (1 lβ,17α)-17,23-epoxy-l l-[(4-N-methylamino)phenyl]-19,24- dinorchola-4,9,20- trien-3-one with the following structure:

ORG-33245

[00043] Further contemplated for use in the present invention are monomethylaminophenyl-substituted 11 β-aryl-estradienes produced by monodemethylation of compounds of general formula I of U.S. Patent No. 4,829,060, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [00044] Further contemplated for use in the present invention are monomethylaminophenyl-substituted 19-nor steroids and 19-nor-D-homo steroids produced by monodemethylation of compounds having the general formulas disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,386,085, 4,447,424, 4,519,946 and 4,634,695, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, wherein R¹ is dimethy laminopheny 1.

[00045] Further contemplated for use in the present invention are monomethylaminophenyl-substituted 11 β-aryl estradienes produced by monodemethylation of compounds having formula I disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,536,401, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, wherein R¹ is dimethylamino.

[00046] Further contemplated for use in the present invention are monomethylaminophenyl-substituted 13α-alkyl-gonanes produced by monodemethylatiuon of compounds having formula I disclosed in U.S. Patent No.

4,780,461, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[00047] Further contemplated for use in the present invention are 11 β- arylestradienes having general Formula I of U.S. Patent No. 4,609,651, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, wherein R¹ is monomethy lamino .

[00048] Further contemplated for use in the present invention are 11 β-aryl-4- estrenes of formula I of U.S. Patent No. 5,728,689, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, wherein R⁴ is monomethy lamino.

[00049] Further contemplated for use in the present invention are 11 β-aryl-4- estrene derivatives of formula I of U.S. Patent Nos. 5,843,933 and 5,843,931, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, wherein R⁴ is monomethy lamino .

[00050] Further contemplated for use in the present invention are 11-arylsteroids disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,921,845, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, wherein R¹ is monomethy laminophenyl.

[00051] Further contemplated for use in the present invention are 11 β-aryl-gona-

4,9-dien-3-ones of formula I of U.S. Patent No. 5,739,125, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, wherein R² is monomethy lamino. [00052] Further contemplated for use in the present invention are 11 β-aryl-gona- 4,9-dienes of formula I of U.S. Patent No. 5,407,928, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, wherein R² is monomethylamino. [00053] Further contemplated for use in the present invention are monomethylaminophenyl-substituted oxa-steroids 6 produced by monodemethylation of compounds disclosed in Kang et al, Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 17(4):907-910 (2007), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[00054] Importantly, the monomethylamine group may be located at the para, ortho, or meta position of the phenyl group, but is preferably at the para position. [00055] In another embodiment, the instant invention provides methods for improving the handling characteristics of 19-norsteroid-derived antiprogestins. Many 19-norsteroid-derived antiprogestins, including those disclosed in International Publication WO97/41145, incorporated herein by reference, are amorphous solids that are very difficult to work with. For example, these compounds are often difficult to isolate and characterize and isolate to a high degree of purity. It has surprisingly been discovered that certain 19-norsteroid-derived antiprogestins having a monomethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the 11 β-position of carbon 11 crystallize in the free base form. In contrast, the free base form of 19-steroid-derived antiprogestins having a dimethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the 11 β-position of carbon 11 are amorphous solids. Without being bound by theory, antiprogestins having a monomethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the 11 β-position of carbon 11 may exhibit a crystalline character based on the higher charge density relative to the dimethylamine-substituted compound. 19-steroid-derived antiprogestins having a monomethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the 11 β-position of carbon 11 may also demonstrate improved salt- forming characteristics. The crystalline property of 19- steroid-derived antiprogestins having a monomethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the 11 β-position of carbon 11 provides advantages in handling and purification. [00056] In another embodiment the instant invention teaches methods that can be used for identifying compounds that possess selective progesterone receptor binding activity. These methods include receptor binding and in vivo bioassays such as anti- McGinty, anti-Clauberg, glucocorticoid, estrogenic, androgenic, anti-glucocorticoid (AG), anti-estrogen, and anti-androgen activities as well as post-coital and anti- ovulatory activities where in the leading compounds of the instant invention are used as a reference.

[00057] In another embodiment, the instant invention teaches that potential antiprogestins can also be analyzed for their transcriptional activity in human cells. When antiprogestins disclosed in the instant invention are used as a reference, this analysis can furnish information about (1) a candidate compound's interaction with the progesterone receptor, (2) interaction of the activated progesterone receptor with other transcription factors, and (3) activation of a transcriptional complex at a progesterone response element (PRE). In these experiments, plasmid expressing the human PR-B isoform (hPR-B) can be cotransfected with any reporter known to a person skilled in the relevant art under the PRE-dependent promoter into HeLa, HepG2 or T47D cells. The reporters may include, but are not limited to, luciferase, beta-galactosidase, green fluorescent protein, red fluorescent protein or yellow fluorescent protein. After transfection, the cells are treated with either a candidate compound or one of the antiprogestins disclosed in this application that serves as a positive control. Following treatment, cells are assayed for reporter expression. [00058] In another embodiment, the instant invention teaches that prospective antiprogestins can be tested for their ability to oppose dexamethasone-induced cell death in human lymphocytic cell line CEM-7 and compared to effects of antiprogestins disclosed in the instant specification. In these experiments, dexamethasone can be added at a concentration that results in cell death. The cells are then treated with either RU486, one of antiprogestins of the instant invention or a test compound at concentrations between 10^~6 and 10^~8 M.

[00059] Antiprogestin compounds that may be used in accordance with the present invention can be synthesized using synthetic chemistry techniques known in the art such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,861,415. It is to be understood that certain functional groups may interfere with other reactants or reagents under the reaction conditions and therefore may need temporary protection. The use of protecting groups is described in 'Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis', 2^nd edition, T. W. Greene & P. G. M. Wutz, Wiley-Interscience (1991). [00060] In one embodiment, compositions of the invention comprise one or more progesterone receptor modulators comprising a monomethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the 1 lβ-position of carbon 11 or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Depending on the process conditions the salt compound obtained may be either in neutral or salt form. Salt forms include hydrates and other solvates and also crystalline polymorphs. Both the free base and the salts of these end products may be used in accordance with the invention. [00061] Acid addition salts may in a manner known per se be transformed into the free base using basic agents such as alkali or by ion exchange. The free base obtained may also form salts with organic or inorganic acids.

[00062] In the preparation of acid addition salts, preferably such acids are used which form suitably pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Examples of such acids are hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, aliphatic acid, alicyclic carboxylic or sulfonic acids, such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, succinic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, glucuronic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, hydroxymaleic acid, pyruvic acid, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, embonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, phenylacetic acid, mandelic acid, alogenbensenesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, galactaric acid, galacturonic acid or naphthalenesulfonic acid. All crystalline form polymorphs may be used in accordance with the invention. [00063] Base addition salts may also be used in accordance with the invention and may be prepared by contacting the free acid form with a sufficient amount of the desired base to produce the salt in the conventional manner. The free acid form may be regenerated by contacting the salt form with an acid and isolating the free acid in the conventional manner. Pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts are formed with metals or amines, such as alkali and alkali earth metals or organic amines. Examples of metals used as cations are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and the like. Examples of suitable amines are amino acids such as lysine, choline, diethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N-methylglucamine and the like. [00064] Compositions of the instant invention can be prepared in the form of a dose unit or dose units suitable for oral, parenteral, transdermal, rectal, transmucosal, or topical administration. Parenteral administration includes, but is not limited to, intravenous, intraarterial, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intrathecal, and intraarticular.

[00065] The terms "oral administration" or "orally deliverable" herein include any form of delivery of a therapeutic agent or a composition thereof to a subject wherein the agent or composition is placed in the mouth of the subject, whether or not the agent or composition is swallowed. Thus, "oral administration" includes buccal and sublingual as well as esophageal (e.g. inhalation) administration.

[00066] In still another embodiment, compositions of the present invention are formulated as rectal suppositories, which may contain suppository bases including, but not limited to, cocoa butter or glycerides.

[00067] Compositions of the present invention may also be formulated for inhalation, which may be in a form including, but not limited to, a solution, suspension, or emulsion that may be administered as a dry powder or in the form of an aerosol using a propellant, such as dichlorofuoromethane or trichlorofluoromethane.

[00068] Compositions of the present invention may also be formulated for transdermal delivery, for example as a cream, ointment, lotion, paste, gel, medicated plaster, patch, or membrane. Such compositions can comprise any suitable excipients, for example penetration enhancers and the like. [00069] Compositions of the present invention may also be formulated for parenteral administration including, but not limited to, by injection or continuous infusion. Formulations for injection may be in the form of suspensions, solutions, or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles. Such compositions may also be provided in powder form for reconstitution with a suitable vehicle including, but not limited to, sterile, pyrogen-free water, WFI, and the like.

[00070] Compositions of the present invention may also be formulated as a depot preparation, which may be administered by implantation or by intramuscular injection. Such compositions may be formulated with suitable polymeric or hydrophobic materials (as an emulsion in an acceptable oil, for example), ion exchange resins, or as sparingly soluble derivatives (as a sparingly soluble salt, for example).

[00071] Compositions of the present invention may also be formulated as a liposome preparation. Liposome preparations can comprise liposomes which penetrate the cells of interest or the stratum corneum and fuse with the cell membrane resulting in delivery of the contents of the liposome into the cell. For example, liposomes such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,077,211 to Yarosh, U.S. Patent No. 4,621,023 to Redziniak et al, or U.S. Patent No. 4,508,703 to Redziniak et al. can be used.

[00072] A composition of the invention can be in the form of solid dosage units such as tablets, (e.g. suspension tablets, bite suspension tablets, rapid dispersion tablets, chewable tablets, effervescent tablets, bilayer tablets, etc.), caplets, capsules (e.g., a soft or a hard gelatin capsule), powder (e.g. a packaged powder, a dispensable powder or an effervescent powder), lozenges, sachets, cachets, troches, pellets, granules, microgranules, encapsulated microgranules, powder aerosol formulations, or any other solid dosage form reasonably adapted for administration. [00073] Tablets can be prepared according to any of the many relevant, well known pharmacy techniques. In one embodiment, tablets or other solid dosage forms can be prepared by processes that employ one or a combination of methods including, without limitation, (1) dry mixing, (2) direct compression, (3) milling, (4) dry or nonaqueous granulation, (5) wet granulation, or (6) fusion.

[00074] The individual steps in the wet granulation process of tablet preparation typically include milling and sieving of the ingredients, dry powder mixing, wet massing, granulation and final grinding. Dry granulation involves compressing a powder mixture into a rough tablet or "slug" on a heavy-duty rotary tablet press. The slugs are then broken up into granular particles by a grinding operation, usually by passage through an oscillation granulator. The individual steps include mixing of the powders, compressing (slugging) and grinding (slug reduction or granulation). Typically, no wet binder or moisture is involved in any of the steps. [00075] In another embodiment, solid dosage forms can be prepared by mixing an antiprogestin with one or more pharmaceutical excipients to form a substantially homogenous preformulation blend. The preformulation blend can then be subdivided and optionally further processed (e.g. compressed, encapsulated, packaged, dispersed, etc.) into any desired dosage forms.

[00076] Compressed tablets can be prepared by compacting a powder or granulation composition of the invention. The term "compressed tablet" generally refers to a plain, uncoated tablet suitable for oral ingestion, prepared by a single compression or by pre-compaction tapping followed by a final compression. Tablets of the present invention may be coated or otherwise compounded to provide a dosage form affording the advantage of improved handling or storage characteristics. In one embodiment, any such coating will be selected so as to not substantially delay onset of therapeutic effect of a composition of the invention upon administration to a subject. The term "suspension tablet" as used herein refers to a compressed tablet that rapidly disintegrates after placement in water.

[00077] Suitable liquid dosage forms of a composition of the invention include solutions, aqueous or oily suspensions, elixirs, syrups, emulsions, liquid aerosol formulations, gels, creams, ointments, etc. Such compositions may also be formulated as a dry product for constitution with water or other suitable vehicle before use.

[00078] In one embodiment, liquid or semi-solid compositions, upon storage in a closed container maintained at either room temperature, refrigerated {e.g. about 5 -10 ⁰C) temperature, or freezing temperature for a period of about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 months, exhibit at least about 90%, at least about 92.5%, at least about 95%, or at least about 97.5% of the original antiprogestin compound present therein. [00079] Compositions of the invention can, if desired, include one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The term "excipient" herein means any substance, not itself a therapeutic agent, used as a carrier or vehicle for delivery of a therapeutic agent to a subject or added to a pharmaceutical composition to improve its handling or storage properties or to permit or facilitate formation of a unit dose of the composition. Excipients include, by way of illustration and not limitation, diluents, disintegrants, binding agents, adhesives, wetting agents, lubricants, glidants, surface modifying agents or surfactants, fragrances, suspending agents, emulsifying agents, nonaqueous vehicles, preservatives, antioxidants, adhesives, agents to adjust pH and osmolarity (e.g. buffering agents), preservatives, thickening agents, sweetening agents, flavoring agents, taste masking agents, colorants or dyes, penetration enhancers and substances added to improve appearance of the composition. [00080] Excipients optionally employed in compositions of the invention can be solids, semi-solids, liquids or combinations thereof. Compositions of the invention containing excipients can be prepared by any known technique of pharmacy that comprises mixing an excipient with a drug or therapeutic agent. [00081] Compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable diluents as excipients. Suitable diluents illustratively include, either individually or in combination, lactose, including anhydrous lactose and lactose monohydrate; starches, including directly compressible starch and hydrolyzed starches (e.g., Celutab™ and Emdex™); mannitol; sorbitol; xylitol; dextrose (e.g. , Cerelose™ 2000) and dextrose monohydrate; dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate; sucrose-based diluents; confectioner's sugar; monobasic calcium sulfate monohydrate; calcium sulfate dihydrate; granular calcium lactate trihydrate; dextrates; inositol; hydrolyzed cereal solids; amylose; celluloses including microcrystalline cellulose, food grade sources of α- and amorphous cellulose (e.g. , Rexcel™) and powdered cellulose; calcium carbonate; glycine; bentonite; polyvinylpyrrolidone; and the like. Such diluents, if present, constitute in total about 5% to about 99%, about 10% to about 85%, or about 20% to about 80%, of the total weight of the composition. Any diluent or diluents selected preferably exhibit suitable flow properties and, where tablets are desired, compressibility. [00082] The use of extragranular microcrystalline cellulose (that is, microcrystalline cellulose added to a wet granulated composition after a drying step) can be used to improve hardness (for tablets) and/or disintegration time. [00083] Compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable disintegrants as excipients, particularly for tablet, capsule or other solid formulations. Suitable disintegrants include, either individually or in combination, starches, including sodium starch glycolate (e.g., Explotab™ of Pen West) and pregelatinized corn starches (e.g., National™ 1551, National™ 1550, and Colocorn™ 1500), clays (e.g., Veegum™ HV), celluloses such as purified cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and sodium carboxymethylcellulose, croscarmellose sodium (e.g., Ac-Di-Sol™ of FMC), alginates, crospovidone, and gums such as agar, guar, xanthan, locust bean, karaya, pectin and tragacanth gums.

[00084] Disintegrants may be added at any suitable step during the preparation of the composition, particularly prior to a granulation step or during a lubrication step prior to compression. Such disintegrants, if present, constitute in total about 0.2% to about 30%, about 0.2% to about 10%, or about 0.2% to about 5%, of the total weight of the composition.

[00085] Compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable binding agents or adhesives as excipients, particularly for tablet formulations. Such binding agents and adhesives preferably impart sufficient cohesion to the powder being tableted to allow for normal processing operations such as sizing, lubrication, compression and packaging, but still allow the tablet to disintegrate and the composition to be absorbed upon ingestion. Suitable binding agents and adhesives include, either individually or in combination, acacia; tragacanth; sucrose; gelatin; glucose; starches such as, but not limited to, pregelatinized starches (e.g., National™ 1511 and National™ 1500); celluloses such as, but not limited to, methylcellulose and carmellose sodium (e.g., Tylose™); alginic acid and salts of alginic acid; magnesium aluminum silicate; PEG; guar gum; polysaccharide acids; bentonites; povidone, for example povidone K-15, K-30 and K-29/32; polymethacrylates; HPMC; hydroxypropylcellulose (e.g., Klucel™); and ethylcellulose (e.g., Ethocel™). Such binding agents and/or adhesives, if present, constitute in total about 0.5% to about 25%, about 0.75% to about 15%, or about 1% to about 10%, of the total weight of the composition. [00086] Compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable wetting agents as excipients. Non-limiting examples of surfactants that can be used as wetting agents in compositions of the invention include quaternary ammonium compounds, for example benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride and cetylpyridinium chloride, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers, for example nonoxynol 9, nonoxynol 10, and octoxynol 9, poloxamers (polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene block copolymers), polyoxyethylene fatty acid glycerides and oils, for example polyoxyethylene (8) caprylic/capric mono- and diglycerides (e.g. , Labrasol™ of Gattefosse), polyoxyethylene (35) castor oil and polyoxyethylene (40) hydrogenated castor oil; polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, for example polyoxyethylene (20) cetostearyl ether, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, for example polyoxyethylene (40) stearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters, for example polysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80 (e.g., Tween™ 80 of ICI), propylene glycol fatty acid esters, for example propylene glycol laurate (e.g., Lauroglycol™ of Gattefosse), sodium lauryl sulfate, fatty acids and salts thereof, for example oleic acid, sodium oleate and triethanolamine oleate, glyceryl fatty acid esters, for example glyceryl monostearate, sorbitan esters, for example sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monopalmitate and sorbitan monostearate, tyloxapol, and mixtures thereof. Such wetting agents, if present, constitute in total about 0.25% to about 15%, about 0.4% to about 10%, or about 0.5% to about 5%, of the total weight of the composition. [00087] Compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable lubricants (including anti-adherents and/or glidants) as excipients. Suitable lubricants include, either individually or in combination, glyceryl behapate (e.g., Compritol™ 888); stearic acid and salts thereof, including magnesium (magnesium stearate), calcium and sodium stearates; hydrogenated vegetable oils (e.g., Sterotex™); colloidal silica; talc; waxes; boric acid; sodium benzoate; sodium acetate; sodium fumarate; sodium chloride; DL-leucine; PEG (e.g. , Carbowax™ 4000 and Carbowax™ 6000); sodium oleate; sodium lauryl sulfate; and magnesium lauryl sulfate. Such lubricants, if present, constitute in total about 0.1% to about 10%, about 0.2% to about 8%, or about 0.25% to about 5%, of the total weight of the composition. [00088] Suitable anti-adherents include talc, cornstarch, DL-leucine, sodium lauryl sulfate and metallic stearates. Talc is an anti-adherent or glidant used, for example, to reduce formulation sticking to equipment surfaces and also to reduce static in the blend. One or more anti-adherents, if present, constitute about 0.1% to about 10%, about 0.25% to about 5%, or about 0.5% to about 2%, of the total weight of the composition.

[00089] Glidants can be used to promote powder flow of a solid formulation.

Suitable glidants include colloidal silicon dioxide, starch, talc, tribasic calcium phosphate, powdered cellulose and magnesium trisilicate. Colloidal silicon dioxide is particularly preferred.

[00090] Compositions of the present invention can comprise one or more anti- foaming agents. Simethicone is an illustrative anti-foaming agent. Anti-foaming agents, if present, constitute about 0.001% to about 5%, about 0.001% to about 2%, or about 0.001% to about 1%, of the total weight of the composition.

[00091] Illustrative antioxidants for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, potassium metabisulfite, and the like. One or more antioxidants, if desired, are typically present in a composition of the invention in an amount of about 0.01% to about 2.5%, for example about 0.01%, about 0.05%, about 0.1%, about 0.5%, about 1%, about 1.5%, about 1.75%, about 2%, about 2.25%, or about 2.5%, by weight.

[00092] In various embodiments, compositions of the invention can comprise a preservative. Suitable preservatives include, but are not limited to, benzalkonium chloride, methyl, ethyl, propyl or butylparaben, benzyl alcohol, phenylethyl alcohol, benzethonium, methyl or propyl p-hydroxybenzoate and sorbic acid or combinations thereof. Typically, the optional preservative is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 0.5% or about 0.01% to about 2.5%, by weight.

[00093] In one embodiment, compositions of the invention optionally comprise a buffering agent. Buffering agents include agents that reduce pH changes. Illustrative classes of buffering agents for use in various embodiments of the present invention comprise a salt of a Group IA metal including, for example, a bicarbonate salt of a Group IA metal, a carbonate salt of a Group IA metal, an alkaline or alkali earth metal buffering agent, an aluminum buffering agent, a calcium buffering agent, a sodium buffering agent, or a magnesium buffering agent. Suitable buffering agents include carbonates, phosphates, bicarbonates, citrates, borates, acetates, phthalates, tartrates, succinates of any of the foregoing, for example sodium or potassium phosphate, citrate, borate, acetate, bicarbonate and carbonate. [00094] Non- limiting examples of suitable buffering agents include aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum glycinate, calcium acetate, calcium bicarbonate, calcium borate, calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium gluconate, calcium glycerophosphate, calcium hydroxide, calcium lactate, calcium phthalate, calcium phosphate, calcium succinate, calcium tartrate, dibasic sodium phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, disodium succinate, dry aluminum hydroxide gel, magnesium acetate, magnesium aluminate, magnesium borate, magnesium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium citrate, magnesium gluconate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium lactate, magnesium metasilicate aluminate, magnesium oxide, magnesium phthalate, magnesium phosphate, magnesium silicate, magnesium succinate, magnesium tartrate, potassium acetate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium borate, potassium citrate, potassium metaphosphate, potassium phthalate, potassium phosphate, potassium polyphosphate, potassium pyrophosphate, potassium succinate, potassium tartrate, sodium acetate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium borate, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium gluconate, sodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium hydroxide, sodium lactate, sodium phthalate, sodium phosphate, sodium polyphosphate, sodium pyrophosphate, sodium sesquicarbonate, sodium succinate, sodium tartrate, sodium tripolyphosphate, synthetic hydrotalcite, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, tripotassium phosphate, trisodium phosphate, and trometarnol. (Based in part upon the list provided in The Merck Index, Merck & Co. Rahway, N.J. (2001)). Furthermore, combinations or mixtures of any two or more of the above mentioned buffering agents can be used in the pharmaceutical compositions described herein. One or more buffering agents, if desired, are present in compositions of the invention in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% or about 0.01% to about 3%, by weight.

[00095] In various embodiments, compositions the invention may include one or more agents that increase viscosity. Illustrative agents that increase viscosity include, but are not limited to, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, ethylcellulose, carrageenan, carbopol, and/or combinations thereof. Typically, one or more viscosity increasing agents, if desired, are present in compositions of the invention in an amount of about 0.1% to about 10%, or about 0.1% to about 5%, by weight. [00096] In various embodiments, compositions of the invention comprise an "organoleptic agent" to improve the organoleptic properties of the composition. The term "organoleptic agent" herein refers to any excipient that can improve the flavor or odor of, or help mask a disagreeable flavor or odor of a composition of the invention. Such agents include sweeteners, flavoring agents and/or taste masking agents. Suitable sweeteners and/or flavoring agents include any agent that sweetens or provides flavor to a pharmaceutical composition. Optional organoleptic agents are typically present in a composition of the invention in an amount of about 0.1 mg/ml to about 10 mg/ml, about 0.5 mg/ml to 5 mg/ml or about 1 mg/ml. [00097] Illustrative sweeteners or flavoring agents include, without limitation, acacia syrup, anethole, anise oil, aromatic elixir, benzaldehyde, benzaldehyde elixir, cyclodextrins, caraway, caraway oil, cardamom oil, cardamom seed, cardamom spirit, cardamom tincture, cherry juice, cherry syrup, cinnamon, cinnamon oil, cinnamon water, citric acid, citric acid syrup, clove oil, cocoa, cocoa syrup, coriander oil, dextrose, eriodictyon, eriodictyon fluidextract, eriodictyon syrup, aromatic, ethylacetate, ethyl vanillin, fennel oil, ginger, ginger fluidextract, ginger oleoresin, dextrose, glucose, sugar, maltodextrin, glycerin, glycyrrhiza, glycyrrhiza elixir, glycyrrhiza extract, glycyrrhiza extract pure, glycyrrhiza fluid extract, glycyrrhiza syrup, honey, iso-alcoholic elixir, lavender oil, lemon oil, lemon tincture, mannitol, methyl salicylate, nutmeg oil, orange bitter, elixir, orange bitter, oil, orange flower oil, orange flower water, orange oil, orange peel, bitter, orange peel sweet, tincture, orange spirit, orange syrup, peppermint, peppermint oil, peppermint spirit, peppermint water, phenylethyl alcohol, raspberry juice, raspberry syrup, rosemary oil, rose oil, rose water, stronger, saccharin, saccharin calcium, saccharin sodium, sarsaparilla syrup, sarsaparilla, sorbitol solution, spearmint, spearmint oil, sucrose, sucralose, syrup, thyme oil, tolu balsam, tolu balsam syrup, vanilla, vanilla tincture, vanillin, wild cherry syrup, or combinations thereof.

[00098] Illustrative taste masking agents include, but are not limited to, cyclodextrins, cyclodextrins emulsions, cyclodextrins particles, cyclodextrins complexes, or combinations thereof.

[00099] Illustrative suspending agents include, but are not limited to, sorbitol syrup, methyl cellulose, glucose/sugar syrup, gelatin, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, aluminum stearate gel, and hydrogenated edible fats.

[000100] Illustrative emulsifying agents include, but are not limited to, lecithin, sorbitan monooleate, and acacia. Nonaqueous vehicles include, but are not limited to, edible oils, almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, oily esters, propylene glycol, and ethyl alcohol.

[000101] The foregoing excipients can have multiple roles as is known in the art.

For example, starch can serve as a filler as well as a disintegrant. The classification of excipients above is not to be construed as limiting in any manner.

[000102] Compositions of the present invention may be administered in any manner including, but not limited to, orally, parenterally, sublingually, transdermally, rectally, transmucosally, topically, via inhalation, via buccal administration, or combinations thereof. Parenteral administration includes, but is not limited to, intravenous, intraarterial, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intrathecal, intraarticular, intracisternal and intraventricular. [000103] A therapeutically effective amount of the composition required for use in therapy varies with the length of time that activity is desired, and the age and the condition of the patient to be treated, among other factors, and is ultimately determined by the attendant physician. In general, however, doses employed for human treatment typically are in the range of about 0.001 mg/kg to about 500 mg/kg per day, for example about 1 μg/kg to about 1 mg/kg per day or about 1 μg/kg to about 100 μg/kg per day. For most large mammals, the total daily dosage is from about 1 to 100 mg, preferably from about 2 to 80 mg. The dosage regimen may be adjusted to provide the optimal therapeutic response. The desired dose may be conveniently administered in a single dose, or as multiple doses administered at appropriate intervals, for example as two, three, four or more subdoses per day. [000104] Illustratively, a composition of the invention may be administered to a subject to provide the subject with an antiprogestin in an amount of about 1 μg/kg to about 1 mg/kg body weight, for example about 1 μg/kg, about 25 μg/kg, about 50 μg/kg, about 75 μg/kg, about 100 μg/kg, about 125 μg/kg, about 150 μg/kg, about 175 μg/kg, about 200 μg/kg, about 225 μg/kg, about 250 μg/kg, about 275 μg/kg, about 300 μg/kg, about 325 μg/kg, about 350 μg/kg, about 375 μg/kg, about 400 μg/kg, about 425 μg/kg, about 450 μg/kg, about 475 μg/kg, about 500 μg/kg, about 525 μg/kg, about 550 μg/kg, about 575 μg/kg, about 600 μg/kg, about 625 μg/kg, about 650 μg/kg, about 675 μg/kg, about 700 μg/kg, about 725 μg/kg, about 750 μg/kg, about 775 μg/kg, about 800 μg/kg, about 825 μg/kg, about 850 μg/kg, about 875 μg/kg, about 900 μg/kg, about 925 μg/kg, about 950 μg/kg, about 975 μg/kg or about 1 mg/kg body weight. [000105] Patients undergoing treatments with the compositions of the instant invention should be monitored routinely for their serum estrogen and glucocorticoid levels.

[000106] The following non- limiting examples are provided to aid in understanding the teachings of the instant invention.

Example 1. Formulations of The Instant Invention Can Be Prepared As Tablets.

[000107] To obtain tablets for practicing the instant invention, the following ingredients can be pressed together in a tablet press:

10.0 mg of 1 lβ-[4-N-methylaminophenyl]-17β-hydroxy-17-(l- propynyl)-estra-4,9-dien-3-one

140.5 mg of lactose

69.5 mg of corn starch

2.5 mg of poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone

2.0 mg of aerosil

0.5 mg of magnesium stearate

[000108] To obtain oily preparations for practicing the instant invention, for example the following ingredients can be mixed together and loaded into ampoules:

100.0 mg of 1 lβ-[4-N-methylaminophenyl]-17β-hydroxy-17-(l- propynyl)-estra-4,9-dien-3-one with the following structure 343.4 mg of castor oil 608.6 mg of benzyl benzoate

Example 2. Measuring in vitro binding affinities of 19-norsteroids comprising a monomethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the llβ-position of carbon 11.

[000109] Competitive binding assays are performed using cytosolic preparations. [000110] For measuring binding to rabbit progesterone receptor (PR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR), cytosol is prepared from uterus or thymus, respectively, of estradiol-primed immature rabbits. For binding to rabbit uterine PR, cytosol containing rabbit uterine PR is prepared in TEGMD buffer (10 mM Tris, pH 7.2, 1.5 mM EDTA, 0.2 mM sodium molybdate, 10% glycerol, 1 mM DTT) and incubated with 6 nM l,2-[ HJprogesterone (NEN Life Science Products; 52 Ci/mmol); test compounds are added at concentrations from 2 to 100 nM. For binding to rabbit thymic GR, cytosol is prepared in TEGMD buffer and incubated with 6 nM 6,7- [³H]dex (NEN; 35 or 40 Ci/mmol); test compounds are added at concentrations from 2 to 10O nM.

[000111] For measuring binding to human progesterone receptor-A (rhPR-A) or progesterone receptor-B (rhPR-B), cytosolic extracts from Sf9 insect cells infected with recombinant baculovirus expressing either hPR-A or hPR-B is prepared. Sf9 cytosol (prepared in TEGMD buffer containing the following protease inhibitors: bacitracin at 100 μg/ml, aprotinin at 2 μg/ml, leupeptin at 94 μg/ml, pepstatin A at 200 μg/ml) is incubated with 6.8 nM 1,2,6,7,16, 17-[³H]progesterone (NEN; 143 Ci/mmol); test compounds are added at concentrations from 1 to 100 nM. [000112] After overnight incubation at 4 C, bound and unbound [³H]-steroids are separated by addition of dextran-coated charcoal and centrifugation at 2100 x g for 15 minutes at 4 C. Supernatants from GR assays are decanted and counted in a Beckman LS- 1800 liquid scintillation counter. Supernatants containing PR are pipetted into 24- well microplates and counted in a Packard TopCount liquid scintillation counter. Counts per minute (cpm) are entered into Packard's RIASmart™ for calculation of EC₅o's. Relative binding affinity for each test compound is calculated as follows: (EC₅₀ of standard)/( EC₅₀ of competitor) x 100. The standard for the PR binding assays is P4 and the standard for the GR binding assays is dex.

Example 3. Measuring antiglucocorticoid activity and progesterone antagonist activity in vivo.

[000113] For measuring in vivo progesterone antagonist activity of test compounds, T47D-CO human breast cancer cells, grown in monolayer culture in phenol red-free DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 10 U/ml penicillin G and 10 μg/ml streptomycin sulfate, are transfected with a suitable hormone sensitive reporter gene plasmid, for example PRE₂-tk-LUC, which contains two copies of a progestin/glucocorticoid/androgen response element upstream of the thymidine kinase (tk) promoter and the firefly luciferase (LUC) reporter gene. Transfected T47D-CO cells are incubated with a (predetermined) maximum stimulatory concentration of a progestogen, for example P₄, in the absence or presence of various concentrations of test compound for 20 hours. LUC activity is determined using Promega's Luciferase Assay System and the IC₅₀ of the test compound is determined. [000114] For measuring in vivo glucocorticoid antagonist activity, HepG2 human hepatoblastoma cells, grown in monolayer culture in phenol red-free MEMα supplemented with 10% FBS and pen/strep, are cotransfected with a suitable hormone sensitive reporter gene plasmid such as PRE2-tk-LUC and a GR expression plasmid. Transfected HepG2 cells are incubated with a (predetermined) maximum stimulatory concentration of dexamethasone in the absence or presence of various concentrations of test compound for 20 hours. IC50 of the test compound is determined by measuring LUC activity.

[000115] It is expected that a 19-norsteroid antiprogestin with a monomethylamine- substituted phenyl ring at the 11 β-position of carbon 11 will exhibit a higher IC50 (and hence lower antiglucorticoid activity) than the identical compound comprising a dimethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the same position, thus making them more suitable for chronic administration.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for treating a progesterone-dependent condition, comprising administering to a female in need thereof a composition comprising an effective amount of a 19-norsteroid antiprogestin having a monomethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the 11 β-position of carbon 11 , wherein said antiprogestin has lower antiglucocorticoid activity than a compound identical to said antiprogestin with the exception of having a dimethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the 11 β-position of carbon 11.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said antiprogestin has substantially the same antiprogestin activity as said compound identical to said antiprogestin with the exception of having a dimethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the 11 β-position of carbon 11.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said antiprogestin was formed by monodemethylation of said compound identical to said antiprogestin with the exception of having a dimethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the 11 β-position of carbon 11.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said progesterone-dependent condition is selected from the group consisting of: endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, breast cancer, uterine fibroids and endometrial hyperproliferation.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the antiprogestin is 11 β-[4-N- methylaminophenyl]-17β-hydroxy-17-(l-propynyl)-estra-4,9-dien-3-one.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the antiprogestin is a compound of general formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate or solvate thereof, wherein:

X is N-methylamino;

Ri represents O, NOH or NO-methyl;

R₂ represents a hydrogen or acetyl; and

R3 represents methyloxy, formyloxy, acetoxy, acyloxy, S-alkoxy, acetyltheonyl, glycimate, vinyl ether, acethyloxymethyl, methyl carbonate, halogens, methyl, hydroxy, or ethyloxy..

7. The method of claim 1, 5 or 6 wherein said antiprogestin is administered at a dosage from 0.5mg/kg to 500mg/kg.

8. A method for improving the handling properties of a 19-norsteroid-derived antiprogestin comprising (a) providing a 19-norprogesterone or 19-nortestosterone- derived antiprogestin (b) chemically modifying the antiprogestin of step (a) to contain a monomethylamine-substituted phenyl ring at the 11 β-position of carbon 11 of said antiprogestin and (c) optionally chemically modifying the antiprogestin of step (b) to produce the antiprogestin of step (a).

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the antiprogestin of step (b) is produced by monodemethylating a 19-norsteroid-derived antiprogestin with a dimethylamine- substituted phenyl ring at the 11 β-position of carbon 11.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the antiprogestin of step (a) is CDB-4124.