Described herein are neuroactive steroids of the Formula (II): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein A, R.sup.1, R.sup.2a, R.sup.2b, R.sup.3a, R.sup.3b, R.sup.4a, R.sup.4b, R.sup.5, R.sup.6 and are as defined herein. Such compounds are envisioned, in certain embodiments, to behave as GABA modulators. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of the present invention and methods of use and treatment, e.g., such for inducing sedation and/or anesthesia.

##STR00001##

The functionalized 3,4-alkylenedioxythiophene (ADOT+) monomers can be represented by a chemical formula (CR.sup.1R.sup.2)(CR.sup.3R.sup.4)(CR.sup.4R.sup.5).sub.xO.sub.2C.sub.4H.sub.2S, wherein x=0 or 1; wherein each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.6 is independently selected from hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl moiety, and a heteroatom-containing functional group; and wherein at least one of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.6 comprises the heteroatom-containing functional group selected from an aldehyde, a maleimide, and their derivatives thereof. Also, disclosed herein are aldehyde derivatives represented by (ADOT-CH.sub.2NH).sub.pY and a maleimide derivative represented by (ADOT-(CH.sub.2).sub.qN).sub.pZ where p=1-2 and each of Y and Z is a hydrocarbyl moiety or a biofunctional hydrocarbyl moiety. In an embodiment of the ADOT+ monomers, one of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.6 is replaced by a direct bond to an amide group, an azide group, or an ester group of a biofunctional hydrocarbyl moiety. Also, disclosed herein are polymers and copolymers made therefrom.

The present disclosure provides processes for the synthesis of withanolides such as Withanolide A and Withanolide D.

Described herein are compositions and methods for the treatment or prevention of dermal or ocular surface disorders. Ocular surface disorders include ocular allergy, dry eye disease, ocular manifestation of graft versus host disease and other inflammatory and/or infectious diseases of the (e.g., anterior) surface of the eye(s). Said compositions and methods comprise keratolytic conjugates which demonstrate immunological, keratolytic, anti-inflammatory, and/or other desirable activities. Topical administration of said compositions to the eyelid margin or surrounding areas provides therapeutic benefit to patients suffering from ocular surface disorders.