WO2000066590A2

WO2000066590A2 - Tetracyclic progesterone receptor modulator compounds and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2000066590A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/011750
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lin Zhi; Todd K. Jones; Keith B. Marschke; Christopher M. Tegley; Andrew Fensome; Puwen Zhang; Jay E. Wrobel; James P. Edwards
Original assignee: Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; American Home Products Corporation
Priority date: 1999-05-04
Filing date: 2000-05-01
Publication date: 2000-11-09
Also published as: CA2371273A1; HK1043788A1; AU4501800A; WO2000066590A3; EP1175422A2; CN1353717A

Abstract

Nonsteroidal compounds that are high affinity, high selectivity modulators for progesterone receptors are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions incorporating such compounds, methods for employing the disclosed compounds and compositions for treating patients requiring progesterone receptor agonist, partial agonist or antagonist therapy, intermediates useful in the preparation of the compounds and processes for the preparation of the progesterone receptor modulator compounds.

Description

TETRACYCLIC PROGESTERONE RECEPTOR MODULATOR COMPOUNDS

AND METHODS

Field of the Invention This invention relates to nonsteroidal tetracychc compounds that are modulators (I e agonists and antagonists) of progesterone receptors, and to methods for the making and use of such compounds

Background of the Invention Progesterone receptor (PR) modulators have been widely used in regulation of female reproduction systems and in treatment of female hormone dependent diseases The effectiveness of known steroidal PR modulators is often tempered by their undesired side- effect profile, particularly during long-term administration For example, the effectiveness of synthetic progestins, such as norgestrel, as female birth control agents must be weighed against the increased πsk of breast cancer and heart disease to women takmg such agents Similarly, the progesterone antagonist, mifepπstone (RU486), if administered for chronic indications, such as uterine fibroids, endometπosis and certain hormone-dependent cancers, could cause homeostatic imbalances in a patient due to its inherent cross-reactivity as a glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist Accordingly, identification of compounds that have good specificity for PR, but have reduced or no cross-reactivity for other steroid receptors, would be of significant value in the improvement of women's health

Nonsteroidal molecules that contain a di- or tetrahydroquinoline πng as the core pharmacophore have been descπbed as steroid receptor modulator compounds {See for example "Preparation of Quinolines and Fused Quinolines as Steroid Receptor Modulators", T K. Jones, M E Goldman, C L F Pooley, D T Winn, J P Edwards, S J West, C M Tegley, L Zhi, L G Harnann, R L Davis, L J Farmer, PCT Int Appl Pub No WO 96/19458, "Steroid Receptor Modulator Compounds and Methods", T K. Jones, D T Winn, L Zhi, L G Harnann, C M Tegley, C L F Pooley, US Patent No 5,688,808, "Steroid Receptor Modulator Compounds and Methods", T K. Jones, M E Goldman, C L F Pooley, D T Winn, J P Edwards, S J West, C M Tegley, L Zhi, US Patent No 5,688,810, "Steroid Receptor Modulator Compounds and Methods", T K. Jones, C M Tegley, L Zhi, J P Edwards, S J West, US Patent No 5,693,646, "Steroid Receptor Modulator Compounds and Methods", T K. Jones, L Zhi, C M Tegley, D T Winn, L G Harnann, J P Edwards, S J West, US Patent No 5,693,647, "Steroid Receptor Modulator Compounds and Methods", T K. Jones, L Zhi, J P Edwards, C M Tegley, S J West, US Patent No 5,696,127, "Steroid Receptor Modulator Compounds and Methods", T K. Jones, D T Winn, M E Goldman, L G Hamann, L Zhi, L J Farmer, R L Davis, US Patent No 5,696,130, "Steroid Receptor Modulator Compounds and Methods", T K. Jones, M E Goldman, C L F Pooley, D T Winn, J P Edwards, S J West, C M Tegley, L Zhi, L G Hamann, L J Farmer, R L Davis, US Patent No 5,696,133 }

Molecules containing a bicyclic heterocycle have been reported as cardiotonic agents {See "A Novel Class of Cardiotonic Agents Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 5-Substιtuted 3,6-Dιhydrothιadιazιn-2-ones with Cyclic AMP Phosphoidesterase Inhibiting and Myofibπllar Calcium Sensitizing Properties", M -C Forest, P Lahouratate, M Martin, G Nadler, M J Quiniou, R G Zimmermann, J Med Chem 35 (1992) 163-172,

'Ηeteroatom Analogues of Bemoradan Chemistry and Cardiotonic Activity of 1,4- Benzothiazinylpyπdazinones", D W Combs, M S Rampulla, J P Demers, R Falotico, J B Moore, J Med Chem , 35 (1992) 172-176 }

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is directed to compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for modulating processes mediated by PR More particularly, the invention relates to nonsteroidal compounds and compositions that are high affinity, high specificity agonists, partial agomsts (l e , partial activators and/or tissue-specific activators) and antagonists for progesterone receptors Also provided are methods of making such compounds and pharmaceutical compositions, as well as critical intermediates used in their synthesis

These and various other advantages and features of novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and objects obtained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying descπptive matter, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are descπbed

Detailed Description of the Invention

As used herein, the following terms are defined with the following meanings, unless explicitly stated otherwise

The terms alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and allyl include optionally substituted straight- chain, branched-chain, cyclic, saturated and or unsaturated structures, and combinations thereof

The term haloalkyl refers to alkyl structures, including straight-chain, branched-chain, or cyclic structures, or combinations thereof, that are substituted with one or more fluorines, chlorines, bromines or iodines, or combinations thereof

The term heteroalkyl includes straight-chain, branched-chain, cyclic, saturated and/or unsaturated structures, or combinations thereof, in which one or more skeletal atoms is oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, or combinations thereof

The term aryl refers to an optionally substituted six-membered aromatic πng

The term heteroaryl refers to an optionally substituted, aromatic five-membered heterocyclic πng containing one or more heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur, or to an optionally substituted, aromatic six-membered heterocyclic πng containing one or more nitrogens

The substituents of an "optionally substituted" structure include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following prefeπed substitutents F, Cl, Br, I, CN, N0₂, NH₂, NCH₃,

Compounds of the present invention are defined as those having the formula

(I)

OR

(II) wherein

R¹ through R⁶ are independently hydrogen, F, Cl, Br, I, N0₂, CN, OR¹⁰, NR¹⁰R^π, SR¹⁰, COR¹², C0₂R¹², CONR¹⁰Rⁿ, optionally substituted Ci to C₆ alkyl or heteroalkyl, Ci to β haloalkyl, optionally substituted C₃ to Cs cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C2 to Cβ alkenyl or alkynyl, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl, or optionally substituted arylmethyl, where R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are independently hydrogen, Ci to C alkyl or heteroalkyl or haloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted arylmethyl, COR¹³, S0₂R¹³ or S(0)R¹³, where R¹² is hydrogen, Ci to C6 alkyl or heteroalkyl or haloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, optionally substituted allyl or optionally substituted arylmethyl, where R¹³ is hydrogen, Ci to CO alkyl or haloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, optionally substituted allyl or optionally substituted arylmethyl, R⁷ is hydrogen, Ci to Cβ alkyl or haloalkyl or heteroalkyl, aryl, arylmethyl, heteroaryl, COR¹², C0₂R¹², S0₂R¹², S(0)R¹² or CONR¹⁰R^U, where R^10"12 have the same definitions given above,

R⁸ and R⁹ are independently hydrogen, Ci to C alkyl or haloalkyl or heteroalkyl, optionally substituted C₂ to C alkenyl or alkynyl, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted arylmethyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl, X is OCH₂, SCH_2; NHCH₂, OC(O), SC(O), NHC(O), CH₂0, CH₂S, CH₂NH, C(0)0, C(0)S or C(0)NH,

Y is O, S or NR¹⁰, where R¹⁰ has the same definition given above, and Z is O, S, NR¹⁴, CR¹⁴R¹⁵, CR^,4R¹⁵CR¹⁶R¹⁷, OCR¹⁴R¹⁵, SCR¹ R¹⁵, CR¹⁴R¹⁵S,

NR¹⁴CR¹⁵R¹⁵, or CR¹⁴R¹⁵NR¹⁶, where R¹⁴ through R^π each independently are hydrogen, Ci to Cβ alkyl or haloalkyl or heteroalkyl, optionally substituted C _ to Cβ alkenyl or alkynyl, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted arylmethyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof

In a preferred aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition compπsing an effective amount of an progesterone receptor modulating compound of formula I or formula II shown above wherein R^1"17, X, Y and Z all have the same definitions as given above In a further prefeπed aspect, the present invention compnses a method of modulating processes mediated by progesterone receptors compπsing administering to a patient an effective amount of a compound of formula I or formula II shown above, wherein R^1"17, X,

Y and Z all have the same definitions as those given above

Any of the compounds of the present invention can be synthesized as pharmaceutically acceptable salts for incorporation into vaπous pharmaceutical compositions As used herein, pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, hydrofluoπc, sulfuπc, citric, maleic, acetic, lactic, mcotinic, succinic, oxalic, phosphoπc, malonic, salicylic, phenylacetic, steaπc, pyπdine, ammonium, piperazine, diethylamine, nicotinamide, formic, urea, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, lithium, cinnarnic, methylamino, methanesulfonic, picπc, tartaπc, tπethylamino, dimethylamino, and tπs(hydroxymethyl)amιnomethane Additional pharmaceutically acceptable salts are known to those skilled in the art

The PR agonist, partial agonist and antagonist compounds of the present invention are particularly useful for female hormone replacement therapy and as modulators of fertility (e g , as contraceptives or contragestational agents), either alone or in conjunction with estrogen receptor modulators The PR modulator compounds are also used in the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, dysmenoπhea, endometπosis, leiomyomas (uterine fibroids), hot flashes, mood disorders, memngiomas as well as in various hormone-dependent cancers, including, without limitation, cancers of ovaπes, breast, endometπum and prostate

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while the compounds of the present invention will typically be employed as a selective agonists, partial agonists or antagonists, that there may be instances where a compound with a mixed steroid receptor profile is preferred For example, use of a PR agonist (e g , progestin) in female contraception often leads to the undesired effects of mcreased water retention and acne flare- ups In this instance, a compound that is primarily a PR agonist, but also displays some AR and MR modulating activity, may prove useful Specifically, the mixed MR effects would be useful to control water balance in the body, while the AR effects would help to control any acne flare-ups that occur

Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the compounds of the present invention, including pharmaceutical compositions and formulations containing these compounds, can be used in a wide vaπety of combination therapies to treat the conditions and diseases descπbed above Thus, the compounds of the present invention can be used in combination with other hormones and other therapies, including, without limitation, chemotherapeutic agents such as cytostatic and cytotoxic agents, lmmunological modifiers such as interferons, lnterleukins, growth hormones and other cytokines, hormone therapies, surgery and radiation therapy Representative PR modulator compounds (1 e , agonists, partial agomsts and antagonists) according to the present invention include 7-fluoro-4,4-dιmethyl-5H- chromeno[3,4- |-l,3-benzo[- loxazιn-2-one (Compound 14), 9-bromo-7-fluoro-4,4- dιmethyl-5H-chromeno[3,4- J-l,3-benzo[ύf]oxazιn-2-one (Compound 20), 7-fluoro-9- foπτ^l-4,4-dιmethyl-5H-chromeno[3,4- ]-l,3-benzo[c ]oxazιn-2-one (Compound 24), 7- fluoro-9-hydroxyιmιnomethyl-4,4-dιmethyl-5H-chromeno[3 ,4- J - 1 ,3-benzo [d] oxazm-2-one (Compound 25), 9-cyano-7-fluoro-4,4-dιmethyl-5H-chromeno[3,4- |-l ,3-benzo[< ]oxazιn-2- one (Compound 26)

Compounds of the present invention, compπsing classes of heterocyclic mtrogen compounds and their deπvatives, can be obtained by routine chemical synthesis by those skilled in the art, for example, by modification of the heterocyclic nitrogen compounds disclosed or by a total synthesis approach

The sequences of steps to synthesize the compounds of the present invention are shown below in the general schemes In each of the Schemes the R groups (e g , R¹, R², etc ) correspond to the specific substitution patterns noted in the Examples However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other functionalities disclosed herein at the indicated positions of compounds of formulas I and II also compπse potential substituents for the analogous positions on the structures within the Schemes In a further aspect, the present invention provides a novel process for the preparation of the compounds of the present invention Scheme I

The process of Scheme I begins with the preparation of fluoroboronic acid 2 by a literature procedure, in which oitho-lithiation of fluorobenzene 1 with an alkyl lithium reagent, such as /i-butyllithium (n-BuLi) or tert-butyllithium, in THF or ether at -78 to -50 °C followed by addition of atπalkyl borate, such as tπmethyl or tπisopropyl borate, at -78 °C and acidification with an aqueous acid, such as HC1, provides boronic acid 2 Biaryl compound 4 is prepared by a typical palladium catalyzed coupling reaction of boronic acid 2 and bromobenzoate 3 under aqueous or nonaqueous conditions at ambient temperature The ester 4 is hydrolyzed under basic conditions, such as THF/MeOH/2N Na₂C0₃, at ambient temperature, and the resulting carboxylate is heated at elevated temperature in a polar solvent, such as DMF, to generate lactone 5 The nitro-lactone 5 is converted to aminobromo-lactone 6 in a one-pot two-step procedure that involves reduction of the nitro group to an amino group under hydrogen atmosphere (catalyzed by palladium on carbon) followed by bromination with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) in DMF at room temperature The isopropenyl group is introduced by a palladium-catalyzed coupling reaction, for example, Suzuki coupling reaction between lsopropenylboronic acid and bromo compound 6 The resulting amino compound is then converted to the carbamate 7 by treatment with methyl chloroformate in the presence of 4-dιmethylamιnopyπdιne Removal of the carbonyl group of lactone 7 is completed by stepwise reduction with typical reducing agents such as L1AIH₄ and Et₃SιH in the presence of a catalytic amount of acid (e g , TFA) to afford compound 8 The final product 9 is obtained by the treatment of compound 8 with tosic acid (TsOH, -toluenesulfonic acid) in refluxing dichloroethane (DCE) Scheme II

Scheme II descπbes a four-step, selective D-πng modification procedure, in which reduction of lactone 7 with a reducing agent such as L1BH₄ provides diol 10 and then NBS bromination of diol 10 in the presence of a base such as tπethylamine followed by a selective methylation and NaH mediated nucleophilic cychzation in DMF affords compound 11 Treatment of compound 11 with more than one equivalent of an acid such as TsOH in refluxing dichloroethane provides compound 12

Scheme III involves selective D-πng functional group conversion from R^1"4 to R^7"10 by known substituent group conversions such as converting bromo to aldehyde by metal- halogen exchange followed by nucleophihc addition to DMF, or converting an aldehyde to an oxime by hydroxylamine treatment of the aldehyde, or converting an oxime to a cyano group by treatment of the oxime with thionyl chloπde Scheme III

Scheme IV

Lawesson's reagent

Scheme IV descπbes the conversion of compound 12 to its cyclic thiocarbamate analogue 13 by Lawesson's reagent (p-methoxyphenylthionophosphine sulfide dimer)

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain modifications can be made to the above-described methods that remain within the scope of the present invention

The compounds of the present invention also include racemates, stereoisomers and mixtures of said compounds, including lsotopically-labeled and radio-labeled compounds Such isomers can be isolated by standard resolution techniques, including fractional crystallization and chiral column chromatography

As noted above, any of the PR modulator compounds of the present invention can be combined in a mixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable earner to provide pharmaceutical compositions useful for treating the biological conditions or disorders noted herein in mammalian, and more preferably, in human patients The particular earner employed in these pharmaceutical compositions may take a wide vaπety of forms depending upon the type of administration desired, e g , intravenous, oral, topical, suppository or parenteral

In preparing the compositions in oral liquid dosage forms (e g , suspensions, elixirs and solutions), typical pharmaceutical media, such as water, glycols, oils, alcohols, flavoring agents, preservatives, coloring agents and the like can be employed Similarly, when preparing oral solid dosage forms (e g , powders, tablets and capsules), earners such as starches, sugars, diluents, granulating agents, lubπcants, binders, disintegrating agents and the like will be employed Due to their ease of administration, tablets and capsules represent the most advantageous oral dosage form for the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention

For parenteral administration, the earner will typically compπse sterile water, although other ingredients that aid in solubility or serve as preservatives may also be included Furthermore, injectable suspensions may also be prepared, in which case appropπate liquid earners, suspending agents and the like will be employed

For topical administration, the compounds of the present invention may be formulated using bland, moisturizing bases, such as ointments or creams Examples of suitable ointment bases are petrolatum, petrolatum plus volatile silicones, lanolin, and water in oil emulsions such as Euceπn™ (Beiersdorf) Examples of suitable cream bases are Nivea™ Cream (Beiersdorf), cold cream (USP), Purpose Cream™ (Johnson & Johnson), hydrophύic ointment (USP), and Lubπderm™ (Warner-Lambert)

The pharmaceutical compositions and compounds of the present invention will generally be administered in the form of a dosage unit (e g , tablet, capsule etc ) at from about 1 μg/kg of body weight to about 500 mg/kg of body weight, more preferably from about 10 μg/kg to about 250 mg/kg, and most preferably from about 20 μg/kg to about 100 mg/kg As recognized by those skilled in the art, the particular quantity of pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention administered to a patient will depend upon a number of factors, including, without limitation, the biological activity desired, the condition of the patient, and tolerance for the drug

The compounds of this invention also have utility when radio- or lsotopically-labeled as hgands for use in assays to determine the presence of PR in a cell background or extract They are particularly useful due to their ability to selectively activate progesterone receptors, and can therefore be used to determine the presence of such receptors in the presence of other steroid receptors or related intracellular receptors

Due to the selective specificity of the compounds of this invention for steroid receptors, these compounds can be used to puπfy samples of steroid receptors in vitro Such purification can be earned out by mixing samples containing steroid receptors with one or more of the compounds of the present invention so that the compounds bind to the receptors of choice, and then separating out the bound ligand/receptor combination by separation techniques that are known to those of skill in the art These techniques include column separation, filtration, centπfugation, tagging and physical separation, and antibody complexing, among others

The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention possess a number of advantages over previously identified steroid modulator compounds For example, the compounds are extremely potent activators of PR, preferably displaying 50% maximal activation of PR at a concentration of less than 100 nM, more preferably at a concentration of less than 50 nM, more preferably yet at a concentration of less than 20 nM or less Also, the selective compounds of the present invention generally do not display undesired cross-reactivity with other steroid receptors, as is seen with the compound mifepπstone (RU486, Roussel Uclaf), a known PR antagonist that displays an undesirable cross reactivity on GR, thereby limiting its use in long-term, chronic administration In addition, the compounds of the present invention, as small organic molecules, are easier to synthesize, provide greater stability and can be more easily administered in oral dosage forms than other known steroidal compounds

The invention will be further illustrated by reference to the following non-limiting Examples

EXAMPLE 1 7-Fluoro-4,4-dimethyl-5H-chromeno[3,4-fl-l,3-benzo[dloxazin-2-one (Compound 14; Structure 9 of Scheme I. where R = fluoro, R² = H)

2.3-Dιfluoroboromc acid (Structure 2 of Scheme I. where R¹ = fluoro, R^{2 4} = H)

To a 500 mL flask charged with a solution of 1,2-dιfluoro benzene (15 g, 0 13 mmol) in THF (150 mL) at -78 °C was added dropwise «-BuLι (7 0 M in hexane, 19 mL, 0 13 mol) The reaction mixture was stirred at -78 °C for 2 5 hours and then a solution of tπmethylborate (30 mL, 0 26 mol, 2 0 equiv) in THF (90 mL) previously cooled to - 78 °C was added, after which the mixture was allowed to warm up to room temperature overnight Next the reaction mixture was acidified to pH ~ 1 using HC1 (3 N aqueous) and then stirred for 15 minutes Then the mixture was extracted with ether (2 x 300 mL), washed with water (150 mL) and dned over Na₂S0 The solvent was removed in vacuo to yield 20 g (96%) of 2,3-dιfluoroboronιc acid as a white solid Data for 2,3-dιfluoroboronιc acid if = 039 (EtOAc hexanes, 3 7)

Methyl 2-(2.3-Dιfluorophenyl)-5-nιtrobenzoate (Compound 15, Structure 4 of Scheme I. where R¹ = fluoro, R^{2 6} = H)

A mixture of 2,3-dιfluoroboronιc acid (20g, 0 12 mol, 1 3 equiv), methyl 2-bromo-5- nitrobenzoate (25 g, 96 mmol) (Structure 3, where R = methyl, R^{5 6} = H), tetrakis(tnphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (3 6 g, 3 1 mmol, 3 2% equiv) and aqueous sodium carbonate (2 M, 200 mL) in toluene (200 mL) and ethanol (100 mL) was heated at reflux overnight until completion of the reaction was indicated by TLC The reaction mixture was extracted with EtOAc (2 x 400 mL), washed with brine (300 mL) and dned over Na₂S0₄ Removal of solvent provided a brown solid, which was recrystallized from j-PrOH hexanes to give Compound 15 (22 8 g, 83%) as a white solid Data for 15 rf = 0 32 (CH₂C1₂ hexanes, 4 6), ^!H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8 87 (d, J= 1 2, 1 H), 8 43 (dd, J = 8 3 and 1 2, 1 H), 7 58 (d, J= 8 6, 1 H), 7 29-7 17 (m, 2 H), 7 10-7 02 (m, 1 H) and 3 82 (s, 3 H)

4-Fluoro-8-mtro-6 -dιbenzo 6, 1pyran-6-one (Compound 16. Structure 5 of Scheme I. where R¹ = fluoro. R^{2 6} = H)

To a solution of Compound 15 (20 g, 69 mmol) in THF MeOH (-2 5 1) (370 mL) was added 10% aqueous NaOH (82 mL), and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour The mixture was concentrated, acidified to pH - 1 using 3N HC1 and then extracted with EtOAc (2 x 400 mL) The combined extracts were washed with brine, dned over Na₂S0₄ and concentrated to afford the acid as an off-white solid To a solution of the crude acid in dry DMF (180 mL) was added NaH (4 0 g, 1 5 equiv), and the mixture was heated at -80 °C for 2 hours, at which time TLC indicated completion of the reaction The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to a small volume, and then water (5 mL) was added The mixture was cooled to -15 °C to afford a white precipitate, which was filtered and washed with cold water and hexane to give Compound 16 (17 g, 95%) Data for 16 rf= 0 36 (EtOAc hexanes, 3 7), ^lH NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 9 28 (d, .7= 1 1, 1 H), 8 68 (dd, J= 8 5 and 1 1, 1 H), 8 32 (d, J= 8 5, 1 H), 7 91 (d, J = 8 0, 1 H) and 7 46-7 36 (m, 2 H)

8-Ammo-7-bromo-4-fluoro-6H-dιbenzorfr,<^lpyran-6-one (Compound 17. Structure 6 of Scheme I. where R¹ = fluoro. R^{2 6} = H) A mixture of Compound 16 (8 8 g, 34 mmol) and 10% Pd/C (0 95 g, 2 5% equiv ) in

DMF (150 mL) in a Parr apparatus was shaken at room temperature under H₂ (40-60 psi) overnight until completion of the hydrogenation was indicated by TLC The reaction mixture was then carefully passed through filter paper to remove all traces of Pd/C catalyst NBS (6 0 g, 34 mmol) was added to the filtrate, and the resulting mixture was stiπed at room temperature for 2-3 hours The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, and then water was added to initiate precipitation The solid was filtered and washed with cold water to afford Compound 17 (8 6 g, 83%) as a pale brown solid Data for 17 rf = O i l (EtOAc hexanes, 1 3), ^]H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-^ δ 8 20 (d, J= 8 8, 1 H), 7 97 (d, J = 8 0, 1 H), 7 38 (d, J = 8 8, 1 H), 7 35-7 27 (m, 2 H), 6 24 ( s, 2 H)

4-Fluoro-7-isopropenyl-8-methoxycarbonylammo-6H-dibenzof6, ]pyran-6-one (Compound 18. Structure 7 of Scheme I. where R¹ = fluoro. R^{2 6} = H)

To a solution of 2-bromopropene (1 2 g, 10 mmol) in THF (25 mL) at -78 °C was added t-BuLi (1 7 M in pentane, 12 mL, 20 mmol), and the resulting yellow solution was stirred for 10 minutes Tnmethylborate (3 0 mL, 26 mmol) was added via syringe, and the reaction mixture was warmed up slowly overnight to yield a white slurry The reaction mixture was acidified to pH - 2, stirred at room temperature for 1 hour, extracted with EtOAc (2 x 50 mL), washed with bπne and then was concentrated to afford the crude boronic acid as a white solid

A mixture of this crude boronic acid, Compound 17 (1 5 g, 4 8 mmol), K₂C0₃ (2 8 g, 20 mmol) and Pd(PPh₃)₄ (0 10 g, 0 087 mmol, 1 8% equiv) in toluene (45 mL), EtOH (45 mL) and water (20 mL) was heated at reflex for 2 hours The dark reaction mixture was acidified to pH ~ 2 and extracted with EtOAc (2 x 150 mL) Removal of solvent provided a crude dark solid that contained 8-amino-4-fluoro-7-isopropenyl-6H-dibenzo[/j,<i]pyran-6- one To the crude mixture in THF (40 mL) at room temperature was added ClC0₂Me (1 7 mL, 20 mmol) and DMAP (0 53 g, 4 3 mmol), and the resulting cloudy solution was stirred at room temperature for 5 hours The reaction was quenched with water (50 mL), and the reaction mixture was extracted with EtOAc and washed with aqueous Na₂C0₃, NFLiCl and bπne Removal of solvent and chromatography of the crude mixture afforded Compound 18 (0 35 g, 26%) as a pale yellow solid Data for 18 rf = 0 34 (EtOAc Hexane, 1 3), *H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8 72 (d, J= 8 9, 1 H), 8 08 (d, J= 9 0, 1 H), 7 79 (bd, J= 6 5, 1 H), 7 54 (s, 1 H), 7 24-7 18 (m, 2 H), 5 52 (s, 1 H), 4 95 (s, 1 H), 3 81 (s, 3 H) and 2 14 (s, 3 H) 4-Fluoro-7-ιsopropenyl-8-methoxycarbonylamιno-6H-dιbenzo \b, c pyran (Compound 19. Structure 8 of Scheme I. where R¹ = fluoro. R^{2 6} = H)

To a solution of Compound 18 (70 mg, 0 21 mmol) in THF (8 mL) was added LiAlHt (8 0 mg, 0 21 mmol), and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes The reaction was quenched with water, and the reaction mixture was extracted with EtOAc and concentrated Chromatography afforded 4-fluoro-6-hydroxy-7-ιsopropenyl- 8-methoxycarbonylamιno-6H-dιbenzo[b,d]pyran (20 mg, 28%) as a yellow solid, which was treated with a catalytic amount of TFA in the presence of Et₃SιH (0 2 mL) and CH₂C1₂ (4 mL) for 2 hours at room temperature Purification provided Compound 19 (13 mg, 68%) as a solid Data for l9 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8 13 (d, J= 8 2, 1 H), 7 61 (d, J= 8 6, 1 H), 7 46 (d, J= 7 5, 1 H), 7 04-6 93 (m, 2 H), 6 89 (s, 1 H), 5 55 (s, 1 H), 5 10 (d, J= 13 5, 1 H), 5 07 (d, J= 13 5, 1 H), 5 03 (s, 1 H), 3 79 (s, 3 H) and 2 01 (s, 3 H)

7-Fluoro-4.4-dιmethyl-5H-chromeno[3.4- -1.3-benzoF<^oxazιn-2-one (Compound 14.

Structure 9 of Scheme I. where R¹ = fluoro. R^{2 6} = H)

A mixture of Compound 19 (13 mg, 0 041 mmol) and TsOH (16 mg, 0 084 mmol) in dichloroethane (5 mL) was heated at reflux for 15 hours and concentrated The mixture was diluted in EtOAc (20 mL) and was washed with aqueous Na₂C0₃ (2 x 5 mL) and bπne Removal of solvent provided the product as a white solid, which was recrystaUized from

EtOAc hexanes to yield 6 mg (49%) of Compound 14 as a white sohd Data for 14 rf=

0 23 (EtOAc hexanes, 1 1), 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8 71 (bs, 1 H), 7 58 (d, J- 8 4,

1 H), 7 40 (d, J= 7 4, 1 H), 7 08-6 95 (m, 2 H), 6 88 (d, J= 8 4, 1 H), 5 24 (s, 2 H) and 1 84 (s, 6 H) EXAMPLE 2 9-Bromo-7-fluoro-4,4-dimethyl-5H-chromeno[3,4-fl-l,3-benzoldloxazin-2-one (Compound 20; Structure 12 of Scheme II, where R⁷ = fluoro, R⁹ = bromo, ⁵^ = R⁸ = R¹⁰ = ID

N-Methoxycarbonyl-3-hydroxymethyl-4-(3-fluoro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-2-ιsopropenylanιlιne (Compound 21. Structure 10 of Scheme II. where R¹ = fluoro. R^{2 6} = H)

To a solution of Compound 18 (Structure 7 of Scheme II, where R¹ = fluoro, R^{2 6} = H) (0 33 g, 1 0 mmol) in THF (30 mL) was added LiAlFL, (44 mg, 2 0 mmol) portionwise at room temperature, and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours The reaction was quenched with water, and the reaction mixture was extracted with EtOAc Removal of solvent followed by chromatography afforded Compound 21 (0 30 g, 96%) as a colorless oil Data for 21 rf = 0 11 (EtOAc hexanes, 1 3), 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃) showed a mixture of rotomers

N-Methoxycarbonyl-3-hvdroxymethyl-4-(5-bromo-3-fluoro-2-hvdroxyphenyl)-2- lsopropenylamline (Compound 22. Structure 10 of Scheme II. where R¹ = fluoro. R³ = bromo. R² = R^{4 6} = H)

NBS (0 18 g, 1 0 mmol) was added to a mixture of Compound 21 (0 30 g, 0 96 mmol) and Et₃N (1 0 mL) in CH₂C1₂ (12 mL) at room temperature After 10 minutes, the mixture was diluted with EtOAc (50 mL), and washed with water, aqueous NH₄CI and brine Removal of solvent and chromatography of the residue provided 0 34 g (86%) of Compound 22 as a yellow oil Data for 22 rf = 0 12 (EtOAc hexanes, 1 3)

2-Bromo-4-fluoro-7-isopropenyl-8-methoxycarbonylamino-6H-dibenzo[b.d]pyran

(Compound 23. Structure 11 of Scheme II. where R⁷ = fluoro. R⁹ = bromo. R^{5 6} = R⁸ = R¹⁰ _±_

To a solution of Compound 22 (0 34 g, 0 83 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added K₂C0₃ (0 14 g, 1 0 mmol) and Mel (0 5 mL, excess), and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Standard work-up followed by chromatography afforded 0.28 g (78%) ofN-methoxycarbonyl-2-isopropenyl-3-hydroxymethyl-4-(5-bromo-3-fluoro-2- methoxyphenyl)aniline. Data for the methylated intermediate: rf = 0.52 (EtOAc:hexanes, 1 : 1); 'H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃) (rotomers) δ 8.13/8.02 (bs, 1 H), 7.30 (m, 1 H), 7.17- 6.95 (m, 3 H), 5.61/5.53 (s, 1 H), 5.21/4.97 (s, 1 H), 4.50-4.12 (m, 2 H), 3.79/2.95 (s, 3 H), 3.62/2.88 (s, 3 H) and 2.20/2.02 (s, 3 H).

A mixture of the methylated intermediate (0.28 g, 0.65 mmol) and NaH (30 mg, 0.75 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was heated in an 80 °C oil bath for 2 hours until the reaction went to completion. Standard work-up followed by chromatography afforded 0.20 g (80%) of Compound 23 as a solid. Data for 23: rf = 0.65 (EtOAc:hexanes, 1 : 1); ^]H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.15 (d, J= 8.7, 1 H), 7.58 (m, 1 H), 7.56 (d, J= 8.7, 1 H), 7.15 (dd, J= 9.5 and 2.0, 1 H), 6.89 (s, 1 H), 5.56 (s, 1 H), 5.09 (d, J= 12, 1 H), 5.07 (d, J= 12, 1 H), 5.03 (s, 1 H), 3.79 (s, 3 H) and 2.00 (s, 3 H).

9-Bromo-7-fluoro-4.4-dimethyl-5H-chromeno[3.4-/ -1.3-benzo t/1oxazin-2-one (Compound 20; Structure 12 of Scheme II. where R⁷ = fluoro. R⁹ = bromo. R^{5 6} = R⁸ = R¹⁰ = H)

A mixture of Compound 23 (0.12 g, 0.31 mmol) and TsOH (0.12 g, 0.62 mmol) in dichloroethane (15 mL) was heated at reflux for 15 hours and concentrated. The mixture was diluted in EtOAc (50 mL) and then washed with aqueous Na₂C0₃ (2 x 10 mL) and brine. Removal of solvent provided the product as a white solid, which was recrystaUized from EtOA hexanes to give 60 mg (49%) of Compound 20. Data for 20: rf = 0.30 (EtOAc:hexanes, 1:1); 'H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.09 (s, 1 H), 7.53 (d, J= 8.3, 1 H), 7.52 (m, 1 H), 7.19 (dd, J- 9.4 and 1.9, 1 H), 5.22 (s, 2 H) and 1.82 (s, 6 H). Some starting material was also recovered (55 mg, 45%). EXAMPLE 3 7-Fluoro-9-formyl-4,4-dimethyl-5H-chromeno[3,4-f|-l,3-benzo[dloxazin-2-one (Compound 24; Structure 12 of Scheme in, where R⁷ = fluoro, R⁹ = formyl, R⁵^ = R⁸ = R¹⁰ = MeLi (1 4 M in ether, 0 10 mL, 0 14 mmol) was added to a -70 °C solution of

Compound 20 (50 mg, 0 13 mmol) in THF (12 mL), and the resulting mixture was stirred for 10 minutes before rc-BuLi (1 6 M in hexane, 0 10 mL, 0 16 mmol) was added The reaction mixture was warmed up to -40 °C and then cooled back down to -70 °C DMF (0 40 mL, 5 0 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture, which was then warmed to room temperature, quenched with water (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2 x 20 mL) Chromatography afforded 26 mg (61%) of Compound 24 as a white sohd Data for 24 rf = 0 13 (EtOAc hexanes, 1 1), 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 9 97 (d, J= 1 8, 1 H), 9 33 (bs, 1 H), 8 19 (t, J= 1 3, 1 H), 7 90 (d, J = 8 4, 1 H), 7 61 (dd, J= 10 3 and 1 3, 1 H), 7 15 (d, J = 8 4, 1 H), 5 51 (s, 2 H) and 1 83 (s, 6 H)

EXAMPLE 4 7-Fluoro-9-hvdroxyiπunomethyl-4,4-dimethyl-5H-chromenof3,4-fl-l,3-benzo[dloxazin- 2-one (Compound 25; Structure 12 of Scheme HI, where R⁷ = fluoro, R⁹ = hvdroxyiminomethyl. R^{5 6} = R⁸ = R¹⁰ = ID NH₂OH-HCl (10 mg, 0 14 mmol) and pyndine (0 1 mL, 1 4 mmol) were added to a solution of Compound 24 (20 mg, 0 061 mmol) in ethanol (4 mL), and the resulting mixture was stiπed at room temperature for 1 hour The reaction mixture was concentrated, dissolved in EtOAc (30 mL), washed with water and bπne, and re-concentrated to afford 18 mg (86%) of Compound 25 as a white sohd Data for 25 rf = 0 11 (EtOAc hexanes, 1 1), Η NMR (400 MHz, acetone-c ) δ 9 27 (s, 1 H), 8 15 (s, 1 H), 7 80 (s, 1 H), 7 78 (d, J = 8 3, 1 H), 9 39 (d, J= 11 2, 1 H), 7 11 (d, J= 8 3, 1 H), 5 39 (s, 2 H) and 1 81 (s, 6 H) EXAMPLE 5 9-Cvano-7-fluoro-4,4-dimethyl-5H-chromenof3,4-fl-l,3-benzoldloxazin-2-one (Compound 26; Structure 12 of Scheme in, where R⁷ = fluoro, R⁹ = cyano, R^5"6 = R⁸ = R¹⁰ = H) Compound 25 (10 mg, 0 029 mmol) was treated with thionyl chloπde (0 032 mL,

0 043 mmol) in dichloromethane (10 mL) at room temperature for 40 minutes The reaction mixture was then quenched with a saturated Na₂C0₃ solution (2 mL), extracted with EtOAc (2 x 20 mL) and washed with bπne Removal of solvent followed by chromatography afforded 8 mg (90%) of Compound 26 as a white sohd Data for 26 rf = 0 32 (EtOAc hexanes, 1 1), Η NMR (400 MHz, acetone-*) δ 9 35 (bs, 1 H), 8 05 (t, J= 1 5, 1 H), 7 90 (d, J= 8 4, 1 H), 7 59 (dd, J= 10 6 and 1 5, 1 H), 7 15 (d, J= 8 4, 1 H), 5 51 (s, 2 H) and 1 82 (s, 6 H)

Steroid Receptor Activity Utilizing the cotransfection assay descnbed by R M Evans, Science, 240 (1988)

889-895, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference, the compounds of the present invention were tested and found to have strong, specific activity as agomsts, partial agonists and antagonists of PR This assay is descπbed m further detail in the folio wing U S Patents, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference "Retinoic Acid Receptor Method", R M Evans, E Ong, P S Segui, C C Thompson, K. Umesono, V

Giguere, US Patent No 4,981,784, and "Hormone Receptor-Related Assays", R M Evans, C A Weinberger, S M Hollenberg, V Giguere, J Arnza, C C Thompson, E S Ong, US Patent No 5,071,773

The cotransfection assay provides a method for identifying functional agonists and partial agonists that mimic, or antagonists that inhibit, the effect of native hormones, and for quantifying their activity for responsive intracellular receptor (IR) proteins In this regard, the cotransfection assay mimics an in vivo system in the laboratory Importantly, activity in the cotransfection assay coπelates very well with known in vivo activity, such that the cotransfection assay functions as a qualitative and quantitative predictor of a tested compound's in vivo pharmacology See, for example, "Interaction of Glucocorticoid Analogues with the Human Glucocorticoid Receptor", T S Berger, Z Parandoosh, B W Perry and R B Stein, J Steroid Biochem Molec Biol , 41 (1992) 733-738 (hereinafter "Berger"), the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference In the cotransfection assay, a cloned cDNA for an IR (e g , human PR, AR or GR) under the control of a constitutive promoter (e g , the SV 40 promoter) is introduced by transfection (a procedure to induce cells to take up foreign genes) into a background cell substantially devoid of endogenous IRs This introduced gene directs the recipient cells to make the IR protein of interest A second gene is also introduced (cotransfected) into the same cells m conjunction with the IR gene This second gene, compπsing the cDNA for a reporter protein, such as firefly luciferase (LUC), is controlled by an appropπate hormone responsive promoter containing a hormone response element (HRE) This reporter plasmid functions as a reporter for the transcnption-modulating activity of the target IR Thus, the reporter acts as a surrogate for the products (mRNA, then protein) normally expressed by a gene under control of the target receptor and its native hormone

The cotransfection assay can detect small molecule agonists or antagonists of target IRs Exposing the transfected cells to an agonist hgand compound increases reporter activity in the transfected cells This activity can be conveniently measured, e g , by increasing luciferase production, which reflects compound-dependent, IR-mediated increases in reporter transcnption To detect antagonists, the cotransfection assay is earned out in the presence of a constant concentration of an agonist to the target IR (e g , progesterone for PR) known to induce a defined reporter signal Increasing concentrations of a suspected antagonist will decrease the reporter signal (e g , luciferase production) The cotransfection assay is therefore useful to detect both agonists and antagonists of specific IRs Furthermore, it determines not only whether a compound interacts with a particular IR, but whether this interaction mimics (agonizes) or blocks (antagonizes) the effects of the native regulatory molecules on target gene expression, as well as the specificity and strength of this interaction The activities of selected steroid receptor modulator compounds of the present invention were evaluated utilizing the cotransfection assay, and in standard IR binding assays, according to the following illustrative Examples

EXAMPLE 6

Cotransfection assay

The function and detailed preparation procedure of the cotransfection assays have been descnbed previously See, for example, "Nonsteroidal Human Progesterone Receptor Modulators from the Marine Alga Cymopoha barbata", C Pathirana, R B Stern, T S Berger, W Femcal, T Iamro, D E Mais, A Tones, M E Goldman, Mol Pharm , 47

(1995) 630-635 (hereinafter "Pathirana") Bπefly, the cotransfection assays were earned out in CV-1 cells (African green monkey kidney fibroblasts) that had been transiently transfected, using the standard calcium phosphate coprecipitation procedure (see, e g , Berger), with plasmid containing receptor, MTV-LUC reporter, pRS-β-Gal and filler DNA (Rous sarcoma virus chloramphemcal acetyltransferase) The agomst activity was determined by examining the LUC expression (normalized response), and the efficacy readout was a relative value to the maximal LUC expression produced by a reference agomst, e g , progesterone for hPR, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) for hAR, dexamethasone for hGR, aldosterone for hMR, estradiol for hER All the cotransfection experiments were earned out in 96- well plates by automation (Beckman Biomomek automated workstation)

Receptor Binding Assays

The preparation of receptor binding assays for hPR-A, hGR, and AR has been descnbed (see, e g , Pathirana) The agomst, antagonist and binding activity assay results of selected progesterone receptor modulator compounds of the present invention and the standard reference compounds on PR, as well as the cross-reactivity of selected compounds on the AR, ER, MR and GR receptors, are shown in Tables 1-2 below Efficacy is reported as the percent maximal response observed for each compound relative to the reference agonist and antagonist compounds indicated above. Also reported in Tables 1-2 for each compound is its antagonist potency or IC50 (which is the concentration (nM), required to reduce the maximal response by 50%), its agonist potency or EC₅₀ (nM).

Table 1: Agonist, antagonist and binding activity of progesterone receptor modulator compounds of present invention and the reference agonist compound, progesterone (Prog), and reference antagonists compound,RU486 and ZK299.

na = not active (i.e. efficacy of <20 and potency of >10,000) nt = not tested

Table 2 Overall agomst and antagomst potency of selected progesterone receptor modulator compounds of present invention and the reference agomst and antagomst compounds shown in Table 1 on PR, AR, ER, GR and MR

na=not active (i.e., efficacy of >20 and potency of >10,000); nt=not tested

Pharmacological and Other Applications As will be discernible to those skilled in the art, the PR modulator compounds of the present invention can be readily utilized in pharmacological apphcations where PR antagomst or agomst activity is desired, and where it is desired to minimize cross reactivities with other steroid receptor related IRs In vivo apphcations of the invention include admimstration of the disclosed compounds to mammalian subjects, and in particular to humans The following Example provides illustrative pharmaceutical composition formulations EXAMPLE 7

Hard gelatin capsules are prepared using the following ingredients

Quantity (mg capsule)

COMPOUND 26 140

Starch, dned 100

Magnesium stearate 10

Total (mg) 250 The above ingredients are mixed and filled into hard gelatin capsules in 250 mg quantities

A tablet is prepared using the mgredients below

Quantity (mg/ tablet) COMPOUND 26 140

Cellulose, microcrystalline 200

Silicon dioxide, fumed 10

Steaπc acid JO

Total (mg) 360 The components are blended and compressed to form tablets each weighing 360 mg

Tablets, each containing 60 mg of active ingredient, are made as follows

Quantity fmg/tablefk

COMPOUND 26 60 0

Starch 45 0

Cellulose, microcrystalline 35 0

Polyvinylpyrrohdone (PVP)

(as 10% solution in water) 4 0

Sodium carboxymethyl starch (SCMS) 4 5

Magnesium stearate 0 5

Talc 1 0

Total (mg) 150 0 The active ingredient, starch, and cellulose are passed through a No 45 mesh U S sieve and mixed thoroughly The solution of PVP is mixed with the resultant powders, which are then passed through a No 14 mesh U S sieve The granules so produced are dned at 50 °C and passed through a No 18 mesh U S sieve The SCMS, magnesium stearate, and talc, previously passed through a No 60 mesh U S sieve, and then added to the granules which, after mixing, are compressed on a tablet machine to yield tablets each weighing 150 mg

Suppositones, each containing 225 mg of active ingredient, may be made as follows

COMPOUND 26 225 mg

Saturated fatty acid glycendes 2.000 mg

Total 2,225 mg

The active ingredient is passed through a No 60 mesh U S sieve and suspended in the saturated fatty acid glycendes previously melted using the minimum heat necessary The mixture is then poured into a suppository mold of normal 2g capacity and allowed to cool An intravenous formulation may be prepared as follows

COMPOUND 26 100 mg Isotomc saline 1,000 mL

Glycerol 100 mL

The compound is dissolved in the glycerol and then the solution is slowly diluted with isotomc saline The solution of the above ingredients is then administered intravenously at a rate of 1 mL per minute to a patient

While in accordance with the patent statutes, descπption of the preferred embodiments and processing conditions have been provided, the scope of the mvention is not to be limited thereto or thereby Vanous modifications and alterations of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention Consequently, for an understanding of the scope of the present invention, reference is made to the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

A compound of the formula

(II) wherein

R¹ through R⁶ are independently hydrogen, F, CI, Br, I, N0₂, CN, OR¹⁰, NR¹⁰Rⁿ,

SR¹⁰, COR¹², C0₂R¹², CONR¹⁰Rⁿ, optionally substituted C_\ to C₆ alkyl or heteroalkyl, Ci to Cβ haloalkyl, optionally substituted C₃ to Cs cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C2 to Cβ alkenyl or alkynyl, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl, or optionally substituted arylmethyl, where R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are independently hydrogen, Ci to Cβ alkyl or heteroalkyl or haloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted arylmethyl, COR¹³, S0₂R¹³ or S(0)R¹³, where R¹² is hydrogen, Ci to C₆ alkyl or heteroalkyl or haloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, optionally substituted allyl or optionally substituted arylmethyl, where R¹³ is hydrogen, Ci to C6 alkyl or haloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, optionally substituted allyl or optionally substituted arylmethyl;

R⁷ is hydrogen, Ci to Cβ alkyl or haloalkyl or heteroalkyl, aryl, arylmethyl, heteroaryl, COR¹², C0₂R¹², S0₂R¹², S(0)R¹² or CONR¹⁰Rⁿ, where R^10"12 have the same definitions given above;

R⁸ and R⁹ are independently hydrogen, C] to Cβ alkyl or haloalkyl or heteroalkyl, optionally substituted C₂ to Cβ alkenyl or alkynyl, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted arylmethyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl; X is OCH₂, SCH₂, NHCH₂, OC(O), SC(O), NHC(O), CH₂0, CH₂S, CH₂NH,

C(0)0, C(O)S or C(0)NH;

Y is O, S or NR¹⁰, where R¹⁰ has the same definition given above; and

Z is O, S, NR¹⁴, CR¹⁴R¹⁵, CR¹⁴R¹⁵CR¹⁶R¹⁷, OCR¹⁴R¹⁵, SCR¹⁴R¹⁵, CR¹⁴R¹⁵S,

NR¹⁴CR¹⁵R¹⁶, or CR¹⁴R¹⁵NR¹⁶, where R¹⁴ through R¹⁷ each independently are hydrogen, Ci to C6 alkyl or haloalkyl or heteroalkyl, optionally substituted C₂ to C₆ alkenyl or alkynyl, optionally substituted allyl, optionally substituted arylmethyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

2. A compound of Claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, selected from the group consisting of: 7-fluoro-4,4-dimethyl-5H-chromeno[3,4- J-/,-ϊ- benzo[£t]oxazin-2-one (Compound 14); 9-bromo-7-fluoro-4,4-dimethyl-5H-chromeno[3,4- J-7,5-benzo[£t]oxazin-2-one (Compound 20); 7-fluoro-9-formyl-4,4-dimethyl-5H- chromeno[3,4-/]-i,5-benzo[ct]oxazin-2-one (Compound 24); 7-fluoro-9- hydroxyirninomethyl-4,4-dimethyl-5H-chromeno[3 ,4- ] -7,5-benzo [d] oxazin-2-one (Compound 25); 9-cyano-7-fluoro-4,4-dimethyl-5H-chromeno[3,4- J-i,5-benzo[it oxazin-2- one (Compound 26).

3 A pharmaceutical composition compπsing, in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle suitable for enteral, parenteral, or topical admimstration, one or more compounds as claimed in Claim 1

4 A compound of Claim 1 wherein said compound modulates a process mediated by one or more steroid receptors from the group consisting of progesterone receptors and androgen receptors

5 A compound of Claim 1, wherein said compound modulates female hormone responsive diseases

6 A compound of Claim 1 wherein said compound modulates male hormone responsive diseases

7 A method of using a compound of Claim 1 to treat a hormone responsive disease wherein the compound is admimstered in combination with a progesterone receptor agomst, an estrogen receptor agomst, or both

8 A method of inducing contraception in a mammal, the method compπsing administering to a mammal in need thereof a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of Claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof

9 A method of treatment or prevention in a mammal of carcinomas or adeno carcinomas of the endometπum , ovary, breast, colon or prostate, the method compπsing admimsteπng to a mammal in need thereof a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of Claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof

10 A method of treating or preventing benign or malignant neo plastic disease in a mammal, the method compπsing administering to a mammal in need thereof a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of Claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

11. The method of Claim 10 wherein the benign or malignant neoplastic disease is selected from uterine fibroids, endometriosis, benign prostatic hypertrophy, carcinomas and adeno carcinomas of the endometrium, ovary, breast, colon, prostate or pituitary, meningioma, or other hormone-dependent tumors.