The present invention relates, in part, to a biocompatible hydrophobic-core carrier comprising a carrier, and a plurality of hydrophobic groups covalently linked to the polymeric carrier. The hydrophobic groups are capable of dissociably linking load molecules such as therapeutic agents. The hydrophobic-core carrier may also comprise protective side chains, orienting molecules, and targeting molecules.

Described are transdermal drug delivery systems for the transdermal administration of estrogen, comprising a polymer matrix and estrogen. Methods of making and using such systems also are described.

The present invention relates to a hormone replacement therapy, to the associated compounds and to the associated packaging units, for alleviating menopause-associated symptoms which is based on the administration to a female mammal of an estetrol component at specified daily doses, optionally in combination with a progestogenic component. The therapy enjoys a statistically significant efficacy combined with a favourable profile for side effects compared to currently available methods for alleviating menopause-associated symptoms.

Provided is a novel compound having a selective activating effect on ERβ. The present invention provides a compound represented by the following formula (1) wherein R.sup.1 represents a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and optionally substituted with a halogen atom, a 5-membered nitrogen-containing heteroaryl group, a 4- to 6-membered cyclic amino group, an alkanoylamino group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and optionally substituted with a halogen atom, a 1-trifluoromethyl-1-hydroxymethyl group, or a 1-methylpropyl group; R.sup.2 to R.sup.5 are the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; and R.sup.6 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkanoyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or a salt thereof. ##STR00001##

Provided is a means with which it is possible to efficiently prevent or improve symptoms caused by an imbalance of sex hormones with as little pain as possible, and which can safely be taken daily. A compound selected from the group consisting of a lophenol compound and a cyclolanostane compound is used as an active ingredient of an agent for preventing or improving symptoms caused by an imbalance of sex hormones.

Described herein are tetrahydroisoquinoline compounds with estrogen receptor modulation activity or function having the Formula I structure:

##STR00001## and stereoisomers, tautomers, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and with the substituent and structural features described herein. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments that include the Formula I compounds, as well as methods of using such estrogen receptor modulators, alone and in combination with other therapeutic agents, for treating diseases or conditions that are mediated or dependent upon estrogen receptors.

The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition in the form of a system in film form for transmucosal administration of steroid hormones. An administration system for steroid hormones which dissolves in the mouth and which releases with a high bioavailability is disclosed. The administration system in film form dissolves in the mouth preferably in a period of less than 30 min, and the steroid hormone entering the bloodstream transmucosally from the administration system leads to a rapid rise in the concentration in the blood. It is thus possible to achieve a maximum concentration of this steroid hormone in the blood in a period of less than 60 min after administration.

A composition comprising microcapsules, the microcapsules containing both live mammalian ovarian granulosa cells and live mammalian ovarian theca cells, is described. In some embodiments, the granulosa cells and the theca cells are contained in separate microcapsules in the composition; in some embodiments, the granulosa cells and the theca cells are contained together in the same microcapsules in the composition The composition is can be used for estrogen, and optionally also progesterone, delivery, and hence is preferably free or essentially free of oocytes. Methods of using the same and pharmaceutical formulations containing the same are also described.

The disclosure provides methods of use of certain compounds that are useful for treating certain symptoms of endocrine disturbances, and in particular those associated with hot flashes.

The disclosure provides methods of use of certain compounds that are useful for treating certain symptoms of endocrine disturbances, and in particular those associated with hot flashes.