The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 17-substituted steroids and, more particularly, to an improved method of preparing micro size abiraterone or derivatives thereof in high yield and purity by means of a spherical agglomeration process.

Provided are a clinically applicable drug for radical cure of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and a drug for treating neurological diseases associated with axonal dysfunction other than AD, wherein the drug utilizes the mechanism of action of the AD radical cure therapy. The drugs are oral drugs, each comprising one or more compounds selected from diosgenin, a diosgenin derivative and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, the one or more compounds being suspended in an edible oil.

The present invention provides compounds of Formula I, ##STR00001##
pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and methods of using these compounds to prevent or treat FXR-mediated or TGR5-mediated diseases or conditions.

Provided are androstane and dihydrotestosterone compounds functionalized with carbocyclic groups or heterocyclic groups that may be saturated or unsaturated. The compounds may be used in methods of inhibiting cell growth of malignant cells and/or hyperplastic cells and/or treating individuals having diseases associated with malignant cell growth (e.g., cancer, such as, for example, prostate cancer) and/or hyperplastic cell growth and/or molecular imaging of malignant cells and/or hyperplastic cells and/or inducing degradation of a target protein. Also provided are compositions.

Provided are androstane and dihydrotestosterone compounds functionalized with carbocyclic groups or heterocyclic groups that may be saturated or unsaturated. The compounds may be used in methods of inhibiting cell growth of malignant cells and/or hyperplastic cells and/or treating individuals having diseases associated with malignant cell growth (e.g., cancer, such as, for example, prostate cancer) and/or hyperplastic cell growth and/or molecular imaging of malignant cells and/or hyperplastic cells and/or inducing degradation of a target protein. Also provided are compositions.