Combination Therapy

1 . A composition, comprising:

i) a first therapeutic agent which is a GCR agonist or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;

ii) a second therapeutic agent which is a GCR antagonist or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and

iii) at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier;

wherein the GCR agonist and the GCR antagonist are each present in an amount which, in combination, is a therapeutically effective amount for treating a GC-responsive condition in a patient.

2 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the amount of the GCR antagonist is sufficient to reduce a side-effect of administration of the GCR agonist.

3 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the GCR agonist is selected from the group consisting of: alclometasone, alclometasone dipropionate, amcinonide, beclometasone, beclomethasone dipropionate, betamethasone, betamethasone benzoate, betamethasone valerate, budesonide, ciclesonide, clobetasol, clobetasol butyrate, clobetasol propionate, clobetasone, clocortolone, cloprednol, cortisol, cortisone, cortivazol, deflazacort, desonide, desoximetasone, desoxycortone, desoxymethasone, dexamethasone, diflorasone, diflorasone diacetate, diflucortolone, diflucortolone valerate, difluorocortolone, difluprednate, fluclorolone, fluclorolone acetonide, fludroxycortide, flumetasone, flumethasone, flumethasone pivalate, flunisolide, flunisolide hemihydrate, fluocinolone, fluocinolone acetonide, fluocinonide, fluocortin, fluocoritin butyl, fluocortolone, fluorocortisone, fluorometholone, fluperolone, fluprednidene, fluprednidene acetate, fluprednisolone, fluticasone, fluticasone propionate, formocortal, halcinonide, halometasone, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone acetate, hydrocortisone aceponate, hydrocortisone buteprate, hydrocortisone butyrate, loteprednol, medrysone, meprednisone, 6a-methylprednisolone, methylprednisolone, methylprednisolone acetate, methylprednisolone aceponate, mometasone, mometasone furoate, mometasone furoate monohydrate, paramethasone, prednicarbate, prednisolone, prednisone, prednylidene, rimexolone, tixocortol, triamcinolone, triamcinolone acetonide, ulobetasol, and combinations thereof.

4 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the GCR antagonist is selected from the group consisting of ORG 34517, 11-(substituted phenyl)-estra-4,9-diene derivatives, and 11-(substituted phenyl)-estra-4,9-diene derivatives of formula I

wherein A is a residue of a 5- or 6-membered ring containing 2 heteroatoms which are not connected to each other and independently selected from O and S, the ring being optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms, or A is a residue of a 5- or 6-membered ring wherein no double C—C bonds are present, containing 1 heteroatom selected from O and S, which heteroatom is connected to the phenyl group at the position indicated with an asterisk, the ring being optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms; R1 is H or 1-oxo(1-4C)alkyl; R2 is H, (1-8C)alkyl, halogen or CF3; X is selected from (H,OH), O, and NOH; and the interrupted line represents an optional bond.

5 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the GCR antagonist is naturally occurring.

6 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the GCR antagonist is developed through chemical alterations of cholesterol or of physiologically normative steroid hormones.

7 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the GCR antagonist has a structure unrelated to cholesterol or other steroid hormones.

8 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition is a pharmaceutical composition.

9 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising:

i) a first therapeutic agent which is a GCR agonist or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;

ii) a second therapeutic agent which is a GCR antagonist or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and

iii) at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,

wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated or manufactured as a liquid, an elixir, an aerosol, a spray, a powder, a tablet, a pill, a capsule, a gel, a geltab, a nano-suspension, a nano-particle, an extended release dosage form, or a topical formulation, further wherein the GCR agonist and the GCR antagonist are each present in an amount which, in combination, is a therapeutically effective amount for treating a GC-responsive condition in a patient.

10 . The pharmaceutical composition of claim 9 , wherein the amount of the GCR antagonist is sufficient to reduce a side-effect of administration of the GCR agonist.

11 . A combination therapy which comprises:

i) a first therapeutic agent which is a GCR agonist or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;

ii) a second therapeutic agent which is a GCR antagonist or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

12 . A pharmaceutical composition made by combining at least one GCR agonist or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, at least one a GCR antagonist or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

13 . A pharmaceutical active substance combination comprising:

i) a first therapeutic agent which is a GCR agonist or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;

ii) a second therapeutic agent which is a GCR antagonist or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof,

as a combination product for simultaneous, separate, or sequential use.

14 . A pharmaceutical dosage form comprising:

i) a first therapeutic agent which is a GCR agonist or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;

ii) a second therapeutic agent which is a GCR antagonist or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the first and second agents are in multiple separated dosage units or in a single dosage unit of a combination of the therapeutic agents.

15 . A kit for the treatment, amelioration or prevention of a GC-responsive condition in a patient in need of such treatment comprising:

(a) the pharmaceutical composition of claim 9 ; and

(b) at least one blister package; a lidded blister; a blister card or packet; a clamshell; an intravenous (IV) package, IV packette or IV container; a tray or a shrink wrap comprising the pharmaceutical composition of (a) and instructions for use of the pharmaceutical composition.

16 . A product of manufacture comprising: a blister package; a lidded blister; a blister card or packet; a clamshell; an intravenous (IV) package, IV packette or IV container; a tray or a shrink wrap comprising the pharmaceutical composition of claim 9 and instructions for use of the pharmaceutical composition.

17 . A pharmaceutical packaging system comprising:

i) a first therapeutic agent which is a GCR agonist, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof;

ii) a second therapeutic agent which is a GCR antagonist, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof,

wherein the means for containing said therapeutic dosages is selected from the group consisting of the first and second agents are in a single dosage form;

the first and second agents are packaged together in a single package or packette; the first and second agents are packaged separately in a plurality of packages or packettes; a blister packet; a lidded blister; or blister card or packets; a shrink wrap, and with both drugs released upon opening of the single package or packette; a plurality of packages or packettes; blister packet; lidded blister or blister card or packets; or shrink wrap; a blister pack; a container; and a device, and wherein the dosages are separated from each other within the pharmaceutical packaging system.

18 . A process for making a pharmaceutical composition comprising combining at least one GCR agonist or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, at least one GCR antagonist or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

19 . A method of treating a GC-responsive condition in a patient, comprising: administering a composition comprising:

i) a first therapeutic agent which is a GCR agonist, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof;

ii) a second therapeutic agent which is a GCR antagonist or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; and

iii) at least one a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,

wherein the GCR agonist and the GCR antagonist are each present in an amount which, in combination, is a therapeutically effective amount for treating the GC-responsive condition in a patient.

20 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the amount of the GCR antagonist is sufficient to reduce a side-effect of administration of the GCR agonist.

21 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the GC-responsive condition is selected from the group consisting of inflammatory conditions of the respiratory system; inflammatory conditions of the skin; musculo-skeletal system including bones, joints, connective tissue and muscle; gastrointestinal system including esophagus, intestines, mouth, salivary glands, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, rectum, and anus; circulatory system including blood vessels and heart; lymphatic system including lymph vessels and nodes; endocrine system; urinary system including kidneys, bladder, urethra and ureters; central and/or peripheral nervous system; and sensory organs.

22 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the side-effect of administration of the GCR agonist is selected from the group consisting of difficulty sleeping; feeling of a whirling motion; increased appetite; increased sweating; indigestion; mood changes; nervousness, blurring of vision; increased pressure in the eye, anaphylactoid reaction, anaphylaxis, angioedema, bradycardia, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac enlargement, circulatory collapse, congestive heart failure, fat embolism, hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in premature infants, myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction, edema, pulmonary edema, syncope, tachycardia, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, vasculitis, Acne, allergic dermatitis, dry scaly skin, ecchymoses and petechiae, erythema, impaired wound healing, increased sweating, rash, striae, suppression of reactions to skin tests, thin fragile skin, thinning scalp hair, urticarial, decreased carbohydrate and glucose tolerance, development of cushingoid state, hyperglycemia, glycosuria, hirsutism, hypertrichosis, increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetes, manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus, menstrual irregularities, secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness (particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery, or illness), suppression of growth in pediatric patients, congestive heart failure in susceptible patients, fluid retention, hypokalemic alkalosis, potassium loss, sodium retention, abdominal distention, elevation in serum liver enzyme levels (usually reversible upon discontinuation), hepatomegaly, increased appetite, nausea, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage, perforation of the small and large bowel (particularly in patients with inflammatory bowel disease), ulcerative esophagitis, negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism, aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads, loss of muscle mass, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, pathologic fracture of long bones, steroid myopathy, tendon rupture, vertebral compression fractures, convulsions, depression, emotional instability, euphoria, headache, increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudotumor cerebri) usually after treatment, insomnia, mood swings, neuritis, neuropathy, paresthesia, personality changes, psychic disorders, vertigo, exophthalmos, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, posterior subcapsular cataracts, abnormal fat deposits, decreased resistance to infection, hiccups, increased or decreased motility and number of spermatozoa, malaise, moon face, weight gain, and combinations thereof.

23 . The method of claim 19 wherein the GCR agonist is selected from the group consisting of: alclometasone, alclometasone dipropionate, amcinonide, beclometasone, beclomethasone dipropionate, betamethasone, betamethasone benzoate, betamethasone valerate, budesonide, ciclesonide, clobetasol, clobetasol butyrate, clobetasol propionate, clobetasone, clocortolone, cloprednol, cortisol, cortisone, cortivazol, deflazacort, desonide, desoximetasone, desoxycortone, desoxymethasone, dexamethasone, diflorasone, diflorasone diacetate, diflucortolone, diflucortolone valerate, difluorocortolone, difluprednate, fluclorolone, fluclorolone acetonide, fludroxycortide, flumetasone, flumethasone, flumethasone pivalate, flunisolide, flunisolide hemihydrate, fluocinolone, fluocinolone acetonide, fluocinonide, fluocortin, fluocoritin butyl, fluocortolone, fluorocortisone, fluorometholone, fluperolone, fluprednidene, fluprednidene acetate, fluprednisolone, fluticasone, fluticasone propionate, formocortal, halcinonide, halometasone, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone acetate, hydrocortisone aceponate, hydrocortisone buteprate, hydrocortisone butyrate, loteprednol, medrysone, meprednisone, 6a-methylprednisolone, methylprednisolone, methylprednisolone acetate, methylprednisolone aceponate, mometasone, mometasone furoate, mometasone furoate monohydrate, paramethasone, prednicarbate, prednisolone, prednisone, prednylidene, rimexolone, tixocortol, triamcinolone, triamcinolone acetonide, ulobetasol, and combinations thereof.

24 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the GCR antagonist is selected from the group consisting of ORG 34517, 11-(substituted phenyl)-estra-4,9-diene derivatives, and 11-(substituted phenyl)-estra-4,9-diene derivatives of formula I

wherein A is a residue of a 5- or 6-membered ring containing 2 heteroatoms which are not connected to each other and independently selected from O and S, the ring being optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms, or A is a residue of a 5- or 6-membered ring wherein no double C—C bonds are present, containing 1 heteroatom selected from O and S, which heteroatom is connected to the phenyl group at the position indicated with an asterisk, the ring being optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms; R1 is H or 1-oxo(1-4C)alkyl; R2 is H, (1-8C)alkyl, halogen or CF3; X is selected from (H,OH), O, and NOH; and the interrupted line represents an optional bond.

25 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the GCR antagonist is naturally occurring.

26 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the GCR antagonist is developed through chemical alterations of cholesterol or of physiologically normative steroid hormones.

27 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the GCR antagonist has a structure unrelated to cholesterol or other steroid hormones.

28 . A method of administration of a composition to a patient, comprising:

administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a composition for treating a GC-responsive condition,

wherein the composition comprises:

i) a first therapeutic agent which is a GCR agonist or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;

ii) a second therapeutic agent which is a GCR antagonist or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; and

iii) at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,

further wherein the GCR agonist and the GCR antagonist are each present in an amount which, in combination, is a therapeutically effective amount for treating a GC-responsive condition in a patient.

29 . The method of claim 28 , wherein the amount of the GCR antagonist is sufficient to reduce a side-effect of administration of the GCR agonist.

30 . The method of claim 28 , wherein the side-effect of administration of the GCR agonist is selected from the group consisting of difficulty sleeping; feeling of a whirling motion; increased appetite; increased sweating; indigestion; mood changes; nervousness, blurring of vision; increased pressure in the eye, anaphylactoid reaction, anaphylaxis, angioedema, bradycardia, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac enlargement, circulatory collapse, congestive heart failure, fat embolism, hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in premature infants, myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction, edema, pulmonary edema, syncope, tachycardia, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, vasculitis, Acne, allergic dermatitis, dry scaly skin, ecchymoses and petechiae, erythema, impaired wound healing, increased sweating, rash, striae, suppression of reactions to skin tests, thin fragile skin, thinning scalp hair, urticarial, decreased carbohydrate and glucose tolerance, development of cushingoid state, hyperglycemia, glycosuria, hirsutism, hypertrichosis, increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetes, manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus, menstrual irregularities, secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness (particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery, or illness), suppression of growth in pediatric patients, congestive heart failure in susceptible patients, fluid retention, hypokalemic alkalosis, potassium loss, sodium retention, Abdominal distention, elevation in serum liver enzyme levels (usually reversible upon discontinuation), hepatomegaly, increased appetite, nausea, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage, perforation of the small and large bowel (particularly in patients with inflammatory bowel disease), ulcerative esophagitis, negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism, aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads, loss of muscle mass, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, pathologic fracture of long bones, steroid myopathy, tendon rupture, vertebral compression fractures, convulsions, depression, emotional instability, euphoria, headache, increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudotumor cerebri) usually after treatment, insomnia, mood swings, neuritis, neuropathy, paresthesia, personality changes, psychic disorders, vertigo, exophthalmos, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, posterior subcapsular cataracts, abnormal fat deposits, decreased resistance to infection, hiccups, increased or decreased motility and number of spermatozoa, malaise, moon face, weight gain, and combinations thereof.