This invention provides a novel class of
androgen receptor targeting agents (ARTA). The agents define a new subclass of compounds which are tissue-selective
androgen receptor modulators (SARM), which are useful for oral
testosterone replacement therapy, male contraception, maintaining sexual desire in women, treating
prostate cancer and imaging
prostate cancer. These agents have an unexpected in-vivo activity for an androgenic and anabolic activity of a
nonsteroidal ligand for the
androgen receptor. These agents may be active alone or in combination with progestins or estrogens. The invention further provides a novel class of non-steroidal
agonist compounds. The invention further provides compositions containing the selective androgen modulator compounds or the non-steroidal
agonist compounds and methods of binding an
androgen receptor, modulating
spermatogenesis, treating and imaging
prostate cancer, and providing hormonal therapy for androgen-dependent conditions.