NOVEL 17beta HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASE TYPE I INHIBITORS

The present invention relates to novel 3, 15 substituted estrone derivatives which represent inhibitory compounds of the 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I (17beta-HSD1), to their salts, to pharmaceutical preparations containing these compounds and to processes for the preparation of these compounds. Furthermore, the invention concerns the therapeutic use of said novel 3, 15 substituted estrone derivatives, particularly their use in the treatment or prevention of steroid hor -mone dependent diseases or disorders, such as steroid hormone dependent diseases or disorders requiring the inhibition of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I enzymes and/or requiring the lowering of the endogenous 17beta-estradiol concentration. In addition, the present invention relates to the general use of selective 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 inhibitors which possess in addition no or only pure antagonistic binding affinities to the estrogen receptor for the treatment and prevention of benign gynaecological disorders, in particular endometriosis.