Methods and compositions for inhibiting 5.alpha.-reductase activity

Abstract

Disclosed are a novel class of anti-androgenic compounds including saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, their derivatives, and synthetic analogs, according to the following formula: CH.sub.3 --(CH.sub.2).sub.a --(CR.sub.1 R.sub.2 CH.dbd.CH).sub.b --(CH.sub.2).sub.c --COOH, wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each either hydrogen or a halogen; wherein a and c are integers from 0-9; wherein b is an integer from 1-6, provided that 12<a+c+(3.times.b).ltoreq.22. Also disclose are methods of synthesis of these compounds, and their use in treating disorders associated with androgenic activities. Also disclosed is the use of known compounds not previously known for their anti-androgenic activity in treating disorders related to androgenic activities.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.