IE911938A1 - Amide linked pyridyl-benzoic acid derivatives for treating¹leukotriene-related diseases - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to compounds of formula (I), where T is an amide linkage and the R groups are defined herein. These compounds are useful as leukotriene antagonists.

Description

This invention relates to amide linked pyridyl-benzoic acid 5 derivatives which are useful for treating diseases associated with leukotrienes. These compounds are particularly useful in treating diseases attributable to hydroxyleukotrienes, especially LTB4 and LTB4-agonist active substances.

Background of the Invention 0 The family of bioactive lipids known as the leukotrienes exert pharmacological effects on respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. The leukotrienes are generally divided into two sub-classes, the peptidoleukotrienes (leukotrienes C4, D4 and E4) and the hydroxyleukotrienes (leukotriene B4). This invention is primarily concerned with the hydroxyleukotrienes (LTB) but is not limited to this specific group of leukotrienes.

The peptidoleukotrienes are implicated in the biological response associated with the Slow Reacting Substance of Anaphylaxis (SRS-A). This response is expressed in vivo as 0 prolonged bronchoconstriction, in cardiovascular effects such as coronary artery vasoconstriction and numerous other biological responses. The pharmacology of the peptidoleukotrienes include smooth muscle contractions, myocardial depression, increased vascular permeability and increased mucous production.

By comparison, LTB4 exerts its biological effects through stimulation of leukocyte and lymphocyte functions. It stimulates chemotaxis, chemokinesis and aggregation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs).

They are critically involved in mediating many types of 0 cardiovascular, pulmonary, dermatological, renal, allergic, and inflammatory diseases including asthma, adult respiratory distress syndrome, cystic fibrosis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) was first described by Borgeat and Samuelsson in 1979, and later shown by Corey and co-workers to be 5(S),12(R)-dihydroxy-(Z,E,E,Z)-6,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid.

H3 CH Fig. I It is a product of the arachidonic acid cascade that results from the enzymatic hydrolysis of LTA4. It has been found to be produced by mast cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, monocytes and macrophages. LTB4 has been shown to be a potent stimulus in vivo for PMN leukocytes, causing increased chemotactic and chemokinetic migration, adherence, aggregation, degranulation, superoxide production and cytotoxicity. The effects of LTB4 are mediated through distinct receptor sites on the leukocyte cell surface which exhibit a high degree of stereospecificity. Pharmacological studies on 0 human blood PMN leukocytes indicate the presence of two classes of LTB4-specific receptors that are separate from receptors specific for the peptide chemotactic factors. Each of the sets of receptors appear to be coupled to a separate set of PMN leukocyte functions. Calcium mobilization is involved in both mechanisms.

LTB4 has been established as an inflammatory mediator in vivo.

It has also been associated with airway hyper responsiveness in the dog as well as being found in increased levels in lung lavages from humans with severe pulmonary dysfunction.

By antagonizing the effects of LTB4, or other pharmacologically 0 active mediators at the end organ, for example airway smooth muscle, the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the instant invention are valuable in the treatment of diseases in subjects, including human or animals, in which leukotrienes are a factor. Some of these compounds may also inhibit the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme or may be LTD4 antagonists.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The compounds of this invention are represented by formula (I) R3 (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or N-oxide thereof where T is the amide linking group O, HN where the carbonyl carbon is bonded to the pyridyl ring; R is Ci to C20-aliphatic, unsubstituted or substituted phenyl Cj to Cio-aliphatic where substituted phenyl has one or more radicals selected from the group consisting of lower alkoxy, lower alkyl, trihalomethyl, or halo, or R is Ci to C20-aliphatic-O-, or R is unsubstituted or substituted phenyl Cj to Cio-aliphatic-O- where substituted phenyl has one or more radicals which are lower alkoxy, lower alkyl, trihalomethyl, or halo; Rl is R4,-(Cj to C5 aliphatic)R4, -(Cl to C5 aliphatic)CHO, -(Cl to 0 C5 aliphatic)CH2OR8, -CH2OH or -CHO; R2 is hydrogen, -COR5 where R5 is -OH, a pharmaceutically acceptable ester-forming group -ORg, or -OX where X is a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, or R5 is -N(R7)2 where R7 is H, or an aliphatic group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl-(CH2)n- group of 4 to 10 carbons where n is 0-3 or both R7 groups combine to form a ring having 4 to 6 carbons, or R2 is NHSO2R9 where R9 is -CF3, Cj to Cg alkyl or phenyl; R3 is hydrogen, lower alkoxy, halo, -CN, COR5, or OH; R4 is -COR5 where R5 is -OH, a pharmaceutically acceptable 0 ester-forming group -ORg, or -OX where X is a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, or R5 is -N(R7>2 where R7 is H, or an aliphatic group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl-(CH2)n- group of 4 to 10 carbons where n is 0-3 or both R7 groups combine to form a ring having 4 to 6 carbons; Rs is hydrogen, Ci to Cg alkyl, or Cj to Cg-acyl.

In another aspect, this invention covers pharmaceutical compositions containing the instant compounds and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Treatment of diseases related to or caused by leukotrienes, 0 particularly LTB4, or related pharmacologically active mediators at the end organ, are within the scope of this invention. This treatment can be effected by administering one or more of the compounds of formula I alone or in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

In yet another aspect, this invention relates to a method for making a compound of formula I, which method is illustrated in the Reaction Schemes given below and in the Examples set forth below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following definitions are used in describing this invention and setting out what the inventors believe to be their invention herein.

Aliphatic is intended to include saturated and unsaturated radicals. This includes normal and branched chains, saturated or mono or poly unsaturated chains where both double and triple bonds may be present in any combination. The phrase lower alkyl means an alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms in any isomeric form, but particularly the normal or linear form. Lower alkoxy means the group lower alkyl-O-. Acyl means the radical having a terminal carbonyl carbon. Halo refers to and means fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo. The phenyl ring may be substituted with one or more of these radicals. Multiple substituents may be the same or different, such as where there are three chloro groups, or a combination of chloro and alkyl groups and further where this latter combination may have different alkyl radicals in the chloro/alkyl pattern.

The phrase a pharmaceutically acceptable ester-forming group in R-2 and R3 covers all esters which can be made from the acid function(s) which may be present in these compounds. The resultant esters will be ones which are acceptable in their application to a pharmaceutical use. By that it is meant that the mono or diesters will retain the biological activity of the parent compound and will not have an untoward or deleterious effect in their application and use in treating diseases. Such esters are, for example, those formed with one of the following radicals representing -OR6 where R6 is: Cl to C10 alkyl, phenyl-Cl-C6 alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylarylalkyl, aminoalkyl, indanyl, pivaloyloxymethyl, acetoxymethyl, propionyloxymethyl, glycyloxymethyl, phenylglycyloxymethyl, or thienylglycyloxymethyl. Aryl includes phenyl and naphthyl, or heteroaromatic radicals like furyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl or tetrazolyl. Most preferred ester-forming radicals are those where R6 is alkyl, particularly alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons, [i.e. CH3-(CH2)rr where n is 0-9], or phenyl-(CH2)n- where n is 0-4.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the instant compounds are also intended to be covered by this invention. - These salts will be ones which are acceptable in their application to a pharmaceutical use. By that it is meant that the salt will retain the biological activity ΙΕ 911θ38 of the parent compound and the salt will not have untoward or deleterious effects in its application and use in treating diseases.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are prepared in a standard manner. The parent compound in a suitable solvent is reacted with an excess of an organic or inorganic acid, in the case of acid addition salts of a base moiety, or an excess of organic or inorganic base where R4 is OH. Representative acids are hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, maleic acid, succinic acid or methanesulfonic acid. Cationic salts are readily prepared from alkali metal bases such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper or the like and ammonia. Organic bases include the mono or disubstituted amines, ethylene diamine, amino acids, caffiene, tromethamine, tris compounds, triethyl amine, piperazine and the like.

Oxides of the pyridyl ring nitrogen may be prepared by means known in the art and as illustrated herein. These are to be considered part of the invention.

If by some combination of substituents, a chiral center is created or another form of an isomeric center is created in a 0 compound of this invention, all forms of such isomer(s) are intended to be covered herein. Compounds with a chiral center may be administered as a racemic mixture or the racemates may be separated and the individual enantiomer used alone.

As leukotriene antagonists, these compounds can be used in treating a variety of diseases associated with or attributing their origin or affect to leukotrienes, particularly LTB4. Thus it is expected that these compounds can be used to treat allergic diseases including those of a pulmonary and non-pulmonary nature. For example these compounds will be useful in antigen-induced anaphylaxis. They are 0 useful in treating asthma and allergic rhinitis. Ocular diseases such as uveitis, and allergic conjunctivitis can also be treated by these compounds.

The preferred compounds of this invention are those where R is alkoxy, particularly alkoxy of 8 to 15 carbon atoms or substituted or unsubstituted phenyl-C) to Cio-aliphatic-O-; R( is -(Cj to C5 aliphatic)R4 or -(Ci to C5 aliphatic)CH2OR8; and R2 is COOH or an alkali metal salt thereof or NHSO2R9 where R9 is -CF3, Ci to C6 alkyl or phenyl. The more preferred compounds of this invention are those where R is alkoxy of 8 to 15 carbon atoms or alkoxy-substituted phenyl-Ci to Cs-alkenoxy or -Ci to Cs-alkoxy; Rj is -COR5, -CH2CH2COR5 or -CH=CH-COR5; R2 is -COOH or -NHSO2R9, particularly where R9 is -CF3; and R3 is hydrogen or chloro.

The most preferred compounds are set out in Figure II.

Figure II T R Rl R2 V H21C10 HOOC(CH2)2- zn-COOH HN z * Hi7C8 HOOC-CH=CH-** II H21C10 11 tl H25C12 H29C14 II p-McO-Ph-(CH2)8- ** * The carbonyl carbon is substituted on the pyridyl ring.

** Trans configuration.

Synthesis These compounds may be made by the intermediates and reagents as in the following reaction schemes. This specific set of intermediates is used to illustrate the general method. Scheme 1 illustrates a method for making compounds useful in making the R group. The other schemes use the materials whose preparation is described in scheme 1, or intermediates from commercial sources, to form the R group, then illustrate a method for making the compounds of formula I.

The R groups in formula I are available from chemical supply houses or can be made by one of the two methods outlined in Reaction Scheme I.

Scheme 1(a) illustrates a method for making an unsaturated phenyl-alphatic R group.

Scheme 1(a) H3CO (Ph)3P=CH(CH2)3CO2CHO -s► (a) TsCl While the methoxyphenyl compound is illustrated here, this series of steps and reagents may be used to make other substituted phenyl-co-aliphatic groups denoted by R. The starting material, the benzaldehydes, are commercially available or can be readily made by known methods.

To make the acid (a), first an alkylsilazide is added to an inert solvent under an inert atmosphere. Then the phosphonium salt added. This addition can be done at room temperature or thereabouts. After a brief period of mixing, this mixture is usually a suspension, the benzaldehyde is added slowly at about room temperature. A slight molar excess of the phosphonium salt is employed. After an additional brief period of stirring at about room temperature, the reaction is quenched with water. The solution is acidified and the acid extracted with a suitable organic solvent. 0 Further standard separatory and purification procedures may be employed as desired.

The alcohol is made by reducing the acid using a reducing agent. Lithium aluminum hydride or similar reducing agents may be employed and conditions may be varied as needed to effect the reduction.

The tosylate is prepared in an inert solvent employing ptoluene sulfonyl chloride and a base such as pyridine. Suitable conditions include carrying out the reaction at room temperature or thereabouts for a period of 1 to 5 hours. Other suitable leaving 0 groups similar in function to the tosylate may be prepared and will be useful as a means for adding this R moiety to the pyridyl ring.

Reaction Scheme 1(b) outlines one method for making an alkoxyphenylalkyl R group. This method could be used to make other R groups where phenyl is the. ω group on the aliphatic chain, including substituted phenyl-containing groups. (b) Pd [(Ph)3P]2 Cl2 t-Bu(Ph)2SiCl -►H2, Pd-C ->- (CH2)nOS i(Ph)2-t-BuPh2 (c) Bu4NF 0 HjCO— >-(CH2)n+2OSi(Ph)2-t-Bu Py r TsCl H3CO—(CH2)n+2 -OTs (f) In those instances where an ω-yn-l-ol is not commercially available, it can be prepared from a corresponding 3-yn-l-ol by treating the alcohol with a strong base. Here an alkali metal amide was used. The alcohol is then protected in order to add the desired phenyl group at the terminal triple bond. A silyl ether was formed in this instance; it illustrates the general case. A halo-substitutedphenyl adduct is used to add the phenyl group at the triple bond. At 0 this point, the triple bond can be reduced, most conveniently by catalytic means, eg. palladium-on-carbon and hydrogen.

Alternatively, the triple bond could be retained and the intermediate carried on through as illustrated to the tosylate. The silyl group is removed and the resulting alcohol is converted to the tosylate, or another group which is sufficiently reactive so as to provide ready formation of an ether later in the synthesis of these compound.

Using the compounds made in Scheme I and others purchased or prepared by known methods, in the following reaction schemes, one can prepare the compounds of formula I by following the 0 sequence of reactions outlined in the following Schemes. Again, these schemes illustrate the general principle of how to make these compounds using specific examples. These schemes can be used to make the other compounds disclosed herein by varying or modifying the chemistries illustrated here. Such variations or modifications will be changes in the reaction conditions, eg. temperature, pressure, length of reaction time, amount of reagents and the like. Reagents may be substituted for their equivalent or for a similar reagent which will effect the same or the equivalent product. Similarly, starting materials and intermediates may be varied to accomodate the need for making a particular compound.

One way of preparing compounds where the nitrogen of the 1 0 amide linking group is on the phenyl ring is set out in Reaction Scheme 2.

Scheme 2 TFAA H (f) Tf2O R-O. pyr· MeO2C%^ OTf (g) ί ο The foregoing scheme illustrates one synthetic route for making compounds of formula I where the carboxyl carbon is on the pyridyl ring. The 3-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine is commercially available or can be prepared by known, published means. This diol may be converted either to the aldehyde, then converted to the 0 3-alkoxy compound, or the 3-hydroxy group may be converted to the ether first, then the 2-position hydroxymethyl is oxidized to the aldehyde. Oxidizing the alcohol is readily accomplished using a mild oxidizing agent; manganese dioxide is preferred but other oxidizing agents could be successfully utilized in this step. Ethers are readily prepared from the corresponding α-halo-R group, or a compound such as a tosylate, under basic conditions.

This 3-substituted-2-carboxyaldehyde (c) is then converted to the 2-carbomethoxyethenyl form (d) by means of the appropriate phosphoranylidene ester under conditions normally used for such a 0 reaction. The resulting ester is then treated with a peroxy acid to make the N-oxide in preparation for making the pyridone (e). This step is illustrated by zn-chloroperoxybenzoic acid, but other similar oxidizing agents could be used as well. Rearrangement of the N-oxide is then accomplished by means of trifluoroacetic anhydride or a similar reagent to produce the 2-pyridone (f).

Converting the 2-pyridone to the amide is accomplished by acylating the 2-pyridone (g) and then reacting this ester with the desired aminobenzoate (h) in the presence of certain catalysts and carbon monoxide. Trifluoromethanesulfonic. anhydride illustrates the 0 acylation step. The amidation reaction is effected by bubbling carbon monoxide through a solution of the triflate in the presence of Pd(OAc)2, l,l’-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene. The resulting diester (i) is then saponified using a mineral base to hydrolyze the ester groups. The resulting salt may be neutralized in order to recover the free acid. A free acid can be converted to another ester or made into the corresponding amide by known methods.

The saturated 3-position substituents are readily prepared from the alkene analog by catalytic hydrogenation. Reaction Scheme 3 illustrates this methodology.

Reaction Scheme 3 The diester is catalytically reduced (3a) by means of a heavy metal catalyst and hydrogen in a classic catalytic reduction reaction Once the reduction is complete, a base can be used to hydrolyze the diester if the diacid (3b) is desired. Either compound can be converted to other compounds of this invention by the appropriate 0 oxidation, reduction, esterification, amidation reaction, or by other means.

Carbon analogs of these compounds, that is those where the atom linking the R group to the 3-position is methylene, may be prepared by the sequence of steps set out in the fourth flow chart.

Scheme 4 HO HO2C .HCl / MeOH _ 2. Tf2O / pyridine TfO MeO2C Pd(OAc)2 / dppf / DMF (4a) ,e 911938 .Ν CO2H Η 3-Hydroxypicolinic acid is converted to the alkyl ester by means of the corresponding alkanol and a acid catalyst. The hydroxyl group is converted to the trifluoromethanesulfonate (4a) using trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride and pyridine. The lipid tail is then attached (4b) using the appropriate alkyl catechol boronate, prepared from 1-tridecene and catechol borane, using palladium coupling conditions ([Pd(OAc)2]· Then the alkyl ester is transformed into the corresponding aldehyde using an appropriate hydride, for example diisobtylaluminum hydride. This aldehyde is then subjected to a Wittig olefination, using for example, methyl(triphenylphosphoranylidene)acetate. The resulting pyridyl acrylate is then converted to the target compound via the same set of steps outlined in Scheme 2 above.

Reverse amides can be made by the sequence of steps given in Scheme 5.

Scheme 5 HO HO2C 1. H+, MeOH 2. C12H25I, K2CO3, DMF 3. MCPBA, CH2CI2 4. TFAA, DMF Η2δΟι2Ο XX MeO2C N OH (5a) 1. Tf2O, pyridine 2. NaN3 H25C12O MeO2C n3 1. H2, Pd/C 2. DIBAL 3. (Ph^PCHCoJi/Ie H25C12O MeO2C'^' N'^NH2 (5c) 3 Ο ,CO2Me 2. LiOH, THF, MeOH 3. H+ H2sC HO2C CO2H The commercially available 3-hydroxypicolinic acid is converted to an alkyl ester using an acid catalyst and the corresponding alkanol. This is followed by alkylation under standard conditions with, for example 1-idododecane or a similar 1-halo compound. This is best done using a weak base such as K2CO3 in dimethylformamide. This gives the 3-alkoxy derivative. Oxidizing the pyridine nitrogen and rearranging the resulting N-oxide provides the 2-pyridone. Oxidation is readily effected with a peroxy acid such as 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid or similar oxidizing agent. The N-oxide (5a) rearrangement can be accomplished using trifluoroacetic anhydride in an appropriate solvent such as dimethylformamide.

Forming the trifluoromethanesulfonate is effected by means of trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride and a base such as pyridine. Nucleophilic displacement with sodium azide gives the 2-azido pyridine derivative (5b). Reducing the azide to the amine is accomplished by catalytic hydrogenation. Reducing the alkyl ester to the aldehyde is done with a hydride, for example diisobutylaluminum hydride. A Wittig reaction is then used to make the 2-amino pyridine acrylate (5c). For example methyl(triphenylphosphoranylidene)acetate may be used. Acylating the amine (methyl isophthalolyl chloride) followed by hydrolysis of the esters with base (LiOH, tetrahydrofuran, methanol) yields the target amide. These compounds can be further converted to an ester, amide, salt or similar compound as defined by formula I by means illustrated herein or generally known in the art.

Formulations Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise a pharmaceutical carrier or diluent and some amount of a compound of the formula (I). The compound may be present in an amount to effect a physiological response, or it may be present in a lesser amount such that the user will need to take two or more units of the compositon to effect the treatment intended. These compositions may be made up as a solid, liquid or in a gaseous form. Or one of these 4 ,E 91193s three forms may be transformed to another at the time of being administered such as when a solid is delivered by aerosol means, or when a liquid is delivered as a spray or aerosol.

The nature of the composition and the pharmaceutical carrier or 5 diluent will, of course, depend upon the intended route of administration, for example parenterally, topically, orally or by inhalation.

For parenteral administration the pharmaceutical composition will be in the form of a sterile injectable liquid such as an ampule or an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid suspension.

For topical administration the pharmaceutical composition will be in the form of a cream, ointment, liniment, lotion, pastes, and drops suitable for administration to the eye, ear, or nose.

For oral administration the pharmaceutical composition will be in the form of a tablet, capsule, powder, pellet, atroche, lozenge, syrup, liquid, or emulsion.

When the pharmaceutical composition is employed in the form of a solution or suspension, examples of appropriate pharmaceutical carriers or diluents include: for aqueous systems, water; for non2 0 aqueous systems, ethanol, glycerin, propylene glycol, corn oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, liquid parafins and mixtures thereof with water; for solid systems, lactose, kaolin and mannitol; and for aerosol systems, dichlorodifluoromethane, chlorotrifluoroethane and compressed carbon dioxide. Also, in addition to the pharmaceutical carrier or diluent, the instant compositions may include other ingredients such as stabilizers, antioxidants, preservatives, lubricants, suspending agents, viscosity modifiers and the like, provided that the additional ingredients do not have a detrimental effect on the therapeutic action of the instant 0 compositions.

The pharmaceutical preparations thus described are made following the conventional techniques, of the pharmaceutical chemist as appropriate to the desired end product.

In general, particularly for the prophylactic treatment of 3 5 asthma, the compositions will be in a form suitable for administration by inhalation. Thus the compositions will comprise a suspension or solution of the active ingredient in water for administration by means of a conventional nebulizer. Alternatively the compositions will comprise a suspension or solution of the active ingredient in a conventional liquified propellant or compressed gas to be administered from a pressurized aerosol container. The compositions may also comprise the solid active ingredient diluted with a solid diluent for administration from a powder inhalation device. In the above compositions, the amount of carrier or diluent will vary but preferably will be the major proportion of a suspension or solution of the active ingredient. When the diluent is a solid it may be present in lesser, equal or greater amounts than the solid active ingredient.

Usually a compound of formula I is administered to a subject in 1 0 a composition comprising a nontoxic amount sufficient to produce an inhibition of the symptoms of a disease in which leukotrienes are a factor. When employed in this manner, the dosage of the composition is selected from the range of from 50 mg to 1000 mg of active ingredient for each administration. For convenience, equal doses will be administered 1 to 5 times daily with the daily dosage regimen being selected from about 50 mg to about 5000 mg.

Included within the scope of this disclosure is the method of treating a disease mediated by LTB4 which comprises administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of 0 formula I, preferably in the form of a pharmaceutical composition.

For example, inhibiting the symptoms of an allergic response resulting from a mediator release by administration of an effective amount of a compound of formula I is included within the scope of this disclosure. The administration may be carried out in dosage units at suitable intervals or in single doses as needed. Usually this method will be practiced when relief of symptoms is specifically required. However, the method is also usefully carried out as continuous or prophylactic treatment. It is within the skill of the art to determine by routine experimentation the effective dosage to be 0 administered from the dose range set forth above, taking into consideration such factors as the degree of severity of the condition or disease being treated, and so forth.

Pharmaceutical compositions and their method of use also include the combination of a compound of formula I with Hi blockers where the combination contains sufficient amounts of both compounds to treat antigen-induced respiratory anaphylaxis or similar allergic reaction. Representative Hi blockers useful here include: cromolyn sodium, compounds from the ethanolamines class (diphenhydramine), ethylenediamines (pyrilamine), the alkylamine 6 class (chlorpheniramine), the piperazine class (chlorcyclizine), and the phenothiazine class (promethazine). Hi blockers such as 2-(4-(5bromo-3-methylpyrid-2-yl)butylamino]-5-[(6-methyIpyrid-3yl)methyl]-4-pyrimidone are particularly useful in this invention.

Bioassavs The specificity of the antagonist activity of a number of the compounds of this invention is demonstrated by relatively low levels of antagonism toward agonists such as potassium chloride, carbachol, histamine and PGF2. 0 The receptor binding affinity of the compounds used in the method of this invention is measured by the ability of the compounds to bind to [3H]-LTB4 binding sites on human U937 cell membranes.

The LTB4 antagonist activity of the compounds used in the method of this invention is measured by their ability to antagonize in a dose dependent manner the LTB4 elicited calcium transient measured with fura-2, the fluorescent calcium probe. The methods employed were as follows: U937 Cell Culture Conditions U937 cells were obtained from Dr. John Bomalaski (Medical 0 College of PA) and Dr. John Lee (SmithKline Beecham, Dept. of Immunology) and grown in RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 10% (v/v) heat inactivated fetal calf serum, in a humidified environment of 5% CO2, 95% air at 37°C. Cells were grown both in Tflasks and in Spinner culture. For differentiation of the U937 cells with DMSO to monocyte-like cells, the cells were seeded at a concentration of 1 x 105 cells/ml in the above medium with 1.3% DMSO and the incubation continued for 4 days. The cells were generally at a density of 0.75-1.25 x 106 cells/ml and were harvested by centrifugation at 800 x g for 10 min. 0 Preparation of U937 Cell Membrane Enriched Fraction Harvested U937 cells were washed with 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4 at 25° C containing . 1 mM EDTA (buffer A). Cells were resuspended in buffer A at a concentration of 5 x 107 cells/ml and disrupted by nitrogen cavitation with a Parr bomb at 750 psi for 10 min at 0°C.

The broken cell preparation was centrifuged at 1,000 x g for 10 min. The supernatant was centrifuged at 50,000 x g for 30 min. The pellet was washed twice with buffer A. The pellet was resuspended at about 3 mg membrane protein/ml with 50mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4 at 25°C and aliquots were rapidly frozen and stored at -70°C. •Ε 911938 7 Binding of i^-Hl-LTBa to U397 Membrane Receptors [3H]-LTB4 binding assays were performed at 25° C, in 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5) buffer containing 10 mM CaCl2, 10 mM MgCl2, [3H]LTB4, U937 cell membrane protein (standard conditions) in the presence or absence of varying concentrations of LTB4, or SK&F compounds. Each experimental point represents the means of triplicate determinations. Total and non-specific binding of [3H]-LTB4 were determined in the absence or presence of 2 μΜ of unlabeled LTB4, respectively. Specific binding was calculated as the difference between total and non-specific binding. The radioligand competition experiments were performed, under standard conditions, using approximately 0.2 μΜ [3H]-LTB4, 20-40 μg of U937 cell membrane protein, increasing concentrations of LTB4(0.1 nM to 10 nM) or other competing ligands (0.1 μΜ to 30 μΜ) in a reaction volume of 0.2 ml and incubated for 30 minutes at 25° C. The unbound radioligand and competing drugs were separated from the membrane bound ligand by a vacuum filtration technique. The membrance bound radioactivity on the filters was determined by liquid scintillation spectrometry. 0 Saturation binding experiments for U937 cells were performed, under standard conditions, using approximately 15-50 μg of U937 membrane protein and increasing concentrations of [3H]-LTB4 (0.022.0 mM) in a reaction volume of 0.2 ml and incubation at 22°C, for 30 minutes. LTB4 (2 μΜ) was included in a separate set of incubation tubes to determine non-specific binding. The data from the saturation binding experiments was subjected to computer assisted non-linear least square curve fitting analysis and further analyzed by the method of Scatchard.

Uptake of Fura-2 by Differentiated U937 Cells 0 Harvested cells were resuspended at 2 x 106 cells/ml in Krebs Ringer Hensilet buffer containing 0.1% BSA (RIA grade), 1.1 mM MgSO4, 1.0 mM CaCI2 and 5 mM HEPES (pH 7.4, buffer B). The diacetomethoxy ester of fura-2 (fura-2/AM) was added to a final concentration of 2 nM and cells incubated in the dark for 30 minutes at 37° C. The cells were centrifuged at 800 x g for 10 minutes and resuspended at 2 x 106 cells/ml in fresh buffer B and incubated at 37°C for 20 minutes to allow for complete hydrolysis of entrapped ester. The cells were centrifuged at 800 x g for 10 minutes and resuspended in cold fresh buffer B at 5 x 106 cells/ml. Cells were 8 maintained on ice in the dark until used for fluorescent measurements.

Fluorescent Measurements-Calcium Mobilization The fluorescence of fura-2-containing U937 cells was measured with a fluorometer designed by the Johnson Foundation Biomedical Instrumentation Group. Fluorometer is equipped with temperature control and a magnetic stirrer under the cuvette holder. The wave lengths are set at 339 nm for excitation and 499 nm for emission. All experiments were performed at 37°C with constant mixing. 0 U937 cells were diluted with fresh buffer to a concentration of x 106 cells/ml and maintained in the dark on ice. Aliquots (2 ml) of the cell suspension were put into 4 ml cuvettes and the temperature brought up to 37°C, (maintained in 37°C, water bath for 10 min). Cuvettes were transferred to the fluorometer and fluorescence measured for about one minute before addition of stimulants or antagonists and followed for about 2 minutes post stimulus. Agonists and antagonists were added as 2 μΐ aliquots.

Antagonists were added first to the cells in the fluorometer in order to detect potential agonist activity. Then after about one 0 minute 10 nM LTB4 (a near maximal effective concentration) was added and the maximal Ca2+ mobilization [Ca2+]i was calculated using the following formula: [Ca2+]i = 224« F-Fmin Fmax-F F was the maximum relative fluorescence measurement of the sample. Fmax was determined by lysing the cells with 10 μΐ of 10% Triton X-100 (final Concentration 0.02%). After Fmax was determined 67 μΐ of 100 mM EDTA solution (pH 10) was added to totally chelate the Ca2+ and quench the fura-2 signal and obtain the Fmin. The [Ca2+]i level for 10 nM LTB4 in the absence of an antagonist was 100% and basal [Ca2+]i was 0%. The IC50 concentration is the concentration of antagonist which blocks 50% of the lOnM LTB4 induced [Ca2+]i mobilization. The EC50 for LTB4 induced increase in [Ca2+]i mobilization was the concentration for half maximal increase. The K, for calcium mobilization was determined using the formula: 9 _ IC$p [LTB4] [ECso] With the experiments described, the LTB4 concentration was 10 nM and the EC50 was 2 nM.

Results of compounds tested by these methods are given in Figure III.

Figure III Binding. I£siu(Kj), uM Ca-Mobilization U-937 PMN U-937 PMN Structure Membrane Whole Cell Whole cell I&Oi PM % Agonist % Agonist Ex 1 4.0(1.4) 2.0 2.4 3.7 0 0 Ex 2 23(8.0) 4.7 - 3.0 0 0 Ex 3 47(17) 5.8 0.65 0.58 0 0 Ex 4 6.5(2.2) 3.4 2.2 8.5 0 0 Ex 5 41(14) 1.1 2.2 0.72 0 0 Ex 6* 6.1(2.0) 0.68 0.14 0.74 0 0 * Title compound.

Examples 0 The following set of examples are given to illustrate how to make and use the compounds of this invention. These Examples are just that, examples, and are not intended to circumscribe or otherwise limit the scope of this invention. Reference is made to the claims for defining what is reserved to the inventors by this document.

Example A 8-f4-Methoxypheny Doc tan-1- (4-toluenesulfonate) A(l) 7-Octvn-l-ol % KH in mineral oil (27g, 240mmol) under an argon atmosphere was washed with hexane and treated dropwise with 1,3diaminopropane. The mixture was stirred at room temperature until it became homogeneous. The flask was cooled to 0°C and 3-octyn-lol (lOg, 79mmol, Lancaster Synthesis) was slowly added. The reaction was then stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. The reaction was quenched with H2O (50mL) and the product was extracted into ether. The organic layer was washed with 10% HCI (3X15mL) and brine and dried (MgSO4). Evaporation gave the title product which was used without further purification: ^H NMR 0 (90MHz, CDC13) δ 3.65 (t, J=5Hz, 2H, OCH2), 2.23 (m, 2H, CH2), 2.0 (m, 1H, acetylenic), 1.7-1.2 (m, 8H, (CH2)4); IR (neat) vmax 3350, 2930, 2125 cm'l A(2) 7-Octyn-l-/-butyldiphenylsilyl ether, 7-Octyn-l-ol (3.8g, 30mmol) was dissolved in dimethylformamide (lOmL) and treated with /-butylchlorodiphenylsilane (10.2mL, 33mmol) and imidazole (3.65g, 45mmol) at 0°C. The reaction was stirred at 0°C for 10 minutes and at room temperature for 3 hours. Water was added and the product was extracted into 0 ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract was washed with H2O and brine and dried (Na2SC>4). The solvent was evaporated and the residue purified by flash column chromatography (silica, hexanes) to give a yellow oil: ’H NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.7 (d, 4H, aryl), 7.4 (m, 6H, aryl), 3.63 (t, 2H, OCH2), 2.23 (m, 2H, CH2), 1.97 (t, IH, acetylenic), 1.6-1.3 (m, 8H, (CH2)4), 1.05 (s, 9H, /-butyl); IR (film) vmax 3321, 2940, 2125 cm-’.

A (3) 8-(4-Met hoxy phenyl )-7-octyn-1 -/-butyldiphenylsilyl ether To a flame-dried flask under an argon atmosphere was added 4-iodoanisole (5.34g, 22mmol) in triethylamine (50mL) followed by 0 the addition of 7-octyn-l-t-butyldiphenylsilyl ether (9.84g, 27mmol), (Ph3P)2PdCl2 (350mg, 0.44mmol), and Cul (200mg, O.88mmol). The resulting mixture was heated at 50°C for 4 hours. Upon cooling to room temperature the reaction mixture was filtered and the solvent evaporated. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and H2O and the organic layer was collected and washed with brine and dried (Na2SO4). The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica, 1% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give an oil: ’ll NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.7 (d, 4H, aryl), 7.4 (m, 6H, aryl), 7.35 (d, 2H, aryl), 6.8 (d, 2H, aryl), 3.8 (s, 3H, OCH3), 0 3.7 (t, 2H, OCH2), 2.4 (t, 2H, CH2), 1.7-1.3 (m, 8H, (CH2)4), 1.05 (s, 9H, /-butyl).

A(4) 8-(4-Methoxvphenyl)octan-l-t-butyldiphenylsilyl ether.

To 8-(4-methoxyphenyl)-7-octyn-l-t-butyldiphenylsilyl ether 3 5 (2.2g, 4.6mmol) in ethanol (lOmL) and ethyl acetate (lOmL) was added 5% Pd/C (lOOmg). The mixture was subjected to 75 psi of H2 for 4 hours. The reaction was filtered through Celite and the solvent evaporated to give an oil: ’H NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.7 (d, 4H, aryl), 7.4 (m, 6H, aryl), 7.05 (d, 2H, aryl), 6.8 (d, 2H, aryl), 3.8 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.6 (t, 2H, OCH2), 2.5 (t, 2H, benzylic), 1.75-1.3 (m, 12H, (CH2)6), 1·θ (s, 9H, f-butyl).

A(5) 8-(4-Methoxyphenyl)octan-l-ol. 8-(4-Methoxyphenyl)octan-l-t-butyldiphenylsilyl ether (2.2g, 4.6mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (20mL) was cooled to 0°C and treated with tetrabutylammonium fluoride (14mL, 14mmol, 1M in tetrahydrofuran). The cooling bath was removed and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction was 0 diluted with ethyl acetate and was washed with H2O and brine and dried (Na2SC>4). The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica, 0-20% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give a white solid: m.p. 47-49°C; NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.15 (d, 2H, aryl), 6.86 (d, 2H, aryl), 3.85 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.68 (t, 2H, OCH2), 2.62 (t, 2H, benzylic), 1.75-1.3 (m, 12H, (CH2)6)· A(6) 8-(4- Metho xv pheny Doc tan-1 -(4-toluenesulfonate). 6-(4-Methoxyphenyl)octan-l-ol (5.9g, 25mmol) was dissolved in dry CH2CI2 (lOOmL) under an argon atmosphere and cooled to 0°C. 0 To this was added pyridine (2.5mL, 30mmol) and 4-toluenesulfonyl chloride (5.4g, 28mmol). The reaction was stirred at 0°C for 20 minutes and at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction solution was washed with H2O and brine and dried (Na2SO4). The solvent was evaporated and the residue purified by flash column chromatography (silica, 0-10% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give a white solid: NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.79 (d, 2H, aryl), 7.35 (d, 2H, aryl), 7.09 (d, 2H, aryl), 6.82 (d, 2H, aryl), 4.04 (s, 2H, OCH2), 3.8 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.55 (t, 2H, benzylic), 2.46 (s, 3H, CH3), 1.75-1.15 (m, 12H, (CH2)6)· 0 Example B 6-(4-Methoxyphenvl)hexan-l -(4-toluenesulfonate) B(l) 5-Hexyn-1-z-butyldiphenylsilyl ether 3 5 5-Hexyn-l-ol (3g, 30mmol, Aldrich) was dissolved in dimethylformamide (lOmL) and treated with t-butylchlorodiphenylsilane (10.2mL, 33mmol) and imidazole (3.65g, 45mmol) at 0°C. The reaction was stirred at 0°C for 10 minutes and at room temperature for 3 hours. Water was added and the product was extracted into ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract was washed with H2O and brine and dried (Na2SC>4). The solvent was evaporated and the residue purified by flash column chromatography (silica, hexanes) to give a yellow oil: NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.7 (d, 4H, aryl), 7.4 (m, 6H, aryl), 3.65 (t, 2H, OCH2), 2.2 (m, 2H, CH2), 1.9 (t, 1H, acetylenic), 1.7 (m, 4H, CH2-CH2), 1.05 (s, 9H, f-butyl).

B(2) 6-(4-MethoxyphenyU-5-hexyn-l-ί-butyldiphenylsilyl ether.

To a flame-dried flask under an argon atmosphere was added 1 0 4-iodoanisole (5.34g, 22mmol) in triethylamine (50mL) followed by the addition of 5-hexyn-l-i-butyldiphenylsilyl ether (8.83g, 27mmol), (Ph3P)2PdCl2 (350mg, 0.44mmol), and Cul (200mg, O.88mmol). The resulting mixture was heated at 50°C for 4 hours. Upon cooling to room temperature the reaction mixture was filtered and the solvent evaporated. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and H2O and the organic layer was collected and washed with brine and dried (Na2SO4). The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica, 1% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give an oil: NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 0 7.7 (d, 4H, aryl), 7.4 (m, 6H, aryl), 7.35 (d, 2H, aryl), 6.8 (d, 2H, aryl), 3.8 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.7 (t, 2H, OCH2), 2.4 (t, 2H, CH2), 1.7 (m, 4H, CH2CH2), 1.05 (s, 9H, r-butyl).

B(3j 6-(4-Methoxyphenyl)hexan-l-f-butyldiphenylsilyl ether.

To 6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-hexyn-l-f-butyldipheny lsilyl ether (2.0g, 4.6mmol) in ethanol (lOmL) and ethyl acetate (lOmL) was added 5% Pd/C (lOOmg). The mixture was subjected to 75 psi of H2 for 4 hours. The reaction was filtered through Celite and the solvent evaporated to give an oil: NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.7 (d, 4H, aryl), 0 7.4 (m, 6H, aryl), 7.05 (d, 2H, aryl), 6.8 (d, 2H, aryl), 3.8 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.6 (t, 2H, OCH2), 2.5 (t, 2H, benzylic), 1.55 (m, 4H, CH2-CH2), 1.3 (m, 4H, CH2-CH2), 1.0 (s, 9H, i-butyl).

B(4) 6-(4-MethoxyphenyUhexan-l-ol. 6-(4-Methoxyphenyl)hexan-l-/-butyldiphenylsilyl ether (2.0g, 4.6mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (20mL) was cooled to 0?C and treated with tetrabutylammonium fluoride (14mL, 14mmol, 1M in tetrahydrofuran). The cooling bath was removed and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and was washed with H2O and brine and dried (Na2SO4). The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica, 0-20% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give a white solid: NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.05 (d, 2H, aryl), 6.8 (d, 2H, aryl), 3.8 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.65 (t, 2H, 0CH2), 2.55 (t, 2H, benzylic), 1.6 (m, 4H, CH2-CH2), 1.4 (m, 4H, CH2-CH2).

B(5) 6-(4-Methoxyphenyl)hexan-l-(4-toluenesulfonate), 6-(4-MethoxyphenyI)hexan-l-ol (5.36g, 25mmol) was dissolved in dry CH2CI2 (lOOmL) under an argon atmosphere and cooled to 0°C. To this was added pyridine (2.5mL, 30mmol) and 4-toluenesulfonyl chloride (5.4g, 28mmol). The reaction was stirred at 0°C for 20 minutes and at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction solution was washed with H2O and brine and dried (Na2SC>4). The solvent was evaporated and the residue purified by flash column chromatography (silica, 0-10% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give a white solid: NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 1.6-1.3 (m, 8H, (CH2)4), 2.4 (s, 3H, CH3), 2.5 (t, 2H, benzylic), 3.8 (s, 3H, OCH3), 4.0 (t, 2H, OCH2), 6.80 (d, 2H, aryl), 7.0 (d, 2H, aryl), 7.3 (d, 2H, aryl), 7.8 (d, 2H, aryl).

Example C E-6-(4-Me thoxy phenyl)-1 -(4-toluenesulfonate)-5-hexene C( 1) E-6-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-5-hexenoic acid.

To a freshly prepared solution of lithium hexamethyldisilazide (64mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (30mL), under an argon atmosphere, was added a suspension of (4-carboxybutyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (17.6g, 30mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (45mL) at room temperature. The reaction was stirred for 15 minutes during which 0 time the orange-red color of the ylide developed. A solution of 4-anisaldehyde (4.5g, 30mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (30mL) was added dropwise and stirring was continued for an additional 20 minutes.

The reaction was quenched with H2O (50mL) and diluted with ether (30mL). The aqueous layer was acidified to pH 1.0 with 3N HCl and the product was extracted into ethyl acetate (3X50mL). The combined organic layers were dried (MgSO4) and the product was purified by flash column chromatography (silica, 1% methanol in CH2CI2) to yield the E-olefin as a solid: ^H NMR (200MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.3 (d, 2H, aryl), 6.8 (d, 2H, aryl), 6.3 (d, IH, olefin), 6.0 (m, IH, olefin), 3.8 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.3 (m, 4H, allylic CH2 and CH2CO2), 1.8 (q, 2H, CH2).

C(2) E-6-(4-Methoxyphenvl)-5-hexen-l -ol.

E-6-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-5-hexenoic acid (l.lg, 5.0mmol) in dry ether (lOmL) was slowly added to a suspension of L1AIH4 (240mg, 6.0mmol) in ether (lOmL) under an argon atmosphere. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 45 minutes. Upon cooling to room temperature the reaction was quenched with H2O (lOmL) followed by 0 6N H2SO4 (7mL). Ethyl acetate (20mL) was added and the organic layer was separated and dried (MgSO4); evaporation gave a white crystalline solid: mp. 65-66°C; JH NMR (200MHz, CDCI3) 8 7.2 (d, 2H, aryl), 6.8 (d, 2H, aryl), 6.3 (d, IH, olefin), 6.1 (m, IH, olefin), 3.8 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.6 (t, 2H, OCH2), 2.2 (q, 2H, allylic), 1.5 (m, 4H, CH2- CH?); Anal. Calcd. for CtfHigify C, 75.65; H, 8.80, found: C, 75.45; H, 8.95; MS (CI): 207 (M+H).

C(3) E-6-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-l-(4-toluenesulfonate)-5-hexene.

E-6-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-5-hexen-l-ol (1.6g, 7.0mmol) was 0 dissolved in dry CH2CI2 (50mL) under an argon atmosphere and treated with 4-toluenesulfonyl chloride (7.0g, 36mmol) and pyridine (3mL). The reaction solution was stirred at room temperature for 3.5 hours. Water (40mL) was added to the reaction and the organic layer was separated and dried (MgSC>4). The product was purified by flash column chromatography (silica, 10% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give an oil: hi NMR (200MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.8 (d, 2H, aryl), 7.3 (d, 2H, aryl), 7.2 (d, 2H, aryl), 6.8 (d, 2H, aryl), 6.2 (d, IH, olefin), 6.0 (m, IH, olefin), 4.1 (t, 2H, OCH2), 3.8 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.4 (s, 3H, CH3), 2.1 (q, 2H, allylic), 1.6 (m, 4H, CH2- CH2); MS (CI): 361 (M+H).

Example 1 N-(3-Carboxvphenv D-6-(E-2-carboxyethenv 1)-5-decyl oxy-2picolinamide. disodium salt 1(a) 3-Decyloxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine. 3-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine hydrochloride (500mg, 3.09mmol, Aldrich, 85%) was dissolved in dry dimethylformamide (lOmL) and treated sequentially with anhydrous K2CO3 (1.30g, 9.27mmol) and 1-iododecane (0.80mL, 3.71 mmol). The reaction was vigorously stirred under an argon atmosphere at 90°C for 1.5 hours. Upon cooling to room temperature the reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (lOOmL) and washed with H2O (5X20mL) and brine and dried (MgSC>4). The compound was purified by flash column chromatography (silica, 20% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) to give the captioned product: NMR (250MHz, CDCl3)8 8.17 (m, 1H, 6-pyridyl), 7.2 (m, 2H, 4-pyridyl, 5-pyridyl), 4.78 (s, 2H, CH2), 4.48 (broad singlet, 1H, OH), 4.05 (t, J=6.6Hz, 2H, OCH2), 1.9-0.90 (m, 19H, aliphatic). 1(b) 3-Decyloxy-2-pyridine carboxaldehyde. 3-Decyloxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine from 1(a), (560mg, 2.11mmol) in dry CH2C12 (7mL) was treated with MnO? (1.80g, 20.7mmol) and was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction was filtered through a pad of Celite and the solvent was removed in vacuo giving the aldehyde as a pale yellow oil. The aldehyde was used directly in the next step without further purification. 0 1(c) 2-(E-2-Carboxymethylethenv 1)-3-decy loxy pyridine. 3- Decyloxy-2-pyridine carboxyaldehyde from the preceeding step (429mg, 1.63mmol) was dissolved in dry toluene (3.5mL) under an argon atmosphere and treated with methyl (triphenylphosphoranylidene)acetate (820mg, 2.45mmol). The reaction mixture was heated at 45°C, at which point the reaction became homogeneous, for 30 minutes. Upon cooling to room temperature the reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate (100mL) and washed with H2O (2X20mL) and brine and dried (MgSO4). The product was purified by flash column chromatography (silica, 10: 5: 85, ethyl acetate: CH2C12: 0 petroleum ether) to give the product as a pale yellow solid: ^H NMR (200MHz, CDC13) δ 8.25 (m, 1H, 6- pyridyl), 8.1 (d, J=16.2Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.25 (m, 2H, 4-pyridyl, 5-pyridyl), 7.05 (d, J=16.2Hz, 1H, olefin), 4.05 (t, J=6.6Hz, 2H, OCH2), 3.85 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 1.95-0.90 (m, 19H, aliphatic). 1(d) 2-(E-2-Carboxymethylethenyl)-3-decyloxypyridine N-oxide. 2-(E-2-Carboxymethyletheny 1)-3-decy loxy pyridine (3 90 mg, 1.22mmol) was dissolved in dry CH2C12 (6mL) under an argon atmosphere, cooled to 0°C, and treated with 85% 9^938 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (278mg, 1.34mmol). Following the addition, the cooling bath was removed and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction solution was diluted with CH2CI2 (50mL) and poured into saturated aqueous NaHCC>3 (50mL). The aqueous phase was extracted with CH2CI2 (3X50mL) and the combined CH2CI2 extracts were washed with brine and dried (MgSO4). Flash column chromatography (silica, 10% CH2CI2 in ethyl acetate) gave the N-oxide as a pale yellow solid: NMR (250MHz, CDCl3)8 8.18 (d, J=16.2Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.97 (d, J=6.5Hz, 1H, 6-pyridyl), 0 7.58 (d, J=16.2Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.11 (dd, J=8.6, 6.5 Hz, 1H, 5-pyridyl), 6.82 (d, J=8.6Hz, 1H, 4- pyridyl), 4.08 (t, J=6.6Hz, 2H, OCH2), 3.82 (s, 3H, CO2C.H3), 1.93- 0.88 (m, 19H, aliphatic). 1(e) 6-(E-2-Carboxv methy le thenyl )-5-decyl oxy-2-pvridone. 2-(E-2-Carboxymethylethenyl)-3-decy loxy-pyridine N-oxide (180mg, 0.537mmol) was dissolved in dry dimethylformamide (2.2mL) under an argon atmosphere and cooled to 0°C. To this was slowly added trifluoroacetic anhydride (0.76mL, 5.38mmol) followed by removal of the cooling bath. The reaction was stirred at room 0 temperature for 18 hours. The reaction solution was diluted with ethyl acetate (75mL) and slowly poured into saturated aqueous NaHCO3 (30mL). The organic layer was washed with NaHCC>3 (20mL) and brine and dried (MgSC>4). The product was obtained as a yellow solid and was used without further purification: Uf NMR (250MHz, CDCl3)0 7.75 (d, J=16.3Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.40 (d, J=9.8Hz, 1H, 3-pyridyl), 7.01 (d, J=16.3Hz, 1H, olefin), 6.73 (d, J=9.8Hz, 1H, 4-pyridyl), 3.95 (t, J=6.6Hz, 2H, OCH2), 3.82 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 1.82-0.88 (m, 19H, aliphatic); MS (CI): 336 (M+H). 0 1 (f) 6-(E-2-Carboxv methyletheny 1)-5-dec y loxy-2-trifluoromethylsulfonate.

To a cooled (0°C) solution of 6-(E-2-carboxymethylethenyl)-5decyloxy-2-pyridone (200mg, 0.596mmol) in dry CH2CI2 (3.0mL) under an argon atmosphere was added dry pyridine (0.48mL, 5.96mmol) and trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (0.30mL, 1.78mmol). .The reaction was stirred at 0°C for 15 minutes. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate (50mL) and washed with H2O (20mL), 2% HCl (lOmL), saturated NaHCO3 (20mL), and brine and dried (MgSO4). Purification by flash column chromatography (silica, % ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave the sulfonate as a colorless oil: !h NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.97 (d, J=15.8Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.36 (d, J=8.8Hz, 1H, 3-pyridyl), 7.11 (d, J=8.8Hz, 1H, 4-pyridyl), 6.96 (d, J=15.8Hz, 1H, olefin), 4.05 (t, J=6.5Hz, 2H, OCH2), 3.83 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 1.92-0.88 (m, 19H, aliphatic). 1(g) N-(3-CarboxymethylphenyI)-6-(E-2-carboxymethylethenyl)-5decyloxy-2-picolinamide. 6-(E-2-Carboxy methy lethenyl)-5-decyl oxy-2-tri fluoromethyl10 sulfonate (160mg, 0.342mmol) was dissolved in dry dimethylformamide (1.25mL) and treated sequentially with methyl 3-aminobenzoate (775mg, 5.13mmol, Lancaster), Pd(OAc)2 (4.5mg, 0.020mmol), and l,l'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (22mg, 0.040mmol). Carbon monoxide was gently bubbled through the solution for 5 minutes. The reaction was then heated at 90°C under a CO-atmosphere (balloon pressure) for 4 hours. Upon cooling to room temperature the reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate (75mL) and washed with 2% HCl (5X10mL), H2O (15mL), saturated NaHCC>3 (15mL), and brine and dried (MgSCK). Purification by flash column 0 chromatography (silica, 10:20:70, ethyl acetate:CH2Cl2:petroleum ether) gave the amide as a colorless solid: ’H NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 9.85 (s, 1H, NH), 8.29 (s, 1H, 2-phenyl), 8.27 (d, J=8.7Hz, 1H, 3pyridyl), 8.14 (d, J=7.9Hz,lH, 4-phenyl), 8.10 (d, J=15.8Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.84 (d, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 6-phenyl), 7.48 (dd, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 5-phenyl), 7.38 (d, J=8.7Hz, 1H, 4-pyridyl), 7.08 (d, J=15.8Hz, 1H, olefin), 4.12 (t, J=6.6Hz, 2H, OCH2), 3.95 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 3.88 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 1.960.88 (m, 19H, aliphatic); Anal. Calcd. for C28H36O6N2: C, 67.72; H, 7.31; N, 5.64, found: C, 67.50; H, 7.27; N, 5.57; MS (CI): 497.5 (M+H). 0 1(h) N-(3-Carboxvphenvl)-6-(E-2-carboxvethenyl)-5-decyloxv-2picolinamide, disodium salt N-(3-Carboxymethylphenyl)-6-(E-2-carboxymethylethenyl)-5decyloxy-2-picolinamide (60mg, 0.121mmol) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (1.25mL) and MeOH (0.50mL) and treated with 1M LiOH (0.50mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 6 hours. The reaction was made mildly acidic by the addition of 2% HCl (0.75mL), it was then diluted with ethyl acetate (50mL) and washed with H2O (3X10mL) and brine and dried (MgSOzi); the solvent was removed in vacuo. The diacid was dissolved in saturated aqueous ,£ 911938 28 Na2CC>3 (3-5mL) and purified by Reversed Phase MPLC (RP-18 silica, 10-65% MeOH in H2O) and isolated by lyophilization and was obtained as a white amorphous solid: ^H NMR (250MHz, CD3OD) δ 8.22 (s, 1H, 2-phenyl), 8.13 (d, J=8.7Hz, 1H, 3-pyridyl), 7.90-7.70 (m, 2H, 4-phenyl, 6- phenyl), 7.73 (d, J=15.8Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.65 (d, J=8.7Hz, 1H, 4- pyridyl), 7.48 (dd, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 5-phenyl), 7.17 (d, J=15.8Hz, 1H, olefin), 4.26 (t, J=6.6Hz, 2H, OCH2), 1.98-0.82 (m, 19H, aliphatic); FAB-MS: (+ve), 513.1 (M+H); (-ve), 489.0 (M-Na). 0 Example 2 N-(3-Carboxy phenyl)-6-(2-carboxyethy 1)-5decyloxy-2-pi col in amide 2(a) N-(3-Carboxy methy I pheny l)-6-(2-carboxv methy lethy 1)-51 5 decyloxy-2-picolin amide.

N -(3 -Carboxy methyl pheny l)-6-(E-2-car boxy methyletheny 1)-5decyloxy-2-picolinamide (70mg, 0.141mmol) was dissolved in ethyl acetate (ImL), treated with 5% Pd/C (lOmg), and stirred under an atmosphere of H2 (balloon pressure) for 4 hours. The reaction could 0 not be followed by TLC and the product was not soluble in ethyl acetate. The precipitated product was dissolved by the addition of CH2CI2 (5mL) and the solution was filtered through a pad of Celite.

The product was purified by flash column chromatography (silica, 5% ethyl acetate in CH2CI2) to give captioned picolinamide as a white solid: lH NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 10.02 (s, 1H, NH), 8.48 (s, 1H, 2phenyl), 8.18 (d, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 4-phenyl), 8.11 (d, J=8.5Hz, 1H, 3pyridyl), 7.81 (d, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 6-phenyl), 7.46 (dd, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 5phenyl), 7.20 (d, J=8.5Hz, 1H, 4-pyridyl), 4.05 (t, J=6.4Hz, 2H, OCH2), 3.94 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 3.68 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 3.24 (t, J=6.9Hz, 2H, CH2), 0 2.88 (t, J=6.9Hz, 2H, CH2), 1.88-0.86 (m, 19H, aliphatic); Anal. Calcd. for C28H38O6N2: C, 67.45; H, 7.68; N, 5.62, found: C, 67.26; H, 7.76; N, 5.54; MS (CI): 499 (M+H). 2(b) N-(3-Carboxyphenyl)-6-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-decyloxy-23 5 picolinamide, dipotassium salt.

N-(3 -Carboxy me thy 1 pheny 1)-6-(2-car boxy methy lethyl)-5decyloxy-2-picolinamide (54mg, 0.108mmol) was suspended in tetrahydrofuran (l.lmL) and methanol (0.70mL) and treated with 1M LiOH (0.45mL, 0.45mmol). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 30 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (50mL) and poured into 2% HCI (15mL). The ethyl acetate layer was washed with H2O (3X20mL) and brine and dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the solid diacid was dissolved in an aqueous KHCO3 solution (3-5mL). Purification by Reversed Phase MPLC (RP-18 silica, 10-65% methanol in H2O) and isolation by lyophilization gave the salt as a white amorphous solid: lH NMR (250MHz, CD3OD) δ 8.49 (s, 1H, 2-phenyl), 8.00 (d, J=8.5Hz, 1H, 3-pyridyl), 7.88 (d, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 4-phenyl), 7.72 (d, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 610 phenyl), 7.36 (m, 2H, 4-pyridyl, 5-phenyl), 4.11 (t, J=6.4Hz, 2H, OCH2), 3.19 (t, J=6.9Hz, 2H, CH2), 2.66 (t, J=6.9Hz, 2H, CH2), 1.92-0.87 (m, 19H, aliphatic); FAB-MS: (+ve), 547.4 (M+H); (-ve), 507.3 (Μ- K).

Example 3 N-(3 -Car box y phen yl )-6-(E-2-carboxy etheny 1)-5 -tetradecvl oxv-2picolinainide, dilithium salt 3(a) 3-Hvdroxy-2-pyridine carboxvaldehyde. 3-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine hydrochloride (1.32g, 6.9mmol, Aldrich, 85%) was dissolved in dry CH2C12 (35mL) and treated with triethylamine (l.lmL, 7.89mmol) and MnO2 (6.0g, 69mmol). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours, filtered through a pad of celite, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude aldehyde was used directly in the next step without further purification. 3(b) 3-Tetradecyloxy-2-pvridine carboxvaldehyde. 3-Hydroxy-2-pyridine carboxyaldehyde obtained above (appx. 0 6.9mmol) was dissolved in dry dimethylformamide (lOmL) and treated sequentially with anhydrous K2CC>3 (2.86g, 20.7mmol) and 1-iodotetradecane (2.00mL, 7.59mmol). The reaction was vigorously stirred under an argon atmosphere at 90°C for 4.5 hours. Upon cooling to room temperature the reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (100mL) and washed with H2O (5X20mL) and brine and dried (MgSO4). Purification by flash column chromatography (silica, 30% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave the carboxyaldehyde as a pale yellow oil: ^H NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 10.43 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.38 (dd, J=4.1, 1.5Hz, 1H, 6- pyridyl), 7.42 (m, 2H, 4-pyridyl, 5-pyridyl), 4.10 (t, J=6.5Hz, 2H, OCH2), 1.91-0.88 (m, 27H, aliphatic). 3(c) 2-(E-2-Carboxymethylethenyl)-3-tetradecyloxv pyridine.

Prepared according to the procedure described for 2-(E-2carboxymethylethenyl)-3-decyloxypyridine: lH NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 8.22 (dd, J=4.0, 1.8Hz, 1H, 6-pyridyl), 8.10 (d, J=15.8Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.21 (m, 2H, 4-pyridyl, 5-pyridyl), 7.02 (d, J=15.8Hz, 1H, olefin), 4.02 (t, J=6.5Hz, 2H, OCH?), 3.81 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 1.88-0.88 (m, 0 27H, aliphatic). 3(d) 2-(E-2-Carboxymethylethenyl)-3-tetradecyloxyr>yridine Noxide.

This compound was prepared according to the procedure 15 described for 2-(E-2-carboxymethylethenyl)-3-decyloxypyridine N-oxide : lH NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 8.18 (d, J=16.2Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.95 (d, J=6.5Hz, 1H, 6-pyridyl), 7.58 (d, J=16.2Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.10 (dd, J=8.5, 6.5 Hz, 1H, 5-pyridyl), 6.80 (d, J=8.5Hz, 1H, 4-pyridyl), 4.08 (t, J=6.6Hz, 2H, OCH2), 3.82 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 1.88-0.88 (m, 27H, aliphatic). 3(e) 6-(E-2-Carboxvmethy let hen v 1)-5-tetradecyloxy-2-pyridone.

This compound was prepared according to the procedure described for 6-(E-2-carboxymethylethenyl)-5-decyloxy-2-pyridone: iH NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.75 (d, J=16.3Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.40 (d, J=9.8Hz, 1H, 3-pyridyl), 7.01 (d, J=16.3Hz, 1H, olefin), 6.73 (d, J=9.8Hz, 1H, 4-pyridyl), 3.95 (t, J=6.6Hz, 2H, OCH2), 3.82 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 1.820.88 (m, 27H, aliphatic). 0 3(f) 6-(E-2-Carboxvmethy let he nv 1)-5-tetradecvl ox v-2tri fluoromethvl sulfonate.

This compound was prepared according to the above procedure for preparing 6-(E-2-carboxymethylethenyl)-5-decyloxy-2trifluoromethylsulfonate: ^H NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.96 (d, J=15.7Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.35 (d, J=8.8Hz, 1H, 3-pyridyl), 7.10 (d, J=8.8Hz, 1H, 4-pyridyl), 6.96 (d, J=15.7Hz, 1H, olefin), 4.04 (t, J=6.5Hz, 2H, OCH2), 3.82 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 1.85-0.88 (m, 27H, aliphatic). 3(g) N-(3-Carboxymethylphenyl)-6-(E-2-carboxymethyletheny 1)-5tetradecyloxy-2-picol inamide.

The method of Example 1(g) was used to prepare N-(3carboxymethylphenyl)-6-(E-2-carboxymethylethenyl)-5-decyloxy-25 picolinamide: lH NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 9.86 (s, 1H, NH), 8.29 (s, 1H, 2-phenyl), 8.27 (d, J=8.7Hz, 1H, 3-pyridyl), 8.13 (d, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 4-phenyl), 8.09 (d, J=15.8Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.84 (d, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 6-phenyl), 7.48 (dd, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 5-phenyl), 7.38 (d, J=8.7Hz, 1H, 4-pyridyl), 7.08 (d, J=15.8Hz, 1H, olefin), 4.12 (t, J=6.6Hz, 2H, OCH2), 0 3.95 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 3.88 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 1.94-0.88 (m, 27H, aliphatic); MS (CI): 553.4 (M+H). 3(h) N-(3 -Carboxy pheny 1 )-6-( E-2-carbo x v etheny 1 )-5-tetradecvl oxv2-picolinamide. dilithium salt N-(3-Carboxymethylphenyl)-6-(E-2-carboxymethylethenyl)-5tetradecyloxy-2-picolinamide (173mg, O.313mmol) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (4.0mL) and methanol (l.OmL) and treated with 1M LiOH (l.OmL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 48 hours. The resulting gel was dissolved in H2O (3mL) and the tetrahydrofuran and methanol were removed in vacuo. The product was purified by Reversed Phase MPLC (RP-18 silica, 10-65% methanol in H2O) and isolated by lyophilization to give the salt as a colorless amorphous solid: ^H NMR (250MHz, CD3OD) δ 8.32 (s, 1H, 2-phenyl), 8.12 (d, J=8.7Hz, 1H, 3-pyridyl), 7.85 (d, J=15.7Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.83 (d, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 4-phenyl), 7.76 (d, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 6-phenyl), 7.52 (d, J=8.7Hz, 1H, 4-pyridyl), 7.38 (dd, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 5-phenyl), 7.26 (d, J=15.7Hz, 1H, olefin), 4.16 (t, J=6.6Hz, 2H, OCH2), 1.94-0.89 (m, 27H, aliphatic); FAB- MS: (+ve), 537 (M+H); (-ve), 529 (M-Li). 0 Example 4 N-(3-Carboxy pheny 1)-6 -(E-2-car boxy etheny 1)-5dodecyloxy-2-picolinamide, (dilithium salt) N-(3-Carboxypheny l)-6-(E-carboxyetheny I )-5-dodecyl oxy-2picolinamide, dilithium salt, was prepared according to the procedure described for N-(3-carboxyphenyl)-6-(E-carboxyethenyl)-5tetradecyloxy-2-picolinamide, dilithium salt by substituting 1-iodododecane for 1-iodotetradecane (See Example 3). 4(a) 3-Dodecyloxy-2-pyridine carboxyaldehyde: NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 10.43 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.38 (dd, 1H, 6-pyridyl), 7.42 (m, 2H, 4pyridyl, 5-pyridyl), 4.1 (t, 2H, OCH2), 1.91-0.88 (m, 23H, aliphatic). 4(b) 2-(E-2-Carboxymethylethenyl)-3-dodecyloxypyridine: Ml NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 8.22 (dd, 1H, 6-pyridyl), 8.1 (d, 1H, J=15.8Hz, olefin), 7.21 (m, 2H, 4-pyridyl, 5-pyridyl), 7.02 (d, 1H, J=15.8Hz, olefin), 4.02 (t, 2H, OCH2), 3.81 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 1.88- 0.88 (m, 23H, aliphatic). 0 4(c) 2-(E-2-Carboxymethylethenyl)-3-dodecyloxypyridine N-oxide: lH NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 8.15 (d, 1H, J =16.2Hz, olefin), 7.9 (d, 1H, 6-pyridyl), 7.58 (d, 1H, J=16.2Hz, olefin), 7.1 (dd, 1H, 5- pyridyl), 6.8 (d, 1H, 4-pyridyl), 4.08 (t, 2H, OCH2), 3.82 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 1.88-0.88 (m, 23H, aliphatic). 4(e) 6-(E-2-Carboxvmethyletheny 1)-5-dodecyloxy-2-pvridone: 1H NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 8.0 (s, 1H, OH), 7.75 (d, 1H, J=16Hz, olefin), 7.4 (d, 1H, 3-pyridyl), 7.0 (d, 1H, J=16Hz, olefin), 6.7 (d, 1H, 4-pyridyl), 0 4.0 (t, 2H, OCH2), 3.82 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 1.85- 0.88 (m, 23H, aliphatic). 4(f) 6-(E-2-Carboxymethylethenyl)-5-dodecyloxy-2-trifluoromethvlsulfonate: lH NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.95 (d, 1H, J=15.9Hz, olefin), 7.37 (d, 1H, 3-pyridyl), 7.1 (d, 1H, 4- pyridyl), 6.95 (d, 1H, J=15.9Hz, olefin), 4.1 (t, 2H, OCH2), 3.8 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 1.89-0.88 (m, 23H, aliphatic). 4(g) N-(3-Carboxy methy lphenv 11-6-(E-2-carboxv methyl ethenyl )-5dodecyloxy-2-picolinamide: ^H NMR (250MHz, CDCl3) 0 9.86 (s, 1H, 0 NH), 8.29 (s, 1H, aryl), 8.27 (d, 1H, 3-pyridyl), 8.13 (d, 1H, aryl), 8.09 (d, 1H, J=15.8Hz, olefin), 7.84 (d, 1H, aryl), 7.5 (t, 1H, aryl), 7.38 (d, 1H, 4-pyridyl), 7.08 (d, 1H, J=15.8Hz, olefin), 4.15 (t, 2H, OCH2), 3.98 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 3.88 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 1.94-0.88 (m, 23H, aliphatic); Anal. Calcd. for C30H40N2O6: C, 68.68; H, 7.69; N, 5.34, found: C, 68.43; H, 7.54; N 5.21; MS (CI): 525 (M+H). 4(h) N-(3-Carboxy phenyl)-6-(E-2-carboxy ethenyl)-5-dodecyloxy-2picolinamide. dilithium salt: Hl NMR (250MHz, CD3OD) δ 8.37 (s, 1H, aryl), 8.12 (d, 1H, 3-pyridyl), 7.85 (d, 1H, J=15.7Hz, olefin), 7.83 (d, IH, aryl), 7.77 (d, IH, aryl), 7.55 (d, IH, 4-pyridyl), 7.38 (t, IH, aryl), 7.26 (d, IH, J= 15.7Hz, olefin), 4.16 (t, 2H, OCH2), 1.90-0.88 (m, 23H, aliphatic); FAB- MS: (+ve), 509 (M+H); (-ve), 501 (M-Li).

Example 5 N-(3-Carboxy phenyl )-6-(E-2-carboxyethenv 1)-5-octyl oxy-2picolinamide, dilithium salt N-(3-Carboxy phenyl)-6-(E-carboxyethenyl)-5-octyl oxy-2picolinamide, dilithium salt , was prepared according to the procedure 0 described for N-(3-carboxyphenyl)-6-(E-carboxyethenyl)-5tetradecyloxy-2-picolinamide, dilithium salt (Example 3), substituting 1-iodooctane for 1-iodotetradecane. (a) 3-Qctyloxy-2-pyridine carboxyaldehyde. ^H NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 10.43 (s, IH, CHO), 8.38 (dd, IH, 6-pyridyl), 7.42 (m, 2H, 4pyridyl, 5-pyridyl), 4.1 (t, 2H, OCH2), 1.91-0.88 (m, 15H, aliphatic). (b) 2-(E-2-Carboxymethylethenyl)-3-octyloxypyridine. Hl NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 8.22 (dd, IH, 6-pyridyl), 8.1 (d, IH, J=15.8Hz, 0 olefin), 7.21 (m, 2H, 4-pyridyl, 5-pyridyl), 7.02 (d, IH, J=15.8Hz, olefin), 4.02 (t, 2H, OCH2), 3.81 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 1.88- 0.88 (m, 15H, aliphatic). (c) 2-(E-2-Carboxymethylethenyl)-3-octyloxypyridine N-oxide. 1H NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 8.15 (d, IH, J=16.2Hz, olefin), 7.9 (d, IH, 6pyridyl), 7.58 (d, IH, J=16.2Hz, olefin), 7.1 (dd, IH, 5- pyridyl), 6.8 (d, IH, 4-pyridyl), 4.08 (t, 2H, OCH2), 3.82 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 1.88-0.88 (m, 15H, aliphatic). 0 5(d) 6-(E-2-Carboxymethylethenyl)-5-octyloxy-2-pyridone. 1H NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 8.0 (s, IH, OH), 7.75 (d, IH, J=16Hz, olefin), 7.4 (d, IH, 3-pyridyl), 7.0 (d, IH, J=16Hz, olefin), 6.7 (d, IH, 4-pyridyl), 4.0 (t, 2H, OCH2), 3.82 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 1.85-0.88 (m, 15H, aliphatic). 5(e) 6-(E-2-Carboxymethy1ethenyl)-5-octyloxv-2trifluoromethvl sulfonate. Π) NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.95 (d, IH, J=15.9Hz, olefin), 7.37 (d, IH, 3-pyridyl), 7.1 (d, IH, 4-pyridyl), 6.95 (d, IH, J=15.9Hz, olefin), 4.1 (t, 2H, OCH2), 3.8 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 1.890.88 (m, 15H, aliphatic). (f) N-(3-Carboxymethylphenyl)-6-(E-2-carboxymethylethenyl)-5octyloxy-2-picolinamide. lH NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 9.86 (s, 1H, NH), 8.29 (s, 1H, aryl), 8.27 (d, 1H, 3-pyridyl), 8.13 (d, 1H, aryl), 8.09 (d, 1H, J=15.8Hz, olefin), 7.84 (d, 1H, aryl), 7.5 (t, 1H, aryl), 7.38 (d, 1H, 4pyridyl), 7.08 (d, 1H, J=l5.8Hz, olefin), 4.15 (t, 2H, OCH2), 3.98 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 3.88 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 1.94-0.88 (m, 15H, aliphatic). (g) N-(3-Carboxyphenyl)-6-(E-2-carboxyethenyl )-5-octyl oxv-210 picolinamide, dilithium salt ^H NMR (250MHz, CD3OD) δ 8.37 (s, 1H, aryl), 8.12 (d, 1H, 3-pyridyl), 7.85 (d, 1H, J=15.7Hz, olefin), 7.83 (d, 1H, aryl), 7.77 (d, 1H, aryl), 7.55 (d, 1H, 4-pyridyl), 7.38 (t, 1H, aryl), 7.26 (d, 1H, J=15.7Hz, olefin), 4.16 (t, 2H, OCH2), 1.90-0.88 (m, 15H, aliphatic); FAB- MS: (+ve), 601.3 (M+H); (-ve), 598.9 (M-H).

Example 6 N-(3-Car box yphenyl)-6-(E-2-carboxvetheny 1)-5-18-(4methoxyphenyl)octyloxyl-2-picolinamide. dilithium salt N-(3-Carboxyphenyl)-6-(E-2-carboxyethenyl)-5-[8-(42 0 methoxyphenyl)octyloxy]-2-picolinamide, dilithium salt was prepared according to the procedure described for N-(3-carboxyphenyl)-6-(E2-carboxyethenyl)-5-tetradecyloxy-2-picolinamide, dilithium salt (Example 4), substituting 8-(4-methoxyphenyl)octan-l-(4toluenesulfonate) for 1-iodotetradecane (See Example 3).

Following the procedures of Example 3(d) et seq, the following compounds were prepared. 6(a) 2-(E-2-Carboxymethylethenyl)-3-r8-(4-methoxyphenyl)octyloxvlpyridine. 0 The tosylate of Example A was used to prepare this compound. lH NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 8.28 (dd, J=4.0, 1.8Hz, 1H, 6-pyridyl), 8.17 (d, J=15.8Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.28 (m, 2H, 4-pyridyl, 5-pyridyl), 7.12 (d, J=8.6Hz, 2H, aryl), 7.02 (d, J=15.8Hz, 1H, olefin), 6.89 (d, J=8.6Hz, 2H, aryl), 4.08 (t, J=6.5Hz, 2H, OCH2), 3.87 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 3.85 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.61 (t, J=7.5Hz, 2H, benzylic), 1.94-1.38 (m, 12H, aliphatic). 6(b) 2-(E-2-Carboxymethylethenyl)-3-i8-(4-methoxyphenyl)octyloxylpvridine N-oxide. lH NMR (250MHz, CDC13) 5 8.02 (d, J=16.2Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.80 (d, J=6.5Hz, 1H, 6- pyridyl), 7.39 (d, J=16.2Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.00 (m, 2H, 55 pyridyl, 4-pyridyl), 6.85 (d, J=8.6Hz, 2H, aryl), 6.65 (d, J=8.6Hz, 2H, aryl), 3.91 (t, J=6.5Hz, 2H, OCH2), 3.68 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 3.62 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.37 (t, J=7.5Hz, 2H, benzylic), 1.82-1.10 (m, 12H, aliphatic). 6(c) 6-(E-2-CarboxymethyIethenyl)-5-f8-(4-methoxyphenyD1 0 oc tv 1 ox yl-2-pyridone.

Ul NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.75 (d, J=16.2Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.40 (d, J=9.8Hz, 1H, 3-pyridyl), 7.10 (d, J=8.6Hz, 2H, aryl), 7.00 (d, J=16.2Hz, 1H, olefin), 6.82 (d, J=8.6Hz, 2H, aryl), 6.70 (d, J=9.8Hz, 1H, 4-pyridyl), 3.95 (t, J=6.5Hz, 2H, OCH2), 3.85 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 3.82 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.57 (t, J=7.5Hz, 2H, benzylic), 1.85-1.22 (m, 12H, aliphatic). 6(d) N-(3-Carboxymethylphenyl)-6-(E-2-carboxymethvlethenyl)-5[8-(4-methoxyphenyl)octyloxyl-2-picolinamide.

Melting point - 70-73°C; lH NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 9.87 (s, 1H, 0 NH), 8.31 (s, 1H, 2-phenyl), 8.28 (d, J=8.7Hz, 1H, 3-pyridyl), 8.15 (d, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 4-phenyl), 8.08 (d, J=15.8Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.85 (d, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 6-phenyl), 7.48 (dd, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 5-phenyl), 7.36 (d, J=8.7Hz, 1H, 4- pyridyl), 7.10 (d, J=8.6Hz, 2H, aryl), 7.08 (d, J=15.8Hz, 1H, olefin), 6.85 (d, J=8.6Hz, 2H, aryl), 4.12 (t, J=6.5Hz, 2H, OCH2), 3.95 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 3.88 (s, 3H, CO2CH3), 3.79 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.56 (t, J=7.5Hz, 2H, benzylic), 1.99-1.28 (m, 12H, aliphatic); Anal. Calcd. for C33H3gN2O7: C, 68.97; H, 6.67; N, 4.88, found: C, 69.21; H, 6.88; N, 4.46; MS (CI): 575 (M+H). 0 6(e) N-(3-Carboxyphenyl)-6-(E-2-carboxyethenv 1)-5-[8-(4methoxyphenyl)octyloxyl-2-picolinamide. dilithium salt . Melting point 315°C (dec.); lH NMR (250MHz, CD3OD) δ 8.31 (s, 1H, 2-phenyl), 8.12 (d, J=8.7Hz, 1H, 3-pyridyl), 7.86 (d, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 4-phenyl), 7.85 (d, J=15.8Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.76 (d, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 6-phenyl), 7.52 (d, J=8.7Hz, 1H, 4-pyridyl), 7.39 (dd, J=7.9Hz, 1H, 5-phenyl), 7.26 (d, J=15.8Hz, 1H, olefin), 7.07 (d, J=8.6Hz, 2H, aryl), 6.80 (d, J=8.6Hz, 2H, aryl), 4.15 (t, J=6.5Hz, 2H, OCH2), 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.53 (t, J=7.5Hz, 2H, benzylic), 1.93-1.37 (m, 12H, aliphatic); Anal. Calcd. for found: C, 61.69; H, 5.91; N, 4.60; FAB-MS: (+ve), 559.4 (M+H); (-ve), 551.4 (M-Li).

Following the same procedure, but substituting for methyl 3aminobenzoate the appropriate chloro substituted methyl 3-aminobenzoate, the following compounds were prepared: N-(3-carboxy-6-chlorophenyl)-6-(E-2-carboxy ethenyl )-5-[8-(4methoxyphenyl)octyloxy]-2-picolinamide, dilithium salt; and N-(3-carboxy-4-chlorophenyl)-6-(E-2-carboxyethenyl)-5-[8-(4methoxyphenyl)octyloxy]-2-picolinamide, dilithium salt.

Example 7 Salts may be converted to the free acid by dissolving the salt in an aqueous solution and adding sufficient acid so as to bring the pH to about neutral (pH 7.0) or thereabouts. Any acid may be used though it is preferred to uSe a mineral acid such as HCl or the like. It is preferred to use a dilute rather than a concentrated acid, for example a 1 to 6 normal solution is most useful. Acid may be added at room temperature or thereabouts; no special conditions are required. Once the solution reaches a neutral pH or becomes acidic, the acid will 0 precipitate out of solution an may be recovered by crystallization techniques, or any other technique which may prove useful for a given acid.

Example 8 Formulations for pharmaceutical use incorporating compounds of the present invention can be prepared in various forms and with numerous excipients. Examples of such formulations are given below.

Inhalant Formulation 0 A compound of formula I, 1 to 10 mg/ml, is dissolved in isotonic saline and aerosilized from a nebulizer operating at an air flow adjustd to deliver the desired amount of drug per use.

Tablets: A compound of formula I, 1 to 10 mg/ml, is dissolved in isotonic saline and aerosolized from a nebulizer operating at an air flow adjusted to deliver the desired amount of drug per use.

Ineredients Per Tablet Per 10,000 Tablets Active ingredient (Cpd of Form. I) 40 mg 400 g Corn Starch 20 mg 200 g Alginic acid 20 mg 200 g Sodium alginate 20 mg 200 g Magnesium stearate l 3 rng 13_g 101.3 mg 1013 g Procedure for making tablets: Step 1 Blend ingredients No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 in a suitable mixer/blender.

Step 2 Add sufficient water portionwise to the blend from Step 1 with careful mixing after each addition. Such additions of water and mixing until the mass is of a consistency to permit its conversion to wet granules.

Step 3 The wet mass is converted to granules by passing it through an oscillating granulator using a No. 8 mesh (2.38 mm) screen.

Step 4 The wet granules are then dried in an oven at (60°C) until dry.

Step 5 The dry granules are lubricated with ingredient No. 5.

Step 6 The lubricated granules are compressed on a suitable tablet press.

Suppositories: Ingredients Per Supp. Per 1000 Supp. 1. Formula I compound Active ingredient 40.0 mg 40 g 2. Polyethylene Glycol 1000 1350.0 mg 1,350 g 3. polyethylene glycol 450.0 jng 450 35 4000 1840.0 mg 1,840 g Procedure: Step 1. Melt ingredient No. 2 and No. 3 together and stir until uniform.

Step 2. Dissolve ingredient No. 1 in the molten mass from Step 1 4 0 and stir until uniform.

Step 3. Pour the molten mass from Step 2 into supository moulds and chill and remove the suppositories from moulds and wrap.

Claims (18)

What is claimed is:

1. A compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or N-oxide thereof, where T is the amide linking group Ύ HN z where the carbonyl carbon is bonded to the pyridyl ring; R is Ci to C20-aliphatic, unsubstituted or substituted phenyl Ci to Cio-aliphatic where substituted phenyl has one or more radicals selected from the group consisting of lower alkoxy, lower alkyl, 15 trihalomethyl, or halo, or R is Ci to C20-aliphatic-O-, or R is unsubstituted or substituted phenyl Ci to Cio-aliphatic-O- where substituted phenyl has one or more radicals which are lower alkoxy, lower alkyl, trihalomethyl, or halo; Rl is R4, -(Ci to C5 aliphatic)R4, -(Cl to C5 aliphatic)CHO, -(Cl 20 to C5 aliphatic)CH2OR8, -CH2OH or -CHO; R2 is hydrogen, -COR5 where R5 is -OH, a pharmaceutically acceptable ester-forming group -OR6, or -OX where X is a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, or R5 is -N(R7)2 where R7 is H, or an aliphatic group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl-(CH2)n25 group of 4 to 10 carbons where n is 0-3 or both R7 groups combine to form a ring having 4 to 6 carbons, or R2 is NHSO2R9 where R9 is CF3, Cl to C6 alkyl or phenyl; R3 is hydrogen, lower alkoxy, halo, -CN, COR5, or OH; R4 is -COR5 where R5 is -OH, a pharmaceutically acceptable 30 ester-forming group -OR6, or -OX where X is a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, or R5 is -N(R7)2 where R7 is H, or an aliphatic group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl-(CH2)n- group of 4 to 10 carbons where n is 0-3 or both R7 groups combine to form a ring having 4 to 6 carbons; 35 R8 is hydrogen, Cl to C6 alkyl, or Cl to C6-acyl.

2. A compound of claim 1 where R is Cl to C20 aliphatic-Oor Cl to C20 aliphatic, Ri is -(Ci to C5 aliphatic)R4 or -R4, and R2 is COOH or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or -NHSO2R9.

3. A compound of claim 2 where R is C8 to Cl 5-alkoxy and 5 Rl is -CH=CHR4 where the double bond is cis or trans.

4. A compound of claim 3 where R is H17C8-O-, Rl is trans -CH=CHCOOH, and R2 is meta-substituted -COOH, the compound N-(3carboxy-phenyl)-6-(E-2-carboxyethenyl)-5-octyloxy-2-picolinamide, its dilithium salt or another pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a 10 pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof.

5. A compound of claim 3 where R is H21C10-O-, Rl is trans -CH=CHCOOH, and R2 is meta-substituted -COOH, the compound N-(3carboxy-pheny 1)-6- (E-2-carboxy ethenyl )-5-decyl oxy-2-picolinamide, its disodium salt or another pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a 15 pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof.

6. A compound of claim 3 where R is H25C12-O-, Rl is trans -CH=CHCOOH and R2 is meta-substituted -COOH, the compound N-(3carboxypheny 1)-6-(E-2-carboxyetheny 1)-5-dodecy loxy-2picolinamide, its dilithium salt or another pharmaceutically 20 acceptable salt, or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof.

7. A compound of claim 3 where R is H29C14-O-, Rl is trans -CH=CHCOOH, and R2 is meta-substituted -COOH, the compound N-(3carboxy-phenyl)-6-(E-2-carboxyethenyl)-5-tetradecyloxy-2picolinamide, its dilithium salt or another pharmaceutically 25 acceptable salt, or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof.

8. A compound of claim 2 where R is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl-Ci to C10 aliphatic, Rl is -(Ci to C5 aliphatic)R4.

9. A compound of claim 8 where R is a lower alkoxy30 substituted phenyl-Cl to C8-alkoxy group.

10. A compound of claim 9 where R is p-H3C-O-phenyl(CH2)8-O-, Rl is HO2CCH=CH-, and R2 is meta-substituted -COOH, the compound N-(3-carboxy pheny l)-6-(E-2-carboxyetheny 1)-5- [8-(4methoxy-phenyl)octyloxy]-2-picolinamide, its dilithium salt or 35 another pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof.

11. A compound of claim 2 where Rl is R4CH2CH2-.

12. A compound of claim 11 where R is H21C10-O-, Rl is HO2CCH2CH2- and R2 is meta-substituted -COOH, the compound N-(3IE 911938 carboxy-phenyl)-6-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-decyloxy-2-picolinamide, its dipotassium salt or another pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof.

13. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a 5 pharmaceutical carrier or diluent and a compound of claim 1.

14. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 13 in a form suitable for administration by inhalation, parenteral administration, or oral administration or topical administration.

15. The use of a compound of formula (I) or a 10 pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as defined in claim 1 in the manufacture of a medicament for preventing or treating a pulmonary disease in which leukotrienes are a factor .

16. The use of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as defined in claim 1 in the 15 manufacture of a medicament for preventing or treating a nonpulmonary disease in which leukotrienes are a factor.

17. A process for preparing a compound of formula (I), as defined in claim 1, substantially as herein described by way of example.

18. A compound whenever prepared by a process according to claim