| abstract |
Bisphosphonate derivatives of hydroxy steroids which are bone resorption inhibitors or bone formation stimulators, the derivatives having at least one group A in place of a hydroxy group on the steroid molecule, where A is a group of formula (A) where X is: (i) St-O-CO- where St is the residue of the hydroxy steroid given by removal of an OH group; (ii) R1-O-CO- where R1 is an alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl or aryl group, any of which may optionally be substituted; or (iii) a hydrogen atom, and the salts and solvates of these compounds. The steroid is typically 17β-oestradiol, oestrone, testosterone, norethindrone, androsterone, norethandrolone or nandrolone. The derivatives can be used in the treatment of bone disorders such as osteoporosis. |