AU2004278050A1 - Sequence selective pyrrole and imidazole polyamide metallocomplexes - Google Patents

Description

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 SEQUENCE SELECTIVE PYRROLE AND IMIDAZOLE POLYAMIDE METALLOCOMPLEXES Technical Field The present invention relates to sequence selective compounds for targeting therapeutic or diagnostic groups to polynucleotides. More particularly, the present 5 invention relates to sequence selective targeting of metallocomplexes, such as metallodrugs and metallodiagnostics, to polynucleotides. Background of the Invention Cisplatin is a metallo anticancer drug which stops replication within cells by binding irreversibly to nitrogen (N7), of guanine (G) and adenine (A), and forming 10 intrastrand and interstrand cross-links in the major groove of DNA. However, cisplatin binds indiscriminately and also binds with macromolecules other than DNA. This indiscriminate binding can lead to adverse effects in healthy cells. Cisplatin is currently used to treat a range of cancers including testicular, ovarian, bladder, head and neck, lung and cervical cancers. However, a drawback of cisplatin is that many human cancer cell 15 lines have a natural resistance to cisplatin, and those that can be treated may later develop resistance to the drug. In addition, treatment with cisplatin may produce severe side effects in patients, including nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, ototoxicity, impairment of sex hormone production and psychosexual difficulties as well as nausea and hair loss. Second generation platinum drugs (such as carboplatin, ZD0473, oxaliplatin) have been 20 developed, however, like cisplatin, they can cause indiscriminate, irreversible damage and disadvantageously may have similar negative side effect profiles. Farrell, et al, Inorg Chem., 38, (1999), 3535 describe metallodrugs based on cisplatin but having two or three platinum centres linked by an alkyl chain. These compounds have been shown to cross the cell membrane and bind to DNA and are active 25 in some cisplatin resistant cell lines. However, like cisplatin, these compounds are not sequence specific. Brabec and co-workers (Biochemistry, 2000, 39, 12639-12649; Eur. J Biochem. 1999, 266) have prepared compounds in which cisplatin is attached to the minor groove binding molecule, distamycin. However, whilst distamycin has an affinity for sequences 30 in the minor groove, it is not sequence selective. Moreover, in those compounds the coupling of the platinum moiety to the very end of the distamycin restricts the binding interaction of both groups and neither the distamycin nor the platinum are in a position to optimise their binding interaction.

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 2 The present invention relates to compounds in which a metallo complex, such as a metallodrug or metallo-diagnostic compound, is attached to a sequence selective polyamide(s) as a means of selectively targeting the metallo complex to a particular sequence of interest. 5 Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a compound of formula (1) [M-T]a[Pl-T2-M 2 ]b-[T 3 2(1) or a salt thereof, 10 wherein

M

1 and M 2 are the same or different and are each a metal coordination complex, wherein at least one of M' and M 2 is capable of interacting with a major groove or minor groove of a polynucleotide; Pi and P 2 are the same or different and are each a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide; 15 T', T 2 and T 3 are the same or different and are each a linker group; a is 0, or 1 b is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; wherein when b is an integer greater than 1, each P', each T 2 and each M 2 may be the same or different; and c is 0, 1 or 2; wherein when c is 2, each P 2 maybe the same or different and each T 3 20 may be the same or different. In one embodiment a = 0, b = 1, and c = 0. In another embodiment, a = 0, b = 1, and c = 1. In a further embodiment a = 1, b = 1, and c = 0. In another embodiment a is 0, b is 1 and c is 2.

M

1 and M 2 may be the same or different and are individually selected from a 25 platinum complex, a palladium complex, a ruthenium complex, and a rhodium complex. At least one of M 1 and M 2 may interact with a major groove or a minor groove of a polynucleotide. For example, M1 and/or M 2 may bind to a nucleotide base. In one embodiment, M 1 and/or M 2 may bind irreversibly to a nucleotide base. In another embodiment, at least one of M 1 and A 2 may intercalate within a minor or a major groove 30 of a polynucleotide. In one embodiment, an aromatic moiety of MI and/or M 2 may intercalate between base pairs of a minor or a major groove of a polynucleotide. The pyrrole-imidazole polyamide (P', P 2 ) independently comprise a plurality of heterocyclic rings selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted Tm (where "Im" is N-methylimidazole), optionally substituted Py (where "Py" is N-methylpyrrole) WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 3 and optionally substituted Hp (where "Hp" is 3-hydroxy N-methylpyrrole). The heterocyclic rings in respective pyrrole-imidazole polyamides may be the same or different and may be arranged in any order. The number of heterocyclic moieties in each pyrrole-imidazole-polyamide may be from 2 to 10. In one embodiment a pyrrole 5 imidazole polyamide may comprise 3 heterocyclic rings. In another embodiment, a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide may comprise 4 heterocyclic rings. Respective heterocyclic rings in a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide may be connected by amid radicals, for example, alkylamido, such as acetamido, radicals. At least one heterocyclic ring (e.g., a heterocyclic ring at the end of a pyrrole-imidazole-polyamide) may be covalently bound 10 to a linker group. The choice and combination of Im, Py and Hp groups in the respective polyamide chains of compounds of formulae (1) determine sequence selectivity of the compound. The value of a and b controls the overall charge of the compound. The linker groups (T1, T 2 , T 3 ) may comprise at least one functional group capable of 15 coordinating to a metal ion such as Pt, Pd, Ru or Rh. The linker groups (T1, T 2 , T 3 ) may comprise at least one functional group suitable for allowing the linker group to be covalently bound to a pyrrole-imidazole-polyamide. In one embodiment the linker group has the formula (2): -Y'-(A),Y2- (2) 20 wherein Y' and Y 2 may be the same or different and are independently selected from NH,

-NH

2 , C=O, C=S, C=NH, 0, OH, S, SH, S(O), S(O) 2 , NR 3 , NIR 3 , N(R) 2 , an optionally substituted cycloalkylamine, an optionally substituted cycloalkyldiamine, and an optionally substituted heteroaryl group (e.g., an optionally substituted N-heteroaryl group 25 such as pyridyl, phenanthrolinyl, 2,2'-bipyridyl); where each R 3 is independently selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl; A is selected from an optionally substituted C 1

.

10 alkylene, an optionally substituted

C

2

-

10 alkenylene, an optionally substituted C 2

-

1 0 alkynylene, an optionally substituted C 3

.

6 cycloalkylene, an optionally substituted C 6

.

10 aryl, C=O, C=S, and C=NH, Ni, 0, S, 30 NHl 2 , OH, SH, S(O), S(0)2, amino acids, and spermidine; and n is an integer selected from 1 to 20, wherein when n is an integer greater than 1, each (A) group may be the same or different.

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 4 In one embodiment of a linker of formula (2) according to the present invention, one of Y' and Y 2 comprises a group capable of coordinating to a metal ion, and the other of Y' and Y2 comprises a group which forms a covalent bond with a heterocyclic ring of a pyrrole-imidazole-polyamide. 5 In another embodiment, one of Y' and Y 2 may bond to a metallocomplex. For example, one of Y' and Y 2 may form a covalent bond with a ligand coordinated to a metal ion of a metallocomplex. Alternatively, one of Y' and Y2 may function as a ligand and coordinate to a metal ion of a metallocomplex. In another embodiment of formula (1) wherein c = 2, in linker T 3 Yi may form a 10 covalent bond with a heterocyclic ring of a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide and Y 2 may form a covalent bond with a heterocyclic ring of a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide. In one embodiment the linker group may have the formula (2a) -NH-(A),-NH2- (2a) where A and n are as defined above, and where 15 the -NH 2 moiety is capable of coordinating to a metal ion, such as Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh; and the -NH- group is covalently bound to a heterocyclic ring of a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide. For example, in one embodiment when A is alkylene, the linker group may be an alkylenediamine radical "-NH-(CH 2 )n-NH 2 -", where n is an integer from 1 to 20. In 20 another embodiment, each A independently may be alkylene or 0 and the linker group may comprise -NH-CH 2

CH

2

CH

2 -0-CH 2

CH

2 -0-CH 2

CH

2 -0-CH 2

CH

2

CH

2

-NH

2 . In a further embodiment, the linker may comprise at least one carbonyl group, e.g, the linker group may be -NH-C(O)-CH 2

CH

2

-NH-C(O)-CH

2

CH

2

CH

2

NH

2 -. In alternative embodiments, the linker may comprise -S-(CH 2 )n-O-(CH 2 )n-S-, or 25 NH-(CH 2 )n-O-, where n is an integer from 1 to 20. In other embodiments, the linker may comprise one or more amino acid residues, eg, -C(O)-NH-CH 2

-C(O)-NH-CH(CH

2

SH)

C(0)-NH-. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a compound of formula (3): [Mi-T lb-P 30 -[M2-T2 2 m (3) where WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 5 M1, M2, M3 are the same or different and are each a metal coordination complex as defined above for M1 and M 2 of formula (1), wherein at least one of MI, M 2 and M 3 is capable of interacting with a major groove or minor groove of a polynucleotide;

P

1 and P 2 are the same or different and are each a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide as s defined above for formula (1); T and T2 are the same or different and are each a linker group of formula (2) as defined above for formula (1);

T

5 is a linker group of formula (2) as defined above for T' and T 2 of formula (1), wherein one of Y' and Y2 is bound to a metallocomplex M 3 and the other of Y' and Y 2 is 10 covalently bound to T4;

T

4 is a linker group of formula (2) as defined above for T' and T 2 of formula (1), wherein Y' is covalently bound to a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide, Y 2 is covalently bound to a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide, and wherein one Y 1 , Y 2 and A is covalently bound to T5 15 a and b are independently selected from 0 and 1; and m is 1, 2, 3 or 4. In one embodiment, T 4 is covalently bound to T 5 via A. In one embodiment, m is 1. In another embodiment, m is 2. In one embodiment of the second aspect of the invention a = 0, b = 1, m = 1. hi 20 another embodiment, a = 1, b = 0, and m = 1. In another embodiment a = 1, b = 1, and m = 1. In another embodiment a = 0, b = 1, and in = 2. In another embodiment a = 1, b = 0, and m = 2. In a further embodiment, a and b are not both 1. At least one of M 1 , M 2 and M 3 may bind covalently to a major groove or a minor groove of a polynucleotide. For example, at least one of M 1 , M 2 and M 3 may bind 25 covalently to a major groove of a polynucleotide such as DNA. M 1 , M 2 and M 3 may be the same or different and are independently selected from Pt, Pd, Ru and Rh metallocomplexes. In one embodiment, M 1 , M 2 and M 3 are independently selected from Pt and Ru metallocomplexes. The choice and combination of Im, Py and Hp groups in the respective polyamide 30 chains of compounds of formulae (3) determine sequence selectivity of the compound. The value of a, b and in controls the overall charge of the compound. T4 may be any suitable group capable of connecting two pyrrole-imidazole polyamides. In one embodiment T4 is connected to two pyrrole-imidazole polyamides WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 6 and a linker group Ts. T 4 may comprise one or more alkyl amido residues. For example,

T

4 may comprise H H H O N -r(CRR')n N N -r(CRR'),. 0 0 or H 5 wherein n is an integer from 1 to 10, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, and each (CRR') is independently an optionally substituted alkylene; wherein in one (CRR'), R' is absent and CR is covalently boned to T . Also disclosed herein are compounds of formula (4) [Pl]e-[TIP 2

][T

2 ]g (4) 10 or a salt thereof, wherein P and P2 are the same or different and are each a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide as defined above for formula (1); T' and T 2 are the same or different and are each a linker group as defined above for 15 formula (1); e is 0 or 1; f is an integer selected from 1, 2, and 3; wherein when f is an integer greater than 1, each T' and each P 2 may be the same or different; and g is 0 or 1. 20 Compounds of formula (4) may be substituted with at least one other group, such as a therapeutic group, a diagnostic agent, a metal coordination complex, or a fluorophore. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a compound of formula (5): [P']e-[T-P 2 ]f[T 2 ]g-Ml (5) 25 or a salt thereof, wherein PI and P 2 are the same or different and are each a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide as defined above for formula (1); T' and T 2 are the same or different and are each a linker group as defined above for 30 formula (1); e is 0 or 1; WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 7 f is an integer selected from 1, 2, and 3; wherein when f is an integer greater than 1, each T 1 and each P 2 may be the same or different; g is 0 or 1; and M1 is a metal coordination complex capable of interacting with a major groove or 5 minor groove of a polynucleotide as defined above for formula (1). In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a process for preparing compounds of formula (1), or formula (5) comprising reacting a compound of formula (4) with a metal coordination complex to produce a compound of formula (1), or formula (5). 10 In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a process for preparing a compound of formula (3) comprising the steps of reacting a suitably functionalised pyrrole-imidazole polyamide with a suitably functionalised linker to produce a compound "Pl-T 4 "; reacting compound "P'-T 4 " with a suitably functionalised pyrrole-imidazole polyamide "P 2 " to produce a compound "Pl-T 4

-P

2 "; reacting the is compound "P 1 -T 4-P2 with a suitably functionalised linker "T" to produce a compound "P -T 4

(-T

5

)-P

2 "; reacting the compound "P 1

-T

4

(-T

5 )-P2" with a suitable metal coordination complex to produce a compound "P 1

-T

4

(-T

5

-M

3

)-P

2 " to produce a compound of formula (3). In one embodiment of the fourth or fifth aspect of the invention, pyrrole-imidazole 20 polyamides bound to a linker compound may be concatenated before reacting with a metal coordination complex. In accordance with a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound of formula (1) according to the first aspect of the invention together with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, 25 adjuvant or carrier. In accordance with a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound of formula (3) according to the second aspect of the invention together with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, adjuvant or carrier. 30 In accordance with an eighth aspect of the invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound of formula (5) according to the third aspect of the invention together with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, adjuvant or carrier.

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 8 In accordance with a ninth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of targeting a therapeutic agent(s) and/or a reporter group(s) to a sequence in a polynucleotide comprising contacting biological material suspected of containing said sequence with a compound of formula (1), formula (3) or formula (5). 5 In one embodiment of the ninth aspect of the invention, the method comprises contacting the biological material in vivo. In another embodiment of the ninth aspect of the invention, the method comprises obtaining a sample of biological material from an organism and contacting said sample with a compound of formula (1), formula (3), or formula (5) in vitro. 10 In accordance with a tenth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of treating a disease comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention or a pharmaceutical composition according to the fifth, sixth or seventh aspect of the invention. 15 With reference to the tenth aspect of the invention, in one embodiment the disease n-ay be a proliferative disease, such as cancer. In an alternative embodiment, the disease n-ay be a viral disease, such as HIV. In another embodiment, the disease may be hepatitis, eg, hepatitis C. In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the invention there is provided a method of 20 diagnosis comprising contacting a biological sample with a diagnostically effective amount of at least one compound of the first, second or third aspect of the invention or a salt thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition according to the sixth, seventh or eighth aspect of the invention. In one embodiment the method comprises contacting said biological sample in vivo, for example, by administering to a mammal a diagnostically 25 effective amount of said compound or composition. In another embodiment the method comprises obtaining a biological sample from said mammal and contacting said sample with a diagnostically effective amount of said compound or composition in vitro. Definitions The following are some definitions that may be helpful in understanding the 30 description of the present invention. These are intended as general definitions and should in no way limit the scope of the present invention to those terms alone, but are put forth for a better understanding of the following description.

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 9 Unless the context requires otherwise or specifically stated to the contrary, integers, steps, or elements of the invention recited herein as singular integers, steps or elements clearly encompass both singular and plural forms of the recited integers, steps or elements. 5 Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or integer or group of steps or elements or integers, but not the exclusion of any other step or element or integer or group of elements or integers. Thus, in the context of this specification, the term "comprising" means 10 "including principally, but not necessarily solely". Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to 15 or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations or any two or more of said steps or features. In the context of this invention, the term "metal coordination complex", "metal complex" and "metallocomplex" are synonymous and refer to a complex comprising a metal ion coordinated to one or more ligands and should be understood to mean that there 20 are sufficient ligands or donor groups about the coordinating metal sufficient to complete the coordination sphere. Ligands coordinating the metal may be monodentate, or multidentate such as bidentate, tridentate, or tetradentate, as appropriate. Suitable ligands for a specific metal are known generally to those skilled in the art. Ligands may be coordinated to a metal in any suitable configuration, for example, cis or trans isomers. 25 The ligands coordinated to a metal ion may be (R), (S) isomers, and metal complexes may be A, or A isomers, as appropriate. In the context of this specification the term "polynucleotide" includes double stranded DNA. Cisplatin is cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II). 30 Transplatin is trans-diamminedichloroplatinum(II). In the context of this specification, the term "pyrrole-imidazole polyamide" means an organic compound comprising two or more heterocyclic groups selected from optionally substituted N-methylimidazole (abbreviated "Im"), optionally substituted N methyl-pyrrole (abbreviated "Py"), and optionally substituted 3-hydroxy N-methylpyrrole WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 10 (abbreviated "Hp"), wherein adjacent heterocyclic groups are linked by a group comprising an amide bond and wherein the heterocyclic groups may be arranged in any order. As used herein, the term "alkyl group" includes within its meaning straight chain or 5 branched chain saturated aliphatic groups having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, eg, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 carbon atoms; or cyclic saturated aliphatic groups (also referred to herein as "cycloalkyl" groups) having from 3 to 10 carbon atoms, eg, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 carbon atoms. For example, the term alkyl includes, but is not limited to, methyl, ethyl, 1-propyl, isopropyl, 1-butyl, 2-butyl, tert 10 butyl, amyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, pentyl, isopentyl, hexyl, 4 methylpentyl, 1-methylpentyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 3,3 dimethylbutyl, 1,2-dimethylbutyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl, 1,2,2-trimethylpropyl, 1,1,2 trimethylpropyl, 2-ethylpentyl, 3-ethylpentyl, heptyl, 1-methylhexyl, 2,2-dimethylpentyl, 3,3-dirnethylpentyl, 4,4-dimethylpentyl, 1,2-dimethylpcntyl, 1,3-dimethylpentyl, 1,4 15 dimethylpentyl, 1,2,3-trimethylbutyl, 1,1,2-trimethylbutyl, 1,1,3-trimethylbutyl, 5 methylheptyl, 1-methylheptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, cyclopropyl, 2-methylcyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, 2-methylcyclopentyl, 3 methylcyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and the like. The term "alkenyl group" includes within its meaning straight or branched chain 20 unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, eg, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 carbon atoms, or cyclic unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups (also referred to herein as "cycloalkenyl" groups) having from 3 to 10 carbon atoms, and combinations thereof, having at least one double bond, of either K, Z, cis or trans stereochemistry where applicable, anywhere in the alkyl chain. 25 Examples of alkenyl groups include but are not limited to ethenyl, vinyl, allyl, 1 methylvinyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl, 2-methyl-i-propenyl, 1 butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butentyl, 1,3-butadienyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pententyl, 3-pentenyl, 4 pentenyl, 1,3-pentadienyl, 2,4-pentadienyl, 1,4-pentadienyl, 3-methyl-2-butenyl, 1 hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 1,3-hexadienyl, 1,4-hexadienyl, 2-methylpentenyl, 1 30 heptenyl, 2-heptentyl, 3-heptenyl, 1-octenyl, 1-nonenyl, I-decenyl, 1-undecenyl, 1 dodeceriyl, 3-dodecenyl, 9-dodecenyl, 1-tridecenyl, cyclohexenyl, and the like. The term "alkynyl group" as used herein includes within its meaning straight or branched chain unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms and having at least one triple bond. Examples of alkynyl groups include but are not WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 11 limited to ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, 1-methyl-2-butynyl, 3-methyl-1 butynyl, 1-pentynyl, 1-hexynyl, methylpentynyl, 1-heptynyl, 2-heptynyl, 1-octynyl, 2 octynyl, 1 -nonyl, 1 -decynyl, 1 -undecynyl, 1 -dodecynyl, 1-tridecynyl, and the like. The term "alkylene" as used herein, includes within its meaning divalent, saturated, 5 straight chain hydrocarbon radicals. The term "alkenylene" as used herein, includes within its meaning, divalent, straight chain hydrocarbon radicals having at least one double bond. The term "alkynylene" as used herein, includes within its meaning, divalent, straight chain hydrocarbon radicals having at least one triple bond. 10 The term "heterocycloalkyl" as used herein, includes within its meaning monovalent, saturated, monocyclic, bicyclic, polycyclic or fused radicals having from 3 to 10 carbon atoms wherein 1 to 5 atoms are heteroatoms selected from 0, N, NH, or S. The term "heterocycloalkylene" as used herein, includes within its meaning divalent, saturated, monocyclic, bicyclic, polycyclic or fused polycyclic radicals having is from 3 to 10 carbon atoms wherein 1 to 5 atoms are heteroatoms selected from 0, N, NH, or S. The term "heterocycloalkenyl" as used herein, includes within its meaning monovalent, saturated, monocyclic, bicyclic, polycyclic or fused polycyclic radicals having from 3 to 10 carbon atoms and having at least 1 double bond, wherein from 1 to 5 20 atoms are heteroatoms selected from 0, N, NH or S. The term "heterocycloalkenylene" as used herein, includes within its meaning divalent, saturated, monocyclic, bicyclic, polycyclic or fused polycyclic radicals having from 3 to 10 carbon atoms and having at least one double bond, wherein from 1 to 5 atoms are heteroatoms selected from 0, N, NH, or S. 25 The term "halogen" or variants such as "halide" or "halo" as used herein refers to fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. The term "heteroatom" or variants such as "hetero-" as used herein refers to 0, N, NH and S. The term "alkoxy" as used herein refers to straight chain or branched alkyloxy 30 groups. Examples include methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, tert-butoxy, and the like. The term "amino" as used herein refers to groups of the form -NRaRb wherein Ra and Rb are individually selected from the group including but not limited to hydrogen, WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 12 optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, and optionally substituted aryl groups. The term "aromatic group", or variants such as "aryl" as used herein refers to monovalent single, polynuclear, conjugated and fused residues of aromatic hydrocarbons 5 having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of such groups include phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl, phenanthrenyl, and the like. The term "arylene" as used herein, includes within its meaning divalent, single, polynuclear, conjugated and fused residues of aromatic hydrocarbons having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms. to The term "heteroaryl" as used herein, includes within its meaning monovalent, single, polynuclear, conjugated and fused aromatic radicals having 6 to 20 atoms wherein 1 to 6 atoms are heteroatoms selected from 0, N, NH and S. Examples of such groups include pyridyl, 2,2'-bipyridyl, phenanthrolinyl, quinolinyl, and the like. The term "heteroarylene" as used herein, includes within its meaning divalent, 1s single, polynuclear, conjugated and fused aromatic radicals having 6 to 20 atoms wherein 1 to 6 atoms are heteroatoms selected from 0, N and S. The term "amino acid" as used herein includes a, P, and y amino acids and includes (L) and (D) isomers. Examples of amino acid residues include glycinyl, alaninyl, valinyl, leucinyl, isoleucinyl, methioninyl, prolinyl, phenylalaninyl, tryptophanyl, serinyl, 20 threoninyl, cysteinyl, tyrosinyl, asparaginyl, glutaminyl, aspartyl, glutamyl, lysinyl, argininyl and histidinyl. An amino acid group may also be substituted via its side chain, eg, via the -COOH substituent of asparatic acid or glutamic acid, or via the a -SH substituent of methionine or cysteine. The term "optionally substituted" as used herein means the group to which this term 25 refers may be unsubstituted, or may be substituted with one or more groups independently selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, thioalkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, halo, carboxyl, haloalkyl, haloalkynyl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, thioalkoxy, alkenyloxy, haloalkoxy, haloalkenyloxy, nitro, amino, nitroalkyl, nitroalkenyl, nitroalkynyl, nitroheterocyclyl, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkenylamine, alkynylamino, 30 acyl, alkenoyl, alkynoyl, acylamino, diacylamino, acyloxy, alkylsulfonyloxy, heterocycloxy, heterocycloamino, haloheterocycloalkyl, alkylsulfenyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, alkylthio, acylthio, phosphorus-containing groups such as phosphono and phosphinyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkylaryl, alkylheteroaryl, cyano, cyanate, isocyanate, -C(O)NH(alkyl), and -C(O)N(alkyl) 2

.

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 13 In the context of this invention the term "administering" and variations of that term including "administer" and "administration", includes contacting, delivering or providing an agent compound or composition of the invention to an organism by any appropriate means. 5 In the context of this specification, the term "mammal" includes humans and individuals of any species of social, economic or research importance including but not limited to members of the genus ovine, bovine, equine, porcine, feline, canine, primates, rodents, murine, caprine, leporine, and avian. In the context of this specification, the term "treatment", refers to any and all uses 10 which remedy a disease state or symptoms, prevent the establishment of disease, or otherwise prevent, hinder, retard, or reverse the progression of disease or other undesirable symptoms in any way whatsoever. In the context of this specification the terms "therapeutically effective amount" and "diagnostically effective amount", include within their meaning a sufficient but non-toxic 15 amount of a compound or composition of the invention to provide the desired therapeutic or diagnostic effect. The exact amount required will vary from subject to subject depending on factors such as the species being treated, the age and general condition of the subject, the severity of the condition being treated, the particular agent being administered, the mode of administration, and so forth. Thus, it is not possible to specify 20 an exact "effective amount". However, for any given case, an appropriate "effective amount" may be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art using only routine experimentation. Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 - Synthetic scheme illustrating preparation of compounds according to the 25 invention. Figure 2 - DNA melting profiles for Im/Py/Py-Pt at 260nm Figure 3a - Circular Dichroism and Induced Circular Dichroism spectra (240 to 400 inm) at different concentration "trans-I/Py/Py-[CONH(CH 2

)

2

-NH

2 )Pt(NH 3

)

2 Cl" ("DJ1953 2"), into the three DNA duplexes; Duplex 1 (d(CATTGTCAGAC) 2 -the target site); 30 Duplex 2 (d(CATTGACAGAC) 2 -single mismatch site) and Duplex 3 (d(CATTGAGAGAC) 2 -double mismatch site). The data was normalised by subtracting the pure duplex spectrum in buffer.

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 14 Figure 3b - Circular Dichroism and Induced Circular Dichroism spectra (240 to 400 mu) at different concentration of "trans-hn/Py/Py-[CONH(CH 2

)

6

-NH

2 )Pt(NH 3

)

2 Cl" ("DJ1953 6"), into the three DNA duplexes; Duplex 1 (d(CATTGTCAGAC) 2 -the target site); Duplex 2 (d(CATTGACAGAC) 2 -single mismatch site) and Duplex 3 5 (d(CATTGAGAGAC) 2 -double mismatch site). The data was normalised by subtracting the pure duplex spectrum in buffer. Figure 3c - Titration data derived by taking a vertical cross section at 320 nm in Duplex 1 and "trans-Imi/Py/Py-[CONH(CH 2

)

2

-NH

2 )Pt(NH 3

)

2 Cl" ("DJl 953-2"), in Figure 3a. The solid line is the theoretical fit of the data using least squares method. Calculated 10 parameters averaged over 100 Monte Carlo simulations. All data was processed this way. Figure 4 - Gel electrophoresis demonstrating binding of Im/Py/Py-Pt to a mixture of relaxed and negatively supercoiled pUC19 DNA. Lanes: 0 Control rb= 0; 1, rb= 0.008; 2, rb= 0. 0.016; 3, rb= 0.025; 4, rb= 0.033; 5, rb= 0.041; 6, rb= 0.049; 7, rb=0.057; 8, rb= 0.066; 9, rb= 0.074. 15 Figure 5 - In vitro Transcription Assay "trans-Im/Py/Py-[CONH(CH 2

)

2

-NH

2 )Pt(NH 3

)

2 Cl" ("DJ1953-2") The Inhibition of RNA synthesis by DJ1953-2 was assessed using a recombinant pSP64 derivative. Incubations were carried out in 40mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.9), 6mM MgCl 2 , 2 mM spermidine, 10 mM NaCl. Lane (1) 100-500 bases RNA marker; (2) to (8) increasing molar concentration of DJ1953-2. The inhibition of the full-length 20 transcript (FLT) can be seen at 335 bases. Experiments were conducted after 12 hour platination reactions (in the dark at 4 'C). Figure 6 ESI MS for "trans-Im/Py/Py-[CONH(CH 2

)

2

-NH

2 )Pt(NH 3

)

2 C1" ("DJ1953-2") Figure 7 ESI MS for "trans-In/Py/Py-[CONH(CH 2

)

6

-NH

2 )Pt(NH 3

)

2 C" ("DJ1953-6") Detailed Description of the Invention 25 The present invention relates to compounds comprising one or more sequence specific polynucleotide-binding group(s) and one or more polynucleotide-binding metal complex(es). The metal complex(es) may be selected from platinum complexes (including but not limited to cisplatin, transplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin, ZD0473, Pt(dac)C 2 , and the like), palladium complexes, ruthenium complexes, rhenium, rhodium 30 complexes, etc). Compounds according to the present invention may be suitable for use as sequence specific metallodrugs or diagnostic agents. The interaction between the sequence specific pyrrole-imidazole polyamide component(s) of the compound and the DNA backbone may allow the metallocomplex component to be selectively targeted to a WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 15 particular region of DNA. The metallocomplex may interact (e.g, bind or intercalate) with a minor or major groove of a polynucleotide such as DNA and thereby exert a therapeutic or diagnostic effect. The linker component(s) of compounds of the invention functions to connect the sequence selective pyrrole-imidazole polyamide component(s) to 5 the metallocomplex component(s). The present invention relates to compounds of formula (1): [M'-T']a-[P1-T 2

-M!

2 ]b-[T 3

-P

2 ], (1) or a salt thereof, wherein 10 M1 and M 2 are the same or different and are each a metal coordination complex, wherein at least one of M 1 and M 2 is capable of interacting with a major groove or minor groove of a polynucleotide; P1 and P 2 are the same or different and are each a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide; T', T 2 and T 3 are the same or different and are each a linker group; 15 a is 0, or 1; b is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; wherein when b is an integer greater than 1, each1 P , each T2 and each M2 may be the same or different; and c is 0, 1 or 2; wherein when c is 2, each P2 may be the same or different and each T 3 may be the same or different. 20 In one embodiment of compounds of formula (1) a= 0, b = 1, and c = 0. In another embodiment, a= 0, b= 1, and c = 1. In a further embodiment a= 1, b = 1, and c = 0. An example of a compound of formula (1) is "trans-Im/Py/Py-[CONH(CH 2

)

6 NH 2 )Pt(NH1 3

)

2 C1" (which is also referred to herein as "DJ1953-6"): N 7 \ ~NH o HNcH2) e N H N

H

3 N cl 25 Another compound of formula (1) is "trans-Im/Py/Py-[CONH(CH 2

)

2 NH 2 )Pt(NH 3

)

2 Cl" (which is also referred to herein as" DJ1953-2"): WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 16 CH)2 1+ N 0 N N H N N H H2N Pt'-NH3 H3N CI Further examples of compounds of formula (1) include: 01 1+ NHH (CH2) 0 2NPt N O C' NH 2 H NA 0 HO H N N where n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. 5 In another embodiment a compound of formula (1) is "cis-Im/Py/Py-Pt": O / 1+ o /N N ~ \ N H 0

H

2 N s NH where n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, or a salt thereof. Other examples of compounds of formula (1) include: 7 02 0 I/ N 0 2 IN H H HN, CH2)n, H H N n NN N H - N2(CH2)n N ~-\ IN' 10 72 N H N H (H~~H - \ /N HN, N,2) , N4N. 1 0 I \IN (CH2) N S- WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 17 o N/ N+ -2 HN HN HN~ \ N H ( C H H H N C 2 N Hc , l ; N ' - u R 'N o 72+ H HN, GN (. j2N. Nlb~ N H 0 N N H \ N H 'r.

0 NH ; N IIN o 72+ N N \ N H HN 0 'NH N . N N N, o~. I~

N/

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 18 0 NN NONH and N/rN O NH 2+ N NN 0/ N,, N N N N where n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, or a salt thereof 5 Another embodiment of a compound of formula (1) is "trans-Im/Py/Py-Pt(NH 3

)

2 Py/Py/Im": 1 0 N 0 \/ \ 10, r asalttheeof N N H N H HN>, CH2)"N,_NHN Pt, 4_ ys--M d [ M 2 - 2 Np .N H ( 3 N where each n is an integer independently selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, or a salt thereof The present invention also relates to compounds of formula (3): [M 2-T 2]6bp where MI, M2, M3are the same or different and are each a metal coordination complex as defined above for M' and M 2 of formula (1), wherein at least one of M1, M 2 and M 3 is 15 capable of interacting with a major groove or minor groove of a polynucleotide; WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 19 PI and P 2 are the same or different and are each a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide as defined above for formula (1); T' and T 2 are the same or different and are each a linker group of formula (2) as defined above for formula (1); 5 T 5 is a linker group of formula (2) as defined above for T' and T 2 of formula (1), wherein one of Y' and Y 2 is bound to a metallocomplex M 3 and the other of Y' and Y 2 is covalently bound to T4.

T

4 is a linker group of formula (2) as defined above for T' and T 2 of formula (1), wherein Y' is covalently bound to a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide, Y2 is covalently bound 10 to a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide, and wherein one Y 1 , Y 2 and A is covalently bound to

T

5 ; a and b are independently selected from 0 and 1; and m is 1, 2, 3 or 4. In one embodiment, T 4 is covalently bound to T 5 via A. 15 In one embodiment, m is 1. In another embodiment, m is 2. In one embodiment of compounds of formula (3) a = 0, b = 1, m = 1. In another embodiment, a = 1, b = 0, and m = 1. In another embodiment a = 1, b = 1, and m = 1. In another embodiment a = 0, b = 1, and m = 2. In another embodiment a = 1, b = 0, and m= 2. In a further embodiment, a and b are not both 1. 20 T4 may be any suitable group capable of connecting two pyrrole-imidazole polyamides. In one embodiment T 4 is connected to two pyrrole-imidazole polyamides and a linker group T 5 . T 4 may comprise one or more alkyl amido residues. For example, T4 may comprise H H H O N .r(CRR')n N Nr(CRR)n'N 25 0 0 or 0 H wherein n is an integer from I to 10, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, and each (CRR') is independently an optionally substituted alkylene; wherein in one (CRR'), R' is absent and the CR is covalently bonded to T5 In alternative embodiments, T 4 may comprise an optionally substituted 'butyl' 30 framework (which is covalently linked to two pyrrole-imidazole polyamides and T 5 ). In one embodiment, the butyl framework may be derived by condensing, e.g, 2,4 diaminobutyric acid, or 2-aminobutyric acid with a suitably functionalised pyrrole- WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 20 imidazole polyamide(s) (e.g, a polyamide comprising an amino, carboxylic acid, ester or acid halide group).

NH

2 NH 2 HO HO

NH

2 0 or 0 2,4-diaminobutyric acid 2-aminobutyric acid 5 In one embodiment, a heterocyclic ring of one pyrrole-imidazole polyamide may be functionalised with an amino group and a heterocyclic ring of a second pyrrole-imidazole polyamide may be functionalised with a carboxylic acid group (or alternatively an ester such as an activated ester or acid chloride), wherein the amino group and carboxylic derivative group, respectively, may be coupled with, e.g, 2,4-diaminobutyric acid, or 2 10 aminobutyric acid, to form amide bonds. Suitable amide coupling techniques are well known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the configuration of linker T 4 may produce a "hairpin bend" as shown schematically below for the compound "trans-[Im/lni/m-y-Py/Py/Py]Pt(NH 3

)

2 Cl". Such "hairpin bends" are sometimes abbreviated as "y". 15 In one embodiment the compound of formula (3) may be "trans-[Im/Im/Im-y Py/Py/Py]Pt(NH 3 )2Cl": N NH 0 0 N N N ( H H lj N N N N NH 2

-NH

3 H H3N c N N N where n is an. integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, or a salt thereof. In another embodiment the compound of formula (3) may be WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 21 O 2+ N NH N (C 2) NNHt--H N N NN H H H N N NH)O N H H 0 \ C 2 )n-H-_ ,H N N PPt H /\ HN' \CI where n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, or a salt thereof. In a further embodiment, the compound of formula (3) may be: N xN O NH N CH ) NN H

H

3 NN N H O CN N Is HNN N zO where n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, or a salt thereof. In another embodiment, the compound of formula (3) may be: 71++ N NHH 0 NN N N N$r H H HN, NNN N N 0 N H / \ CH2)(cH 2 H NH0HN , NH -N N N H / N NN Pt,-Z H / N NH, N' N 5In another embodiment, the compound of formula (3) may be: WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 22 O O N N N H H N4 + N ~ H 3 N' "c where n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, or a salt thereof. In another embodiment of a compound of formula (3) is: 0 0 HN O 0 HH t0 Cl,,rU NNH N N 1 HN NHNH N H H N/ 0 NH H N -CH) N NH00n V H3 N -N2N oa N N H I andt2ere e same oNfrentpand ar eoeacha prim ei e~ ~ is0ad1 NN HN 0 fls discoinedereincte fromp1,2,und of whrula (4): i aneergetrhn1 eachT 1 and eah 2 mayr e the same or different ; and ec ikrgop g is 0 or 1. 15 Compounds of formula (4) may be substituted with at least one other group, such as a therapeutic group, a. diagnostic agent, a metal coordination complex, or a fluorophore. The present invention also relates to compounds of formula (5): [P]e[T 1

-P

2

][T

2 ]g-M (5) or a salt thereof, 20 wherein P' and P 2 are the same or different and are each a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide;

T

1 and T 2 are tlie same or different and are each a linker group; e is 0or 1; WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 23 f is an integer selected from 1, 2, and 3; wherein when f is an integer greater than 1, each T' and each P 2 may be the same or different; g is 0 or 1; and M1 is a metal coordination complex capable of interacting with a major groove or 5 minor groove of a polynucleotide. Examples of compounds of formula (5) include: HN0 HNO N 0 H H N SN N 0 O N N N N H 0N N N H, O l cN NH3 0 0 1 0 71+ N NH ON H N H N N-N N H HH H N N H /\oo N HN

H

3 N, t-N2- N 0N 0"z "' NH 3 (H) and 10 Cl-P(.NH, 0

H

3 N NH 2 N H N 0 N 01 N H H N N 0 J,-N N -1- V N\/ N Iyl OH N'r NO H N H N 0 N\ N N H N HN H 3 N, CI 1 0 0 Compounds of formulae (1), (3), (4) and (5) above may be charged or uncharged. In some embodiments of the invention the compounds are charged. With reference to formulae (1), (3) and (5) above, at least one of M 1 , M 2 and M 3 is a 15 metallocomplex which may interact with a major groove or a minor groove of a WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 24 polynucleotide. For example, M 1 , M 2 and/or M 3 may interact with a major or minor groove of a polynucleotide by bonding to a nucleotide base, or may intercalate between bases. In one embodiment at least one of M1, M 2 and M 3 may bind to a major groove of a polynucleotide. For example, when at least one of M', M2 and M 3 is a platinum complex s (such as cisplatin, transplatin, carboplatin, ZD0473, oxaliplatin, Pt(dac)C1 2 , etc) the platinum ion may bind to nitrogen (e.g, N7) of guanine (G) or adenine (A). Alternatively, when one of M1, M2 and M 3 is a ruthenium complex comprising at least one ligand with an aromatic ring, the aromatic ring may intercalate with aromatic residues of base pairs. The value of the integers a and b in formulae (1) and (5) and the value of the 10 integers a, b and m in formula (3), controls the overall charge of respective compounds. M', M2 and M 3 May be any therapeutically or diagnostically active metallocomplex. For example, each of M 1 , M 2 and M3 may be the same or different and may independently be a platinum, palladium, ruthenium or rhodium complex. The metal ion may have any suitable oxidation state. For example, the metal ion may be Pd(II), 15 Pt(II), Pt(IV), Ru(II), or Ru(III). In addition, metallocomplexes may be present in any suitable geometry. At least one of M 1 , M 2 and M 3 may be a therapeutic agent. The therapeutic agent may be a platinum complex. For example, the platinum complex may be of the general formula [Pt(diammine)L 2 ], where each L is a suitable monodentate ligand, or two L taken 20 together is a suitable bidentate ligand. In this context, the term "diammine" may indicate two monodentate amminee" ligands, or a bidentate "diammine" ligand. For example, the platinum complex may be of the type [Pt(diammine)C1 2 ], such as:

H

3 N.- PCI H 3 NP C1 NH Cl H3N I CI NH3 H 3 N C Cisplatin Transplatin cis-(cyclohexylamine) 25 dichloro platinum(II) H3 N Pt 1C N( C1 N- Cl Pt C< NH 3 H 3 trans-(cyclohexylamine)- cis-amminedichloro(2 dichloro platinum(II) methylpyridine) platinum(II) WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 25 CI NH 2 Pt Pt NH CI 1 cis-dichloro(1,2-diaminocyclohexane) cis-dichloro(1,2-diaminoethane) platinum(II) "Pt(dac)Cl 2 " platinum(I) "[Pt(en)C1" 5

H

3 N \ CI H 0 trans-dichloro(dipyridine) Carboplatin platinum(pn) "[Pt(pyt" 2 1nP"

H

2 '0 N *-1 /0 PtP N -0 0

H

2 10 Oxaliplatin In alternative embodiments of the invention, at least one of M' and M 2 may be a reporter group. The reporter group may comprise a fluorescent group, or a group capable of becoming fluorescent upon binding, (e.g, intercalating) to a polynucleotide such as 15 DNA. A reporter group may comprise a rhenium complex or a ruthenium complex. The ruthenium complex may be of the general formula [Ru(L-L)(L'-L')(L"-L")]2+, where L-L, L'-L', and L"-L" may be the same or different and respectively may represent a bidentate ligand, or (L-L)(L'-L') together may be present a tetradentate ligand, or any one or more of L-L, L'-L', and L"-L" may represent two suitable monodentate ligands. 20 Examples of bidentate ligands include but are not limited to optionally substituted 2,2'-bipyridine, 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, dipyrido[3,2 a: 2'3'-c]phenazine, dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c](6,7,8,9-tetrahydro)phenazine dipyrido[3,2 d:2'3'-f]quinoxaline, 9,10-phenanthrenenequinone diamine, 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine, 1,10 phenanthroline, 4,7-diamino-1,10-phenanthroline; 3,8-diamino-1,10-phenanthroline; 4,7 25 diethylenediamine-1,10-phenanthroline; 3,8-diethylenediamine-1,10-phenanthroline; 3,8 dinitro-1,10-phenanthroline; 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline; or 3,8-diphenyl-1,10 phenanthroline. The bidentate ligand may be a substituted 1,10-phenanthroline, such as WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 26 an alkylated and/or halogenated phenanthrolinyl ligand, e.g, 4-methylphenanthroline, or 4-chlorophenanthroline, 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione, 1,10-phenanthrolin-5-ylamine, 5 nitro-1,10-phenanthroline, 2- ,3- ,4- and 5-substituted and disubstituted phenanthrolines. Other examples of bidentate ligands include 2- ,3- ,4- and 5-substituted and disubstituted 5 2,2'-bipyridines, and optionally substituted 1,2-diaminocyclohexanes. At least one of L-L, L'-L', and L"-L", or (L-L)(L'-L') together, may comprise an intercalator group, a fluorescent group, or a group capable of becoming fluorescent upon binding to DNA. The intercalator group may also be one which fluoresces upon intercalating to DNA. Examples of fluorescent groups include dppz (dipyrido[3,2-a:2'3' 1o c]phenazine), dpqC (dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c](6,7,8,9-tetrahydro)phenazine), and dpq (dipyrido[3,2-d:2'3'-fjquinoxaline). With reference to formulae (1), (3), (4) and (5), the pyrrole-imidazole polyamide

(P

1 , P 2 , p 3 ) independently comprise a plurality of heterocyclic rings selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted Im (where "Tm" is N-methylimidazole), 15 optionally substituted Py (where "Py" is N-methylpyrrole) and optionally substituted Hp (where "Hp" is 3-hydroxy N-methylpyrrole). Respective heterocyclic ring(s) may be optionally substituted with, for example, one or more groups such as halides, hydroxyl, amino, nitro, C 1 - alkyl, C 2

-

6 alkenyl, and/or C 6

-

10 aryl groups. The heterocyclic rings in a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide may be the same or different and may be arranged in any 20 order. Respective heterocyclic rings in a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide may be connected by radicals containing amide groups, for example, alkylamide radicals such as acetamido radicals. Examples of pyrrole-imidazole polyamides have been described in US 6,472,537 to Baird and Dervan, entitled "Polyamides for binding in the minor groove of double stranded DNA"; and Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry, 9, (2001) 2215-2235, the 25 entire contents of which are incorporated herein by cross-reference. The number of heterocyclic rings in each pyrrole-imidazole-polyamide may be from 2 to 10. For example, the number of heterocyclic rings may be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10. In one embodiment of the invention, the pyrrole-imidazole polyamide is a "trimer" comprising 3 heterocyclic rings. In another embodiment the pyrrole-imidazole polyamide 30 is a "tetramer" comprising 4 heterocyclic rings. Respective heterocyclic rings may be the same or different and are independently from optionally substituted Im, optionally substituted Py and optionally substituted Hp, where the heterocyclic rings may be in any nominated order. The number and order of Tm, Py and Hp groups in a pyrrole-imidazole WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 27 polyamide may be chosen so as to produce a polyamide selective for a polynucleotide sequence of interest. The choice and combination of Tm, Py and Hp groups in the respective polyamide chains of compounds of forrnulae (1), (3), (4) and (5) determine sequence selectivity of 5 the compound as described, for example in US 6,472,537 to Baird and Dervan, entitled "Polyamides for binding in the minor groove of double stranded DNA". For example, the combination of polyamides Im/Im/Im and Py/Py/Py would be selective for a central core of 5'-CCC-3' in a polynucleotide. As another example, the combination of polyamides Hp/Py/Hp/Py and Py/Hp/Py/Hp would be selective for a core sequence of 5'-TATA-3'. 10 Some non-limiting examples of pyrrole-imidazole polyamides in accordance with the present invention include: 1 0 10 N N o N 0 \/ N/ 'N N H 0 NH If H H "Im/Py/Py" "Py/Py/Py" N H O O N 15 an |H e lo OH N N \ H 'i 4N 0 N N N OH 0 H N 15 Nand I 0 "hni/Hp/Py""JInlp/y In accordance with the present invention, the linker(s) operate to connect components of the compounds. For example, a linker may connect a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide component to a mnetallocomplex component. Alternatively, a linker may 20 connect two adjacent pyrrole-imidazole polyamide components a shown schematically below: pyrrole-imidazole polyamide pyrrole-imidazole polyamide metallocomplex linker ln ML linker linker WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 28 With reference to formulae (1), (3), (4) and (5), in some embodiments the linker groups (T', T 2 , T 3 , Ts) may comprise a functional group suitable for coordination to a metal ion such as Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh. In alternative embodiments, the linker groups (T1, V,

T

3 , T 5 ) may comprise a functional group suitable for allowing the linker group to be 5 covalently bound to a pyrrole-imidazole-polyamide. In further embodiments, the linker groups (Ti, T 2 , T 3 , T 5 ) may comprise a functional group suitable for allowing respective linker groups to be covalently bound to a ligand of a metallocomplex. For example, a linker group may be covalently bound to a ligand of a ruthenium complex, or platinum complex, including for example, a ligand of carboplatin, oxaliplatin or ZD0473. In one 10 embodiment of compounds of formula (1), where c = 2, a linker group T3 may be covalently bonded to two pyrrole-imidazole polyamides. In one embodiment the linker group has the formula (2): -Yl-(A)n-Y 2- (2) wherein 15 Y' and Y 2 may be the same or different and are independently selected from NH,

-NH

2 , C=O, C=S, C=NH, 0, OH, S, SH, S(O), S(0)2, NR, NHR 3 , N(R 3

)

2 , an optionally substituted cycloalkylamine, an optionally substituted cycloalkyldiamine, and an optionally substituted heteroaryl group (e.g., an optionally substituted N-heteroaryl group such as pyridyl, phenanthrolinyl, 2,2'-bipyridyl); where each R 3 is independently selected 20 from alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl; A is selected from an optionally substituted C 1

.

10 alkylene, an optionally substituted

C

2 -1 0 alkenylene, an optionally substituted C 2

..

10 alkynylene, an optionally substituted C 3

.

6 cycloalkylene, an optionally substituted C6- 1 0 aryl, C=0, C=S, and C=NH, NH, 0, S,

NH

2 , OH, SH, S(O), S(0)2, amino acids, and spermidine; and 25 n is an integer selected from 1 to 20, wherein when n is an integer greater than 1, each (A) group may be the same or different. Y' and Y 2 , respectively, correspond to a group which may be covalently bonded to a heterocyclic ring of a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide, or a group which may be covalently 30 bonded to a ligand of a metallocomplex, or a group which may function as a ligand and coordinate to a metal ion of a metallocomplex. In one embodiment of a linker of formula (2) according to the present invention, one of Y' and Y 2 comprises a group capable of coordinating to a metal ion, and the other WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 29 of Y' and Y 2 comprises a group which forms a covalent bond with a heterocyclic ring of a pyrrole-imidazole-polyamide. In another embodiment, one of Y' and Y 2 may bond to a metallocomplex. For example, one of Y' and Y 2 may form a covalent bond with a ligand coordinated to a metal 5 ion of a metallocomplex. Alternatively, one of Y' and Y 2 may function as a ligand and coordinate to a metal ion of a metallocomplex. In another embodiment, when c = 2, Y1 may form a covalent bond with a heterocyclic ring of a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide and Y 2 may form a covalent bond with a heterocyclic ring of a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide. 10 In one embodiment the linker group may have the formula (2a) -NH-(A)n-NH 2 - (2a) where A and n are as defined above, and where the -NH 2 moiety is capable of coordinating to a metal ion, such as Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh; and the -NH- group is covalently bound to a heterocyclic ring of a pyrrole-imidazole 15 polyamide. For example, in one embodiment when A is alkylene, the linker group may be an alkylenediamine radical "-NH-(CH 2 )n-NH2-", where n is an integer from 1 to 20. For example, a C 1 Ia alkylenediamine, C1s alkylenediamine, C 1 - alkylenediamine, C 1 4 alkylenediamine, C 1 2 alkylenediamine, etc. For example, the alkylenediamine may be 20 methylenediamine, 1,2-ethylenediamine, 1,3-propylenediamine, 1,4-butylenediamine, 1,5-pentylenedianine, or 1,6-hexylenediamine. In another embodiment, each A may be alkylene or 0 and the linker group may comprise -NH-CH 2

CH

2

CH

2

-O-CH

2

CH

2 -0-CH 2

CH

2 -0-CH 2

CH

2

CH

2

-NH

2 . In a further embodiment, the linker may comprise at least one carbonyl group, e.g, the linker group 25 may be -NH-C(O)-CH 2

CH

2

-NI-C(O)-CH

2

CH

2

CH

2

NH

2 -. In alternative embodiments, the linker may comprise -S-(CH 2 )n-O-(CH 2 )n-S-, or NH-(CH 2 )n-O-, where n is an integer from 1 to 20. In other embodiments, the linker may comprise one or more amino acid residues including for example, glycinyl, alaninyl, valinyl, leucinyl, isoleucinyl, methioninyl, 30 prolinyl, phenylalaninyl, tryptophanyl, serinyl, threoninyl, cysteinyl, tyrosinyl, asparaginyl, glutaminyl, aspartyl, glutamyl, lysinyl, argininyl and histidinyl residues. In one embodiment, the linker comprises a cysteinyl residue. In one embodiment the linker is -C(O)-NH-CH 2

-C(O)-NH-CH(CH

2 SH)-C(O)-NH-. In one embodiment the linker group may comprise WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 30

-Y'-(CRR

2 -X)n-Y 2 wherein Y 1 and Y 2 are as defined above for formula (2); R1 and R 2 are independently selected from hydrogen, C 1

.

6 alkyl, C6-10 aryl, C 3 -6 cycloalkyl, C 3

-

6 heterocycloalkyl, and C 6 -1 0 heteroaryl; 5 X is selected from NH, 0, S, spermidine, or is absent; or a (CR 1

R

2 -X) group taken together may be C 3

-

6 cycloalkyl, C 3

-

6 heterocycloalkyl,

C

6

_

10 aryl or Cs 1 o heteroaryl; and n is an integer selected from 1 to 20, wherein when n is an integer greater than 1, each (CR R2-X) group maybe the same or different. 10 n may be an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20. In one embodiment the linker group may comprise -NH2-(CRIR2-X)r,-NH where R 1 , R 2 , X and n are as defined above, and where is the -NH 2 moiety is capable of coordinating to a metal ion, such as Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh; and the -NH- group forms a covalent bond to a heterocyclic ring (e.g, a terminal heterocyclic ring) of a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing compounds of formula (1), or formula (5), comprising reacting a compound of formula (4) with a metal 20 coordination complex to produce a compound of formula (1), or formula (5), respectively. Compounds of formula (4) may be concatenated before reacting with a coordination metal complex. The present invention also relates to a stepwise process for preparing compounds of formula (3) wherein modular "building blocks" may be systematically (eg sequentially) 25 concatenated and the steps may be carried out in any order. Respective pyrrole-imidazole polyamides, linker groups and metal coordination complexes, may be the same or different and may be arranged in any order. Appropriate protecting groups may be employed wherever necessary. A general example of a process for preparing a compound of formula (3) may be 30 envisaged which comprises the steps of: reacting a suitably functionalised pyrrole imidazole polyamide with a suitably functionalised linker to produce a compound "PI

T

4 "; reacting compound "Pl-T 4 " with a suitably functionalised pyrrole-imidazole polyamide "P 2 " to produce a compound "Pl-T 4

-P

2 ",; reacting the compound "Pl-T 4

-P

2 " with a suitably functionalised linker "T 5 " to produce a compound "Pl-T 4

(-T

5

)-P

2

,;

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 31 reacting the compound "P'-T 4

(-T

5

)-P

2 " with a suitable metal coordination complex to produce a compound "Pl-T 4

(-T

5

-M

3 )p 2 " to produce a compound of formula (3). If desired the compound "P -T 4

(-T

5

~M

3 )_p 2 " may be subsequently reacted with a suitably functionalised compound "MI-T"' and/or "M 2

-T

2 " and/or "[P-T 4

]-T

5 _p 2 " in any order to 5 produce further compounds of formula (3). It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above generalised stepwise synthetic strategy may include the addition and removal of appropriate protecting groups from functional moieties as appropriate. Suitable protecting groups and methods for their addition and removal are known in the art. 10 At least one heterocyclic ring (e.g, a terminal heterocyclic ring) of a pyrrole imidazole polyamide may be substituted with a functional moiety which allows the pyrrole-imidazole-polyamide to be covalently bonded by reaction with a suitable functional group to a "linker" group. Examples of suitable functional moieties would be known to those skilled in the art and include, for example, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, is esters, amines, hydroxyl and thiol residues. Compounds according to the present invention comprise one or more pyrrole imidazole polyamides and one or more metal complexes and may selectively target a polynucleotide by binding to short motifs. For example, the motif may be about 3, 4, or 5 bases to about 30 bases in length, about 7 bases to about 28 bases, about 9 bases to about 20 26 bases, about 10 bases to about 24 bases, about 11 bases to about 22 bases, about 12 bases to about 20 bases, about 14 bases to about 19 bases, or about 16 bases to about 18 bases in length. The pyrrole-imidazole polyamide chain may be used to target a sequence in the minor groove or major groove of a polynucleotide. In accordance with the present invention, a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide can be 25 chosen to selectively target a minor groove of a polynucleotide, such as DNA, and allow a therapeutic agent, (e.g, a metal coordination complex such as cisplatin, transplatin, oxaliplatin, carboplatin, Pt(dac)C1 2 and the like), to bind covalently in a minor or major groove of DNA. A therapeutic metallocomplex may bind covalently to a major groove of DNA. 30 Also in accordance with the present invention, a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide chain may be used to selectively target a reporter group, for example a metal coordination complex such as [Ru(diimine) 3

]

2 +, to a major groove or minor groove of DNA. For example, the ruthenium complex [Ru(phen) 2 (Dpq)Cl 2 may bind to a minor groove.

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 32 Compounds of the present invention may also comprise one or more m'etallocomplex(es) which may function as a therapeutic agent and/or a reporter group. For example, compounds of the present invention may comprise one or more therapeutic metallocomplex(es) such as a palladium complex, a platinum complex (e.g., cisplatin, 5 transplatin, Pt(dac)Cl 2 , carboplatin, ZD0473, oxaliplatin), and/or a fluorophore, such as a ruthenium complex. In the compounds of the invention, a linker group is used to space the metal coordination complex from the sequence selective pyrrole-imidazole polyamide. The length of the linker group can be selected to optimally position the metal coordination 10 complex in a minor or a major groove of DNA. Compounds may be prepared using a modular or step-wise "building block" approach such that a metallocomplex may be able to bind preferentially to a major or minor groove as desired. The linker group may be chosen to space the metal coordination complex from the pyrrole-imidazole polyamide so as to optimise the binding interaction of both the 15 polyamide and the metal coordination complex. In addition, linker group "T 4 ", in formula (3) may be chosen so as to confer a desired configuration or spacial arrangement of respective pyrrole-imidazole polyamide groups, such as connecting two pyrrole-imidazole polyamides via a "hairpin bend". In one embodiment, when a polynucleotide of a compound of the invention is positioned at a given sequence, the linker group is 20 sufficiently long and has a suitable conformation such that a metallocomplex may bind to a major or minor groove of the polynucleotide. The sequence selective pyrrole-imidazole polyamide chain targets the compound to a selected region of DNA. Specific heterocyclic rings in the polyamide chain may be selected on the basis of the nucleotide sequence of interest. Rules for the design of 25 sequence selective polyamide chains are known to those of skill in the art. For example rules for the design of sequence selective polyamide chains are described in US 6,472,537 to Baird and Dervan, entitled "Polyamides for binding in the minor groove of double stranded DNA"; and Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry, 9, (2001) 2215-2235, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by cross-reference. For example, it is 30 known that Py/Im targets C-G base pairs; Py/Hp targets A-T base pairs; Hp/Py targets T A base pairs and Im/Py targets G-C base pairs. Thus, for example, the combination of polyamides Im/Im/Im and Py/Py/Py would be selective for a central core of 5'-CCC-3' in a polynucleotide. As a further example, the combination of polyamides Hp/Py/Hp/Py and Py/Hp/Py/Hp would be selective for a core sequence of 5'-TATA-3'.

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 33 Interaction of a compound of the present invention with a polynucleotide sequence is represented schematically below for a compound of formula (3): 5'-G G T C T G G G C G C A G CG C C-3' 3'-C C A G T C C C G C G T C G C G G-5' 5 The sequence selective targeting nature of the compounds of the present invention provides the ability to target, for example, a therapeutic or reporter group to any sequence of interest. Such sequences may be associated with a particular disease state, such as cancer, a disease such as Hepatitis C, susceptibility to a disease, or with infection by an to infectious organism, such as HIV. For example, compounds of the invention may be used to specifically deliver a therapeutic agent to a cell infected with HIV, for example, by designing a compound of the invention to target a polynucleotide sequence essential to viral replication. For example, it is known that the Rev Response element (RRE) is an HIV-1 RNA structure essential to viral replication (Frankel et al., Annu. Rev. Biochem, is 1998, 67, 1-25; Pollard et al, Annu. Rev. Microbiol., 1998, 52, 491-532). Similarly, the transactivation control region of HIV-1 (TAR31) is also believed to be necessary for transcription of full length HIV RNA, such that inhibition of the RNA protein interaction by targeting specific compounds of the invention to a conserved sequence(s) within TAR31 may represent another target for treatment or prevention of HIV infection. 20 Compounds according to the present invention may bind to a polynucleotide sequence in a 5' to 3' direction or in a 3' to 5' direction. Compounds of formula (1), (3) and (5) may self-assemble in solution to form oligomeric structures. For example, a self-assembled dimer of a compound of formula (1) [Im/In/Py-Pt] is illustrated schematically below: WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 34 + The present invention also relates to a method of targeting a therapeutic agent(s) and/or a reporter group(s) to a sequence in a polynucleotide comprising contacting biological material suspected of containing said sequence with a compound of formula 5 (1), formula (3), or formula (5). In one embodiment of the invention the method comprises contacting the biological material in vivo. In another embodiment the method comprises obtaining a sample of biological material from an organism and contacting said sample with a compound of formula (1), formula (3) or formula (5), or salt thereof, in vitro. 10 The present invention also relates to a method of treating a disease comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of formula (1), (3) or (5), or salt thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof. The disease may be a proliferative disease, such as cancer. The cancer may be is selected from breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer (eg small cell carcinoma), oesophageal cancer, testicular cancer, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, thyroid cancer, neoblastoma, leukaemia, and osteogenic sarcoma. In an alternative embodiment, the disease may be a viral disease, such as HIV. In another embodiment, the disease may be hepatitis, eg, hepatitis C. 20 The present invention also relates to a method of diagnosis comprising contacting a biological sample with a diagnostically effective amount of at least one compound of formula (1), (3) or (5), or a salt thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof. In one embodiment the method comprises contacting said biological sample in vivo, for example, by administering to said mammal a diagnostically effective amount of said compound or 25 composition. In another embodiment the method comprises obtaining a biological sample from said mammal and contacting said sample with a diagnostically effective amount of said compound or composition.

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 35 Preparation of Compounds Compounds of the present invention are adaptable to being prepared in a modular or step-wise fashion. Stepwise syntheses may allow the number and composition of the component polyamide(s), linker group(s) and metallocomplex(es) to be varied in a 5 controlled manner. For example, the length and composition of the polyamide chain may be selected to target to a particular nucleotide sequence. Individual modular compounds of formula (1), (3), (4) and (5) may be concatenated with other modular compounds, or attached to additional metallocornplex(es), to produce compound(s) of formula (1), (3), or (5) having the desired number of pyrrole-imidazole polyamide(s) capable of selectively 10 targeting a particular polynucleotide sequence. Compounds of the invention, such as compounds of formulae (1), (3), (4) and (5) may be prepared which are capable of targeting a polynucleotide sequence comprising a selected core sequence of about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or about 10 base pair groupings. In addition, the length and composition of respective "linker moieties" may be varied to optimise interaction of a metallocomplex 15 with a major or minor groove of a polynucleotide when the polyamide is positioned at a selected sequence. Compounds in accordance with the present invention may be concatenated and or coordinated to metallocomplex(es) in any combination as required. Compounds in accordance with the present invention may be prepared using the methods described 20 herein, or by applying other methods known in the art. By way of example, a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide comprising 2 to 10 heterocyclic rings and which selectively targets a sequence of interest, may be prepared using methods described herein and elsewhere (eg, US 6,472,537 to Baird and Dervan, entitled "Polyamides for binding in the minor groove of double stranded DNA"; and Bioorganic 25 and Medicinal Chemistry, 9, (2001) 2215-2235, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by cross-reference). The pyrrole-imidazole polyamide may be coupled to a suitable linker group to produce a compound of formula (4). Compound(s) of formula (4) may be reacted with a suitable metal coordination complex, (eg, a platinum complex such as transplatin or cisplatin, or a ruthenium complex) to produce a compound 30 of formula (1). Compounds of the present invention may be subsequently reacted with, for example, another compound of formula (4), and so on. This stepwise synthesis is represented schematically below: WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 36 0 0 0-0-NH 2 + HO NH 2 - 0-0--NH NH 2 "functionalised "functionalised "polyamide-linker" polyamide" linker moiety" 0 0 5 0-O-NH

NH

2 + MLn 0-0--NH NH2-ML(n- 1 ) "polyamide-linker" "metallocomplex" "polyamide-linker metallocomplex" Use of a "modular" or stepwise synthetic strategy enables a wide variety of 10 compounds to be produced. Protecting groups for various functional moieties may be employed as appropriate and suitable protecting groups are known to those skilled in the art. The above modular or stepwise synthetic strategy may be adapted to similarly construct compounds of formula (5) as shown schematically below: 0 0 15 0-0-NH 2 + HO NH 2 - 0-0-0NH NH 2 "functionalised "functionalised "polyamide-linker" polyamide" linker moiety" 0 9 0 0-0-0NH NH 2 + G OH G0-04y NH 0 "polyamide-linker" "functionalised "polyamide-linker 20 polyamide" functionalised polyamide" O 0 0-0-0-NH L 0-0-0-NH K -QONH G-0-0-0x<NH L LLL )-G-0GN <NH 0 "polyamide-linker functionalised "polyamide-linker-polyamide fuyntionalised polyamide" metallocomplex metallocomplex WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 37 0 *-O--ONH LMCI_ L + T 5 -2 'L L_'L -G4,*O*4XNH G 0 )i L-M-Cl 0--O>NH ML L G NH OOONH -GM + Ts GNH L -T M kL 0i 00 o0 O M-a T HNO . (L 5, L +T 5 _ L -IONH , M''L HN - -T5 M MI ~v-G **W NH O, LV IL 0 0 0 0 HNO-" 0-0-NH LHN T6I-0-*-T5-{ b -cI L 0iI! 5 The overall charge of compounds of formulae (1), (3) and (5) is related to the number of metallocomplexes and the metal ion(s) present. Accordingly, charge may be varied by increasing or decreasing the number of metallocomplexes in a compound, or by incorporating metallocomplexes having different metal ions. Increasing the overall charge may increase the affinity for negatively charged DNA. The overall charge may be 10 selected so as to optimise cellular uptake of a compound. Compounds of the present invention may be prepared using methods known to those skilled in the art. Suitable methods are generally described, for example, and intermediates thereof are described, for example, in Houben-Weyl, Methoden der Organischen Chemie; J. March, Advanced Organic Chemistry, 4 th Edition (John Wiley & 15 Sons, New York, 1992); D. C. Liotta and M. Volmer, eds, Organic Syntheses Reaction Guide (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1991); R. C. Larock, Comprehensive Organic Transformations (VCH, New York, 1989), H. 0. House, Modern Synthetic Reactions 2"d Edition (W. A. Benjamin, Inc., Menlo Park, 1972) Sequence selective chains can be prepared using techniques and reagents known to 20 those skilled in the art. The syntheses may be carried out in a step-wise fashion based on WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 38 successive amide coupling reactions. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that automated solid phase coupling methods may also be used to synthesise polyamide compounds in accordance with the present invention. Similarly, solid phase synthetic techniques may be used to successfully couple amino acids. Heterocyclic rings of choice, 5 for example N-methyl pyrrole (Py), N-methyl imidazole (Im), 3-hydroxy N-methyl pyrrole (Hp), may be incorporated into the polyamide as required depending on the nucleotide sequence to be targeted. Suitable protecting groups for use in amide coupling reactions are well known by those skilled in the art and have been described, for example, in Greene et al., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis; John Wiley & Sons, 2 "d Edition, 10 1991. Typically, t-butyl carbamate (BOC) or (FMOC) protecting groups may be used to protect terminal amines. For example, FMOC protected diaminobutyric acid (DABA) may be used. Different coupling reagents can be used to help minimise formation of by products and maximise yields. Pyrrole-imidazole polyamides may include a functional group on a heterocyclic ring is (eg, a terminal heterocyclic ring) which subsequently may be reacted with a functionalised linker group, thereby covalently attaching another linker group to the polyamide. Once a suitable sequence selective pyrrole-imidazole polyamide has been prepared, the metal coordination complex may be attached to the linker moiety at a terminal end of 20 the chain. Alternatively, it may be possible to attach the metal coordination complex to the linker moiety before the linker is attached to the polyamide. A further alternative is to attach the metal coordination complex and linker moiety to a heterocyclic ring eg, Im, Py or Hp (or dimer, trimer etc comprising Im, Py, Hp), then subsequently carry out further amide couplings to attach further heterocyclic rings to build up a polyamide chain or 25 desired length. By varying the ratio of pyrrole-imidazole polyamide to metal coordination complex (eg, 1:1; 2:1, 1:2 etc), it is possible to manipulate the proportion of products formed. Compounds of the present invention may be isolated using methods well known to those skilled in the art, for example, column chromatography, recrystallization, size exclusion 30 chromatography (eg, sephadex) and HPLC. Compounds according to the present invention may be prepared as salts. Those skilled in the art would readily be able to convert such salts into other salt forms, eg, by ion exchange methods.

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 39 Compounds according to the present invention may bind irreversibly to polynucleotides, such as DNA, through coordination of the metal ion to a suitable donor/ligand group on the polynucleotide . Where the compounds are covalently bound to DNA, any testing can be destructive to both the metal complex and the DNA. The 5 nature of the binding of the compounds according to the invention with DNA can be probed using a variety of techniques known to those skilled in the art to characterise the interactions. For example, (a) DNA-Melting Experiments Monitored by Absorption Spectrophotometry - UV melting experiments can be used to assess the impact of compounds of formulae (1), (3) 10 and (5) on the thermal stability of DNA. duplexes. Techniques are known to those skilled in the art. By way of example, for the compound trans-In/Py/Py-Pt three 11-mer DNA duplexes can be used: 1) d(CATTGTCAGAC) 2 (target site), 15 2) d(CATTGACAGAC) 2 (single mismatch site) and 3) d(CATTGAGAGAC) 2 (double mismatch site). The concentration of the duplex is kept constant, while the complex concentration ratio is be varied with respect to the DNA. The measured differences melting temperature (ATm) between the target site binding to the complexes and that of a single mismatch site 20 and a double mismatch site can be compared with the extent to which the target sequence deviates from the sequence of the match site being correlated with the magnitude of ATm, as illustrated in Figure 2. (b) Binding Studies by Circular Dichroism (CD) Spectropolarimetry - CD spectropolarimitry may be used to determine the equilibrium constant and hence binding 25 strength of the metallo complexes. One advantage of this method is its sensitivity. Generally, DNA may be titrated into a fixed concentration of a compound of the invention, eg, a compound of formula (1) ,(3) or (5) resulting in changes to the spectrum. The changes are generally monitored until saturation is reached. The equilibrium constant can be determined using standard techniques, such as Scatchard plot, the 30 McGhee Von Hippel model, or least squares, for analysis. Preferential binding may be quantified by varying the DNA duplexes. Final CD spectra may be normalised to reflect equimolar concentrations of duplex. (c) Footprinting Studies - The ability of compounds to bind in a sequence specific fashion may be determined though transcription assays. For example, a small fragment of WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 40 double stranded DNA of specified length may be incubated with a compound of the invention, eg, a compound of formula (1), (3) and (5), then incubated with a cleavage agent under conditions that result in an average of one cleavage event per molecule. The DNA can then purified and analysed by electrophoresis though through 12% denatured 5 polyacrylamide sequencing gels and visualised using techniques known in the art. If cleavage occurs randomly, the resulting populations of single-stranded DNA fragments will differ in length by a single nucleotide and will appear as a semicontinuous ladder on the gel. However, if a region of DNA is protected from cleavage there will be a gap in the ladder of fragments. The "footprint" can be precisely located, for example, by aligning 10 the gap with a set of Maxam-Gilbert sequencing reactions carried out on the same DNA. (d) Cell-lines - IC 50 values (ie, the concentration of compound of the invention required to inhibit cell growth by 50%) can be determined using known techniques. Pharmaceutical and/or Therapeutic Formulations 15 In accordance with the present invention, when used for the treatment of disease, compounds of the invention may be administered alone. Alternatively, the compounds may be administered as a pharmaceutical formulation which comprises at least one compound of formulae (1), (3) and/or (5) according to the invention. The compound(s) may also be present as suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts. 20 By pharmaceutically acceptable salt it is meant those salts which, within the scope of sound medical judgement, are suitable for use in contact with the tissues of humans and lower animals without undue toxicity, irritation, allergic response and the like, and are commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are well known in the art. 25 For instance, suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds according to the present invention may be prepared by mixing a pharmaceutically acceptable acid such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, rnethanesulfonic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, benzoic acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, carbonic acid, tartaric acid, or citric acid with the compounds of the invention. Suitable pharmaceutically 30 acceptable salts of the compounds of the present invention therefore include acid addition salts. For example, S. M. Berge et al. describe pharmaceutically acceptable salts in detail in J. Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1977, 66:1-19. The salts can be prepared in situ during the final isolation and purification of the compounds of the invention, or separately by WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 41 reacting the free base function with a suitable organic acid. Representative acid addition salts include acetate, adipate, alginate, ascorbate, asparate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bisulfate, borate, butyrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, citrate, digluconate, cyclopentanepropionate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptonate, 5 glycerophosphate, hemisulfate, heptonate, hexanoate, hydrobromide, hydrochloride, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxy-ethanesulfonate, lactobionate, lactate, laurate, lauryl sulfate, malate, maleate, malonate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oleate, oxalate, palmitate, pamoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, stearate, succinate, sulfate, tartrate, thiocyanate, 10 toluenesulfonate, undecanoate, valerate salts, and the like. Representative alkali or alkaline earth metal salts include sodium, lithium potassium, calcium, magnesium, and the like, as well as nontoxic ammonium, quaternary ammonium, and amine cations, including, but not limited to ammonium, tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, ethylamine, triethanolamine is and the like. Convenient modes of administration include injection (subcutaneous, intravenous, etc.), oral administration, inhalation, transdermal application, or rectal administration. Depending on the route of administration, the formulation and/or compound may be coated with a material to protect the compound from the action of enzymes, acids and 20 other natural conditions which may inactivate the therapeutic activity of the compound. The compound may also be administered parenterally or intraperitoneally. Dispersions of the compounds according to the invention may also be prepared in glycerol, liquid polyethylene glycols, and mixtures thereof and in oils. Under ordinary conditions of storage and use, pharmaceutical preparations may contain a preservative to 25 prevent the growth of microorganisms. Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for injection include sterile aqueous solutions (where water soluble) or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersions. Ideally, the composition is stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage and may include a preservative to 30 stabilise the composition against the contaminating action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. In one embodiment of the invention, the compound of the invention may be administered orally, for example, with an inert diluent or an assimilable edible carrier. The compound and other ingredients can also be enclosed in a hard or soft shell gelatin WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 42 capsule, compressed into tablets, or incorporated directly into an individual's diet. For oral therapeutic administration, the compound can be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of ingestible tablets, buccal tablets, troches, capsules, elixirs, suspensions, syrups, wafers, and the like. Suitably, such compositions and preparations 5 may contain at least 1% by weight of active compound. The percentage of the compound of formula (1) in pharmaceutical compositions and preparations can, of course, be varied and, for example, can conveniently range from about 2% to about 90%, about 5% to about 80%, about 10% to about 75%, about 15% to about 65%; about 20% to about 60%, about 25% to about 50%, about 30% to about 45%, or about 35% to about 45%, of the 1o weight of the dosage unit. The amount of compound in therapeutically useful compositions is such that a suitable dosage will be obtained. The language "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" is intended to include solvents, dispersion media, coatings, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and the like. The use of such media and agents for pharmaceutically 15 active substances is well known in the art. Except insofar as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the compound, use thereof in the therapeutic compositions and methods of treatment is contemplated. Supplementary active compounds can also be incorporated into the compositions according to the present invention. It is especially advantageous to formulate parenteral compositions in dosage unit form for ease of 20 administration and uniformity of dosage. Dosage unit form as used herein refers to physically discrete units suited as unitary dosages for the individual to be treated; each unit containing a predetermined quantity of compound is calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier. The compound may be formulated for convenient and effective administration in effective 25 amounts with a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in an acceptable dosage unit. In the case of compositions containing supplementary active ingredients, the dosages are determined by reference to the usual dose and manner of administration of the said ingredients. In one embodiment, the carrier may be an orally administrable carrier. 30 A particularly suitable form of a pharmaceutical composition is a dosage form formulated as enterically coated granules, tablets or capsules suitable for oral administration. In one embodiment, the compound may be administered by injection. In the case of injectable solutions, the carrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 43 example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyetheylene glycol, and the like), suitable mixtures thereof, and vegetable oils. The proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of 5 surfactants. Prevention of the action of microorganisms can be achieved by including various anti-bacterial and/or anti-fungal agents. Suitable agents are well known to those skilled in the art and include, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, benzyl alcohol, ascorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like. In many cases, it may be preferable to include isotonic agents, for example, sugars, polyalcohols such as mannitol, sorbitol, 10 sodium chloride in the composition. Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can be brought about by including in the composition an agent which delays absorption, for example, aluminium monostearate and gelatin. Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the a compound nalogue in the required amount in an appropriate solvent with one or a combination of 15 ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilisation. Generally, dispersions are prepared by incorporating the compound into a sterile vehicle which contains a basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated above. Tablets, troches, pills, capsules and the like can also contain the following: a binder 20 such as gum gragacanth, acacia, corn starch or gelatin; excipients such as dicalcium phosphate; a disintegrating agent such as corn starch, potato starch, alginic acid and the like; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate; and a sweetening agent such as sucrose, lactose or saccharin or a flavouring agent such as peppermint, oil of wintergreen, or cherry flavouring. When the dosage unit form is a capsule, it can contain, in addition to 25 materials of the above type, a liquid carrier. Various other materials can be present as coatings or to otherwise modify the physical form of the dosage unit. For instance, tablets, pills, or capsules can be coated with shellac, sugar or both. A syrup or elixir can contain the compound, sucrose as a sweetening agent, methyl and propylparabens as preservatives, a dye and flavouring such as cherry or orange flavour. Of course, any 30 material used in preparing any dosage unit form should be pharmaceutically pure and substantially non-toxic in the amounts employed. In addition, the compound an be incorporated into sustained-release preparations and formulations. Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition may further include a suitable buffer to minimise acid hydrolysis. Suitable buffer agent agents are well known to those skilled in WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 44 the art and include, but are not limited to, phosphates, citrates, carbonates and mixtures thereof. Single or multiple administrations of the pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention can be carried out. One skilled in the art would be able, by routine 5 experimentation, to determine effective, non-toxic dosage levels of the compound and/or composition of the invention and an administration pattern which would be suitable for treating the disorders or diseases to which the compounds and compositions are applicable. Further, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the optimal course 10 of treatment, such as the number of doses of the compound or composition of the invention given per day for a defined number of days, can be ascertained using convention course of treatment determination tests. Generally, an effective dosage per 24 hours may be in the range of about 0.0001 mg to about 1000 mg per kg body weight; suitably, about 0.001 mg to about 750 mg per kg 15 body weight; about 0.01 mg to about 500 mg per kg body weight; about 0.1 mg to about 500 mg per kg body weight; about 0.1 mg to about 250 mg per kg body weight; or about 1.0 mg to about 250 mg per kg body weight. More suitably, an effective dosage per 24 hours may be in the range of about 1.0 mg to about 200 mg per kg body weight; about 1.0 mg to about 100 mg per kg body weight; about 1.0 mg to about 50 mg per kg body 20 weight; about 1.0 mg to about 25 mg per kg body weight; about 5.0 mg to about 50 mg per kg body weight; about 5.0 mg to about 20 rng per kg body weight; or about 5.0 mg to about 15 mg per kg body weight. Alternatively, an effective dosage may be up to about 500 mg/m 2 . Generally, an effective dosage may be in the range of about 25 to about 500 mg/m 2 , about 25 to about 25 350 mg/m 2 , about 25 to about 300 mg/m 2 , about 25 to about 250 mg/m 2 , about 50 to about 250 mg/m 2 , or about 75 to about 150 mg/m2. The compounds of the invention may be used in combination with other known treatments, such as surgery and/or therapeutic agents, including chemotherapeutic or radiotherapeutics. When used in the treatnient of solid tumours, compounds of the 30 present invention may be administered with chemotherapeutic agents such as: adriamycin, taxol, fluorouricil, melphalan, alpha interferon, COMP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, methotrexate and prednisone), etoposide, mBACOD (methotrexate, bleomycin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine and dexamethasone), PROMACE/MOPP (prednisone, methotrexate (w/leucovin rescue), doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, taxol, WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 45 etoposide/mechlorethamine, vincristine, prednisone and procarbazine), vincristine, vinblastine, angioinhibins, TNP-470, pentosan polysulfate, platelet factor 4, angiostatin, LM-609, SU-101, CM-101, Techgalan, thalidomide, SP-PG and the like. Other chemotherapeutic agents include alkylating agents such as nitrogen mustards including 5 mechloethamine, melphan, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide; nitrosoureas including carmustine, lomustine, semustine and streptozocin; alkyl sulfonates including busulfan; triazines including dacarbazine; ethylenimines including thiotepa and hexamethylmelamine; folic acid analogues including methotrexate; pyrimidine analogues including 5-fluorouracil, cytosine arabinoside; purine analogues including 6 10 mercaptopurine and 6-thioguanine; antitumour antibiotics including actinomycin D; the anthracyclines including doxorubicin, bleomycin, mitomycin C and methramycin; hormones and hormone antagonists including tamoxifen and cortiosteroids and miscellaneous agents including brequinar. The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of illustration only, 15 with respect to the following examples. The examples are intended to serve to illustrate this invention and should not be construed as limiting the generality of the disclosure of the description throughout this specification. Examples In the present invention one example of a target sequence may be 20 d(CATTGTCAGAC) 2 . Two other 1 1-mer sequences have been prepared - one with one mismatch and the other with two mismatches. Analogous 18-mers have also been prepared to assess the trinuclear complex, trans-Im/Py/Py-Pt-Py/Py/In. The binding constant of the dimer and trimer may be determined by measuring the change in Circular Dichroism (CD) upon titration of each of the three duplexes. Footprinting experiments 25 may be used to assess the binding fidelity. The animal tumour, L1210 leukaemia, may be used as a primary screen of newly synthesised compounds in addition to cisplatin resistant L1210 cell lines. Example 1 30 Synthesis of Im/Pv/Py The polyamide Ini/Py/Py was prepared by a similar method to that of Lown et al.(J. Org. Chem., 1985, 50(20), 374-379). The synthesis of lin/Py/Py is shown schematically in Figure 1.

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 46 Methyl-4-nitropyrrole-2-carboxylic acid (1). Acetic anhydride (8 ml) and nitric acid (70%, 1.6 mL) were heated to 50 C for 15 minutes and cooled to room temperature. The solution was then slowly added to a suspension of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolecarboxylic acid (2.0 g, 0.02 mol) in Ac 2 0 (12 ml) cooled 5 to -25 "C. The mixture was stirred for 30 min at -15 0 C, warmed to room temperature and stirred for another 20 min. The mixture was again cooled to -25 'C and the resulting precipitate collected in a funnel cooled with dry ice. The solid was washed with cold Ac 2 0 (-25 'C), followed by Ac 2 0:CC1 4 (1:1, -25 'C), and then CC1 4 and hexane. The yellow solid was dissolved in NaOH (IM) and acidified with HCl to yield the product as 10 a light cream solid which was collected and air-dried. Yield 0.98 g (36%). 1H NMR (DMSO): 6 8.19 (d, 1H, J= 1.8 Hz); 7.23 (d, IH, J= 2.0 Hz); 3.90 (s, 3H). Methyl 1-methyl-4-nitropyrrole-2-carboxylate (2). A solution of H 2

SO

4 (0.4 ml) in MeOH (4 ml) was added to compound 1 (0.4 g, 2.35 mmol) and the mixture refluxed for 24 hr. Water was added and the mixture 15 extracted with CHCl 3 . The organic layer was dried (MgSO 4 ), and the solvent evaporated under vacuum. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (100% CH 2 Cl 2 ) to yield the product as a crystalline solid. Yield 0.33 g (79%). 1 H NMR (DMSO): 8 7.57 (d, 111, J = 2.1 Hz); 7.40 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz); 3.99 (s, 311); 3.86 (s, 3H, COOCH 3 ). Methyl 1-methyl-4-(1-methyl-4-nitropyrrole-2-carboxamido)pyrrole-2-carboxylate 20 (3). Compound 2 (0.34 g, 1.85 mmol) in ethanol (150 ml) and Pd/C (10%, 0.03 g) were stirred under H 2 (1 atm) for 1 hr. The catalyst was removed (celite), and the solvent evaporated to dryness. Diisopropyl ethylamine (1 ml) in THF (5 ml) was added, the solution cooled to -20 'C, and treated with a solution of the acid chloride of 1 (0.31 g, 25 refluxed with thionyl chloride) in THF (5 ml). The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for a further 30 min. The solvent was evaporated to dryness, and water (5 ml) added. The solid was collected, and recrystallized by dissolving in hot DMF and precipitating with ethanol. Yield 0.46 g (82%). 'H NMR (DMSO): 6 10.23 (s, 1H, NH); 8.16 (d, iH, J = 1.9 Hz); 7.52 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz); 7.43 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz); 6.87 (d, 30 1H, J = 1.9 Hz); 3.93 (s, 3H); 3.86 (s, 3H); 3.73 (s, 3H). 1-Methyl-4-(1-methyl-4-nitropyrrole-2-carboxaiido)pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid (4). Compound 3 (0.10 g, 0.33 mmol), NaOH (0.7M, 2.4 ml) and ethanol (2.4 ml) were refluxed until the solid dissolved. The red solution was cooled and acidified with concentrated HCl to precipitate the product as a yellow solid. Yield 0.09 g, (88%). 'H WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 47 NMR (DMSO): 6 12.19 (bs, 1H, OH); 10.18 (s, 1H, NH); 8.15 (d, 1H, J = 1.9 Hz); 7.52 (d, 1H, J = 1.9 Hz); 7.36 (d, 1H, J = 1.9 Hz); 6.78 (d, 1H, J = 1.9 Hz); 3.93 (s, 3H); 3.81 (s, 3H). N-Di-tert-butoxycarbonyl-1,2-ethanediamine (en-BOC) 5 This step was carried out as described by Krapcho et al (Synthetic Communications, 1990, 20(16), 2559-2564). A solution of di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (1.0 g, 4.58 nunol) in

CH

2 Cl 2 (12 ml) was added over a period of 2.5 hr to a solution of ethylenediamine (2.1 g, 35.61 mmol) in CH 2 Cl 2 (12 ml), which was cooled in an ice bath. The mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 24 hr and the solvent removed under reduced 10 pressure. Water (20 ml) was added and the mixture filtered. The filtrate was extracted with CH 2 Cl 2 (3 x 50 ml), the organic layer dried (MgS04) and the solvent evaporated to yield the product as an oil. Yield 0.64g (87%). NN4R (CDCl 3 ): 5 4.93 (bs, 1H, NH-Boc); 3.15 (q, 2H, J 1 = 6.0 Hz, J 2 = 10.8 Hz); 2.77 (t, 2H, J 1 = 6 Hz); 1.42 (s, 9H, Boc); 1.41 (s, 2H, NH 2

)

15 [2-({1-Methyl-4-[(1-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrrole-2 carbonyl}-amino)-ethyl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (5a). This step was carried out as described by Dervan et al.(J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1992, 114, 8783-8794.) To a solution of compound 4 (0.07 g, 0.22 nmol), HOBT (0.04 g, 0.26 mmol) and 20 en-Boc (0.04 g, 0.26 mmol) in THF (7 ml) at 0 *C was added EDCI (0.05 g, 0.24 mmol) in CH 2 Cl 2 (3 ml). The solution was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 20 hr. The mixture was filtered (celite), and H20 (15 ml) added. The solution was extracted with CHCl 3 (30 ml) and the organic layer dried (MgSO 4 ). The solvent was removed under vacuum and the crude residue purified by flash column chromatography 25 (5% methanol/CH 2 Cl 2 ) to yield the product as a yellow solid. Yield 0.073 g (70%). 1 H NMR (DMSO): 5 10.20 (s, 1H, NH), 8.15 (d, 1H, J = 1.8 Hz), 7.99 (t, 1H, J = 5.4 Hz, NH), 7.55 (d, 1H, J = 1.8 Hz), 7.18 (d, 1H, J = 1.8 Hz), 6.85 (bs, 1H, NH-Boc); 6.83 (d, 1H, J = 1.8 Hz), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.17 (in, 2H, CH 2 ), 3.04 (in, 2H, CH 2 ), 1.37 (s, 9H, C(CH 3

)

3 ). 30 (2-{[1-Methyl-4-({1-methyl-4-[(1-methyl-1H-imidazole-2-carbonyl)-amino]-1H pyrrole-2-carbonyl}-amino)-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonyl]-amino}-ethyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (6a). Compound 5a (0.1 g, 0.23 mmol) in methanol (75 ml) was added PtO 2 (0.01 g) and the solution hydrogenated at latm for 26 hr. Catalyst filtered (celite) and DMF (3 ml) WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 48 added. Methanol removed under vacuum and N-methylimidazole-2-carboxylic acid (0.07 g, 0.55 mmol) was added followed by HOBT (0.09 g, 0.69 mmol) and TBTU (0.22 g, 0.69 mmol). Triethylamine (0.3 ml, 2.3 mmol) was added and the solution stirred for 1 hr. Solvent was removed under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (3 5 5 % MeOH/ C1 2

C

2 ). Yield 0.1 g (42%). 'H NN4R (DMSO): 6 10.47 (s, 1H, NH), 9.93 (s, 1HI, NH), 7.98 (t, 1H, NH, J = 6.0 Hz) 7.39 (d, 1H, J = 1.2 Hz), 7.28 (d, 1H, J = 1.5 Hz), 7.18 (d, 1H, J = 1.5 Hz) 7.14 (d, 1H, J = 1.8 Hz), 7.03 (d, 111, J = 1.2 Hz), 6.88-6.86 (bs, 2H, 1H and NH-Boc), 3.98 (s, 3H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.18 (m, 2H, CH 2 ), 3.04 (in, 211, CH 2 ), 1.37 (s, 9H, C(CH 3

)

3 ). 10 1-Methyl-1IH-imidazole-2-carboxylic acid {5-[5-(2-amino-ethylcarbamoyl)-1-methyl 1I-pyrrol-3-ylcarbamoyll-1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-3-yl}-amide (7a) Compound 6a (0.29 g, 0.06 mmol) and TFA/CH 2 Cl 2 (1:1, 2 ml) containing H20 (40 ptl) were stirred at room temperature for 1.5 hr. The solvent was removed under pressure and the residue stirred with DOWEX* 550A OH anion exchange resin (0.05 g, 0.17 15 mmol, washed with MeOH). The solution was decanted and evaporated. CHC1 3 (5 ml) was added and the solid collected and dried under vacuum. Yield 0.02g (90%). 'H NMR (DMSO): 6 10.49 (s, 1H, NH), 9.96 (s, 1H, NH), 8.13 (t, 1H, NH, J = 6.0 Hz) 7.71 (bs, 2H, NH 2 ), 7.40 (d, 111, J = 1.5 Hz), 7.28 (d, 1H, J = 1.5 Hz), 7.18 (d, 1H, J= 1.5 Hz) 7.15 (d, 1H, J = 1.8 Hz), 7.04 (d, 1H, J = 1.2 Hz), 6.98 (d, 1H J = 1.5 Hz), 3.98 (s, 3H), 3.83 (s, 20 3H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.5-3.2 (m, 2H, CH 2 ), 2.92 (i, 2H, CH 2 ). Synthesis of trans-Im/Py/Py-Pt(C)(NH 3

)

2 Transplatin (0.10 g, 0.34 mmol) and compound 7a (0.14 g, 0.34 nmol) in H20 (45 ml) were refluxed until the mixture dissolved (24hr). The solution was cooled and filtered. The solvent was evaporated and MeOH (10 ml) added. The solid was removed 25 and the filtrate concentrated. CH 2 Cl 2 was added (10 ml) and stirred for 30 min. The solid was collected and dried under vacuum. The synthesis is represented schematically below. Yield 0.24 g (63%). 'H NMR (DMSO): 6 11.52 (s, 1H, NH), 10.09 (s, 1H, NH), 8.17 (t, 1H, J = 5.4 Hz, NH), 7.84 (bs, 2H, NH 2 ), 7.56 (d, 1H, J = 1.5 Hz), 7.45 (d, 1H, J = 1.5 Hz), 7.32 (d, 1H, J = 1.5 Hz), 7.29 (s, 1H), 7.20 (d, 1H, J = 1.5 Hz), 7.15 (d, 1H, J = 1.8 30 Hz), 7.12 (s, 111), 6.99 (d, 1H, J = 1.8 Hz), 6.95 (s, 1H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 3.90 (s, 311), 3.83 (s, 311), 3.81 (s, 311), 3.6-3.2 (in, 2H, CH 2 ), 2.93 (i, 211, CH 2 ); MS calculated for

C

19

H

3 0ClN 1 oO 3 Pt 1 (677.04). Found 677.0 WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 49

N

7 -CONH HN3CONH CHN CONH(CH 2

)

0 NH3+CF CH3 NN Transplatin H2O/60DC CONH CH3CONH CH3

CONH(CH

2 )nNH2, NH 3 I pf( trans-/w/Py/Py-Pt CH3 H .1 I -A / 3 N' H 0 \N H NNC (CH2)-N2, -H

NH

2 NH3N H3N PNH 2 O H N (CH2)ny N- \ H H H trans-In/Py/Py-Pt-Py/Py/Im Example 2 DNA Meltine Experinxents DNA melting profiles were acquired for Im/Py/Py-Pt at 260 nm using a Cary 1E 5 recording spectrophotometer equipped with peltier controlled cell holder and cell length of 1 cm. The heating rate in all experiments was 0.5 0 C/min. Solutions conditions are sodium phosphate (10 mM), EDTA (1 mM) and NaCl (40 mM) adjusted to pH 7.0. DNA melting curves are shown in Figure 2. Example 3 10 CD Titrations All CD measurements were recorded on a Jasco J-810 CD spectropolarimeter at room temperature and cell length of 1 cm. Titrations were performed by incrementally adding aliquots of Im/Py/Py-Pt to a 2600 pL solution of 5 pM duplex DNA. After each addition, an average CD spectrum from 240 to 400 nin (20 accumulations) was recorded. 15 DNA concentration was 5 pLM. The concentration of Im/Py/Py-Pt ranged from 0 to 10 piM. Solution conditions were 10 mM sodium phosphate (pH 7.0) and 40 mM NaCl. CD spectra obtained are shown in Figures 3a-3c and Table 1 WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 50 Table 1 - apparent first-order affinity constant ( M- 1 ) K for Binding Site polyamide d(CATTGTCAGAC) 2 d(CATTGACAGAC) 2 d(CATTGAGAGAC) 2 DJ-1953-2 1.2 x 10' (0.1) 5.6 x 10' (0.2) 3.0 x 10' (0.1) DJ-1953-6 2.4 x 106(0.1) 4.4 x 105 (0.2) 1.3 x 106 (0.1) Derived from the CD titrations Example 4 Unwinding Experiments Gel electrophoresis indicates that variable amounts of Im/Py/Py-Pt have been bound 5 to a mixture of relaxed and negatively supercoiled pUC19 DNA. The unwinding angle was determined to be 130 for this experiment, which is the same as that reported for cisplatin (130). The plasmid was incubated with Imn/Py/Py-Pt for 1.5 hr at 37 OC. Lanes: 0 Control rb= 0; 1, rb= 0.008; 2, rb= 0. 0.016; 3, rb= 0.025; 4, rb= 0.033; 5, rb= 0.041; 6, rb= 0.049; 7, rb=0.057; 8, rb= 0.066; 9, rb= 0.074. The top bands correspond to the form 10 of nicked plasmid and the bottom bands to the closed, negatively supercoiled plasmid shown in Figure 4. Example 5 In vitro Transcription Assay using "trans-Im/Py/Py-[CONH(CH 2

)-NH

2 )Pt(NH 3

)

2 Cl" ("DJ1953-2") 15 The Inhibition of RNA synthesis by DJ1953-2 was assessed using a recombinant pSP64 derivative. Incubations were carried out in 40 mM Tris-HC1 (pH 7.9), 6 mM MgCl 2 , 2 mM spermidine, 10 mM NaCl. Lane (1) 100-500 bases RNA marker; Lanes (2) to (8) increasing molar concentration of DJ1953-2. The inhibition of the full-length transcript (FLT) can be seen at 335 bases. Experiments were conducted after 12 hour 20 platination reactions (in the dark at 4 'C). Example 6 ESIMS Binding Experiments All mass spectra were acquired using a Micromass (Wyntheshaw, UK) Qtof 2 spectrometer with a Z-spray probe. Reactions were performed using solutions containing 25 25 micromolar duplex DNA and either 25 or 50 micromolar platinum complex. All reactions were performed in 0.1M ammonium acetate that had been adjusted to pH 8.5 Spectra were obtained ~4 hours after mixing. Samples were diluted with 0.1M WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 51 ammonium acetate (pH 8.5) so that the final concentration of duplex was 10 micromolar, and then injected into the mass spectrometer using a Harvard model 22 syringe pump (Natick, MA, USA) at a flow rate of 20 microlitre min- 1 . Negative ion ESI mass spectra were acquired using a probe tip potential of 2500 V, a cone voltage of 50 V, and the 5 source block and desolvation temperatures set to 60 'C and 80 0 C, respectively. The transport and aperture were set to 2.0 and 12.0, respectively. In most experiments spectra were acquired over the range m/z 500-3,000. Typically 50-70 scans were summed to obtain representative spectra. The data points were calibrated against a standard CsI solution (750 mM) over the same m/z range. 10 Example 7 Synthesis of ImInHpPv-y-ImPyPyPy-(p-Ala)alkylamine H N OH NCOOH NHNH N NH NHFMOC H H N NN N / 1 / 0 N ' 00N H 2 N H 2 HHN HH H2 HOOC 15 Retrosynthetic scheme for the synthesis of Synthesis of ImImHpPy-y-InPyPyPy (P-Ala)alkylamine Methyl 4-[(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino]-1-methylpyrrole-2-carboxylate (0.1415 g, 0.55 nmnol) in 4 M HCl/ EtOAc (4.26 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. 20 The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and dried under vacuum for 1 hr. The residue was dissolved in DMF (4 ml) and EDCI (0.213g, 1.11 mmol, 2 equiv), DMAP WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 52 (0.135 g, 1.11 mrnol, 2 equiv) and N-methylimidazole-2-carboxylic acid (0.105 g, 0.83 mmol, 1.5 equiv) were added and stirred overnight (19 hr). The solution was poured into EtOAc (25 ml) and washed with 10% HCl (3 x 25 ml), saturated NaHCO 3 (3 x 25 ml), the organics dried (Na 2

SO

4 ) and concentrated under vacuum. 5 H BOONN OC-N 1) HCI / EtOAc N CONHN N COOCH 3 2) EDCI / DMAP / ImCOOH COOCH3 Methyl 4-[(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino]-1-methylpyrrole-2-carboxylate (0.1108 g, 0.43 mmol) in 4 M HCI/ EtOAc (4.26 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and dried under vacuum for 1 hr. The 10 residue was dissolved in DMF (4 ml) and ImCOOH (0.059 g, 0.52 mmol, 1.2 equiv) was added followed by HOBt (0.079 g, 0.65 mmol, 1.5 equiv), TBTU (0.189 g, 0.65 mmol) and Et 3 N (0.328 ml, 2.6 mmol, 6 equiv) and the solution stirred for 1 hr. Solvent was removed and purified by flash chromatography (0-5 % MeOH/DCM). BOC-HN 1) HCI / EtOAc §CwCONH /N )COOCH 3 2) ImCOOH / HOBt / TBTU / Et 3 N COOCH3 15 Methyl 4-[(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino]-1-methylpyrrole-2-carboxylate (0.181 g, 0.71 mmol) in TFA / DCM (1:1, 4 ml) and H 2 0 (40pL) was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was 20 dissolved in EtOAc (2 ml). Et 3 N (0.299 ml, 2.13 mmol, 3 equiv) was added followed by N-methylimidazole-2-trichloroacetyl chloride (0.161 g, 0.709 nmol) and the mixture stirred for 2 hr. The solid was collected and air-dried. Yield 0.053 g (29%). 'H NMR (DMSO)-ds: 5 10.07 (s, 1H), 7.68 (s, 111), 7.42 (s, 1H), 7.05 (s, 1H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.81 (s, 3H). 25 BOC-HN N N 1) TFA / DCM / H 2 0 N CONH N _COOCH 3 2) ImCOCCl 3 / Et 3 N /EtOAc IWCOOCH3 WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 53 Example 8 Retrosynthetic scheme for the synthesis of "Pt(NH 2

(CH

2

)

6 NHCO]-ImlmIn [y-[NHCO(CH 2

)

7

NH

2 ]Pt]-PyPyPy" 0 N O H N N H, N H N &H HO

NH

2 N / NH 2 (N N H N- NHz-(CH2) N NCHZ)e. Pt ~'H-~ NH 2 -NH3 Ci NH 3 N N N PtN H O 0

H

3 N I N H N -fN N 0 H3N Pt NH2-(CH2) 0 HOOC CI NH 3 (H 2

)'NH

2 , -N N H NH 2 HN 0 N N H f O N N N HO O I 5 Ethyl 1-methylimidazole-2-carboxylate (Im-1) To a solution of N-methylimidazole (5 g, 0.06 mol), acetonitrile (32 mL) and triethylamine (15 mL), cooled to -20"C was added ethyl chloroformate (13 mL, 0.137 mol), and the mixture allowed to slowly warm to room temperature and stirred for 3.5 hr. 10 The solution was filtered (triethylamine hydrochloride) and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by distillation under reduced pressure (0 Torr, 102"C) to yield the product as a white solid. Yield (6.26 g, 68%) 1H NMR (DMSO): 6 7.44 (d, 1H, J=2.8 Hz), 7.04 (d, 1H, J=2.8 Hz), 4.26 (q, 2H, J=3.5 Hz), 3.91 (s, 3H), 1.26 (t, 3h, J=3.5 Hz). 13 C (DMSO): 159.3, 129.1, 127.7, 61.0, 36.0, 14.5. 15 Ethyl 1-methyl-4-nitroimidazole-2-carboxylate (Im-2) Im-1 (1.8 g) was dissolved in concentrated H 2 S0 4 (5 mL) and cooled to 0"C. Nitric acid (90%, 5 mL) was slowly added and the solution warmed to room temperature and then refluxed at -20"C for 1.5 hr. The reaction was quenched by pouring onto ice (50 mL).

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 54 The resulting blue solution was extracted with DCM, dried over sodium sulphate, and evaporated under vacuum to yield a tanned and oily product. The residue was precipitated with CC 1 4:EtOH (1:1, 5 mL) to yield the product as white crystals. Yield (1.0543 g, 45%). 1 H1 NMR (DMSO): 5 8.61 (s, 1H), 4.33 (q, 2H, J=6.4 Hz), 3.97 (s, 3H), 1.29 (t, 3H, J=6.0 5 Hz). 13 C (DMSO): 158.2, 145.4, 135.3, 127.4, 62.2, 37.3, 14.5. Ethyl 4-aniino-1-methylimidazole-2-carboxylate (Im-3) Im-2 (0.4 g) in EtOH/ethyl acetate (1:1, 14 mL) and Pd/C (10%, 0.3 g) were stirred under a slight positive pressure of hydrogen (ca 1.1 atm) for 3-4 hr. The reaction mixture was filtered using celite and solvent evaporated on the rotary. The remaining solid was 1o freeze dried to yield a slightly yellow product. Yield (0.38 g, 95%). 'IH NMR (DMSO): 8 6.45 (s, 1H), 4.5 (bs, 2H, NH 2 ), 4.2 (q, 2H, J=7 Hz), 3.76 (s, 3H), 1.24 (t, 3H, J=7.9 Hz). [(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)amino]-1-methylimidazole-2-carboxylic acid (Im-4) To Im-3 (0.38 g) in DMF (8 mL) and Hunig's base (2rnL) was added ditert-butyl dicarbonate (0.7 ml) and the mixture stirred at 60 *C for 3 hr. It was then cooled to room 15 temperature and brine (6 mL) and ethyl ether (6 mL) were added. The ether layer was extracted with 10% citric acid, brine, saturated sodium bicarbonate, and brine (10 mL each). The ether layer was then dried over sodium sulfate and. evaporated under vacuum. NaOH (IM, 5mL) in methanol was then added and solution stirred at 60 *C for 1 hr. The mixture was then cooled to 0 *C and neutralised with 1M HC1 to pH 2 at which a white 20 gel was formed. The gel was collected by gravity filtration and washed with water pH=6 before it was freeze dried to yield the product as a white powder. Yield (0.41 g, 76%). 'H NMR (DMSO): 6 9.45 (bs, 1H, NH), 7.21 (bs, 1H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.67 (bs, 1H, OH), 1.4 (s, 9H). Ethyl-1-Methyl-4-[((4-tert-butoxyearbonyl)amino-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-2 25 carbonyl)-amino]-1H-imidazole-2-carboxylate (ImImCOOCH 2

CH

3 )

NO

2 hnCOOCH 2

CH

3 (0.1 g, 0.5912 nimol) was dissolved in ethanol:ethylacetate (1:1, 8 mL) and Pd/C (10%, 0.015 g) and then stirred under H 2 (1 atm) for 2.5 hr (TLC (Silica Gel 60 F 254 precoated plated Merck) - 2 % MeOFUDCM). The catalyst was filtered, DMF (3 mL) added and ethanol was evaporated. Im-4 (0.15 g, 0.64 nimol) was 30 added followed by HOBT (0.11 g, 0.815 mmol), TBTU (0.262 g, 0.815 mmol), Et 3 N (0.38 mL, 2.71 mmol) and the solution stirred for 3 hr. The solid was filtered, DMF WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 55 evaporated and the residue was purified using column chromatography (7% MeOH/DCM) yielding the product as a creamy solid. Yield (0.13 g, 66%). 'H NMR (DMSO): 8 9.6 (bs, 1H, NH), 9.5 (bs, 1H, NH), 7.61 (s, H), 7.22 (bs, 1H), 4.2 (q, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 3.91 (s, 6H), 1.45 (s, 9H), 1.28 (t, 3H, J=7.3 Hz). 5 1-Methyl-4-[((4-tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino-1-methyl-1IH-imidazole-2-carbonyl) amino]-1lH-imidazole-2-carboxylic acid (ImImCOOH) ImmCOOCH 2

CH

3 (0.15 g) was dissolved in MeOH (10 mL) and NaOH/MeOH (1 M, 10 mL). The solution was stirred for 0.5 hr. at 60 *C and monitored by (Silica Gel 60

F

254 precoated plated Merck) (7% MeOH/DCM). The solution was then cooled to 0 *C 10 before it was neutralised using HC (1 M) to pH= 2.The product was filtered to obtain a pink solid. Yield (0.13 g, 93.5%). 'H NMR (DMSO): 8 9.45 (bs, 2H, 2NH), 7.69 (s, 1H), 7.22 (bs, 1H), 3.91 (s, 6H), 3.41 (b, OH), 1.43 (s, 9H). Ethyl-1-Methyl-4-({1-methyl-4-[((4-tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino-1-methyl-1H imidazole-2-carbonyl)-amino-1lH-imidazole-2-carbonyl}-amino)-1H-imidazole-2 15 carboxylate (ImImImCOOCH 2

CH

3 )

NO

2 hnCOOCH 2 CH3 (0.09 g, 0.532 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol:ethyl acetate (1:1, 8 mL) and Pd/C (10%, 0.025 g) and then stirred under H 2 (1 atm) for 2 hr. (TLC (Silica Gel 60 F 254 precoated plated Merck)- 2% MeOH/DCM). The catalyst was filtered, DMF (10 mL) added and ethanol was evaporated. Imrn-OH (0.15 g, 0.412 mmol) was 20 added followed by HOBT (0.083 g, 0.6 mmol), TBTU (0.19 g, 0.6 mmol), Et 3 N (0.5 mL, 2.5 mmol) and the solution stirred for 2 hr. The solid was filtered, DMF was evaporated and the residue was purified twice using column chromatography yielding the product as a creamy solid. Yield (0.084 g, 72%). 1H NMR (DMSO): 6 10.01 (s, 1H, NH), 9.58 (bs, 1H, NH), 9.35 (s, 1H, NH), 7.64 (s, 1H), 7.6 (s, 1H), 7.22 (bs, 1H), 4.29 (q, 2H, J=7.3 25 Hz), 3.98 (s, 3H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 1.45 (s, 9H), 1.3 (t, 3H, J=7.1 Hz). 1-Methyl-4-({1-methyl-4-[((4-tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-2 carbonyl)-amino]-1H-imidazole-2-carbonyl}-amino)-1H-irnidazole-2-carboxylic acid (ImImImCOOH) ImImImCOOCH 2 CH3 (0.14 g) was dissolved in THF/MeOH (1:1, 2 mL) and LiOH 30 (1 M, 2 mL). The solution was stirred for 0.5 hr. at 55 "C and monitored by TLC ((Silica Gel 60 F 254 precoated plated Merck) 7% MeOH/DCM). The solution was then cooled to 0 "C before it was neutralised using HCl (1 M) to pH= 4.The product was filtered to obtain WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 56 a pink solid. Yield (0.11 g, 83%). 'H NMR (DMSO): 5 10.01 (bs, 1H, NH), 9.45 (bs, 2H, 2NH), 7.60 (s, 1H), 7.59 (s, 111), 7.23 (bs, 1H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 3.91 (s, 311), 3.56 (bs, 1H, OH), 1.44 (s, 911). Synthesis of the triple pyrrole polyamide ("PyPyPy") 5 Methyl-4-nitropyrrole-2-carboxylic acid (Py-1). Acetic anhydride (8 mL) was treated with 70% nitric acid (1.6 mL) and the mixture heated to 50 C for 15 minutes, then cooled to room temperature, and slowly added to a suspension of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolecarboxylic acid (2 g) in Ac 2 0 (12 mL) and cooled to -25 "C. The mixture was stirred at -15 "C for 0.5 hr, then the temperature was allowed to rise 10 to ambient, and stirring was continued for 20 min. The mixture was again cooled to -25 'C and the resulting precipitate was collected in a funnel cooled on dry ice. The solid was washed with a small amount of cold Ac 2 0 (-25 "C), and then dissolved in 1M NaOH solution. Acidification with 1M HCl precipitated the compound. Yield (0.77 g, 28%). 1H NMR (DMSO): 3 8.19 (d, 1H, J=1.8 Hz); 7.23 (d, 111, J=2.0 Hz); 3.90 (s, 3H). i5 Methyl-4-nitropyrrole-2-carboxylate (Py-2). A solution of H 2

SO

4 (0.8 mL) in MeOH (8 mL) was added to Py-1 (0.77 g, 4.53 mmol) and the mixture heated at reflux for 24 hr. Water was added and the mixture extracted with DCM. The organic solvent was dried using MgSO 4 , and solvent evaporated under vacuum to yield the product as a crystalline solid. Yield 0.55 g, 66%). 20 1H NMR (DMSO): 8 7.57 (d, 1H, J=2.1 Hz); 7.40 (d, 111, J=2.0 Hz); 3.99 (s, 3H); 3.86 (s, 3H). Methyl-1-methyl-4-[(1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrrole-2 carboxylate (PyPyCOOCH3)

NO

2 PyCOOCH 3 (0.2 g, 1.086 mmol) in MeOH (60 mL) and Pd/C (10%, 0.04 g) 25 were stirred under H2 (latm) for 1 hr (TLC-(Silica Gel 60 F 254 precoated plated Merck) 5% MeOHl in DCM). The catalyst was removed using celite, DMF (3 mL) was added and MeOH was evaporated. 1-Methylpyrrole-2-carboxylic acid (0.162 g, 1.3 mmol) was added followed by HOBT (0.22 g, 1.63 mmol), TBTU (0.524 g, 1.63 mmol), Et 3 N (0.76 mL, 5.42 mmol) and the solution stirred for 1 hr. DMF was evaporated under pressure 30 and product was purified by column chromatography (5% MeOH/DCM) affording the WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 57 product as a creamy yellow solid. Yield (0.4 g). 'H NMR (DMSO): b 9.6 (bs, 1H, NH), 7.98 (s, 2H), 7.88 (d, 1H, J=2.1 Hz), 7.34 (d, 1H, J=2 Hz), 6.93 (bs, 1H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 3.89 (s, 3H), 3.79 (s, 3H). 1-Methyl-4-[(1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonyl)-amino]-1IH-pyrrole-2-carboxyic acid 5 (PyPyCOOH) PyPyCOOCH 3 (0.403 g, 1.5 nmol) was dissolved in THF/MeOH (1:1, 6 mL). IM LiOH (6 mL) was added and stirred at 60 "C for 1.5 hr. The organics were evaporated under vacuum, solution was cooled and acidified with 1M HCl to pH=3. The solid was collected and air-dried. Yield (0.35 g, 92%). 1H NMR (DMSO): 6 9.75 (s, 1H, NH), 7.4 10 (s, 1H), 6.95 (s, 1H,), 6.9 (bs, 1H), 6.8 (bs, 1H), 6.05 (bs, 1H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.3 (bs, 1H, OH). Methyl-1-methyl-4-({1-methyl-4-[(1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonyl)-amino]-1H pyrrole-2-carbonyl}-amino)-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate (PyPyPyCOOCH 3 )

NO

2 PyCOOCH 3 (0.116 g, 0.63 mmol) in MeOH (50 mL) and Pd/C (10%, 0.04 g) 15 were stirred under H 2 (1 atm) for 1 hr ((Silica Gel 60 F 254 precoated plated Merck) -5% MeOH/DCM). The catalyst was filtered using celite, DMF (4ml) was added, and solvent evaporated. PyPyCOOH (0.1 g, 0.42 mmol) was added followed by HOBT (0.09 g, 0.69 mmol), TBTU (0.22 g, 0.69 mmol), Et 3 N (0.6 mL, 5.1 mmol) and the solution was stirred for lhr. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by column 20 chromatography (5% MeOH/DCM). Yield (0:21 g, 84%). 'H NMR (CD 3 0D): 5 8.0 (s, 1H), 7.35 (bs, 1H), 7.2 (bs, 1H), 6.9 (bs, 1H), 6.85 (bs, 1H), 6.1 (bs, 1H), 5.5 (bs, 1H), 3.9 (s, 6H), 3.8 (s, 3H), 3.4 (s, 3H). 1-Methyl-4-({i-methyl-4-[(1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonyl)-ainino]-1H-pyrrole-2 carbonyl}-amino)-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid (PyPyPyCOOII) 25 PyPyPyCOOCH 3 (0.148 g) was dissolved in THF/MeOH (1:1, 3 mL), LiOH (1M, 3 mL) was added and solution stirred at 60 "C for 1.5 hr. The organics were evaporated, solution then cooled on ice and acidified to pH=3 using HCl (1 M). The solid was filtered. Yield (0.07 g, 49%). 'H NMR (DMSO): 6 9.85 (s, 1H, NH), 9.82 (s, 1H, NH), 7.4 (s, 1H), 7.2 (s, 1H), 7.0 (s, 1H), 6.9 (bs, 2H), 6.8 (bs, 1H), 6 (bs, 1H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.82 (s, 30 3H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.23 (b, 1H, OH).

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 58 Synthesis of the PtCI(NH 3

)

2

(C

6

H

1 2[NH 2 ] [NiHBoc]) tert-Butoxycarbonyl)amino-6-amino-hexane A solution of di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (3 g, 0.014 moles) in DCM (12 mL) was added over a period of 2 hr. to a solution of 1,6-diaminohexane (12 g, 0.11 moles) in 5 DCM (36 mL) that was cooled to -10 C. The mixture was stirred for 24 hrs. before the solvent was removed under vacuum. Water (60 mL) was added to the residue and the insoluble bis-substituted product was collected by filtration. The filtrate was extracted using DCM (3 x 60 mL) and then dried over Na 2

SO

4 before the solvent was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in chloroform and any undissolved product was filtered. The 10 filtrate was then evaporated under vacuum to yield the product as a slightly yellow oil. Yield (4.12 g, 55.3%). 'H NMR (CDC1 3 ): 9.8 (bs, 111, NH), 4.45 (bs, 2H, NH 2 ), 3 (b, 4H), 2.6 (b, 4H), 2.15 (b, 411), 1.25 (s, 9H). Purification of Transplatin, trans Pt(NH 3

)

2

C

2 Impure transplatin (2 g) was mixed with water (300 mL, pH=5) and stirred at 100 15 'C until the solution became clear. The solution was quickly filtered and the filtrate was cooled for 1 hr. The resulting precipitate was filtered to yield the product as a yellow solid. Yield (0.8 g, 40%). 1H NMR (CDCl 3 ): 6 4.35 (b, 6H). PtCl(NH 3

)

2

(C

6

H

1 2[NH 2 ][JNHBoc]) Transplatin (0.05 g, 0.17 mmol) and 1-tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino-6-amino-hexane 20 (0.03 6 g, 0.17 mmol) in water (23 mL) were refluxed at 60 *C until the mixture dissolved (24 hr.). The solution was cooled and filtered through 0.45 ym pores before the water was evaporated to yield a creamy white solid. Yield (0.072 g, 91% ). Attaching the Fmoc-L-2,4-Diaminobutyric acid(Boc) linker to the Imidazole polyamide 25 ImImIm-OH (0.05 g, 0.105 mmol) was dissolved in DCM (5 mL). Trifluoro acetic acid/DCM (1:1, 6 mL) was added and the solution stirred under N 2 atm for 1 hr and monitored through TLC ((Silica Gel 60 F 254 precoated plated Merck)10% H 2 0/ACN). The solvent was evaporated and a solution of Fmoc-L-2,4-Diaminobutyric acid(Boc) (0.046 g, 0.105 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added followed by HOBT (0.02 g, 0.15 30 mmol), TBTU (0.048 g, 0.15 mmol), and ET 3 N (0.1 mL, 0.5 nmol). The mixture was WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 59 stirred under N 2 atm for 2-3 hr. and then purified by column chromatography (7% MeOH/DCM) before the solvent was evaporated to yield a white creamy solid. Example 9 Retrosynthetic scheme for the synthesis of PYPyPYPy -[(O-phen)Ru(bpy) 2 1 Cl 2 N N N~ C02OO NN H NN N NNCO N 0 HOOCC cii NN N I 100 HH N HOO nitrognsparedsolyionhos90% ofmca (150ml).Teoutoeashatda u f N 011 I~u(CO 2 CNHI Paraormldeyde(3 ) ad R~l 3 3H 2 (6 , 2.9 mol wee adedto dr nitogn pagedsoutonof 0%fomi acd 15 m). hesouton ashete a reflux~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~1 fo rte eta Coengt h ouiN wseaoae lwyoe WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 60 steam bath and triturated from hexane. The product was then filtered and dried in vacuo. Yield: 1.88 g, 36%. [Ru(bpy)(CO) 2 Cl21 2,2'-Bipyridyl (bpy, 1.03 g, 6.6 m mol) was added to methanol (10 mL), vigorous 5 stirring and deaerated with dry nitrogen for 30 min. [Ru(CO) 2 Cl 2 ]n (1.0 g, 4.4 mmol) was added followed by refluxing for 30 min. Extra methanol (20 mL) was added 15 min into the reflux. The product was then cooled to room temperature, collected and recrystallised from methanol. Yield: 0.78g, 46%. [Ru(bpy)(CO) 2

(CF

3

SO

3

)

2 10 [Ru(bpy)(CO) 2

C

2 ] (0.5g 1.3 mmol) in 1.2 dichlorobenzene (200 mL) was deaerated with dry nitrogen for 30 minutes resulting in a cloudy yellow solution. CF 3

SO

3 H (0.5 mL, 3.3 mmol) was added, dropwise with a glass pipette and the solution heated to 110 "C for 1.5 hr under nitrogen. The solution was then cooled to 0"C and diethyl ether (200 mL) was added and stirred for 1 hr. The product was then filtered under a nitrogen blanket 15 and washed with ether (2 x 5 mL), water (2 x 5 mL), and ether (2 x 5 mL). Yield: 0.51g, 64.19%. [Ru(bpy)(dpqC)(CO) 2

](PF

6

)

2 [Ru(bpy)(CO) 2

(CF

3

SO

3

)

2 ] (0.5g, 0.8 mmol) and dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c](6,7,8,9 tetrahydro)phenazine (dpqC, 0.464 g, 1.6 mmol) were dissolved in 95% ethanol (80 mL) 20 under dry nitrogen. The solution was then refluxed for 1.5 hr and reduced to dryness by rotary evaporation. The residue was dissolved in boiling water and filtered to remove unreacted ligand (dpqC). A saturated solution of KPF 6 (~5 mL) was added to precipitate the compound. The resulting product was collected and washed with water (2 x 5 mL) and ether (2 x 5 mL). The compound was then recrystallised from acetone/ethanol and 25 collected. Yield: 0.165 g, 23.1%. IR (Nujol) Vco at 2100 and 2050 cm- 1 . IH NMR (6 Acetone): 10.02 (dd, 2H), 9.78 (d, 111), 9.66 (d, 111), 9.06 (d, 1H), 8.78 (dd, 1H), 8.59 (dd, 1H), 8.34 (bm, 2H), 8.18 (bm, 211), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.49 (d, 1H), 3.34 (bm, 4H), 2.13 (b, 4H). Resolution of A, A-[Ru(bpy)(dpqC)(CO) 2 1(PF 6

)

2 30 [Ru(bpy)(dpqC)(CO) 2

](PF

6

)

2 (100 mg) was converted to the chloride salt by addition of N-butyl ammonium chloride in acetone. The product was then filtered from the solution and the chloride solution produce when the product was dissolved in water.

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 61 Sephadex SP-C25 chromatographic column was prepared and cycled with water for approximately 30 min. The compound was then loaded and cycling with water was continued for approximately 15 min. The column was then capped with additional Sephadex and the compound eluted with the addition of 0.1 M (-)dibenzoyl tartrate (pH 5 8.0) and the progress was monitored. A-[Ru(bpy)(dpqC)(CO) 2

](PF

6

)

2 , Yield 15 mg (15.0%) CD Xmax n (As mdeg/M cm) (water/acetone): 265 (15); 290 (-1); 313 (17). A-[Ru(bpy)(dpqC)(CO) 2

](PF

6

)

2 Yield 23 mg (23.0%) CD Xmax nm (As mdeg/M cm) (water/acetone): 265 (-17); 290 (3); 313 (-15); Optical purity at 88%. Synthesis of [Ru(phen) 2 (4-Cl-Phen)] (PF 6

)

2 C1 Cl N.CN N ~N..c N/ uCI *N N Ru-N N N &-N'N- PF6 / ~MI VA. N~W214 65j / M,2 65 PF, MAl NWL 339 0.939=01~o 10 .5 0 TY' 0.823 10 3 [Ru(phen)(Cl) 2 ] (0.500 g, 0.939 mmol) and 4-chloro-1,10-phenanthroline (4-Cl phen, 0.242 g, 1.13 mmol) were mixed in ethylene glycol (12 mL) and the solution was heated on high for five minutes in a modified microwave oven fitted with a reflux is condenser. The reaction mixture was then poured into water (100 mL) and a solution of saturated of KPF 6 (1 mL) was added. The resulting precipitate was extracted into DCM (4 x 150 mL). The extracts were dried (sodium sulfate) and the solution evaporated. The dark orange solid was purified by column chromatography (Silica Gel 60 (230-400 mesh, Merck, 7 x 12 cm) with acetonitrile (containing 25 % sat NH 4

PF

6 in acetonitrile). The 20 acetonitrile was evaporated and water was added to afford precipitation. The product was collected by filtration and washed with ether (2 x 5 mL). The solid was redissolved in acetonitrile and purified on alumina (Activated neutral Brocknann 1, 7 x 12 cm) with acetonitrile twice. (0.385 g, 46.9%). 1H NMR (CD 3 CN): 8.66 (d, 2H), 8.60 (bm, 2H), 8.52 (d, iH), 8.39 (d, 1H), 8.27 (s, 4H), 8.09 (dd, 2H), 8.03 (bm, 2H1), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.73 25 (d, 1H), 7.65 (bm, 5H).

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 62 Synthesis of [Ru(phen)2(Phen-4-NH 2

-CH

2

CH

2

-NH

2

)](PF

6

)

2

NH

2 RN. / N' \ PF N N 6 o,.NH 2 NaH -)P I 'Ru'N N PF 6 N HO N N PF'O/6

PF

6 N N

PF

6 C!0 0 F , NOP2Ru

.

0 I 0 Mol. iW 990.68 MA! Wu 900000 Mot.Wt.; 61.0 .o Wt- 24 021-0, 0.200 1 0.D 02 m The ruthenium complex, [Ru(phen) 2 4-Cl-Phen](PF 6

)

2 (0.2 g, 0.21 mmol) was also suspended in deaerated DMF (5 mL) while separately NaH (0.036 g, 1.5 mmol) was also 5 suspended in a stirring solution of dry, deaerated DMF (5 mL). Ethanolamine (12.8 pL, 0.21 mmol) was added to the solution of NaH. The two solutions were mixed via cannula and the resulting black solution heated at 40 'C for 2 hr. The solution was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure leaving a red black residue which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel, eluting with acetonitrile (5% saturated KN0 3 solution and 10 10 % water). Fractions containing unreacted starting complex and product were isolated by TLC (SiO 2 , ACN/5% saturated KNO 3 /10% H20). These fractions were combined, reduced to dryness then extracted into dichloromethane (4 x 100 mL) from H 2 0 (100 mL). The extracts were reduced to dryness and subsequently purified on a column of TLC grade silica gel (ACN/1% saturated KNO 3 /10% H20). This purification achieved a is separation of bands containing unreacted starting complex and product. The product (band 2) was collected, reduced to dryness then extracted into dichloromethane (4 x 100 mL) from H20 (100 mL). Evaporation of the solution to dryness under reduced pressure gave the product as a deep red solid. 1 H NMR (CD 3 CN): 8.54 (d, 411), 8.44 (dd, 2H), 8.28 (d, 1H), 8.23 (s, 4H), 8.18 (d, 1H), 8.08 (d, 1H), 8.00 (d, IH), 7.83 (d, 1H), 7.76 (d, 1H), 20 7.65 (bm, 4H), 7.40 (dd, 1H), 6.70 (d, 1H), 6.38 (d, 111), 1.30 (bs, 4H). 1-Methyl-4-nitropyrrole-2-carboxylic acid 0 2 N N N >COOH Acetic anhydride (20 mL) was treated with nitric acid (4.0 mL, 70%) and the mixture heated to 50 *C for 15 min then cooled to room temperature, and slowly added to WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 63 a suspension of of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolecarboxylic acid (4 g , 15.98 mmol) in of Ac 2 O (12 mL) cooled to -25 "C. The mixture was stirred at -15 "C for 0.5 hr, then the temperature was allowed to rise to ambient, and stirring was continued for 20 min. The mixture was again cooled to -25 *C and the precipitate collected in a funnel cooled with dry ice, the 5 solid was washed with a small quantity of cold Ac 2 O (-25 "C). The crystalline solid was taken up in water containing NaOH (1 g). Acidification with the HCl precipitated the pure compound. NMR as previously reported. Methyl 1-methyl-4nitropyrrole-2-carboxylate 0 2 N N COOCH3 10 A cold solution of H 2

SO

4 (2.9 mL) in MeOH (28.96 rnL) was added to 1-methyl-4 nitropyrrole-2-carboxylic acid (2.897 g, 2.35 mmol). The mixture was refluxed for 24 hr. Water was added and the mixture extracted CHCl 3 . The organic layer was dried (MgS04), and the solvent evaporated under vacuum to afford the creamy white product. 15 NMR as previously reported. Py/Py-COOCH 3 N CONHN N COOCH 3 Methyl N-methyl-4-nitro pyrrole-2-carboxylate (0.5 g, 27.17 mmol) in MeOH (64 mL) and Pd/C (10%, 6 mg) was stirred under H 2 (1 atm) until the TLC showed no starting 20 material (1 hr). The mixture was filtered through celite to remove the catalyst and DMF was added (3 mL). MeOH was removed under vacuum. N-methyl pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid (1.3 mol equiv) was added followed by HOBT (88 mg, 1.5 mol equiv), TBTU (209 mg, 1.5 equiv) and Et 3 N (220 mg, 5 equiv). The solution was stirred for 1 hr at room temperature and the solvent removed under vacuum. The residue was purified by flash 25 chromatography (100% DCM). Py/Py-COOH -CONH N N CN X COOH

N

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 64 Py/Py-COOCH 3 (360 mg, 1.38 mmol) in THF/MeOH (1.1 / 7.5 mL) was added LiOH (1 M, 5.5 mL) and the solution stirred at 60 "C (oil bath) for 1.5 hr and monitored by TLC (10%, MeOH/CH 2 Cl). The organics were evaporated under vacuum, the solution cooled and acidified with HCl (1 M 5mL). The solid was collected and air dried and left 5 in a desiccator under vacuum overnight. NNMR as previously reported. NO2-Py/Py-COOCH3 0 2 N / CONH N [

NXCOOCH

3 N0 2 -Py-COOCH 3 (1.45 g, 7.83 mmol) in MeOH (150 mL) and Pd/C (174 mg) was 10 stirred under H2 (1 atm) for 1 hr. The mixture was the filtered through celite and DMF (3 mL) added. MeOH was removed under vacuum. N0 2 -Py-COOH (1.8 g, ) was added followed by HOBT (255.2 mg, 1.89 mmol) and TBTU (606 rng, 1.89 mmol) and Et 3 N (638 mg, 6.32 mmol). The solution was stirred for 1 hr at room temp and the solvent (DMF) removed under vacuum until a small quantity remained. The pure compound was 15 precipitated by addition of MeOH. %). 1H NMR (d-DMSO): 10.21 (s, 1H), 8.15 (d, 1H), 7.53 (d, 1H), 7.43 (d, 1H), 6.88 (d, 1H), 3.94 (s, 311), 3.84 (s, 31~), 3.73 (s, 3H). Py/Py/Py/Py-COOCH 3 N &XNCONH N NN Q/ CONH NN N COOCH 3 N0 2 -Py/Py-COOCH 3 (213 mg, 0.69 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (25 mL) and added 20 Pd/C catalyst (15 mg) and stirred under H2 until the amine was formed. The mixture was filtered through celite and Py/Py-COOH (166 mg, 0.66 mmol) added to the solution followed by HOBT (22 mg, 0.16 mmol), TBTU (51 mg, 0.16 Inmol) and Et 3 N (53 mg, 0.52 mmol). The reaction was then left to couple for 1.5 hr. The DMF was removed under reduced pressure to yield the compound.

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 65 Py/Py/Py/Py-COOH C N -CONH N I & CONH N CONH NN I ,COOH N Py/Py/Py/Py-COOCH 3 (100 mg, 0.20 mmol) in DMT (10 mL) was added NaOH 5 (0.75 mL) and the solution stirred at 60 *C for 1 hr. The organics were evaporated until approx. 3 mL remained and acidified with HCl (1 M, 5 mL) to yield the product. [Ru(phen) 2 (phen-4-O-CH 2

CH

2 NHCO-Py/Py/Py/Py](PF 6

)

2 H -N N H HN O N NRu. 'NH N HN O N 0 [I'N "" N 0 10 01 [Ru(phen) 2 (phen-4-O-CH 2

CH

2

NH

2 ](PF)2 (28 mg, 0.03 mmol)dissolved in DMF (25 mL) and added Pd/C catalyst (15 mg) and stirred under H 2 until the amine was formed. The mixture was filtered through celite) and Py/Py/Py/Py-COOH (75 mg, 0.15 mmol) added to the solution followed by HOBT (22 mg, 0.16 mmol), TBTU (51 mg, 0.16 is mmol) and Et 3 N (53 mg, 0.52 mmol). The reaction was then left to couple for 2 hr. The DMF was removed under reduced pressure to yield the compound.

Claims (20)

1. A compound of formula (1) [M-T]a-[P 1 -T 2 -M 2 ]-[T 3 P 2 c (1) or a salt thereof, 5 wherein M 1 and M 2 are the same or different and are each a metal coordination complex, wherein at least one of M 1 and M 2 is capable of interacting with a major groove or minor groove of a polynucleotide; P 1 and P 2 are the same or different and are each a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide; 10 T', T 2 and T 3 are the same or different and are each a linker group; a is 0, or 1; b is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; wherein when b is an integer greater than 1, each P', each T 2 and each M 2 may be the same or different; and is c is 0, 1 or 2; wherein when c is 2, each P 2 may be the same or different and each T 3 may be the same or different.

2. A compound according to claim 1, a = 0, b = 1, and c = 0.

3. A compound according to claim 1, wherein M 1 and M 2 are the same or different and are individually selected from a platinum complex, a palladium complex, a 20 ruthenium complex, and a rhodium complex.

4. A compound according to claim 1, wherein M 1 and. M 2 are independently selected from cis -Pt(NH 3 ) 2 C1 and trans -Pt(NH 3 ) 2 C1.

5. A compound according to claim 1, wherein each pyrrole-imidazole polyamides (Pl, P 2 ) independently comprises a plurality of heterocyclic rings selected 25 from the group consisting of optionally substituted N-methylimidazole (Im), optionally substituted N-methylpyrrole (Py) and optionally substituted 3-hydroxy N-methylpyrrole (Hp).

6. A compound according to claim 5, wherein each pyrrole-imidazole polyamide independently comprises 3 heterocyclic rings or 4 heterocyclic rings. 30

7. A compound according to claim 1, wherein the linker groups (T', T 2 , T 3 ) are the same or different and each has the formula (2): -Y'-(A) -y2- (2) wherein WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 67 Y' and Y 2 may be the same or different and are independently selected from NH, -NH 2 , C=O, C=S, C=NH, 0, OH, S, SH, S(O), S(O) 2 , NR 3 , NHR 3 , N(R 3 ) 2 , an optionally substituted cycloalkylamine, an optionally substituted cycloalkyldiamine, and an optionally substituted heteroaryl group (e.g., an optionally substituted N-heteroaryl group 5 such as pyridyl, phenanthrolinyl, 2,2'-bipyridyl); where each R 3 is independently selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl; A is selected from an optionally substituted C 1 . 1 0 alkylene, an optionally substituted C2-10 alkenylene, an optionally substituted C 2 - 10 alkynylene, an optionally substituted C 3 . 6 cycloalkylene, an optionally substituted C 6 - 10 aryl, C=O, C=S, and C=NH, NH, 0, S, 10 NH1 2 , OH, SH, S(O), S(O) 2 , amino acids, and spermidine; and n is an integer selected from 1 to 20, wherein when n is an integer greater than 1, each (A) group may be the same or different.

8. A compound according to claim 7, wherein each linker group independently 15 comprises a group selected from -NH-(CH 2 )n 1 -NH 2 -, -NH-CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 -0-CH 2 CH 2 -0 CH 2 CH 2 -0-CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 -NH 2 , -NH-C(O)-CH 2 CH 2 -NH-C(O)-CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 NH 2 -, -S (CH 2 )n-O-(CH 2 )n-S-, or -NH-(CH 2 )n-O-, and -C(O)-NT-CH 2 -C(O)-NH-CH(CH 2 SH) C(O)-NH-, where n is an integer from 1 to 20.

9. A compound of formula (3): [MI-T 1 ]i-P /T 4 '-T 5 -- M 3 20 [22--P2 m (3) where MI, M 2 , M 3 are the same or different and are each a metal coordination complex as defined above for M1 and M 2 of formula (1), wherein at least one of MI, M 2 and M 3 is capable of interacting with a major groove or minor groove of a polynucleotide; 25 PI and P2 are the same or different and are each a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide as defined above for formula (1); T' and T 2 are the same or different and are each a linker group of formula (2) as defined above for formula (1); T 5 is a linker group of formula (2) as defined above for T' and T 2 of formula (1), 30 wherein one of Y' and Y 2 is bound to a metallocomplex M 3 and the other of Y' and Y 2 is covalently bound to T4- WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 68 T 4 is a linker group of formula (2) as defined above for T' and T 2 of formula (1), wherein Y' is covalently bound to a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide, Y 2 is covalently bound to a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide, and wherein one Y', Y2 and A is covalently bound to 5 a and b are independently selected from 0 and 1; and m is 1, 2, 3 or 4. In one embodiment, T 4 is covalently bound to T 5 via A.

10. A compound according to claim 9, wherein m is 1 or 2.

11. A compound according to claim 9, wherein a=0, b= 1, and m= 1. 10

12. A compound according to claim 9, wherein T 4 comprises H H H O N -r (CRR')Y N N (CRR')n'N 0 0 or H wherein n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, each (CRR') is independently an optionally substituted alkylene; and 15 wherein in one (CRR'), R' is absent and CR is covalently boned to T .

13. A compound of formula (5): {P'],-[T'-P2]-[T 2]g-Ml (5) or a salt thereof, wherein 20 P 1 and p2 are the same or different and are each a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide as defined in claim 1; T' and T 2 are the same or different and are each a linker group as defined in claim 1; e is 0 or 1; 25 f is an integer selected from 1, 2, and 3; wherein when f is an integer greater than 1, each T' and each P 2 may be the same or different; g is 0 or 1; and M1 is a metal coordination complex capable of interacting with a major groove or minor groove of a polynucleotide as defined in claim 1. 30

14. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is selected from WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 69 I o 11+ N 7N N 0 N N H ' \ N H HN>(CH26 2 t NH H 3 N' "CI "trans-Jm/Py/Py-[COMI(CH 2 ) 6 -NH 2 )Pt(N{ 3 ) 2 C1"; I /N1 0 N - N o \N NH N H HN '( H)-HN _P , H 5 "trans-JnfPY/PY-CONH(CH 2 ) 2 -N1 2 )Pt(N~H) 2 C1"; NN 'NHO HNI N H ND o 1+ N - / NN N N H IN H N'(CH 2 )- H2N, ,C HaN NH 3 NH N N N N- H N N H N HNCH2) H HN,, NH VNH N RU' u N N 10 WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 70 N o 1 N -l a 2 2+ N N H N \ H CN 0 \/ N/ N,( H IN N NH 0 -N~ \ 1 H yN / N (CH 2 )n,, -~ u ,,,NN, /N 72 I 0]2+ - 0 y ;N 7 N N 0 A, H H(CH2)., HN- N CHz).' JNNH NJ o \/2 NN 0 NN N~ ~ ~ H -Y ,-o N + N N_ IN 10 02 H / N H 0 ' H H N N (C A N NH N f ' ,N - 7 t' WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 71 0 o 2+ NN 0 / N/ NJN HN-a 0 \ N HHN(CHn, 2 NHH N, N / R .. HN N N N ~~~HN 0 NJ~ NN O \/ HN NN NJNH OH N 5 where n is an integer selected from 1, 2,3,4, 5,6, 7, 8,9 and 10, or a salt thereof.

15. A compound according to claim 9, wherein said compound is selected from 0 74 N NH 0 \/ _NN NN H H H NN N N H H 0 (CH 2 )nN2 5 H N NA ~Pt \ H- /N \ 0,N N N I WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 72 712+ N N H Nr \ H H H N xi N -N N H H 0 \ (CH 2 )n-H2_ NH 0 -9 HN 2 Il NH 3 N N H /N\ HN C NN N N HN,- PtNH 2 -- (CH2). 0 cK " NH 3 0 7+ I0\f NH 0 N N N N N H H H c-N -N N N H H / '(CH 2 ), N N HN 1 N Ru* H~ N HN~ NH 2 -(H2)n - I Cl "/NH, 71+ N NH 01 0 \/)KI N N N HN N N N HI N H H H N~ N jl N N N. 2)n H H I N N H H 0 ( H2N- N H ~ -N- NN _N N ,Pt -(CH 2 )n H HD H f/\ -H 3 N NH2 NJ 'I 0 0 N H N 0 N 0 71N 74+ CIUNH L I N H HN- 0 "AN (CHOH H-N 0 N _l H NH ,HC) N H~o H 3 NH NH N 0 NH 3 N l cI and WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 73 H0 HNO N N 0 CI\" /N ~ H I P t . H N 0 H 3 N NH N HO H N H N 0 N N H SH N / N H N H H Pt N N N 2 N NH Yo o 0O 0 where each n is an integer independently selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, or a salt thereof.

16. A compound according to claim 13, wherein said compound is selected from HNN HN0 0 NN o N H H 1\_/ H-1- I)0 H H H3N P N H H N N H N' Ii and O N+ N NH N N N H N r N N 2 ~ C N H H H o ~N 1 N-A N NH N 10 from a compound of formula (1) according claim 1, a compound of formula (3) according to claim 9, and a compound of formula (5) according to claim 13, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, adjuvant or carrier.

WO 2005/033077 PCT/AU2004/001368 74

18. A method of targeting a therapeutic agent(s) and/or a reporter group(s) to a sequence in a polynucleotide comprising contacting biological material suspected of containing said sequence with a compound of formula (1), formula (3) or formula (5).

19. A method of treating a disease selected from cancer, HIV and Hepatitis C, 5 said method comprising administering to a mammal in. need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound according to claim 1, claim 9 or claim 13, or a pharmaceutical composition according to claim 17.

20. A method of diagnosis comprising contacting a biological sample with a diagnostically effective amount of at least one compound according to claim 1, claim 9 or 10 claim 13, or a pharmaceutical composition according to claim 17.