Patent Publication Number: US-2006009399-A1

Title: Methods and therapeutic combinations for the treatment of obesity using sterol absorption inhibitors

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
      This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/323,840, filed Sep. 21, 2001, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/166,942, filed Jun. 11, 2002, each incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to compositions and therapeutic combinations for treating obesity in a subject comprising the administration of sterol and/or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor(s) or combinations with obesity control medications.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Obesity is one of the most common medical problems in the United States and other developed countries and a risk factor for other illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes, degenerative arthritis and myocardial infarction. Weight loss medications may be appropriate for use in selected patients who are obese or who are overweight with co-morbid conditions.  
      One measure for defining obesity is known as a body mass index (BMI), which is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is generally classified as normal, a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 is generally classified as overweight and a BMI of 30 or greater is generally classified as obese. Alternatively, obesity may be defined as the top percentile, such as 15 percent, of a population&#39;s weight for a given height. Such definitions of obesity, however, are not a measure of body composition and different people may have higher or lower levels of body fat or muscle mass for their height. Nevertheless, these definitions of obesity are useful characterizations for general populations of people.  
      The goal of obesity treatment is to exert a negative energy balance on the system by reducing energy input or increasing energy output, or both. Obesity is caused by a constellation of factors including, but not limited to, excessive energy intake (food), insufficient energy output (exercise), low resting metabolic rate, genetic predisposition, low fat oxidation rate, low sympathetic activity and high plasma leptin level. These factors may also have several causes. For example, a low resting metabolic rate may be due to genetic variation involving sympathetic activity, thyroid activity, β3-receptor sensitivity, and adenosine triphosphatase enzyme activity. Genetic factors may include a mutation in the gene coding for the β3-adrenergic receptor causing low β3-adrenergic activity which promotes obesity by slowing lipolysis and causing retention of lipids in fat cells. Moreover, as weight is lost by restricted energy intake, fat cells shrink, reducing expression of leptin, a product of the ob gene. As leptin levels fall, metabolic rate decreases, and appetite increases, thereby generally impeding further weight loss. Thus, obesity control medications are often formulated to reduce energy intake or suppress appetite, increase energy output or decrease the absorption of nutrients by various different approaches.  
      Despite the current approaches for the treatment or prevention of obesity, there remains a need in the art for improved compositions and treatments for obesity.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      One embodiment of the present invention provides a composition comprising (a) at least one obesity control medication; and (b) at least one sterol absorption inhibitor and/or at least one 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof.  
      Therapeutic combinations also are provided comprising: (a) a first amount of at least one obesity control medication; and (b) a second amount of at least one sterol absorption inhibitor and/or at least one 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof, wherein the first amount and the second amount together comprise a therapeutically effective amount for the treatment or prevention of obesity or lowering a concentration of a sterol or 5α-stanol in plasma of a subject.  
      Pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prevention of obesity or lowering a concentration of a sterol or 5α-stanol in plasma of a subject comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the above compositions or therapeutic combinations and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier also are provided.  
      Methods of treating or preventing obesity or lowering a concentration of a sterol or 5α-stanol in plasma of a subject, comprising the step of administering to a subject in need of such treatment an effective amount of the above compositions or therapeutic combinations also are provided.  
      Methods of treating or preventing obesity comprising the step of administering to a subject in need of such treatment an effective amount of a composition comprising at least one sterol absorption inhibitor and/or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor also are provided.  
      A method of treating or preventing obesity is provided which comprises the step of administering to a subject in need of such treatment an effective amount of a composition comprising at least one sterol absorption inhibitor represented by Formula (II) below:  
                 
 
 Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.”
 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, therapeutic combinations, kits and methods of treatment using the same comprising (1) at least one (one or more) obesity control medication(s); and (2) at least one (one or more) sterol absorption inhibitor(s) and/or at least one (one or more) 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor(s), such as but not limited to, substituted azetidinone sterol absorption inhibitors or substituted β-lactam sterol absorption inhibitors discussed in detail below.  
      Many different agents are useful for the control or medical management of obesity. The different agents can be classified by their mechanism of action, such as but not limited to, drugs that reduce energy intake or suppress appetite, drugs that increase energy expenditure and nutrient-partitioning agents.  
      Drugs that reduce energy intake include, in part, various pharmacological agents, referred to as anorectic drugs, which are used as adjuncts to behavioral therapy in weight reduction programs. Classes of anorectic drugs include, but are not limited to, noradrenergic and serotonergic agents. Noradrenergic medications may be described as those medications generally preserving the anorectic effects of amphetamines but with weaker stimulant activity. The noradrenergic drugs, except phenylpropanolamine, generally act through a centrally mediated pathway in the hypothalamus that causes anorexia. Phenylpropanolamine, a racemic mixture of norephedrine esters, causes a release of norepinephrine throughout the body and stimulates hypothalamic adrenoreceptors to reduce appetite.  
      Suitable noradrenergic agents include, but are not limited to, diethylpropion such as TENUATE® (1-propanone, 2-(diethylamino)-1-phenyl-, hydrochloride) commercially available from Merrell; mazindol (or 5-(p-chlorophenyl)-2,5-dihydro-3H-imidazo [2,1-a]isoindol-5-ol) such as SANOREX® commercially available from Novartis or MAZANOR® commercially available from Wyeth Ayerst; phenylpropanolamine (or Benzenemethanol, alpha-(1-aminoethyl)-, hydrochloride); phentermine (or Phenol, 3-[[4,5-duhydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)ethyl](4-methylphenyl)amino], monohydrochloride) such as ADIPEX-P ® commercially available from Lemmon, FASTIN® commercially available from Smith-Kline Beecham and lonamin® commercially available from Medeva; phendimetrazine (or (2S,3S)-3,4-Dimethyl-2phenylmorpholine L-(+)-tartrate (1:1)) such as METRA® commercially available from Forest, PLEGINE® commercially available from Wyeth-Ayerst; PRELU-2® commercially available from Boehringer Ingelheim, and STATOBEX® commercially available from Lemmon; phendamine tartrate such as THEPHORIN® (2,3,4,9-Tetrahydro-2-methyl-9-phenyl-1H-indenol[2,1-c]pyridine L-(+)-tartrate (1:1)) commercially available from Hoffmann-LaRoche; methamphetamine such as DESOXYN® Tablets ((S)-N, (alpha)-dimethylbenzeneethanamine hydrochloride) commercially available from Abbott; and phendimetrazine tartrate such as BONTRIL® Slow-Release Capsules (-3,4-Dimethyl-2-phenylmorpholine Tartrate) commercially available from Amarin.  
      Suitable non-limiting serotonergic agents include sibutramine such as MERIDIA® Capsules (a racemic mixture of the (+) and (−) enantiomers of cyclobutanemethanamine, 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-N,N -dimethyl-(alpha)-(2-methylpropyl), hydrochloride, monohydrate) commercially available from Knoll, fenfluramine such as Pondimin® (Benzeneethanamine, N-ethyl-alpha-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-, hydrochloride) commercially available from Robbins; dexfenfluramine such as Redux® (Benzeneethanamine, N-ethyl-alpha-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-, hydrochloride) commercially available from Interneuron. Fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine stimulate release of serotonin and inhibit its reuptake. Sibutramine inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, but does not stimulate secretion of serotonin.  
      Other serotonergic agents useful with the practice of the present invention include, but are not limited to, certain auoretic gene 5HT1a inhibitors (brain serotonin) such as carbidopa and benserazide as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,207,699 which is incorporated herein by reference; and certain neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors including fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxtine, sertraline and other useful compounds as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,162,805 which is incorporated herein by reference.  
      Other useful compounds for reducing energy intake include, but are not limited to, certain aryl-substituted cyclobutylalkylamines as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,127,424 which is incorporated herein by reference; certain trifluoromethylthiophenylethylamine derivatives as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,148,923 which is incorporated herein by reference; certain compounds as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,207,699 which is incorporated herein by reference; certain kainite or AMPA receptor antagonists as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,191,117 which is incorporated herein by reference; certain neuropeptide receptor subtype 5 as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,140,354 which is incorporated herein by reference; and certain alpha-blocking agents as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,763 which is incorporated herein by reference.  
      Moreover, several peptides and hormones regulate feeding behavior. For example, cholecystokinin and serotonin act to decrease appetite and food intake. Leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells, controls food intake and energy expenditure. In obese persons who are losing weight without medications, a decrease in weight is associated with a decrease in circulating levels of leptin, suggesting its role in weight homeostasis. Obese patients with high leptin levels are thought to have peripheral leptin resistance secondary to the down-regulation of leptin receptors. Non-limiting examples of useful compounds affecting feeding behavior include certain leptin-lipolysis stimulated receptors as disclosed by WO 01/21647 which is incorporated herein by reference; certain phosphodiesterase enzyme inhibitors as disclosed by WO 01/35970 which is incorporated herein by reference; certain compounds having nucleotide sequences of the mahogany gene as disclosed by WO 00/05373 which is incorporated herein by reference; certain sapogenin compounds as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,680,289 which is incorporated herein by reference.  
      Other useful compounds include certain gamma peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) agonists as disclosed by WO 01/30343 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,033,656 which are incorporated herein by reference and certain polypeptides such as fibroblast growth factor-10 polypeptides as disclosed by WO 01/18210 which is incorporated herein by reference.  
      Moreover, monoamine oxidase inhibitors that decrease energy intake or increase energy expenditure are useful with the practice of the present invention. Suitable, but non-limiting examples of monoamine oxidase inhibitors include befloxatone, moclobemide, brofaromine, phenoxathine, esuprone, befol, toloxatone, pirlindol, amiflamine, sercloremine, bazinaprine, lazabemide, milacemide, caroxazone and other certain compounds as disclosed by WO 01/12176 which is incorporated herein by reference.  
      Certain compounds that increase lipid metabolism are also useful with the practice of the present invention. Such compounds include, but are not limited to, useful evodiamine compounds as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,214,831 which is incorporated herein by reference.  
      Nutrient partitioning agents and digestive inhibitors are another strategy in the treatment of obesity by interfering with the breakdown, digestion or absorption of dietary fat in the gastrointestinal tract. Gastric and pancreatic lipases aid in the digestion of dietary triglycerides by forming them into free fatty acids that are then absorbed in the small intestine. Inhibition of these enzymes leads to inhibition of the digestion of dietary triglycerides. Non-limiting examples include a lipase inhibitor, orlistat, such as XENICAL® Capsules ((S)-2-formylamino-4-methyl-pentanoic acid (S)-1-[[(2S,3S)-3-hexyl-4-oxo-2-oxetanyl] methyl]-dodecyl ester) commercially available from Roche Laboratories and certain benzoxazinone compounds as described by WO 00/40247 which is incorporated herein by reference.  
      Agents that increase energy expenditure are also referred to as thermogenic medications. Non-limiting examples of suitable thermogenic medications include ephedrine, and xanthines, such as caffeine and theophylline, selective β3-adrenergic agonists for example certain compounds in U.S. Pat. No. 4,626,549 which is incorporated by reference herein, α-2-adrenergic and growth hormones compounds as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,937,267 and 5,120,713 which are incorporated by reference herein; and suitable herbal extracts such as Thermo-E Caplets commercially available from AdvoCare which contains ephedra.  
      Generally, a total dosage of the above-described obesity control agents or medications can range from 1 to 3,000 mg/day, preferably from about 1 to 1,000 mg/day and more preferably from about 1 to 200 mg/day in single or 2-4 divided doses. The exact dose, however, is determined by the attending clinician and is dependent on such factors as the potency of the compound administered, the age, weight, condition and response of the patient.  
      The term “therapeutically effective amount” means that amount of a therapeutic agent of the composition, such as the obesity control medication, sterol or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor(s) and other pharmacological or therapeutic agents described below, that will elicit a biological or medical response of a tissue, system, or subject that is being sought by the administrator (such as a researcher, doctor or veterinarian) which includes alleviation of the symptoms of the condition or disease being treated and the prevention, slowing or halting of progression of the condition (such as obesity or a vascular condition). As used herein, “vascular” means relating to blood vessels, including but not limited to arteries and/or veins, and includes cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, peripheral vascular and combinations thereof.  
      Examples of suitable subjects that can be treated according to the methods of the present invention include mammals, such as humans or dogs, and other animals.  
      As used herein, “combination therapy” or “therapeutic combination” means the administration of two or more therapeutic agents, such as obesity control medication and sterol and/or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor(s), to prevent or treat obesity. Such administration includes coadministration of these therapeutic agents in a substantially simultaneous manner, such as in a single tablet or capsule having a fixed ratio of active ingredients or in multiple, separate capsules for each therapeutic agent. Also, such administration includes use of each type of therapeutic agent in a sequential manner. In either case, the treatment using the combination therapy will provide beneficial effects in treating obesity. A potential advantage of the combination therapy disclosed herein may be a reduction in the required amount of an individual therapeutic compound or the overall total amount of therapeutic compounds that are effective in treating obesity. By using a combination of therapeutic agents, the side effects of the individual compounds can be reduced as compared to a monotherapy, which can improve patient compliance. Also, therapeutic agents can be selected to provide a broader range of complimentary effects or complimentary modes of action.  
      As discussed above, in one embodiment, the compositions, pharmaceutical compositions and therapeutic combinations of the present invention can comprise one or more sterol or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitors, for example substituted azetidinone sterol absorption inhibitors or substituted β-lactam sterol absorption inhibitors discussed in detail below. As used herein, “sterol absorption inhibitor” means a compound capable of inhibiting the absorption of one or more sterols, including but not limited to cholesterol or phytosterols (such as sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol and avenosterol) when administered in a therapeutically effective (sterol absorption inhibiting) amount to a subject. “5α-stanol absorption inhibitor” means a compound capable of inhibiting the absorption of one or more 5α-stanols (such as cholestanol, 5α-campestanol, 5α-sitostanol) when administered in a therapeutically effective (5α-stanol absorption inhibiting) amount to a subject. Mixtures of sterol absorption inhibitor(s) and 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor(s) are contemplated.  
      In a preferred embodiment, sterol and/or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitors useful in the compositions, therapeutic combinations and methods of the present invention are represented by Formula (I) below:  
                 
 
 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof, wherein, in Formula (I) above: 
 
      Ar 1  and Ar 2  are independently selected from the group consisting of aryl and R 4 -substituted aryl;  
      Ar 3  is aryl or R 5 -substituted aryl;  
      X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group consisting of —CH 2 —, —CH(lower alkyl)- and —C(dilower alkyl)-;  
      R and R 2  are independently selected from the group consisting of —OR 6 , —O(CO)R 6 , —O(CO)OR 9  and —O(CO)NR 6 R 7 ;  
      R 1  and R 3  are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl and aryl;  
      q is 0 or 1; r is 0 or 1; m, n and p are independently selected from 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; provided that at least one of q and r is 1, and the sum of m, n, p, q and r is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6; and provided that when p is 0 and r is 1, the sum of m, q and n is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5;  
      R 4  is 1-5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, —OR 6 , —O(CO)R 6 , —O(CO)OR 9 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-5 OR 6 , —O(CO)NR 6 R 7 , —NR 6 R 7 , —NR 6 (CO)R 7 , —NR 6 (CO)OR 9 , —NR 6 (CO)NR 7 R 8 , —NR 6 SO 2 R 9 , —COOR 6 , —CONR 6 R 7 , —COR 6 , —SO 2 NR 6 R 7 , S(O) 0-2 R 9 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-10 —COOR 6 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-10 CONR 6 R 7 , -(lower alkylene)COOR 6 , —CH═CH—COOR 6 , —CF 3 , —CN, —NO 2  and halogen;  
      R 5  is 1-5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of —OR 6 , —O(CO)R 6 , —O(CO)OR 9 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-5 OR 6 , —O(CO)NR 6 R 7 , —NR 6 R  7 , —NR 6 (CO)R 7 , —NR 6 (CO)OR 9 , —NR 6 (CO)NR 7 R 8 , —NR 6 SO 2 R 9 , —COOR 6  , —CON 6  R 7 , —COR 6 , —SO 2 NR 6 R 7 , S(O) 0-2 R 9 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-10 —COOR 6 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-10 CONR 6 R 7 , -(lower alkylene)COOR 6  and —CH═CH—COOR 6 ,  
      R 6 , R 7  and R 8  are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl and aryl-substituted lower alkyl; and  
      R 9  is lower alkyl, aryl or aryl-substituted lower alkyl.  
      Preferably, R 4  is 1-3 independently selected substituents, and R 5  is preferably 1-3 independently selected substituents.  
      As used herein, the term “alkyl” or “lower alkyl” means straight or branched alkyl chains having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and “alkoxy” means alkoxy groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of lower alkyl groups include, for example methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl groups.  
      “Alkenyl” means straight or branched carbon chains having one or more double bonds in the chain, conjugated or unconjugated. Similarly, “alkynyl” means straight or branched carbon chains having one or more triple bonds in the chain. Where an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl chain joins two other variables and is therefore bivalent, the terms alkylene, alkenylene and alkynylene are used.  
      “Cycloalkyl” means a saturated carbon ring of 3 to 6 carbon atoms, while “cycloalkylene” refers to a corresponding bivalent ring, wherein the points of attachment to other groups include all positional isomers.  
      “Halogeno” refers to fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine radicals.  
      “Aryl” means phenyl, naphthyl, indenyl, tetrahydronaphthyl or indanyl.  
      “Phenylene” means a bivalent phenyl group, including ortho, meta and para-substitution.  
      The statements wherein, for example, R, R 1 , R 2  and R 3  , are said to be independently selected from a group of substituents, mean that R, R 1 , R 2  and R 3  are independently selected, but also that where an R, R 1 , R 2  and R 3  variable occurs more than once in a molecule, each occurrence is independently selected (e.g., if R is —OR 6 , wherein R 6  is hydrogen, R 2  can be —OR 6  wherein R 6  is lower alkyl). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the size and nature of the substituent(s) will affect the number of substituents that can be present.  
      Compounds of the invention have at least one asymmetrical carbon atom and therefore all isomers, including enantiomers, stereoisomers, rotamers, tautomers and racemates of the compounds of Formulae I-XII are contemplated as being part of this invention. The invention includes d and I isomers in both pure form and in admixture, including racemic mixtures. Isomers can be prepared using conventional techniques, either by reacting optically pure or optically enriched starting materials or by separating isomers of a compound of the Formulas I-XII. Isomers may also include geometric isomers, e.g., when a double bond is present.  
      Those skilled in the art will appreciate that for some of the compounds of the Formulas I-XII, one isomer will show greater pharmacological activity than other isomers.  
      Compounds of the invention with an amino group can form pharmaceutically acceptable salts with organic and inorganic acids. Examples of suitable acids for salt formation are hydrochloric, sulfuric, phosphoric, acetic, citric, oxalic, malonic, salicylic, malic, fumaric, succinic, ascorbic, maleic, methanesulfonic and other mineral and carboxylic acids well known to those in the art. The salt is prepared by contacting the free base form with a sufficient amount of the desired acid to produce a salt. The free base form may be regenerated by treating the salt with a suitable dilute aqueous base solution such as dilute aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The free base form differs from its respective salt form somewhat in certain physical properties, such as solubility in polar solvents, but the salt is otherwise equivalent to its respective free base forms for purposes of the invention.  
      Certain compounds of the invention are acidic (e.g., those compounds which possess a carboxyl group). These compounds form pharmaceutically acceptable salts with inorganic and organic bases. Examples of such salts are the sodium, potassium, calcium, aluminum, gold and silver salts. Also included are salts formed with pharmaceutically acceptable amines such as ammonia, alkyl amines, hydroxyalkylamines, N-methylglucamine and the like.  
      As used herein, “solvate” means a molecular or ionic complex of molecules or ions of solvent with those of solute (for example, one or more compounds of Formulae I-XII, isomers of the compounds of Formulae I-XII, or prodrugs of the compounds of Formulae I-XII). Non-limiting examples of useful solvents include polar, protic solvents such as water and/or alcohols (for example methanol).  
      Prodrugs of the compounds of Formulae I-XII are contemplated as being part of this invention. As used herein, “prodrug” means compounds that are drug precursors which, following administration to a patient, release the drug in vivo via some chemical or physiological process (e.g., a prodrug on being brought to the physiological pH or through enzyme action is converted to the desired drug form).  
      Preferred compounds of Formula (I) are those in which Ar 1  is phenyl or R 4 -substituted phenyl, more preferably (4-R 4 )-substituted phenyl. Ar 2  preferably phenyl or R 4 -substituted phenyl, more preferably (4-R 4 )-substituted phenyl. Ar 3  is preferably R 5 -substituted phenyl, more preferably (4-R 5 )-substituted phenyl. When Ar 1  is (4-R 4 )-substituted phenyl, R 4  is preferably a halogen. When Ar 2  and Ar 3  are R 4 - and R 5 -substituted phenyl, respectively, R 4  is preferably halogen or —OR 6  and R 5  is preferably —OR 6 , wherein R 6  is lower alkyl or hydrogen. Especially preferred are compounds wherein each of Ar 1  and Ar 2  is 4-fluorophenyl and Ar 3  is 4-hydroxyphenyl or 4-methoxyphenyl.  
      X, Y and Z are each preferably —CH 2 —. R 1  and R 3  are each preferably hydrogen. R and R 2  are preferably —OR 6  wherein R 6  is hydrogen, or a group readily metabolizable to a hydroxyl (such as —O(CO)R 6 , —O(CO)OR 9  and —O(CO)NR 6 R 7 , defined above).  
      The sum of m, n, p, q and r is preferably 2, 3 or 4, more preferably 3. Preferred are compounds wherein m, n and r are each zero, q is 1 and p is 2.  
      Also preferred are compounds of Formula (I) in which p, q and n are each zero, r is 1 and m is 2 or 3. More preferred are compounds wherein m, n and r are each zero, q is 1, p is 2, Z is —CH 2 — and R is —OR 6 , especially when R 6  is hydrogen.  
      Also more preferred are compounds of Formula (I) wherein p, q and n are each zero, r is 1, m is 2, X is —CH 2 — and R 2  is —OR 6 , especially when R 6  is hydrogen.  
      Another group of preferred compounds of Formula (I) is that in which Ar 1  is phenyl or R 4 -substituted phenyl, Ar 2  is phenyl or R 4 -substituted phenyl and Ar 3  is R 5 -substituted phenyl. Also preferred are compounds in which Ar 1  is phenyl or R 4 -substituted phenyl, Ar 2  is phenyl or R 4 -substituted phenyl, Ar 3  is R 5 -substituted phenyl, and the sum of m, n, p, q and r is 2, 3 or 4, more preferably 3. More preferred are compounds wherein Ar 1  is phenyl or R 4 -substituted phenyl, Ar 2  is phenyl or R 4 -substituted phenyl, Ar 3  is R 5 -substituted phenyl, and wherein m, n and r are each zero, q is 1 and p is 2, or wherein p, q and n are each zero, r is 1 and m is 2 or 3.  
      In a preferred embodiment, a sterol or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor of Formula (I) useful in the compositions, therapeutic combinations and methods of the present invention is represented by Formula (II) (ezetimibe) below:  
                 
 
 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. The compound of Formula (II) can be in anhydrous or hydrated form. 
 
      Compounds of Formula I can be prepared by a variety of methods well known to those skilled in the art, for example such as are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,631,365, 5,767,115, 5,846,966, 6,207,822, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/105,710 filed Mar. 25, 2002 and PCT Patent Application WO 93/02048, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, and in the Example below. For example, suitable compounds of Formula I can be prepared by a method comprising the steps of:  
      (a) treating with a strong base a lactone of the Formula A or B:  
                 
 
 wherein R′ and R 2 ′ are R and R 2 , respectively, or are suitably protected hydroxy groups; Ar 10  is Ar 1 , a suitably protected hydroxy-substituted aryl or a suitably protected amino-substituted aryl; and the remaining variables are as defined above for Formula I, provided that in lactone of formula B, when n and r are each zero, p is 1-4; 
 
      (b) reacting the product of step (a) with an imine of the formula  
                 
 
 wherein Ar 20  is Ar 2 , a suitably protected hydroxy-substituted aryl or a suitably protected amino-substituted aryl; and Ar 30  is Ar 3 , a suitably protected hydroxy-substituted aryl or a suitably protected amino-substituted aryl; 
 
      c) quenching the reaction with an acid;  
      d) optionally removing the protecting groups from R′, R 2 ′, Ar 10 , Ar 20  and Ar 30 , when present; and  
      is e) optionally functionalizing hydroxy or amino substituents at R, R 2 , Ar 1 , Ar 2  and Ar 3 .  
      Using the lactones shown above, compounds of Formula IA and IB are obtained as follows:  
                 
 
 wherein the variables are as defined above; and  
                 
 
 wherein the variables are as defined above. 
 
      Alternative sterol or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitors useful in the compositions, therapeutic combinations and methods of the present invention are represented by Formula (III) below:  
                 
 
 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof, wherein, in Formula (III) above: 
 
      Ar 1  is R 3 -substituted aryl;  
      Ar 2  is R 4 -substituted aryl;  
      Ar 3  is R 5 -substituted aryl;  
      Y and Z are independently selected from the group consisting of —CH 2 —, —CH(lower alkyl)- and —C(dilower alkyl)-;  
      A is selected from —O—, —S—, —S(O)— or —S(O) 2 —;  
      R 1  is selected from the group consisting of —OR 6 , —O(CO)R 6 , —O(CO)OR 9  and —O(CO)NR 6 R 7 ; R 2  is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl and aryl; or R 1  and R 2  together are ═O;  
      q is 1, 2 or 3;  
      p is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4;  
      R 5  is 1-3 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of —OR 6 , —O(CO)R 6 , —O(CO)OR 9 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-5 OR 9 , —O(CO)NR 6 R 7 , —NR 6 R 7 , —NR 6 (CO)R 7 , —NR 6 (CO)OR 9 , —NR 6 (CO)NR 7 R 8 , —NR 6 SO 2 -lower alkyl, —NR 6 SO 2 -aryl, —CONR 6 R 7 , —COR 6 , —SO 2 NR 6 R 7 , S(O) 0-2 -alkyl, S(O) 0-2 -aryl, —O(CH 2 ) 1-10 —COOR 6 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-10 CONR 6 R 7 , o-halogeno, m-halogeno, o-lower alkyl, m-lower alkyl, -(lower alkylene)-COOR 6 , and —CH═CH—COOR 6 ;  
      R 3  and R 4  are independently 1-3 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of R 5 , hydrogen, p-lower alkyl, aryl, —NO 2 , —CF 3  and p-halogeno;  
      R 6 , R 7  and R 8  are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl and aryl-substituted lower alkyl; and R 9  is lower alkyl, aryl or aryl-substituted lower alkyl.  
      Preferred compounds of Formula I include those in which Ar 1  is R 3 -substituted phenyl, especially (4-R 3 )-substituted phenyl. Ar 2  is preferably R 4 -substituted phenyl, especially (4-R 4 )-substituted phenyl. Ar 3  is preferably R 5 -substituted phenyl, especially (4-R 5 )-substituted phenyl. Mono-substitution of each of Ar 1 , Ar 2  and Ar 3  is preferred.  
      Y and Z are each preferably —CH 2 —. R 2  is preferably hydrogen. R 1  is preferably —OR 6  wherein R 6  is hydrogen, or a group readily metabolizable to a hydroxyl (such as —O(CO)R 6 , —O(CO)OR 9  and —O(CO)NR 6 R 7 , defined above). Also preferred are compounds wherein R 1  and R 2  together are ═O.  
      The sum of q and p is preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1. Preferred are compounds wherein p is zero and q is 1. More preferred are compounds wherein p is zero, q is 1, Y is —CH 2 — and R 1  is —OR 6 , especially when R 6  is hydrogen.  
      Another group of preferred compounds is that in which Ar 1  is R 3 -substituted phenyl, Ar 2  is R 4 -substituted phenyl and Ar is R   5 -substituted phenyl.  
      Also preferred are compounds wherein Ar 1  is R 3 -substituted phenyl, Ar 2  is R 4 -substituted phenyl, Ar 3  is R 5 -substituted phenyl, and the sum of p and q is 1 or 2, especially 1. More preferred are compounds wherein Ar 1  is R 3 -substituted phenyl, Ar 2  is R 4 -substituted phenyl, Ar 3  is R 5 -substituted phenyl, p is zero and q is 1.  
      A is preferably —O—.  
      R 3  is preferably —COOR 6 , —CONR 6 R 7 , —COR 6  , —SO 2 NR 6 R 7 , S(O) 0-2 -alkyl, S(O) 0-2 -aryl, NO 2  or halogeno. A more preferred definition for R 3  is halogeno, especially fluoro or chloro.  
      R 4  is preferably hydrogen, lower alkyl, —OR 6 , —O(CO)R 6 , —O(CO)OR 9 , —O(CO)NR 6 R 7 , —NR 6 R 7 , COR 6  or halogeno, wherein R 6  and R 7  are preferably independently hydrogen or lower alkyl, and R 9  is preferably lower alkyl. A more preferred definition for R 4  is hydrogen or halogeno, especially fluoro or chloro.  
      R 5  is preferably —OR 6 , —O(CO)R 6 , —O(CO)OR 9 , —O(CO)NR 6 R 7 , —NR 6 R 7 , -(lower alkylene)-COOR 6  or —CH═CH—COOR 6 , wherein R 6  and R 7  are preferably independently hydrogen or lower alkyl, and R 9  is preferably lower alkyl. A more preferred definition for R 5  is —OR 6 , -(lower alkylene)-COOR 6  or —CH═CH—COOR 6 , wherein R 6  is preferably hydrogen or lower alkyl.  
      Methods for making compounds of Formula III are well known to those skilled in the art. Non-limiting-examples of-suitable-methods-are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,990, which is incorporated herein by reference.  
      In another embodiment, sterol or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitors useful in the compositions, therapeutic combinations and methods of the present invention are represented by Formula (IV):  
                 
 
 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof, wherein, in Formula (IV) above: 
 
      A is selected from the group consisting of R 2 -substituted heterocycloalkyl, R 2 -substituted heteroaryl, R 2 -substituted benzofused heterocycloalkyl, and R 2 -substituted benzofused heteroaryl;  
      Ar 1  is aryl or R 3 -substituted aryl;  
      Ar 2  is aryl or R 4 -substituted aryl;  
      Q is a bond or, with the 3-position ring carbon of the azetidinone, forms the spiro group  
                 
 
 and 
 
      R 1  is selected from the group consisting of: 
          —(CH 2 ) q -, wherein q is 2-6, provided that when Q forms a spiro ring, q can also be zero or 1;     —(CH 2 ) e -G-(CH 2 ) r -, wherein G is —O—, —C(O)—, phenylene, —NR 8  — or —S(O) 0-2 —, e is 0-5 and r is 0-5, provided that the sum of e and r is 1-6;     —(C 2 -C 6  alkenylene)-; and     —(CH 2 ) f —V—(CH 2 ) g —, wherein V is C 3 -C 6  cycloalkylene, f is 1-5 and g is 0-5, provided that the sum of f and g is 1-6;        

      R 5  is selected from:  
                 
 
      R 6  and R 7  are independently selected from the group consisting of —CH 2 —, —CH(C 1 -C 6  alkyl)-, —C(di-(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl), —CH═CH— and —C(C 1 -C 6  alkyl)═CH—; or R 5  together with an adjacent R 6 , or R 5  together with an adjacent R 7 , form a —CH═CH— or a —CH═C(C 1 -C 6  alkyl)-group;  
      a and b are independently 0, 1, 2 or 3, provided both are not zero; provided that when R 6  is —CH═CH— or —C(C 1 -C 6  alkyl)═CH—, a is 1; provided that when R 7  is —CH═CH— or —C(C 1 -C 6  alkyl)=CH—, b is 1; provided that when a is 2 or 3, the R 6 &#39;s can be the same or different; and provided that when b is 2 or 3, the R 7 &#39;s can be the same or different;  
      and when Q is a bond, R 1  also can be selected from:  
                 
 
 where M is —O—, —S—, —S(O)— or —S(O) 2 —; 
 
      X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group consisting of —CH 2 —, —CH(C 1 -C 6  alkyl)- and —C(di-(C 1 -C 6 ) alkyl);  
      R 10  and R 12  are independently selected from the group consisting of —OR 14 , —O(CO)R 14 , —O(CO)OR 16  and —O(CO)NR 14 R 15 ;  
      R 11  and R 13  are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl and aryl; or R 10  and R 11  together are ═O, or R 12  and R 13  together are ═O;  
      d is 1, 2 or 3;  
      h is 0, 1, 2, 3or 4;  
      is 0 or 1; t is 0 or 1; m, n and p are independently 0-4; provided that at least one of s and t is 1, and the sum of m, n, p, s and t is 1-6; provided that when p is 0 and t is 1, the sum of m, s and n is 1-5; and provided that when p is 0 and s is 1, the sum of m, t and n is 1-5;  
      v is 0 or 1;  
      j and k are independently 1-5, provided that the sum of j, k and v is 1-5;  
      R 2  is 1-3 substituents on the ring carbon atoms selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, (C 1 -C 10 )alkyl, (C 2 -C 10 )alkenyl, (C 2 -C 10 )alkynyl, (C 3 -C 6 )cycloalkyl, (C 3 -C 6 )cycloalkenyl, R 17 -substituted aryl, R 17 -substituted benzyl, R 17 -substituted benzyloxy, R 17 -substituted aryloxy, halogeno, —NR 14 R 15 , NR 14 R 15 (C 1 - 6 alkylene)-, NR 14 R 15 C(O)(C 1 -C 6  alkylene)-, —NHC(O)R 16 , OH, C 1 -C 6  alkoxy, —OC(O)R 16 , —COR 14 , hydroxy(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, (C 1 -C 6 )alkoxy(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, NO 2 , —S(O) 0-2 R 16 , —SO 2 NR 14 R 15  and —(C 1 -C 6  alkylene)COOR 14 ; when R 2  is a substituent on a heterocycloalkyl ring, R 2  is as defined, or is ═O or  
                 
 
 and, where R 2  is a substituent on a substitutable ring nitrogen, it is hydrogen, (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, aryl, (C 1 -C 6 )alkoxy, aryloxy, (C 1 -C 6 )alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, hydroxy, —(CH 2 ) 1-6 CONR 18 R 18 ,  
                 
 
 wherein J is —O—, —NH—, —NR 18 — or —CH 2 —; 
 
      R 3  and R 4  are independently selected from the group consisting of 1-3 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, —OR 14 , —O(CO)R 14 , —O(CO)OR 16  , —O(CH 2 ) 1-5 OR 14 , —O(CO)NR 14 R 15 , —NR 14 R 15 , —NR 14 (CO)R 15 , —NR 14 (CO)OR 16 , —NR 14 (CO)NR 15 R 19 , —NR 14 SO 2 R 16 , —COOR 14 , —CONR 14 R 15 , —COR 14 , SO 2 NR 14 R 15 , S(O) 0-2 R 16 , —(CH 2 ) 1-10 —COOR 14 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-10 CONR 14 R 15 , —(C 1 -C 6  alkylene)—COOR 14 , —CH═CH—COOR 14 , —CF 3 , —CN, —NO 2  and halogen;  
      R 8  is hydrogen, (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, aryl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, —C(O)R 14  or —COOR 14 ;  
      R 9  and R 17  are independently 1-3 groups independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, (C 1 -C 6 )alkoxy, —COOH, NO 2 , —NR 14 R 15 , OH and halogeno;  
      R 14  and R 15  are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, aryl and aryl-substituted (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl;  
      R 16  is (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, aryl or R 17 -substituted aryl;  
      R 18  is hydrogen or (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl; and  
      R 19  is hydrogen, hydroxy or (C 1 -C 6 )alkoxy.  
      As used in Formula (IV) above, “A” is preferably an R 2 -substituted, 6-membered heterocycloalkyl ring containing 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms. Preferred heterocycloalkyl rings are piperidinyl, piperazinyl and morpholinyl groups. The ring “A” is preferably joined to the phenyl ring through a ring nitrogen. Preferred R 2  substituents are hydrogen and lower alkyl. R 19  is preferably hydrogen.  
      Ar 2  is preferably phenyl or R 4 -phenyl, especially (4-R 4 )-substituted phenyl. Preferred definitions of R 4  are lower alkoxy, especially methoxy, and halogeno, especially fluoro.  
      Ar 1  is preferably phenyl or R 3 -substituted phenyl, especially (4-R 3 )-substituted phenyl.  
      There are several preferred definitions for the —R 1 -Q- combination of variables:  
      Q is a bond and R 1  is lower alkylene, preferably propylene;  
      Q is a spiro group as defined above, wherein preferably R 6  and R 7  are each ethylene and R 5  is  
                 
 
 Q is a bond and R 1  is  
                 
 
 wherein the variables are chosen such that R 1  is —O—CH 2 —CH(OH)—; 
 
      Q is a bond and R 1  is  
                 
 
 wherein the variables are chosen such that R 1  is —CH(OH)—(CH 2 ) 2 —; and 
 
      Q is a bond and R 1  is  
                 
 
 wherein the variables are chosen such that R 1  is —CH(OH)—CH 2 —S(O) 2 —. 
 
      Methods for making compounds of Formula IV are well known to those skilled in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitable methods are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,624, which is incorporated herein by reference.  
      In another embodiment, sterol or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitors useful in the compositions, therapeutic combinations and methods of the present invention are represented by Formula (V):  
                 
 
 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof, wherein, in Formula (V) above: 
 
      Ar 1  is aryl, R 10 -substituted aryl or heteroaryl;  
      Ar 2  is aryl or R 4 -substituted aryl;  
      Ar 3  is aryl or R 5 -substituted aryl;  
      X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of —CH 2 —, —CH(lower alkyl)- and —C(dilower alkyl)-;  
      R is —OR 6 , —O(CO)R 6 , —O(CO)OR 9  or —O(CO)NR 6 R 7 ; R 1  is hydrogen, lower alkyl or aryl; or R and R 1  together are ═O;  
      q is 0 or 1;  
      r is 0, 1 or 2;  
      m and n are independently 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; provided that the sum of m, n and q is 1, 2, 3, 4or 5;  
      R 4  is 1-5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, —OR 6 , —O(CO)R 6 , —O(CO)OR 9 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-5 OR 6 , —O(CO)NR 6 R 7 , —NR 6 R 7 , —NR 6 (CO)R 7 , —NR 6 (CO)OR 9 , —NR 6 (CO)NR 7 R 8 , —NR 6 SO 2 R 9 , —COOR 6 , —CONR 6 R 7 , —COR 6 , —SO 2 NR 6 R 7 , S(O) 0-2 R 9 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-10 —COOR 6 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-10 CONR 6 R 7 , -(lower alkylene)COOR 6  and —CH═CH—COOR 6 ;  
      R 5  is 1-5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of —OR 6 , —O(CO)R 6 , —O(CO)OR 9 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-5 OR 6 , —O(CO)NR 6 R 7 , —NR 6 R 7 , —NR 6 (CO)R 7 , —NR 6 (CO)OR 9 , —NR 6 (CO)NR 7 R 8 , —NR 6  SO 2 R 9 , —COOR 6 , —CONR 6 R 7 , —COR 6 , —SO 2 NR 6 R 7 , S(O) 0-2 R 9 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-10 —COOR 6 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-10 CONR 6 R 7 , —CF 3 , —CN, —NO 2 , halogen, -(lower alkylene)COOR 6  and —CH═CH—COOR 6 ;  
      R 6 , R 7  and R 8  are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl and aryl-substituted lower alkyl;  
      R 9  is lower alkyl, aryl or aryl-substituted lower alkyl; and  
      R 10  is 1-5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, —OR 6 , —O(CO)R 6 , —O(CO)OR 9 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-5 OR 6 , —O(CO)NR 6 R 7 , —NR 6 R 7 , —NR 6 (CO)R 7 , —NR 6 (CO)OR 9 , —NR 6 (CO)NR 7 R 8 , —NR 6 SO 2 R 9 , —COOR 6 , —CONR 6 R 7 , —COR 6 , —SO 2 NR 6 R 7 , —S(O) 0-2 R 9 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-10 —COOR 6 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-10 CONR 6 R 7 , —CF 3 , —CN, —NO 2  and halogen.  
      Within the scope of Formula V, there are included two preferred structures. In Formula VA, q is zero and the remaining variables are as defined above, and in Formula VB, q is 1 and the remaining variables are as defined above:  
                 
 
 R 4 , R 5  and R 10  are each preferably 1-3 independently selected substituents as set forth above. Preferred are compounds of Formula (V) wherein Ar 1  is phenyl, R 10 -substituted phenyl or thienyl, especially (4-R 10 )-substituted phenyl or thienyl. Ar 2  is preferably R 4 -substituted phenyl, especially (4-R 4 )- substituted phenyl. Ar 3  is preferably phenyl or R 5 -substituted phenyl, especially (4-R 5 )-substituted phenyl. When Ar 1  is R 10 -substituted phenyl, R 10  is preferably halogeno, especially fluoro. When Ar 2  is R 4 -substituted phenyl, R 4  is preferably —OR 6 , especially wherein R 6  is hydrogen or lower alkyl. When Ar 3  is R 5 -substituted phenyl, R 5  is preferably halogeno, especially fluoro. Especially preferred are compounds of Formula (V) wherein Ar 1  is phenyl, 4-fluorophenyl or thienyl, Ar 2  is 4-(alkoxy or hydroxy)phenyl, and Ar 3  is phenyl or 4-fluorophenyl. 
 
      X and Y are each preferably —CH 2 —. The sum of m, n and q is preferably 2, 3 or 4, more preferably 2. When q is 1, n is preferably 1 to 5.  
      Preferences for X, Y, Ar 1 , Ar 2  and Ar 3  are the same in each of Formulae (VA) and (VB).  
      In compounds of Formula (VA), the sum of m and n is preferably 2, 3 or 4, more preferably 2. Also preferred are compounds wherein the sum of m and n is 2, and r is 0 or 1.  
      In compounds of Formula (VB), the sum of m and n is preferably 1, 2 or 3, more preferably 1. Especially preferred are compounds wherein m is zero and n is 1. R 1  is preferably hydrogen and R is preferably —OR 6  wherein R 6  is hydrogen, or a group readily metabolizable to a hydroxyl (such as —O(CO)R 6 , —O(CO)OR 9  and —O(CO)NR 6 R 7 , defined above), or R and R 1  together form a ═O group.  
      Methods for making compounds of Formula V are well known to those skilled in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitable methods are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,920, which is incorporated herein by reference.  
      In another embodiment, sterol or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitors useful in the compositions, therapeutic combinations and methods of the present invention are represented by Formula (VI):  
                 
 
 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof, wherein: 
 
      R 1  is  
                 
 
      R 2  and R 3  are independently selected from the group consisting of: —CH 2 —, —CH(lower alkyl)-, —C(di-lower alkyl)-, —CH═CH— and —C(lower alkyl)═CH—; or R 1  together with an adjacent R 2 , or R 1  together with an adjacent R 3 , form a —CH═CH— or a —CH═C(lower alkyl)-group;  
      u and v are independently 0, 1, 2 or 3, provided both are not zero; provided that when R 2  is —CH═CH— or —C(lower alkyl)═CH—, v is 1; provided that when R 3  is —CH═CH— or —C(lower alkyl)═CH—, u is 1; provided that when v is 2 or 3, the R 2 &#39;s can be the same or different; and provided that when u is 2 or 3, the R 3 &#39;s can be the same or different;  
      R 4  is selected from B—(CH 2 ) m C(O)—, wherein m is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; B—(CH 2 ) q -, wherein q is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6; B—(CH 2 ) e —Z—(CH 2 ) r -, wherein Z is —O—, —C(O)—, phenylene, —N(R 8 )— or —S(O) 0-2 —, e is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 and r is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, provided that the sum of e and r is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6; B—(C 2 -C 6  alkenylene)-; B—(C 4 -C 6  alkadienylene)-; B—(CH 2 ) t -Z-(C 2 -C 6  alkenylene)-, wherein Z is as defined above, and wherein t is 0, 1, 2 or 3, provided that the sum of t and the number of carbon atoms in the alkenylene chain is 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6; B—(CH 2 ) f —V—(CH 2 ) g -, wherein V is C 3 -C 6  cycloalkylene, f is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 and g is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, provided that the sum of f and g is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6; B—(CH 2 ) t —V—(C 2 -C 6  alkenylene)- or B—(C 2 -C 6  alkenylene)—V—(CH 2 ) t -, wherein V and t are as defined above, provided that the sum of t and the number of carbon atoms in the alkenylene chain is 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6; B—(CH 2 ) a -Z-(CH 2 ) b —V—(CH 2 ) d -, wherein Z and V are as defined above and a, b and d are independently 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, provided that the sum of a, b and d is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6; or T-(CH 2 ) s —, wherein T is cycloalkyl of 3-6 carbon atoms and s is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5or 6; or  
      R 1  and R 4  together form the group  
                 
 
      B is selected from indanyl, indenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, heteroaryl or W-substituted heteroaryl, wherein heteroaryl is selected from the group consisting of pyrrolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, thienyl, oxazolyl and furanyl, and for nitrogen-containing heteroaryls, the N-oxides thereof, or  
                 
 
      W is 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, hydroxy lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, alkoxyalkoxy, alkoxycarbonylalkoxy, (lower alkoxyimino)-lower alkyl, lower alkanedioyl, lower alkyl lower alkanedioyl, allyloxy, —CF 3 , —OCF 3 , benzyl, R 7 -benzyl, benzyloxy, R 7 -benzyloxy, phenoxy, R 7 -phenoxy, dioxolanyl, NO 2 , —N(R 8 )(R 9 ), N(R 8 )(R 9 )-lower alkylene-, N(R 8 )(R 9 )-lower alkylenyloxy-, OH, halogeno, —CN, —N 3 , —NHC(O)OR 10 , —NHC(O)R 10 , R 11 O 2 SNH—, (R 11 O 2 S) 2 N—, —S(O) 2 NH 2 , —S(O) 0-2 R 8 , tert-butyidimethyl-silyloxymethyl, —C(O)R 12 , —COOR 19 , —CON(R 8 )(R 9 ), —CH═CHC(O)R 12 , -lower alkylene-C(O)R 12 , R 10 OC(O)(lower alkylenyloxy)-, N(R 8 )(R 9 )C(O)(lower alkylenyloxy)- and  
                 
 
 for substitution on ring carbon atoms, and the substituents on the substituted heteroaryl ring nitrogen atoms, when present, are selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, —C(O)OR 10 , —C(O)R 10 , OH, N(R 8 )(R 9 )-lower alkylene-, N(R 8 )(R 9 )-lower alkylenyloxy-, —S(O) 2 NH 2  and 2-(trimethylsilyl)-ethoxymethyl; 
 
      R 7  is 1-3 groups independently selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, —COOH, NO 2 , —N(R 8 )(R 9 ), OH, and halogeno;  
      R 8  and R 9  are independently selected from H or lower alkyl;  
      R 10  is selected from lower alkyl, phenyl, R 7 -phenyl, benzyl or R 7 -benzyl;  
      R 11  is selected from OH, lower alkyl, phenyl, benzyl, R 7 -phenyl or R 7 -benzyl;  
      R 12  is selected from H, OH, alkoxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy,  
                 
 
 —N(R 8 )(R 9 ), lower alkyl, phenyl or R 7 -phenyl; 
 
      R 13  is selected from —O—, —CH 2 —, —NH—, —N(lower alkyl)- or —NC(O)R 19 ;  
      R 15 , R 16  and R 17  are independently selected from the group consisting of H and the groups defined for W; or R 15  is hydrogen and R 16  and R 17 , together with adjacent carbon atoms to which they are attached, form a dioxolanyl ring;  
      R 19  is H, lower alkyl, phenyl or phenyl lower alkyl; and  
      R 20  and R 21  are independently selected from the group consisting of phenyl, W-substituted phenyl, naphthyl, W-substituted naphthyl, indanyl, indenyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, benzodioxolyl, heteroaryl, W-substituted heteroaryl, benzofused heteroaryl, W-substituted benzofused heteroaryl and cyclopropyl, wherein heteroaryl is as defined above.  
      One group of preferred compounds of Formula VI is that in which R 21  is selected from phenyl, W-substituted phenyl, indanyl, benzofuranyl, benzodioxolyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, quinolyl or cyclopropyl,  
      wherein W is lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, OH, halogeno, —N(R 8 )(R 9 ), —NHC(O)OR 10 , —NHC(O)R 10 , NO 2 , —CN, —N 3 , —SH, —S(O) 0-2 -(lower alkyl), —COOR 19 , —CON(R 8 )(R 9 ), —COR 12 , phenoxy, benzyloxy, —OCF 3 , —CH═C(O)R 12  or tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy, wherein R 8 , R 9 , R 10 , R 12  and R 19  are as defined for Formula IV. When W is 2 or 3 substituents, the substituents can be the same or different.  
      Another group of preferred compounds of Formula VI is that in which R 20  is phenyl or W-substituted phenyl, wherein preferred meanings of W are as defined above for preferred definitions of R 21 .  
      More preferred are compounds of Formula VI wherein R 20  is phenyl or W-substituted phenyl and R 21  is phenyl, W-substituted phenyl, indanyl, benzofuranyl, benzodioxolyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, quinolyl or cyclopropyl; W is lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, OH, halogeno, —N(R 8 )(R 9 ), —NHC(O)OR 10 , —NHC(O)R 10 , NO 2 , —CN, —N 3 , —SH, —S(O) 0-2 -(lower alkyl), —COOR 19 , —CON(R 8 )(R 9 ), —COR 12 , phenoxy, benzyloxy, —CH═CHC(O)R 12 , —OCF 3  or tert-butyl-dimethyl-silyloxy, wherein when W is 2 or 3 substituents, the substituents can be the same or different, and wherein R 8 , R 9 , R 10 , R 12  and R 19  are as defined in Formula VI.  
      Also preferred are compounds of Formula VI wherein R 1   
                 
 
      Another group of preferred compounds of Formula VI is in which R 2  and R 3  are each —CH 2 — and the sum of u and v is 2, 3 or 4, with u=v=2 being more preferred.  
      R 4  is preferably B—(CH 2 ) q — or B—(CH 2 ) e -Z-(CH 2 ) r -, wherein B, Z, q, e and r are as defined above. B is preferably  
                 
 
 wherein R 16  and R 17  are each hydrogen and wherein R 15  is preferably H, OH, lower alkoxy, especially methoxy, or halogeno, especially chloro. 
 
      Preferably Z is —O—, e is 0, and r is 0.  
      Preferably q is 0-2.  
      R 20  is preferably phenyl or W-substituted phenyl.  
      Preferred W substituents for R 20  are lower alkoxy, especially methoxy and ethoxy, OH, and —C(O)R 12 , wherein R 12  is preferably lower alkoxy.  
      Preferably R 21  is selected from phenyl, lower alkoxy-substituted phenyl and F-phenyl.  
      Especially preferred are compounds of Formula VI wherein R 1  is  
                 
 
 R 2  and R 3  are each —CH 2 —, u=v=2, R 4  is B—(CH 2 ) q —, wherein B is phenyl or phenyl substituted by lower alkoxy or chloro, q is 0-2, R 20  is phenyl, OH-phenyl, lower alkoxy-substituted phenyl or lower alkoxycarbonyl-substituted phenyl, and R 21  is phenyl, lower alkoxy-substituted phenyl or F-phenyl. 
 
      Methods for making compounds of Formula VI are well known to those skilled in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitable methods are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,548, which is incorporated herein by reference.  
      In another embodiment, sterol or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitors useful in the compositions, therapeutic combinations and methods of the present invention are represented by Formulas (VIIA) and (VIIB):  
                 
 
 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, 
 
 wherein: 
 
      A is —CH═CH—, —C≡C— or —(CH 2 ) p — wherein p is 0, 1 or 2;  
      B is  
                 
 
      B′ is  
                 
 
      D is —(CH 2 ) m C(O)— or —(CH 2 ) q — wherein m is 1, 2, 3 or 4 and q is 2, 3 or 4;  
      E is C 10  to C 20  alkyl or —C(O)—(C 9  to C 19 )-alkyl, wherein the alkyl is straight or branched, saturated or containing one or more double bonds;  
      R is hydrogen, C 1 -C 15  alkyl, straight or branched, saturated or containing one or more double bonds, or B—(CH 2 ) r —, wherein r is 0, 1, 2, or 3;  
      R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 1′ , R 2′ , and R 3′ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, carboxy, NO 2 , NH 2 , OH, halogeno, lower alkylamino, dilower alkylamino, —NHC(O)OR 5 , R 6 O 2 SNH— and —S(O) 2 NH 2 ;  
      R 4 is  
                 
 
 wherein n is 0, 1, 2 or 3; 
 
      R 5  is lower alkyl; and  
      R 6  is OH, lower alkyl, phenyl, benzyl or substituted phenyl wherein the substituents are 1-3 groups independently selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, carboxy, NO 2 , NH 2 , OH, halogeno, lower alkylamino and dilower alkylamino; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a prodrug thereof.  
      Preferred are compounds of Formula (VIIA) wherein R is hydrogen, saturated or mono-unsaturated C 1 -C 10  alkyl or phenyl. Another group of preferred compounds of Formula (VIIA) is that in which D is propyl (i.e., —(CH 2 ) q — and q is 3). A third group of preferred compounds of Formula (VIIA) is that wherein R 4  is p-methoxyphenyl or 2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl. Still another group of preferred compounds of Formula (VIIA) is that wherein A is ethylene or a bond (i.e., —(CH 2  ) p — wherein p is zero). R 1′ , R 2′ , and R 3′ , are preferably each hydrogen, and preferably R 1  is hydrogen, hydroxy, nitro, lower alkoxy, amino or t-butoxycarbonyl-amino and R 2  and R 3  are each hydrogen.  
      More preferred are compounds of Formula (VIIA) wherein R 1′ , R 2′ , and R 3′  are each hydrogen; R 1  is hydrogen, hydroxy, nitro, lower alkoxy, amino or t-butoxycarbonyl-amino and R 2  and R 3  are each hydrogen; R is hydrogen, ethyl or phenyl; D is propyl; R 4  is p-methoxyphenyl or 2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl; and A is ethylene or a bond.  
      Preferred compounds of Formula (VIIA), wherein B′ is phenyl, are shown in the following table:  
                                               D   R   A   B   R 4                    —(CH 2 ) 3 —   H   —   p-MeO-phenyl   p-MeO-phenyl       —CH 2 C(O)—   phenyl   —   phenyl   p-MeO-phenyl       —(CH 2 ) 3 —   H   —   phenyl   p-MeO-phenyl       —(CH 2 ) 3 —   H   —   p-OH-phenyl   p-MeO-phenyl       —(CH 2 ) 3 —   H   ethylene   p-MeO-phenyl   p-MeO-phenyl       —(CH 2 ) 3 —   H   —   3-MeO-phenyl   p-MeO-phenyl       —(CH 2 ) 3 —   ethyl   —   phenyl   p-MeO-phenyl       —(CH 2 ) 3 —   phenyl   —   phenyl   p-MeO-phenyl       —(CH 2 ) 3 —   ethyl   —   phenyl   2,4,6-tri-MeO-                       phenyl       —(CH 2 ) 3 —   methyl   —   phenyl   p-MeO-phenyl       —(CH 2 ) 3 —   H   —   p-NH 2 -phenyl   p-MeO-phenyl                  
 
 The first-listed compound in the above table having the (3R,4S) absolute stereochemistry is more preferred. 
 
      Preferred compounds of Formula (VIIB) are those wherein R is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, phenyl or phenylpropyl. Another group of preferred compounds of Formula (VIIB) is that wherein R 4  is p-methoxyphenyl or 2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl. Still another group of preferred compounds of Formula (VIB) is that wherein A is ethylene or a bond. Yet another group of preferred compounds of Formula (VIIB) is that wherein E is decyl, oleoyl or 7-Z-hexadecenyl. Preferably R 1 , R 2  and R 3  are each hydrogen.  
      More preferred compounds of Formula (VIIB) are those wherein R is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, phenyl or phenylpropyl; R 4  is p-methoxyphenyl or 2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl; A is ethylene or a bond; E is decyl, oleoyl or 7-Z-hexadecenyl; and R 1 , R 2  and R 3  are each hydrogen.  
      A preferred compound of Formula (VIIB) is that wherein E is decyl, R is hydrogen, B-A is phenyl and R 4  is p-methoxyphenyl.  
      In another embodiment, sterol or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitors useful in the compositions and methods of the present invention are represented by Formula (VIII):  
                 
 
 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof, wherein, in Formula (VIII) above, 
 
      R 26  is H or OG 1 ;  
      G and G 1  are independently selected from the group consisting of  
                 
 
 provided that when R 26  is H or OH, G is not H; 
 
      R, R a  and R b  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, halogeno, —NH 2 , azido, (C 1 -C 6 )alkoxy(C 1 -C 6 )-alkoxy or —W—R 30 ;  
      W is independently selected from the group consisting of —NH—C(O)—, —O—C(O)—, —O—C(O)—N(R 31  )—, —NH—C(O)—N(R 31  )— and —O—C(S)—N(R 31  )—;  
      R 2  and R 6  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, aryl and aryl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl;  
      R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 7 , R 3a and R 4a are independently selected from the group consisting of H, (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, aryl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, —C(O)(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl and —C(O)aryl;  
      R 30  is selected from the group consisting of R 32 -substituted T, R 32 -substituted-T-(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, R 32 -substituted-(C 2 -C 4 )alkenyl, R 32 -substituted-(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, R 32 -substituted-(C 3 -C 7 )cycloalkyl and R 32 -substituted-(C 3 -C 7 )cycloalkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl;  
      R 31  is selected from the group consisting of H and (C 1 -C 4 )alkyl;  
      T is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, iosthiazolyl, benzothiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl and pyridyl;  
      R 32  is independently selected from 1-3 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of halogeno, (C 1 -C 4 )alkyl, —OH, phenoxy, —CF 3 , —NO 2 , (C 1 -C 4 )alkoxy, methylenedioxy, oxo, (C 1 -C 4 )alkylsulfanyl, (C 1 -C 4 )alkylsulfinyl, (C 1 -C 4 )alkylsulfonyl, —N(CH 3 ) 2 , —C(O)—NH(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl, —C(O)—N((C 1 -C 4 )alkyl) 2 , —C(O)—(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl, —C(O)—(C 1 -C 4 )alkoxy and pyrrolidinylcarbonyl; or R 32  is a covalent bond and R 31 , the nitrogen to which it is attached and R 32  form a pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, N-methyl-piperazinyl, indolinyl or morpholinyl group, or a (C 1 -C 4 )alkoxycarbonyl-substituted pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, N-methylpiperazinyl, indolinyl or morpholinyl group;  
      Ar 1  is aryl or R 10 -substituted aryl;  
      Ar 2  is aryl or R 11 -substituted aryl;  
      Q is a bond or, with the 3-position ring carbon of the azetidinone, forms the spiro group  
                 
 
 and 
 
      R 1  is selected from the group consisting of 
          —(CH 2 ) q —, wherein q is 2-6, provided that when Q forms a spiro ring, q can also be zero or 1;     —(CH 2 ) e -E-(CH 2 ) r -, wherein E is —O—, —C(O)—, phenylene, —NR 22 — or —S(O) 0-2 —, e is 0-5 and r is 0-5, provided that the sum of e and r is 1-6;     —(C 2 -C 6 )alkenylene-; and     —(CH 2 ) f —V—(CH 2 ) g —, wherein V is C 3 -C 6  cycloalkylene, f is 1-5 and g is 0-5, provided that the sum of f and g is 1-6;        

      R 12  is  
                 
 
 R 13  and R 14  are independently selected from the group consisting of 
 
      —CH 2 —, —CH(C 1 -C 6  alkyl)-, —C(di-(C 1 -C 6 ) alkyl), —CH═CH— and —C(C 1 -C 6  alkyl)═CH—; or R 12  together with an adjacent R 13 , or R 12  together with an adjacent R 14 , form a —CH═CH— or a —CH○C(C 1 -C 6  alkyl)-group;  
      a and b are independently 0, 1, 2 or 3, provided both are not zero;  
      provided that when R 13  is —CH═CH— or —C(C 1 -C 6  alkyl)═CH—, a is 1;  
      provided that when R 14  is —CH═CH— or —C(C 1 -C 6  alkyl)═CH—, b is 1;  
      provided that when a is 2 or 3, the R 13 &#39;s can be the same or different; and  
      provided that when b is 2 or 3, the R 14 &#39;s can be the same or different;  
      and when Q is a bond, R 1  also can be:  
                 
 
 X, Y and Z are independently selected from the group consisting of —CH 2 —, —CH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl- and —C(di-(C 11 -C 6 )alkyl); 
 
      R 10  and R 11  are independently selected from the group consisting of 1-3 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, —OR 19 , —O(CO)R 19 , —O(CO)OR 21 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-5 OR 19 , —O(CO)NR 19 R 20 , —NR 19 R 20 , —NR 19 (CO)R 20 , —NR 19 (CO)OR 21 , —NR 19 (CO)NR 20 R 25 , —NR 19 SO 2 R 21 , —COOR 19 , —CONR 19 R 20 , —COR 19 , —SO 2 NR 19 R 20 , S(O) 0-2 R 21 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-10 -COOR 19 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-10 CONR 19 R 20 , —(C 1 -C 6  alkylene)-COOR 19 , —CH═CH—COOR 19 , —CF 3 , —CN, —NO 2  and halogen;  
      R 15  and R 17  are independently selected from the group consisting of —OR 19 , —O(CO)R 19 , —O(CO)OR 21  and —O(CO)NR 19 R 20 ;  
      R 16  and R 18  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl and aryl; or R 15  and R 16  together are ═O, or R 17  and R 18  together are ═O;  
      d is 1, 2 or 3;  
      h is 0, 1, 2, 3or 4;  
      s is 0 or 1; t is 0 or 1; m, n and p are independently 0-4;  
      provided that at least one of s and t is 1, and the sum of m, n, p, s and t is 1-6;  
      provided that when p is 0 and t is 1, the sum of m, s and n is 1-5; and provided that when p is 0 and s is 1, the sum of m, t and n is 1-5;  
      v is 0 or 1;  
      j and k are independently 1-5, provided that the sum of j, k and v is 1-5;  
      and when Q is a bond and R 1  is  
                 
 
 Ar 1  can also be pyridyl, isoxazolyl, furanyl, pyrrolyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl or pyridazinyl; 
 
      R 19  and R 20  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, aryl and aryl-substituted (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl;  
      R 21  is (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, aryl or R 24 -substituted aryl;  
      R 22  is H, (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, aryl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, —C(O)R 19  or —COOR 19 ;  
      R 23  and R 24  are independently 1-3 groups independently selected from the group consisting of H, (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, (C 1 -C 6 )alkoxy, —COOH, NO 2 , —NR 19 R 20 , —OH and halogeno; and  
      R 25  is H, —OH or (C 1 -C 6 )alkoxy.  
      Ar 2  is preferably phenyl or R 11 -phenyl, especially (4-R 11 )-substituted phenyl. Preferred definitions of R 11  are lower alkoxy, especially methoxy, and halogeno, especially fluoro.  
      Ar 1  is preferably phenyl or R 10 -substituted phenyl, especially (4-R 10 )-substituted phenyl. Preferably R 10  is halogeno, and more preferably fluoro.  
      There are several preferred definitions for the —R 1 -Q- combination of variables:  
      Q is a bond and R 1  is lower alkylene, preferably propylene;  
      Q is a spiro group as defined above, wherein preferably R 13  and R 14  are each ethylene and R 12  is  
                 
 
 and R 1  is —(CH 2 ) q  wherein q is 0-6; 
 
      Q is a bond and R 1  is  
                 
 
 wherein the variables are chosen such that R 1  is —O—CH 2 —CH(OH)—; 
 
      Q is a bond and R 1  
                 
 
 wherein the variables are chosen such that R 1  is —CH(OH)—(CH 2 ) 2 —; and 
 
      Q is a bond and R 1  is  
                 
 
 wherein the variables are chosen such that R 1  is —CH(OH)—CH 2 -S(O) 0-2 —. 
 
      A preferred compound of Formula (VIII) therefore, is one wherein G and G 1  are as defined above and in which the remaining variables have the following definitions:  
      Ar 1  is phenyl or R 10 -substituted phenyl, wherein R 10  is halogeno;  
      Ar 2  is phenyl or R 11 -phenyl, wherein R 11  is 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 6  alkoxy and halogeno;  
      Q is a bond and R 1  is lower alkylene; Q, with the 3-position ring carbon of the azetidinone, forms the group  
                 
 
 wherein preferably R 13  and R 14  are each ethylene and a and bare each 1, and wherein R 12  is  
                 
 
 Q is a bond and R 1  is —O—CH 2 —CH(OH)—; Q is a bond and R 1  is —CH(OH)—(CH 2 ) 2 —; or Q is a bond and R 1  is —CH(OH)—CH 2 —S(O) 0-2 —. 
 
      Preferred variables for G and G 1  groups of the formulae  
                 
 
 are as follows: 
 
      R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6  and R 7  are independently selected from the group is consisting of H, (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, benzyl and acetyl.  
      Preferred variables for group G or G 1  of the formula:  
                 
 
 are as follows: 
 
      R 3 , R 3a , R 4  and R 4a  are selected from the group consisting of H, (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, benzyl and acetyl;  
      R, R a  and R b  are independently selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, halogeno, —NH 2 , azido, (C 1 -C 6 )alkoxy(C 1 -C 6 )alkoxy and —W—R 30 ,  
      wherein W is —O—C(O)— or —O—C(O)—NR 31 —, R 31  is H and R 30  is (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, —C(O)—(C 1 -C 4 )alkoxy-(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, T ,T-(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or T or T-(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl wherein T is substituted by one or two halogeno or (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl groups.  
      Preferred R 30  substituents are selected from the group consisting of: 2-fluorophenyl, 2,4-difluoro-phenyl, 2,6-dichlorophenyl, 2-methylphenyl, 2-thienyltmethyl, 2-methoxy-carbonylethyl, thiazol-2-yl-methyl, 2-furyl, 2-methoxycarbonylbutyl and phenyl.  
      Preferred combinations of R, R a  and R b  are as follows: 
          1) R, R a  and R b  are independently —OH or —O—C(O)—NH—R 30 , especially wherein R a  is —OH and R and R b  are —O—C(O)—NH—R 30  and R 30  is selected from the preferred substituents identified above, or wherein R and R a  are each —OH and R b  is —O—C(O)—NH—R 30  wherein R 30  is 2-fluorophenyl, 2,4-difluoro-phenyl, 2,6-dichlorophenyl;     2) R a  is —OH, halogeno, azido or (C 1 -C 6 )-alkoxy(C 1 -C 6 )alkoxy, R b  is H, halogeno, azido or (C 1 -C 6 )alkoxy(C 1 -C 6 )-alkoxy, and R is —O—C(O)—NH—R 30 , especially compounds wherein R a  is —OH, R b  is H and R 30  is 2-fluorophenyl;     3) R, R a  and R b  are independently —OH or —O—C(O)—R 30  and R 30  is (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, T, or T substituted by one or two halogeno or (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl groups, especially compounds wherein R is —OH and R a  and R b  are —O—C(O)—R 30  wherein R 30  is 2-furyl; and     4) R, R a  and R b  are independently —OH or halogeno. Three additional classes of preferred compounds are those wherein the C 1′ anomeric oxy is beta, wherein the C 2′ anomeric oxy is beta, and wherein the R group is alpha. G and G 1  are preferably selected from:  
                 
                 
 
 wherein Ac is acetyl and Ph is phenyl. 
       

      Preferably, R 26  is H or OH, more preferably H. The —O—G substituent is preferably in the 4-position of the phenyl ring to which it is attached.  
      In another embodiment, sterol and/or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitors useful in the compositions and methods of the present invention are represented by Formula (IX) below:  
                 
 
 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein in Formula (IX): 
 
      R 1  is selected from the group consisting of H, G, G 1 , G 2 , —SO 3 H and —PO 3 H;  
      G is selected from the group consisting of: H,  
                 
 
 (sugar derivatives) 
 
      wherein R, R a  and R b  are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, halo, —NH 2 , azido, (C 1 -C 6 )alkoxy(C 1 -C 6 )alkoxy or —W—R 30 ;  
      W is independently selected from the group consisting of —NH—C(O)—, —O—C(O)—, —O—C(O)—N(R 31 )—, —NH—C(O)—N(R 31 )— and —O—C(S)—N(R 31 )—;  
      R 2  and R 6  are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, acetyl, aryl and aryl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl;  
      R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 7 , R 3a  and R 4a  are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, acetyl, aryl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, —C(O)(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl and —C(O)aryl;  
      R 30  is independently selected from the group consisting of R 32 -substituted T, R 32 -substituted-T-(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, R 32 -substituted-(C 2 -C 4 )alkenyl, R 32 -substituted-(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, R 32 -substituted-(C 3 -C 7 )cycloalkyl and R 32 -substituted-(C 3 -C 7 )cycloalkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl;  
      R 31  is independently selected from the group consisting of H and (C 1 -C 4 )alkyl;  
      T is independently selected from the group consisting of phenyl, furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, benzothiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl and pyridyl;  
      R 32  is independently selected from 1-3 substituents which are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, (C 1 -C 4 )alkyl, —OH, phenoxy, —CF 3 , —NO 2 , (C 1 -C 4 )alkoxy, methylenedioxy, oxo, (C 1 -C 4 )alkylsulfanyl, (C 1 -C 4 )alkylsulfinyl, (C 1 -C 4 )alkylsulfonyl, —N(CH 3 ) 2 , —C(O)—NH(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl, —C(O)—N((C 1 -C 4 )alkyl) 2 , —C(O)—(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl, —C(O)—(C 1 -C 4 )alkoxy and pyrrolidinylcarbonyl; or R 32  is a covalent bond and R 31 , the nitrogen to which it is attached and R 32  form a pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, N-methyl-piperazinyl, indolinyl or morpholinyl group, or a (C 1 -C 4 )alkoxycarbonyl-substituted pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, N-methylpiperazinyl, indolinyl or morpholinyl group;  
      G 1  is represented by the structure:  
                 
 
 wherein R 33  is independently selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted alkyl, R 34 -substituted alkyl, (R 35 )(R 36 )alkyl-,  
                 
 
      R 34  is one to three substituents, each R 34  being independently selected from the group consisting of HOOC—, HS—, (CH 3 )S—, H 2 N—, (NH 2 )(NH)C(NH)—, (NH 2 )C(O)— and HOOCCH(NH 3   + )CH 2 SS—;  
      R 35  is independently selected from the group consisting of H and NH 2 —;  
      R 36  is independently selected from the group consisting of H, unsubstituted alkyl, R 34 -substituted alkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl and R 34 -substituted cycloalkyl;  
      G 2  is represented by the structure:  
                 
 
 wherein R 37  and R 38  are each independently selected from the group consisting of (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl and aryl; 
 
      R 26  is one to five substituents, each R 26  being independently selected from the group consisting of: 
          a) H;     b) —OH;     c) —OCH 3 ;     d) fluorine;     e) chlorine;     f) —O-G;     g) —O-G 1 ;     h) —O-G 2 ;     i) —SO 3 H; and     j) —PO 3 H; 
 
 provided that when R 1  is H, R 26  is not H, —OH, —OCH 3  or —O-G; Ar 1  is aryl, R 10 -substituted aryl, heteroaryl or R 10 -substituted heteroaryl; Ar 2  is aryl, R 11 -substituted aryl, heteroaryl or R 11 -substituted heteroaryl; L is selected from the group consisting of: 
    a) a covalent bond;     b) —(CH 2 ) q —, wherein q is 1-6;     c) —(CH 2 ) e -E-(CH 2 ) r —, wherein E is —O—, —C(O)—, phenylene, —NR 22 — or —S(O) 0-2 —, e is 0-5 and r is 0-5, provided that the sum of e and r is 1-6;     d) —(C 2 -C 6 )alkenylene-;     e) —(CH 2 ) r —V—(CH 2 ) g —, wherein V is C 3 -C 6 cycloalkylene, f is 1-5 and g is 0-5, provided that the sum of f and g is 1-6; and     f)  
                 
 
 wherein M is —O—, —S—, —S(O)— or —S(O) 2 —; 
       

      X, Y and Z are each independently selected from the group consisting of —CH 2 —, —CH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl- and —C(di-(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl)-;  
      R 8  is selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl;  
      R 10  and R 11  are each independently selected from the group consisting of 1-3 substituents which are each independently selected from the group consisting of (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, —OR 19 , —O(CO)R 19 , —O(CO)OR 21 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-5 OR 19 , —O(CO)NR 19 R 20 , —NR 19 R 20 , —NR 19 (CO)R 20 , —NR 19 (CO)OR 21 , —NR 19 (CO)NR 20 R 25 , —NR 19 SO 2 R 21 , —COOR 19 , —CONR 19 R 20 , —COR 19 , —SO 2 NR 19 R 20 , S(O) 0-2 R 21 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-10 —COOR 19 , —O(CH 2 ) 1-10 CONR 19 R 20 , -(C 1 -C 6  alkylene)—COOR 19 , —CH═CH—COOR 19 , —CF 3 , —CN, —NO 2  and halo;  
      R 15  and R 17  are each independently selected from the group consisting of —OR 19 , —OC(O)R 19 , —OC(O)OR 21 , —OC(O)NR 19 R 20 ;  
      R 16  and R 18 are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl and aryl;  
      or R 15  and R 16  together are ═O, or R 17 and R 18  together are ═O;  
      d is 1, 2 or 3;  
      h is 0, 1, 2, 3or 4;  
      s is 0 or 1;  
      t is 0 or 1;  
      m, n and p are each independently selected from 0-4;  
      provided that at least one of s and t is 1, and the sum of m, n, p, s and t is 1-6; provided that when p is 0 and t is 1, the sum of m, n and p is 1-5; and provided that when p is 0 and s is 1, the sum of m, t and n is 1-5;  
      v is 0 or 1;  
      j and k are each independently 1-5, provided that the sum of j, k and v is 1-5;  
      Q is a bond, —(CH 2 ) q —, wherein q is 1-6, or, with the 3-position ring carbon of the azetidinone, forms the spiro group  
                 
 
 wherein R 12  is  
                 
 
 R 13  and R 14  are each independently selected from the group consisting of —CH 2 —, —CH(C 1 -C 6  alkyl)-, —C(di-(C 1 -C 6 ) alkyl), —CH═CH— and —C(C 1 -C 6  alkyl)═CH—; or R 12  together with an adjacent R 13 , or R 12  together with an adjacent R 14 , form a —CH═CH— or a —CH═C(C 1 -C 6  alkyl)- group; 
 
      a and b are each independently 0, 1, 2 or 3, provided both are not zero; provided that when R 13  is —CH═CH— or —C(C 1 -C 6  alkyl)═CH—, a is 1; provided that when R 14  is —CH═CH— or —C(C 1 -C 6  alkyl)═CH—, b is 1; provided that when a is 2 or 3, the R 13 &#39;s can be the same or different; and provided that when b is 2 or 3, the R 14 &#39;s can be the same or different; 
 
 and when Q is a bond and L is  
                 
 
 then Ar 1  can also be pyridyl, isoxazolyl, furanyl, pyrrolyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl or pyridazinyl; 
 
      R 19  and R 20  are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, aryl and aryl-substituted (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl;  
      R 21  is (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, aryl or R 24 -substituted aryl;  
      R 22  is H, (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, aryl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, —C(O)R 19  or —COOR 19 ;  
      R 23  and R 24  are each independently selected from the group consisting of 1-3 substituents which are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, (C 1 -C 6 )alkoxy, —COOH, NO 2 , —NR 19 R 20 , —OH and halo; and  
      R 25  is H, —OH or (C 1 -C 6 )alkoxy.  
      Examples of compounds of Formula (IX) which are useful in the methods and combinations of the present invention and methods for making such compounds are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/166,942, filed Jun. 11, 2002, incorporated herein by reference. An example of a useful compound of this invention is one represented by the formula X:  
                 
 
 wherein R 1  is defined as above. 
 
      A more preferred compound is one represented by formula XI:  
                 
 
 Another useful compound is represented by Formula XII:  
                 
 
 In another embodiment, compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, therapeutic combinations, kits and methods of treatment as described above are provided which comprise: (a) at least one obesity control medication; and (b) at least one sterol absorption inhibitor or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof or prodrugs thereof. Suitable sterol absorption inhibitors include substituted azetidinone compounds or substituted β-lactam compounds such as compounds discussed above in Formulae I-XII. Other useful substituted azetidinone compounds include N-sulfonyl-2-azetidinones such as are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,983,597 and ethyl 4-(2-oxoazetidin-4-yl)phenoxy-alkanoates such as are disclosed in Ram et al., Indian J. Chem. Sect. B. 29B, 12 (1990), p. 1134-7, which are incorporated by reference herein. 
 
      The compounds of Formulae I-XII can be prepared by known methods, including the methods discussed above and, for example, WO 93/02048 describes the preparation of compounds wherein —R 1 -Q- is alkylene, alkenylene or alkylene interrupted by a hetero atom, phenylene or cycloalkylene; WO 94/17038 describes the preparation of compounds wherein Q is a spirocyclic group; WO 95/08532 describes the preparation of compounds wherein —R 1 -Q- is a hydroxy-substituted alkylene group; PCT/US95/03196 describes compounds wherein —R 1 -Q- is a hydroxy-substituted alkylene attached to the Ar 1  moiety through an —O— or S(O) 0-2 — group; and U.S. Ser. No. 08/463,619, filed Jun. 5, 1995, describes the preparation of compounds wherein —R 1 -Q- is a hydroxy-substituted alkylene group attached the azetidinone ring by a —S(O) 0-2 — group.  
      The daily dose of the sterol absorption inhibitor(s) administered to the subject can range from about 0.1 to about 1000 mg per day, preferably about 0.25 to about 50 mg/day, and more preferably about 10 mg per day, given in a single dose or 24 divided doses. The exact dose, however, is determined by the attending clinician and is dependent on the potency of the compound administered, the age, weight, condition and response of the patient.  
      For administration of pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the above compounds, the weights indicated above refer to the weight of the acid equivalent or the base equivalent of the therapeutic compound derived from the salt.  
      The compositions or therapeutic combinations of the present invention can further comprise at least one (one or more) activators for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) which are chemically different from the obesity control medications above. These activators act as agonists for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Three subtypes of PPAR have been identified, and these are designated as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ). It should be noted that PPARδ is also referred to in the literature as PPARβ, and as NUC1, and each of these names refers to the same receptor.  
      PPARα regulates the metabolism of lipids. PPARα is activated by fibrates and a number of medium and long-chain fatty acids, and it is involved in stimulating βoxidation of fatty acids. The PPARγ receptor subtypes are involved in activating the program of adipocyte differentiation and are not involved in stimulating peroxisome proliferation in the liver. PPARδ has been identified as being useful in increasing high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in humans. See, e.g., WO 97/28149.  
      PPARα activator compounds are useful for, among other things, lowering triglycerides, moderately lowering LDL levels and increasing HDL levels. Useful examples of PPARα activators include fibrates.  
      Non-limiting examples of suitable fibric acid derivatives (“fibrates”) include clofibrate (such as ethyl 2-(p-chlorophenoxy)-2-methyl-propionate, for example ATROMID-S® Capsules which are commercially available from Wyeth-Ayerst); gemfibrozil (such as 5-(2,5-dimethylphenoxy)-2,2-dimethylpentanoic acid, for example LOPID® tablets which are commercially available from Parke Davis); ciprofibrate (C.A.S. Registry No. 52214-84-3, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,948,973 which is incorporated herein by reference); bezafibrate (C.A.S. Registry No. 41859-67-0, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,781,328 which is incorporated herein by reference); clinofibrate (C.A.S. Registry No. 30299-08-2, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,716,583 which is incorporated herein by reference); binifibrate (C.A.S. Registry No. 69047-39-8, see BE 884722 which is incorporated herein by reference); lifibrol (C.A.S. Registry No. 96609-16-4); fenofibrate (such as TRICOR® micronized fenofibrate (2-[4-(4-chlorobenzoyl) phenoxy]-2-methyl-propanoic acid, 1-methylethyl ester) which is commercially available from Abbott Laboratories or LIPANTHYL® micronized fenofibrate which is commercially available from Labortoire Founier, France) and mixtures thereof. These compounds can be used in a variety of forms, including but not limited to acid form, salt form, racemates, enantiomers, zwitterions and tautomers.  
      Other examples of PPARα activators useful with the practice of the present invention include suitable fluorophenyl compounds as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,028,109 which is incorporated herein by reference; certain substituted phenylpropionic compounds as disclosed in WO 00/75103 which is incorporated herein by reference; and PPARα activator compounds as disclosed in WO 98/43081 which is incorporated herein by reference.  
      Non-limiting examples of PPARγ activator include suitable derivatives of glitazones or thiazolidinediones, such as, troglitazone (such as REZULIN® troglitazone (-5-[[4-[3,4-dihydro-6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-yl)methoxy]phenyl]methyl]-2,4-thiazolidinedione) commercially available from Parke-Davis); rosiglitazone (such as AVANDIA® rosiglitazone maleate (-5-[[4-[2-(methyl-2-pyridinylamino)ethoxy]phenyl]methyl]-2,4-thiazolidinedione, -2-butenedioate) commercially available from SmithKline Beecham) and pioglitazone (such as ACTOS™ pioglitazone hydrochloride (5-[[4-[2-(5-ethyl-2-pyridinyl)ethoxy]phenyl]methyl]-2,4-]thiazolidinedione monohydrochloride) commercially available from Takeda Pharmaceuticals). Other useful thiazolidinediones include ciglitazone, englitazone, darglitazone and BRL 49653 as disclosed in WO 98/05331 which is incorporated herein by reference; PPARγ activator compounds disclosed in WO 00/76488 which is incorporated herein by reference; and PPARγ activator compounds disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,554 which is incorporated herein by reference.  
      Other useful classes of PPARγ activator compounds include certain acetylphenols as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,859,051 which is incorporated herein by reference; certain quinoline phenyl compounds as disclosed in WO 99/20275 which is incorporated herein by reference; aryl compounds as disclosed by WO 99/38845 which is incorporated herein by reference; certain 1,4-disubstituted phenyl compounds as disclosed in WO 00/63161; certain aryl compounds as disclosed in WO 01/00579 which is incorporated herein by reference; benzoic acid compounds as disclosed in WO 01/12612 &amp; WO 01/12187 which are incorporated herein by reference; and substituted 4-hydroxy-phenylalconic acid compounds as disclosed in WO 97/31907. which is incorporated herein by reference.  
      PPARδ compounds are useful for, among other things, lowering triglyceride levels or raising HDL levels. Non-limiting examples of PPARδ activators include suitable thiazole and oxazole derivates, such as C.A.S. Registry No. 317318-324, as disclosed in WO 01/00603 which is incorporated herein by reference); certain fluoro, chloro or thio phenoxy phenylacetic acids as disclosed in WO 97/28149 which is incorporated herein by reference; suitable non-β-oxidizable fatty acid analogues as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,365 which is incorporated herein by reference; and PPARδ compounds as disclosed in WO 99/04815 which is incorporated herein by reference.  
      Moreover, compounds that have multiple functionality for activating various combinations of PPARα, PPARγ and PPARδ are also useful with the practice of the present invention. Non-limiting examples include certain substituted aryl compounds as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,781; WO 00/23416; WO 00/23415; WO 00/23425; WO 00/23445; WO 00/23451; and WO 00/63153, all of which are incorporated herein by reference, are described as being useful PPARα and/or PPARγ activator compounds. Other non-limiting examples of useful PPARα and/or PPARγ activator compounds include activator compounds as disclosed in WO 97/25042 which is incorporated herein by reference; activator compounds as disclosed in WO 00/63190 which is incorporated herein by reference; activator compounds as disclosed in WO 01/21181 which is incorporated herein by reference; biaryl-oxa(thia)zole compounds as disclosed in WO 01/16120 which is incorporated herein by reference; compounds as disclosed in WO 00/63196 and WO 00/63209 which are incorporated herein by reference; substituted 5-aryl-2,4-thiazolidinediones compounds as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,008,237 which is incorporated herein by reference; arylthiazolidinedione and aryloxazolidinedione compounds as disclosed in WO 00/78312 and WO 00/78313G which are incorporated herein by reference; GW2331 or (2-(4-[difluorophenyl]-1 heptylureido)ethyl]phenoxy)-2-methylbutyric compounds as disclosed in WO 98/05331 which is incorporated herein by reference; aryl compounds as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,166,049 which is incorporated herein by reference; oxazole compounds as disclosed in WO 01/17994 which is incorporated herein by reference; and dithiolane compounds as disclosed in WO 01/25225 and WO 01/25226 which are incorporated herein by reference.  
      Other useful PPAR activator compounds include substituted benzylthiazolidine-2,4-dione compounds as disclosed in WO 01/14349, WO 01/14350 and WO/01/04351 which are incorporated herein by reference; mercaptocarboxylic compounds as disclosed in WO 00/50392 which is incorporated herein by reference; ascofuranone compounds as disclosed in WO 00/53563 which is incorporated herein by reference; carboxylic compounds as disclosed in WO 99/46232 which is incorporated herein by reference; compounds as disclosed in WO 99/12534 which is incorporated herein by reference; benzene compounds as disclosed in WO 99/15520 which is incorporated herein by reference; o-anisamide compounds as disclosed in WO 01/21578 which is incorporated herein by reference; and PPAR activator compounds as disclosed in WO 01/40192 which is incorporated herein by reference.  
      The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(s) activator(s) are administered in a therapeutically effective amount to treat the specified condition, for example in a daily dose preferably ranging from about 50 to about 3000 mg per day, and more preferably about 50 to about 2000 mg per day, given in a single dose or 2-4 divided doses. The exact dose, however, is determined by the attending clinician and is dependent on such factors as the potency of the compound administered, the age, weight, condition and response of the patient.  
      Also useful with the present invention are compositions or therapeutic combinations that can further comprise one or more pharmacological or therapeutic agents or drugs such as cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors and/or lipid-lowering agents discussed below.  
      Non-limiting examples of cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors for use in the compositions, therapeutic combinations and methods of the present invention include competitive inhibitors of HMG CoA reductase, the rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis, squalene synthase inhibitors, squalene epoxidase inhibitors and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable HMG CoA reductase inhibitors include statins such as lovastatin (for example MEVACOR® which is available from Merck &amp; Co.), pravastatin (for example PRAVACHOL® which is available from Bristol Meyers Squibb), fluvastatin, simvastatin (for example ZOCOR® which is available from Merck &amp; Co.), atorvastatin, cerivastatin, CI-981, rivastatin (sodium 7-(4-fluorophenyl)-2,6-diisopropyl-5-methoxymethylpyridin-3-yl)-3,5-dihydroxy-6-heptanoate) and pitavastatin (such as NK-104 of Negma Kowa of Japan); HMG CoA synthetase inhibitors, for example L-659,699 ((E,E)-11-[3′R-(hydroxy-methyl)-4′-oxo-2′R-oxetanyl]-3,5,7R-trimethyl-2,4-undecadienoic acid); squalene synthesis inhibitors, for example squalestatin 1; and squalene epoxidase inhibitors, for example, NB-598 ((E)-N-ethyl-N-(6,6-dimethyl-2-hepten-4-ynyl)-3-[(3,3′-bithiophen-5-yl)methoxy]benzene-methanamine hydrochloride) and other sterol biosynthesis inhibitors such as DMP-565. Preferred HMG CoA reductase inhibitors include lovastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin. The most preferred HMG CoA reductase inhibitor is simvastatin.  
      Generally, a total daily dosage of cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor(s) can range from about 0.1 to about 160 mg per day, and preferably about 0.2 to about 80 mg/day in single or 2-3 divided doses.  
      The compositions, therapeutic combinations or methods of the present invention can further comprise one or more bile acid sequestrants. Bile acid sequestrants bind bile acids in the intestine, interrupting the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids and causing an increase in the faecal excretion of steroids. Use of bile acid sequestrants is desirable because of their non-systemic mode of action. Bile acid sequestrants can lower intrahepatic cholesterol and promote the synthesis of apo B/E (LDL) receptors which bind LDL from plasma to further reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.  
      Non-limiting examples of suitable bile acid sequestrants include cholestyramine (a styrenedivinylbenzene copolymer containing quaternary ammonium cationic groups capable of binding bile acids, such as QUESTRAN® or QUESTRAN LIGHT® cholestyramine which are available from Bristol-Myers Squibb), colestipol (a copolymer of diethylenetriamine and 1-chloro-2,3-epoxypropane, such as COLESTID® tablets which are available from Pharmacia), colesevelam hydrochloride (such as WelChol® Tablets (poly(allylamine hydrochloride) cross-linked with epichlorohydrin and alkylated with 1-bromodecane and (6-bromohexyl)-trimethylammonium bromide) which are available from Sankyo), water soluble derivatives such as 3,3-ioene, N-(cycloalkyl) alkylamines and poliglusam, insoluble quatemized polystyrenes, saponins and mixtures thereof. Other useful bile acid sequestrants are disclosed in PCT Patent Applications Nos. WO 97/11345 and WO 98/57652, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,692,895 and 5,703,188 which are incorporated herein by reference. Suitable inorganic cholesterol sequestrants include bismuth salicylate plus montmorillonite clay, aluminum hydroxide and calcium carbonate antacids.  
      Generally, a total daily dosage of bile acid sequestrant(s) can range from about 1 to about 50 grams per day, and preferably about 2 to about 16 grams per day in single or 2-4 divided doses.  
      The compositions or treatments of the present invention can further comprise one or more ileal bile acid transport (“IBAT”) inhibitors (or apical sodium co-dependent bile acid transport (“ASBT”) inhibitors) coadministered with or in combination with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor activator(s) and sterol absorption inhibitor(s) discussed above. The IBAT inhibitors can inhibit bile acid transport to reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Non-limiting examples of suitable IBAT inhibitors include benzothiepines such as therapeutic compounds comprising a 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1-benzothiepine 1,1-dioxide structure such as are disclosed in PCT Patent Application WO 00/38727 which is incorporated herein by reference.  
      Generally, a total daily dosage of IBAT inhibitor(s) can range from about 0.01 to about 1000 mg/day, and preferably about 0.1 to about 50 mg/day in single or 2-4 divided doses.  
      The compositions or treatments of the present invention can further comprise nicotinic acid (niacin) and/or derivatives thereof. As used herein, “nicotinic acid derivative” means a compound comprising a pyridine-3-carboxylate structure or a pyrazine-2-carboxylate structure, including acid forms, salts, esters, zwitterions and tautomers, where available. Examples of nicotinic acid derivatives include niceritrol, nicofuranose and acipimox (5-methyl pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid 4-oxide). Nicotinic acid and its derivatives inhibit hepatic production of VLDL and its metabolite LDL and increases HDL and apo A-1 levels. An example of a suitable nicotinic acid product is NIASPAN® (niacin extended-release tablets) which are available from Kos.  
      Generally, a total daily dosage of nicotinic acid or a derivative thereof can range from about 500 to about 10,000 mg/day, preferably about 1000 to about 8000 mg/day, and more preferably about 3000 to about 6000 mg/day in single or divided doses.  
      The compositions or treatments of the present invention can further comprise one or more AcylCoA:Cholesterol O-acyltransferase (“ACAT”) Inhibitors, which can reduce LDL and VLDL levels, coadministered with or in combination with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor activator(s) and sterol absorption inhibitor(s) discussed above. ACAT is an enzyme responsible for esterifying excess intracellular cholesterol and may reduce the synthesis of VLDL, which is a product of cholesterol esterification, and overproduction of apo B-100-containing lipoproteins.  
      Non-limiting examples of useful ACAT inhibitors include avasimibe ([[2,4,6-tris(1-methylethyl)phenyl]acetyl]sulfarmic acid, 2,6-bis(1-methylethyl)phenyl ester, formerly known as CI-1011), HL-004, lecimibide (DuP-128) and CL-277082 (N-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-N-[[4-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)phenyl]methyl]-N-heptylurea). See P. Chang et al., “Current, New and Future Treatments in Dyslipidaemia and Atherosclerosis”,  Drugs  2000 July; 60(1); 55-93, which is incorporated by reference herein.  
      Generally, a total daily dosage of ACAT inhibitor(s) can range from about 0.1 to about 1000 mg/day in single or 2-4 divided doses.  
      The compositions or treatments of the present invention can further comprise one or more Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (“CETP”) Inhibitors coadministered with or in combination with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor activator(s) and sterol absorption inhibitor(s) discussed above. CETP is responsible for the exchange or transfer of cholesteryl ester carrying HDL and triglycerides in VLDL.  
      Non-limiting examples of suitable CETP inhibitors are disclosed in PCT Patent Application No. WO 00/38721 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,147,090, which are incorporated herein by reference. Pancreatic cholesteryl ester hydrolase (PCEH) inhibitors such as WAY-121898 also can be coadministered with or in combination with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(s) activator and sterol absorption inhibitor(s) discussed above.  
      Generally, a total daily dosage of CETP inhibitor(s) can range from about 0.01 to about 1000 mg/day, and preferably about 0.5 to about 20 mg/kg body weight/day in single or divided doses.  
      The compositions or treatments of the present invention can further comprise probucol or derivatives thereof (such as AGI-1067 and other derivatives disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,121,319 and 6,147,250), which can reduce LDL levels, coadministered with or in combination with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor activator(s) and sterol absorption inhibitor(s) discussed above.  
      Generally, a total daily dosage of probucol or derivatives thereof can range from about 10 to about 2000 mg/day, and preferably about 500 to about 1500 mg/day in single or 2-4 divided doses.  
      The compositions or treatments of the present invention can further comprise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor activators, coadministered with or in combination with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor activator(s) and sterol absorption inhibitor(s) discussed above. Non-limiting examples of suitable LDL-receptor activators include HOE-402, an imidazolidinyl-pyrimidine derivative that directly stimulates LDL receptor activity. See M. Huettinger et al., “Hypolipidemic activity of HOE-402 is Mediated by Stimulation of the LDL Receptor Pathway”, Arterioscler. Thromb. 1993; 13:1005-12.  
      Generally, a total daily dosage of LDL receptor activator(s) can range from about 1 to about 1000 mg/day in single or 2-4 divided doses.  
      The compositions or treatments of the present invention can further comprise fish oil, which contains Omega 3 fatty acids (3-PUFA), which can reduce VLDL and triglyceride levels, coadministered with or in combination with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor activator(s) and sterol absorption inhibitor(s) discussed above. Generally, a total daily dosage of fish oil or Omega 3 fatty acids can range from about 1 to about 30 grams per day in single or 2-4 divided doses.  
      The compositions or treatments of the present invention can further comprise natural water soluble fibers, such as psyllium, guar, oat and pectin, which can reduce cholesterol levels. Generally, a total daily dosage of natural water soluble fibers can range from about 0.1 to about 10 grams per day in single or 2-4 divided doses.  
      The compositions or treatments of the present invention can further comprise plant sterols, plant stanols and/or fatty acid esters of plant stanols, such as sitostanol ester used in BENECOL® margarine, which can reduce cholesterol levels. Generally, a total daily dosage of plant sterols, plant stanols and/or fatty acid esters of plant stanolscanrangefromabout 0.5 to about 20 grams per day in singleor 2-4 divided doses.  
      The compositions or treatments of the present invention can further comprise antioxidants, such as probucol, tocopherol, ascorbic acid, β-carotene and selenium, or vitamins such as vitamin B 6  or vitamin B 12 . Generally, a total daily dosage of antioxidants or vitamins can range from about 0.05 to about 10 grams per day in single or 2-4 divided doses.  
      The compositions or treatments of the present invention can further comprise monocyte and macrophage inhibitors such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), thyroid hormones including throxine analogues such as CGS-26214 (a thyroxine compound with a fluorinated ring), gene therapy and use of recombinant proteins such as recombinant apo E. Generally, a total daily dosage of these agents can range from about 0.01 to about 1000 mg/day in single or 2-4 divided doses.  
      The present invention also provides a composition or therapeutic combination comprising (a) at least one AcylCoA:Cholesterol O-acyltransferase Inhibitor and (b) at least one substituted azetidinone compound or substituted β-lactam compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a prodrug thereof.  
      Also useful with the present invention are compositions or therapeutic combinations which further comprise hormone replacement agents and compositions. Useful hormone agents and compositions for hormone replacement therapy of the present invention include androgens, estrogens, progestins, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and derivatives. Combinations of these agents and compositions are also useful.  
      The dosage of androgen and estrogen combinations vary, desirably from about 1 mg to about 4 mg androgen and from about 1 mg to about 3 mg estrogen. Examples include, but are not limited to, androgen and estrogen combinations such as the combination of esterified estrogens (sodium estrone sulfate and sodium equilin sulfate) and methyltestosterone (17-hydroxy-17-methyl-, (1 7B)-androst4-en-3-one) available from Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Marietta, Ga., under the tradename Estratest.  
      Estrogens and estrogen combinations may vary in dosage from about 0.01 mg up to 8 mg, desirably from about 0.3mg to about 3.0mg. Examples of useful estrogens and estrogen combinations include:  
      (a) the blend of nine (9) synthetic estrogenic substances including sodium estrone sulfate, sodium equilin sulfate, sodium 17 α-dihydroequilin sulfate, sodium 17 α-estradiol sulfate, sodium 17 β-dihydroequilin sulfate, sodium 17 α-dihydroequilenin sulfate, sodium 17 β-dihydroequilenin sulfate, sodium equilenin sulfate and sodium 17 β-estradiol sulfate; available from Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, under the tradename Cenestin;  
      (b) ethinyl estradiol (19-nor-17 α-pregna-1,3,5(10-trien-20-yne-3,17-diol; available by Schering Plough Corporation, Kenilworth, N.J., under the tradename Estinyl;  
      (c) esterified estrogen combinations such as sodium estrone sulfate and sodium equilin sulfate; available from Solvay under the tradename Estratab and from Monarch Pharmaceuticals, Bristol, Tenn., under the tradename Menest;  
      (d) estropipate (piperazine estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one, 3-(sulfooxy)-estrone sulfate); available from Pharmacia &amp; Upjohn, Peapack, N.J., under the tradename Ogen and from Women First Health Care, Inc., San Diego, Calif., under the tradename Ortho-Est; and  
      (e) conjugated estrogens (17 α-dihydroequilin, 17 α-estradiol, and 17 β-dihydroequilin); available from Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals, Philadelphia, Pa., under the tradename Premarin.  
      Progestins and estrogens may also be administered with a variety of dosages, generally from about 0.05 to about 2.0 mg progestin and about 0.001 mg to about 2 mg estrogen, desirably from about 0.1 mg to about 1 mg progestin and about 0.01 mg to about 0.5 mg estrogen. Examples of progestin and estrogen combinations that may vary in dosage and regimen include:  
      (a) the combination of estradiol (estra-1,3,5 (10triene-3,17β-diol hemihydrate) and norethindrone (17 β-acetoxy-19-nor-17 α-pregn4-en-20-yn-3-one); which is available from Pharmacia &amp; Upjohn, Peapack, N.J., under the tradename Activella;  
      (b) the combination of levonorgestrel (d(−)-13 P-ethyl-17 α-ethinyl-17β-hydroxygon-4-en-3-one) and ethinyl estradial; available from Wyeth-Ayerst under the tradename Alesse, from Watson Laboratories, Inc., Corona, Calif., under the tradenames Levora and Trivora, Monarch Pharmaceuticals, under the tradename Nordette, and from Wyeth-Ayerst under the tradename Triphasil;  
      (c) the combination of ethynodiol diacetate (19-nor-17 α-pregn-4-en-20-yne-3β,17-diol diacetate) and ethinyl estradiol; available from G.D. Searle &amp; Co., Chicago, Ill., under the tradename Demulen and from Watson under the tradename Zovia;  
      (d) the combination of desogestrel (13-ethyl-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17 α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-17-ol) and ethinyl estradiol; available from Organon under the tradenames Desogen and Mircette, and from Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Raritan, N.J., under the tradename Ortho-Cept;  
      (e) the combination of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol; available from Parke-Davis, Morris Plains, N.J., under the tradenames Estrostep and femhrt, from Watson under the tradenames Microgestin, Necon, and Tri-Norinyl, from Ortho-McNeil under the tradenames Modicon and Ortho-Novum, and from Warner Chilcolt Laboratories, Rockaway, N.J., under the tradename Ovcon;  
      (f) the combination of norgestrel ((±)-13-ethyl-17-hydroxy-18,19-dinor-17 α-preg-4-en-20-yn-3-one) and ethinyl estradiol; available from Wyeth-Ayerst under the tradenames Ovral and Lo/Ovral, and from Watson under the tradenames Ogestrel and Low-Ogestrel;  
      (g) the combination of norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol, and mestranol (3-methoxy-19-nor-17 α-pregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-20-yn-17-ol); available from Watson under the tradenames Brevicon and Norinyl;  
      (h) the combination of 17β-estradiol (estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17 β-diol) and micronized norgestimate (17 α-17-(Acetyloxyl)-13-ethyl-18,19-dinorpregn4-en-20-yn-3-one3-oxime); available from Ortho-McNeil under the tradename Ortho-Prefest;  
      (i) the combination of norgestimate (18,19-dinor-17-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one, 17-(acetyloxy)-13-ethyl-,oxime, (17(α)-(+)-) and ethinyl estradiol; available from Ortho-McNeil under the tradenames Ortho Cyclen and Ortho Tri-Cyclen; and  
      (j) the combination of conjugated estrogens (sodium estrone sulfate and sodium equilin sulfate) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (20-dione, 17-(acetyloxy)-6-methyl-, (6(α))-pregn4-ene-3); available from Wyeth-Ayerst under the tradenames Premphase and Prempro.  
      In general, a dosage of progestins may vary from about .05 mg to about 10 mg or up to about 200 mg if microsized progesterone is administered. Examples of progestins include norethindrone; available from ESI Lederle, Inc., Philadelphia, Pa., under the tradename Aygestin, from Ortho-McNeil under the tradename Micronor, and from Watson under the tradename Nor-QD; norgestrel; available from Wyeth-Ayerst under the tradename Ovrette; micronized progesterone (pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione); available from Solvay under the tradename Prometrium; and medroxyprogesterone acetate; available from Pharmacia &amp; Upjohn under the tradename Provera.  
      The compositions, therapeutic combinations or methods of the present invention can further comprise one or more blood modifiers. Useful blood modifiers include but are not limited to anti-coagulants (argatroban, bivalirudin, dalteparin sodium, desirudin, dicumarol, lyapolate sodium, nafamostat mesylate, phenprocoumon, tinzaparin sodium, warfarin sodium); antithrombotic (anagrelide hydrochloride, bivalirudin, cilostazol, dalteparin sodium, danaparoid sodium, dazoxiben hydrochloride, efegatran sulfate, enoxaparin sodium, fluretofen, ifetroban, ifetroban sodium, lamifiban, lotrafiban hydrochloride, napsagatran, orbofiban acetate, roxifiban acetate, sibrafiban, tinzaparin sodium, trifenagrel, abciximab, zolimomab aritox); fibrinogen receptor antagonists (roxifiban acetate, fradafiban, orbofiban, lotrafiban hydrochloride, tirofiban, xemilofiban, monoclonal antibody 7E3, sibrafiban); platelet inhibitors (cilostazol, clopidogrel bisulfate, epoprostenol, epoprostenol sodium, ticlopidine hydrochloride, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, sulindae, idomethacin, mefenamate, droxicam, diclofenac, sulfinpyrazone, piroxicam, dipyridamole); platelet aggregation inhibitors (acadesine, beraprost, beraprost sodium, ciprostene calcium, itazigrel, lifarizine, lotrafiban hydrochloride, orbofiban acetate, oxagrelate, fradafiban, orbofiban, tirofiban, xemilofiban); hemorrheologic agents (pentoxifylline); lipoprotein associated coagulation inhibitor; Factor VIIa inhibitors (4H-31-benzoxazin-4-ones, 4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-thiones, quinazolin-4-ones, quinazolin-4-thiones, benzothiazin-4-ones, imidazolyl-boronic acid-derived peptide analogues TFPI-derived peptides, naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid {1-[3-(aminoiminomethyl)-benzyl]-2-oxo-pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl} amide trifluoroacetate, dibenzofuran-2-sulfonic acid {1-[3-(aminomethyl)-benzyl]-5-oxo-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-amide, tolulene-4-sulfonic acid {1-[3-(aminoiminomethyl)-benzyl]-2-oxo-pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl}amide trifluoroacetate, 3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinoline-2-sulfonic acid {1-[3-(aminoiminomethyl)-benzyl]-2-oxo-pyrrolin-3-(S)-yl}-amide trifluoroacetate); Factor Xa inhibitors (disubstituted pyrazolines, disubstituted triazolines, substituted n-[(aminoiminomethyl)phenyl]propylamides, substituted n-[(aminomethyl)phenyl]propylamides, tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), low molecular weight heparins, heparinoids, benzimidazolines, benzoxazolinones, benzopiperazinones, indanones, dibasic (amidinoaryl) propanoic acid derivatives, amidinophenyl-pyrrolidines, amidinophenyl-pyrrolines, amidinophenyl-isoxazolidines, amidinoindoles, amidinoazoles, bis-arlysulfonylaminobenzamide derivatives, peptidic Factor Xa inhibitors).  
      The compositions, therapeutic combinations or methods of the present invention can further comprise one or more cardiovascular agents different from the sterol absorption inhibitors discussed above. Useful cardiovascular agents include but are not limited to calcium channel blockers (clentiazem maleate, amlodipine besylate, isradipine, nimodipine, felodipine, nilvadipine, nifedipine, teludipine hydrochloride, diltiazem hydrochloride, belfosdil, verapamil hydrochloride, fostedil); adrenergic blockers (fenspiride hydrochloride, labetalol hydrochloride, proroxan, alfuzosin hydrochloride, acebutolol, acebutolol hydrochloride, alprenolol hydrochloride, atenolol, bunolol hydrochloride, carteolol hydrochloride, celiprolol hydrochloride, cetamolol hydrochloride, cicloprolol hydrochloride, dexpropranolol hydrochloride, diacetolol hydrochloride, dilevalol hydrochloride, esmolol hydrochloride, exaprolol hydrochloride, flestolol sulfate, labetalol hydrochloride, levobetaxolol hydrochloride, levobunolol hydrochloride, metalol hydrochloride, metoprolol, metoprolol tartrate, nadolol, pamatolol sulfate, penbutolol sulfate, practolol, propranolol hydrochloride, sotalol hydrochloride, timolol, timolol maleate, tiprenolol hydrochloride, tolamolol, bisoprolol, bisoprolol fumarate, nebivolol); adrenergic stimulants; angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (benazepril hydrochloride, benazeprilat, captopril, delapril hydrochloride, fosinopril sodium, libenzapril, moexipril hydrochloride, pentopril, perindopril, quinapril hydrochloride, quinaprilat, ramipril, spirapril hydrochloride, spiraprilat, teprotide, enalapril maleate, lisinopril, zofenopril calcium, perindopril erbumine); antihypertensive agents (althiazide, benzthiazide, captopril, carvedilol, chlorothiazide sodium, clonidine hydrochloride, cyclothiazide, delapril hydrochloride, dilevalol hydrochloride, doxazosin mesylate, fosinopril sodium, guanfacine hydrochloride, methyidopa, metoprolol succinate, moexipril hydrochloride, monatepil maleate, pelanserin hydrochloride, phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride, prazosin hydrochloride, primidolol, quinapril hydrochloride, quinaprilat, ramipril, terazosin hydrochloride, candesartan, candesartan cilexetil, telmisartan, amlodipine besylate, amlodipine maleate, bevantolol hydrochloride); angiotensin II receptor antagonists (candesartan, irbesartan, losartan potassium, candesartan cilexetil, telmisartan); anti-anginal agents (amlodipine besylate, amlodipine maleate, betaxolol hydrochloride, bevantolol hydrochloride, butoprozine hydrochloride, carvedilol, cinepazet maleate, metoprolol succinate, molsidomine, monatepil maleate, primidolol, ranolazine hydrochoride, tosifen, verapamil hydrochloride); coronary vasodilators (fostedil, azaclorzine hydrochloride, chromonar hydrochloride, clonitrate, diltiazem hydrochloride, dipyridamole, droprenilamine, erythrityl tetranitrate, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, lidoflazine, mioflazine hydrochloride, mixidine, molsidomine, nicorandil, nifedipine, nisoldipine, nitroglycerine, oxprenolol hydrochloride, pentrinitrol, perhexiline maleate, prenylamine, propatyl nitrate, terodiline hydrochloride, tolamolol, verapamil); diuretics (the combination product of hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone and the combination product of hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene).  
      The compositions, therapeutic combinations or methods of the present invention can further comprise one or more antidiabetic medications for reducing blood glucose levels in a human. Useful antidiabetic medications include, but are not limited to, drugs that reduce energy intake or suppress appetite, drugs that increase energy expenditure and nutrient-partitioning agents. Suitable antidiabetic medications include, but are not limited to, sulfonylurea (such as acetohexamide, chlorpropamide, gliamilide, gliclazide, glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide, glibenclamide, tolazamide, and tolbutamide), meglitinide (such as repaglinide and nateglinide), biguanide (such as metformin and buformin), thiazolidinedione (such as troglitazone, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, ciglitazone, englitazone, and darglitazone), alpha-glucosidase inhibitor (such as acarbose, miglitol, camiglibose, and voglibose), certain peptides (such as amlintide, pramlintide, exendin, and GLP-1 agonistic peptides), and orally administrable insulin or insulin composition for intestinal delivery thereof. Generally, a total dosage of the above-described antidiabetic medications can range from 0.1 to 1,000 mg/day in single or 2-4 divided doses.  
      Mixtures of any of the pharmacological or therapeutic agents described above can be used in the compositions and therapeutic combinations of these other embodiments of the present invention.  
      In another embodiment, a method of treating or preventing obesity is provided comprising the step of administering to a subject in need of such treatment an effective amount of a composition comprising at least one sterol absorption inhibitor and/or at least one 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor.  
      In another embodiment, a method of treating or preventing obesity is provided comprising the step of administering to a subject in need of such treatment an effective amount of a composition comprising at least one sterol and/or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor represented by Formula II below:  
                 
 
      The compositions and therapeutic combinations of the present invention can be administered to a subject in need of such treatment in a therapeutically effective amount to treat vascular conditions and/or obesity. The compositions and treatments can be administered by any suitable means that produce contact of these compounds with the site of action in the body, for example in the plasma, liver or small intestine of a subject.  
      The daily dosage for the various compositions and therapeutic combinations described above can be administered to a subject in a single dose or in multiple subdoses, as desired. Subdoses can be administered 2 to 6 times per day, for example. Sustained release dosages can be used. Where the obesity control medication(s) and sterol absorption inhibitor(s) are administered in separate dosages, the number of doses of each component given per day may not necessarily be the same, e.g., one component may have a greater duration of activity and will therefore need to be administered less frequently.  
      The compositions, therapeutic combinations or medicaments of the present invention can further comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, one or more excipients and/or one or more additives. The pharmaceutical compositions can comprise about 1 to about 99 weight percent of active ingredient (one or more compounds of Formula I-XII), and preferably about 5 to about 95 percent active ingredient.  
      Useful pharmaceutically acceptable carriers can be either solid, liquid or gas. Non-limiting examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include solids and/or liquids such as magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, talc, sugar, lactose, ethanol, glycerol, water and the like. The amount of carrier in the treatment composition or therapeutic combination can range from about 5 to about 99 weight percent of the total weight of the treatment composition or therapeutic combination. Non-limiting examples of suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and additives include non-toxic compatible fillers, binders such as starch, polyvinyl pyrrolidone or cellulose ethers, disintegrants such as sodium starch glycolate, crosslinked polyvinyl pyrrolidone or croscarmellose sodium, buffers, preservatives, anti-oxidants, lubricants, flavorings, thickeners, coloring agents, wetting agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate, emulsifiers and the like. The amount of excipient or additive can range from about 0.1 to about 95 weight percent of the total weight of the treatment composition or therapeutic combination. One skilled in the art would understand that the amount of carrier(s), excipients and additives (if present) can vary. Further examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and methods of manufacture for various compositions can be found in A. Gennaro (ed.), Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 20 th  Edition, (2000), Lippincott Williams &amp; Wilkins, Baltimore, Md.  
      Useful solid form preparations include powders, tablets, dispersible granules, capsules, cachets and suppositories. An example of a preparation of a preferred solid form dosage formulation is provided below.  
      Useful liquid form preparations include solutions, suspensions and emulsions. As an example may be mentioned water or water-propylene glycol solutions for parenteral injection or addition of sweeteners and opacifiers for oral solutions, suspensions and emulsions. Liquid form preparations may also include solutions for intranasal administration.  
      Aerosol preparations suitable for inhalation may include solutions and solids in powder form, which may be in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, such as an inert compressed gas, e.g. nitrogen.  
      Also useful are solid form preparations which are intended to be converted, shortly before use, to liquid form preparations for either oral or parenteral administration. Such liquid forms include solutions, suspensions and emulsions.  
      The compounds of the invention may also be deliverable transdermally. The transdermal compositions can take the form of creams, lotions, aerosols and/or emulsions and can be included in a transdermal patch of the matrix or reservoir type as are conventional in the art for this purpose.  
      Preferably the compound is administered orally.  
      In another embodiment, the present invention provides the use of at least one compound represented by Formulae (I-XII) for manufacture of a medicament (such as one of the compositions discussed above) for the treatment of obesity.  
      The following formulation exemplifies one of the dosage forms of this invention. In the formulation, the term “Active Compound I” designates a sterol or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor such as any of the compounds of Formulas I-XII described herein above and the term “Active Compound II” designates an obesity control medication described herein above.  
     EXAMPLE  
     
       
         
           
               
            
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Tablets 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 No. 
                 Ingredient 
                 mg/tablet 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 1 
                 Active Compound I 
                 10 
               
               
                 2 
                 Lactose monohydrate NF 
                 55 
               
               
                 3 
                 Microcrystalline cellulose NF 
                 20 
               
               
                 4 
                 Povidone USP (K29-32) 
                 4 
               
               
                 5 
                 Croscarmellose sodium NF 
                 8 
               
               
                 6 
                 Sodium lauryl sulfate NF 
                 2 
               
               
                 7 
                 Magnesium stearate NF 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                 Total 
                 100 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
      In the present invention, the above-described tablet can be coadministered with a tablet, capsule, etc. comprising a dosage of Active Compound II, for example an obesity control medication as described above.  
      Method of Manufacture  
      Mix Item No. 4 with purified water in suitable mixer to form binder solution. Spray the binder solution and then water over Items 1, 2 and 6 and a portion of item 5 in a fluidized bed processor to granulate the ingredients. Continue fluidization to dry the damp granules. Screen the dried granule and blend with Item No. 3 and the remainder of Item No. 5. Add Item No. 7 and mix. Compress the mixture to appropriate size and weight on a suitable tablet machine.  
      For coadministration in separate tablets or capsules, representative formulations comprising a sterol or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor such as are discussed above are well known in the art and representative formulations comprising an obesity control medication such as are discussed above are well known in the art. It is contemplated that where the two active ingredients are administered as a single composition, the dosage forms disclosed above for sterol or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor may readily be modified using the knowledge of one skilled in the art.  
      Since the present invention relates to controlling obesity and/or reducing the plasma sterol (especially cholesterol) or 5α-stanol concentrations or levels by treatment with a combination of active ingredients wherein the active ingredients may be administered separately, the invention also relates to combining separate pharmaceutical compositions in kit form. That is, a kit is contemplated wherein two separate units are combined: a pharmaceutical composition comprising at-least- one-obesity control medication and a separate pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one sterol absorption inhibitor as described above. The kit will preferably include directions for the administration of the separate components. The kit form is particularly advantageous when the separate components must be administered in different dosage forms (e.g., oral and parenteral) or are administered at different dosage intervals.  
      The treatment compositions and therapeutic combinations of the present invention can inhibit the intestinal absorption of cholesterol in subjects and can be useful in the treatment and/or prevention of vascular conditions, such as vascular inflammation, atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia and sitosterolemia, stroke, obesity and lowering of plasma levels of cholesterol in subjects, in particular in humans.  
      In another embodiment of the present invention, the compositions and therapeutic combinations of the present invention can reduce plasma concentration of at least one sterol selected from the group consisting of cholesterol and phytosterols (such as sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol and avenosterol), or 5α-stanols (such as cholestanol, 5α-campestanol, 5α-sitostanol), and mixtures thereof. The plasma concentration can be reduced by administering to a subject in need of such treatment an effective amount of at least one treatment composition comprising at least one sterol and/or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor described above or a treatment composition or therapeutic combination comprising at least one obesity control medication and at least one sterol and/or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor described above. The reduction in plasma concentration of sterols can range from about 1 to about 70 percent, and preferably about 10 to about 50 percent. Methods of measuring serum total blood cholesterol and total LDL cholesterol are well known to those skilled in the art and for example include those disclosed in PCT WO 99/38498 at page 11, incorporated by reference herein. Methods of determining levels of other sterols in serum are disclosed in H. Gylling et al., “Serum Sterols During Stanol Ester Feeding in a Mildly Hypercholesterolemic Population”, J. Lipid Res. 40: 593-600 (1999), incorporated by reference herein.  
      Illustrating the preparation of a compound of Formula II is the following example which, however, is not to be considered as limiting the invention to their details. Unless otherwise indicated, all parts and percentages in the following examples, as well as throughout the specification, are by weight.  
     EXAMPLE  
     Preparation of Compound of Formula (II)  
      Step 1): To a solution of (S)-4-phenyl-2-oxazolidinone (41 g, 0.25 mol) in CH 2 Cl 2  (200 ml), was added 4-dimethylaminopyridine (2.5 g, 0.02 mol) and triethylamine (84.7 ml, 0.61 mol) and the reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. Methyl-4-(chloroformyl)butyrate (50 g, 0.3 mol) was added as a solution in CH 2 Cl 2  (375 ml) dropwise over 1 h, and the reaction was allowed to warm to 22° C. After 17 h, water and H 2 SO 4  (2N, 100 ml), was added the layers were separated, and the organic layer was washed sequentially with NaOH (10%), NaCl (sat&#39;d) and water. The organic layer was dried over MgSO 4  and concentrated to obtain a semicrystalline product.  
      Step 2): To a solution of TiCl 4  (18.2 ml, 0.165 mol) in CH 2 Cl 2  (600 ml) at 0° C., was added titanium isopropoxide (16.5 ml, 0.055 mol). After 15 min, the product of Step 1 (49.0 g, 0.17 mol) was added as a solution in CH 2 Cl 2  (100 ml). After 5 min., diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) (65.2 ml, 0.37 mol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h, the reaction mixture was cooled to −20° C., and 4-benzyloxybenzylidine(4-fluoro)aniline (114.3 g, 0.37 mol) was added as a solid. The reaction mixture was stirred vigorously for 4 h at −20° C., then acetic acid was added as a solution in CH 2 Cl 2  dropwise over 15 min, the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to 0° C., and H 2 SO 4  (2N) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred an additional 1 h, the layers were separated, washed with water, separated and the organic layer was dried. The crude product was crystallized from ethanol/wvater to obtain the pure intermediate.  
      Step 3): To a solution of the product of Step 2 (8.9 g, 14.9 mmol) in toluene (100 ml) at 50° C., was added N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide (BSA) (7.50 ml, 30.3 mmol). After 0.5 h, solid TBAF (0.39 g, 1.5 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 50° C. for an additional 3 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to 22° C., CH 3 OH (10 ml), was added. The reaction mixture was washed with HCl (1N), NaHCO 3  (1N) and NaCl (sat&#39;d.), and the organic layer was dried over MgSO 4 .  
      Step 4): To a solution of the product of Step 3 (0.94 g, 2.2 mmol) in CH 3 OH (3 ml), was added water (1 ml) and LiOH.H 2 O (102 mg, 2.4 mmole). The reaction mixture was stirred at 22° C. for 1 h and then additional LiOH.H 2 O (54 mg, 1.3 mmole) was added. After a total of 2 h, HCl (1N) and EtOAc was added, the layers were separated, the organic layer was dried and concentrated in vacuo. To a solution of the resultant product (0.91 g, 2.2 mmol) in CH 2 Cl 2  at 22° C., was added ClCOCOCl (0.29 ml, 3.3 mmol) and the mixture stirred for 16 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo.  
      Step 5): To an efficiently stirred suspension of 4-fluorophenylzinc chloride (4.4 mmol) prepared from 4-fluorophenylmagnesium bromide (1 M in THF, 4.4 ml, 4.4 mmol) and ZnCl 2  (0.6 g, 4.4 mmol) at 4° C., was added tetrakis (triphenyl-phosphine)palladium (0.25 g, 0.21 mmol) followed by the product of Step 4 (0.94 g, 2.2 mmol) as a solution in THF (2 ml). The reaction was stirred for 1 h at 0° C. and then for 0.5 h at 22° C. HCl (1N, 5 ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was concentrated to an oil and purified by silica gel chromatography to obtain 1-(4-fluorophenyl )-4(S)-(4-hydroxyphenylI3(R)-(3-oxo-3-phenylpropyl)-2-azetidinone:  
      HRMS calc&#39;d for C 24 H 19 F 2 NO 3 =408.1429, found 408.1411.  
      Step 6): To the product of Step 5 (0.95 g, 1.91 mmol) in THF (3 ml), was added (R)-tetrahydro-1-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-1 H ,3H-pyrrolo-[1,2-c][1,3,2]oxazaborole (120 mg, 0.43 mmol) and the mixture was cooled to −20° C. After 5 min, borohydride-dimethylsulfide complex (2M in THF, 0.85 ml, 1.7 mmol) was added dropwise over 0.5 is h. After a total of 1.5 h , CH 3 OH was added followed by HCl (1 N) and the reaction mixture was extracted with EtOAc to obtain 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(R)-[3(S)-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl)]-4(S)-[4-(phenylmethoxy)phenyl]-2-azetidinone (compound 6A-1) as an oil.  1  H in CDCl 3  d H3 =4.68. J=2.3 Hz. Cl (M+H) 500.  
      Use of (S)-tetra-hydro-1-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-1H,3H-pyrrolo-[1,2-c][1,3,2]oxazaborole gives the corresponding 3(R)-hydroxypropyl azetidinone (compound 6B-1).  1 H in CDCl 3  d H3 =4.69. J=2.3 Hz. Cl (M+H) 500.  
      To a solution of compound 6A-1 (0.4 g, 0.8 mmol) in ethanol (2 ml), was added 10% Pd/C (0.03 g) and the reaction mixture was stirred under a pressure (60 psi) of H 2  gas for 16 h. The reaction mixture was filtered and the solvent was concentrated to obtain compound 6A. Mp 164-166° C.; Cl (M+H) 410. [α] D   25  =−28.10° C. (c 3, CH 3 OH) Elemental analysis calc&#39;d for C 24 H 21  F 2 NO 3 : C, 70.41; H, 5.17; N, 3.42; found C, 70.25; H 5.19; N 3.54.  
      Similarly treat compound 6B-1 to obtain compound 6B. Mp 129.5-132.5° C.; Cl (M+H)410. Elemental analysis calc&#39;d for C 24 H 21 F 2 NO 3 : C, 70.41; H, 5.17; N, 3.42; found C, 70.30; H, 5.14; N, 3.52.  
      Step 6′ (Alternative): To a solution of the product of Step 5 (0.14 g, 0.3 mmol) in ethanol (2 ml), was added 10% Pd/C (0.03 g) and the reaction was stirred under a pressure (60 psi) of H 2  gas for 16 h. The reaction mixture was filtered and the solvent was concentrated to afford a 1:1 mixture of compounds 6A and 6B.  
      It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications that are within the lo spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.