Merck + Co., Inc.

Huyn O Ok

Matthew J Wyvratt

Richard J Bochis

Novel hydroxymacrolide derivatives of the general structural Formula I: ##STR1## have been prepared from (a) suitable precursor(s) by selective reduction of the ketone at C-2. These macrolide immunosuppressants are useful in a human host for the treatment of autoimmune diseases (such as juvenile-onset diabetes melitus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis), infectious diseases and/or the prevention of rejection of foreign organ transplants, e.g. bone marrow and heart transplants. In addition, these macrolide immunosuppressants are useful in the topical treatment of inflammatory and hyperproliferative skin diseases and cutaneous manifestations of immunologically-mediated illnesses such as: psoriasis, atopical dermatitiis, contact dermatitis and further eczematous dermatitises, seborrhoeic dermatitis, Lichen planus, Pemphigus, bullous Pemphigoid, Epidermolysis bullosa, urticaria, angioedemas, vasculitides, erythemas, cutaneous eospinphilias, Lupus erythematosus or Alopecia areata.

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Edison, NJ, United States of America

Huyn O Ok