NZ617581B2 - Radiolabelled glutaminyl cyclase inhibitors - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosure relates to radiolabelled imidazole glutaminyl cyclase (QC) inhibitors for use as imaging agents. The disclosure also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds for imaging and detection in neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Familial British Dementia, Familial Danish Dementia, Down Syndrome and Huntington's disease. s disease, Familial British Dementia, Familial Danish Dementia, Down Syndrome and Huntington's disease.

Description

W0 20/2/163773 RADLOLABELLED GLUTAMLIT:, Li CYCLASE TnnLBLTORS Field of the invention The invention relates to the use of radiolabelled glutsminyl cyclase (QC) inhibitors as imaging agents, in particular but not exclusively as medical imaging agents for the detection of neurological disorders. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said radiolabelled inhibitors and to methods and kits for detecting neurological disorders.

Background of the invention Glutaminyl cyclase (QC, EC 23.2.5) catalyzes the intramolecular cyclization of N-terminal glutamine residues into pyroglutamic acid (PGIu*) liberating ammonia. A QC was first isolated by Messer from the latex of the tropical plant Carloa papaya in 1963 (Messer, M. 1963 Nature 4874, 1299). 24 years later, a corresponding enzymatic activity was discovered in animal pituitary (Busby, W. H. J. at a1.1987 J Biol Chem 262,8532-8536; Fischer, W. H. and Spiess, J. 1987 Proc Natl ACad Sci U S A 84,3628-3632). For the mammalian QC, the conversion of Gin into PGIu by QC could be shown for the precursors of TRH and GnRH (Busby, W. H. J. at a1.1987 J Biol Chem 262,8532-8536; Fischer, W. H. and Spiess, J. 1987 Proc Natl ACad Sci U S A 84,3628-3632). In addition, initial localization experiments of QC revealed a co-localization with its putative products of catalysis in bovine pituitary, further improving the suggested function in peptide hormone synthesis (BOGkers, T. M. at a1.1995 J Neuroendocrin017,445-453). In contrast, the physiological function of the plant QC is less clear. In the case of the enzyme from C. papaya, a role in the plant defense against pathogenic microorganisms was suggested (EI Moussaoui, A. at a1.2001 Cell Mol Life Sci 58, 556-570). Putative QCs from other plants were identified by sequence comparisons recently (Dahl, S. W. at a1.2000 Protein Expr Purif 20,27-36). The physiological function of these enzymes, however, is still ambiguous The QCs known from plants and animals show a strict specificity for L-Glutamine in the N- terminal position of the substrates and their kinetic behavior was found to obey the Michaelis- Meriten equation (Pohl, T. at a1. 1991 Proc Natl ACad Sci U S A 88,10059-, 0063; Consalvo, A. P. at a1.1988 Anal Biochem 175,131-138; Gololobov, M. Y. at a1.1996 Biol Chem Hoppe Seyler 377,395-398). A comparison of the primary structures of the QCs from C. papaya and that of the highly conserved QC from mammals, however, did not reveal any sequence hornology (Dahl, S. W. at a1.2000 Protein Expr Purif 20,27-36). Whereas the plant QCs W0 21/12/163773 PCT/EP21112/1159649 appear to belong to a new enzyme family (Dahl, S. W. at a1.2000 Protein Expr Purif 20,27- 36), the mammalian QCs were found to have a pronounced sequence hornology to bacterial aminopeptidases (Bateman, R. C. at a1.2001 Biochemistry 40,1,246,1250), leading to the conclusion that the QCs from plants and animals have different evolutionary origins.

Recently, it was shown that recombinant human QC as well as QC-activity from brain extracts catalyze both, the N-terminal glutaminyl as well as glutamate cyclization. Most striking is the finding, that cyclase-catalyzed Glut-conversion is favored around pH 6.0 while Gini-conversion to PGIu-derivatives occurs with a pH-optimum of around 8.0. Since the formation of PGIu-AD-related peptides can be suppressed by inhibition of recombinant human QC and QC-activity from pig pituitary extracts, the enzyme QC is a target in drug development for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is an incurable, degenerative, and terminal disease. In 2006, there were 26.6 million sufferers worldwide.

Alzheimer's is predicted to affect I in 85 people global Iy by 2050. Alzheimer's disease is usually diagnosed clinical Iy from the patient history, collateral history from relatives, and clinical observations, based on the presence of characteristic neurological and neuropsychological features and the absence of alternative conditions. Assessment of intellectual functioning including memory testing can further characterise the state of the disease.

More recently, imaging has become a valuable tool in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

For example, when available as a diagnostic tool, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) neuroimaging may be used to confirm a diagnosis of Alzheimer's in conjunction with evaluations involving mental status examination. In a person already having dementia, SPECT appears to be superior in differentiating Alzheimer's disease from other possible causes, compared with the usual attempts employing mental testing and medical history analysis.

A new technique known as PiB PET has been developed for directly and clearly imaging ^- amyloid deposits in vivo using a tracer that binds selectively to the A13 deposits. The PiB-PET compound uses ''c PET scanning. Recent studies suggest that PiB-PET is 8691, accurate in predicting which people with mild cognitive impairment will develop Alzheimer's disease within two years, and 92% accurate in ruling out the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's.

W0 2/1/21163773 A similar PET scanning radiopharmaceutical compound called (E)(2-(6-(2-(2-(2-([ F]- ''F Av- fluoroethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)pyridinyl)vinyl)-N-methyl benzenamine (also known as 45, florbetapir-fluorine-, 8 or florbetapir), contains the longer-lasting radionuclide fluorine-18, has recently been created, and tested as a possible diagnostic tool in Alzheimer's patients.

F10rbetapir, like PiB, binds to 13-amyloid, but due to its use of fluorine-, 8 has a half-life of 110 minutes, in contrast to PiB's radioactive half life of 20 minutes. It has also been found that the longer life allowed the tracer to accumulate significantly more in the brains of the AD patients, particularly in the regions known to be associated with beta-amyloid deposits.

There is therefore a need for further imaging agents which are capable of diagnosing neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Description of the Figures Figure I shows the PET summation images (0-60 min) after administration of compound (1)' in two rats.

Figure 2 shows the time-activity graphs in the brain of two rats (9'. administered dose per grain brain) after administration of compound (1)'.

Detailed Description of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a radiolabelled glutaminyl cyclase (QC) inhibitor for use as an imaging agent.

References herein to "radiolabelled" include a compound where one or more atoms are replaced or substituted by an atom having an atomic mass or mass number different from the atomic mass or mass number typically found in nature (i. e. , naturally occurring). One non- limiting exception is ''F, which allows detection of a molecule which contains this element without enrichment to a higher degree than what is naturally occurring. Compounds carrying the substituent ''F may thus also be referred to as "labelled" or the like. The term radiolabelled may be interchangeably used with "isotopically-labelled", nabelled", "isotopic tracer group" "isotopic marker", "isotopic label", "detectable isotope" or "radioligand".

In one embodiment, the glutaminyl cyclase (QC) inhibitor comprises a single radiolabelled group.

W0 21/12/163773 Examples of suitable, nori-limiting radiolabel groups include: 'H (D or deuterium), 'H (T or tritium), ''c, ''C, ''C, ''N, ''N, ''0, ''0, ''0, ''F, ''S, ''c1,82Br, 75Br, 76Br, 77Br, 1231 1241 1251 and '''1. It is to be understood that an isotopically labeled compound needs only to be enriched with a detectable isotope to, or above, the degree which allows detection with a technique suitable for the particular application, e. g. in a detectable compound labeled with ''c, the carbon-atom of the labeled group of the labeled compound may be constituted by ''C or other carbon-isotopes in a fraction of the molecules. The radionuclide that is incorporated in the radiolabelled compounds will depend on the specific application of that radiolabelled compound. For example, for in vitro PIaque or receptor labelling and in competition assays, compounds that incorporate 'H, tic, or '''1 will generally be most useful For in vivo imaging applications ''c ''c ''F ''F '''1 '''1 '''1 ''Br, or ''Br will generally be most useful. In one embodiment, the radiolabel is ''c. In an alternative embodiment, the radiolabel is tic. In a yet further alternative embodiment, the radiolabel is roc.

In one embodiment, the glutaminyl cyclase (QC) inhibitor is a compound of formula (I R2 X IN, I RI Y or a pharmaceutical Iy acceptable salt, solvate or polymorph thereof, including all tautomers and stereoisomers thereof wherein: R represents heteroaryl, -carbocyclyl-heteroaryl, -C2-6alkenylheteroaryl, -Ci-6alkylheteroaryl, or (CH2), CR'R'(CH2)bheteroaryl wherein a and b independently represent integers 0-5 provided that a + b = 0-5 and R' and R' are alkylene which together with the carbon to which they are attached form a C3. C5 cycloalkyl group; in which any of aforesaid heteroaryl groups may optionalIy be substituted by one or more groups selected from Cj. 6alkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C2.6alkynyl, Ci-6haloalkyl, -Ci- 6thioalkyl, .SOCi4alkyl, -So2Ci4alkyl, Ci-6alkoxy-, C3^cycloalkyl, C3.8cycloalkyl, So^C3-BCycloalkyl, -SOC, 6cycloalkyl, C3.6alkenyloxy-, C^., alkynyloxy-, -C(0)C, ., alkyl, - C(0)0C, .6alkyl, C, ., alkoxy-CT6alkyl-, nitro, halogen, cyano, hydroxyl, -C(0)0H, -NH2, - NHC, 4alkyl, -N(CMalkyl)(C, 4alkyl), -C(0)N(C, 4alkyl)(C, 4alkyl), -C(0)NH^, C(0)NH(C, 4alkyl) and -C(0)NH(C3. ,, cycloalkyl); PCT/EP2i112/1159649 W0 21/12/163773 and in which any of aforesaid carbocyclyl groups may optional Iy be substituted by one or more groups selected from Cj4alkyl, oxo, halogen and CMalkoxy; R' represents H, CT8alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, -Gualkylaryl, -Ci_ 4alkylheteroaryl, -Cj4alkylcarbocyclyl or -Cj4alkylheterocyclyl; in which any of aforesaid aryl and heteroaryl groups may optional Iy be substituted by one or more groups selected from Ci. 6alkyl, C2.6alkenyl, C2.6alkynyl, Ci. 6haloalkyl, -Cj_ 6thioalkyl, -SOCi4alkyl, -So2Ci4alkyl, Ci-6alkoxy-, .0. C3. BCycloalkyl, C3. BCycloalkyl, So2C^BCycloalkyl, -SOC^_6cycloalkyl, C3.6alkenyloxy-, C3_6alkynyloxy-, -C(0)C, .6alkyl, - C(0)0C, _6alkyl, C, -6alkoxy-C, -salkyl-, C, ., alkoxy-Cj. 6alkoxy-, nitro, halogen, haloC, _ 6alkyl, haloCi_6alkoxy, cyano, hydroxyl, -C(0)0H, -NH2, -NHC, 4alkyl, -N(C, ., alkyl)(Ci_ *alkyl), -N(C, 4alkyl)(C, 4alkyl)-N(CMalkyl)(C, 4alkyl), -C, 4alkyl-N(CMalkyl)(C, 4alkyl), Cj4alkoxy-N(C, 4alkyl)(Cj4alkyl), -N(C3.8cycloalkyll)(C38cycloalkyl), -N(-C, 6alkyl-Cj. ,alkoxy)(-C, ., alkyl-C, .6alkoxy), -C(0)N(Cj. 4alkyl)(CMalkyl), -C(0)NH2, -C(0)NH(C, . ,alkyl) and -C(0)NH(C3. ,, cycloalkyl); and in which any of aforesaid carbocyclyl and heterocyclyl groups may optional Iy be substituted by one or more groups selected from C, .4alkyl, oxo, halogen, -C(0)Cj_6alkyl and Cj4alkoxy; or R' represents phenyl substituted by phenyl, phenyl substituted by a monocyclic heteroaryl group, phenyl substituted by phenoxy, phenyl substituted by heterocyclyl, phenyl substituted by heterocyclyl wherein said heterocyclyl is substituted by phenyl, phenyl substituted by CMalkyl-heterocyclyl, phenyl substituted by benzyloxy, phenyl substituted by carbocyclyl, phenyl substituted by Garbocyclyl wherein said carbocyclyl is substituted by heterocyclyl, phenyl substituted by carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl substituted by phenyl, carbocyclyl substituted by phenyl, phenyl fused to carbocyclyl, phenyl fused to heterocyclyl, -CMalkyl(phenyl substituted by phenyl), -C, 4alkyl(phenyl substituted by a monocyclic heteroaryl group), -Cj4alkyl(phenyl substituted by a monocyclic heterocyclyl group), -C, 4alkyl(phenyl substituted by an carbocyclyl group), -C, 4alkyl(phenyl substituted by benzyloxy), -C, 4alkyl(optionalIy substituted phenyl fused to optionalIy substituted carbocyclyl or -Ci4alkyl(optionalIy substituted phenylfused to optionalIy substituted heterocyclyl); in which any of aforesaid phenyl, benzyloxy and heteroaryl groups may optionalIy be substituted by one or more groups selected from C, 4alkyl, halogen and C, 4alkoxy, and in which any of aforesaid Garbocyclyl and heterocyclyl groups may optional Iy be substituted by one or more groups selected from methyl, phenyl, oxo, halogen, hydroxyl and Ct4alkoxy; W0 21/12/163773 R represents H, -Cj4alkyl or aryl; in which aforesaid aryl may optional Iy be substituted by one or more groups selected from C, .6alkyl, C2.6alkenyl, C2.6alkynyl, Ci-6haloalkyl, -CISthioalkyl, .SOCi4alkyl, So2Ci4alkyl, C, .6alkoXy-, C3-8cycloalkyl, C3-8cycloalkyl, -So2C3. BCycloalkyl, -SOC3. 6cycloalkyl, C3. ,alkenyloxy-, C^., alkynyloxy-, -C(0)C, .6alkyl, .C(0)0C, ., alkyl, C, .6alkoxy- Ci_6alkyl-, nitro, halogen, cyano, hydroxyl, -C(0)0H, -NH2, -NHC, 4alkyl, -N(Cj_ ,alkyl)(C, 4alkyl), -C(0)N(C, 4alkyl)(C, 4alkyl), -C(0)NH^, -C(0)NH(Gualkyl) and, C(0)NH(C^_,, cycloalkyl); or R' and R' are joined to form a carbocyclyl ring which is optionalIy substituted by one or more Cj_2alkyl groups; or R' and R' are joined to form a carbocyclyl ring which is fused to phenyl, wherein aforesaid carbocyclyl and/or phenyl may optional Iy be substituted by one or more groups selected from CMalkyl, halogen and Ci4alkoxy; or R' and R' are joined to form a carbocyclyl ring which is fused to monocyclic heteroaryl, wherein aforesaid carbocyclyl and/or heteroaryl may optional Iy be substituted by one or more groups selected from Ci4alkyl, halogen and CMalkoxy; X represents C=0,0, S, CR'R', CH2- or -CH2-CH2-; Y represents CHR', C=O or C=S; Z represents -N-R', O or CHR", such that when X represents O or S, Z must represent CHRio. or X and Z represent two adjacent carbon atoms of a phenyl ring which is fused in that position and which is optional Iy substituted by one or more halogen or Cj_2alkyl groups; R' represents H, -C, _8alkyl, -C(0)Ct_6alkyl or -NH2; R' and R' independently represent H, -Cj4 alkyl or aryl; in which said aforesaid aryl may be optional Iy substituted by Ci. 6alkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C2. 6alkynyl, Ci. 6haloalkyl, -Ci. 6thioalkyl, .SOCi4alkyl, .So2Ci. 4alkyl, Ci-6alkoxy. , .0. C3- 8cycloalkyl, C3.8cycloalkyl, -So2C3^cycloalkyl, .SOC3-6CyclOalkyl, C3.6alkenylOXy-, C3. ,alkynyloxy-, -C(0)CT6alkyl, -C(0)0C, ., alkyl, C, ., alkoxy-C, ., alkyl-, nitro, halogen, cyano, hydroxyl, -C(0)0H, -NH2, -NHC, 4alkyl, -N(Gualkyl)(C, 4alkyl), -C(0)N(Cj. ,alkyl)(C, 4alkyl), -C(0)NH2, -C(0)NH(CMalkyl) and, -C(0)NH(C3_, 0cycloalkyl); R' and R'' independently represent H or methyl; provided that the inoiety -Y-Z-X- represents a inoiety other than -C(=0)-NCR')-C(. 0)- or -C(=S)-NCR')-C(. 0)-.

Compounds of formula (1) are described in W0 2010/026212Al (Probiodrug AG) W0 21/12/163773 In a further embodiment, the compound of formula (1) is I-(IH-benzo[d]jinidaz01y1)(4- propoxyphenyl)jinidazolidin0ne: I\,' ^ ^, O (1), The compound of formula (1)" is described as Example 12 in W0 2010/026212Al (Probiodrug AG).

In a yet further embodiment, the compound of formula (1) is (S)-I-(IH-benzo[d]jinidaz01yl)- -(4-propoxyphenyl)jinidazolidin0ne: I\,, O ^^ . (1)b The compound of formula (1)' is described as Example 14 in W0 2010/026212Al (Probiodrug AG).

In one embodiment, the radiolabelled compound is a compound of formula (1)': W0 21/12/163773 PCT/EP21112/1159649 "^, O '4, ;" I"' I "' (1).

In one embodiment, the radiolabelled compound is a compound of formula (1)': * position ''c. Label I\./O N , N~^'O *,. I o (1), In one embodiment, the radiolabelled compound is a compound of formula (1)': I'^HN O ,30' O\ I\ O, IC, 13 I "'*C' \j_:>,:o (1).

In one embodiment, the radiolabelled compound is a compound of formula (1)': W0 21/12/163773 I'=^^'HN ,, I' HO, ,,,,;. C\,, I ,, 30 C '<~,,, ' ,,,, (1), In one embodiment, the glutaminyl cyclase (QC) inhibitor is a compound of formula ( 'I^a)n ' (11) or a pharmaceutical Iy acceptable salt, solvate or polymorph thereof, including all tautomers and stereoisomers thereof wherein: R' represents -Cj. 6alkyl, -aryl, -Ci. 6alkylaryl, -cycloalKyl, -Ci. 6alkylcycloalkyl, -heteroaryl, .Ci. 6alkylheteroaryl, -heterocyclyl, -CT6alkylheterocyclyl, -cycloalkyl substituted by phenyl, cycloalkyl substituted by phenoxy, -phenyl substituted by cycloalkyl, -phenyl substituted by phenoxy, -phenyl substituted by phenyl, heterocyclyl substituted by phenyl, heteroaryl substituted by phenyl, phenyl substituted by heterocyclyl, phenyl substituted by heteroaryl, phenyl substituted by cycloalkyl or phenyl substituted by -cycloalkyl-heterocyclyl; and in which any of aforesaid aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, phenyl or phenoxy groups may optional Iy be substituted by one or more groups selected from C, .Galkyl, C2.6alkenyl, C2. Balkynyl, C, .6haloalkyl, -Ci. 6thioalkyl, -SOCi. 4alkyl, -So2C, . 4alkyl, Ci. salkoxy-, C3. BCycloalkyl, C3. BCycloalkyl, -So2C3.8cycloalkyl, -SOC3. ,cycloalkyl, q_, alkenyloxy-, C3.6alkynyloxy-, -C(0)C, .6alkyl, -C(0)Oct. 6alkyl, Cj.

Balkoxy-Ci_6alkyl-, nitro, halogen, cyano, hydroxyl, -C(0)0H, -NH2, -NHC, 4alkyl, N(C, 4alkyl)(C, ., alkyl), -C(0)N(C, 4alkyl)(C, 4alkyl), -C(0)NH2, -C(0)NH(Ct4alkyl) and - C(0)NH(C, .,. cycloalkyl); W0 21/12/163773 PCT/EP21112/(159649 R' represents -Cj. 6alkyl, Cj. 6haloalkyl, -aryl, -Cj. 6alkylaryl, -cycloalkyl, -Cj6alkylcycloalkyl, - heteroaryl, -Cj. 6alkylheteroaryl, -heterocyclyl or -Cj_6alkylheterocyclyl; and in which any of aforesaid aryl, heteroaryl or heterocyclyl groups may optional Iy be substituted by one or more groups selected from Cj. 6alkyl, C2_6alkenyl, C2_6alkynyl, Ci- 6haloalkyl, .Ct-6thioalkyl, .SOCi4alkyl, -So2Ci4alkyl, Ci. 6alkoxy-, C3-8cycloalkyl, C3- BCyCloalkyl, .So2C3.8CyCIOalkyl, -SOC3.6CyCIOalkyl, C3.6alkenylOXy-, C3.6alkynyloxy-, C(0)C, ., alkyl, -C(0)0C, _, alkyl, C, _, alkoxy-C, _, alkyl-, nitro, halogen, cyano, hydroxyl, - C(0)0H, -NH, , -NHC, 4alkyl, -N(Cj4alkyl)(C, 4alkyl), -C(0)N(C, 4alkyl)(C, 4a!kyl), C(0)NH2, -C(0)NH(Gualkyl) and -C(0)NH(C3. IOCycloalkyl); R' represents Ci. 6alkyl or Ci. 6haloalkyl; n represents an integer selected from O to 3; and R' represents Ct. 6alkyl, C2_6alkenyl, C2_6alkynyl, Ct_6haloalkyl, -Cj_6thioalkyl, -SOCj4alkyl, So2Ci4alkyl, Ct-6alkoxy. , .0. C3. BCyCIOalkyl, C3-8cycloalkyl, -So2C3. BCycloalkyl, -SOC3- ,cycloalkyl, C3. Galkenyloxy-, C^., alkynyloxy. , .C(0)C, .6alkyl, .C(0)0C, -Galkyl, Ci-6alkoxy. C, - ,alkyl-, nitro, halogen, cyano, hydroxyl, -C(0)0H, ~NH2, -NHC, 4alkyl, -N(C, 4alkyl)(C, 4alkyl), - C(0)N(C, 4alkyl)(C, 4alkyl), -C(0)NH2, -C(0)NH(C, 4alkyl) and -C(0)NH(C^.,. cycloalkyl) Compounds of formula (11) are described in W0 20/11/10613Al (Probiodrug AG) In a further embodiment, the glutsminyl cyclase (QC) inhibitor is a compound of formula (1) or formula (11) as hereinbefore defined.

In a further embodiment, the compound of formula (11) is I-(IH-Benzo[d]jinidaz01y1)(2,3- difluoropheny1)methoxymethyl-IH-pyrr01-2(5H)-one: \/ \. ' '' "\"' 1' N~~:' '~\ I, :: \ I\/ ~N' i'' H .>^' (11), The compound of formula (11)" is described as Example 8 in W0 20,111,0613Al (Probiodrug AG).

W0 21/12/163773 In a further embodiment, the compound of formula (11) is (R)~I-(I H-Benzo[d]jinidaz01y1) (2,3-dimoropheny1)methoxymethyl-I H-pyrr01-2(5H)-one: <.'1N (11).

The compound of formula (11)' is described as Example 9 in W0 20,111,0613A, (Probiodrug AG).

In one embodiment, the radiolabelled compound is a compound of formula (11)': (11).

In a further embodiment, the radiolabelled compound is a compound of formula (11)': W0 21/12/163773 PCT/EP21112/1159649 (11), In one embodiment, the glutaminyl cyclase (QC) inhibitor is a compound of formula (111): (111) or a pharmaceutical Iy acceptable salt, solvate or polymorph thereof, including all tautomers and stereoisomers thereof wherein: R' represents -C3.8carbocyclyl. heteroaryl, -C2.6alkenylheteroaryl, -Ci. 6alkylheteroaryl, or (CH2), CR'R'(CH2)bheteroaryl wherein a and b independently represent integers 0-5 provided that a + b = 0-5 and R' and R' are alkylene which, together with the carbon to which they are attached, form a C3-C5 cycloalkyl group, or a bicyclic heteroaryl group; in which any of aforesaid heteroaryl groups may optional Iy be substituted by one or more groups selected from Ci. 6alkyl, C2.6alkenyl, C2-6alkynyl, Cj_6haloalkyl, -Ci- 6thioalkyl, -SOCj4alkyl, -So2Ci4alkyl, Ci_6alkoxy-, C3.8cycloalky!, C3.8cycloalkyl, So2C3.8CyCloalkyl, .SOC3.6CyCIOalkyl, C3_6alkenyloxy. , C3.6alkynylOxy-, -C(0)Cj_6alkyl, - C(0)0C, _6alkyl, C, ., alkoxy-C, _Galkyl-, nitro, halogen, cyano, hydroxyl, -C(0)0H, -NH, , - NHC, 4alkyl, -N(CMalkyl)(C, ., alkyl), -C(0)N(C, 4alkyl)(C, 4alkyl), -C(0)NH^, C(0)NH(C, 4alkyl) and -C(0)NH(q_, ocycloalkyl); and in which any of aforesaid carbocyclyl groups may optional Iy be substituted by one or more groups selected from Cj4alkyl, oxo, halogen and CMalkoxy; PCT/EP21112/(159649 W0 21/12/163773 R' represents Ct_8alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, -Cj4alkylaryl, -Cj_ 4alkylheteroaryl, -CMalkylcarbocyclyl or -Ct4alkylheterocyclyl; in which any of aforesaid aryl and heteroaryl groups may optional Iy be substituted by one or more groups selected from Ci-6alkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C2.6alkynyl, Ci-6haloalkyl, -Cj. 6thioalkyl, .SOCi4alkyl, .So2Ci4alkyl, Ci-6alkoxy. , .0. C3.8cycloalkyl, C3.8cycloalkyl, .So2C3.8cycloalkyl, -SOC^., cycloalkyl, C, ., alkenyloxy-, C3. ,alkynyloxy-, -C(0)C, .6alkyl, -C(0)0C, -6alkyl, C, ., alkoxy-C, ., alkyl-, nitro, halogen, cyano, hydroxyl, -C(0)0H, -NH^, -NHC, 4alkyl, -N(C, 4alkyl)(Cj4alkyl), -C(0)N(C, 4alkyl)(C, 4alkyl), -C(0)NHz -C(0)NH(C, 4alkyl) and -C(0)NH(C3_, 0cycloalkyl); and in which any of aforesaid carbocyclyl and heterocyclyl groups may optionalIy be substituted by one or more groups selected from Cj4alkyl, oxo, halogen and Ci. 4alkoxy; or R' represents phenyl substituted by phenyl, phenyl substituted by a monocyclic heteroaryl group, phenyl substituted by benzyloxy, phenyl fused to carbocyclyl, phenyl fused to heterocyclyl, -C, 4alkyl(phenyl substituted by phenyl), -CMalkyl(phenyl substituted by a monocyclic heteroaryl group), -C, 4alkyl(phenyl substituted by benzyloxy), -C, . 4alkyl(optionalIy substituted phenyl fused to optionalIy substituted carbocyclyl or -Ct. ,alkyl(optionalIy substituted phenylfused to optionalIy substituted heterocyclyl); in which any of aforesaid phenyl, benzyloxy and heteroaryl groups may optional Iy be substituted by one or more groups selected from Cj4alkyl, halogen and Cj4alkoxy, and in which any of aforesaid Garbocyclyl and heterocyclyl groups may optionalIy be substituted by one or more groups selected from Cj4alkyl, oxo, halogen and CMalkoxy; R represents H, -Cj4alkyl or aryl; in which aforesaid aryl may optionalIy be substituted by one or more groups selected from Ci. 6alkyl, C2.6alkenyl, C2. Galkynyl, Ci-6haloalkyl, .Ci. 6thioalkyl, -SOCi4alkyl, So2Ci4alkyl, Ci-6alkoxy-, ~0. C3. BCycloalkyl, C3.8cycloalkyl, -So2C3.8cycloalkyl, -SOC3- 6cyclOalkyl, C3.6alkenylox^, C^.^alkynyloxy-, -C(0)C, .6alkyl, .C(0)0C, -6alkyl, Ci-6alkOXy- C, .6alkyl-, nitro, halogen, cyano, hydroxyl, -C(0)0H, -NH2, -NHC, 4alkyl, -N(C, . ^alkyl)(C, 4alkyl), -C(0)N(C, 4alkyl)(C, 4alkyl), -C(0)NH^, -C(0)NH(C, 4alkyl) and, C(0)NH(C3_, 0cycloalkyl); or R' and R' are joined to form a carbocyclyl ring which is optionalIy substituted by one or more C, _2alkyl groups; or R' and R' are joined to form a carbocyclyl ring which is fused to phenyl, wherein aforesaid carbocyclyl and/or phenyl may optional Iy be substituted by one or more groups selected from Ct4alkyl, halogen and Cj. 4alkoxy; W0 21/12/163773 PCT/EP21i12/1159649 or R' and R' are joined to form a carbocyclyl ring which is fused to monocyclic heteroaryl, wherein aforesaid carbocyclyl and/or heteroaryl may optionalIy be substituted by one or more groups selected from Ci4alkyl, halogen and Cj4alkoxy; R' represents H, -C, ."alkyl, -C(0)C, ., alkyl or -NH^; X represents O or S; and Y represents O or S.

Compounds of formula (111) are described in GB Patent Application No. 1003936.0 (Probiodrug AG).

In one embodiment, the radiolabelled glutaminyl cyclase (QC) inhibitor is a compound of formula (IV): S \ 'CH I 11CH3 I'N""'N o (IV) In one embodiment, the radiolabelled glutaminyl cyclase (QC) inhibitor is a compound of formula 01)' , 0, o \ 'CH I ICH3 I' N I"' N Processes for incorporating the radiolabels into the glutaminyl cyclase (QC) inhibitors may be carried outin accordance with known labelling procedures. For example, W0 2010/11/303 describes the process of labelling compounds with an 18-fluorine isotope.

For example, the compound of formula (IV) may be prepared in accordance with the process shown in Scheme A W0 21/12/163773 I'N""NH o CH3 ; ---.,-I \ - I ICH3 I'N"v"'N OH /3 I'N"V"N ''cH ICH3 I ICH3 I'N""N o I'~ N I"' N ''cH3 Scheme A Furthermore, the compound of formula (V) may be prepared in accordance with the process shown in Scheme B: W0 2/1/21163773 OH o I ICH3 HO HO OH ICH3 o I'~N N OH I'~N"/'N .^.. ticH ICH3 I ICH3 I'N N o I' N"^" N ''cH3 Scheme B In one embodiment, the inhibitor as defined herein is used as a medical imaging agent. In a further embodiment, the inhibitor as defined herein is used as a medical imaging agent in the detection of a neurological disorder.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising a radiolabelled compound as defined herein or a pharmaceutical Iy acceptable salt, solvate or polymorph thereof, including all tautomers and stereoisomers thereof, in combination with one or more pharmaceuticalIy acceptable excipients.

PharmaceuticalIy acceptable salts: In view of the close relationship between the free compounds and the compounds in the form of their salts or solvates, whenever a compound is referred to in this context, a corresponding salt, solvate or polymorph is also intended, provided such is possible or appropriate under the circumstances.

PCT/EP21i12/(159649 W0 21/12/163773 Salts and solvates of the glutaminyl cyclase (QC) inhibitors and physiologically functional derivatives thereof which are suitable for use in medicine are those wherein the counter-ion or associated solvent is pharmaceuticalIy acceptable. However, salts and solvates having non-pharmaceuticalIy acceptable counterions or associated solvents are within the scope of the present invention, for example, for use as intermediates in the preparation of other compounds and their pharmaceuticalIy acceptable salts and solvates.

Suitable salts according to the invention include those formed with both organic and inorganic acids or bases. Pharmaceutical Iy acceptable acid addition salts include those formed from hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, nitric, citric, tartaric, phosphoric, lactic, pyruvic, acetic, trifluoroacetic, triphenylacetic, sulfamic, sulfanilic, succinic, oxalic, fumaric, maleic, in alic, inaridelic, glutamic, aspartic, oxaloacetic, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, arylsulfonic (for example p-toluenesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, naphthalenesulfonic or naphthalenedisulfonic), salicylic, glutaric, 91uconic, tricarballylic, cinnamic, substituted cinnamic (for example, phenyl, methyl, methoxy or halo substituted cinnamic, including 4- methyl and 4-methoxycinnamic acid), ascorbic, oleic, naphthoic, hydroxynaphthoic (for example I- or 3-hydroxynaphthoic), naphthaleneacrylic (for example naphthalene acrylic), benzoic, 4-methoxybenzoic, 2- or 4-hydroxybenzoic, 4-chlorobenzoic, 4- phenylbenzoic, benzeneacrylic (for example I, 4-benzenediacrylic), isethionic acids, perchloric, propionic, glycolic, hydroxyethanesulfonic, painoic, cyclohexanesulfamic, salicylic, saccharinic and trifluoroacetic acid. Pharmaceutical Iy acceptable base salts include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts such as those of sodium and potassium, alkaline earth metal salts such as those of calcium and magnesium and salts with organic bases such as dicyclohexylamine and N-methyl-D-91ucamine.

All pharmaceutical Iy acceptable acid addition salt forms of the compounds of the present invention are intended to be embraced by the scope of this invention.

Polymorph crystal forms: Furthermore, some of the crystalline forms of the compounds may exist as polymorphs and as such are intended to be included in the present invention. In addition, some of the compounds may form solvates with water (i. e. hydrates) or common organic solvents, and such solvates are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of this invention. The compounds, including their salts, can also be obtained in the form of their hydrates, or include other solvents used for their crystallization.

W0 2/1/21163773 PCT/EP21112/1159649 PharmaceuticalIy acceptable excipients: Thus, for liquid oral preparations, such as for example, suspensions, elixirs and solutions, suitable carriers and additives may advantageously include water, glycols, oils, alcohols, flavoring agents, preservatives, coloring agents and the like; for solid oral preparations such as, for example, powders, capsules, gelcaps and tablets, suitable carriers and additives include starches, sugars, diluents, granulating agents, lubricants, binders, disintegrating agents and the like.

Carriers, which can be added to the mixture, include necessary and inert pharmaceutical excipients, including, but not limited to, suitable binders, suspending agents, lubricants, flavorants, sweeteners, preservatives, coatings, disintegrating agents, dyes and coloring agents.

Soluble polymers as targetable drug carriers can include polyvinylpyrrolidone, pyran copolymer, polyhydroxypropylmethacrylamidephenol, polyhydroxyethylaspartamide-phenol, or polyethyleneoxidepolyllysine substituted with palmitoyl residue. Furthermore, the compounds of the present invention may be coupled to a class of biodegradable polymers useful in achieving controlled release of a drug, for example, polyactic acid, polyepsilon caprolactone, polyhydroxy butyeric acid, polyorthoesters, polyacetals, polydihydropyrans, polycyanoacrylates and cross-linked or amphipathic block copolymers of hydrogels.

Suitable binders include, without limitation, starch, gelatin, natural sugars such as glucose or betalactose, corn sweeteners, natural and synthetic gums such as acacia, tragacanth or sodium o1eate, sodium stearate, magnesium stearate, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, sodium chloride and the like.

Disintegrators include, without limitation, starch, methyl cellulose, agar, bentonite, xanthan gum and the like.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided the pharmaceutical composition as defined herein, for use as an imaging agent in the detection of a neurological disorder.

W0 21/12/163773 Examples of suitable non-limiting neurological disorders include: mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, Familial British Dementia, Familial Danish Dementia, neurodegeneration in Down Syndrome and Huntington's disease. In one particular embodiment, the neurological disorder is Alzheimer's disease.

In one embodiment, the inhibitor or composition of the invention is used in the detection of amyloid peptides.

In one embodiment, the inhibitor or composition of the invention is used in the detection of tau proteins of neurofibrillary tangles.

The detection of such amyloid peptides has utility in the detection and quantification of amyloid deposits and/or neurofibrillary tangles in diseases including, but not limited to Mediterranean fever, MuckleWells syndrome, idiopathetic myeloma, amyloid polyneuropathy, amyloid cardiomyopathy, systemic senile my10idosis, amyloid polyneuropathy, hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis, Down's syndrome, Scrapie, Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, Kuru, Gerstamnn-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome, medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, Isolated atrial amyloid, [beta]2-microglobulin amyloid in dialysis patients, inclusionbody myositis, 132-amyloiddeposits in muscle wasting disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and Islets of Langerhans diabetes Type 11 insulinoma The radiolabelled compounds of the invention may be administered by any means known to the person skilled in the art. For example, administration may be local or systemic and accomplished orally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, topicalIy, rectalIy, inhaled, nasalIy, buccally, vaginalIy, or via an implanted reservoir. The term "parenteral" as used herein includes subcutaneous, intravenous, intraarterial, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intrathecal, intraventricular, intrasternal, intracranial, and intraosseous injection and infusion techniques.

Dose levels can range from about 0,001 Fig/kg/day to about 10,000 ing/kg/day. In one embodiment, the dose levelis about 0001 Fig/kg/day to about 10 91kg/day. In another embodiment, the dose level is about 0.01 Fig/kg/day to about 1.0 g/kg/day. In yet another embodiment, the dose level is about 0.1 ing/kg/day to about I 00 ing/kg/day.

The exact administration protocol and dose levels will vary depending upon various factors including the age, body weight, general health, sex and diet of the patient; the determination W0 21/12/163773 PCT/EP21112/1159649 of specific administration procedures would be routine to any one of ordinary skill in the art.

The regimen may include pre-treatment and/or co-administration with additional compounds such as for example therapeutic agent(s).

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for imaging and detection of senile PIaques and/or neurofibrillary tangles in a brain tissue, the method comprising treating the tissue with an inhibitor as defined herein for detection of neurological disorders.

In one embodiment, the neurological disorder is detected by measuring the affinity of an inhibitor as defined herein for senile piaques.

In one embodiment, the neurological disorder is detected by measuring the affinity of an inhibitor as defined herein for tau aggregates.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for ex vivo or in vitro detection of amyloid deposits in a brain tissue, the method comprising treating the tissue with an inhibitor as defined herein for detection of the amyloid deposit.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for in vivo detection of amyloid deposits in a patient, the method comprising administering an effective amount of an inhibitor as defined herein to the patient, and detecting the binding level of the compound to the amyloid deposit to the patient.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for ex vivo or in vitro detection of tau proteins in a brain tissue, the method comprising treating the tissue with an inhibitor as defined herein for detection of the neurofibrillary tangles.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for in viVo detection of neurofibrillary tangles in a patient, the method comprising administering an effective amount of an inhibitor as defined herein to the patient, and detecting the binding level of the compound to tau proteins.

In one embodiment, the method relates to detecting senile PIaques and neurofibrillary tangles characteristic for a neurological disorder.

PCT/EP21i12/1159649 W0 21/12/163773 In one embodiment, the detection is performed using gamma imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy or fluorescence spectroscopy.

In one embodiment, the detection by gamma imaging is PET or SPECT. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a precise and sophisticated technique using isotopes produced in a cyclotron. A positron-emitting radionuclide is introduced, usually by injection, and accumulates in the target tissue. As it decays it emits a positron, which promptly combines with a nearby electron resulting in the simultaneous emission of two identifiable gamma rays in opposite directions. These are detected by a PET camera and give very precise indication of their origin. PET's most important clinical role is in oncology, with fluorine-18 as the tracer, since it has proven to be the most accurate nori-invasive method of detecting and evaluating most cancers.

It is also well used in cardiac and brain imaging.

A number of medical diagnostic procedures, including PET and SPECT utilize radiolabeled compounds, are well known in the art. PET and SPECT are very sensitive techniques and require small quantities of radiolabeled compounds, called tracers. The labeled compounds are transported, accumulated and converted in vivo in exactly the same way as the corresponding non-radioactiveIy compound. Tracers, or probes, can be radiolabeled with a radionuclide useful for PET imaging, such as ''c, ''N, ''0, ''F, 'CU and '''1, or with a radionuclide useful for SPECT imaging, such as ''Tc ''Br ''Cu '''Gd '231 1251 13/1 and 32p.

PET creates images based on the distribution of molecular imaging tracers carrying positron- emitting isotopes in the tissue of the patient. The PET method has the potential to detect malfunction on a cellular level in the investigated tissues or organs. PET has been used in clinical oncology, such as for the imaging of tumors and metastases, and has been used for diagnosis of certain brain diseases, as well as mapping brain and heart function. Similarly, SPECT can be used to complement any gamma imaging study, where a true 30 representation can be helpful, for example, imaging tumor, infection (leukocyte), thyroid or bones.

The person skilled in the art is familiar with the various ways to detect labeled compounds for imaging purposes. For example, positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can be used to detect radiolabeled compounds.

The label that is introduced into the compound can depend on the detection method desired.

W0 2/1/21163773 PCT/EP21112/1159649 The person skilled in the art is familiar with PET detection of a positron-emitting atom, such as F. The present invention is also directed to specific compounds described herein where the F atom is replaced with a non-radiolabeled fluorine atom. The person skilled in the art is familiar with SPECT detection of a photon-emitting atom, such as '''1 or ''Tc.

The radiolabelled glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor of the invention should typically have sufficient radioactivity and radioactivity concentration to assure reliable diagnosis. The imaging of amyloid deposits and neurofibrillary tangles can also be carried out quantitative Iy so that the amount of amyloid deposits and neurofibrillary tangles can be determined.

One of the key prerequisites for an in vivo imaging agent of the brain is the ability to cross the intact blood-brain barrier after a bolus i. v. injection. In the first step of the present method of imaging, the radiolabelled glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor of the invention is introduced into a tissue or a patient in a detectable quantity. The compound is typically part of a pharmaceutical composition and is administered to the tissue or the patient by methods well known to those skilled in the art.

In an alternative embodiment, the radiolabelled glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor of the invention is introduced into a patient in a detectable quantity and after sufficient time has passed for the compound to become associated with amyloid deposits and/or tau proteins, the labeled compound is detected nori-invasive Iy. In another embodiment of the invention, the radiolabelled glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor of the invention is introduced into a patient, sufficient time is allowed for the compound to become associated with amyloid deposits, and then a sample of tissue from the patient is removed and the radiolabeled compound in the tissue is detected apart from the patient. In another embodiment of the invention, a tissue sample is removed from a patient and a radiolabelled glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor of the invention is introduced into the tissue sample. After a sufficient amount of time for the compound to become bound to amyloid deposits and/or tau proteins, the compound is detected.

A detectable quantity is a quantity of labeled compound necessary to be detected by the detection method chosen. The amount of radiolabelled glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor of the invention to be introduced into a patient in order to provide for detection can readily be determined by those skilled in the art. For example, increasing amounts of the radiolabeled compound can be given to a patient until the compound is detected by the detection method W0 21/12/163773 of choice. A label is introduced into the compounds to provide for detection of the compounds.

The amount of time necessary can easily be determined by introducing a detectable amount of radiolabelled glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor of the invention into a patient and then detecting the radiolabeled compound at various times after administration.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a kit for diagnosing a neurological disorder which comprises a pharmaceutical composition as defined herein and instructions to use said kit in accordance with the methods described herein.

^!^^. ^!^:. Pre aration of Benzimidazole''C Coin ound of Formula I ' Coin ound of intermediate 7 I 'Y'\ (i) NaOH, H20 H2N N N N\ I I^cH \\ CT^ I N 2HCl "' , 0.1\ H .2HCl O~ I Me3SiCN, ACOH room temperature To 5-amino[2. 'C]benzimidazole dihydrochloride (1.30 g, 6.27 mm01,375 inci) was added water (10 inI) followed by 2 M sodium hydroxide solution (6.3 inI, 12.60 minol). The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes at room temperature then the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Acetic acid (6.2 in I) was added to the residue and the slurry was stirred at room temperature. Next, 4-propoxybenzaldehyde (935 ing, 5.69 mmol) was added dropwise over minutes. Also, trimethylsilyl cyanide (846 ing, 8.52 minol) was added dropwise over 15 minutes and the reaction mixture was stirred for 3 hours at room temperature under an atmosphere of nitrogen gas.

The reaction mixture was added dropwise to ice cold 28% ammonium hydroxide solution (15ml) with stirring. The product was extracted into ethyl acetate (3 x 20 in I) and the extracts W0 20/2/163773 PCT/EP21112/1159649 were combined. After drying over sodium sulphate, the slurry was filtered and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The product was purified by flash chromatography and the required fractions were combined. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the remaining solid was pumped under vacuum to constant weight to give the title compound (1.67 g, 5.22 min01,312 inci). intermediate 2 I ',,'\ N, N \ H2I 10% Pd/C ACOH Hi4c' I room temperature N NH* H NHz To Intermediate I (267 ing, 0.84 min01,50.0 inci) was added a slurry of 109', palladium on carbon, Degussa type EIOI R/W (51mg) in acetic acid (3 in I) under an atmosphere of nitrogen gas. The mixture was stirred under hydrogen gas at room temperature for 18 hours' The catalyst was removed by filtration through a pad of Gelite then washed with acetic acid (10 in I). The filtrate was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure and toluene (20 in I) was added to the residue. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure which gave the title compound (0.75 minol, equivalent to 45 inci). 18enzimidazole''Cj Compound of Formula (1)" ^>..

TEA, CDl, THF reflux \\ O To Intermediate 2 (0.75 min01,45 inci) was added tetrahydrofuran (2.8 in I), triethylamine (227 ing, 2.25 mmol) and 1.1-carbonyldiimidazole (146 ing, 0.90 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 85 'C for 2 hours, W0 21/12/163773 After cooling to room temperature, water (15 in I) was added and the product was extracted into ethyl acetate (3 x 20 in I). The extracts were combined, washed with saturated sodium chloride solution (, O inI) then dried over sodium sulfate. The slurry was filtered and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure.

The product was purified by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. The required fractions were combined and the organic solvent was removed under reduced pressure. To the remaining aqueous phase was added saturated sodium chloride solution (15 inI) and the product was extracted into ethyl acetate (2 x 15 inI). The extracts were combined and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. This gave the title compound (0,098 minol, equivalent to 5.9 inci).

IBenzimidazole''Cj Compound of Formula (1)' ^.^>..

Chiral chromatography \,\ O (1).

The tbenzimidazole-2. 'CI Compound of Formula (1)' (0,098 minol, equivalent to 5.9 inci) was dissolved in n-heptane:ethanol:methanol:diethylamine (500:250:250:5; 5ml) and the isomers were resolved by chiral high performance liquid chromatography using a Pirkle Whelk column.

The required fractions were combined and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The remaining residue was dissolved in acetonitrile:water (33:66; 5 inI) then Iyophilised to give a solid, which was pumped to hard vacuum and constant weight. This gave the title compound (14.0 ing, 0.0415 min01,2.49 inci).

Technical Data: Specific Activity Determined by: W0 2/1/21163773 PCT/EP21112/(159649 61 inci/minol Mass Spectrometry 2.26 GBq/mmol Gravimetric Analysis 178 PCi/ing 6.59 MBq/ing 60 inci/mmol Equivalent to 2.22 GBq/minol 338.3 Molecular Weight (at this specific activity): Radiochemical Purity at HPLC: 99.9% Column Phenomenex Luna C18(2) 150 x 4.6 min ambient Temperature: Solvent A 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid in water Solvent B: 0,059', trifluoroacetic acid in acetonitrile Gradient 15 20 21 30 Time (min) O 91, B o 100 100 O o Flow Rate: I .O in 11min UV Detection: 254 rim Chemical Purity by HPLC: 99.0% Column Phenomenex Luna C18(2) 150 x 4.6 mm ambient Temperature: 0,059', trifluoroacetic acid in water Solvent A Solvent B : 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid in acetonitrile Gradient: 15 20 21 30 Time (min) O %B o 100 100 O o Flow Rate I .O in 11min UV Detection: 254 rim Chiral Purity by HPLC: > 99.9% Column: Regis Pirkle Whelk 02 (R, R) 250 x 4.6 mm lopm ambient Temperature Solvent: n-heptane:ethanol:methanol:diethylamine (50:25:25:0.5) ISOCratic for 30 minutes Gradient: Flow Rate I D in 11min W0 2/1/21163773 Pre aration of Benzimidazole''C Coin ound of Formula I Coin ound of I 'clc02 I) LiEtaBHITHF I\, O \ I'..,-0 , Position C-Label I ') H20 NII NH I ClHcoOH N \N~/ H2N , N^: 2N aq. HCl *<11 ^ 140'C 10 min (1), ["C]CO2 was introduced in loopl THF and 50pl LiEt3BH in the reactor vessel at -20'C. After a reaction time of 40s, hydrolysis was performed by adding 5001, I H20. As reaction product, [, I']HCOOH was obtained.

Thereafter, (S)-I-(3,4-diaminopheny1)-5<4-propoxyphenyl)jinidazolidinone (ling in 300pl 2N aq. HCl) was added. After a reaction time of 10 min. at 140'C, the reaction mixture was cooled down and the product was purified by HPLC Column: Chromolith Performance RP-18 endcapped 100 - 4.6 mm monolithic HPLC- column (MERCK) 1.5 Solvent: I69", Acetonitrile in H^0 (0.1% TFA) Flow rate: 6 in 11min (S)-I-(3,4-diaminopheny1)(4-propoxyphenyl)jinidazolidin0ne: 3-7 min; compound (1)': 8-9.5 min The product peak containing compound (1)' was collected in I 00ml H20 and for further purification loaded onto a SepPak tc18 column. The SepPak tc18 column was washed with IOml H20. Compound (1)' was then eluted with 3ml ethanol. Thereafter the product was dried at 96'C in an argon atmosphere The final tracer solution was obtained by dissolving compound (1)' in loopl ethanol under addition of NaCl (final concentration of ethanol max. 109',) Specific Activity: 35,7 GBqi",, in o1 StabMty' of final tracer solution after 7.5 hours at room temperature: >98% to=6) W0 21/12/163773 PCT/EP21112/(159649 Technical data: Analytical HPLC HPLC: Agilent HP1200 DAD incl. Autosampler and Raytest RA detector (BGO cell) Column: Chromolith Performance RP-18 endcapped 100 - 4.6 mm monolithic HPLC- column (MERCK) Solvent: A 0.1% TFAin H20 B: Acetonitrile I in 11min Flow rate: Onomin: 15-20% B Gradient -24min: 20-50% B 24-26min: 50-959'. B 26-27min: 95% B 27-28min: 15% B 28-30min: 15% B Equilibration: 8min: 159', B (prior to injection) UV Detection: 225nm Analytical HPLC - Chiral Method HPLC: Agilent HPllOO DAD incl. Raytest RA Detector (PET) Column: Chiralcel OD-H (ODHOCE-PA130) 4.6x250mm + 4,5xlOmm incl precolumn Solvent: n-Hexane/ethanol80/20 Flow rate : jinl/min UV detection: 225nm Pre aration of I- IH-Benzimidaz01 I 4- ro ox heri I- ''C6 -jinidazolidin0ne Coin ound of Formula I ' intermediate I: Propoxybenzene-!"Cal W0 21/12/163773 NaOH, DMSO, 13 PI ~, s iodopropane "'31 ,, 3<3 BC "C ,S * BC ''c C\ f:::^!= ', s <:::" Phenol-["CG] (1.20 g, 12.0 mmol) was dissolved in DMS0 (12 inI). Finely powdered sodium hydroxide (1.9 g, 48 minol) was added, and was allowed to stir briskly at room temperature for I5 min. 10dopropane (4.08 g, 24.0 minol) was then added dropwise over 3 min, and the reaction mixture stirred for 30 min. The reaction was sampled for a mini workup, and analysed by GC-Ms. A single peak at 6.3 min (in/z 142) indicated the reaction was complete, and was worked up by addition to chilled water (100 in I). The quenched reaction was extracted with hexanes (4 x 25 in I), pooled and washed in succession with a dilute sodium hydroxide solution and with brine. The organic extract was dried with sodium sulphate, filtered, and solvent removed in vacuo to give a syrupy product (1.4 g, 9.9 min01,82%). The reaction was repeated using 1.6 g phenol-["C6] (16 mmol)in a similarfashion to provide 1.50 g (10.6 min01, 6691, ) which was combined with the above preparation. The pooled title compound was used in the subsequent step without additional purification. intermediate 2: 7-8rom0propoxybenzene-1''c, j ./ .I acetonitrile, 13 ,3 1' ~, a NBS, NH N03 'SGI ' '3<3 "C ~ "C ,S , "C "C C*., s <5:^C C\ ,:::;. C B, ' To Intermediate I (2.76 g, 19.4 mmol) dissolved in acetonitrile (15 in I) was added ammonium nitrate (0.15 g, 1.9 min01,0.1 eq, ACS grade) and stirred for 10 min. N-bromosuccinimide (3.42 g, I 9.2 min01, 0.99 eq, recrystallized from water) was added and stirred at room temperature for 30 min. Analysis by GC-Ms confirmed the consumption of starting material and indicated a new product peak containing bromine at 10.8 min (in/z 220+222). The W0 21/12/163773 PCT/EP21112/1159649 reaction was quenched in 50 in I and 50 in I hexanes. After extraction of the aqueous with additional ethyl acetate-hexanes (I :I, 4 x 25 in I), the pooled organic layers were washed with water followed by brine, then dried with sodium sulfate. Filtration and evaporation of solvent gave the title compound (4.2 g, 19 mm01,9891, ) which was used in the subsequent step without additional purification. intermediate 3: 4-Propoxybenzaldehyde-1''C6j 13 I' '13 IC 'c 130 130 C, ,^. C n-BULi, THF. -78C ---^. ,, I To Intermediate 2 (4.0 g, 18 mmol) in dry THF (, 6 inI) at -78'C under an inert atmosphere was added n-butyllithium solution (2.5 M in hexanes, 10.9 inI, 27.1 min01,1.5 eq) over 5 min.

This cold mixture was stirred for an additional 75 min. A solution of dry DMF (2.6 g, 36 minol, 2 eq) in dry THF 06 inI) was then added slowly, and the reaction was stirred for 2.5 h as the cooling bath warmed to O'C. GC-Ms analysis then indicated the reaction was complete with product found at 11.5 min (in/z 170). The reaction was quenched in cold dilute citric acid and extracted with methyl ten-butylether-hexane (I :, , 4 x 25ml). Pooled extracts were washed with water (2 x 25 in I), then brine (25 in I), and dried with sodium sulfate. Filtration and evaporation of solvent gave 3.5 g crude product. This crude product was purified on silica using ethyl acetate-hexanes (7.5:92.5) to give 2.83 g of the title compound (16.6 mmol, 929',). intermediate 4: I(IH-Benzimidaz01ylamin0)I-(4-propoxypheny1-1''C6j)acetonitrile PCT/EP21)12/1/59649 W0 20/2/163773 O ,3C ', 3 C"' '13 ,3c/ 13c 13 I ', a 13c '30 13 13 C, IC ', 3 <:"' ^.

Satinoberizan, dazole, '1e, """'c ;'11-."" I ' mirethylsilylcyanide .,. I acetic acid Intermediate 3 (2.0 g, I 1.8 minol) was added to a solution of 5-aminobenzimidazole (1.73 g, 13.0 min01,1.1 eq) in acetic acid (14 inI) and stirred for 15 min. Trimethylsilylcyanide (2.3 inI, 1.8 g, 18 minol) was added dropwise over 15 min, and the resulting dark reaction solution was stirred for 3 h at room temperature. Reaction progress was monitored by TLC (methanol-chloroform, 10:90) and Ms. Reaction mixture was quenched by addition to cold % ammonium hydroxide (35 in I). The resulting solid product was retained and dissolved in ethyl acetate, and the aqueous mixture was further extracted using ethyl acetate (3 x 25 in I).

The pooled organic solutions were washed with water (2 x 25 in I), then brine (25 in I), dried with sodium sulfate, filtered and evaporated to give crude product which was used in the subsequent step without additional purification.

In termedia te 5: N'-(iH-Benzimidaz01y41-I-(4-propoxypheny1-1'Cof)ethane-7,2- diamine O 13C O, IC, '13 ':::"' ', 3 13c 3c ,, I, ,,^ ^ H Cc. IC N ~ "C '~ Pd-c H I Pd-C, H2 I N acetic acid t ,. 5 W0 21/12/163773 The crude product of Intermediate 4 was dissolved in acetic acid (40 in I) and was hydrogenated using Pd-carbon (10%, 0.8 g) and 40 psi hydrogen for 24 h. Filtration on Gelite and evaporation of solvent yielded IO g syrupy product. TLC (methanol-chloroform 10:90, Rf=0) and Ms(+) (in/z 317) confirmed the reaction was complete. The crude product was purified on a silica column using methanol-dichloromethane-methylamine (2 L, I 0:90:0.1 ), then methanol-dichloromethane-methylamine (1.2 L, 20:80:0.1) to give 2.9 g of the title compound (9.2 mm01,789',) over two steps 7-(IH-Benzimidaz01y!)y"propoxypheny1-1''Caj-jinidazo"din0ne (Compound of Formula (411) O ,sC' o, ,,?. C, CDl, TEA, THF 13 13 ', 3I' \I. .:>,=o (1), To a solution of triethylamine (1.28 g, 12.6 mm01,4 eq) and I, ,'-carbonyldiimidazole (CDl, 0.77g, 4.7 min01,1.5 eq, previously recrystallized from dry THF) in dry THF (15 inI) was added neat Intermediate 5 (1.00 g, 3.16 minol) over 5 min. The resulting mixture was heated at 73'C under an inert atmosphere overnight. The reaction mixture was cooled, added to water (50 in I), and extracted with ethyl acetate (4 x 25 in I). Pooled organic layers were washed with water (2 x 25 in I) and brine (25 in I), and dried with sodium sulfate. After filtration and evaporation of solvent, a syrup (0.7 g) was obtained which was purified on silica using methanol-dichloromethane (20:80). This purification gave 0,245 g of the title compound (TLC: methanol-chloroform (20:80), Rf=0.55, co-migrating with reference standard; Ms(+) in/z 3441345), and another 0,070 g of mixture containing the title compound.

The reaction was repeated with another 1.7 g of Intermediate 5 (5.4 minol) with the modification of using only 1.2 eq CD1 (6.5 minol). This second preparation was purified on silica using a gradient of methanol-dichloromethane (7:93 to 20:80) to give 0.376 g of tan solid title compound. As before, a mixture (0,301 g) containing desired product resulted. In W0 21/12/163773 each purification step, fractions containing more highly pure desired title compound were determined using HPLC (Eclipse XDB-C18,4.6 x 150 min, 3.5 pin, A=wateracetonitrile- trifluoroacetic acid (90:10:0. , ), B=wateracetonitrile-trifluoroacetic acid 00:90:0.1), 0%B- I009'. B over 20 min, rt=9.2 min). Purity of combined product at this stage of the purification was approximately 90%. Final purification of title compound was accomplished on a column of Amberchrom CGI61m (4 x 30 cm) using a stepwise gradient elution of wateracetonitrile (85:15,75:25,67:33). Fractions containing pure product were again determined using RP- HPLC. Pooled fractions were Iyophilized overnight. Solid product was then redissolved in methanol-dichloromethane (5:95), and washed with half-saturated sodium bicarbonate and brine, backwashing all aqueous washes thoroughly. The organic layer was dried with sodium sulfate, filtered, and solvent evaporated using a heptane azeotrope to yield 0,317 g of the title compound (0.93 minol).

Technical Data: Purity by HPLC Method: Waters Acquity with ELS detector Phenomenex Polar RP 4.6 x 150 x 4 pin A H20 B: MeOH ^, A %B Time (min) o 95 5 5 95 9 5 95 Flow: 0.6 in 11min Result: > 99% RT: 6.43 min Isotope Incorporation by Mass Spectrometry Method Agilent MSD 1100 Conditions: ES-API ionization mode Positive Polarity 6 inM Ammonium Formate in Methanol:Water 7:3 Result: Molecular ion peak of 343 is consistent with expected labelling and mass spectroscopy ionization method.

W0 21/12/163773 PCT/EP21i12/(159649 Comments: The compound of (1)* has a total isotopic incorporation of > 99% M+6.

^!^^: Pre aration of I- IH-Benz d jinidaz01 I 4-h drox hen I- roc6 -jinidazolidin one Coin ound of Formula I Coin ound of Formula I ' I"'=^'HN HO tic, '0, ,,,, " , ' HO, ,,,;. c, ,, ', 3 <::"' ', 3 I" BBr3, CH2CH2 13c , 13c N ' 13 c*,,, ' >,,=o \j. :>,, o (1), To a solution of Example 3 (0.200 g, 0.58 minol) in dry dichloromethane at -20'C under an inert atmosphere was added boron tribromide (0.17 in I, 0.44 g, 1.8 mmol) dropwise. An ice water cooling bath (0"C) was then used and the reaction was stirred cold for I h. Using a room temperature water bath, the reaction was stirred for another I h. The reaction was quenched by slow addition of water (18 inI). An organic layer was reserved, and was re- extracted with more water. All clear, colorless water layers (pH ~ 3) were combined, cooled to 5'C, and made basic by addition of I N sodium hydroxide. The aqueous phase was iced for I h, and centrifuged to give a white precipitate, which was washed with cold water, dried overnight over Drierite to give 0,138 g requiring additional purification. A column of Amberchrom CGI 61 in (2 x 30 cm) using a gradient of wateracetonitrile (10:90 to 50:50).

Fractions were analysed by RP-HPLC, and pooled to give two lots of the title compound (0.038 g and 0,063 g).

Technical Data: Purity by HPLC Method: Zorbax Bonus RP 4.6 x 150 x 5 pin A H20 B: MeOH %A %B Time (min) PCT/EP21!12/1/59649 W0 21/12/163773 90 10 90 10 5 95 5 95 Flow: I .O in 11min; UV: 254 rim Result: 97.4 % RT: 9.88 min and 9.5 min for 210ts Isotope Incorporation by Mass Spectrometry Method: Agilent MSD 1100 Conditions: ES-API ionization mode Positive Polarity 6 inM Ammonium Formate in Methanol:Water 7:3 Result: Molecular ion peak of 301 is consistent with expected labelling and mass spectroscopy ionization method.

Comments: The compound of (1)' has a total isotopic incorporation of > 99% M+6.

Pre aration of Benzimidazole''C Coin ounds of Formulae '1 ' and 11 ' Coin ounds of Formulae 11 ' and 11 d intermediate I 11, N N \N ,./ \ Methanol -Aminoj2-"Cjbe"zimidazole Intermediate I To a suspension of 5-amino[2. 'C]benzimidazole. 2HCl (Supplier 101; Catalogue No. CC-544) (52.2 inci, 60 inci/mm01,0.87 mmol) in methanol (2 inI) was added potassium carbonate W0 2/1/21163773 PCT/EP21112/1159649 (468 ing, 3,388 minol) and methylamine (236 PI, 1,694 minol). The mixture was stirred at O'C for I hour, filtered and rotary evaporated to a brown solid. This brown solid was dissolved in methanol (I inI) and stirred at O'C. To this was added 2,3-difluorobenzaldehyde (119 ing, 0,837 minol). The solution was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 2 hours' The solvent was removed by rotary evaporation yielding an oil (52 inci, 60 inci/min01,0,867 mmol). intermediate 2 CO2Ej I, 2-Dimethoxyethane N \N MIN , M, I I o Intermediate 2 Intermediate I (52 inci, 60 inci/mm01,0867 mmol) was dissolved in 1.2-dimethoxyethane (5 in I). To this was added diethyl oxalpropionate (183 PI, 0,969 minol) and the solution was refluxed at 95'C for 72 hours, The product was purified by HPLC on a Gemini C18 column eluting with a 20mM ammonium hydroxide : methanol gradient system then rotary evaporated to a solid (21.2 inci, 60 inci/mm01,0,353 minol). intermediate 3 ^.>. on W0 21/12/163773 Intermediate 3 Intermediate 2 (21.2mCi, 60 inci/mm01, 0,353 mmol) was dissolved in concentrated hydrochloric acid (6 inI) and refluxed at 110'C for 16 hours' The solid was filtered, suspended in water (10 in I) and basified with saturated sodium bicarbonate to pH 8.1. Stirring was continued for 30 minutes then the mixture was filtered and rotary evaporated to a solid (16.2 inci, 60 inci/mm01,0.27 minol).

RacemiclBenzimidazole. 2-''CjCompound of Formula (14)" (Compound of Formula (11)? TMS-CH2N2 DIPEA ^^>.

Methanol N (11).

To a stirred solution of Intermediate 3 (16.2 inci, 60 inci/min01,0.27 minol) in methanol (4 in I) was added diisopropylethylamine (53 111,0,303 mmol) followed by (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane (2M in ether, 275 PI, 0.55 mmol). After 15 minutes a further aliquot of (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane (275 PI, 0.55 mmol) was added and stirring was continued for I hour' The solvents were removed by rotary evaporation yielding a solid. The solid was then purified by HPLC on a Gemini Ci8 column eluting with a 20 inM ammonium hydroxide: methanol gradient system, then rotary evaporated to a solid.

Pure Isomer 18enzimidazole''Cj Compound of Formula (11)' (Compound of Formula (14)^) W0 21/12/163773 PCT/EP21112/(159649 HPLC I ^*--- I, I (11)' The racemate compound (11)' was purified by HPLC on a Chirobiotic TAG column eluting with 40 inM ammonium acetate : methanol (4:6). The pure isomer of (11)' was freeze-dried overnight yielding a white solid (1.94 inci, 60 inci/min01,0,032 in o1).

Technical Data: Specific Activity Determined by: Mass Spectrometry: 60 inci/mmol 2.22 GBq/mmol 357.3 Molecular Weight (at this specific activity): Radiochemical Purity by HPLC Column: Zorbax Bonus RP 3.5 pin (150 x 4.6mm) Solvent A Phosphate buffer pH 6.0 Solvent B : Acetonitrile ^. A %B Gradient: Time (min) o 100 100 o 90 100 o 100 o Temperature: 25'C I .O in 11min Flow: W0 21/12/163773 Detection: Homogeneous radiochemical detector, DAD at 225 rim Result: 98,191, Chiral Purity by HPLC Column: Chirobiotic Tag 5 pin (250 x 4.6 mm) Solvent A: 40 inM ammonium acetate buffer pH 4.0 Solvent B: methanol Gradient: 60 91. B isocratic for 20 mins Temperature: 20'C Flow Rate: I in 11min Detection: Homogeneous radiochemical detector, DAD at 220 rim Result: 98.8% Biolo ical exam Ies Small-animal PETp"ot study in rats Two female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with compound (1)'.

Rat 7: 109.5 MBq of compound (1)' dissolved in 500 PI 0.9% NaCl/EtOH (911, v/v) were injected i. v. in the tail vein. The specific activity of labeled compound (1)' was 23.7 GBq/pinol.

The final dose of compound (1)' administered to rat I was 0,009 ing/kg.

Rat 2: 29.5 MBq compound (1)' plus 0.57 ing of the unlabelled form of compound (1)' was administered i. v. in the tail vein. The final dose of compound (1)' administered to rat 2 was 3.8 ing/kg.

PET Scan 60 min dynamic PET scan of the head regions of rats I and 2 was performed. Blood plasma samples were taken at the end of the PET scans from retro-orbital regions. The PET summation images are shown in Figure I. 1.5 in I of the plasma samples were thoroughly mixed with 3.0 in I acetonitrile. After centrifugation, the supernatant was evaporated at 100'C under an argon atmosphere. The W0 21/12/163773 PCT/EP21112/(159649 dried residue was dissolved in 2 in I CH, CN/0,191, aq. TFA (9/1 ), spiked with 20 PI unlabeled compound (1)' (2.3 ing/kg) and radioactivity was determined by HPLC: Column: Chromolith Performance RP-18 endcapped 100 - 4,6 min monolithic HPLC- column (MERCK) Solvent: 13% Acetonitrile in H20 (0,191. TFA) Flow rate: 5 in 11min UV Detection: 225 rim The time-activity graph is shown in Figure 2. Activity concentrations in the rat brains (total radio activity) in plasma after the PET Scan were 0,279'. ID/g for rat I and 0.19 %ID/g for rat

Claims (14)

Claims 1.

1. A radiolabelled glutaminyl cyclase (QC) inhibitor for use as an imaging agent, wherein said radiolabelled glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of: a compound of formula (IV): N N O (IV); 10 a compound of formula (V): O CH N N O (V); a compound of formula (I) : * Position C-Label (I) ; a compound of formula (I) : (I) ; a compound of formula (II) : (II) ; and a compound of formula (II) : 10 (II) ; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or polymorph thereof, including all tautomers and stereoisomers thereof.

2. The use of the radiolabelled glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor of claim 1 in the manufacture 5 of an imaging agent for the detection of a neurological disorder.

3. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a radiolabelled glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor as defined in claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or polymorph thereof, including all tautomers and stereoisomers thereof, in combination with one or more 10 pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

4. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 3 for use as an imaging agent in the detection of a neurological disorder. 15

5. The use of claim 2, wherein the neurological disorder is mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, Familial British Dementia, Familial Danish Dementia or neurodegeneration in Down Syndrome and Huntington’s disease.

6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 4, wherein the neurological disorder is mild 20 cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, Familial British Dementia, Familial Danish Dementia or neurodegeneration in Down Syndrome and Huntington’s disease.

7. A method for imaging a neurological disorder, said method comprising measuring the affinity of a radiolabelled glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor as defined in claim 1 towards senile 25 plaques.

8. A method for imaging a neurological disorder, said method comprising measuring the affinity of a radiolabelled glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor as defined claim 1 towards tau aggregates.

9. A method for ex vivo or in vitro detection of amyloid deposits in a brain tissue, the method comprising treating the tissue with an inhibitor as defined in claim 1 for detection of the amyloid deposit. 35

10. A method for ex vivo or in vitro detection of tau proteins in a brain tissue, the method comprising treating the tissue with a radiolabelled glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor as defined in claim 1 for detection of the neurofibrillary tangles.

11. The method of claim 7 or 8, wherein the imaging is performed using gamma imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy or fluorescence spectroscopy. 5

12. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein the detection is performed using gamma imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy or fluorescence spectroscopy.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the gamma imaging is PET or SPECT.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the detection by gamma imaging is PET or SPECT. W0 21/