Claims for Patent: 4,996,335

Summary for Patent: 4,996,335

Title:	Soft steroids having anti-inflammatory activity
Abstract:	The invention provides novel soft steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, pharmaceutical compositions containing said agents, and methods of administering same to mammals in the treatment of inflammation. Preferred compounds of the invention include haloalkyl 17α-alkoxycarbonyloxy-11β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17β-carboxylates and the corresponding Δ1,4 compounds, optionally bearing 6α- and/or 9α-fluorine and 16α- or 16β-methyl substituents. Especially preferred compounds include haloalkyl 17α-alkoxycarbonyloxy-9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-16-methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17β-carboxylates.
Inventor(s):	Nicholas S. Bodor
Assignee:	BODOR NICHOLAS S 7211 SW 97TH LANE GAINESVILLE FLORIDA 32608 USA
Application Number:	US06/807,034
Patent Claims:	1. A compound selected from the group consisting of:(a) a compound of the formula ##STR243## wherein: R1 is C1 -C10 alkyl; C2 -C10 (monohydroxy or polyhydroxy)alkyl; C1 -C10 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl; or --CH2 COOR6 wherein R6 is unsubstituted or substituted C1 -C10 alkyl; C3 -C8 cycloalkyl, C3 -C8 cycloalkenyl or C2 -C10 alkenyl, the substituents being selected from the group consisting of halo, lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfinyl, lower alkylsulfonyl, ##STR244## or R6 is unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or benzyl, the substituents being selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, halo, carabamoyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl, lower alkanoyloxy, lower haloalkyl, mono(lower alkyl)amino, di(lower alkyl)amino, mono(lower alkyl)carbamoyl, di(lower alkyl)carbamoyl, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfinyl and lower alkylsulfonyl; or R1 is --CH2 CONR7 R8 wherein R7 and R8, which can be the same or different, are each hydrogen, lower alkyl, C3 -C8 cycloalkyl, phenyl or benzyl, or R7 and R8 are combined such that --NR7 R8 represents the residue of a saturated monocyclic secondary amine; or R1 is unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or benzyl, the substituents being selected from the group of phenyl and benzyl substituents defined hereinabove with respect to R6 ; or R1 is ##STR245## wherein Y is --S--, --SO--, --SO2 -- or --O-- and R9 is hydrogen, lower alkyl or phenyl, or R9 and the lower alkyl group adjacent to Y are combined so that R1 is a cyclic system of the type ##STR246## wherein Y is defined as above and the alkylene group contains 3 to 10 carbon atoms, of which at least 3 and no more than 6 are ring atoms; or R1 is ##STR247## wherein R6 is defined as hereinabove and R10 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, phenyl or halophenyl;R2 is unsubstituted or substituted C1 -C10 alkyl, C3 -C8 cycloalkyl, C3 -C8 cycloalkenyl or C2 -C10 alkenyl, the substituents being selected from the group consisting of halo, lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfinyl, lower alkylsulfonyl, ##STR248## or R2 is unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or benzyl, the substituents being selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, halo, carbamoyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl, lower alkanoyloxy, lower haloalkyl, mono(lower alkyl)amino, di(lower alkyl)amino, mono(lower alkyl)carbamoyl, di(lower alkyl)carbamoyl, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfinyl and lower alkylsulfonyl; R3 is hydrogen, α-hydroxy, β-hydroxy, α-methyl, β-methyl, ═CH2, or α- or ##STR249## wherein R2 is identical to R2 as defined hereinabove; R4 is hydrogen, fluoro or chloro; R5 is hydrogen, fluoro, chloro or methyl; X is --O-- or --S--; and the dotted line in ring A indicates that the 1,2 linkage is saturated or unsaturated; (b) a quaternary ammonium salt of a compound of formula (I) wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is a halo-substituted alkyl group; (c) a compound of the formula ##STR250## wherein R2, R4, R5, and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) above, Z is carbonyl or β-hydroxymethylene and R3 " is hydrogen, α-methyl, β-methyl, ═CH2 or α- or ##STR251## wherein R2 is identical to R2 above; (d) a compound of the formula ##STR252## wherein M is alkali metal, thallium, alkaline earth metal/2 or NH4 and R2, R3 ", R4, R5, Z and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) and (c) above; (e) a compound of the formula ##STR253## wherein R3 "' is hydrogen, α-methyl, β-methyl, α-OCOCl or β-OCOCl, and R1, R4, R5, Z and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) and (c) above; (f) a compound of the formula ##STR254## wherein R2, R3 ", R4, R5, Z and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) and (c) above; and (g) a compound of the formula ##STR255## wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, X and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) above. 2. A compound selected from the group consisting of:(a) a compound of the formula ##STR256## wherein: R1 is C1 -C6 alkyl; C1 -C6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl; --CH2 COOR6 wherein R6 is C1 -C6 alkyl; --CH2 --Y--(C1 -C6 alkyl) wherein Y is --S--, --SO--, --SO2 -- or --O--; or ##STR257## wherein R6 ' is C1 -C6 or phenyl; R2 is C1 -C6 alkyl, C3 -C8 cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or C1 -C6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl;R3 is hydrogen, α-hydroxy, β-methyl, β-methyl or ##STR258## wherein R2 is identical to R2 as defined hereinabove; R4 is hydrogen or fluoro; R5 is hydrogen or fluoro; X is --O--; and the dotted line in ring A indicates that the 1,2-linkage is saturated or unsaturated; (b) a quaternary ammonium salt of a compound of formula (I) wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is a halo-substituted alkyl group; (c) a compound of the formula ##STR259## wherein R2, R4, R5 and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) above, Z is carbonyl or β-hydroxymethylene and R3 " is hydrogen, α-methyl, β-methyl or ##STR260## wherein R2 is identical to R2 above; (d) a compound of the formula ##STR261## wherein M is alkali metal, thallium, alkaline earth metal/2 or NH4 and R2, R3 ", R4, R5, Z and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) and (c) above; (e) a compound of the formula ##STR262## wherein R3 "' is hydrogen, α-methyl, β-methyl or α-OCOCl, and R1, R4, R5, Z and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) and (c) above; (f) a compound of the formula ##STR263## wherein R2, R3 ", R4, R5, Z and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) and (c) above; and (g) a compound of the formula ##STR264## wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, X and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) above. 3. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (I). 4. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound being a quaternary ammonium salt of a compound of formula (I) wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is a halo-substituted alkyl group. 5. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (III). 6. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (IV). 7. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (VII). 8. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (VIII). 9. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (IX). 10. A compound of claim 1, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R3 is hydrogen, α-methyl, β-methyl, ═CH2 or α- or ##STR265## 11. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R1 is C1 -C6 alkyl. 12. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R1 is C1 -C6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl. 13. A compound of claim 12 wherein C1 -C6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl is C1 -C6 monohaloalkyl. 14. A compound of claim 13 wherein C1 -C6 monohaloalkyl is C1 -C6 monochloroalkyl. 15. A compound of claim 14 wherein C1 -C6 monochloroalkyl is chloromethyl. 16. A compound of claim 11 wherein R2 is C1 -C6 alkyl or C1 -C6 monohaloalkyl. 17. A compound of claim 12 wherein R2 is C1 -C6 alkyl. 18. A compound of claim 13 wherein R2 is C1 -C6 alkyl. 19. A compound of claim 14 wherein R2 is C1 -C6 alkyl. 20. A compound of claim 15 wherein R2 is C1 -C6 alkyl. 21. A compound of claim 11 wherein R2 is C3 -C8 cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or C1 -C6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl. 22. A compound of claim 12 wherein R2 is C3 -C8 cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or C1 -C6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl. 23. A compound of claim 13 wherein R2 is C3 -C8 cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or C1 -C6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl. 24. A compound of claim 14 wherein R2 is C3 -C8 cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or C1 -C6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl. 25. A compound of claim 15 wherein R2 is C3 -C8 cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or C1 -C6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl. 26. A compound of claim 1, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein X is --O--. 27. A compound of claim 12 wherein X is --O--. 28. A compound of claim 13 wherein X is --O--. 29. A compound of claim 14 wherein X is --O--. 30. A compound of claim 17 wherein R4 and R5 are hydrogen. 31. A compound of claim 18 wherein R4 and R5 are hydrogen. 32. A compound of claim 19 wherein R4 and R5 are hydrogen. 33. A compound of claim 20 wherein R4 and R5 are hydrogen. 34. A compound of claim 17 wherein at least one of R4 and R5 is fluoro. 35. A compound of claim 18 wherein at least one of R4 and R5 is fluoro. 36. A compound of claim 19 wherein at least one of R4 and R5 is fluoro. 37. A compound of claim 20 wherein at least one of R4 and R5 is fluoro. 38. A compound of claim 17 wherein R4 is fluoro and R5 is hydrogen. 39. A compound of claim 18 wherein R4 is fluoro and R5 is hydrogen. 40. A compound of claim 19 wherein R4 is fluoro and R5 is hydrogen. 41. A compound of claim 20 wherein R4 is fluoro and R5 is hydrogen. 42. A compound of claim 35 wherein R3 is α-methyl or β-methyl. 43. A compound of claim 37 wherein R3 is α-methyl or β-methyl. 44. A compound of claim 39 wherein R3 is α-methyl or β-methyl. 45. A compound of claim 41 wherein R3 is α-methyl or β-methyl. 46. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R1 is --CH2 COOR6, --CH2 --Y--(C1 -C6 alkyl) or ##STR266## 47. A compound of claim 1, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R1 is --CH2 CONR7 R8. 48. A compound of claim 47 wherein at least one of R7 and R8 is hydrogen or C1 -C6 alkyl. 49. A compound of claim 47 wherein R7 and R8 are combined so that --NR7 R8 represents the residue of a saturated monocyclic secondary amine containing 5 to 7 carbon atoms. 50. A compound of claim 49 wherein --NR7 R8 representss morpholino, 1-pyrrolidinyl, 4-benzyl-1-piperazinyl, perhydro-1,2,4-oxathiazin-4-yl, 1- or 4-piperazinyl, 4-methyl-1-piperazinyl, piperidino, hexamethyleneimino, 4-phenylpiperidino, 2-methyl-1-pyrazolidinyl, 1- or 2-pyrazolidinyl, 3-methyl-1-imidazolidinyl, 1- or 3-imidazolidinyl, 4-benzylpiperidino or 4-phenyl-1-piperazinyl. 51. A compound of claim 1, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R1 is ##STR267## wherein R9 is hydrogen or methyl, or wherein R9 and the lower alkyl group adjacent to Y are combined so that R1 is ##STR268## wherein Y is --S--, --SO--, --SO2 -- or --O-- and the alkylene group contains 3 to 10 carbon atoms, of which at least 3 and no more than 6 are ring atoms. 52. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (III) wherein Z is β-hydroxymethylene and R2 is C1 -C6 alkyl. 53. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (IV) wherein Z is β-hydroxymethylene and R2 is C1 -C6 alkyl. 54. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (VII) wherein Z is β-hydroxymethylene and R1 is C1 -C6 alkyl or C1 -C6 monohaloalkyl. 55. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (VIII) wherein Z is β-hydroxymethylene and R2 is C1 -C6 alkyl. 56. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (IX) wherein R1 is C1 -C6 (monohalo or polyhalo) alkyl. 57. A compound of claim 56 wherein C1 -C6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl is C1 -C6 monohaloalkyl. 58. A compound of claim 57 wherein R2 is C1 -C6 alkyl. 59. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (IX) wherein R1 is C1 -C6 alkyl or C1 -C6 monohaloalkyl, R2 is C1 -C6 alkyl or C1 -C6 monohaloalkyl and X is --O--. 60. A compound of claim 2, said compound having the structural formula (IX) wherein R1 is C1 -C6 alkyl, --CH2 COOR6, --CH2 --Y--(C1 -C6 alkyl) or ##STR269## 61. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 11β-hydroxy-17α-methoxycarbonyloxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17β-carboxylate. 62. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 17α-ethoxycarbonyloxy-11β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17β-carboxylate. 63. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 17β-butoxycarbonyloxy-11β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17β-carboxylate. 64. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 11β-hydroxy-17α-isopropoxycarbonyloxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylate. 65. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 17α-ethoxycarbonyloxy-9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-16β-methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17β-carboxylate. 66. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-16α-methyl-17α-propoxycarbonyloxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17β-carboxylate. 67. The compound of claim 2 which is 1-chloroethyl 11β-hydroxy-17α-isopropoxycarbonyloxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylate. 68. The compound of claim 2 which is 1-chloroethyl 9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-17α-isopropoxycarbonyloxy-16β-methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17β-carboxylate. 69. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 17α-ethoxycarbonyloxy-11β-hydroxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylate. 70. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 11β-hydroxy-17α-isopropoxycarbonyloxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17β-carboxylate. 71. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 17α-ethoxycarbonyloxy-9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17β-carboxylate. 72. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 17α-ethoxycarbonyloxy-9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-16α-methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17β-carboxylate. 73. The compound of claim 2 is chloromethyl 9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-17α-isopropoxycarbonyloxy-16α-methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17β-carboxylate. 74. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-17α-isopropoxycarbonyloxy-16β-methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17β-carboxylate. 75. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-17α-methoxycarbonyloxy-16β-methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17β-carboxylate. 76. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-16α-methyl-17α-pentyloxycarbonyloxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17β-carboxylate. 77. The compound of claim 2 which is fluoromethyl 17α-ethoxycarbonyloxy-9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-16α-methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17β-carboxylate. 78. The compound of claim 2 which is methyl 17α-(2-chloroethoxy)carbonyloxy-9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-16.alpha.-methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17β-carboxylate. 79. The compound of claim 2 which is 17β-ethoxycarbonyloxy-9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-16α-methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17β-carboxylic acid. 80. The compound of claim 2 which is 9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-17α-isopropoxycarbonyloxy-16β-methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17β-carboxylic acid. 81. The compound of claim 2 which is 9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-16α-methyl-17α-propoxycarbonyloxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17β-carboxylic acid. 82. The compound of claim 2 which is 9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-17α-methoxycarbonyloxy-16α-methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17β-carboxylic acid. 83. The compound of claim 2 which is 11β-hydroxy-17α-methoxycarbonyloxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17β-carboxylic acid, 17α-ethoxycarbonyloxy-11β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17β-carboxylic acid, 17α-butoxycarbonyloxy-11β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17β-carboxylic acid, or 11β-hydroxy-17α-isopropoxycarbonyloxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylic acid. 84. The compound of claim 2 which is sodium 11β-hydroxy-17α-methoxycarbonyloxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17β-carboxylate, sodium 17α-ethoxycarbonyloxy-11β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17β-carboxylate, sodium 17α-butoxycarbonyloxy-11β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17β-carboxylate, or sodium 11β-hydroxy-17α-isopropoxycarbonyloxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylate. 85. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 17α-chlorocarbonyloxy-11β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17β-carboxylate. 86. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 17α-ethoxycarbonyloxy-9α-fluoro-16α-methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3,11-dione-17β-carboxylate. 87. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 9α-fluoro-17α-isopropoxycarbonyloxy-16β-methylandrosta-1,4-diene-3,11-dione-17β-carboxylate. 88. A pharmaceutical composition of matter comprising an anti-inflammatory effective amount of a compound of claim 1 or 2 having the structural formula (I), in combination with a non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor suitable for topical or other local application. 89. A method for alleviating inflammation in or on a warm-blooded animal exhibiting a topical inflammatory response, which comprises topically administering thereto an anti-inflammatory effective amount of a composition of claim 88. 90. A method for alleviating inflammation in or on a warm-blooded animal exhibiting a localized inflammatory response, which comprises locally administering thereto an anit-inflammatory effective amount of composition of claim 88. 91. A compound of claim 13 wherein C1 -C6 monohaloalkyl is C1≢-C6 monofluoroalkyl. 92. A compound of claim 91 wherein C1 -C6 monofluoroalkyl is fluoromethyl. 93. A compound of claim 91 wherein R2 is C1 -C6 alkyl. 94. A compound of claim 92 wherein R2 is C1 -C6 alkyl. 95. A compound of claim 91 wherein X is --I--. 96. A compound of claim 95 wherein R4 and R5 are hydrogen. 97. A compound of claim 96 wherein R3 is hydrogen. 98. A compound of claim 95 wherein at least one of R4 and R5 is fluoro. 99. A compound of claim 95 wherein R4 is fluoro and R5 is hydrogen. 100. A compound of claim 99 wherein R3 is α-methyl or β-methyl. 101. A compound of claim 2 which is fluoromethyl 11β-hydroxy-17α-isopropoxycarbonyloxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylate. 102. The compound of claim 2 which is fluoromethyl 17α-ethoxycarbonyloxy-9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-16α-methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17β-carboxylate. 103. The compound of claim 2 which is fluoromethyl 9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-16α-methyl-17α-n-propoxycarbonyloxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17β-carboxylate. 104. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R3, R4 and R5 are hydrogen and the 1,2 linkage is saturated or unsaturated. 105. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R3 is selected from hydrogen or methyl, R4 is fluoro and R5 is hydrogen and the 1,2 linkage is saturated or unsaturated. 106. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R3 is hydrogen or methyl, R4 is hydrogen or fluoro and R5 is fluoro or methyl and the 1,2 linkage is unsaturated. 107. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R3 is ##STR270## and wherein R4 is fluoro and R5 is hydrogen and the 1,2 linkage is unsaturated. 108. A compound of claim 59 wherein R3 is hdyrogen or methyl, R4 is hydrogen and R5 is hydrogen or chloro and the 1,2 linkage is saturated or unsaturated. 109. The compound of claim 45 wherein R3 is α-methyl and the 1,2 linkage is unsaturated. 110. A compound of the formula ##STR271## wherein R1 is C1 -C6 (monohalo)alkyl, R2 is C1 -C6 alkyl, R3 is hydrogen, α-methyl or β-methyl and R4 is hydrogen or fluoro. 111. A compound of claim 110 wherein R1 is chloromethyl. 112. A compound of claim 110 wherein R3 is α-methyl and R4 is fluoro. 113. A compound of the formula ##STR272## wherein: R1 is --CH2 COOR6 wherein R6 is C1 -C6 alkyl; --CH2 --Y--(C1 -C6 alkyl) wherein Y is --S--, --SO--, --SO2 -- or --O--; or ##STR273## wherein R6 ' is C1 -C6 alkyl or phenyl; R2 is C1 -C6 alkyl, C3 -C8 cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or C1 -C6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl;R3 is hydrogen, α-hydroxy, α-methyl, β-methyl or ##STR274## wherein R2 is as defined above; R4 is hydrogen or fluoro; R5 is hydrogen or fluoro; X is --O-- or --S--; and the dotted line in ring A indicates that the 1,2-linkage is saturated or unsaturated. 1. A compound selected from the group consisting of: (a) a compound of the formula ##STR243## wherein: R.sub.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl; C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 (monohydroxy or polyhydroxy)alkyl; C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl; or --CH.sub.2 COOR.sub.6 wherein R.sub.6 is unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl; C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkenyl or C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 alkenyl, the substituents being selected from the group consisting of halo, lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfinyl, lower alkylsulfonyl, ##STR244## or R.sub.6 is unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or benzyl, the substituents being selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, halo, carabamoyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl, lower alkanoyloxy, lower haloalkyl, mono(lower alkyl)amino, di(lower alkyl)amino, mono(lower alkyl)carbamoyl, di(lower alkyl)carbamoyl, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfinyl and lower alkylsulfonyl; or R.sub.1 is --CH.sub.2 CONR.sub.7 R.sub.8 wherein R.sub.7 and R.sub.8, which can be the same or different, are each hydrogen, lower alkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, phenyl or benzyl, or R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 are combined such that --NR.sub.7 R.sub.8 represents the residue of a saturated monocyclic secondary amine; or R.sub.1 is unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or benzyl, the substituents being selected from the group of phenyl and benzyl substituents defined hereinabove with respect to R.sub.6 ; or R.sub.1 is ##STR245## wherein Y is --S--, --SO--, --SO.sub.2 -- or --O-- and R.sub.9 is hydrogen, lower alkyl or phenyl, or R.sub.9 and the lower alkyl group adjacent to Y are combined so that R.sub.1 is a cyclic system of the type ##STR246## wherein Y is defined as above and the alkylene group contains 3 to 10 carbon atoms, of which at least 3 and no more than 6 are ring atoms; or R.sub.1 is ##STR247## wherein R.sub.6 is defined as hereinabove and R.sub.10 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, phenyl or halophenyl; R.sub.2 is unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkenyl or C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 alkenyl, the substituents being selected from the group consisting of halo, lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfinyl, lower alkylsulfonyl, ##STR248## or R.sub.2 is unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or benzyl, the substituents being selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, halo, carbamoyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl, lower alkanoyloxy, lower haloalkyl, mono(lower alkyl)amino, di(lower alkyl)amino, mono(lower alkyl)carbamoyl, di(lower alkyl)carbamoyl, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfinyl and lower alkylsulfonyl; R.sub.3 is hydrogen, .alpha.-hydroxy, .beta.-hydroxy, .alpha.-methyl, .beta.-methyl, .dbd.CH.sub.2, or .alpha.- or ##STR249## wherein R.sub.2 is identical to R.sub.2 as defined hereinabove; R.sub.4 is hydrogen, fluoro or chloro; R.sub.5 is hydrogen, fluoro, chloro or methyl; X is --O-- or --S--; and the dotted line in ring A indicates that the 1,2 linkage is saturated or unsaturated; (b) a quaternary ammonium salt of a compound of formula (I) wherein at least one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is a halo-substituted alkyl group; (c) a compound of the formula ##STR250## wherein R.sub.2, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) above, Z is carbonyl or .beta.-hydroxymethylene and R.sub.3 " is hydrogen, .alpha.-methyl, .beta.-methyl, .dbd.CH.sub.2 or .alpha.- or ##STR251## wherein R.sub.2 is identical to R.sub.2 above; (d) a compound of the formula ##STR252## wherein M is alkali metal, thallium, alkaline earth metal/2 or NH.sub.4 and R.sub.2, R.sub.3 ", R.sub.4, R.sub.5, Z and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) and (c) above; (e) a compound of the formula ##STR253## wherein R.sub.3 "' is hydrogen, .alpha.-methyl, .beta.-methyl, .alpha.-OCOCl or .beta.-OCOCl, and R.sub.1, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, Z and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) and (c) above; (f) a compound of the formula ##STR254## wherein R.sub.2, R.sub.3 ", R.sub.4, R.sub.5, Z and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) and (c) above; and (g) a compound of the formula ##STR255## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, X and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) above. 2. A compound selected from the group consisting of: (a) a compound of the formula ##STR256## wherein: R.sub.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl; C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl; --CH.sub.2 COOR.sub.6 wherein R.sub.6 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl; --CH.sub.2 --Y--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl) wherein Y is --S--, --SO--, --SO.sub.2 -- or --O--; or ##STR257## wherein R.sub.6 ' is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 or phenyl; R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl; R.sub.3 is hydrogen, .alpha.-hydroxy, .beta.-methyl, .beta.-methyl or ##STR258## wherein R.sub.2 is identical to R.sub.2 as defined hereinabove; R.sub.4 is hydrogen or fluoro; R.sub.5 is hydrogen or fluoro; X is --O--; and the dotted line in ring A indicates that the 1,2-linkage is saturated or unsaturated; (b) a quaternary ammonium salt of a compound of formula (I) wherein at least one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is a halo-substituted alkyl group; (c) a compound of the formula ##STR259## wherein R.sub.2, R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) above, Z is carbonyl or .beta.-hydroxymethylene and R.sub.3 " is hydrogen, .alpha.-methyl, .beta.-methyl or ##STR260## wherein R.sub.2 is identical to R.sub.2 above; (d) a compound of the formula ##STR261## wherein M is alkali metal, thallium, alkaline earth metal/2 or NH.sub.4 and R.sub.2, R.sub.3 ", R.sub.4, R.sub.5, Z and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) and (c) above; (e) a compound of the formula ##STR262## wherein R.sub.3 "' is hydrogen, .alpha.-methyl, .beta.-methyl or .alpha.-OCOCl, and R.sub.1, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, Z and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) and (c) above; (f) a compound of the formula ##STR263## wherein R.sub.2, R.sub.3 ", R.sub.4, R.sub.5, Z and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) and (c) above; and (g) a compound of the formula ##STR264## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, X and the dotted line in ring A are as defined in (a) above. 3. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (I). 4. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound being a quaternary ammonium salt of a compound of formula (I) wherein at least one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is a halo-substituted alkyl group. 5. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (III). 6. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (IV). 7. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (VII). 8. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (VIII). 9. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (IX). 10. A compound of claim 1, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R.sub.3 is hydrogen, .alpha.-methyl, .beta.-methyl, .dbd.CH.sub.2 or .alpha.- or ##STR265## 11. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R.sub.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl. 12. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R.sub.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl. 13. A compound of claim 12 wherein C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 monohaloalkyl. 14. A compound of claim 13 wherein C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 monohaloalkyl is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 monochloroalkyl. 15. A compound of claim 14 wherein C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 monochloroalkyl is chloromethyl. 16. A compound of claim 11 wherein R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 monohaloalkyl. 17. A compound of claim 12 wherein R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl. 18. A compound of claim 13 wherein R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl. 19. A compound of claim 14 wherein R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl. 20. A compound of claim 15 wherein R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl. 21. A compound of claim 11 wherein R.sub.2 is C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl. 22. A compound of claim 12 wherein R.sub.2 is C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl. 23. A compound of claim 13 wherein R.sub.2 is C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl. 24. A compound of claim 14 wherein R.sub.2 is C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl. 25. A compound of claim 15 wherein R.sub.2 is C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl. 26. A compound of claim 1, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein X is --O--. 27. A compound of claim 12 wherein X is --O--. 28. A compound of claim 13 wherein X is --O--. 29. A compound of claim 14 wherein X is --O--. 30. A compound of claim 17 wherein R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are hydrogen. 31. A compound of claim 18 wherein R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are hydrogen. 32. A compound of claim 19 wherein R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are hydrogen. 33. A compound of claim 20 wherein R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are hydrogen. 34. A compound of claim 17 wherein at least one of R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 is fluoro. 35. A compound of claim 18 wherein at least one of R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 is fluoro. 36. A compound of claim 19 wherein at least one of R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 is fluoro. 37. A compound of claim 20 wherein at least one of R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 is fluoro. 38. A compound of claim 17 wherein R.sub.4 is fluoro and R.sub.5 is hydrogen. 39. A compound of claim 18 wherein R.sub.4 is fluoro and R.sub.5 is hydrogen. 40. A compound of claim 19 wherein R.sub.4 is fluoro and R.sub.5 is hydrogen. 41. A compound of claim 20 wherein R.sub.4 is fluoro and R.sub.5 is hydrogen. 42. A compound of claim 35 wherein R.sub.3 is .alpha.-methyl or .beta.-methyl. 43. A compound of claim 37 wherein R.sub.3 is .alpha.-methyl or .beta.-methyl. 44. A compound of claim 39 wherein R.sub.3 is .alpha.-methyl or .beta.-methyl. 45. A compound of claim 41 wherein R.sub.3 is .alpha.-methyl or .beta.-methyl. 46. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R.sub.1 is --CH.sub.2 COOR.sub.6, --CH.sub.2 --Y--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl) or ##STR266## 47. A compound of claim 1, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R.sub.1 is --CH.sub.2 CONR.sub.7 R.sub.8. 48. A compound of claim 47 wherein at least one of R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl. 49. A compound of claim 47 wherein R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 are combined so that --NR.sub.7 R.sub.8 represents the residue of a saturated monocyclic secondary amine containing 5 to 7 carbon atoms. 50. A compound of claim 49 wherein --NR.sub.7 R.sub.8 representss morpholino, 1-pyrrolidinyl, 4-benzyl-1-piperazinyl, perhydro-1,2,4-oxathiazin-4-yl, 1- or 4-piperazinyl, 4-methyl-1-piperazinyl, piperidino, hexamethyleneimino, 4-phenylpiperidino, 2-methyl-1-pyrazolidinyl, 1- or 2-pyrazolidinyl, 3-methyl-1-imidazolidinyl, 1- or 3-imidazolidinyl, 4-benzylpiperidino or 4-phenyl-1-piperazinyl. 51. A compound of claim 1, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R.sub.1 is ##STR267## wherein R.sub.9 is hydrogen or methyl, or wherein R.sub.9 and the lower alkyl group adjacent to Y are combined so that R.sub.1 is ##STR268## wherein Y is --S--, --SO--, --SO.sub.2 -- or --O-- and the alkylene group contains 3 to 10 carbon atoms, of which at least 3 and no more than 6 are ring atoms. 52. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (III) wherein Z is .beta.-hydroxymethylene and R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl. 53. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (IV) wherein Z is .beta.-hydroxymethylene and R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl. 54. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (VII) wherein Z is .beta.-hydroxymethylene and R.sub.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 monohaloalkyl. 55. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (VIII) wherein Z is .beta.-hydroxymethylene and R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl. 56. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (IX) wherein R.sub.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 (monohalo or polyhalo) alkyl. 57. A compound of claim 56 wherein C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 monohaloalkyl. 58. A compound of claim 57 wherein R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl. 59. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (IX) wherein R.sub.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 monohaloalkyl, R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 monohaloalkyl and X is --O--. 60. A compound of claim 2, said compound having the structural formula (IX) wherein R.sub.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, --CH.sub.2 COOR.sub.6, --CH.sub.2 --Y--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl) or ##STR269## 61. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 11.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-methoxycarbonyloxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta.-c arboxylate. 62. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 17.alpha.-ethoxycarbonyloxy-11.beta.-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta.-ca rboxylate. 63. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 17.beta.-butoxycarbonyloxy-11.beta.-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta.-car boxylate. 64. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 11.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-isopropoxycarbonyloxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta .-carboxylate. 65. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 17.alpha.-ethoxycarbonyloxy-9.alpha.-fluoro-11.beta.-hydroxy-16.beta.-meth ylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylate. 66. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 9.alpha.-fluoro-11.beta.-hydroxy-16.alpha.-methyl-17.alpha.-propoxycarbony loxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylate. 67. The compound of claim 2 which is 1-chloroethyl 11.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-isopropoxycarbonyloxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta .-carboxylate. 68. The compound of claim 2 which is 1-chloroethyl 9.alpha.-fluoro-11.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-isopropoxycarbonyloxy-16.beta.- methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylate. 69. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 17.alpha.-ethoxycarbonyloxy-11.beta.-hydroxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17.bet a.-carboxylate. 70. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 11.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-isopropoxycarbonyloxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17 .beta.-carboxylate. 71. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 17.alpha.-ethoxycarbonyloxy-9.alpha.-fluoro-11.beta.-hydroxyandrosta-1,4-d ien-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylate. 72. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 17.alpha.-ethoxycarbonyloxy-9.alpha.-fluoro-11.beta.-hydroxy-16.alpha.-met hylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylate. 73. The compound of claim 2 is chloromethyl 9.alpha.-fluoro-11.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-isopropoxycarbonyloxy-16.alpha. -methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylate. 74. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 9.alpha.-fluoro-11.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-isopropoxycarbonyloxy-16.beta.- methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylate. 75. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 9.alpha.-fluoro-11.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-methoxycarbonyloxy-16.beta.-met hylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylate. 76. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 9.alpha.-fluoro-11.beta.-hydroxy-16.alpha.-methyl-17.alpha.-pentyloxycarbo nyloxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylate. 77. The compound of claim 2 which is fluoromethyl 17.alpha.-ethoxycarbonyloxy-9.alpha.-fluoro-11.beta.-hydroxy-16.alpha.-met hylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylate. 78. The compound of claim 2 which is methyl 17.alpha.-(2-chloroethoxy)carbonyloxy-9.alpha.-fluoro-11.beta.-hydroxy-16. alpha.-methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylate. 79. The compound of claim 2 which is 17.beta.-ethoxycarbonyloxy-9.alpha.-fluoro-11.beta.-hydroxy-16.alpha.-meth ylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylic acid. 80. The compound of claim 2 which is 9.alpha.-fluoro-11.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-isopropoxycarbonyloxy-16.beta.- methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylic acid. 81. The compound of claim 2 which is 9.alpha.-fluoro-11.beta.-hydroxy-16.alpha.-methyl-17.alpha.-propoxycarbony loxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylic acid. 82. The compound of claim 2 which is 9.alpha.-fluoro-11.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-methoxycarbonyloxy-16.alpha.-me thylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylic acid. 83. The compound of claim 2 which is 11.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-methoxycarbonyloxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta.-c arboxylic acid, 17.alpha.-ethoxycarbonyloxy-11.beta.-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta.-ca rboxylic acid, 17.alpha.-butoxycarbonyloxy-11.beta.-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta.-ca rboxylic acid, or 11.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-isopropoxycarbonyloxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta .-carboxylic acid. 84. The compound of claim 2 which is sodium 11.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-methoxycarbonyloxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta.-c arboxylate, sodium 17.alpha.-ethoxycarbonyloxy-11.beta.-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta.-ca rboxylate, sodium 17.alpha.-butoxycarbonyloxy-11.beta.-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta.-ca rboxylate, or sodium 11.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-isopropoxycarbonyloxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta .-carboxylate. 85. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 17.alpha.-chlorocarbonyloxy-11.beta.-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta.-ca rboxylate. 86. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 17.alpha.-ethoxycarbonyloxy-9.alpha.-fluoro-16.alpha.-methylandrosta-1,4-d ien-3,11-dione-17.beta.-carboxylate. 87. The compound of claim 2 which is chloromethyl 9.alpha.-fluoro-17.alpha.-isopropoxycarbonyloxy-16.beta.-methylandrosta-1, 4-diene-3,11-dione-17.beta.-carboxylate. 88. A pharmaceutical composition of matter comprising an anti-inflammatory effective amount of a compound of claim 1 or 2 having the structural formula (I), in combination with a non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor suitable for topical or other local application. 89. A method for alleviating inflammation in or on a warm-blooded animal exhibiting a topical inflammatory response, which comprises topically administering thereto an anti-inflammatory effective amount of a composition of claim 88. 90. A method for alleviating inflammation in or on a warm-blooded animal exhibiting a localized inflammatory response, which comprises locally administering thereto an anit-inflammatory effective amount of composition of claim 88. 91. A compound of claim 13 wherein C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 monohaloalkyl is C.sub.1.notident.-C.sub.6 monofluoroalkyl. 92. A compound of claim 91 wherein C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 monofluoroalkyl is fluoromethyl. 93. A compound of claim 91 wherein R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl. 94. A compound of claim 92 wherein R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl. 95. A compound of claim 91 wherein X is --I--. 96. A compound of claim 95 wherein R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are hydrogen. 97. A compound of claim 96 wherein R.sub.3 is hydrogen. 98. A compound of claim 95 wherein at least one of R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 is fluoro. 99. A compound of claim 95 wherein R.sub.4 is fluoro and R.sub.5 is hydrogen. 100. A compound of claim 99 wherein R.sub.3 is .alpha.-methyl or .beta.-methyl. 101. A compound of claim 2 which is fluoromethyl 11.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-isopropoxycarbonyloxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta .-carboxylate. 102. The compound of claim 2 which is fluoromethyl 17.alpha.-ethoxycarbonyloxy-9.alpha.-fluoro-11.beta.-hydroxy-16.alpha.-met hylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylate. 103. The compound of claim 2 which is fluoromethyl 9.alpha.-fluoro-11.beta.-hydroxy-16.alpha.-methyl-17.alpha.-n-propoxycarbo nyloxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylate. 104. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are hydrogen and the 1,2 linkage is saturated or unsaturated. 105. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R.sub.3 is selected from hydrogen or methyl, R.sub.4 is fluoro and R.sub.5 is hydrogen and the 1,2 linkage is saturated or unsaturated. 106. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R.sub.3 is hydrogen or methyl, R.sub.4 is hydrogen or fluoro and R.sub.5 is fluoro or methyl and the 1,2 linkage is unsaturated. 107. A compound of claim 1 or 2, said compound having the structural formula (I) wherein R.sub.3 is ##STR270## and wherein R.sub.4 is fluoro and R.sub.5 is hydrogen and the 1,2 linkage is unsaturated. 108. A compound of claim 59 wherein R.sub.3 is hdyrogen or methyl, R.sub.4 is hydrogen and R.sub.5 is hydrogen or chloro and the 1,2 linkage is saturated or unsaturated. 109. The compound of claim 45 wherein R.sub.3 is .alpha.-methyl and the 1,2 linkage is unsaturated. 110. A compound of the formula ##STR271## wherein R.sub.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 (monohalo)alkyl, R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, R.sub.3 is hydrogen, .alpha.-methyl or .beta.-methyl and R.sub.4 is hydrogen or fluoro. 111. A compound of claim 110 wherein R.sub.1 is chloromethyl. 112. A compound of claim 110 wherein R.sub.3 is .alpha.-methyl and R.sub.4 is fluoro. 113. A compound of the formula ##STR272## wherein: R.sub.1 is --CH.sub.2 COOR.sub.6 wherein R.sub.6 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl; --CH.sub.2 --Y--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl) wherein Y is --S--, --SO--, --SO.sub.2 -- or --O--; or ##STR273## wherein R.sub.6 ' is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or phenyl; R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 (monohalo or polyhalo)alkyl; R.sub.3 is hydrogen, .alpha.-hydroxy, .alpha.-methyl, .beta.-methyl or ##STR274## wherein R.sub.2 is as defined above; R.sub.4 is hydrogen or fluoro; R.sub.5 is hydrogen or fluoro; X is --O-- or --S--; and the dotted line in ring A indicates that the 1,2-linkage is saturated or unsaturated.