The present invention relates to compounds and their uses, in particular, compounds in the form of prodrugs that promote transport of a pharmaceutical agent to the lymphatic system and subsequently enhance release of the parent drug.

Compounds are provided according to Formula (I):

##STR00001##

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein Z is a group of the formula (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), or (v):

##STR00002##

and wherein L.sup.1, L.sup.2, L.sup.3, X.sup.1, X.sup.2, Y, R.sup.Z4, R.sup.Z5, R.sup.Z6, n, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3a, R.sup.3b, R.sup.4a, R.sup.4b, R.sup.6a, R.sup.6b, R.sup.7a, R.sup.7b, R.sup.11a, R.sup.11b, R.sup.14, R.sup.17, R.sup.19, R.sup.20, R.sup.23a, R.sup.23b, and R.sup.24 are as defined herein, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Compounds of the present invention are contemplated useful for the prevention and treatment of a variety of CNS-related conditions in mammals.

The present invention relates to compounds and their uses, in particular, compounds in the form of prodrugs that pro mote transport of a pharmaceutical agent to the lymphatic system and subsequently enhance release of the parent drug.

A novel delivery system for drugs, and especially macromolecules such as proteins or oligonucleotides through biological membranes is provided, and specifically delivery of siRNA. The delivery system comprises conjugation of the macromolecule drug to a moiety that enables effective passage through the membranes. Respectively, novel compounds and pharmaceutical compositions are provided, utilizing said delivery system. In one aspect of the invention, the compounds may be utilized in medical practice, for example, in delivery of siRNA or antisense oligonucleotides across biological membranes for the treatment of medical disorders.

Compounds are provided according to Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein Z is a group of the formula (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), or (v), and wherein L.sup.1, L.sup.2, L.sup.3, X.sup.1, X.sup.2, Y, R.sup.z4, R.sup.z5, R.sup.z6, n, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3a, R.sup.3b, R.sup.4a, R.sup.4b, R.sup.6a, R.sup.6b, R.sup.7a, R.sup.7b, R.sup.11a, R.sup.11b, R.sup.14, R.sup.17, R.sup.19, R.sup.20, R.sup.23a, R.sup.23b, and R.sup.24 are as defined herein, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Compounds of the present invention are contemplated useful for the prevention and treatment of a variety of CNS-related conditions in mammals. ##STR00001##

The present disclosure is generally directed to neuroactive 19-alkoxy-17-substituted steroids as referenced herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for use as, for example, an anesthetic, and/or in the treatment of disorders relating to GABA function and activity. The present disclosure is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds.

The present disclosure is generally directed to neuroactive 19-alkoxy-17-substituted steroids as referenced herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for use as, for example, an anesthetic, and/or in the treatment of disorders relating to GABA function and activity. The present disclosure is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds.

The present disclosure is generally directed to neuroactive 19-alkoxy-17-substituted steroids as referenced herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for use as, for example, an anesthetic, and/or in the treatment of disorders relating to GABA function and activity. The present disclosure is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds.

The present disclosure is generally directed to neuroactive 19-alkoxy-17-substituted steroids as referenced herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for use as, for example, an anesthetic, and/or in the treatment of disorders relating to GABA function and activity. The present disclosure is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds.

The present disclosure is generally directed to neuroactive 19-alkoxy-17-substituted steroids as referenced herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for use as, for example, an anesthetic, and/or in the treatment of disorders relating to GABA function and activity. The present disclosure is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds.