AU782148B2

AU782148B2 - Beta3-adrenoreceptor agonists, agonist compositions and methods of making and using the same

Info

Publication number: AU782148B2
Application number: AU87298/01A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Dennis R. Feller; Duane D. Miller
Original assignee: Molecular Design International Inc
Current assignee: Molecular Design International Inc
Priority date: 2001-03-29
Filing date: 2001-03-29
Publication date: 2005-07-07
Anticipated expiration: 2021-03-29
Also published as: AU8729801A; EP1373212A4; EP1373212A1; WO2001074782A1

Description

WO 01/74782 PCTIUS01/10376

BACKGROUND

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the field of 3-Adrenoreceptor agonists and to methods of their preparation, formulation and use to stimulate, regulate and modulate metabolism of fats in adipose tissues in animals, particularly humans and other mammals. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of treating obesity and overweight conditions in animals, particularly humans and other mammals and associated effects of conditions associated with obesity and overweight, including Type II diabetes mellitus (non-insulin dependent diabetes), insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, hypothyroidism, morbid obesity, and the like.

PRIOR ART It was long thought that obesity was a consequence of self-indulgence and undisciplined behavior. Obesity was seen as evidence of gluttony, through a lack of will or capacity for selfdiscipline. The overweight have been disparaged, and thinness has been celebrated. Indeed, the perception of thinness as a major aspect of human beauty and attractiveness has become endemic in modern culture, and overweight conditions and obesity has increasingly grown to be an unacceptable condition for social reasons.

Masked by these cultural icons are the hard medical facts: for many individuals, a tendency to overweight and even obesity are often symptoms of organic disease or disorders of the metabolism, associated with serious and even life-threatening conditions. In medical economic terms alone, the costs attributable to overweight and obesity are staggeringly high.

A wide variety of approaches to the alleviation of obesity have ebbed and flowed though modern culture, ranging from a diverse collection of dietary strategies, to drugs, to surgical interventions, to hypnosis. All have met with indifferent success at best. Some have proved to be outright quackery. Others have proved to be effective only for the short-term, with loss of effectiveness over time. Still others have proved to be generally or at least partially successful so long as the regimen is sustained, but long term compliance is difficult to attain and in some cases has proved hazardous to other aspects of health and well-being. Some surgical procedures have had some successes, but as with any invasive procedures, there are risks. Some approaches to weight loss and control, in the extreme, lead to conditions which are themselves pathological, such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa. Other effects are less extreme, but still highly undesirable, such as amennorhea, vitamin and essential nutrient deficiencies, and the like.

A great deal of the difficulty in the art and practice of obesity and overweight management has been a consequence of attention focused on the control of appetite, and reducing the amount of food intake. It has long been the belief of many that only by the control of caloric intake is it possible WO 01/74782 PCT/US01/10376 to regulate body weight and fat deposition and utilization. Since appetite is controlled and regulated in the brain, brain pharmacology and the alteration of brain chemistry has been a primary focus of weight regulation and control efforts. Such approaches have led to addictions to appetite suppressants, to primary pulmonary myopathy, cardiac valve damage, and to reports of serotonin disruptions and disorders and psychotic episodes among users. Morbities and mortalities have been unacceptably high.

In another aspect of technology relating to fat is the dietary emphasis on limiting dietary fat intake. For those who eat meats, there is increasing emphasis on low fat content meats in the carcasses of the animals employed in food stocks. Much recent efforts have been devoted to the production of beef, pork, poultry and the like with reduced fat content. Breeding patterns are being manipulated and generic engineering of farm animals is being directed at lowering fat content of the animals. The techniques of fattening of animals intended for table meat production is highly developed, but is gradually being limited by the emphasis on limiting dietary fats and interest in leaner carcass animals.

Only in very recent times has obesity been addressed in relation to the metabolic pathways of the body and their role and import in fat storage and usage in the body.

Recent research has elucidated some of the mechanisms of obesity and overweight, and has revealed that much of the limitation of prior and current weight-loss techniques stems from the fact that they are biochemically and particularly metabolically unsound and incapable of stimulating, regulating and modulating metabolism of fats in adipose tissues. Without these characteristics, it is now known, weight loss and control strategies are likely to fail or to produce conditions as bad as or worse than the weight problems they are intended to alleviate. Without heroic dedication and discipline, and even fanaticism, by the subject, most strategies are short term in their weight loss and control effects.

Increasing efforts have been directed to biochemical research into the mechanisms of fat deposition and metabolism and into stimulating, regulating and modulating metabolism of fats in adipose tissues. Considerable recent progress has been made.

Among the biochemical work of note has been the recent recognition of a role of P-Adrenoreceptor activity in the metabolism of fats. It has been recognized that agonists for P-Adrenoreceptors have, in some cases, produced marked weight loss in animals, particularly humans and other mammals.

More recently, the loss of weight has been identified with the P-Adrenoreceptor sub-type, P3- Adrenoreceptors. The specific structure of the P3-Adrenoreceptor has not been characterized, but it WO 01/74782 PCT/US01/10376 has been demonstrated to be a distinct cellular structure, distinguishable from the Pi-Adrenoreceptor and the P2-Adrenoreceptor sites previously identified.

It has been demonstrated that compounds which are significant P 3 -Adrenoreceptor agonists produce marked weight loss in animals, particularly humans and other mammals, and that the loss is sustained with continuation of the administration of such compounds. These compounds provide potent regulation of fat metabolism. The compounds employed to date are also agonists for the 31- Adrenoreceptor and the p2-Adrenoreceptor sites. The lack of selectivity represents unwanted side effects of such compounds, and the compounds known as Pa-Adrenoreceptor agonists to date are not suitable candidates for therapeutic usage because of the unwanted and dangerous side effects.

PROBLEMS AND NEEDS IN THE ART The existing strategies for weight and body fat regulation are inadequate. The current strategies are ineffective, unsafe, or both. Whether through diet manipulations or through drug usage, or combinations of such strategies, there is a lack of a clear path to safe and effective regulation of body weight and body fat which is safe and effective, which can provide significant and long lasting relief from the health consequences of overweight and obesity and the conditions associated therewith, and from the disease conditions which are aggravated by overweight and obesity.

It is clear that the art lacks and needs therapeutic agents which are highly potent and highly selective 0 3 -Adrenoreceptor agonists for effective stimulation, regulation and modulation of metabolism of fats in adipose tissues.

It is also clear that the art lacks and needs agents which are effective 0p-Adrenoreceptor agonists free of unwanted side effects, and which are safe for stimulating, regulating and modulating metabolism of fats in adipose tissues.

It is clear that the art lacks and needs agents which are effective at regulating the body fat of animals, particularly humans and other mammals, both in the reduction of body weight in the obese and the attendant health problems and issues, and in the production of low fat table meats from domesticated animals for human consumption.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide novel compounds which are safe and effective p3-Adrenoreceptor agonists.

It is another object of the present invention to provide syntheses of such P,-Adrenoreceptor agonists.

WO 01/74782 PCT/US01/10376 Another object of the present invention is the provision of safe and effective f3 Adrenoreceptor formulations for administration to stimulate, regulate and modulate metabolism of fats in adipose tissues in animals, particularly humans and other mammals.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide safe and effective administration of s3-Adrenoreceptor agonists for stimulating, regulating and modulating metabolism of fats in adipose tissues in animals, particularly humans and other mammals.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a safe and effective regimen for causing and promoting weight loss in humans, and for the maintenance of healthy and personally desired body fat levels.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide safe and effective adjuncts to the husbandry of domesticated animals for the production of low fat dietary meats for human consumption.

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide for weight and body fat regulation through modalities which are effective and safe. The present invention provides a clear path to safe and effective regulation of body weight and body fat which is safe and effective, which can provide significant and long lasting relief from the health consequences of overweight and obesity and the conditions associated therewith, and from the disease conditions which are aggravated by overweight and obesity.

These and related objectives are met by the terms of the present invention as set out in detail in the following specification and defined in the claims appended hereto.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Compounds which are highly potent and highly specific Ps-Adrenoreceptor agonists are provided. The compounds are formulated into pharmaceutical preparations and administered for stimulating, regulating and modulating metabolism of fats in adipose tissues in animals, particularly humans and other mammals.

The compounds of the invention have the structure: R

NH.R

6

RR

R4 Formnula

A

one of R 1 and R 2 is OH and the other is either R 7 -NH, wherein R 7 is an acyl group, or NHS(0) 2 R, wherein R is alkyl or aryl, or R 1 is OH and R 2 is NO 2 or NH 2 It is generally preferred that R 2 be OH.

R

3 R4 and R 5 are each independently selected from hydrogen, I, Br, Cl, F, OCH 3

CH

3 alkyl, alkylaryl, aminoalkyl, thioalkyl, and O-alkyl. Preferably, R4 and R 5 are each a halogen, the same or different.

R

6 is an acid moiety which forms an acid salt with the NH group. R 6 is desirably HCI or (COOH) 2 While the racemic mixtures are active, selective, and bioavailable, we have found io that the isolated isomers are ordinarily of more particular interest. The isomers are preferred, as they will be found to have the highest selectivity and the highest bioavailability. The isomers are also of interest, as the R-isomers are in some cases easier to isolate.

The compounds are formulated into pharmaceutical carriers to serve as highly selective, effective and safe P3-Adrenoreceptor agonists to provide long term weight control.

In humans, the compositions are administered to control body fat levels, and to maintain acceptable body fat levels over time.

In domesticated animals, the compositions are administered to attain desirably low 20 fat content in carcass meats intended for human consumption.

According to another embodiment of this invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition, comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and at least one compound having the structure: R2 RI NH-R6

R

*R3 R4 25 Formula A wherein: one of RI and R 2 is OH and the other is either R 7 -NH, wherein R 7 is an acyl group, or NHS(0) 2 R, wherein R is alkyl or aryl, or RI is OH and R 2 is NO 2 or NH 2 [R:\LIBXX]03957.doc:aak

R

3

R

4 and R 5 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkylaryl, aminoalkyl, thioalkyl, and O-alkyl; and

R

6 is an acid moiety'that forms an acid salt with the NH group.

According to a further embodiment of this invention there is provided a method for stimulating, regulating and modulating metabolism of fats in adipose tissue in mammals, comprising administering to a mammal an effective amount of a p3-adrenoreceptor agonist having the structure: R2 R 2NHR6 R3 R4 Formula A wherein: one of Ri and R 2 is OH and the other is either R 7 -NH, wherein R 7 is an acyl group, or NHS(0) 2 R, wherein R is alkyl or aryl, or Ri is OH and R 2 is NO 2 or NH 2

R

3

R

4 and R 5 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkylaryl, aminoalkyl, thioalkyl, and O-alkyl; and 15 RS is an acid moiety that forms an acid salt with the NH group.

Detailed Description In the following description of the invention, the compounds of the present invention, the method of their synthesis, their formulation into pharmaceutical compositions suitable for administration, and the method of their use for stimulating, regulating and modulating metabolism of fats in adipose tissues in animals, particularly Shumans and other mammals.

The discussion and presentation of bioactivity information and data in the present description is made in compliance with the standards of the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. All chemical compounds are named in accordance with the standards of the 25 American Chemical Society rules of standard nomenclature, employing accepted "trivial *"*names" where applicable. All chemical structures are shown in "skeletal" form, for clarity in understanding the most significant considerations and information about the structures, with implicit hydrogen atoms not relevant to the conformation of structures not shown, in the fashion typically employed in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry and [R:\LIBXX]03957.doc:aak many other journals of chemistry. The use of such structural notation is most convenient to understand the structures of such molecules, and those of ordinary levels of skill in the 6 [R:\LIBXX]03957.doc:aak WO 01/74782 PCT/US01/10376 relevant arts are accustomed to such representations and are readily able to identify and understand such "skeletal" structures, including the implicit hydrogen atoms not shown.

INTRODUCTION

The risks and unacceptable levels of adverse consequences of many weight control and weight loss strategies available to individuals and to the medical community make the development of safe and effective modalities for stimulating, regulating and modulating metabolism of fats in adipose tissues an important need in the art and in society as a whole.

The importance of regulating dietary fat intake, and particularly saturated animal fat, has long been recognized. Consumption of meats is primary in the diet in most developed countries, and substantial efforts have been devoted to the development of leaner animals, among other strategies, to facilitate regulating and limiting of dietary intake of saturated animal fats.

In the present invention, the highly desirable goals of stimulating, regulating and modulating metabolism of fats in adipose tissues in animals, particularly humans and other mammals through the modality of administering a pharmaceutical formulation of one or more compounds which are 33- Adrenoreceptor selective agonists is provided.

The regulatory and modulatory effect of the compounds of the present invention are dependent on continued administration over time, and the attainment of an equilibrium state which is believed to be dose dependent. In that fashion, the present invention affords the control of body fat in animals, particularly humans and other mammals, over sustained periods, at desirable levels of body fat and/or body mass indices, as defined in the medical literature.

OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION Safe and effective control of body fat and body mass indices have been a long sought but quite elusive goal for the medical community. The modalities in use over the past half century have proved to be both dangerous and limited in effectiveness. The longer the effort is sustained, in general, the higher the risk and the lower the effectiveness.

The weight loss effect of P-Adrenoreceptor agonists generally has been known per se for a considerable period. That recognition has not led to safe and effective weight loss or regulation because of the copious and highly dangerous side effects.

The recent discovery of the pa-Adrenoreceptor and its focal role in fat metabolism holds the promise of the employment of ps-Adrenoreceptor agonists in weight loss and regulation. Through the development of compounds which are highly selective for the P3-Adrenoreceptor without activation of the Pi Adrenoreceptor and 02 Adrenoreceptor the present invention makes that goal attainable.

WO 01/74782 PCT/US01/10376 The 3-Adrenoreceptor has not been characterized to date, which makes the search for safe and effective agonists with the required high selectivity a difficult and arduous task. Without a clear understanding of the receptor binding site, the design of effective compounds is based largely on structural activity correlations which are uncertain, unpredictable and unreliable. Even the most minor changes in structure can produce wide deviations in binding affinity, binding specificity, and agonist activity. The compounds of the present invention attain the high affinity for the 3- Adrenoreceptor, the low affinity for the Pi Adrenoreceptor and the P2 Adrenoreceptor required for effective selectivity and freedom from adverse side effects, and high levels of agonist activity to make the compounds effect in their required role in fat metabolism.

THE P-ADRENORECEPTOR FAMILY p Adrenoreceptors have long been known and have been studied for their role in response to the catechol amine hormones adrenaline (epinephrine), noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and dopamine.

H

HO HO

JHN,

HOO HO CH, Catechol Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

H

HO HO HO NH HO NH 2 HO HO Dopamine Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine) Adrenaline, to exemplify the biochemical action of these catechol amine hormones, is a primary agonist for these receptors in the body, and activates metabolic processes within the cells to which it binds. Adrenaline is associated with specific cellular processes which are dependent upon the nature of the cell to which it is bound. The action of adrenaline on the cell is to activate an enzyme within the cell, adenylate cyclase. The adenylate cyclase in turn catalyses further reactions within the target cell, typically beginning an enzyme cascade until the enzyme is broken down or deactivated by cellular regulatory mechanisms. The primary action of adenylate cyclase is the conversion of ATP to cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate or "cyclic adenylate").

In the liver cells, the cAMP activates, in turn, an enzyme cascade which catalyses the conversion of glycogen into glucose and inhibits the conversion of glucose into glycogen, greatly increasing extra-cellular levels of blood glucose in the body.

WO 01/74782 PCT/US01/10376 In muscle tissues, cAMP triggers the breakdown of glycogen into lactate and ATP, providing high levels of ATP to support high levels of muscular activity. In the heart muscle, in particular, the effect is hypertensive and is accompanied by vasodilation throughout the body, increasing blood flow and transport of blood glucose to the cells.

(0-blockers are among the commonly prescribed drugs in the field of cardiology. For the hypertensive patient, competitive binding of the blocking agent to the 0 Adrenoreceptors modulates and limits the additional hypertensive action of adrenaline on the heart muscle. The P-blockers may be employed in combination with vasodilators, decreasing the resistance to blood flow peripherally without increasing the heart rate and strength of contraction. A reduction in blood pressure and the work requirement on the heart muscle results.) In the lung, cAMP acts to cause bronchodilation which, when combined with increased blood flow, supplies higher levels of oxygen transport.

(Adrenaline, or epinephrine, is widely employed to stimulate bronchodilation in the treatment of asthma and allergenic reactions which constrict the bronchia.) Others of the catechol amine hormones have comparable activities.

The release of free fatty acids from adipose tissue has been observed as an action provided by P Adrenoreceptor agonists.

A variety of P Adrenoreceptor agonists and blockers have been known for some time, and have proved to be a fruitful field for drug development.

It has been recognized that there are sub-types of the P Adrenoreceptor, designate the p, Adrenoreceptor and the 0 2 Adrenoreceptor. Lands, et al., "Differentiation of Receptor Systems Activated by Sympathomimetic Amines" Nature, 214:597-598 (1967). Lands, et al., associate the release of free fatty acids from adipose tissue with P1 Adrenoreceptor activation.

Subsequent studies have provided a spectrum of P Adrenoreceptor agonists and blockers.

Among the blockers are both competitive and non-competitive (non-equilibrium) binding agents.

Some of such agents are ubiquitous in their action, while others exhibit varying degrees of selectivity for the two sub-types (and hence in the action response produced).

Selective agonist studies show both qualitative and quantitative differentiation of the subtypes. Pi Adrenoreceptor activation have been demonstrated to cause cardiac stimulation, release of free fatty acids from adipose tissue, and intestinal inhibition. In contrast, 32 Adrenoreceptor activation produces broncho- and vaso-dilation.

WO 01/74782 PCTIUS01/10376 THE p3-ADRENORECEPTOR Quite recently, a third sub-type of the 0 Adrenoreceptor family has been identified. Howe, R.

"Beta-3 adrenergic agonists." Drugs Future 1993, 18, 529-549. It has been designated the pa Adrenoreceptor. It has also been specifically identified with the release of free fatty acids from adipose tissue, previously attributed by Lands et al. with the P1 Adrenoreceptor.

While P1 Adrenoreceptor and 02 Adrenoreceptor sites are ubiquitous, it has been found that the p3-Adrenoreceptor sites are more specialized and are predominantly located on adipose tissue cells, and from studies to date appear to be rather specifically associated with the metabolism of fats.

Ps-ADRENORECEPTOR AGONISTS This discovery leads quite directly to the search for selective and potent agonists for the P3 Adrenoreceptor for the treatment of obesity and control of weight. The search is hindered by the lack of characterization of the receptor, but the information from binding studies and other work on 0 Adrenoreceptor agonists generally indicates that 03 Adrenoreceptor agonists should be similar in structure to the catechol amine hormones.

Rather little has been published to date on 03 Adrenoreceptor agonists. See, however, Howe, R. "Beta-3 adrenergic agonists" Drugs Future 1993, 18, 529-549. It is accordingly necessary to extrapolate from the information available about Pi Adrenoreceptor and 02 Adrenoreceptor agonists, and to engage in an attempt to discern structural and activity relationships from the available data.

The following comments on P1 Adrenoreceptor and 02 Adrenoreceptor considerations summarizes what is known in the literature upon which the effort to develop P3-Adrenoreceptor agonists can be based.

Trimetoquinol is a potent nonspecific 0-adrenoceptor (P-AR) agonist clinically used in Japan as a bronchorelaxant. Iwasawa, Kiyomoto, A. "Studies. of tetrahydroisoquinolines (THI) 1.

Bronchodilator activity and structure-activity relationships." lap. J. PharmacoL 1967, 17, 143-152.

Optical resolution of trimetoquinol and subsequent evaluation of the stereoisomers revealed that the (S)-(-)-isomer of trimetoquinol is a potent 0-adrenoceptor agonist in heart and lung tissues; whereas, the (R)-(+)-isomer acts as a selective and highly stereospecific TP receptor antagonist. Yamamoto, E.; Hirakura, Sugasawa, S. "Synthesis of 6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives" Tetraheron Suppl. 1966, 8 (Part 129-134. Mayo, J. Navaran, S. Akbar, Miller, D. Feller, D. R. "Stereodependent inhibition of human platelet function by the optical isomers of trimethoquinol" Biochem. Pharmacol. 1981, 30, 2237-2241. Ahn, C. Romstedt, K. Wallace, L. J.; Miller, D. Feller, D. R. "Characterization of the inhibition of U46619-mediated human platelet activation by the trimetoquinol isomers. Evidence for endoperoxide/thromboxane A 2 receptor blockade" Biochem Pharmacol 1988, 37, 3023-33. Shin, Romstedt, K. Miller, D. Feller, D. R.

WO 01/74782 PCTIUS01/10376 "Stereodependent antagonism of thromboxane A 2 /prostaglandin H 2 receptor sites by trimetoquinol isomers in human platelets, rat vascular endothelial cells and rat vascular smooth muscle cells" Pharmacol. Commun. 1993, 1, 303-312.Radioligand competition binding studies at P-adrenoceptor and TP receptors show high stereoselective binding (>100-fold) for the S(-)-isomer and R(+)-isomer, respectively. This stereoselectivity is also observed in the binding of fluorinated trimetoquinol analogs at P-adrenoceptor. Clark, M. Adejare, Shams, Feller, D. Miller, D. D. and 8-fluorotrimetoquinol: selective beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists" I Med Chem 1987, 30, 86-90.

HO

SNH

HO

OMe OMe OMe Trimetoquinol The basic catechol structure of catecholamine hormones, such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and the 0-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol, is incorporated within the tetrahydroisoquinoline nucleus of trimetoquinol. In studies using mutated hamster 02 Adrenoreceptor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, replacement of Aspll3 with Asnl 13 abolished receptor binding of trimetoquinol and its analogs. Fraundorfer, P. F. "Functional and biochemical Characterization of trimetoquinol (TMQ) analog interactions with 0-adrenergic receptor subtypes" Ph. D. Thesis, The Ohio State University, 1993 ("Fraundorfer-2"). In addition, replacement of Ser204 and Ser207 with Ala204 and Ala207 decreased the binding affinity of trimetoquinol analogs in 02 Adrenoreceptor to a lesser extent, but greatly diminished their ability to stimulate cAMP accumulation. "Fraundorfer-2", supra. However, both the binding and functional activities of isoproterenol are significantly reduced in the P2 Adrenoreceptor Asnll3, Ala204 and Ala207 mutants.

These results suggest that although trimetoquinol analogs may interact with the same amino acid residues in the binding site as isoproterenol, the contribution of catechol interactions with these mutated 32 Adrenoreceptors is less significant in terms of ligand binding and may well be overshadowed by the binding contributions of the trimethoxybenzyl group of trimetoquinol.

Substitution with fluorine or iodine on the 5- or 8-positions of trimetoquinol resulted in only a modest 10-fold) increase in P2 Adrenoreceptor versus Pi Adrenoreceptor selectivity as compared to trimetoquinol in functional and binding studies. Clark, et al., supra; Fraundorfer, P. Fertel, R. H.; Miller, D. Feller, D. R. "Biochemical and pharmacological characterization of high-affinity trimetoquinol analogs on guinea pig and human beta adrenergic receptor subtypes: evidence for WO 01/74782 PCT/US01/10376 partial agonism" I Pharmacol Exp Ther 1994, 270, 665-74.. In addition, it has also found that replacement of the and 5'-methoxy substituent of trimetoquinol with iodine atoms 2) is well tolerated on both 0-adrenoceptor, Fraundorfer, et al., supra, and TP receptors. Shin, Romstedt, K. J.; Miller, D. Feller, D. R. "Interactions of nonprostanoid trimetoquinol analogs with thromboxane

A

2 /prostaglandin H 2 receptors in human platelets, rat vascular endothelial cells and rat vascular smooth muscle cells" J Pharmacol Exp Tier 1993, 267, 1017-23.; Harrold, M. Gerhardt, M. A.; Romstedt, Feller, D. Miller, D. D. "Synthesis and platelet antiaggregatory activity of trimetoquinol analogs as endoperoxide/thromboxane A2 antagonists" Drug Des Deliv 1987, 1, 193- 207.

Interestingly, although its binding affinity at pi Adrenoreceptor is slightly better than trimetoquinol, compound 2 displays a much higher affinity than trimetoquinol for 02 Adrenoreceptor:

HO

HO H Analog 2 OMe These earlier findings suggest that trimetoquinol analogs interact with an auxiliary site through the substituted benzyl group in addition to the binding site shared by catecholamines. This subsite can be used to advantage in the development of more site-selective agents. The high potency of compound 2 seems to suggest that this auxiliary site is hydrophobic in nature. On TP receptors, the complementary binding sites for trimetoquinol analogs are essentially unknown. However, compound 2 is a more potent TP receptor antagonist than trimetoquinol further suggesting that 1benzyl ring modifications are appropriate to develop agents with greater selectivity on P-Adrenoreceptor versus TP receptors and vice versa.

The literature describes the synthesis and evaluation of iodinated trimetoquinol analogs designed as probes for characterizing the receptor binding interactions, associated with the benzyl substituent of trimetoquinol analogs and as site-selective B-adrenoceptor and TP ligands. These chemical modifications provide a greater separation of the pharmacological activities for this class of compounds. Site-selective P-adrenoceptor agents have potential in the treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases, non-insulin dependent diabetes (Type II) and obesity, Howe, "Beta-3 adrenergic agonists" Drugs Future 1993, 18, 529-549, whereas highly selective TP receptor antagonists have value in the treatment of thrombolytic disorders. Shin, supra; Shin, Romstedt, K. Miller, D. Feller, D. "Interactions of nonprostanoid trimetoquinol analogs with thromboxane A 2 /prostaglandin H 2 receptors in human platelets, rat vascular endothelial cells and rat vascular smooth muscle cells" I WO 01/74782 PCT/US01/10376 Pharmacol Exp Ther 1993, 267, 1017-23; Shin, Romstedt, Doyle, Harrold, Gerhardt, M.; Miller, Feller, "Pharmacologic antagonism of thromboxane A 2 receptors by trimetoquinol analogs." Chirality 1991,3, 112-117.

Other known Pi Adrenoreceptor and 02 Adrenoreceptor agonists include Isoproterenol, X and Y, having the structures:

H

HO

HN

HO

Isoproterenol H HO HO O O COOH 0 COOH o COOH Compound X Compound Y While these compounds are highly active Ps-Adrenoreceptor agonists, they are also nonselective, and also bind and activate the Pi Adrenoreceptor and 32 Adrenoreceptor with comparable affinities and activities. They are thus entirely unsuited for use in the present invention, but they do afford good basis for comparative and competitive binding studies, and are employed in the present invention for those purposes when appropriate.

THE COMPOUNDS OF THE INVENTION The present invention is based on the provision of 3s-Adrenoreoeptor agonists in pharmaceutically acceptable carrier formulations for administration to stimulate, regulate and modulate metabolism of fats in adipose tissues in animals, particularly humans and other mammals.

The present invention additionally provides a method for safe and effective administration of P3-Adrenoreceptor agonists for stimulating, regulating and modulating metabolism of fats in adipose tissues in animals, particularly humans and other mammals.

WO 01/74782 PCT/US01/10376 Compounds which are highly potent and highly specific ps-Adrenoreceptor agonists are provided. The compounds are formulated into pharmaceutical preparations and administered for stimulating, regulating and modulating metabolism of fats in adipose tissues in animals, particularly humans and other mammals.

The compounds of the invention have the structure:

NH.R,

R

R3

R

4 Formula

A

R

1 and R 2 are each independently members selected from the group consisting of H, OH, Cl, NO2, CHaSO 2 NH, NH2, CHaO and weak acids of the structure R7-NH, where R7 is an acyl group, wherein at least one of Ri and R 2 is OH. It is generally preferred that R2 be OH.

R3, R4 and Rs are variously and independently members selected from I, Br, 0, F, OCH3, CHa, alkyl, alkylaryl, aminoalkyl, thioalkyl, and O-alkyl. Preferably, R4 and R5 are each a halogen, the same or different.

R

6 is an acid moiety which forms an acid salt with the NH group. Ra is desirably HCI or (COOH)2.

While the racemic mixtures are active, selective, and bioavailable, we have found that the isolated isomers are ordinarily of more particular interest. The isomers are preferred, as they will be found to have the highest selectivity and the highest bioavailability. The isomers are also effective.

The following are structures of preferred species: Compound 1 WO 01174782 WO 0174782PCT/US01/10376 Compound 2

(COOH)

2 Compound 3 Compound 4 Compound WO 01/74782 WO 0174782PCT/USOI/10376 Compound 6 Compound 7 Compound 8 Compound 9 WO 01/74782 WO 0174782PCT/US01/10376 1- 5

(COOH)

2 Compound Compound 11 Compound 12 WO 01/74782 PCT/US01/10376 Compound 13 Compound 14 It is preferred that the compounds of the present invention be further qualified and limited to those with high bioavailability, high selectivity and high activity for the P3-Adrenoreceptor. In general, selectivity is highest for the S-isomers, and these are generally preferred for these reasons.

Thus, preferred species are the following: Compound WO 01/74782 WO 0174782PCTIUSOI/10376

HO

CH

3 S0 2 NH

NH.HCI

Compound 16

HO

II

H

2 N H, H"0 NH1 (COOH), Compound 17

HO

HCO

NH.HCI

3 H"

~OCH,

Compound 18 Compound 19 WO 01174782 WO 0174782PCT/USOI/10376 Compound Compound 21 Compound 22 Is (COOH) 2 WO 01/74782 WO 0174782PCT/US01/10376 Compound 23

(COOH)

Compound 24 Compound Compound 26 WO 01/74782 WO 0174782PCTIUS01/10376 Compound 27 Compound 28 Other species include the following: Compound 29

CH

3

S

2 NHQ

-C

Compound WO 01/74782 WO 0174782PCTIUS01/10376

(COOH)

2 .11 Compound 31 H O -O O

N

TsNH~ Compound 32 HO im; Compound 33 Compound 34 WO 01/74782 WO 0174782PCT/USOI/10376 HO'-ll.

~A>NH.(COOH)

2 HBr Compound Compound 36

(COOH)

2 Compound 37 WO 01/74782 WO 0174782PCT/USOI/10376

,(COOH),

Compound 38 Compound 39 Compound WO 01/74782 PCT/US01/10376 Compound 41 Compound 42 It is particularly desirable to employ compounds of the following structures in the present invention, where moieties X, Y, and Z are are variously and independently members selected from I, Br, Cl, F, OCH3, CH3, alkyl, alkylaryl, aminoalkyl, thioalkyl, and O-alkyl. Preferably, X and Z are each a halogen, the same or different: WO 01/74782 WO 0174782PCT/IJS01/10376

HO

NH .HCI x

Y

Racemic Formula A

HO

HO NH *HCI H x y z S-isomer Formula A-S

HO

HO NHHC H x z R-isomer Formula A-R WO 01/74782 WO 0174782PCTIUSOI/10376 NH HCI x y z Racemic Formula B 1:,NH @9HICI H~ x

Y

z S-isomer Formula B-S I NH *HCI z R-isomer Formula B-R WO 01/74782 WO 0174782PCT/USO 1/103 76 HO NH *HC[ x z Racemic Formula C

HCI

S-isomer Formula C-S HO NH SHCI z R-isom er Formula C-R WO 01/74782 WO 0174782PCTfUSOI/10376 Preferred species of these structures having particularly good properties include the following compounds:

HO

HO NH 0 HCI

OCH

3 Compound 43

HO

HO NH OHCI H Br

OCH

3 Br Compound 44

HO

HO H *HCI H Br SOdH 3 Pt.

Compound WO 01/74782 WO 0174782PCTIUSOI/10376

*HCI

Racemic Compound 46

HO

N NH 0HCI HO ~C

~OCH

3

CI

S-isomer Compound 47

HO

HO t H*C ci R-isomer Compound 48 WO 01/74782 PCTUS01/10376 A convenient protection scheme has been devised for the synthesis of the desired P3- Adrenoreceptor agonists of the present invention adapted from the procedures disclosed in our prior application, S. N. 09/164,047, which synthesis is hereby incorporated by reference. As those of ordinary skill in the art of chemical synthesis will understand, the procedures there are adapted to the requirements of the present invention by well-known and readily understood adaptations to accommodate selection and use of differing starting reagents. The triple protected isoquinoline intermediates were synthesized as shown in Scheme 1. The tetrahydroisoquinolines 6a-c were synthesized from the O-methyl or O-benzyl protected catecholamines 3a or 3b, respectively, and 4nitrophenylacetic acid (4a) or 3,5-bis-trifluoromethylphenylacetic acid (4b) using methods described previously. Clark, M. Adejare, Shams, Feller, D. Miller, D. D. "5-fluoro- and 8fluorotrimetoquinol: selective beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists" I Med Chem 1987, 30, 86-90.; Harrold, M.

Gerhardt, M. Romstedt, Feller, D. R; Miller, D. D. "Synthesis and platelet antiaggregatory activity of trimetoquinol analogs as endoperoxide/thromboxane A2 antagonists" Drug Des Deliv 1987, 1, 193-207. Adejare, Miller, D. Fedyna, J. Ahn, C. Feller, D. R. "Syntheses and betaadrenergic agonist and antiaggregatory properties of N-substituted trimetoquinol analogues" J Med Chem 1986, 29,1603-9. The amino group of 6a and 6b were protected with trifluoroacetyl (TFA) and tbutyloxycarbonyl (t-BOC), respectively. The nitro groups of 7a,b were reduced via catalytic hydrogenation using Pd/C or Raney Nickel, respectively, to give the aniline derivatives 8a,b.

lodination of 8a,b with 1 equivalent of benzyltrimethylammonium dichloroiodate (BTMACI 2 1) according to Kajigaeshi et al, Kajigaeshi, Kakinami, Fujisaki, Okamoto, T. "Halogenation using quaternary ammonium polyhalides. VII. Iodination of aromatic amines by use of benzyltrimethylammonium dichloroiodate Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn. 1968, 61, 600-602, led to the 3'iodo analogs 9a,b. An additional 3 equivalents of BTMACl 2 I added in portions over a 3 day period was required to convert 8a completely to the diiodo derivative Isolation of the stereo isomers is performed by known techniques, including recrystallization, column separation using HPLC, adsorption chromotography, and the like.

Claims

1. A compound having the structure: R2 R, NH'R6 R 3 R4 Formula A wherein: one of RI and R 2 is OH and the other is either R 7 -NH, wherein R 7 is an acyl group, or NHS(O) 2 R, wherein R is alkyl or aryl, or R, is OH and R 2 is NO 2 or NH 2 R 3 R 4 and R 5 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkylaryl, aminoalkyl, thioalkyl, and O-alkyl; and to R 6 is an acid moiety that forms an acid salt with the NH group.

2. The compound of claim 1, wherein one of R, and R 2 is NHS(O) 2 R, wherein R is as defined above.

3. The compound of claim 1, wherein Ri is NHS(O) 2 R, wherein R is as defined above. 15 4. The compound of any one of claims 1-3, wherein R is alkyl. The compound ofany one of claims 1-3, wherein R is aryl.

6. The compound of any one of claims 1-3, wherein R is tolyl.

7. The compound of any one of claim. 1-3, wherein R is CH 3

8. The compound of any one of claims 1-3, wherein R 4 and R 5 are each independently selected halogen.

9. The compound of claim 8, wherein R 4 and R 5 are bromine.

10. The compound of any one of claims 1-3, wherein R 3 is O-alkyl.

11. The compound of claim 10, wherein R 3 is OCH 3

12. The compound of any one of claims 1-3, wherein R6 is HCI or (COOH) 2 i. 25 13. The compound of claim 1, wherein R 2 is OH, Ri is NHS(O) 2 R, wherein R is as defined above, R 4 and R 5 are each independently selected halogen, and R 3 is O-alkyl.

14. The compound of claim 13, wherein R is CH 3 or tolyl. The compound of claim 13, wherein R 4 and R 5 are bromine.

16. The compound of claim 13, wherein R 3 is OCH 3 [R:\LIBXX]03957.doc:aak 33

17. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and at least one compound having the structure: R1 NH*R6 R3 R4 Formula A wherein: one of RI and R 2 is OH and the other is either R 7 -NH, wherein R 7 is an acyl group, or NHS(0) 2 R, wherein R is alkyl or aryl, or R 1 is OH and R 2 is NO 2 or NH 2 R 3 R 4 and R 5 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkylaryl, aminoalkyl, thioalkyl, and O-alkyl; and o0 R6 is an acid moiety that forms an acid salt with the NH group.

18. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 17, wherein one of R, and R 2 is NHS(0) 2 R, wherein R is as defined above.

19. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 17, wherein RI is NHS(O) 2 R, wherein R is as defined above. S 15 20. Tho pharmaceutical composition of any one of claims 17-19, wherein R is alkyl. SSSS

21. The pharmaceutical composition of any one of claims 17-19, wherein R is aryl.

22. The pharmaceutical composition of any one of claims 17-19, wherein R is tolyl.

23. The pharmaceutical composition of any one of claims 17-19, wherein R is CH 3 S

24. The pharmaceutical composition of any one of claims 17-19, wherein R 4 and R 5 are each independently selected halogen. 25 25. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 24, wherein R 4 and R 5 are bromine.

26. The pharmaceutical composition of any one of claims 17-19, wherein R 3 is O-alkyl.

27. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 26, wherein R 3 is OCH 3 [R:\LIBXX]03957.doc:aak 34

28. The pharmaceutical composition of any one of claims 17-19, wherein R 6 is HCI or (COOH) 2

29. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 17, wherein R 2 is OH, R 1 is NHS(O) 2 R, wherein R is as defined above, R4 and R 5 are each independently selected halogen, and R3 is O-alkyl. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 29, wherein R is CH 3 or tolyl.

31. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 29, wherein R 4 ana R 5 are bromine.

32. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 29, wherein R3 is OCH 3

33. A method for stimulating, regulating and modulating metabolism of fats in 0o adipose tissue in mammals, comprising administering to a mammal an effective amount of a 3 3 -adrenoreceptor agonist having the structure: RR2NH*R 6 SR3 R4 Formula A wherein: 5 one of RI and R2 is OH and the other is either R 7 -NH, wherein R 7 is an acyl group, or NHS(O) 2 R, wherein R is alkyl or aryl, or RI is OH and R2 is NO 2 or NH 2 R 3 R4, and Rs are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkylaryl, aminoalkyl, thioalkyl, and O-alkyl; and R 6 is an acid moiety that forms an acid salt with the NH group.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein one of RI and R2 is NHS(O) 2 R, wherein R is as defined above. *t The method of claim 33, wherein R, is NHS(O) 2 R, wherein R is as defined above.

36. The method of any one of claims 33-35, wherein R is alkyl. 25 37. The method of any one of claims 33-35, wherein R is aryl.

38. The method of any one of claims 33-35, wherein R is tolyl.

39. The method of any one of claims 33-35, wherein R is CH 3 The method of any one of claims 33-35, wherein R4 and R 5 are each independently selected halogen. [R:\LIBXXjO3957.doc:aak

41. The method of claim 40, wherein R 4 and R 5 are bromine.

42. The method of any one of claims 33-35, wherein R 3 is O-alkyl.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein R 3 is OCH 3

44. The method of any one of claims 33-35, wherein R 6 is HCI or (COOH) 2

45. The method of claim 33, wherein R 2 is OH, R, is NHS(0) 2 R, wherein R is as defined above, R 4 and R 5 are each independently selected halogen, and R 3 is O-alkyl.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein R is CH 3 or tolyl.

47. The method of claim 45, wherein R 4 and R 5 are bromine.

48. The method of claim 45, wherein R 3 is OCH 3

49. The method of claim 33, wherein the mammal is a human. A compound as defined in claim 1 and substantially as herein described with reference to any one of Compounds 1 to 42.

51. A pharmaceutical composition for stimulating, regulating and modulating metabolism of fats in adipose tissue in mammals, comprising a compound as defined in claim 50 together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

52. A method for stimulating, regulating and modulating metabolism of fats in adipose tissue in a mammal, comprising administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of claim 00 S53. A compound of any one of claims 1 to 16 or 50 when used in an effective 20 amount for stimulating, regulating and modulating metabolism of fats in adipose tissue in a mammal.

54. A pharmaceutical composition of any one of claims 17 to 32 or 51 when used 00 in an effective amount for stimulating, regulating and modulating metabolism of fats in adipose tissue in a mammal. Dated 16 January, 2003 Molecular Design International, Inc. 0 0 Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON FERGUSON O* [R:\LIBXX]03957.doc:aak