Field of invention

The present invention relates to novel anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic active compounds and to processes for their preparation. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and to methods of the pharmacological use of the composition.

The object of the invention is to provide an anti- inflammatory, immunosuppressive and anti-allergic glucocorticosteroid or a pharmaceutical composition thereof with high activity at the application place, e.g. in the respiratory tract, on the skin, in the intestinal tract, in the joints or in the eye, directing the drug to delimited target area, thereby inducing low glucocorticoid systemic effects.

A further object of the invention is to provide a pharmaceutical composition containing liposomes including a pharmacologically active steroid fatty acid ester of the invention in order to improve drug delivery and to minimize side effects of the therapy.

Background art

Glucocorticosteroids (GCS) are the most valuable drugs for relief of asthma and rhinitis. It is widely accepted that GCS exert their therapeutic efficacy by anti-inflammatory and anti-anaphylactic actions within airway and lung tissue. The long term oral use of GCS is greatly hampered by severe side effects outside the lung region.

Accordingly, only a minor part of patients with asthma or rhinitis currently undergo oral GCS therapy. A better

safety can be reached by delivering GCS by inhalation. However, also the potent inhaled GCS in current wide clinical use - beclomethasone 17α,21-dipropionate and budesonide - have a rather narrow safety margin and for both unwanted GCS actions within the general circulation have been reported with the highest of the recommended doses for inhalation.

iposomes are membrane-like vesicles consisting of series of concentric lipid bilayers alternating with hydrophilic compartments. Liposomes have been used as carriers for different kinds of pharmaceutically active compounds in order to improve drug delivery and to minimize side effects of the therapy.

Glucocorticosteroids are incorporated into liposomes only at a low concentration and are poorly retained in the vesicles. Esterification of GCS in 21-position with fatty acids increases the degree of incorporation and the retention of the steroid in the vesicles. It has been shown that the fatty acid chain acts as a hydrophobic "anchor" which holds the steroid nucleus in the hydrated polar head groups of the phospholipid and thereby improves the interaction between the glucocorticosteroid and the liposome.

Liposome-encapsulated glucocorticosteroids for therapeutic use have been described ( . De Silva et al.. Lancet 8130 (1979), 1320) and US patent specification No 4 693 999 describes liposomal formulations of glucocorticosteroids for inhalation.

Disclosure of the invention

One object of the present invention is to provide new GCS compounds. The new compounds are characterized by anti- inflammatory, immunosuppressiv and anti-anaphylactic

potency at the application site and particularly they have a markedly improved relationship between that potency and the activity to provoke GCS actions outside the treated region. The preferred mode of administration of the new compounds is by inhalation when the application site is within the airways.

Another object of the invention is to provide an anti- inflammatory and anti-allergic pharmaceutical composition containing steroid ester liposomes for local administration primarily to the respiratory tract. Such a composition provides for an improvement of the therapeutic properties of the steroid ester by a prolongation of the local retention in the airways and a direction of the drug to specific target cells.

The compounds of the invention are characterized by the formula

or a stereoiso eric component thereof, in which formula the 1,2-position is saturated or is a double bond, R ₁ is hydrogen or a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain having 1-4 carbon atoms, R ₂ is a hydrogen or a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain having 1-10 carbon atoms, R, is a acyl having a straight or

branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon chain having 1-20 carbon atoms, is hydrogen or haloge is hydrogen or halogen and provided that

1) R. and R- are not simultaneously hydrogen,

2) X. and X ₂ are not simultaneously hydrogen,

3) when the 1,2-position is a double bond, R. and R ₂ are not simultaneously methyl groups,

4) when the 1,2-position is a double bond, R. is a hydrogen atom and R. is a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain having 1-10 carbon atoms R ₃ is acyl having 11-20 carbon atoms.

The acyl is derived from

CH-.COOH: acetic acid; C ₂ H ₅ COOH: propionic acid; C ₃ H ₇ COOH: butyric acid; C ₄ H ₉ COOH: valeric acid; hexanoic acid;

^C 5 ^H 11 ^C00H CgH ₁₃ COOH: heptanoic acid;

C ₇ H ₁₅ COOH: octanoic acid;

CgH ₁₇ COOH: nonanoic acid; C ₉ H ₁₉ COOH: decanoic acid;

C ₁₀ H ₁₉ COOH: capric acid; lauric acid;

^C ll ^H 23 ^COOH: C ₁₂ H ₂₅ COOH: tridecanoic acid; myristic acid;

^C 13 ^H 27 ^COOH: C ₁₄ H ₂₉ COOH: pentadecanoic acid; palmitic acid;

^C 15 ^H 31 ^COOH: C ₁₆ H ₃₃ COOH: heptadecanoic acid; stearic acid;

^C 17 ^H 35 ^COOH: oleic acid;

^C 17 ^H 33 ^COOH: C ₁₇ H ₃₁ COOH: linolic acid; linolenic acid;

^C 17 ^H 29 ^COOH:

C ₁₈ H ₃₇ COOH: nonadecanoic acid; ^C 19 ^H 39 ^C00H: icosanoic acid.

The preferred acylgroups are derived from

ll ^H 23 ^OOH: lauric acid ^;

^C 13 ^H 27 ^COOH: myristic acid;

^C 15 ^H 31 ^COOH: palmitic acid;

^C 17 ^H 35 ^COOH: stearic acid; C ₁₇ H ₃₃ COOH: oleic acid; ^c 17 ^H 31 ^COOH: linolic acid;

C ₁₇ H _2g CCOHi linolenic acid, and particularly it is palmitic acid.

A straight or branched hydrocarbon chain having 1-4 carbon atoms is preferably an alkyl group having 1-4 carbon atoms, particularly a methyl group.

A straight or branched hydrocarbon chain having 1-10 carbon atoms is preferably an alkyl group having 1-10 carbon atoms and preferably 1-4 carbon atoms, particularly a methyl or a propyl group.

A halogen atom in this specification is fluorine, chlorine or bromine. The preferred halogen atom is fluorine.

The preferred compounds of the invention are those where in formula I

the 1,2-position is saturated,

R. is hydrogen or a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain having 1-4 carbon atoms, R ₂ is a hydrogen or a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain having 1-10 carbon atoms, R-. is acyl having a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon chain having 1-20 carbon atoms,

X _χ is hydrogen or halogen, ₂ is hydrogen or halogen, and provided that

1) R- and R ₂ are not simultaneously hydrogen and 2) X- and X ₂ are not simultaneously hydrogen.

Particularly preferred compounds of the invention are those where in formula I

the 1,2-position is saturated

R- is a hydrogen atom

R ₂ is a propyl group

R ₃ is acyl having 11-20 carbon atoms

X. is fluorine X-. is fluorine.

A further preferred compound of the invention is the one of the formula I wherein the 1,2-position is a double bond,

R- is a hydrogen atom,

R ₂ is a propyl group,

R ₃ is a palmitoyl group,

X- is fluorine,

X_ is fluorine.

The most preferred compound of the invention has the formula

The preferred embodiment of the invention is a composition containing the preferred compound of the invention in combination with liposomes.

At instances where an object of the invention is to provide a pharmaceutical composition containing liposomes the active compound of the composition should be a compound of the formula I wherein R ₃ is acyl having 11-20 carbon atoms.

At instances where an object of the invention is to provide a pharmaceutical composition without liposomes, the active compound of the composition should be a compound of the formula I wherein R ₃ is acyl having 1-10 carbon atoms, preferably 5-10 carbon atoms.

The individual stereoisomeric components present in a mixture of a steroid having the above formula (I) can be elucidated in the following way due to the chirality at the carbon atom in 22-position and with respect to the R ₂ substituent:

(epi er 22 S)

(epimer 22 R)

The preferred stereoisomeric component has the 22R configuration.

Methods of preparation

The steroid esters,.

St - OCR,

wherein St is

and X., X ₂ , R-, R ₂ have the meanings given above, R. is a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group with 1-19 carbon atoms and the 1,2-position is saturated or is a double bond, are prepared by any of the following alternative methods.

A. Reaction of a compound of the fomula

St-OH

wherein St has the definition given above, with a compound of the formula

R ₄ COH

wherein R. has the definition given above.

The esterification of the 21-hydroxy compound may be effected in known manner, e.g. by reacting the parent 21-hydroxy steroid with the appropriate carboxylic acid, advantageously in the presence of trifluoroac¬ etic anhydride and preferably in the presence of an acid catalyst, e.g. p-toluenesulfonic acid.

The reaction is advantageously performed in an organic solvent such as benzene or methylene chloride; the reaction being conveniently performed at a temperature of 20-100 ^p C.

B. Reaction of a compound of the formula

St-OH

wherein St has the definition given above, with a compound of the formula

R ₄ CX

wherein R. has the definition given above, and X is a halogen atom, such as chlorine, bromine, iodine and fluorine, or the group

-0-C-R ₄

wherein R. has the definition given above.

The parent 21-hydroxy compound may be treated with the appropriate carboxylic acid halide or anhydride, preferably in a solvent such as halogenated hydrocar- bons, e.g. methylene chloride or ethers, e.g. dioxane in the presence of a base such as triethylamine or pyridine, preferably at low temperature, e.g. -5 ^β C to +30°C.

Reaction of a compound of the formula

St-Y

wherein St has the definition given above and Y is selected from halogen, e.g. Cl, Br and I, or from mesylate or p-toluenesulfonate, with a compound of the formula

R ₄ CO Θ _λ Θ

wherein R. has the definition given above and A^is a cation.

A salt of the appropriate carboxylic acid with an alkali metal, e.g. lithium, sodium or potassium, or a triethyl ammonium or tributylammonium salt may be reacted with the appropriate alkylating agent of the formula St-Y. The reaction is performed preferably in a polar solvent such as acetone, methylethyl ketone, dimethyl formamide or dimethyl sulfoxide, conveniently at a temperature in the range 25-100 ^β C.

In any of methods A-C a final reaction step in order to resolve an epimeric mixture into its components may be necessary in case a pure epimer is desired.

Pharmaceutical preparations

The compounds of the invention may be used for different modes of local administration dependent on the site of inflammation, e.g. percutaneously, parenterally or for local administration in the respiratory tract by inhalation. An important aim of the formulation design is to reach optimal bioavailability of the active steroid ingredient. For percutaneous formulations this is advantagenously achieved if the steroid is dissolved with a high thermodynamic activity in the vehicle. This is attained by using a suitable system or solvents comprising suitable glycols, such as propylene glycol or 1,3- butandiol either as such or in combination with water.

It is also possible to dissolve the steroid either completely or partially in a lipophilic phase with the aid of a surfactant as a solubilizer. The percutaneous compositions can be an ointment, an oil in water cream, a water in oil cream or a lotion. In the emulsion vehicles the system comprising the dissolved active component can make up the disperse phase as well as the continuous one.

The steroid can also exist in the above compositions as a micronized, solid substance.

Pressurized aerosols for steroids are intended for oral or nasal inhalation. The aerosol system is designed in such a way that each delivered dose contains 10-1000 μg, preferably 20-250 μg of the active steroid. The most active steroids are administered in the lower part of the dose range. The micronized steroid consists of particles substantially smaller than 5 μm, which are suspended in a propellent mixture with the assistance of a dispersant, such as sorbitan trioleate, oleic acid, lecithin or sodium salt of dioctylsulphosuccinic acid.

The steroid can also be administered by means of a dry powder inhaler.

One possibility is to mix the micronized steroid with a carrier substance such as lactose or glucose. The powder mixture is dispensed into hard gelatin capsules, each containing the desired dose of the steroid. The capsule is then placed in a powder inhaler and the dose is inhaled into the patient's airways.

Another possibility is to process the micronized powder into spheres which break up during the dosing procedure. This spheronized powder is filled into the drug reservoir in a multidose inhaler, e.g. Turbuhaler. A dosing unit meters the desired dose which is then inhaled by the patient. With this system the steroid with or without a carrier substance is delivered to the patient.

The steroid can also be included in formulations intended for treating inflammatory bowel diseases, either by the oral route or rectally. Formulations for the oral route should be constructed so that the steroid is delivered to the inflamed parts of the bowel. This can be accomplished

by different combinations of enteric and/or slow or control release principles. For the rectal route an enema type formulation is suitable.

Preparation of liposo e compositions

The lecithins used in this invention have fatty acid chains of different lengths and therefore have different phase-transition temperatures. Examples of lecithins used are those derived from egg and soybean and synthetic lecithins like dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC), dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and distearoyl phosphatidylcholine (DSPC). By manipulation of the structure lecithins stable carriers with variable biodegradable properties could be formulated. This would enable one to prolong the release of the entrapped steroid ester.

The extent of the interaction of the steroid ester with e.g. dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) vesicles is dependent on the ester chain length with increased interaction observed as the chain lengthens.

The inclusion of cholesterol or cholesterol derivatives in liposome formulations has become very common due to its properties in increasing liposome stability.

The initial stages of the preparation of liposomes according to the present invention may conveniently follow procedures described in the literature, i.e. the components being dissolved in a solvent, e.g. ethanol or chloroform which is then evaporated. The resulting lipid layer is then dispersed in the selected aqueous medium whereafter the solution is either shaken or sonicated. The liposomes of this invention preferably have a diameter of between 0.1 and 10 μm.

In addition to the main liposome-forming lipid(s) which is usually phospholipid, other lipids (e.g. cholesterol or cholesterol stearate) in the amount of 0-40% w/w of the total lipids may be included to modify the structure of the liposome membrane. In optimizing the uptake of the liposome a third component providing a negative charge (e.g. dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl glycerol) or a positive charge (e.g. stearylamine acetate or cetylpyridinium chloride) may be incorporated.

A wide range of proportions of steroid ester to lipid during formation may be used depending on the lipid and the conditions used. Drying, (freeze-drying or spray drying) of the liposomes in the presence of lactose can be used with a lactose content in the range of 0 to 95% of the final composition.

The composition according to the invention which is par¬ ticularly preferred contains liposomes and (22R)-16α,17α- butylidenedioxy-6α,9α-difluoro-llβ-hydroxy-21- palmitoyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. The routes of administration involves powder aerosols, instillation, nebulization and pressurized aerosols.

Working examples

The invention will be further illustrated by the following non-limitative examples. In the examples a flow-rate of 2.5 ml/cm ^2* h ^~ l is used at the preparative chromatographic runs. Molecular weights are in all examples determined with chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CH. as reagent gas) and the melting points on a Leitz Wetzlar hot stage microscope. The HPLC analyses (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) have been performed on a μBondapak C.g column (300 x 3.9 mm i.d.) with a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min and with ethanol /water in ratios between 40:60 and 60:40 as mobile phase, if not otherwise stated.

Example 1. (22R)-16 ,17α-Butylidenedioχy-6α,9α- difluoro-llB-hydroxy-21-palmitoyloχypregn-4-ene-3,20- dione. A solution of palmitoyl chloride (1.2 g) in 10 ml of dioxane was added drop-wise to a solution of (22R)- 16α,17α-butγlidenedioxy-6α,9α-difluoro-llβ,21- dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (200 mg) in 25 ml of pyridine. The reaction mixture was stirred for 16 h at room temperature. Methylene chloride (150 ml) was added and the solution washed with 1M hydrochloric acid, 5% aqueous potassium carbonate and water and dried. The crude product after evaporation was purified by chromatography on a Sephadex LH-20 column (87 x 2.5 cm) using chloroform as mobile phase. The fraction 210-255 ml was collected and evaporated leaving 203 mg of (22R)-16α,17α- butylidenedioxy-6α,9α-difluoro-llβ-hydroxy-21-palmitoyl- oxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. Melting point 87-90°C; molecular weight 706 (calc. 707.0). Purity: 96% (HPLC- analysis).

Example 2. (22 )-16α,17α-Butylidenedioxy-6α,9α- difluoro-llB-hydroxy-21-palmitoyloxypreqn-4-ene-3,20- dione To a solution of (22R)-16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α-9α- difluoro-llfi, 21-dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (50 mg) and palmitoyl chloride (35 mg) in 10 ml of methylene chloride was added dropwise a solution of triethylamine (13 mg) in 2 ml of methylene chloride. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 h at room temperature. Another 50 ml of methylene chloride was added and the reaction mixture was worked up as in Example 1. The crude product was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (85 x 2.5 cm) using chloroform as mobile phase. The fraction 210-250 ml was collected and evaporated yielding 34 mg of (22R)- 16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α,9α-difluoro-llβ-hydroxy-21- palmitoyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. Molecular weight 706

(calc. 707.0). Purity: 95% (HPLC-analysis) .

Example 3. (22S)-16α,17α-Butylidenedioχy-6α, 9a- difluoro-llB-hvdroxy-21-palmitoyloxypreqn-4-ene-3,20- dione.

A solution of palmitoyl chloride (0.4 ml) in 10 ml of dioxane was added drop-wise to a solution of (22S)- 16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α,9α-difluoro-llβ ,21- dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (70 mg) in 25 ml of pyridine. The reaction mixture was stirred for 16 h at room temperature and worked up as in Example 1. The crude product was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (87 x 2.5 cm) using chloroform as mobile phase. The fraction 225-265 ml was collected and evaporated yielding 92 mg of (22S)- 16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α,9α-difluoro-llβ-hydroxy-21- palmitoyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione as an oil. Molecular weight: 706 (calc. 707.0). Purity: 97% (HPLC-analysis).

Example 4. (22R)-16α,17α-Butylidenedioχy-6α,9α- difluoro-llfi-hydroxy-21-myristoyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20- dione.

Myristoyl chloride was synthesized by refluxing myristic acid (7.0 g) and thionyl chloride (9 ml) in trichloroethylene (100 ml) for 3 h. The solvent was then evaporated.

To a solution of (22R)-16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α,9α-di- fluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (51 mg) in 10 ml of methylene chloride was added myristoyl chloride (32 mg) followed by triethylamine (13 mg) dissolved in methylene chloride (5 ml) . The reaction mixture was stirred for 4 h at room temperature. Further methylene chloride was added and the mixture successively washed with 0.1M hydrochloric acid and water (3 x 50 ml) . After drying and evaporation the residue was purified by chromatography on Merck Kieselgel 60 using heptane:acetone, 6:4, as mobile phase yielding 27 mg of

(22R)-16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α,9α-difluoro-llβ-hydrox y- 21-myristoyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. Molecular weight 678 (calc. 678.9). Purity: .96.8% (HPLC-analysis).

Example 5. (22R)-16α,17α-Butylidenedioχy-6α,9α- difluoro-llβ-hvdroxy-21-lauroyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. To a solution of (22R)-16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α,9α-di- fluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (51 mg) in 5 ml of methylene chloride was added lauroyl chloride (28 mg) followed by triethylamine (13 mg) dissolved in 2 ml of methylene chloride. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h, further methylene chloride was added and the organic phase washed successively with 0.1M hydrochloric acid and water (3 x 30 ml). After drying and evaporation the residue was purified by chromatography on Merck Kieselgel 60 using hexane:acetone, 6:4, as mobile phase. The product obtained was further purified in a second chromatographic step using petroleum ether:ethyl acetate, 3:2, as mobile phase yielding 33 mg of (22R)- 16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α,9α-difluoro-llβ-hydroxy-21- lauroyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. Molecular weight 650 (calc. 650.8). Purity: 96.9% (HPLC-analysis).

Example 6. (22R)-16α,17α-Butylidenedioxy-6α,9α- difluoro-llB-hydroxy-21-palmitoyloxypregna-l,4-diene-3,20- dione. A solution of palmitoyl chloride (2.3 ml) in 15 ml of dioxane was added drop-wise to a solution of (22R)- 16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α,9α-difluoro-llβ,21- dihydroxypregna-l,4-diene-3,20-dione (700 mg) in 30 ml of pyridine. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and worked up as in Example 1. The crude product was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (76 x 6.3 cm) using heptane:chloroform:ethanol, 20:20:1, as mobile phase. The fraction 1020-1350 ml was collected and

evaporated yielding 752 mg of (22R)-16α,17α-butyl- idenedioxy-6α,9α-difluoro-llβ-hydroxy-21- palmitoyloxypregna-l,4-diene-3,20-dione. Melting point 141-145°C; [α_ ₀ ²⁵ = +71.6° (c= 0.204; CH ₂ C1 ₂ ); molecular weight 704 (calc. 704.9). Purity: 97.7% (HPLC-analysis).

Example 7. (22S)-16α,17 -Butylidenedioxy-6α,9α- difluoro-llβ-hydroxy-21-palmitoyloxypreqna-l,4-diene- ,20- dione.

A solution of palmitoyl chloride (0.5 ml) in 5 ml of dioxane was added dropwise to a solution of (22S)-16α,17α- butylidenedioxy-6α,9α-difluoro-llβ,21-dihγdroxypregna-l, 4- diene-3,20-dione (150 mg) in 10 ml of pyridine. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and worked up as in Example 1. The crude product was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (89 x 2.5 cm) using heptane:chloroform:ethanol, 20:20:1, as mobile phase. The fraction 215-315 ml was collected and evaporated yielding 132 mg of (22S)-16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α,9α-difluoro- llβ-hydroxy-21-palmitoyloxypregna-l,4-diene-3,20-dione. Melting point 176-180 ^e C; [α] ₀ ²⁵ = +47.5° (c=0.198; CH ₂ C1 ₂ ); molecular weight 704 (calc. 704.9). Purity: 99% (HPLC-analysis) .

Example 8. (22R)-21-Acetoxy-16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-

6α,9α-difluoro-llfi-hydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione

A solution of acetyl chloride (38 mg) in 5 ml of dioxane was added dropwise to a solution of (22R)-16α,17α- butylidenedioxy-6α,9α-difluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxypregn-4- ene-3,20-dione (75 mg) in 5 ml of pyridine. The reaction mixture was stirred for 16h at room temperature. After evaporation methylene chloride (75 ml) was added and the solution was washed with cold 5% aqueous potassium carbonate and saturated sodium chloride solution. The crude product after evaporation was purified by

chromatography on a Sephadex LH-20 column (85 x 2.5 cm) using chloroform as a mobile phase. The fraction 365-420 ml was collected and evaporated leaving 57 mg of (22R)-21- acetoxy-16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α,9α-difluoro-llβ- hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. Melting point 182-189°; [α] _D ²⁵ = +112.0° (c=0.225; CH ₂ C1 ₂ ); molecular weight 510 (calc 510.6). Purity 99.0% (HPLC-analysis).

Example 9. (22R)-16α,17α-Butylidenedioxy-6α,9α-difluoro- llβ-hydroxy-21-valeroyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione A solution of valeroyl chloride (60 mg) in 5 ml of dioxane was added dropwise to a solution of (22R)-16α,17α- butylidenedioxy-6α,9α-difluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxypregn-4- ene-3,20-dione (75 mg) in 5 ml of pyridine. The reaction mixture was stirred for 16h at room temperature. After evaporation methylene chloride (75 ml) was added and the solution was washed with cold 5% aqueous potassium carbonate and saturated sodium chloride solution. The crude product after evaporation was purified by chromatography on a Sephadex LH-20 column (85 x 2.5 cm) using chloroform as a mobile phase. The fraction 265-325 ml was collected and evaporated leaving 50 mg of (22R)- 16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α,9α-difluoro-llB-hydroxy-21- valeroyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. Melting point 181-185°; [α] ₀ ²⁵ = +109.4° (c=0.212; CH ₂ C1 ₂ ); molecular weight 552 (calc. 552.7). Purity 99.8% (HPLC-analysis).

Example 10. (22R)-16α,17α-Butylidenedioxy-6α,9α- difluoro-llβ-hydroxy-21-capryloxypregna-l,4-diene-3,20- dione.

A solution of decanoyl chloride (0.2 ml), in 3 ml of dioxane was added dropwise to a solution of (22R)-16α,17α- butylidenedioxy-6 ,9α-difluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxypregna-l,4- diene-3,20-dione (100 mg) in 6 ml of pyridine. The

reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and worked up as in Example 1. The crude product was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (71 x 6.3 cm) using chloroform as mobile phase. The fraction 1470-1725 ml was collected and evaporated yielding 113 mg of (22R)-16α,17α- butylidenedioxy-6α,9α-difluoro-llβ-hydroxy-21- capryloxypregna-l,4-diene-3,20-dione. Melting point 182- 184°C. [a]„ ²⁵ = +71.5° (c=0.186; CH ₂ C1 ₂ ). Molecular weight 620 (calc. 620.9). Purity: 97.7% (HPLC-analysis).

Example 11. 6α,9α-Difluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxy-16α,17α-

[(l-methylethylidene)bis(oxy)] regn-4-ene-3,20-dione

A suspension of 0.9 g of tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium chloride in 250 ml of degassed toluene was hydrogenated for 45 min at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. A solution of 1.0 g of fluocinolone 16α,17α-acetonide in 100 ml of absolute ethanol was added and the hydrogenation was continued for another 40 h. The reaction product was evaporated and the residue purified by flash chromatography on silica using acetone-petroleum ether as mobile phase to remove the main part of the catalyst. The eluate was evaporated and the residue further purified by chromatography on a Sephadex LH-20 column (72.5 x 6.3 cm) using chloroform as mobile phase. The fraction 3555-4125 ml was collected and evaporated yielding 0.61 g of 6α,9α- difluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxy-16α,17α-[ (1-methylethylidene)- bis(oxy) ]pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. Melting point 146-151°C. [CO _D ²⁵ = +124.5° (c=0.220;CH ₂ Cl ₂ ). Molecular weight 454 (calc. 454.6). Purity: 98.5% (HPLC-analysis).

Example 12. 6α,9 -Difluoro-llβ-hydroxy-16α,17α-[ (1- methylethylidene)bis(oxy) ]-21-palmitoyloxypregn-4-ene- 3.20-dione A solution of palmitoyl chloride (2.1 ml) in 15 ml of dioxane was added dropwise to a solution of 6α,9α- difluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxy-16α,17α-[ (1-methyl-

ethylidene)bis(oxy) ]pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (310 mg) in 30 ml of pyridine. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and worked up as in Example 1. The crude product was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (76 x 6.3 cm) using heptane:chloroform:ethanol, 20:20:1, as mobile phase. The fraction 1035-1260 ml was collected and evaporated yielding 158 mg of 6α,9α-difluoro-llβ-hydroxy- 16α,17α[ (l-methylethylidene)bis(oxy) ]-21- palmitoyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. Melting point 82-86°C. [α] ₀ ²⁵ = +85.3° (c=0.232; CH- _j Cl- . Molecular weight 692 (calc. 692.9). Purity: 98.6% (HPLC-analysis).

Example 13. (22R)- and (22S)-21-Acetoxy-16α,17α- butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-HB-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20- dione

(22RS)-16α,17α-Butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ,21-dihyd roxy- pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (68 mg) was dissolved in 1 ml of pyridine. Acetic anhydride (1 ml) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 1 h, poured into ice-water and extracted with 3 x 25 ml of methylene chloride. The extract was dried and evaporated. The residual 22RS-mixture was resolved by chromatography on a Sephadex LH-20 column (89 x 2.5 cm) using heptane:chloroform:ethanol, 20:20:1, as mobile phase. The fractions 380-400 ml (A) and 420-440 ml (B) were collected and evaporated.

After precipitation from methylene chloride - petroleum ether fraction A yielded 14 mg of (22S)-21-acetoxy- 16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ-hydroxypregn-4-ene - 3,20-dione. Melting point 179-186°C. [α]_- ²⁵ = +86.2° (c=0.188; CH ₂ C1 ₂ ). Molecular weight 492 (calc. 492.6). Purity: 97.5% (HPLC-analysis).

Fraction B gave after precipitation 20 mg of (22R)-21- acetoxy-16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ- hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. Melting point 169-172°C.

[ ] _D ²⁵ = +139.0° (c=0.200; CH ₂ C1 ₂ ). Molecular weight 492 (calc. 492.6). Purity: 97.9% (HPLC-analysis).

Example 14. (22RS)-16α,17α-Butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro- llβ-hvdroxy-21-palmitoyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. To a suspension of 1.4 g of tris(triphenylphosphine)- rhodium chloride in 300 ml of toluene was added a solution of 1170 mg of 6α-fluoro-llB,16α,17α,21- tetrahydroxypregna-l,4-diene-3,20-dione in 250 ml of absolute ethanol. The mixture was hydrogenated 22 h at room temperature and atmospheric pressure and evaporated. The residue was precipitated from acetone-chloroform yielding 661 mg of 6α-fluoro-llβ,16α,17α,21- tetrahydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. Molecular weight 396 (calc. 396.5). Purity: 96.6% (HPLC-analysis).

6α-Fluoro-llβ,16α,17α,21-tetrahydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20 - dione (308 mg) was added in portions to a solution of butanal (115 mg) and 70% perchloric acid (0.2 ml) in 50 ml of dioxane. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 6 h. Methylene chloride (200 ml) was added and the solution washed with 10% aqueous potassium carbonate and water and dried. The residue after evaporation was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (87 x 2.5 cm) using chloroform as mobile phase. The fraction 420-500 ml was collected and evaporated yielding 248 mg of (22RS)-16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ,21- dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. Melting point 85-96°C. [α]_, ²⁵ = +119.8° (c=0.192; CH ₂ C1 ₂ ). Molecular weight 450 (calc. 450.6). Purity: 96.1% (HPLC-analysis). The distribution between the 22R- and 22S-epimers was 59/41 (HPLC-analysis).

A solution of palmitoyl chloride (0.21 ml) in 3 ml of dioxane was added dropwise to a solution of (22RS)- 16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxypregn- 4-

ene-3,20-dione (50 mg) in 6 ml of pyridine. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and worked up as in Example 1. The crude product was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (89 x 2.5 cm) using heptane:chloroform:ethanol, 20:20:1, as mobile phase. The fraction 185-23C ml was collected and evaporated yielding 42 mg of (22RS)-16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ- hydroxy-21-palmitoyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione as an oil. Molecular weight 688 (calc. 688.97). Purity: 99.0% and the distribution between the 22R- and 22S-epimers was 15/85 (HPLC-analysis) .

Example 15. (22R)-16α,17α-Butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro- llB-hydroxy-21-palmitoyloxypreqn-4-ene-3,20-dione. (22RS)-16α,17α-Butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ,21- diydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (225 mg) was resolved by preparative HPLC in portions on a μBondapak C.g column (150 x 19 mm) using ethanol:water, 40:60, as mobile phase. The fractions centered at 265 ml (A) and 310 ml (B) were collected and evaporated. After precipitation from methylene chloride - petroleum ether fraction A yielded 68 mg of (22R)-16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ,21- dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. Melting point 180-192°C. [α] _D ²⁵ = +138.9° (c=0.144; CH ₂ C1 ₂ ). Molecular weight 450 (calc. 450.6). Purity: 99.4% (HPLC-analysis).

Fraction B gave after precipitation 62 mg of (22S)- 16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxypregn- 4- erte-3,20-dione. Melting point 168-175°C. [σ _r , ²⁵ = +103.7° (c=0.216; CH ₂ C1 ₂ ). Molecular weight 450 (calc. 450.6). Purity: 99.5% (HPLC-analysis).

A solution of palmitoyl chloride (0.22 ml) in 5 ml of dioxane was added dropwise to a solution of (22R)-16 ,17α- butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxypregn-4-ene- 3,20-dione (32 mg) in 10 ml of pyridine. The reaction

mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and worked up as in Example 1. The crude product was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (87 x 2.5 cm) using chloroform as mobile phase. The fraction 215-250 ml was collected and evaporated yielding 38 mg of (22R)-16 ,17α- butγlidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ-hydroxy-21-palmitoyloxy- pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione as an oil. Molecular weight 688 (calc. 688.97). Purity: 96.0% (HPLC-analysis)

Example 16. ( 22S ) -16α, 17α-Butylidenedioxy-6α-f luoro- llβ-hydroxy-21-palmi toy loxypregn-4-ene-3 , 20-dione. ( 22RS) -16α, 17α-Butylidenedioxy-6α-f luoro-llβ , 21- dihydroxypregn- 4 -ene-3 , 20-dione ( 68 mg) was dissolved in 1 ml of pyridine. Acetic anhydride ( 1 ml) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 1 h, poured into ice-water and extracted with 3 x 25 ml of methylene chloride. The extract was dried and evaporated.

The residual 22RS epimer ic mixtur was resolved by chroma- tography on a Sephadex LH-20 column ( 89 x 2.5 cm) using heptane : chloroform : ethanol , 20 : 20: 1, as mobile phase. The fractions 380-400 ml (A) and 420-440 ml (B) were collected and evaporated.

After precipitation from methylene chloride - petroleum ether fraction A yielded 14 mg of ( 22S) -21-acetoxy- 16α, 17α-butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ-hydroxypregn-4-ene- 3 , 20-dione. Melting point 179-186°C. [αj ₀ ²⁵ = +86.2° ( c=0.188 ; CH ₂ C1 ₂ ) . Molecular weight 492 (calc. 492.6 ) . Purity: 97.5% (HPLC-analysis) .

Fraction B gave after precipitation 20 mg of ( 22R) -21- acetoxy- 16α, 17α-buty lidenedioxy-6α-f luoro-llβ - hydroxypregn- 4 -ene-3 , 20-dione . Melting point 169-172°C. [α]__ ²⁵ = +139.0° (c=0.200 ; CH ₂ C1 ₂ Molecular weight 492 (calc. 492.6) . Purity: 97.9% (HPLC-analysis) .

To a solution of 14 mg of (22S)-21-acetoxy-16α,17α- butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llfi-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20- dione in 2 ml of ethanol, 2 ml of 2M hydrochloric acid was added. After stirring at 60°C for 5 h the reaction mixture was neutralized with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate and extracted with 3 x 25 ml of methylene chloride. The combined extracts were washed with water, dried and evaporated. The residue was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (87 x 2.5 cm) using chloroform as mobile phase. The fraction 455-510 ml was collected and evaporated giving 7 mg of (22S)-16α,17α-butylidenedioxy- 6α-fluoro-llB-21-dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. Molecular weight 450 (calc. 450.6). Purity: 96.6%.

A solution of palmitoyl chloride (195 mg) in 5 ml of dioxane was added dropwise to a solution of (22S)-16α,17α- butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxypregn-4-ene- 3,20-dione (32 mg) in 10 ml of pyridine. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and worked up as in Example 1. The crude product was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (89 x 2.5 cm) using heptane:chloroform:ethanol, 20:20:1, as mobile phase. The fraction 205-245 ml was collected and evaporated yielding 37 mg of (22S)-16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-HB- hydroxy-21-palmitoyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione as an oil. Molecular weight 688 (calc. 688.97). Purity: 96.4% (HPLC- analysis) .

Example 17. (22RS)-16α,17α-Butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro- llB-hydroxy-21-lauroyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. A solution of lauroyl chloride (0.4 ml) in 3 ml of dioxane was added dropwise to a solution of (22RS)-(16α,17α)- butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxypregn~4-ene- 3,20-dione (50 mg) in 6 ml of pyridine. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and worked up as in Example 1. The crude product was purified

on a Sephadex LH-20 column (89 x 2.5 cm) using heptane:chloroform:ethanol, 20:20:1, as mobile phase. The fraction 215-250 ml was collected and evaporated yielding 15 mg of (22RS)-16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ- hydroxy-21-lauroyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. Melting point 125-143 ^e C. [α] ₀ ²⁵ = +92.8° (c=0.208; CH ₂ C1-,). Molecular weight 632 (calc. 632.9). Purity: 96.2% (HPLC-analysis). The distribution between the 22R- and 22S-epimers was 58/42 (HPLC-analysis).

Example 18. (22R)-16α,17α-Butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro- llβ-hydroxy-21-palmitoyloxypregna-l,4-diene-3,20-dione. 6α-Fluoro-llB,16α,17α,21-tetrahydroxypregna-l,4-diene- 3,20-dione (400 mg) was added in portions to a solution of butanal (0.18 ml) and 70% perchloric acid (0.2 ml) in 50 ml of dioxane. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h. Methylene chloride (200 ml) was added and the solution washed with 10% aqueous potassium carbonate and water and dried. The residue after evaporation was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (75 x 6.3 cm) using chloroform as mobile phase. The fraction 2880-3300 ml was collected and evaporated yielding 1209 mg of (22RS)-16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ,21- dihydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione. Molecular weight 448 (calc. 448.5). The purity was 95.7% and the distribution between the 22R- and 22S-epimers 55/45 (HPLC-analysis).

(22RS)-16α,17α-Butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ ,21- dihydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (36 mg) was chromatographed on a Sephadex LH-20 column (89 x 2.5 cm) using heptane:chloroform:ethanol, 20:20:1, as mobile phase. The fractions 1720-1800 ml (A) and 1960-2025 ml (B) were collected and evaporated. The two products were precipitated from methylene chloride - petroleum ether. The product from fraction A (12 mg) was identified with - ^■■ H-NMR and mass spectrometry to be (22S)-16α,17α-

butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxypregna-l, - diene-3,20-dione and the product from the B fraction (10 mg) as the 22R-epimer.

The epimers had the following properties. Epimer 22S: Melting point 172-180°C; [ ] _D ²⁵ = +62.3° (c=0.132; CH ₂ C1 ₂ ); molecular weight 448 (calc. 448.5). Epimer 22R: Melting point 95-106°C; [α] _D ²⁵ = +105.9° (c=0.152; CH ₂ C1 ₂ ); molecular weight 448 (calc. 448.5). The purity of the epimers was determined by HPLC-analysis to be 98.9% for the 22S-epimer and 97.7% for the 22R-epimer.

A solution of palmitoyl chloride (172 mg) in 5 ml of dioxane was added dropwise to a solution of (22R)-16α,17α- butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxypregna-l,4- diene-3,20-dione (56 mg) in 10 ml of pyridine. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and worked up as in Example 1. The crude product was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (89 x 2.5 cm) using heptane:chloroform:ethanol, 20:20:1, as mobile phase. The fraction 225-285 ml was collected and evaporated yielding 31 mg of (22R)-16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ- hydroxy-21-palmitoyloxypregna-l,4-diene-3,20-dionei Melting point 95-100°C. [α} ₀ ²⁵ = +68.0° (c=0.200; CH _j Cl- . Molecular weight 686 (calc. 686.95). Purity: 97.7% (HPLC- analysis) .

Example 19. (22S)-16α,17α-Butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro- llβ-hydroxy-21-palmitoyloxypregna-l,4-diene-3,20-dione. A solution of palmitoyl chloride (110 mg) in 5 ml of dioxane was added dropwise to a solution of (22S)-16α,17α- butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxypregna-l,4- diene-3,20-dione (46 mg) in 10 ml of pyridine. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and worked up as in Example 1. The crude product was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (89 x 2.5 cm) using

heptane:chloroform:ethanol, 20:20:1, as mobile phase. The fraction 185-225 ml was collected and evaported yielding 37 mg of (22S)-16o,17α-butylidenedioxy-6α-fluoro-llβ- hydroxy-21-palmitoyloxypregna-l,4-diene-3,20-dione. Melting point 65-68°C. [α] _B = +53.0° (c=0.200; CH- _j Cl- . Molecular weight 686 (calc. 686.95). Purity: 95.9% (HPLC- analysis) .

Example 20. 6α-Fluoro-llβ.21-dihydroχy-16α,17α-[(1- methylethylidene)bis(oxy)]pregn-4-ene-3.20-dione.

A suspension of 2.1 g of tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium chloride in 500 ml of toluene was hydrogenated at room temperature and atmospheric pressure for 45 min, when the catalyst was in solution. A solution of 2.0 g of 6α-flu- oro-llβ,21-dihydroxy-16α,17α-[ (1-methylethylidene)bis- foxy)]pregna-l,4-diene-3,20-dione in 1000 ml of absolute ethanol was added and the hydrogenation was continued for another 65 h. The reaction mixture was evaporated and the residue purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (71 x 6.3 cm) using chloroform as mobile phase. The fraction 2010-2445 ml was collected and evaporated yielding 1.51 g of 6α- fluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxy-16α,17α-[(1-methylethylidene)bis- (oxy)]pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. Melting point 209-219°C. [O _D ^*25 = +133.5° (c=0.230; CH ₂ C1 ₂ ). Molecular weight 436 (calc. 436.5). Purity: 99.6% (HPLC-analysis).

Example 21. 6α-Fluoro-llβ-hydroxy-16α,17α-[(1-methyl- ethylidene)bis(oxy)]-21-palmitoyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20- dione. A solution of palmitoyl chloride (0.21 ml) in 3 ml of dioxane was added dropwise to a solution of 6α-fluoro- llβ,21-dihydroxy-16α,17α-[(l-methylethylidene)bis(oxy)]- pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione in 6 ml of pyridine. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and worked up as in Example 1. The crude product was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (76 x 6.3 cm) using heptane:chloroform:ethanol, 20:20:1, as mobile phase. The

fraction 1035-1230 ml was collected and evaporated yielding 63 mg of 6α-fluoro-llβ-hydroxy-16α,17α-[ (1- methylethylidene)bis(oxy) ].-21-palmitoyloxypregn-4-ene- 3,20-dione. Melting point 99-101°C. [α]-, ²⁵ = +89.8° (c=0.206; CH ₂ C1 ₂ ). Molecular weight 674 (calc. 674.94). Purity: 97.9% (HPLC-analysis).

Example 22. 9α-Fluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxy-16α,17α-[ (1-me- thylethylidene)bis(oxy) 3pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. A solution of 675 mg of tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium chloride in 250 ml of toluene was hydrogenated at room temperature and atmospheric pressure for 45 min. A solution of 1 g of triamcinolone 16α,17α-acetonide in 100 ml of absolute ethanol was added and the hydrogenation was continued for another 40 h. The reaction mixture was evaporated and the main part of the catalyst removed by flash chromatography with aceton:petroleum ether (b.p. 40-60°C), 40:60, as mobile phase. The crude product was further purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (72.5 x 6.3 cm) using chloroform as mobile phase. The fraction 2746- 3195 ml was collected and evaported yielding 404 mg of 9α- luoro-llβ,21-dihydroxy-16α,17α-[(1-methylethylidene)- bis(oxy) ]pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. Melting point 238-41°C. [α) ₀ ^2S = +145.2° (σ=0.288;CH ₂ Cl ₂ ). Molecular weight 436 (calc. 436.5). Purity: 99% (HPLC-analysis).

Example 23. 9α-Fluoro-llβ-hydroxy-16α,17α-[ (1-methyl¬ ethylidene)bis(oxy) 3-21-palmitoyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20- dione. A solution of palmitoyl chloride (0.69 ml) in 10 ml of dioxane was added dropwise to a solution of 9α-fluoro- llβ,21-dihydroxy-16α,17α-[ (1-methylethylidene)- bis(oxy) ]pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione in 20 ml of pyridine. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and worked up as in Example 1. The crude product was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (89 x 2.5 cm) using heptane:chloroform:ethanol, 20:20:1, as mobile phase. The

fraction 240-305 ml was collected and evaported yielding 102 mg of 6α-fluoro-llβ-hydroxy-16α,17α-[(1- methylethylidene)bis(oxy)]-21-palmitoyloxypregn-4-ene- 3,20-dione as an oil. Molecular weight 674 (calc. 674.94). Purity: 98% (HPLC-analysis).

Example 24. (22RS)-16α,17α-Butylidenedioxy-9α-fluoro- llβ-hydroxy-21-palmitoyloxypreqn-4-ene-3,20-dione. To a solution of freshly distilled butanal (100 mg) and 0.2 ml of perchloric acid (70%) in 50 ml of purified and dried dioxane 9α-fluoro-llβ,16α,17α,21-tetrahydroxypregn- 4-ene-3,20-dione (340 mg) was added in small portions with stirring during 20 min. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for another 5 h. Methylene chloride (200 ml) was added and the solution was washed with aqueous potassium carbonate and water and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The crude product obtained after evaporation was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (72.5 x 6.3 cm) using chloroform as mobile phase. The fraction 2760 - 3195 ml was collected and evaporated yielding 215 mg of (22RS) _j -16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-9α- fluoro-llfi-21-dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. Molecular weight 450 (calc. 450.6). Purity: 97.4% (HPLC-analysis).

A solution of palmitoyl chloride (0.13 ml) in 2.5 ml of dioxane was added dropwise to a solution of (22RS)- 16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-9α-fluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxypregn- 4- ene-3,20-dione (40 mg) in 5 ml of pyridine. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and worked up as in Example 1. The crude product was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (87 x 2.5 cm) using chloroform as mobile phase. The fraction 220-300 ml was collected and evaporated yielding 42 mg of (22RS)-16α,17α-butylidene- dioxy-9α-fluoro-llβ-hydroxy-21-palmitoyloxypregn-4-ene- 3,20-dione as an oil. Molecular weight 688 (calc. 688.97). The distribution between the 22R- and 22S-epimers was

61/39 (HPLC-analysis ) .

Example 25. (22R)-16α,17α-Butylidenedioxy-9α-fluoro- llβ-hydroxy-21-palmitoyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. (22RS)-16α,17α-Butylidenedioxy-9α-fluoro-llB-21- dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (200 mg) was resolved by chromatography on a Sephadex LH-20 column (76 x 6.3 cm) using a heptane-chloroform-ethanol (20:20:1) mixture as mobile phase. The fractions 7560-8835 ml (A) and 8836-9360 ml (B) were collected and evaporated. The product from fraction A (128 mg) was identified with -"-H-NMR and mass spectrometry to be (22S)-16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-9α- fluoro-llB-21-dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione and the product from the B fraction (50 mg) as the 22R-epimer.

The epimers had the following properties. Epimer 22S: Melting point 180-190°C; [α3 _D ²⁵ = +105.6° (c=0.214; CH ₂ C1 ₂ molecular weight 450 (calc. 450.6). Epimer 22R: Melting point 147-151°C; [ai _r , ²⁵ - +133.7° (c=0.196; CH ₂ C1 ₂ ); molecular weight 450 (calc. 450.6). The purity of the epimers was determined by HPLC-analysis to be 95.6% for the 22S-epimer and 98.2% for the 22R-epimer.

A solution of palmitoyl chloride (0.34 ml) in 5 ml of dioxane was added dropwise to a solution of (22R)-16α,17α- butylidenedioxy-9α-fluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxypregn-4-ene- 3,20-dione (50 mg) in 10 ml of pyridine. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and worked up as in Example 1. The crude product was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (89 x 2.5 cm) using heptane:chloroform:ethanol, 20:20:1, as mobile phase. The fraction 180-205 ml was collected and evaporated yielding 36 mg of (22R)-16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-9α-fluoro-llB- hydroxy-21-palmitoyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione as an oil. Purity: 96.3% (HPLC-analysis). Molecular weight 688 (calc. 688.97).

Example 26. (22S)-16α,17 -Butylidenedioxy-9α-fluoro- llβ-hydroxy-21-palmitoyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. A solution of palmitoyl chloride (0.14 ml) in 15 ml of dioxane was added dropwise to a solution of (22S)-16 ,17α- butylidenedioxy-9α-fluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxypregn-4-ene- 3,20-dione (41 mg) in 3 ml of pyridine. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and worked up as in Example 1. The crude product was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (89 x 2.5 cm) using heptane:chloroform:ethanol, 20:20:1, as mobile phase. The fraction 215-260 ml was collected and evaporated yielding 26 mg of (22S)-16α,17α-butylidenedioxy-9α-fluoro-HB- hydroxy-21-palmitoyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione as an oil. Purity: 91.4% (HPLC-analysis). Molecular weight 688 (calc. 688.97).

Example 27. (22R)-16α,17α-Butylidenediθ3y-9α-fluoro- llB-hydroxy-21-palmitoyloxypregna-l,4-diene-3,20-dione. A solution of palmitoyl chloride (75 mg) in 2.5 ml of dioxane was added dropwise to a solution of (22R)-16o,17α- butylidenedioxy-9α-fluoro-llβ,21-dihydroxypregna-l,4- diene-3,20-dione (25 mg) in 5 ml of pyridine. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and worked up as in Example 1. The crude product was purified on a Sephadex LH-20 column (85 x 2.5 cm) using chloroform as mobile phase. The fraction 235-285 ml was collected and evaporated yielding 27 mg of (22R)-16α, 17α- butylidenedioxy-9α-fluoro-llβ-hydroxy-21-palmitoyl- oxypregna-l,4-diene-3,20-dione. Melting point 116-121°C; [α]__ ²⁵ = +67.4° (c=0.172;CH ₂ Cl ₂ ). Molecular weight 686 (calc. 687.0). Purity: 96.5% (HPLC-analysis).

Example 28. Pharmaceutical Preparations The following non-limitative examples illustrate formulations intended for different topical forms of administration. The amount of active steroid in the

percutaneous formulations are ordinarily 0.001-0.2% (w/w), preferably 0.01-0.1% (w/w).

Formulation 1, Ointment Steroid, micronized 0.025 g Liquid paraffin 10.0 g White soft paraffin ad 100.0 g

Formulation 2 , Ointment Steroid 0.025 g

Propylene glycol 5.0 g Sorbitan sesquioleate 5.0 g Liquid paraffin 10.0 g White soft paraffin ad 100.0 ^' g

Formulation 3 Oil in water cream

Sodium citrate Water ad

Formulation 5, Water in oil cream

Steroid

White soft paraffin

Liquid paraffin

Sorbitan sesquioleate

Sorbic acid

Citric acid

Sodium citrate

Water ad

Formulation 6, Lotion

Steroid

Isopropanol

Carboxyvinylpolymer

NaOH

Water ad 1.0 g

Formulation 7 , Suspension for injection

Steroid, micronized

Sodium carboxymethylcellulose

NaCl

Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate

Phenyl carbinol

Water, sterile ad

Formulation 8, Aerosol for oral and nasal inhalation

Steroid, micronized 0.1 % w/w

Sorbitan trioleate 0.7 % w/w

Trichlorofluoromethane 24.8 % w/w

Dichlorotetrafluoromethane 24.8 % w/w Dichlorodifluoromethane 49.6 % w/w

Formulation 9, Solution for atomization

Steroid

Propylene glycol

Water ad

Formulation 10, Powder for inhalation A gelatin capsule is filled with a mixture of Steroid, micronized 0.1 mg

Lactose 20 mg

The powder is inhaled by means of an inhalation device.

Formulation 11, Powder for inhalation

The spheronized powder is filled into a multidose powder inhaler. Each dose contains

Steroid, micronized 0.1 mg

Formulation 12, Powder for inhalation The spheronized powder is filled into a multidose powder inhaler. Each dose contains

Steroid, micronized 0.1 mg

Lactose, micronized 1 mg

Formulation 13, capsule for treating the small bowel Steroid 1.0 mg

Sugar spheres 321 mg

Aquacoat ECD 30 6.6 mg

Acetyltributyl citrate 0.5 mg

Polysorbate 80 0.1 mg Eudragit L100-55 17.5 mg

Triethylcitrate 1.8 mg

Talc 8.8 mg

Antifoam MMS 0.01 mg

Formulation 14, capsule for treating the large bowel

Steroid 2.0 mg

Sugar spheres 305 mg

13873

Aquacoat ECD 30 5.0 mg

Acetyltributyl citrate 0.4 mg

Polysorbate 80 0.14 mg

Eudragit NE30 D 12.6 mg Eudragit S100 12.6 mg

Talc 12.6 mg

Formulation 15, rectal enema

Steroid 0.02 mg Sodium carboxymethylcellulose 25 mg

Disodium edetate 0.5 mg

Methyl parahydroxybenzoate 0.8 mg

Propyl pharahydroxybenzoate 0.2 mg

Sodium chloride 7.0 mg Citric acid anhydrous 1.8 mg

Polysorbate 80 0.01 mg

Water, purified ad 1.0 ml

Formulation 16, formulation containing liposomebound steroid

A. Preparation of a formulation for instillation Synthetic dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (45 mg), dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (7 mg), dipalmitoyl- phosphatidylglycerol (1 mg) and (22R)-16α,17α- butylidenedioxy-6α,9α-difluoro-1IB-hydroxy-21- palmitoyloxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (5 mg) are mixed in a glass tube. All components are dissolved in chloroform. Most of the solvent is evaporated by the use of ₂ and then under reduced pressure, which forms a thin film of the lipid components on the surface of the glass tube. An aqueous solution (0.9% NaCl) is added to the lipids. Formation of the liposomes is performed at a temperature above the phase transition temperature of the lipids. The liposomes are formed by shaking or sonication of the solution with the probe of a sonicator. The resulting suspension contains liposomes ranging from very small

vesicles to 2 μm in size.

B. Preparation of a formulation for inhalation The preparation of the liposomes is performed according to Example A, where the aqueous solution contains 10% lactose. The ratio between lactose and lipid is 7:3. The liposome suspension is frozen on dry ice and lyophilized. The dry product is micronized resulting in particles with a mass mean aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of about 2 μm.

Pharmacology

The selectivity for local antiinflammatory activity can be exemplified by the following airway model.

A considerable fraction of inhaled GCS is deposited in the pharynx and is subsequently swallowed ending up in the gut. This fraction contributes to the unwanted side effects of the steroid since it is acting outside the area intended for treatment (the lung). Therefore, it is favourable to use a GCS with high local anti-inflammatory activity in the lung but low GCS induced effects after oral administration. Studies were therefore done in order to determine the GCS induced effects after local application in the lung as well as after per oral administration and the differentiation between glucocorticosteroid actions in the treated lung region and outside this area were tested in the following way.

Test models

A) Test model for desired local antiinflammatory activity on airway mucosa (left lung lobe).

Sprague Dawley rats (250 g) were slightly anaesthetized with Ephrane and the glucocorticosteroid test preparation (in liposomes suspended in saline) in a volume of 0.5 ml/kg was instilled into just the left lung lobe. Two

hours later a suspension of Sephadex (5 mg/kg in a volume of 1 ml/kg) was instilled in the trachea well above the bifurcation so that the suspension reached both the left and right lung lobes. Twenty hours later the rats were killed and the left lung lobes dissected out and weighed. Control groups got vehicle instead of glucocorticosteroid preparation and saline instead of Sephadex suspension to determine the weight of non-drug treated Sephadex edema and the normal lung weight.

B) Test model for unwanted systemic effect by orally absorbed glucocorticosteroid

Sprague Dawley rats (250 g) were slightly anaesthetized with Ephrane and the GCS test preparation in a volume of 1.0 ml/kg was given orally. Two hours later a suspension of Sephadex (5 mg/kg in a volume of 1 ml/kg) was instilled in the trachea well above the bifurcation so that the suspension reached both the left and the right lung lobes. Twenty hours later, the rats were killed and the lung lobes were weighed. Control groups got vehicle instead of glucocorticosteroid preparation and saline instead of Sephadex suspension to determine the weight of non-drug treated Sephadex edema and the normal weight.

The results of the comparative study are given in Table 1. The pharmacological profile of the compounds of the invention was compared to those of budesonide-21-palmitate and flumethasone-21-palmitate in liposomes. All steroids of the invention show higher local anti-inflammatory potency in the lung after local application than budesonide-21-palmitate in liposomes. Furthermore, the results also demonstrate a higher lung selectivity of the tested compounds of the invention compared to the selected prior art compounds, since the dose required to inhibit lung edema (ED _5Q ) by oral administration of the above mentioned compounds are 158 (example 3), 247 (example 7) and 559 (example 1) times higher and of budesonide-21-

palmitate 66 times higher and of flumethasone-21-palmitate 8 times higher than the dose needed to inhibit lung edema by local application to the lung of the drugs.

Thus it can be concluded that the compounds of the invention are well suited for local treatment of inflammatory disorders in the skin and various cavities of the body (e.g. lung, nose, bowel and joint).

Table 1. Effects of tested glucocorticosteroids in liposomes in the Sephadex induced lung edema model in the rat. The results are given in relation to the corresponding control group given Sephadex.

10

Compound ED _j - (left lung admini¬ ED _cn (p.o.adm.: Ratio according to stration; nmol/kg) nmi61/kg) lung*' oral/local example Left lung lobe ^x administration

15

Budesonide-21- 23 1520 66 palmitate (RS)

Flumethasone-21- 20 palmitate 2.2 18

2.3 568 247

25

1.8

3.5 554 158

30

1.5 839 559

35 x) ED '(5. _n 0 = required glucocorticosteroid dose to reduce the edema by 50%.