NZ552515A

NZ552515A - Novel 2-substituted D-homo-estra-1,3,5(10)-trienes as inhibitors of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1

Info

Publication number: NZ552515A
Application number: NZ552515A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Christian Gege; Wilko Regenhardt; Olaf Peters; Alexander Hillisch; Gabriele Moller; Dominga Deluca; Walter Elger; Birgitt Schneider; Jerzy Adamski
Original assignee: Bayer Schering Pharma Ag
Priority date: 2004-07-02
Filing date: 2005-07-04
Publication date: 2010-07-30
Also published as: ATE458744T1; DE502005009091D1; HRP20100230T1; AU2005259329B2; KR20070035059A; PT1763534E; CN1980949A; EP1763534B1; PL1763534T3; CN1980949B; DK1763534T3; HK1103745A1; ECSP077160A; EP1763534A1; EA011455B1; CA2571760C; JP2008504337A; CR8854A; ZA200700958B; CA2571760A1

Abstract

The disclosure relates to 2-substituted D-homo-estra-1,3,5(10)-trienes of general formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, wherein R2 represents a C1-C8 alkyl, a C1-C8 alkyloxy group or a halogen atom, R13 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R17 represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, and the dotted lines in the B- and D- ring of the steroid molecule can be additional double bonds. The disclosure also relates to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compounds, to the production thereof, and to the use of the same as medicaments for the prophylaxis and treatment of oestrogen-dependent diseases that can be influenced by the inhibition of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1.

Description

New Zealand Paient Spedficaiion for Paient Number 552515 RECEIVED ai IPONZ on 02 July 2010 552515 1 Novel 2-Substituted D-Homo-estra-l,3,5(10)-trienes as Inhibitors of 17p-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 This invention relates to new 2-substituted D-homo-estra-l,3,5(10)-trienes, their production and use as pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of estrogen-dependent diseases that can be influenced by inhibition of the 17p-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase type 1, as well as pharmaceutical compositions that contain these compounds.

Sex hormones control the proliferation and function of steroid-sensitive normal tissue as well as malignant tissue [E. E. Baulieu, Hormones, A Complex Communication Network. In Hormones, eds. E. E. Baulieu and P. A. Kelly, Herman Publisher Paris and Chapman and Hall New York, 1990, pp. 147-149; D. D. Thomas, Cancer 53 (1984)595-601]. <"'v Estradiol is the most active female sex hormone, which, in addition to the known effects on the reproductive system, exerts additional functions in bone and lipid metabolism and in the cardiovascular system, as well as regulatory effects in the central nervous system. It is produced primarily in the ovaries in premenopausal women. An additional large portion of the active estrogens is formed in the peripheral tissue from inactive steroid precursors, which are released into the blood in large amounts in the adrenal glands in humans.

After menopause, the estradiol level in the blood drops to about 1/10 of the content of premenopausal women [T. Thorsten, M. Tangen, K. F. Stoa, Eur. J. Cancer Clin. Oncol. 18 (1982) 333-337; A. A. van Landeghem et al., Cancer Res. 45 (1985) 2900-2906]. Starting from this time, estrogens are mainly available in the peripheral 552515 2 tissue via biosynthesis [F. Labrie, Tntracrinology. Mol. Cell Endocrinol. 78(1991) C113-C118].

Estrogens are taken up via the blood from tumor tissue and stimulate growth thereof.

The concentration of the intratumoral estradiol remains unchanged at a high level, however, even after menopause, comparable to that in premenopausal women [A. A. van Landeghem et al., Cancer Res. 45 (1985) 2900-2906]. The high estradiol concentration in the tumor tissue in postmenopausal women is produced by biosynthesis of estrogens in the tumor tissue.

Estradiol (E2) is fonned in breast cancer tissue either via the aromatase method or the sulfatase method [Y. J. Abul-Hajj, R. Iverson, D. T. Kiang, Steroids 33 (1979) 205-222; A. Lipton et al, Cancer 59 (1987), 779-782; E. Perel et al., J. Steroid Biochem. 29 (1988) 393-399]. Androstenedione is taken up from the blood by tumor tissue, aromatized to estrone (El) and then reduced to estradiol (E2) (aromatase method). In the sulfatase method, estrogen sulfate is converted by the steroid sulfatase into El and in tarn reduced to E2.

The decisive last step of the steroid synthesis is catalyzed by 17 (^-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenases (17J5-HSD), corresponding to the family of 17p-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenases/17-keto steroid reductases. These en2ymes convert less active 17-keto steroids into their active 17p-hydroxy steroids and vice versa. Both estrogens and androgens show the highest affinity for the corresponding receptors in the 17p-hydroxy form, i.e., the 17 [VHSD-enzymes control the biological activity of the sex hormones [H. Peltoketo et al,. J. Mol. Endocrinol. 23 (1999), 1-11; P. Vihko et al,, Mol. Cell. Endocrinol. 171 (2001) 71-76], Certain extragonadal tissues such as breast and prostate tissue express reductive 552515 3 17-HSDs and thus convert the precursors that circulate in the blood with low activity in the target tissues into more active forms [F. Labrie et al., Steroids 62 (1997) 148-158; H. Peltoketo et al., Horm. 55 (1999) 353-398], Up until now, 11 different 17p-HSDs have been known. They differ in. their tissue distribution, the catalytic activity, their substrate specificity, subcellular localization and by the regulation mechanism. For a large number of hydroxy steroid dehydrogenases, it was possible to show their participation in the pathogenesis of diseases of humans, for example for pseudohermaphroditism [17p-HSD 3, W. M. Geissler et al., Nat. Genet. 7 (1994) 34-39], bifunctional enzyme deficit [17p-HSD 4, E. G. van Grunsven et al., Proc. Natl, Acad. Sci. USA 95 (1998) 2128-2133], polycystic nephropathy [17(3-HSD 8, M. M. Maxwell et al,, J, Biol. Chem. 270 (1995) 25213-25219] and Alzheimer's disease [17p-HSD 10, S. D. Yan et al., Nature 389 (1997) 689-695; X. Y. He et al., J. Biol. Chem. 274 (1999) 15014-15019], The human placental 17p-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenases type 1< and type 2 belong to the same steroid dehydrogenase-reductase-prqtein family (SDR). They are distinguished from one another by, i.a., the direction of reaction, which is catalyzed by the enzymes. 17j3-HSD 1 primarily controls the reduction of estrone to estradiol [T, Puranen et al., Endocrinology 138 (1997) 3532-3539] with participation by NADPH as a co-factor [J. Z. Jin, S. X. Lin, Biochem, Biophys. Res. Commun. 259 (1999) 489-493]. in cultivated cells, the HSD 1 partially supports the reduction of androstenedione and androstanedione. It could clearly be shown, however, that phenolic substrates are preferred [M. Poutanen et al., Endocrinology 133 (1993) 2639-2644], In comparison to 17{3-HSD 1, however, the 17[VHSD 2 catalyzes the opposite reaction, namely the conversion of estradiol to estrone and of androstenedione and 552515 4 dihydrotestosterone to androstanedione [L. Wu et al, J. Biol. Chem. 268 (1993) 12964-12969] and preferably acts in the presence of the non-phosphorylaied form of the co-factor NAD [F. Labrie et al., Steroids 62 (1997) 148-158]. 17{3-HSD 1 and 2 are expressed in normal mammary gland tissue [G. Soderqvist, J, Clin. Endocrinol Metab. 83 (1998) 1190-1193; M. Miettiiien, Breast Cancer Res. Treat. 57(1999) 175-182], In contrast to the normal breast tissue, the reductive activity (by 17p-HSD 1) in malignant breast epithelial cells is found to be increased compared to the oxidative activity (by 17p-HSD 2) [M. M. Miettinen et al., Biochem. J. 314 (1996) 839-845; V, Speirs, J. Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol. 67 (1998) 267-274], It was observed that estradiol is accumulated in malignant breast cells, which also points to an activity of 17p-HSD 1 [A. Vermeulen et al, Eur. J. Cancer Clin. Oncol. 22 (1986) 515-525]. In addition, it was found that in the presence of 17p-HSD 1, the administration of estrone leads in the sam e way to a growth of breast cancer cells just like the administration of estradiol by itself. In contrast to this, the administration of estrone by itself without Hp-IISD 1 does not produce this effect [M. M. Miettinen et al., Int. J. Cancer 68 (1996) 600-604].

The dominance of 17p-HSD 1 in malignant tissue results in increased estrogen-dependent growth and progress of tumors, while the oxidative 17p-HSD 2 protect normal breast tissue cells from an excessive estradiol effect [P. Viliko et al. Mol. Cell. Endocrinol. 171 (2000) 71-76], In the case of endometriosis, the equilibrium between 17p-IISD 1 and 2 plays a role. 17p-HSD 1 is expressed in eutopic tissue, but the hormone-inactivating enzyme 17p-HSD 2 is completely lacking [S. E. Bulun et al. J. Mol. Endocrinol. 25 (2000) 35-42.] 552515 Also, in the case of prostate cancers, 17[J-HSD 2 is reduced [J. P. Elo et al., Endocrinol Metab. 88 (2003) 705-712], Among the previously developed 17p-HSD 1 inhibitors, the irreversible inhibitors are distinguished from the reversible inhibitors. The irreversible inhibitors contain a reactive functional group, which inactivates the latter by forming a covalent bond with an amino acid radical of the enzyme. Known representatives of the above-mentioned group are 16-methylene-estradiols, acetylene-substituted 16-seco-estradiol [R. J. Auchus, D. F. Covey, Biochemistry 25 (1983) 7295-7300; J. L. Thomas et al., J. Biol. Chem. 258 (1983) 11500-11504; B. Tobias et al., J. Biol. Chem. 257 (1982) 2783-2786] or else 16a-haloalkyl-estradiols [K. M. Sam et al. Drug Des. Discov. 15 (1997) 157-180; M. R. Tremblay, D. Poirier, J. Steroid Biochem. Mol Biol 66 (1998) 179-191].

The reversible inhibitors include 16,17-pyrazole- or 16,17-isoxazole-estrone derivatives [F. Sweet et al. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Coinmun. 180 (1991 ),\ 1057-1063], estradiol derivatives with a long 7a-undecanamide side chain [C. Labrie et al Cancer Res. 52 (1992), 610-615; S. J. Satitner, R. J. Santen, J. Steroid Biochem. Mol Biol. 45 (1993) 383-390] or with a 6p~thiaheptanamide side chain [D. Poirier, P. Dionne, S. Auger, J. Steroid Biochem. Mol Biol. 64 (1998), 83-90].

A special case as a 17|3-HSD 1-inhibitor is the 16-oxoestrone: at a neutral pH of 7.2, it includes the reversible inhibitors, and under basic conditions at a pH of 8.5, it includes the irreversible inhibitors [11 Inano, B. Tamaoki, Eur. J. Biochem. 129 (1983) 691-695].

The previously known, both reversible and irreversible inhibitors have only one moderate activity as 17j3-HSD 1 inhibitors.

The first hybrid inhibitor was recently found by modeling studies [M. Tremblay, 552515 6 D. Poirier et al., FASEB 13 (2002) 1829-1831]. The hybrid inhibitor, in which estradiol is linked to adenosine via a spacer that consists of 8 methylene groups at 16-position, inhibits the 17p-HSD 1 as the best inhibitor to date with an IC50 value of 52 nmol.

Because of the size of this molecule, making this compound bioavailable orally would be difficult. It is not unlikely that the molecule undergoes a cross reaction with other NAD(P)(H)-dependen.t enzymes.

From the known prior art, 17f)-HSD 1 is a target for local inhibition of the estradiol biosynthesis. Accompanying treatment with aatihormones, which are to prevent die binding of the active steroid to the corresponding receptor, 17p-HSD 1 inhibitors can be used to support treatment of estrogen-dependent diseases.

The object of this invention is therefore to provide additional compounds that inhibit the 17p-HSD 1 selectively. These compounds are to be suitable for treating estrogen-dependent diseases as well as hormone-dependent tumor diseases, which can be influenced by inhibition of the 17p-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase type i. ■ Additional subjects of this invention are the production and use of these compounds as pharmaceutical agents for treating estrogen-dependent diseases as well as hormone-dependent tumor diseases, which can be influenced by inhibition of 17p-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase type 1.

The object is achieved according to this invention by the provision of new 2- 552515 7 substi tuted D-homo-estra-l,3,5(10)~trienes of general formula I CO in which R" means a saturated or unsaturated Ci-Cg-alkyl group, an arallcyl or an alkylaryl radical, a Ci-Cg-aLkyloxy group or a halogen atom, RJ3 means a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R17 means a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, whereby the dotted lines in the B- and D-ring of the steroid molecule can be additional t \ double bonds, as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

In addition, this invention comprises the new compounds as pharmaceutical active ingredients, their production, their therapeutic application and pharmaceutical dispensing forms that contain the new substances.

The compounds of general formula (I) according to the invention or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be used for the production of a pharmaceutical agent, in particular for treating estrogen-dependent diseases as well as hormone-dependent tumor diseases that can be influenced by inhibition of the 17p-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase type 1.

It was determined that the low-molecular 2-substituted D-bom oestra-1,3,5(10)-trienes according to the invention produce a selective inhibition of the 17p-HSD 1-enzyme activity in vitro that is stronger than the previously known 17p-HSD 1 552515 8 inhibitors.

Unless further specified otherwise, for the purposes of this invention this is an aryl radical that optionally can be substituted by a phenyl, 1- or 2-naphthyl radical, whereby the phenyl radical is preferred. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, aryl also always includes a heteroaryl radical. Examples of a heteroaryl radical are the 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridinyl radical, the 2- or 3-furyl radical, the 2- or 3-thienyl radical, the 2- or 3-pyrrolyl radical, the 2-, 4- or 5-imidazolyl radical, the pyrazinyl radical, the 2, 4- or 5-pyrimidinyl radical or the 3- or 4-pyridazinyl radical.

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

The Cj-Cg-alkyl groups for R2 can be saturated or unsaturated and can be parti ally or completely substituted. As representatives of the saturated alkyi radicals, a methyl, ethyl, n-propyl-? iso-propyl-, n-, iso-, or tert.-butyl, n-, iso- or neo-pentyl group, hexyl, heptyl or octyl can be mentioned. Methyl, ethyl and propyl are preferred.

Allyl and vinyl stand as representatives for unsaturated alkyi radicals.

A methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, iso-propoxy, n-, iso-, or tert.-butoxy, n-, iso- or «eo~pentoxy group can stand for the Ci-C'5-alkoxy radical R .

In the case of R , a chlorine, iodine or bromine atom can stand for a halogen.

Preferred according to this invention are compounds of general formula I, in which R2 is a Ci-Cs-alkoxy, Ci-Cs-alkyl or CVCs-alkenyl or bromine, or chlorine, and R1'1 is a hydrogen atom.

The compounds that are mentioned below and use thereof are preferred according to the invention: 1) 2-Methoxy-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-l,3,5(10)-trieri-3-ol 1 2) 2-Ethoxy-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-1,3,5(1 G)-trien-3 -ol 3) 2-ChlorQ-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-l,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 2 4} 2-Bromo-17 a-oxo-17a-homocstra-l ,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 2 ) 2-Iodo-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-l,3,5(lG)-trien~3~ol 4 6) 2-Chloro-17a~Fluoro-17a-oxo-17a~homoestra-l,3,5(10)-trien-3-oi 5a 7) 2-Chloro-l 7j3-Fluoro-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-l ,3,5( 10)-trien-3 -ol 5ii 8) 2-Bromo-17a-Fluoro-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 9) 2-Bromo-17p-Fluoro-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra~ 1,3.5(10)-trien-3-ol ) 2-(2-Phenylethyl)-17a-oxo- 17a-homoestra-l ,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol £ 11) 2-Allyl-l 7a-oxo-17a-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 1 12) 2-Allyl-17a-Fluoro-17a-oxo- 17a-homoeslra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3 -ol 13) 2-Allyl-l7p-Fluoro-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien~3-ol( 14) 2-Chloro- 17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-1,3,5( 10), 16-tetraen-3-ol ) 2~Bromo-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-l,3,5(10),16-tetraen-3-0l & 16) 2-Allyl-17a-oxo-17 a-homoestra-1,3,5(10),! 6-tetraen-3~ol 17) 2-Propyl-17 a-oxo-17 a-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3 -ol 18) 2-Methoxy-17 a-oxo-17a-homo-18a-homoestra~ 1,3,5(10)-trien-3 -ol 19) 2-Etlioxy-17 a-oxo-17 a-homo-18a-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol )2-Chloro-17a-oxo-17a-homo-18a-homoestra-l,3,5(10)-trien-3~ol 21) 2-Bromo -17a-oxo-17 a-homo-18a-homoestr a-1,3,5 (10)-trien-3-ol 22) 2-Iodo-17 a-oxo-17 a-homo -18 a-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3 -ol 23)2-Chloro-17a-Fluoro-17a-oxo-17a-homo-18a-homoestra-l,3>5(10)-txien-3-ol 24) 2-CMoro-l7 p-Fluoro- 17 a-oxo-17 a-homo-18 a-homoestra-1,3.5(10)-tricn-3-ol 552515 ) 2-Bromo-17 a-Fluoro-17a-oxo-17a-homo-18a-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 26) 2-Bromo-17p-Fluoro-17a-oxo -17a-homo-18 a-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-tri en-3 -ol 27) 2-Allyl-17a-oxo-17a-homo-18a-homoestra-lJ3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 28) 2-Allyl-l 7a-Fluoro-17a-oxo-17a-homo-l 8 a-homoestra-1,3,5( 10)-trien-3-ol 29) 2-Allyl- 17p-Fluoro-17a-oxo-l 7a-homo-1 8a-homoestra-l ,3,5(10)-trien~3-ol 3 0) 2-Chloro-17 a-oxo-17 a-homo-1 Sa-homoestra-1,3,5(10),16-tetraen-3 -ol 31) 2-Bromo-17 a-oxo-17 a-homo-18a-homoestra-1,3,5(10),16-tetraen- 3-ol 32) 2-Allyl-17a-oxo-l 7a-homo-1 8a-homoestra-l ,3,5(10), 16-tetraen-3-ol 33) 2-Propyl-l 7a~oxo-17a~homo-18 a-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol Pharmacological Data Inhibition of the Activity of Human 17p-Hydroxy Steroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 The test process is well described in the literature [Adamski, J., Sierra} ta^, W. D., Jungblut, P. W., Acta Endocrinol (Copenh.) 121(2) (1989), 161-7] and is depicted below.

Human 17 j3-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenases (17p-I:ISDs) are over-expressed in E. coli bacteria as His-Tag proteins or as GST-fusion proteins. The suspensions of the bacterial pellets in isotonic common salt solution are used for the determination of enzyme activities of the 17j3-HSDs or for the study of their influence by potential inhibitors (estrogen derivatives).

The m easurements are made in double determination and, if necessary, at various concentrations of pot ential inhibitors (e.g., in determining the IC50 values). In addition to the target enzyme 17J3-HSD1, other steroid-metabolizing enzymes are included in the test to study cross reactivities of estrogen derivatives.

H-Labeled substrate, bacterial suspensions, DMSO (in the control batch; final 552515 11 1%) or the potential inhibitors (estrone derivatives in DMSO) as well as suitable cofactors (NADP(H) or NAD(H); 5 rag/ml in H2O) are added to a defined volume of 100 mmol of sodium phosphate buffer. The incubation of the samples is carried out at 37°C in a water bath while being shaken, such that m the control (without substances to be tested), a conversion of about 30% is achieved.

The separation of radiolabeled substrate and product is then carried out, after extraction with 1 ml of reversed phase-(RP-18)-cartridges, by means ofHPLC on an RP18 column with acetonitrile:water 1:1 (v/v) as a mobile phase. The radioactivity is detected with the aid of a flow-scintillation counter.

The evaluation of the substrate conversion with and without substances to be tested is performed by the integration of the substrate and product peaks. The conversion of the control is normalized to 100% conversion. £ \ 552515 12 Tab. 1 Inhibition of the Human 17j3-Hydroxy Steroid Dehydrogenase Structure 17pHSDl IC50 [nmol] 1 85 2 77 3 52 4 52 5a 87 5b 126 6 7 24 Estrone 109 552515 13 Dosage In general, satisfactory results in the treatment of estrogen-dependent diseases as well as hormone-dependent tumor diseases can be expected if th e daily doses encompass a range of 5 p.g to 50 mg of the compound according to the invention per kg of body weight. In the case of larger mammals, for example humans, a recommended daily dose lies in the range of 10 ^.g to 30 mg per kg of body weight.

Suitable dosages for the compounds according to the invention are from 0.005 to 50 mg per day per kg of body weight, depending on the age and constitution of the patient, whereby the necessary daily dose can be administered one or more times.

The formulation of the pharmaceutical preparations based on the new compounds is carried out in a way that is known in the art by the active ingredient being processed with the vehicles, fillers, substances that influence decomposition, binding agents, moisturizers, lubricants, absorbents, diluents, flavoring correctives, coloring agents, etc., that are commonly used in galenicals, and converted into the desired form of administration. In this case, reference is made to Remington's Phaixciaceutical Science, 15tfr Ed., Mack Publishing Company, East Pennsylvania (1980).

For oral administration, in particular tablets, coated tablets, capsules, pills, powders, granulates, lozenges, suspensions, emulsions or solutions are suitable.

For parenteral administration, injection and infusion preparations are possible.

For intra-artieular injection, correspondingly prepared crystal suspensions can be used.

For intramuscular injection, aqueous and oily injection solutions or suspensions and corresponding depot preparations can be used.

For rectal administration, the new compounds can be used in the form of suppositories, capsules, solutions (e.g., in the form of enemas) and ointments both for 552515 14 systemic and for local therapy.

For pulmonary administration of the new compounds, the latter can be used in the form of aerosols and inhalants.

For topical application, formulations in gels, ointments, fatty ointments, creams, pastes, powders, milk and tinctures are possible. The dosage of the compounds of general formula I should be 0.01% -20% in these preparations to achieve an adequate pharmacological action.

This invention comprises the compounds of general formula I as well as use thereof for the production of a pharmaceutical agent, in particular for treating estrogen-dependent diseases, which can be positively influenced by the inhibition of the 17j3~ hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase.

The compounds of general formula I according to the invention are preferably used for the production of a pharmaceutical agent for treating hormone-dependent tumor diseases of male and female reproductive glands, male and female sex organs including the mammary glands, in particular prostate cancers or breast cancers.

In addition, the compounds according to the invention for the production of a pharmaceutical agent for treating endometriosis are preferred.

This invention also relates to the pharmaceutical compositions that contain at least one compound according to the invention, optionally in the form of a pharmaceutically/pharmacologically compatible salt, without or together with pharmaceutically compatible adjuvants and/or vehicles.

These pharmaceutical compositions and pharmaceutical agents can be provided for oral, rectal, vaginal, subcutaneous, percutaneous, intravenous or intramuscular administration. .In addition to commonly used vehicles and/or diluents, they contain at least one compound according to the invention. 552515 The pharmaceutical agents of the invention are produced with commonly used solid or liquid vehicles or diluents and the commonly used pharmaceutical-technical adjuvants corresponding to the desired type of administration with a suitable dosage in a known way. The preferred preparations consist in a dispensing form that is suitable for oral administration. Such dispensing forms are, for example, tablets, film tablets, coated tablets, capsules, pills, powders, solutions or suspensions or else depot forms.

The pharmaceutical compositions that contain at least one of the compounds according to the invention are preferably administered orally.

Parenteral preparations, such as injection solutions, are also considered. In addition, for example, suppositories and agents for vaginal application can also be mentioned as preparations.

Corresponding tablets can be obtained by, for example, mixing the active ingredient with biown adjuvants, for example inert diluents, such as dextrose, sugar, sorbitol, mannitol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, explosives such as corn starch or alginic acid, binding agents such as starch or gelatin, lubricants such as magnesium stearate or talc and/or agents for achieving a depot effect, such as carboxylpolymethylene, carboxyl methyl cellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate or polyvinyl acetate. The tablets can also consist of several layers.

Coated tablets can accordingly be produced by coating cores, which are produced analogously to the tablets, with agents that axe commonly used in tablet coatings, for example polyvinylpyrrolidone or shellac, gum arable, talc, titanium oxide or sugar. In this case, the coated tablet shell can also consist of several layers, whereby the adjuvants that are mentioned above with the tablets can be used.

Solutions or suspensions of the compounds of general formula I according to the invention can additionally contain taste-improving agents, such as saccharine, cyclamate, or sugar, as well as, e.g., flavoring substances such as vanilla or orange extract. In addition, they can contain suspending adjuvants, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, or preservatives, such as p-hydroxybenzoates. 552515 16 The capsules that contain compounds of general formula I can be produced by, for example, the coinpound(s) of general formula I being mixed with an inert vehicle such as lactose or sorbitol and being encapsulated in gelatine capsules.

Suitable suppositories can be produced by, for example, mixing with vehicles that are provided for this purpose, such as neutral fats or polyethylene glycol or derivatives thereof.

The compounds according to the invention can be administered for prophylaxis and for therapy of breast cancer or prostate cancer or endometriosis in combination with one or more of the following active ingredients: 1) Anriandrogens, such as cyproferone acetate, flutamide, casodex, etc. 2) Gonadotropin hormone (GnRH) agonists such as synarel, lupron, busrelin 3) Aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole, formestane, letrozole, exemestane 4) 5a-Reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride ) Cytostatic agents, such as vinblastine, daunorubicin 6) VEGI;-kinase inhibitors X \ 7) Antigestagens, such as onapristones, mifepristones 8) Antiestrogens such as tamoxifen 9) Aatisense oligonucleotides ) EGF Antibodies Moreover, the compounds of general formula I according to the invention can be used for therapy and prophylaxis of other pathological conditions that are not mentioned above. 552515 17 The following examples are used for a more detailed explanation of the subject of the invention, without intending that it be limited to these examples.

Starting from the 17-keto derivatives, 17-oxiranes (M. Uiibner, I. Noack, J. prakt. Chem. 1972, 314, 667), and the corresponding 17a~homo derivatives therefrom (M. Hubner, K. Ponsold, Z. Chem. 1982, 22, 186) can be produced. The above-mentioned reaction steps can be performed before or after fu rationalization of the 2-position.

The introduction of halogens in 2-position is carried out by means of ortho-thallation as described in the literature for 17-keto derivatives (P. C. Bulman Page et al., Tetrahedron 1990, 46, 2059).

The functionalization of the C atom 2 of an estra-1,3,5( 10)-trien-17-one derivative is preferably carried out by Friedel-Crafts acylation as described in the literature (T. Nambara et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull. 1979,18, 474). After alteration of the protective group in 3-position, a 2-carboxy-eslra-l ,3,5(10Hrien-17-one is generated by Baeyer-Villiger oxidation (M. B. Smith, J. March, March's Advanced Organic Chemistry, 5th Edition, Wiley Sons 2001,1417-1418). The ester is saponified and converted with the corresponding alkyi halide under basic conditions into a 2-alkyl ether. The cleavage of the protective group in 3-position is carried out as described in the literature (T. W. Greene, P. G. M. Wuts, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, Wiley & Sons, 1999, 249-275). This process or others (P. N. Rao, J. W. Cessac, Steroids 2002, 67, 1065) can be used in accordance with the 17a~homo derivatives.

Hie corresponding 2-alkyl derivatives can be produced from the 2-acyl derivatives by reduction with sodium borohydride, hydrogenation and subsequent Oppenauer oxidation (C. Djerassi, Org. React. 1951, 6,207). 552515 18 The introduction of the 2-alIyl group can be carried out via a Claisen rearrangement as described in the literature (L. Troisi et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 1999, 40, 1771). It can be further functionalized below analogously to the methods that are described by T. Buskas et al. (J. Org. Chem. 2000, 65, 958).

Longer, also unsaturated or functionalized alkyi radicals in 2-position can be obtained via the Sonogashira coupling of more suitable, optionally correspondingly protected alkines and subsequent (partial) hydrogenation.

The 17-fluorination of the 17a-ketone can be performed as described by A. C. Stalford et al. (Steroids 1997, 62, 750) or else S. Stavber et al. (Synthesis 2002, 2609).

The synthesis of 16,17-dehydro derivatives can also be performed analogously to known processes (see, e.g., P. N. Rao et al., Steroids 2002, 67,1079).

Production Process < 1 Example 1 2-Methoxy-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-J,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 1 3.61 g of 17a-azidomethyl-3,17-dihydroxy-2-methoxy-estra-1,3,5(10)~txiene and 7.5 g of sodium iodide were suspended in 250 ml of acetonitrile and slowly mixed at room temperature with 15 ml of trimethyl silyl chloride. After 4 hours, another 4 ml of Iran ethyl silyl chloride was added, and after another 2,5 hours, it was mixed with saturated sodium thiosulfate solution and water and extracted with dichlorometliane (3x). The combined organic phases were washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, dried and concentrated by evaporation in a rotary evaporator. Flash chromatography (cyclohexane/ethyl acetate -= 10:1 -■» 7:1 -■» 5:1) yielded 2.12 g (67%) 552515 19 of 2-methoxy-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-l,3,5(10)-trien~3-ol las colorless crystals.

JH-NMR (CDCls): S - 1.13 (s, 3H; I8-CH3), 2.62-2.75. (m, 1H; 17-H), 2.77 (dd, 2H; 6-CH2), 3.86 (s, 3H; 2-OCH3), 5.48 (s, 1H; 3-OH), 6.63, 6.78 (2 s, 2H; 1-H, 4-H).

Example 2 2-ChIoro-J.7a-o.xo-l7a-homoestra-l,3,5(lQ)-trien-3~o! 2 307 mg(851 fimol) of 3-acetoxy-2-chJoro-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-l,3,5(10)-triene was dissolved in 24 ml of dichloromethane/methanol (2:1) and mixed with 45 mg of sodium methanolate. After 1.5 hours, it was neutralized with Aniberlite IRI20 (H+), filtered, and concentrated by evaporation in a rotary evaporator. Flash chromatography (toluene/ethyl acetate = 25:1) yielded 173 mg (64%) of 2-chloro-17a-oxo- 17a-homoestra-l,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 2 as colorless crystals.

'H-NMR (CDCI3): 5 = 1.12 (s, 3H; I8-CH3), 2.62-2.82 (m, 2H; 17-H, 6-CH2), 5.39 (s, 1H; 3-OH), 6.72, 7.21 (2 s, 2H; 1-H, 4-H).

Example 3 2-Bromo-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-l,3,5(10)~trien~3~ol 1 3. was produced analogously to the method, described for 17-keto derivatives, by P. C. Bulman Page et al., Tetrahedron 1990, 46, 2059.

JH-NMR (CDCb): 8 = 1.12 (s, 3H; I8-CH3), 2.62-2.82 (m, 2H; 17-H, 6-CH2), 5.41 (s, 1H; 3-OH), 6.73, 7.34 (2 s, 2H; 1-H, 4-H). 552515 Example 4 2-Iodo-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-l,3,5(l 0)~trien-3-ol A 4 was produced analogously to the method, described for the 17-keto derivati ves, by P. C. Bulman Page et al., Tetrahedron 1990, 46, 2059.

'H-NMR (CDCb): 5 - 1.12 (s, 3H; I8-CH3), 2.62-2.71 (ddd, J = 6.8,14.1,14.1 Hz, 1H; 17-H), 2.77-2.81 (m, 2 H; 6-CH2), 5.29 (s, 1H; 3-OI3), 6.71, 7.52 (2 s, 2B; 1-H, 4-H).

Example 5 2-ChIoro-17a-fluoro-l7a-oxo-l7a-homoestra-l,3,5(l0)-trien-3-ol 5a_and 2-Chloro-17[i-fluoro-l7a-oxo-17a-homoestra-1,3>5(10)-trien-3-ol 5h 60mg (188 pmol) of2-chloro-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-l,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol2 was refluxed with about 190 mg of l-fluoro-4-hydroxy-l,4-diazoma-bicyelo[2,2,2]-oetane bis(tetraf1ixoroborate) 011 aluminum oxide in 10 ml of methanol for 5 hoars,, cooled to room temperature, mixed with IN hydrochloric acid and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phases are dried and concentrated by evaporation in a rotary evaporator. Purification by means of HPLC (Chiracel OJ-H, n-heptane/2-propano! ~ 6:4) yielded about 10 mg each of 2-chloro-l 7a-fluoro-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-l,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 5a and 2-chloro-17(3-fiuoro-17a-oxo-17a-hom.oestra-l,3,5(10)-txien-3-ol 5h as colorless solids. 5a: ^-NMR^CDCfe): 5= 1.13 (s, 3H; I8-CH3), 5.32 (ddd,/*r = 48.8, Jw=> 7.4, 12.5 Hz, 1H; 17j3-H), 6.72, 7.21 (2 s, 2H; 1-H, 4-H) — 19F-NMR (CDCh): 5 = - 192.20 (dd, 48.9, 12.8 Hz).

Six: TI-NMR (CDCls): 5-1.21 (d, J= 3.1 Hz, 3H; I8-CH3), 4.86 (ddd, J up-49.2, Jhh — 3.9, 6.6 Hz, 1H; 17a-H), 6.73, 7.20 (2 s, 2H; 1-H, 4-H) — 19F-NMR 552515 21 (CDC13): 5= - 183.02 — 183.28 (m).

Example 6 2-(2-PhenyIethyl)-l 7a-oxo-17a-homoestra-l ,3,5(10)-trien-3-oI 56 mg (123 pmol) of 3-acetoxy-2-iodo-17a-oxo-17 a-homo estra-1 .3,5( 10)-lriene was dissolved in 8 ml of triethylamine/TH.F (3:1), mixed with 3 mg of palladium(n) acetate, 5 mg of copper(I) iodide, 6.5 mg of rriphenylphosphine and 26 pi of phenyl-acetylene, and stirred for 45 minutes at room temperature under argon. Then, it was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed with IN hydrochloric acid, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and common salt solution, dried, concentrated by evaporation in a rotary evaporator, and purified by flash chromatography (cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 10:1 -» 5;1). 42 mg (80%) of 3-acetoxy-2-(2-phenylethmyl)-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-l,3,5(I0)-triene was obtained as brown-black crystals.

^-NMR (CDCls): 5 = 1.12 (s, 3H; I8-CH3), 2.35 (s, 3H, COC»3), 6.82, 7.50 (2 s, 2H; 1-H, 4-H), 7.31-7.48 (m, 5H; Ph) — I3C-NMR (CDCh): 5 = 16.79,20.84, 22.87, 25.59, 25.80, 26.22, 29.75, 32.33, 37.08, 38.14,42.89, 48.17, 50.17, 84.58, 92.92, 114.101, 121.64,122.91, 128.12, 129.82,131.24, 137.92, 138.52,148.90,168.97, 215.83. 27 mg (63 pmol) of 3-acetoxy-2-(2-phenylcthinyl)-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-] ,3,5(10)-triene was dissolved in 10 ml of ethyl acetate/TlTF (9:1), mixed with 3 drops of acetic acid and 55 mg of palladium on activated carbon (10%), and hydrogenated for 3 hours. Then, the catalyst was filtered off, concentrated by evaporation in a rotary evaporator, and co-evaporated several times with toluene. The residue was dissolved in 6 ml of dichloromethane, mixed with 20 ml of methanol and 100 mg of sodium methanolate, and stirred for 2 hours. Then, it was neutralized with Amberlite IR120 552515 22 (H+), filtered and concentrated by evaporation in a rotary evaporator. Flash chromatography (cyclohexane/ethyl acetate - 5:1) yielded 16 mg (65%) of 2-(2-phenylethyl)-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-l,3}5(10)-trien-3-olfi as colorless needles. lH-NMR (CDCb): 8 - 1.13 (s, 3H; I8-CH3), 2.85-2.89 (m, 4H, PhCH2), 4.46 (s, 1H; OH), 6.48, 7.02 (2 s, 2H; 1-H, 4-H), 7.19-7.30 (m, 5H; Ph).

Example 7 2-AIlyI-l 7a-oxo-1 7a-homoestra-X,3,5( 10)-trien-3-ol 1 315 mg (1.11 mmol) of 17a-oxo-17a~homoestra~l,3,5(10)~trien-3-ol was dissolved in 5 ml of absolute DMF, mixed with 1.8 g of cesium carbonate and 1 ml of ally! bromide and heated for 3 hours to 60°C. Then, it was mixed with ethyl acetate and washed with water and common salt solution. The organic phase was separated, dried, and concentrated by evaporation in a rotary evaporator. Flash chromatography (cyclohexane/ethyl acetate — 40:1 -> 20:1 —> 10:1) yielded 322 mg (89%) of 3-allyIoxy-17a-oxo-17a~homoestra-l,3,5(10)-triene as colorless crystals.

^I-NMR (CDCI3): S = 1.12 (d, 3H; I8-CH3), 2.62-2.71 (m, 1H; 17-H), 2.83-2.86 (m, 2H; 6-H), 4.50 (d, J~ 5.0 Hz, 2H; OCH2), 5.26 (dd, J= 1.2,10.5 Ez, 1H, CMI), 5.37 (dd, J- 1.2,17.2 Hz, 1H; =€HH), 5.99-6.07 (m, 1H; CH^Oh), 6.63 (d, J-2.3 Hz, 1H; 4-H), 6.72 (dd, J= 2.3, 8.2 IIz, 1H; 2-H), 7.20 (d, /= 8.6 Ez, 1H; 1-H), 315 mg (971 jaino!) of 3-allyloxy-l 7a-oxo-l 7a-homoestra-l,3,5(10)-triene was dissolved in 25 ml of diethylaniline under argon and refluxed for 8 hours. Then, it was mixed with ethyl acetate and washed with IN hydrochloric acid and common salt solution. The organic phase was separated, dried, and concentrated by evaporation in a rotary evaporator. Flash chromatography (cyclohexane/ethyl acetate ~ 9:1) yielded 312 mg (99%) of a mixture of the two regioisomers as colorless foam . Separation by means

Claims

552515 23 of HPLC (Chirapak AD-H, n-heptane/2-propanol = 8:2) yielded 108 mg of 2-allyl-17a-oxo-17a-ho moestra-1,3,5( 10)- trien-3-ol 2 as colorless crystals. ^H-NMR (CDCb): 5 = 1.12 (d, 3H; I8-CH3), 2.62-2.71 (m,1H; 17-H), 2.78-2.82 (in, 2H; 6-H), 3.37 (d,./= 6.3 Hz, 2H; OCH2CR=), 4.89 (s, 1H; OH), 5.12-5.18 (m, 2H, CHi), 5.94-6.05 (m, III; Cff=Cfh), 6.54, 7.02 (2 s, 2H;

1-H, 4-H). Example 8

2-Broino-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-l,3,5(10),l6-tetraen-

3-ol £ Xn-~NMR (CDCb): 5 - 1.05 (d, 3H; I8-CH3), 2.62-2.71 (m, 1H; 17-H), 5.95 (dd, J—2.5, 10.0 Hz, IH; =CH), 6.87-6.91 (m, 1H, =€H), 6.74, 7.36 (2 s, 2H; 1-H,

4-H) — "C-NMR (CDCb): S = 15.63, 25.64, 25.85, 27.13, 29.28, 32.08, 38.81, 42.34, 44,45, '45.32, 107.42,115.37, 127.56, 128.61, 133.76,137.46, 147.25, 149.79, 205.04. 24 552515 Claims L 2-Substituted D-hom.o-estratrien.es of general formula I, (I) in which R2 means a saturated or unsaturated Cj-Cg-alkyl group, an aralkyl or an alkylaryl radical, a Cj-Cg-alkyloxy group or a halogen atom, R13 means a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, , Ri7 means a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, whereby the dotted lines in the B- and D-ring of the steroid molecule can be additional double bonds, as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. 2. 2-Substituted D-homo-estra-1,3,5(1 O^-trienes according to claim 1, characterized in that R2 is a Ci-Cs-aJlcoxy, Q-Cs-alkyl or C2-C3-alkehyl or bromine or chlorine. 3. 2-Substituted D-homo-estra-l,3,5(10)-trienes according to claim 1, wherein R2 is a methoxy radical or ethoxy radical, a methyl, ethyl or propyl radical as well as an allyl radical. 4. 2-Substituted D-homo~estra-lt3,5(l 0)-trienes according to claim 1, wherein Rb is a hydrogen atom.

5. 2-Substituted D-homoestra-l,3,5(10)-trienes according to claim 1, namely F in&lectuaf Property"""*"*" J OWIce of N.Z. I .93 JAN 2007 25 552515 1) 2-Methoxy-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-tri en-3-ol 1 2) 2-Ethoxy-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-l ,3,5( 10)-trien~3 -ol 3) 2-Chloro-l7a-oxo-17a-homoestra-l,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 2 4) 2-Bromo-17a-oxo-l 7a-homoestra-l:3,5(l 0)-trien-3-ol 3 5) 2-Iodo-17a-oxo-17a~homoestra-l ,3,5 (10)-trien-3 -o 1 4 6) 2-Chloro-l7a-Fluoro-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra~ 1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 5a 7) 2-Chloro-17p-Fluoro-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-l,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 5b 8) 2-Bromo-l7a-Fluoro-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra~ 1,3,5(10)-tricn-3-ol 9) 2-Bromo-17p-FIuoro-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-l,3,5(10)-tricn-3-ol 10) 2-(2-Phenylcthyl)-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-1,3,5( 10)-trien-3-ol 6 11) 2-Allyl-17a-oxo-17a-homoestra-i ,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 7 12) 2-Allyl-l 7 a-Fluoro-17a-oxo-l 7a-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-tri en-3-ol 13) 2-Allyl-l 7 p -Fluoro-17 a-oxo-17a-homoestra- 1,3,5(10f4Hen-3-ol 14) 2-Chloro-l 7 a-oxo-17 a-homoestra-1,3,5( 10), 1

6 -tetracn-3 -ol 15) 2-Bromo-l7a-oxo-17a-homoestra-1,3,5(10), 16-tetraen-3-ol 8 16) 2-AIlyl-l 7a-oxo-l 7a-homoestra-l,3,5(l 0), 16-tetraen-3-ol 17)2-Propyl-17a-oxo~17a-homoestra-I,3,5(10)-trieii-3-ol 18) 2-Methoxy-17a-oxo-17 a-homo-18a-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 19) 2-Ethoxy-17a-oxo-17 a-homo-1 Sa-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien~3-ol 20) 2-Chloro-17 a-oxo-17 a-homo-1Ba-homo estra-1,3,5 (10)-tri en-3 -ol 21) 2-Bromo-l 7 a-oxo-17 a-homo-1 Sa-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 22) 2-lodo-17a-oxo-l 7a-homo-1 Sa-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3 -ol 23)2-Chloro-17a-Flaoro-17a-oxo-17a-homo-18a-homoestra-l,3,5(10)-trien-3-oI RECEIVED at IPONZ on 02 July 2010 26 552515 24) 2-Chloro-17 P-Fluoro-17 a-oxo-17 a-homo-18a-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 25) 2-Bromo-l 7 a-Fluoro-17a-oxo-17a-homo-18a-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 26) 2-Bromo-17 P-Fluoro-17 a-oxo-17 a-homo-18a-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 27) 2-Allyl~17a-oxo-17a-homo-18a-homoestra-l,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 28)2-Allyl-17a-Fluoro-17a-oxo-17a-homo-18a-homoestra-l,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 29) 2-Allyl-17p -Fluoro-17 a-oxo-17 a-homo-18a-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 30) 2-Chloro-17a-oxo-17a-homo-18a-homoestra-l,3,5(10),16-tetraen-3-ol 31) 2-Bromo-17a-oxo-l 7a-homo-18a-homoestra-1,3,5(1 Gf),16-tetraen-3- \ ol 32) 2-Allyl-17a-oxo-17a-homo-18a-homoestra-1,3,5( 10), 16-tetraen-3 -ol 33) 2-Propyl-17a-oxo-17a-homo-l 8a-homoestra-l ,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 6. Use of 2-Substituted D- Komo-estra-1,3,5(10)-trienes according to one of claims 1 to 5 for the production of a pharmaceutical agent.

7. Use of 2-substituted D-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trienes according to one of claims 1-5 for the production of a pharmaceutical agent for prophylaxis and therapy of estrogen-dependent diseases that can be positively influenced by the inhibition of the 17p-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase.

8. Use of 2-substituted D-homoestra-l,3,5(10)-trienes according to one of claims 6 or 7, whereby at least one additional active ingredient is used in combination for the 27 552515 RECEIVED at IPONZ on 02 July 2010 production of a pharmaceutical agent.

9. Use of 2-substituted D-homoestra-l,3,5(10)-trienes according to claim 8, whereby the additional active ingredient is an antiandrogen, antigestagen, aromatase inhibitor or an antiestrogen.

10. Use of 2-substituted D-homoestra-l,3,5(10)-trienes according to one of claims 7 to 9 for the production of a pharmaceutical agent for prophylaxis and therapy of hormone-dependent tumor diseases of the male and female reproductive glands, male and female sex organs, including the mammary glands.

11. Use of 2-substituted D-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trienes according to claim 10 for the production of a pharmaceutical agent for prophylaxis and therapy of breast cancer.

12. Use of 2-substituted D-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trienes according to claim 10 for the production of a pharmaceutical agent for prophylaxis and therapy of prostate cancer.

13. Use of 2-substituted D-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trienes according to claim 10 for the production of a pharmaceutical agent for treating endometriosis.

14. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain at least one compound of general formula I according to one of claims 1 to 5 and optionally at least one additional active ingredient together with pharmaceutically compatible adjuvants and/or vehicles, whereby the additional active ingredient is an antiandrogen, antigestagen, aromatase inhibitor or an antiestrogen.

15. A compound according to claim 1 substantially as herein described or I exemplified.

16. A use according to claim 7 substantially as herein described or exemplified.

17. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 14 substantially as herein described or exemplified.