| abstract |
This invention relates to compounds having Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug or solvate thereof, wherein; R1 is H or methyl; R2 is 5α- or 5β- H; R3 is an optionally substituted N-attached heteroaryl group or a group -X-R4; R4 is an optionally substituted carbon-attached heteroaryl group; and X is O, S or N. The invention also is directed to the use of 3α- hydroxy-3β- methoxymethyl-substituted steroids as sedative/hypnotics and for inducing anesthesia. |