STRUCTURAL MODIFICATION OF 19-NORPROGESTERONE I: 17- alpha -SUBSTITUTED-11- beta -SUBSTITUTED-4-ARYL AND 21-SUBSTITUTED 19-NORPREGNADIENEDIONE AS NEW ANTIPROGESTATIONAL AGENTS

The present invention relates, inter alia, to compounds having the general formula (I) in which: R is a member selected from the group consisting of -OCH3 -SCH3, -N(CH3)2, -NHCH3, -NC4H8, -NC5H10, -NC4H8O, -CHO, -CH(OH)CH3, -C(O)CH3, -O(CH2)2N(CH3)2, and -O(CH2)2NC5H10; R is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, acyl, hydroxy, alkoxy (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy, vinyloxy, ethynyloxy, cyclopropyloxy, etc.), acyloxy (e.g., acetoxy, glycinate, etc.), alkylcarbonate, cypionyloxy, S-alkyl, -SCN, S-acyl and -OC(O)R, wherein R is a functional group including, but not limited to, alkyl (e.g., methyl, ethyl, etc.), alkoxy ester (e.g., -CH2OCH3) and alkoxy (-OCH3); R is a member selected from the group consisting of alkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy and acyloxy; R is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl; and X is a member selected from the group consisting of =0 and =N-OR, wherein R is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl. In addition to providing the compounds of Formula I, the present invention provides methods wherein the compounds of Formula I are advantageously used, inter alia, to antagonize endogenous progesterone; to induce menses; to treat endometriosis; to treat dysmenorrhea; to treat endocrine hormone-dependent tumors; to treat meningiomas; to treat uterine leiomyomas; to treat uterine fibroids; to inhibit uterine endometrial proliferation; to induce cervical ripening; to induce labor; and for contraception.