The invention relates to a process for preparing a compound of general formula (Ia):

##STR00001##

wherein R.sup.2, Y, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are as defined herein. The invention also relates to certain compounds per se. The compounds are intermediates in the synthesis of synthetic bile acids.

Compounds are provided according to Formula (I):

##STR00001##

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof; wherein X, Y, R.sup.1, R.sup.2a, R.sup.2b, R.sup.4a, R.sup.4b, R.sup.5a, R.sup.5b, R.sup.6a, R.sup.6b, R.sup.7, and R.sup.8 are as defined herein. Compounds of the present invention are contemplated useful for the prevention and treatment of a variety of conditions.

Compounds are provided according to Formula (I):

##STR00001##

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof; wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3a, R.sup.3b, R.sup.4, R.sup.5a, R.sup.5b, R.sup.6a, and R.sup.6b are as defined herein. Compounds of the present invention are contemplated useful for the prevention and treatment of a variety of CNS-related conditions.

Compounds are provided according to Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof; wherein X, Y, R.sup.1, R.sup.2a, R.sup.2b, R.sup.4a, R.sup.4b, R.sup.5a, R.sup.5b, R.sup.6a, R.sup.6b, R.sup.7, and R.sup.8 are as defined herein. Compounds of the present invention are contemplated useful for the prevention and treatment of a variety of conditions. ##STR00001##

The present invention discloses a process for the preparation of 16, 17-acetals of pregnane derivatives having formula I ##STR00001##
wherein each substituent is independently selected from; R.sub.1 is H or CH.sub.3; R.sub.2 is C.sub.1-C.sub.6 linear or branched alkyl, alkynyl group or cycloalkyl group; aryl or heteroaryl group; or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 combine to form saturated, unsaturated C.sub.3-C.sub.6 cyclic or heterocyclic ring; R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are same or different and each independently represents H or halogen; R.sub.5 is OH or OCOR wherein R represents H or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group that may be substituted.

Compounds are provided according to Formula (I): ##STR00001##
and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof; wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3a, R.sup.3b, R.sup.4, R.sup.5a, R.sup.5b, R.sup.6a, and R.sup.6b are as defined herein. Compounds of the present invention are contemplated useful for the prevention and treatment of a variety of CNS-related conditions.

The invention relates to an antagonist of CB1 receptor for use in the treatment of a pathologic condition or disorder selected from the group consisting of bladder and gastrointestinal disorders; inflammatory diseases; cardiovascular diseases; nephropathies; glaucoma; spasticity; cancer; osteoporosis; metabolic disorders; obesity; addiction, dependence, abuse and relapse related disorders; psychiatric and neurological disorders; neurodegenerative disorders; autoimmune hepatitis and encephalitis; pain; reproductive disorders and skin inflammatory and fibrotic diseases.

Disclosed are a steroidal compound as shown in formula (I) and a drug composition containing the same, or a crystal form, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, a hydrate or solvate, a stereoisomer, a prodrug, a metabolite or an isotopic variant thereof. The compound can be used as a CYP17 enzyme inhibitor, and has better pharmacokinetic parameters, which can improve drug concentration of the compound in an animal, thereby improving the efficacy and safety of the drug, and in turn the compound may be applied in the preparation of the drug for treating CYP17 enzyme-related diseases (such as prostate cancer).

The present application relates to a method of preparing compounds of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or amino acid conjugate thereof, R.sub.1 is H, -OH, -OH, or an oxo group.

##STR00001##

The present invention relates to novel neurosteroids, especially derivatives of allopregnanolone and of epiallopregnanolone of formula (I) and the uses thereof as medicament for the treatment of neuropathologies, in particular neuropathies induced by the chemotherapy of a cancer. These molecules according to the invention have both preventative and curative effects. The neurosteroids according to the invention may also be of use in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, in particular for preventing neuronal cell death. They may thus be used as neuroprotectants and/or as an agent that stimulates neuronal proliferation.