Design and synthesis of 14 alpha-methyl-15-aza-D-homosterols as novel antimycotics.

A novel series of 14 alpha-methyl-15-aza-D-homosterols 3-7 has been synthesized. These compounds display significant antimycotic activity in vitro (MIC = 0.8-3.1 micrograms/mL) that compares quite favorably to the activity observed for fluconazole (MIC = 0.8 micrograms/mL). Azasterols 3 and 4 were active in vivo as reflected in the increased survival time of Candida albicans infected mice. The antimycotic activity of 3-7 is hypothesized to be a consequence of the inhibition of fungal 14,15-sterol reductase.