Jenapharm Gmbh

Jenapharm Gmbh & Co. Kg

Gerd Muller

Gunter Kaufmann

Gerhard Teichmuller

Walter Elger

Alexander Hillisch

Michael Oettel

Sigfrid Schwarz

Peter Droescher

Bernd Menzenbach

Bernd Undeutsch

Hans-Udo Schweikert

Doris Hubler

Harry Henkel

Ronald Gebuhr

The invention relates to 17-methylene steroids, process for their production and pharmaceutical compositions that contain these compounds. The compounds according to the invention have a hybrid-type profile of action in the sense that they act as inhibitors of 5&#x3b1;-reductase and simultaneously as gestagens. They are therefore suitable for treating diseases that are the result of elevated androgen levels in certain organs and tissues in men and women. Together with other hormonal substances, such as an estrogen, testosterone or a strong androgen, the compounds according to the invention are suitable as contraceptive agents for women and for men.

17-Methylene steroids, process for their production and pharmaceutical compositions that contain these compounds

The 17.alpha.-cyanomethylestra-4,9-diene derivative compounds are of formula I: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is an alkyl group having from 1 to 2 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 is an alkyl group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an acyl group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms or a trialkylsilyl group; and R.sub.3 is an oxygen atom or a R--O--N group, wherein R is a hydrogen atom, an acyl group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkyl group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a sulfamoyl group, an alkylsilyl group or a trialkylsilyl group. These compounds, particularly in combination with at least one suitable estrogen, are suitable for treatment of endometrioses or gestagen-dependent tumors and for hormonal contraception and climacteric hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Processes for making the new steroids are described as well as methods of making the pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

17.alpha.-cyanomethylestra-4,9-dien derivatives and pharmaceutical

Process for the production of unsaturated 17 .alpha.-cyanomethyl-17 .beta.-

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Jena, Germany

Gerd Muller