US20090325952A1 - Pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine compounds, and their use as pde4 inhibitors - Google Patents

Pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine compounds, and their use as pde4 inhibitors Download PDF

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US20090325952A1
US20090325952A1 US12/375,685 US37568507A US2009325952A1 US 20090325952 A1 US20090325952 A1 US 20090325952A1 US 37568507 A US37568507 A US 37568507A US 2009325952 A1 US2009325952 A1 US 2009325952A1
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methyl
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amino
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David George Allen
Nicola Mary Aston
Rodger Phillip Barnett
Reshma Manesh Chudasama
Caroline Jane Day
Christopher David Edlin
Leanda Jane Kindon
Naimisha Trivedi
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Glaxo Group Ltd
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Assigned to GLAXO GROUP LIMITED reassignment GLAXO GROUP LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: EDLIN, CHRISTOPHER DAVID, ALLEN, DAVID GEORGE, TRIVEDI, NAIMISHA, CHUDASAMA, RESHMA MANESH, DAY, CAROLINE JANE, KINDON, LEANDA JANE, ASTON, NICOLA MARY, BARNETT, RODGER PHILLIP
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    • C07D471/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms in the condensed system, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with one nitrogen atom, not provided for by groups C07D451/00 - C07D463/00 in which the condensed system contains two hetero rings
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Definitions

  • the present invention relates to pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine compounds or salts thereof, processes for their preparation, intermediates usable in these processes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds or salts.
  • the invention also relates to the use of the pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine compounds or salts thereof in therapy, for example as inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type IV (PDE4) and/or for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of inflammatory and/or allergic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or rhinitis (e.g. allergic and/or non-allergic rhinitis).
  • PDE4 phosphodiesterase type IV
  • COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • asthma asthma
  • rhinitis e.g. allergic and/or non-allergic rhinitis
  • Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors may be useful in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a variety of diseases/conditions, especially inflammatory and/or allergic diseases, in mammals such as humans, for example: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (e.g. chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema), asthma, rhinitis (e.g.
  • COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • asthma rhinitis
  • COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • PDE4 inhibitors for example cilomilast and roflumilast, are thought to be effective in the treatment of COPD.
  • PDE4 inhibitors for example cilomilast and roflumilast.
  • S. L. Wolda Emerging Drugs, 2000, 5(3), 309-319
  • Z. Huang et al. Current Opinion in Chemical Biology, 2001, 5: 432-438
  • H. J. Dyke et al. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs , January 2002, 11(1), 1-13
  • C. Burnouf et al. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2002, 8(14), 1255-1296
  • A. M. Doherty Current Opinion Chem. Biol., 1999, 3(4), 466-473; A. M.
  • the PDE4 inhibitor cilomilast (ArifloTM) at 15 mg orally twice daily appears to improve forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 ) in COPD patients (C. H. Compton et al., The Lancet, 2001, vol. 358, 265-270), and appears to have antiinflammatory effects in COPD patients (E. Gamble et al., Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., 2003, 168, 976-982).
  • On cilomilast see also R. D. Border et al., Chest, 2003, vol. 124 Suppl. 4, p. 170S (abstract) and J. D. Eddleston et al., Am. J. Respir. Crit.
  • PDE4 inhibitors are thought to be effective in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of asthma (e.g. see M. A. Giembycz, Drugs, February 2000, 59(2), 193-212; Z. Huang et al., Current Opinion in Chemical Biology, 2001, 5: 432-438; H. J. Dyke et al., Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs , January 2002, 11(1), 1-13; C. Burnouf et al., Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2002, 8(14), 1255-1296; A. M. Doherty, Current Opinion Chem. Biol., 1999, 3(4), 466-473; P. J. Barnes, Nature Reviews—Drug Discovery , October 2004, 831-844; B. J. Lipworth, The Lancet, 2005, 365, 167-175; and references cited in the aforementioned publications).
  • the PDE4 inhibitor roflumilast given orally at 500 ug once daily for 9 days, is reported to be effective in improving rhinal airflow during the treatment period (compared to placebo), in humans with histories of allergic rhinitis but asymptomatic at screening, and who were challenged with intranasal allergen provocation (pollen extracts) daily beginning the third day of treatment and each time approx. 2 hours after study drug administration (B. M. Schmidt et al., J. Allergy & Clinical Immunology, 108(4), 2001, 530-536).
  • PDE4 inhibitors may be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (e.g. see H. J. Dyke et al., Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs , January 2002, 11(1), 1-13; C. Burnouf et al., Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2002, 8(14), 1255-1296; and A. M. Doherty, Current Opinion Chem. Biol., 1999, 3(4), 466-473; and references cited in these publications).
  • PDE4 inhibition has been suggested for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. ulcerative colitis and/or Crohn's disease), see K. H. Banner and M. A. Trevethick, Trends Pharmacol. Sci ., August 2004, 25(8), 430-436.
  • inflammatory bowel disease e.g. ulcerative colitis and/or Crohn's disease
  • WO 2004/056823 A1 discloses certain pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine compounds or salts thereof; and their use as PDE4 inhibitors.
  • WO 2004/024728 A2 discloses pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine compounds or salts thereof with a 4-NHR 3 group and a 5-C(O)—X group, according to the following formula, wherein X is NR 4 R 5 or OR 5a , and R 2 is a hydrogen atom (H), methyl or C 1 fluoroalkyl.
  • PDE4 phosphodiesterase type IV
  • WO 2004/024728 has been reviewed, and WO 2004/056823 mentioned, in Expert Opin. Ther. Patents, 2005 (January edition), 15(1), 111-114.
  • pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine compounds or salts thereof, and their use as PDE4 inhibitors are disclosed in patent publications WO 2005/058892 A1 (PCT/EP2004/014490), WO 2005/090348 A1 (PCT/GB2005/000983), WO 2005/090352 A1 (PCT/EP2005/003038), WO 2005/090353 A1 (PCT/GB2005/000976), WO 2005/090354 A1 (PCT/GB2005/000987) (all Glaxo Group Limited).
  • WO 2005/090348 A1 discloses pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine compounds or salts thereof with a 4—NHR 3 group and a 5-C(O)—NH—W group, according to the following formula, wherein W is Ar, —CR 4 R 5 Ar or a group (y) or (yl), and R 2 is C 2-6 alkyl, C 3-6 cycloalkyl or —(CH 2 ) n 4 C 3-6 cycloalkyl:
  • Copending patent application PCT/GB2006/003627 published on 5 Apr. 2007 as WO 2007/036734 A1, discloses N- ⁇ [1,6-diethyl-4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]methyl ⁇ -3-methyl-5-isoxazolecarboxamide or a salt thereof, and its use as PDE4 inhibitor.
  • Q 1 is NH or NMe, in which case Q 2 is —C(O)—, —S(O) 2 —, —C(O)NH— or —C(O)NMe-; or Q 1 is a bond or —O—, in which case Q 2 is a bond; or Q 1 is —C(O)—, in which case Q 2 is NH or NMe; or Q 1 is —S(O) 2 —, in which case Q 2 is NH, NMe or a bond; and L is (CH 2 ) n wherein n is 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13; or L is —(CH 2 ) m 1 —O—(CH 2 ) m 2 —, wherein it is the —(CH 2 ) m 2 — which is bonded to the NR 5 R 6 group, and wherein m 1 is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, and m 2 is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9; provided that
  • R 7a is —CH 2 OH, —CH 2 OC 1-3 alkyl (e.g. —CH 2 OMe), —CH 2 CH 2 OH, —CH 2 CH 2 OC 1-3 alkyl (e.g. —CH 2 CH 2 OMe), or C 1-3 alkyl such as methyl (e.g. R 7a can be —CH 2 OH or preferably —CH 2 OMe); R 7b is OH, OC 1-3 alkyl (e.g. OMe), —CH 2 OH, —CH 2 OC 1-3 alkyl (e.g.
  • R 1 is C 1-3 alkyl, —CH 2 —C 1-2 -fluoroalkyl, or —CH 2 CH 2 OH
  • R 2 is a hydrogen atom (H), methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, C 1-2 fluoroalkyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, or (cyclopropyl)methyl-
  • R 4 is a hydrogen atom (H), methyl or ethyl
  • R 3 is optionally substituted C 4-7 cycloalkyl, or optionally substituted mono-unsaturated-C 5-7 cycloalkenyl, or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group of sub-formula (aa), (bb) or (cc), or a bicyclic group of sub-formula (ee);
  • n 1 and n 2 independently are 1 or 2; and in which Y is O, S, SO 2 , or NR 10 ; where R 10 is a hydrogen atom (H), methyl, C(O)NH 2 , C(O)-methyl, or C(O)—C 1 fluoroalkyl; and wherein, when R 3 is optionally substituted C 4-7 cycloalkyl, then R 3 is C 4-7 cycloalkyl optionally substituted on a ring carbon(s) with one or two substituents independently being: oxo ( ⁇ O); OH; methoxy; C 1 fluoroalkoxy; NH 2 ; C 1-2 alkyl; C 1 fluoroalkyl; —CH 2 OH; —CH(Me)OH; —CH 2 CH 2 OH; —CH 2 NH 2 ; —C(O)OH; —C(O)NHR 24 wherein R 24 is H or methyl; —C(O)R 25 wherein R
  • Alkylsulfonyloxy such as C 1-4 alkylsulfonyloxy includes methanesulfonyloxy (methylsulfonyloxy), ethanesulfonyloxy, et al.
  • Cycloalkyl for example C 3-8 cycloalkyl (e.g. C 4-7 cycloalkyl), includes cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, and the like.
  • a C 3-8 cycloalkyl group can be C 3-6 cycloalkyl or C 5-6 cycloalkyl or C 4-7 cycloalkyl or C 6-7 cycloalkyl, that is contains a 3-6 membered or 5-6 membered or 4-7 membered or 6-7 membered carbocyclic ring.
  • Fluoroalkyl includes alkyl groups with one, two, three, four, five or more fluorine substituents, for example C 1-4 fluoroalkyl or C 1-3 fluoroalkyl or C 1-2 fluoroalkyl such as monofluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl (CF 3 CH 2 —), 2,2-difluoroethyl (CHF 2 CH 2 —), 2-fluoroethyl (CH 2 FCH 2 —), etc.
  • C 1-4 fluoroalkyl or C 1-3 fluoroalkyl or C 1-2 fluoroalkyl such as monofluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl (CF 3 CH 2 —), 2,2-difluoroethyl (CHF 2 CH 2 —), 2-fluor
  • Fluoroalkoxy includes C 1-4 fluoroalkoxy or C 1-2 fluoroalkoxy such as trifluoromethoxy, pentafluoroethoxy, monofluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, etc.
  • halogen atom present in compounds, for example in the compounds of formula (I), means a fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine atom (“fluoro”, “chloro”, “bromo” or “iodo”), for example fluoro, chloro or bromo.
  • atom or moiety A is “bonded” or “attached” to atom or moiety B, it means that atom/moiety A is directly bonded to atom/moiety B usually by means of a covalent bond or a double covalent bond, and excludes A being indirectly attached to B via one or more intermediate atoms/moieties (e.g. excludes A-C-B); unless it is clear from the context that another meaning is intended.
  • Ar has the sub-formula (x).
  • Ar can be of sub-formula (x1), (x2) or (x3):
  • Ar can for example be of sub-formula (x1) or (x3).
  • Ar is of sub-formula (x1).
  • Q 1 is NH or NMe (e.g. NH), in which case Q 2 is —C(O)—, —S(O) 2 — or —C(O)NH— (e.g. —C(O)— or —S(O) 2 —); or Q 1 is a bond or —O—, in which case Q 2 is a bond; or Q 1 is —C(O)—, in which case Q 2 is NH or NMe (e.g. NH); or Q 1 is —S(O) 2 —, in which case Q 2 is NH or NMe or a bond (e.g. NH or NMe such as NH).
  • Q 1 is NH or NMe (e.g. NH), in which case Q 2 is —C(O)—;
  • Q 1 is a bond, in which case Q 2 is a bond; or Q 1 is —C(O)—, in which case Q 2 is NH or NMe (e.g. NH).
  • Q 1 is NH or NMe (e.g. NH), in which case Q 2 is —C(O)—;
  • Q 1 is a bond
  • Q 2 is a bond
  • n 6, 7, 8 or 9, such as 7.
  • n 1 is 3, 4 or 5.
  • m 1 is 4.
  • n 1 +m 2 can for example be 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12.
  • m 1 +m 2 is 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10.
  • Q 1 is NH or NMe (e.g. NH), in which case Q 2 is —C(O)—; or Q 1 is a bond or —O— (e.g. a bond), in which case Q 2 is a bond; or Q 1 is —C(O)—, in which case Q 2 is NH or NMe (e.g. NH).
  • Q 1 is NH or NMe (e.g. NH), in which case Q 2 is —C(O)—, —S(O) 2 —, —C(O)NH— or —C(O)NMe- (e.g. —C(O)— or —S(O) 2 —); or Q 1 is a bond or —O— (e.g. a bond), in which case Q 2 is a bond; or Q 1 is —C(O)—, in which case Q 2 is NH or NMe (e.g. NH); or Q 1 is —S(O) 2 —, in which case Q 2 is NH or NMe or a bond (e.g.
  • Q 1 is NH or NMe (e.g. NH), in which case Q 2 is —C(O)—;
  • R 8 can be for example a hydrogen atom (H) or methyl, such as methyl.
  • X is suitably O.
  • R 7a can for example be —CH 2 OH, —CH 2 OMe, —CH 2 CH 2 OH, —CH 2 CH 2 OMe, or C 1-3 alkyl such as methyl.
  • R 7b can for example be OH, OMe, —CH 2 OH, or —CH 2 OMe or methyl.
  • R 7b can for example be OH or OMe.
  • p 2 can suitably be 3 or 4, such as 3.
  • p 3 +p 4 can suitably be 3 or 4.
  • R 1 When R 1 is C 1-3 alkyl or —CH 2 —C 1-2 fluoroalkyl, it can be straight-chained or branched. When R 1 is C 1-3 alkyl then it can be methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, or isopropyl. When R 1 is —CH 2 —C 1-2 fluoroalkyl: then R 1 can for example be —CH 2 —C 1 fluoroalkyl such as 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl (CF 3 CH 2 —), 2,2-difluoroethyl (CHF 2 CH 2 —), or 2-fluoroethyl (CH 2 FCH 2 —).
  • R 1 can for example be —CH 2 —C 1 fluoroalkyl such as 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl (CF 3 CH 2 —), 2,2-difluoroethyl (CHF 2 CH 2 —), or 2-fluoroethyl (CH 2
  • R 1 is C 1-3 alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl or n-propyl), —CH 2 —C 1-2 fluoroalkyl or —CH 2 CH 2 OH.
  • R 1 for example can be C 1-3 alkyl, —CH 2 —C 1 fluoroalkyl, or —CH 2 CH 2 OH.
  • R 1 is C 2-3 alkyl (e.g. ethyl or n-propyl), —CH 2 —C 1 fluoroalkyl (e.g. CF 3 —CH 2 —) or —CH 2 CH 2 OH.
  • R 1 is ethyl, n-propyl or —CH 2 CH 2 OH.
  • R 1 is ethyl
  • R 2 can for example be a hydrogen atom (H), methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, C 1 fluoroalkyl (such as CF 3 or CHF 2 or CH 2 F), C 2 fluoroalkyl such as C 2 F 5 or C 1 fluoroalkyl-CH 2 — [e.g. 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl (CF 3 CH 2 —), 2,2-difluoroethyl (CHF 2 CH 2 —) or 2-fluoroethyl (CH 2 FCH 2 —)], or cyclopropyl.
  • H hydrogen atom
  • methyl methyl
  • ethyl n-propyl
  • C 1 fluoroalkyl such as CF 3 or CHF 2 or CH 2 F
  • C 2 fluoroalkyl such as C 2 F 5 or C 1 fluoroalkyl-CH 2 — [e.g. 2,2,2-trifluoro
  • R 2 can for example be methyl, ethyl, C 1 fluoroalkyl (such as CF 3 or CHF 2 or CH 2 F), or C 2 fluoroalkyl such as C 2 F 5 or C 1 fluoroalkyl-CH 2 — [e.g. 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl (CF 3 CH 2 —), 2,2-difluoroethyl (CHF 2 CH 2 —) or 2-fluoroethyl (CH 2 FCH 2 —)].
  • C 1 fluoroalkyl such as CF 3 or CHF 2 or CH 2 F
  • C 2 fluoroalkyl such as C 2 F 5 or C 1 fluoroalkyl-CH 2 — [e.g. 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl (CF 3 CH 2 —), 2,2-difluoroethyl (CHF 2 CH 2 —) or 2-fluoroethyl (CH 2 FCH 2 —)].
  • R 2 can for example be a hydrogen atom (H), methyl, ethyl or C 1 fluoroalkyl (such as CF 3 or CHF 2 or CH 2 F).
  • R 2 is a hydrogen atom (H), methyl or ethyl.
  • R 2 is methyl, ethyl or C 1 fluoroalkyl (such as CF 3 or CHF 2 or CH 2 F).
  • R 2 is methyl or ethyl.
  • R 2 is ethyl
  • R 4 can for example be a hydrogen atom (H) or methyl.
  • R 4 is a hydrogen atom (H).
  • R 3 there is one substituent on a ring carbon or no substituent on a ring carbon.
  • R 3 is the optionally substituted C 4-7 cycloalkyl or the optionally substituted heterocyclic group of sub-formula (aa), (bb) or (cc).
  • R 3 when R 3 is optionally substituted C 4-7 cycloalkyl, it is not unsubstituted cyclopentyl. In this case, suitably, R 3 is optionally substituted C 6-7 cycloalkyl or optionally substituted cyclobutyl.
  • R 3 is optionally substituted C 4-7 cycloalkyl, it is suitably optionally substituted C 6-7 cycloalkyl or optionally substituted cyclobutyl, preferably optionally substituted C 6 cycloalkyl (i.e. optionally substituted cyclohexyl).
  • R 3 is optionally substituted C 4-7 cycloalkyl
  • R 3 is C 4-7 cycloalkyl (e.g. C 6-7 cycloalkyl or cyclobutyl) optionally substituted on a ring carbon(s) with one or two substituents independently being (e.g. one substituent being): oxo ( ⁇ O); OH; methoxy; C 1 fluoroalkoxy (e.g.
  • R 3 can suitably be C 4-7 cycloalkyl (e.g. C 6-7 cycloalkyl or cyclobutyl) optionally substituted on a ring carbon(s) with one or two substituents independently being (e.g.
  • oxo ( ⁇ O); OH; NH 2 ; C 1-2 alkyl such as methyl; C 1 fluoroalkyl such as —CH 2 F or —CHF 2 ; —CH 2 OH; —CH(Me)OH; —C(O)NHR 24 wherein R 24 is H or methyl (preferably H); —C(O)R 25 wherein R 25 is methyl; fluoro; hydroxyimino ( ⁇ N—OH); or (C 1-2 alkoxy)imino ( ⁇ N—OR 26 where R 26 is C 1-2 alkyl).
  • R 3 is optionally substituted C 4-7 cycloalkyl
  • R 3 is C 4-7 cycloalkyl (e.g. C 6-7 cycloalkyl or cyclobutyl) optionally substituted on a ring carbon(s) with one or two substituents independently being (e.g. one substituent being): oxo ( ⁇ O); OH; methyl; —CH 2 F; —CHF 2 ; —CH 2 OH; —C(O)NHR 24 wherein R 24 is H; fluoro; hydroxyimino ( ⁇ N—OH); or methoxyimino ( ⁇ N—OR 26 where R 26 is methyl).
  • R 3 when R 3 is optionally substituted C 4-7 cycloalkyl, then R 3 is C 4-7 cycloalkyl (e.g. C 6-7 cycloalkyl or cyclobutyl) optionally substituted on a ring carbon(s) with one or two substituents independently being (e.g. one substituent being): oxo ( ⁇ O); OH; methyl; —C(O)NHR 24 wherein R 24 is H; fluoro; or hydroxyimino ( ⁇ N—OH).
  • C 4-7 cycloalkyl e.g. C 6-7 cycloalkyl or cyclobutyl
  • R 3 is C 4-7 cycloalkyl (e.g. C 6-7 cycloalkyl or cyclobutyl) optionally substituted on a ring carbon(s) with one or two substituents independently being (e.g. one substituent being): oxo ( ⁇ O); OH; methyl; —C(O
  • R 3 when R 3 is optionally substituted C 4-7 cycloalkyl, then R 3 is C 4-7 cycloalkyl (e.g. C 6-7 cycloalkyl or cyclobutyl) optionally substituted on a ring carbon(s) with one or two substituents independently being (e.g. one substituent being): oxo ( ⁇ O); OH; —C(O)NHR 24 wherein R 24 is H; or hydroxyimino ( ⁇ N—OH).
  • C 4-7 cycloalkyl e.g. C 6-7 cycloalkyl or cyclobutyl
  • R 3 is C 4-7 cycloalkyl (e.g. C 6-7 cycloalkyl or cyclobutyl) optionally substituted on a ring carbon(s) with one or two substituents independently being (e.g. one substituent being): oxo ( ⁇ O); OH; —C(O)NHR 24 wherein R 24 is H
  • the C 4-7 cycloalkyl in R 3 , can be unsubstituted.
  • R 3 is optionally substituted C 4-7 cycloalkyl or optionally substituted C 5-7 cycloalkenyl, e.g. optionally substituted (C 6-7 cycloalkyl or cyclobutyl or C 5-7 cycloalkenyl), such as optionally substituted C 6 cycloalkyl (optionally substituted cyclohexyl) or optionally substituted cyclohexenyl
  • the one or two optional substituents on a ring carbon(s) if present suitably can comprise a substituent (for example is or are substituent(s)) at the 3-, 4- and/or 5-position(s), e.g. at the 3- and/or 4-position(s), of the R 3 cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl ring.
  • the 1-position of the R 3 ring e.g. of the R 3 cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl ring, is deemed to be the connection point to the —NH— in formula (I), that is the ring atom connecting to the —NH— in formula (I)).
  • R 3 is not substituted (other than optionally by alkyl or fluoroalkyl) at the ring atom connecting to the —NH— in formula (I), and R 3 is not substituted (other than optionally by alkyl, fluoroalkyl or NHR 21 ) at the two ring atoms either side of (bonded to) the connecting atom.
  • R 3 is not substituted at the ring atom connecting to the —NH— in formula (I), and R 3 is not substituted at the two ring atoms either side of (bonded to) the connecting atom.
  • any OH, methoxy, fluoroalkoxy, —CH 2 OH, —CH(Me)OH, —CH 2 CH 2 OH, —CH 2 NH 2 , or —C(O)OH substituent on a ring carbon is: at the 3-position of a R 3 cyclobutyl ring; or at the 3- or 4-position of a R 3 cyclopentyl ring; or at the 3-, 4- or 5-position of a R 3 cyclohexyl ring (such as at the 3- or 5-position of a R 3 cyclohexyl ring especially for any OH substituent); or at the 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-position (e.g.
  • R 3 4- or 5-position) of a R 3 cycloheptyl ring.
  • R 3 is optionally substituted C 4-7 cycloalkyl
  • any OH, methoxy, fluoroalkoxy, —CH 2 OH, —CH(Me)OH, —CH 2 CH 2 OH or —CH 2 NH 2 , or —C(O)OH substituent (or any OH substituent) on a ring carbon is at the 3- or 4-position of a R 3 cyclopentyl ring; or more suitably at the 3-, 4- or 5-position, such as at the 3- or 5-position, of a R 3 cyclohexyl ring.
  • any —C(O)NHR 24 or —C(O)R 25 substituent on a ring carbon is: at the 3-position of a R 3 cyclobutyl ring; or at the 3- or 4-position of a R 3 cyclopentyl ring; or at the 4-position of a R 3 cyclohexyl ring; or at the 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-position (e.g. 4- or 5-position) of a R 3 cycloheptyl ring.
  • any —C(O)NHR 24 or —C(O)R 25 substituent, or any —C(O)NHR 24 substituent, on a ring carbon is suitably at the 3-position of a R 3 cyclobutyl ring or at the 4-position of a R 3 cyclohexyl ring.
  • R 3 is optionally substituted C 4-7 cycloalkyl, it is preferable for any —C(O)NHR 24 substituent to be at the 4-position of a R 3 cyclohexyl ring.
  • any NH 2 substituent on a ring carbon is at any position other than the 1-position (the ring atom connecting to the —NH— in formula (I)), e.g. at the 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-position.
  • any NH 2 substituent is at the 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-position, for example at the 3-, 4- or 5-position or at the 3- or 5-position, of a R 3 cyclohexyl ring.
  • any alkyl or fluoroalkyl substituent on a ring carbon can for example be at the 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-position, for example at the 1-, 2-, 3-, 5- or 6-position, e.g. the 1-position, of the R 3 ring.
  • any such alkyl or fluoroalkyl substituent on a ring carbon is at the 1-, 2-, 3-, 5- or 6-position, or more preferably at the 1-, 3- or 5-position, of a R 3 cyclohexyl or cyclohexenyl ring.
  • any fluoro substituent on a ring carbon can for example be at the 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-position, for example at the 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-position, such as at the 3- or 4-position, of the R 3 ring.
  • any fluoro substituent on a ring carbon is at the 3-, 4- or 5-position, in particular at the 4-position, of a R 3 cyclohexyl or cyclohexenyl ring.
  • any oxo ( ⁇ O), hydroxyimino ( ⁇ N—OH); or (C 1-2 alkoxy)imino ( ⁇ N—OR 26 ) substituent on a ring carbon can for example be at the 3-, 4- or 5-position, e.g. at the 4-position, of the R 3 cycloalkyl (e.g. C 6-7 cycloalkyl e.g. cyclohexyl, or cyclobutyl) ring. Any such substituent can for example be at the 3-position of a R 3 cyclobutyl ring or at the 4-position of a R 3 cyclohexyl ring. Preferably, any such substituent is at the 4-position of a R 3 cyclohexyl ring.
  • R 3 is optionally substituted C 4-7 cycloalkyl (e.g. C 6-7 cycloalkyl or cyclobutyl, optionally substituted), then R 3 is suitably cyclohexyl (i.e. unsubstituted); or cycloheptyl
  • R 3 is optionally substituted C 4-7 cycloalkyl (e.g. C 6-7 cycloalkyl or cyclobutyl, optionally substituted), then R 3 is cyclohexyl (i.e.
  • R 3 is optionally substituted C 4-7 cycloalkyl (e.g. C 6-7 cycloalkyl or cyclobutyl, optionally substituted), then R 3 is cyclohexyl (i.e.
  • R 3 is optionally substituted C 4-7 cycloalkyl (e.g.
  • any OH substituent on a ring carbon is preferably at the 3-position of a R 3 cyclohexyl ring, and/or any oxo ( ⁇ O), hydroxyimino ( ⁇ N—OH), or (C 1-2 alkoxy)imino ( ⁇ N—OR 26 ) substituent on a ring carbon is preferably at the 4-position of a R 3 cyclohexyl ring or at the 3-position of a R 3 cyclobutyl ring, and/or any alkyl or fluoroalkyl substituent is preferably at the 1-, 3- or 5-position of a R 3 cyclohexyl ring.
  • R 3 can preferably be cyclobutyl (i.e. unsubstituted) or more preferably 3-(aminocarbonyl)cyclobutyl (i.e. 3-(aminocarbonyl)cyclobutan-1-yl) (e.g. in a cis or trans configuration, preferably cis).
  • R 3 can for example be cyclobutyl (i.e. unsubstituted), 4-hydroxy-cyclohexyl (i.e. 4-hydroxycyclohexan-1-yl) (e.g. racemic or in a cis or trans configuration), 4-methylcyclohexyl (e.g. racemic), 2-aminocyclohexyl (e.g. racemic or in a cis or trans configuration, preferably trans), 4-aminocyclohexyl (e.g.
  • R 3 is optionally substituted C 4-7 cycloalkyl (e.g. optionally substituted C 6-7 cycloalkyl or optionally substituted cyclobutyl)
  • R 3 is more preferably cyclohexyl (i.e. unsubstituted), cycloheptyl (i.e. unsubstituted), 3-hydroxy-cyclohexyl (i.e. 3-hydroxycyclohexan-1-yl) (e.g. racemic or in a cis or trans configuration, preferably racemic or cis), 4-oxo-cyclohexyl (i.e.
  • a “cis configuration” in general includes mixtures of configurations wherein the cis configuration is the major component.
  • R 3 is optionally substituted C 4-7 cycloalkyl (e.g. optionally substituted C 6-7 cycloalkyl or optionally substituted cyclobutyl)
  • R 3 is still more preferably cyclohexyl (i.e. unsubstituted), 3-hydroxy-cyclohexyl (i.e. 3-hydroxycyclohexan-1-yl) (preferably racemic or in a cis configuration), 4-oxo-cyclohexyl (i.e. 4-oxocyclohexan-1-yl), 4-(hydroxyimino)cyclohexyl (i.e.
  • the R 3 cyclohexenyl can be optionally substituted cyclohex-3-en-1-yl.
  • R 3 is optionally substituted mono-unsaturated-C 5-7 cycloalkenyl
  • the R 3 cycloalkenyl e.g. cyclohexenyl
  • the R 3 optionally substituted cycloalkenyl can be cyclohex-3-en-1-yl (i.e. unsubstituted) or 4-fluoro-cyclohex-3-en-1-yl.
  • R 3 cycloalkenyl the optional substituent(s) on a ring carbon can for example be at the 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-position(s) of the cycloalkenyl ring.
  • R 3 is the heterocyclic group of sub-formula (aa), (bb) or (cc), then Y is suitably O or NR 10 .
  • Y is preferably O or N—C(O)—NH 2 .
  • R 10 can for example be a hydrogen atom (H), methyl, C(O)NH 2 , C(O)-methyl or C(O)—C 1 fluoroalkyl.
  • R 10 is not methyl.
  • R 10 is a hydrogen atom (H), C(O)NH 2 , C(O)-methyl or C(O)—C 1 fluoroalkyl (e.g. C(O)—CF 3 ). More suitably, R 10 is H, C(O)NH 2 or C(O)-methyl; in particular C(O)NH 2 .
  • R 3 is the heterocyclic group of sub-formula (aa), (bb) or (cc), then it is preferable that R 3 is the heterocyclic group of sub-formula (aa) or (bb), more preferably of sub-formula (bb).
  • n 1 is preferably 1.
  • n 2 is preferably 1. That is, six-membered rings are preferred in the R 3 heterocyclic group.
  • the R 3 heterocyclic group of sub-formula (aa), (bb) or (cc) is optionally substituted on a ring carbon with one or two (e.g. one) substituents being oxo ( ⁇ O).
  • any oxo ( ⁇ O) substituent on a ring carbon is suitably on a carbon atom bonded (adjacent) to Y.
  • any oxo ( ⁇ O) substituent on a ring carbon can be on a carbon atom bonded (adjacent) to Y only when Y is O or NR 10 , for example only when Y is NR 10 .
  • any oxo ( ⁇ O) substituent on a ring carbon can suitably be at the 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-position of the R 3 heterocyclic ring.
  • any ring-carbon oxo ( ⁇ O) substituent(s) can be: at the 2-, 4- or 5-position(s) (e.g. 2-position or 4-position, or two oxo substituents at 2- and 4-positions) of a R 3 heterocyclic group of sub-formula (aa), at the 2-, 4-, 5- or 6-position(s) (e.g.
  • n 2 4-position) of a six-membered R 3 heterocyclic group of sub-formula (cc) wherein n 2 is 1, at the 2-, 3-, 5-, 6- or 7-position(s) (e.g. 5-position) of a seven-membered R 3 heterocyclic group of sub-formula (bb) wherein n 1 is 2, or at the 2-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-position(s) (e.g. 2-position) of a seven-membered R 3 heterocyclic group of sub-formula (cc) wherein n 2 is 2.
  • the 1-position of the R 3 heterocyclic ring is deemed to be the connection point to the —NH— in formula (I), that is the ring atom connecting to the —NH— in formula (I), and the remaining positions of the ring are then numbered so that the ring heteroatom takes the lowest possible number).
  • the heterocyclic group of sub-formula (aa), (bb) or (cc) is not substituted on a ring carbon (i.e. is not substituted on any ring carbon).
  • R 3 is the heterocyclic group of sub-formula (aa) and Y is NR 10 , then R 10 is not C(O)-methyl, or C(O)—C 1 fluoroalkyl.
  • R 3 is the heterocyclic group of sub-formula (aa)
  • Y is O, S, SO 2 , NH or NC(O)NH 2 (in particular Y can be O, S, NH or NC(O)NH 2 , such as NC(O)NH 2 ).
  • R 3 is the heterocyclic group of sub-formula (bb) and Y is NR 10 (e.g. when NHR 3 is
  • R 10 is not methyl
  • R 3 is the heterocyclic group of sub-formula (bb)
  • Y is O, S, SO 2 or NR 10 wherein R 10 is H, C(O)NH 2 , C(O)-methyl or C(O)—C 1 fluoroalkyl (e.g. C(O)—CF 3 ).
  • R 10 is preferably H, C(O)NH 2 or C(O)-methyl, for example C(O)NH 2 or C(O)-methyl, more preferably C(O)NH 2 .
  • R 3 is the heterocyclic group of sub-formula (cc)
  • Y is O, S, SO 2 or NR 10 wherein R 10 is H or methyl.
  • R 3 is the heterocyclic group of sub-formula (cc)
  • Y is O, S, SO 2 or NR 10 wherein R 10 is H, or NHR 3 is of sub-formula (m4):
  • R 3 is the heterocyclic group of sub-formula (cc)
  • Y is O, S, SO 2 or NR 10 wherein R 10 is H, or Y is O or NR 10 wherein R 10 is H.
  • Y is O or NR 10 .
  • racemic refers to a mixture of isomers containing substantially equal amounts of the cis and trans configurations with respect to a substituent and the —NH— group on the R 3 ring, and in this context “racemic” does not refer to isomerism at atoms other than R 3 ring carbon atoms.
  • an OH or —C(O)NHR 24 substituent on C 6-7 cycloalkyl or cyclobutyl can for example be in the cis configuration and/or a NH 2 substituent on C 6-7 cycloalkyl can for example be racemic or in the cis or trans configuration, with respect to the —NH—group of formula (I) to which R 3 is attached (bonded), including mixtures of configurations wherein the stated configuration is the major component.
  • NHR 3 can be of sub-formula (c6) or (c7):
  • NHR 3 is of sub-formula (c), (c1), (c 2), (c 3), (c 4), (c 5), (c 6), (c 7), (d), (e), (f), (g4), (h), (i), (j), (k), (k1), (k2), (k3), (L), (m), (m1), (m3), (m4), (n), (o), (o1), (o2), (o3), (p), (p2), (p5), (p6), (p9), (p10), (p12), (p13), (p14), (p15) or (q); or preferably NHR 3 is of sub-formula (a1), (c), (c1), (c 2), (c 3), (c 4), (c 5), (c 6), (c 7), (d), (e), (f), (g4), (h), (i), (j), (k), (k1), (k2), (k3), (L), (m), (m1)), (m
  • NHR 3 is more preferably of sub-formula (c), (h), (k), (k2), (k3), (n), (o), (o2), (p9) or (p13); still more preferably NHR 3 is (c), (h), (k2), (k3), (n), (o), (o2), (p9) or (p13).
  • R 3 is tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl or 1-(aminocarbonyl)-4-piperidinyl; that is NHR 3 is most preferably of sub-formula (h) or (k2), as shown above, in particular of sub-formula (h).
  • NHR 3 When NHR 3 is of sub-formula (n), then it can be in the trans configuration. But preferably it is in the cis configuration, i.e. preferably it is a cis-(3-hydroxycyclohexan-1-yl)amino group (including mixtures of configurations wherein the cis configuration is the major component), or it is racemic.
  • NHR 3 When NHR 3 is of sub-formula (p9), then it can be in the trans configuration. But preferably it is in the cis configuration, i.e. preferably it is a cis-[4-(aminocarbonyl)cyclohexan-1-yl]amino group (including mixtures of configurations wherein the cis configuration is the major component), or it is racemic.
  • NHR 3 When NHR 3 is of sub-formula (p12), then it can be in the trans configuration. But, preferably, it is in the cis configuration, i.e. preferably NHR 3 is a cis-[4-acetylcyclohexan-1-yl]amino group (including mixtures of configurations wherein the cis configuration is the major component), or it is racemic.
  • NHR 3 When NHR 3 is of sub-formula (p13), then it can be in the trans configuration. But, preferably, it is in the cis configuration, i.e. preferably NHR 3 is a cis-[3-(aminocarbonyl)cyclobutan-1-yl]amino group (including mixtures of configurations wherein the cis configuration is the major component), or it is racemic.
  • the NHR 3 group of sub-formula (p10), (p14) or (p15), independently, can for example be racemic; or it can be in the cis configuration with respect to the ring (including mixtures of configurations wherein the cis configuration is the major component).
  • the compound of formula (I) or the salt thereof is:
  • the compound of formula (I) or the salt thereof is: N- ⁇ [1,6-diethyl-4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]methyl ⁇ -4-( ⁇ 8-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino]octanoyl ⁇ amino)benzamide, whose formula is
  • another preferred aspect of the invention provides N- ⁇ [1,6-diethyl-4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]methyl ⁇ -4-( ⁇ 8-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino]octanoyl ⁇ amino)benzamide, whose formula is
  • This above-illustrated compound or a salt thereof can be for inhaled or intranasal administration e.g. to a mammal such as a human, monkey, rodent (e.g. rat or mouse) or dog, in particular to a human.
  • a mammal such as a human, monkey, rodent (e.g. rat or mouse) or dog, in particular to a human.
  • xinafoate 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoate
  • xinafoate 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoate
  • L-glutamate camphorsulfonate (e.g. (+)-camphorsulfonate and/or 10-camphorsulfonate and/or mono-camphorsulfonate, e.g. mono-(+)-10-camphorsulfonate), or 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonate (e.g. hemi-1,5-naphthalenedisulfonate) salt thereof.
  • This compound or the salt thereof can e.g. be for inhaled or intranasal administration e.g. to a mammal such as a human.
  • the compound or salt can be N- ⁇ [1,6-diethyl-4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]methyl ⁇ -4-( ⁇ 8-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino]octanoyl ⁇ amino)benzamide or a hydrochloride (e.g. monohydrochloride or dihydrochloride), hydrobromide (e.g. monohydrobromide or dihydrobromide), or succinate (e.g. hemisuccinate) salt thereof.
  • This compound or the salt thereof can be for inhaled or intranasal administration e.g. to a mammal such as a human.
  • the compound or salt is a hydrochloride (e.g. monohydrochloride or dihydrochloride) salt of N- ⁇ [1,6-diethyl-4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]methyl ⁇ -4-( ⁇ 8-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino]octanoyl ⁇ amino)benzamide, in particular the monohydrochloride salt.
  • hydrochloride e.g. monohydrochloride or dihydrochloride
  • one preferable aspect of the invention provides crystalline N- ⁇ [1,6-diethyl-4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]methyl ⁇ -4-( ⁇ 8-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino]octanoyl ⁇ amino)benzamide monohydrochloride Form 1 anhydrate.
  • the crystalline monohydrochloride Form 1 anhydrate is substantially free of (e.g. ⁇ 30% w/w or ⁇ 25% w/w or ⁇ 20% w/w or ⁇ 10% w/w or ⁇ 5% w/w is present as) the crystalline monohydrochloride Form 2 hydrate.
  • the crystalline monohydrochloride Form 1 anhydrate is substantially free of (e.g. ⁇ 30% w/w or ⁇ 25% w/w or ⁇ 20% w/w or ⁇ 10% w/w or ⁇ 5% w/w is present as) any other form of the monohydrochloride or dihydrochloride salt.
  • the purity of the crystalline N- ⁇ [1,6-diethyl-4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]methyl ⁇ -4-( ⁇ 8-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino]octanoyl ⁇ amino)benzamide monohydrochloride Form 1 anhydrate is such that less than 30% w/w (e.g.
  • N- ⁇ [1,6-diethyl-4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]methyl ⁇ -4-( ⁇ 8-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino]octanoyl ⁇ amino)benzamide hydrochloride salt is present as the crystalline monohydrochloride Form 2 hydrate.
  • the crystalline monohydrochloride Form 2 hydrate is thought to have a greater propensity to take up water than the crystalline monohydrochloride Form 1 anhydrate, e.g. as the relative humidity (RH) increases.
  • RH relative humidity
  • water is believed to be readily lost from the Form 2 hydrate (a) on heating to only slightly above room temperature and/or (b) on reduction in the relative humidity (R H ) (e.g. water appears to be lost from the Form 2 hydrate when the R H is reduced to 0% R H ).
  • DSC Differential scanning calorimetry
  • a first endotherm/water loss event having an onset of very approximately 49° C. (a “broad” endotherm, i.e. seen at a broad temperature range starting from about 49° C. and ending at a higher temperature, possibly representing gradual water loss e.g. of unbound water), and (ii) a second endotherm/water loss event having an onset of very approximately 97° C. (a “sharper” endotherm, possibly representing loss of bound water), although it is noted that the end of the first water loss event often merges into the start of the second water loss event.
  • Form 1 anhydrate typically shows a melt onset temperature in its DSC thermogram of very approximately 190-210° C. or above (depending on a variety of factors such as the impurity profile, sample preparation, prior micronisation, etc.), and generally has no significant thermal events (i.e. no or only minor thermal events), at lower temperatures.
  • the crystalline monohydrochloride Form 1 anhydrate is thought to be more suitable than the crystalline monohydrochloride Form 2 hydrate, e.g. for micronisation and/or for post-micronisation formulation into an inhalable pharmaceutical composition.
  • the following four XRPD peaks of the crystalline monohydrochloride Form 1 anhydrate are thought to particularly distinguish the Form 1 anhydrate from the Form 2 hydrate: 5.1 ⁇ 0.1° 2 ⁇ (d-spacing ca. 17.3 ⁇ ), 10.7 ⁇ 0.1° 2 ⁇ (d-spacing ca. 8.3 ⁇ ), 23.1 ⁇ 0.1° 2 ⁇ (d-spacing ca. 3.9 ⁇ ), and 23.5 ⁇ 0.1° 2 ⁇ (d-spacing ca.
  • the stated degrees two-theta values being when the XRPD spectrum is measured with a X-ray powder diffractometer using Cu K ⁇ (copper K-alpha) radiation, a step size of 0.0167° 2 ⁇ or less, and a time per step of 31.75 seconds or more.
  • the following additional two XRPD peaks of the crystalline monohydrochloride Form 1 anhydrate may also partially distinguish this Form 1 anhydrate from the Form 2 hydrate: 10.3 ⁇ 0.1° 2 ⁇ (d-spacing ca. 8.6 ⁇ ) and 17.5 ⁇ 0.1° 2 ⁇ (d-spacing ca.
  • the stated degrees two-theta values being when the XRPD spectrum is measured with a X-ray powder diffractometer using Cu K ⁇ (copper K-alpha) radiation, a step size of 0.0167° 2 ⁇ or less, and a time per step of 31.75 seconds or more; however, there are thought to be shoulders or low intensity peaks of another form in fairly close proximity that make these latter-mentioned two peaks slightly less distinguishing than the first-mentioned four XRPD peaks of the crystalline monohydrochloride Form 1 anhydrate.
  • one sample of the less-preferred crystalline monohydrochloride Form 2 hydrate had an XRPD spectrum comprising peaks at substantially the following degrees 2 ⁇ (degrees 2-theta) values and d-spacings: 3.9 ⁇ 0.1° 2 ⁇ (d-spacing ca. 22.4 ⁇ ), 7.8 ⁇ 0.1° 2 ⁇ (d-spacing ca. 11.4 ⁇ ), 8.9 ⁇ 0.1° 2 ⁇ (d-spacing ca. 10.0 ⁇ ), 11.7 ⁇ 0.1° 2 ⁇ (d-spacing ca. 7.6 ⁇ ), 13.5 ⁇ 0.1° 2 ⁇ (d-spacing ca. 6.6 ⁇ ), 13.9 ⁇ 0.1° 2 ⁇ (d-spacing ca.
  • the stated degrees two-theta values being when the XRPD spectrum is measured with a X-ray powder diffractometer using Cu K ⁇ (copper K-alpha) radiation, a step size of 0.0167° 2 ⁇ or less, and a time per step of 31.75 seconds or more.
  • Form 2 hydrate peaks the following three XRPD peaks are thought to distinguish the crystalline monohydrochloride Form 2 hydrate from the Form 1 anhydrate 3.9 ⁇ 0.1° 2 ⁇ , 8.9 ⁇ 0.1° 2 ⁇ , and 11.7 ⁇ 0.1° 2 ⁇ , the stated degrees two-theta values being when the XRPD spectrum is measured with a X-ray powder diffractometer using Cu K ⁇ (copper K-alpha) radiation, a step size of 0.0167° 2 ⁇ or less, and a time per step of 31.75 seconds or more.
  • Form 1 anhydrate can be characterised by having an X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) spectrum comprising two, three or all (e.g. three or all, e.g. all) of the following peaks at substantially the following degrees 20 (degrees two-theta) values:
  • XRPD X-ray powder diffraction
  • XRPD spectrum is measured with a X-ray powder diffractometer using Cu K ⁇ (copper K-alpha) radiation, a step size of 0.0167° 2 ⁇ or less, and a time per step of 31.75 seconds or more (and preferably using a sample mounted on a silicon wafer plate, e.g. a silicon wafer zero background plate, and/or e.g. as a layer of powder).
  • Form 1 anhydrate can be characterised by having an X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) spectrum comprising four, five or all (e.g. five or all, e.g. all) of the following peaks at substantially the following degrees 2 ⁇ (degrees two-theta) values:
  • XRPD X-ray powder diffraction
  • the XRPD spectrum is measured with a X-ray powder diffractometer using Cu K ⁇ (copper K-alpha) radiation, a step size of 0.0167° 2 ⁇ or less, and a time per step of 31.75 seconds or more (and preferably using a sample mounted on a silicon wafer plate, e.g. a silicon wafer zero background plate, and/or e.g. as a layer of powder).
  • Form 1 anhydrate can be characterised by having an X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) spectrum comprising 6 or more, or 9 or more, or 12 or more, or 15 or more, or all, of the following peaks at substantially the following degrees 20 (degrees two-theta) values:
  • XRPD X-ray powder diffraction
  • Form 1 anhydrate can be characterised for example by its solid-form infrared (IR) spectrum.
  • the monohydrochloride Form 1 anhydrate can for example be characterised by a solid-form IR spectrum (e.g. as measured using an FT-IR spectrometer such as a Nicolet Avatar 360 FT-IR spectrometer, and/or e.g. as measured at 4 cm ⁇ 1 or 2 cm ⁇ 1 resolution) comprising 7 or more, or 10 or more, or 15 or more, or 18 or more, or all, of the following peaks:
  • the solid-form IR spectrum of the monohydrochloride Form 1 anhydrate includes a band at 1639 ( ⁇ 2 or ⁇ 1) cm ⁇ 1 which is thought to be capable of distinguishing from the IR spectrum of the solid-from monohydrochloride Form 2 hydrate.
  • the monohydrochloride Form 2 hydrate includes an apparently-characteristic band at 1623 ( ⁇ 2 or ⁇ 1) cm ⁇ 1 which is not present in the Form 1 anhydrate IR spectrum.
  • representative solid-form IR spectrum peaks of a sample of the monohydrochloride Form 2 hydrate include: 3244, 2940, 2858, 1677, 1623, 1602, 1569, 1526, 1510, 1444, 1407, 1353, 1309, 1257, 1227, 1165, 1137, 1085, 1048, 1011, 995, 961 and 860 cm ⁇ 1 (with each peak being ⁇ 2 or ⁇ 1 cm ⁇ 1 ).
  • the monohydrochloride Form 1 anhydrate can for example be characterised by a solid-form Raman spectrum comprising 5 or more, or 7 or more, or 10 or more, or all, of the following peaks: 2937, 1671, 1643, 1608, 1563, 1502, 1439, 1343, 1304, 1253, 1191, 1123, 1015, 864 and 826 cm ⁇ 1 , with a variation allowed for each peak of ⁇ 2 cm ⁇ 1 such as ⁇ 1 cm ⁇ 1 ,
  • the Raman spectrum comprises a peak at 1643 ( ⁇ 2 or ⁇ 1) cm ⁇ 1 .
  • representative solid-form Raman spectrum peaks of a sample of the monohydrochloride Form 2 hydrate include: 2937, 1684, 1607, 1572, ca. 1435 (broad), 1353, 1312, 1255, 1227, 1191, 1126, 1081, 1011, 886, 824, 634, 515 and 332 cm ⁇ 1 (with each peak being ⁇ 2 or ⁇ 1 cm ⁇ 1 ).
  • xinafoate 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoate
  • the compound of formula (I) or the salt thereof does not include, and/or is not, N- ⁇ [1,6-diethyl-4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]methyl ⁇ -4-( ⁇ 8-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino]octanoyl ⁇ amino)benzamide, whose formula is
  • the compound of formula (I) or the salt thereof is: 4-( ⁇ 1,6-diethyl-5-[( ⁇ [4-(4- ⁇ [4-(4-morpholinyl)butyl]oxy ⁇ butyl)phenyl]carbonyl ⁇ amino)methyl]-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-4-yl ⁇ amino)-1-piperidinecarboxamide, whose formula is
  • the compound of formula (I) or the salt thereof does not include, and/or is not, 4-( ⁇ 1,6-diethyl-5-[( ⁇ [4-(4- ⁇ [4-(4-morpholinyl)butyl]oxy ⁇ butyl)phenyl]carbonyl ⁇ amino)methyl]-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-4-yl ⁇ amino)-1-piperidinecarboxamide, whose formula is
  • the salts of the compounds of formula (I) are preferably pharmaceutically acceptable.
  • Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts can include acid addition salts, or less commonly (e.g. if a C(O)OH group is present in the compound) base addition salts.
  • a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt is optionally formed by mixing of a compound of formula (I) with a pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic acid (such as hydrobromic, hydrochloric, sulfuric, nitric, phosphoric, succinic, maleic, formic, acetic, propionic, fumaric, citric, tartaric, lactic, benzoic, 1-naphthoic, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic (“xinafoic”), salicylic, glutamic such as L-glutamic, aspartic, para-toluenesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, naphthalenesulfonic such as 2-naphthalenesulfonic, naphthalenedisulfonic such as 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonic, camphorsulfonic (e.g.
  • a pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic acid such as hydrobro
  • IPA isopropanol
  • propan-2-ol e.g. substantially anhydrous IPA or IPA:water mixtures such as IPA containing about 1-2% water
  • butanol pentan-1-ol (e.g. substantially anhydrous)
  • ethyl acetate methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK)
  • MIBK methyl isobutyl ketone
  • a pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic acid can for example be: hydrobromic, hydrochloric, sulfuric, nitric, phosphoric, succinic, maleic, 1-naphthoic, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic (“xinafoic”), glutamic such as L-glutamic, para-toluenesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, naphthalenesulfonic such as 2-naphthalenesulfonic, naphthalenedisulfonic such as 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonic, camphorsulfonic (e.g. 10-camphorsulfonic and/or (+)-camphorsulfonic), 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic, or hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid.
  • xinafoic glutamic such as L-glutamic
  • a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt of a compound of formula (I) can comprise or be for example a hydrobromide (e.g. monohydrobromide or dihydrobromide), hydrochloride (e.g. monohydrochloride or dihydrochloride), sulfate, nitrate, phosphate, succinate (e.g. hemisuccinate), maleate, formate, acetate, propionate, fumarate (e.g. hemifumarate), citrate, tartrate, lactate, benzoate, 1-naphthoate, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoate (“xinafoate”) (e.g.
  • 10-camphorsulfonate and/or (+)-camphorsulfonate e.g. mono-(+)-10-camphorsulfonate), 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylate, hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonate, or hexanoate salt.
  • a pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salt is optionally formed by reaction of a compound of formula (I) with a suitable inorganic or organic base (e.g. triethylamine, ethanolamine, triethanolamine, choline, arginine, lysine or histidine), optionally in a suitable solvent such as an organic solvent, to give the base addition salt which is usually isolated for example by crystallisation and filtration.
  • a suitable inorganic or organic base e.g. triethylamine, ethanolamine, triethanolamine, choline, arginine, lysine or histidine
  • compositions include pharmaceutically acceptable metal salts, for example pharmaceutically acceptable alkali-metal or alkaline-earth-metal salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium salts; in particular pharmaceutically acceptable metal salts of one or more carboxylic acid moieties that may be present in the compound of formula (I).
  • pharmaceutically acceptable metal salts for example pharmaceutically acceptable alkali-metal or alkaline-earth-metal salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium salts; in particular pharmaceutically acceptable metal salts of one or more carboxylic acid moieties that may be present in the compound of formula (I).
  • non-pharmaceutically acceptable salts e.g. oxalates or trifluoroacetates
  • oxalates or trifluoroacetates may be used, for example in the isolation of compounds of the invention, and are included within the scope of this invention.
  • the invention includes within its scope all possible stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric forms of the salts of the compounds of formula (I).
  • Certain compounds or salts included in the present invention may be present as isomers.
  • the present invention includes within its scope all such isomers, including racemates, enantiomers and mixtures thereof.
  • the invention includes a mixture comprising (a) a major component of the compound or salt which is in the described or claimed configuration, together with (b) one or more minor components of the compound or salt which is/are not in the described or claimed configuration.
  • the percentage of one isomeric/stereochemical component in a mixture of different isomeric/stereochemical components, and if appropriate enantiomeric and/or diastereomeric excesses, can be measured using techniques known in the art. Such methods include the following:
  • NMR nuclear magnetic resonance
  • a suitable chiral agent which “splits” the NMR peaks of a given atom in different isomers into different peak positions.
  • the chiral agent can be: i) an optically pure reagent which reacts with the compound/salt e.g.
  • a chiral shift reagent can be a chiral lanthanide shift reagent such as tris[3-trifluoroacetyl-d-camphorato]europium-(III) or others as described in Morrill, “Lanthanide Shift Reagents in Stereochemical Analysis”, VCH, New York, 1986. Whatever the chiral agent is that is used, usually, the relative integrals (intensities) for the NMR peaks of a given atom or group in different isomers can provide a measurement of the relative amounts of each isomer present.
  • a suitable chiral column which separates the different isomeric components can be used to effect separation, e.g. using gas or liquid chromatography such as HPLC, and/or e.g. on an analytical scale.
  • the peaks for each isomer can be integrated (area under each peak); and a comparison or ratio of the integrals for the different isomers present can give a measurement of the percentage of each isomeric component present. See for example: “Chiral Chromatography”, Separation Science Series Author: T. E. Beesley and R. P. W. Scott, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., Chichester, UK, 1998, electronic Book ISBN: 0585352690, Book ISBN: 0471974277.
  • Conversion can be via derivatisation of a derivatisable group (e.g. —OH, —NHR) on the compound/salt with an optically-active derivatising group (e.g. optically active acid chloride or acid anhydride); or can be via formation of an acid or base addition salt of the compound by treatment of the compound with an optically-active acid or base, such as + or ⁇ di-para-toluoyl tartaric acid.
  • a derivatisable group e.g. —OH, —NHR
  • an optically-active derivatising group e.g. optically active acid chloride or acid anhydride
  • separation of the resulting isomers e.g.
  • diastereomers can be using gas or liquid chromatography (usually non-chiral); or (especially with isomeric salts) can be by selective crystallisation of a single isomeric e.g. diastereoisomeric salt. Determination of isomeric ratios and/or excesses can be using chromatography peak areas or measurement of mass of each separated isomer.
  • Certain of the groups, e.g. heteroaromatic ring systems, included in compounds of formula (I) or their salts may exist in one or more tautomeric forms.
  • the present invention includes within its scope all such tautomeric forms, including mixtures.
  • Some of the following synthetic processes may be exemplified for compounds of Formula (I) with particular Ar groups (in particular embodiments within the Ar sub-formula (x)) and/or with particular substitution patterns e.g. particular values of Q 1 and Q 2 and L.
  • these processes are likely to be able to be usable with appropriate modification(s), e.g. modification(s) of starting materials and reagents, which modification(s) may be extensive, for making other compounds of Formula (I).
  • Suitable conditions for the reaction include heating in a suitable solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide, in the presence of a suitable base (e.g. a base having a low nucleophilicity such that it does not substantially displace the X 1 leaving group) such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine, e.g. heating at a suitable temperature such as about 70-90° C. e.g. about 80-85° C.
  • Alternative conditions include heating under microwave irradiation in a suitable solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide, e.g. at a suitable temperature such as about 140° C.
  • the amines of formula (IV) are either commercially available (for example in some cases from Aldrich), known in the literature, or may be prepared e.g. by conventional means.
  • Suitable conditions include carrying out the reaction in a suitable anhydrous solvent such as dichloromethane or chloroform, in the presence of a suitable base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine or triethylamine, at a suitable temperature such as from 0° C. to room temperature, and suitably under nitrogen.
  • a suitable anhydrous solvent such as dichloromethane or chloroform
  • a suitable base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine or triethylamine
  • X 3 can be a nitrogen protecting group e.g. as described in T. W. Greene and P. G. M Wuts Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis , Wiley 1999.
  • X 3 is tert-butoxycarbonyl (‘BOC’).
  • BOC tert-butoxycarbonyl
  • VIII deprotection reaction
  • V deprotection reaction
  • V deprotection reaction
  • 4M HCl 1,4-dioxane
  • the activated compound (the compound of formula (X)) can for example be an activated ester and X 4 the leaving group thereof.
  • the leaving group X 4 can be of sub-formula (bt):
  • the activated compound of formula (X), e.g. wherein X 4 is of sub-formula (bt), can be formed from the carboxylic acid of formula (Xa), wherein X 3 is as defined herein such as BOC:
  • the activated compound of formula (X) wherein X 4 is of sub-formula (bt) is formed from the carboxylic acid of formula (Xa) by the following reaction (a).
  • the carboxylic acid (Xa) is reacted with a suitable organic di-substituted carbodiimide, such as 1-ethyl-3-(3′-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide [also named 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide] or a salt thereof such as the hydrochloride salt thereof (EDC), or such as N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), followed by reaction of the resulting product with 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (when X 5 is CH) or 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole (when X 5 is N).
  • a suitable organic di-substituted carbodiimide such as 1-ethyl-3-(3′-di
  • this reaction (a), to form (X) wherein X 4 is of sub-formula (bt) from (Xa), is carried out in a suitable organic solvent e.g. an aprotic organic solvent (preferably anhydrous) such as N,N-dimethylformamide or acetonitrile, e.g. under anhydrous conditions and/or e.g. at a suitable temperature such as room temperature (e.g. about 18 to about 25° C.).
  • the activated compound of formula (X) wherein X 4 is of sub-formula (bt) is formed from the carboxylic acid of formula (Xa) by the following reaction (b).
  • reaction (b) the carboxylic acid (Xa) is reacted with a suitable 1-hydroxybenzotriazole-based or 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole-based coupling agent, such as (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv):
  • this reaction (b) is usually carried out in the presence of a solvent such as an aprotic organic solvent (e.g. anhydrous solvent) such as N,N-dimethylformamide or acetonitrile, e.g. under anhydrous conditions and/or at a suitable temperature such as room temperature (e.g. about 18 to about 25° C.).
  • an activated compound of formula (X) is the product (adduct) formed from the reaction of the carboxylic acid of formula (Xa) with a suitable organic di-substituted carbodiimide (e.g. R′—N ⁇ C ⁇ N—R′) [wherein the carbodiimide can e.g. be 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide or a salt thereof such as the hydrochloride salt thereof (EDC), or dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC)].
  • a suitable organic di-substituted carbodiimide e.g. R′—N ⁇ C ⁇ N—R′
  • EDC hydrochloride salt thereof
  • DCC dicyclohexylcarbodiimide
  • X 4 is —O—C(NHR′) ⁇ N—R′′ or —O—C(NHR′′) ⁇ N—R′.
  • a suitable organic solvent e.g. an aprotic organic solvent (preferably anhydrous) such as N,N-dimethylformamide or acetonitrile, e.g. under anhydrous conditions and/or e.g.
  • the activated compound of formula (X) is for example the acid chloride (wherein X 4 is Cl).
  • this acid chloride is for example formed from the corresponding carboxylic acid (Xa) either (a) by reaction with thionyl chloride, either in an organic solvent such as chloroform or without solvent, or (b) by reaction with oxalyl chloride in N,N-dimethyloformamide (e.g. catalytic DMF in dichloromethane or in DMF solvent).
  • a suitable aprotic organic solvent e.g. anhydrous solvent
  • this acid chloride method may not be ideal for Boc-protected compounds.
  • Compounds of formula (IX), wherein R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are as defined herein and R 4 represents hydrogen, can be prepared by hydrogenation of an azide compound of formula (XI), wherein R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are as defined herein, in the presence of a suitable catalyst such as a palladium catalyst, e.g. palladium on carbon, in a suitable solvent such as ethanol, e.g. at a suitable temperature such as room temperature:
  • a suitable catalyst such as a palladium catalyst, e.g. palladium on carbon
  • Compounds of formula (XI), wherein R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are as defined herein, may be prepared from compounds of formula (XII), wherein R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are as defined herein and wherein X 6 is a leaving group such as a halogen atom, mesylate (methanesulfonate), tosylate (p-toluenesulfonate), or triflate (trifluoromethanesulfonate) (suitably a halogen atom such as a chlorine atom).
  • a halogen atom such as a chlorine atom
  • the compounds of formula (XII), e.g. wherein X 6 is Cl, can be reacted with an azide salt such as sodium, lithium or potassium azide, in a suitable solvent such as dimethylsulfoxide such as dry DMSO, e.g. at a suitable temperature such as room temperature, to give compounds of formula (XI).
  • an azide salt such as sodium, lithium or potassium azide
  • a suitable solvent such as dimethylsulfoxide such as dry DMSO, e.g. at a suitable temperature such as room temperature
  • X 6 is Cl, mesylate, tosylate or triflate
  • a suitable reagent such as thionyl chloride (for when X 6 is Cl), oxalyl chloride (for when X 6 is Cl), methanesulfonyl chloride or methanesulfonic anhydride (for when X 6 is mesylate), or para-toluenesulfonyl chloride or para-toluenesulfonic anhydride (for when X 6 is tosylate), preferably thionyl chloride.
  • thionyl chloride for when X 6 is Cl
  • oxalyl chloride for when X 6 is Cl
  • methanesulfonyl chloride or methanesulfonic anhydride for when X 6 is mesylate
  • para-toluenesulfonyl chloride or para-toluenesulfonic anhydride for when X 6 is
  • Suitable conditions, for when X 6 is Cl, include reacting with thionyl chloride in a suitable non-aqueous (e.g. anhydrous) aprotic organic solvent such as toluene or anisole (methoxybenzene), e.g. with heating to ca. 60-90° C. such as to ca. 85° C. (e.g. with toluene), or e.g. at 20 ⁇ 5° C. (e.g. with anisole), and optionally also in the presence of an anhydrous aryl (e.g. phenyl), alkyl (e.g.
  • a suitable non-aqueous (e.g. anhydrous) aprotic organic solvent such as toluene or anisole (methoxybenzene)
  • sulfonic acid such as benzenesulfonic acid or methanesulfonic acid (e.g. to prepare the sulfonate such as benzenesulfonate salt of (XII), e.g. when X 6 is Cl, for example to try to improve the stability of the “benzylic” chloride).
  • Alternative conditions include reacting compounds of formula (XIII) with thionyl chloride and methanesulfonic acid or benzenesulfonic acid in a suitable non-aqueous (e.g. anhydrous) aprotic organic solvent such as dichloromethane, e.g. at a suitable temperature such as room temperature.
  • the compound of formula (XII) or the acid addition salt thereof e.g. sulfonate such as benzenesulfonate or methanesulfonate salt thereof, and/or e.g. when X 6 is Cl
  • the compound of formula (XII) or the acid addition salt thereof is not isolated. Rather, it is preferably left in solution, optionally with partial or full exchange of solvents.
  • the solution of the compound of formula (XII) or the acid addition salt thereof (e.g. when X 6 is Cl) can be reacted directly in the next step.
  • compounds of formula (XI) wherein R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are as defined herein can be prepared directly from compounds of formula (XIII) wherein R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are as defined herein.
  • compounds of formula (XI) may be prepared by reacting compounds of formula (XIII) with an azide salt, e.g. sodium azide, in the presence of a halogenating agent such as carbon tetrabromide and a phosphine such as triphenylphosphine under suitable conditions, such as N,N-dimethylformamide, e.g. at a suitable temperature such as between 0° C. and room temperature (see e.g. Toyota et. al. Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2000, 65(21), 7110-7113).
  • an azide salt e.g. sodium azide
  • a halogenating agent such as carbon tetrabromide
  • a phosphine such as triphenylphosphine
  • suitable conditions such as N,N-dimethylformamide
  • R 3 is a urea-containing group [such as a N-aminocarbonyl-piperidinyl or N-aminocarbonyl-pyrrolidinyl group within sub-formula (bb) or (aa), that is wherein NHR 3 is of sub-formula (k2) or (k3)], because it is noted that these R 3 urea-containing groups may not be tolerant of thionyl chloride which may be used in converting (XIII) to (XII) wherein X 6 is Cl and thence to (XI).
  • R 3 is a urea-containing group [such as a N-aminocarbonyl-piperidinyl or N-aminocarbonyl-pyrrolidinyl group within sub-formula (bb) or (aa), that is wherein NHR 3 is of sub-formula (k2) or (k3)]
  • an amine compound of formula (IX) or a salt thereof e.g. HCl salt thereof
  • R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are as defined herein and R 4 is as defined herein (in particular where R 4 is a hydrogen atom)
  • R 4 is a hydrogen atom
  • X 6 can in particular be a chlorine atom.
  • a suitable acid addition salt such as an arylsulfonate, alkylsulfonate or trifluoromethylsulfonate salt (in particular a benzenesulfonate or methanesulfonate salt) of the compound of formula (XII) can for example be used, in particular when R 1 and R 2 are ethyl and when R 3 is of the sub-formula (h) that is when R 3 is tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl.
  • This reaction converting the compound (XII) or the acid addition salt thereof (e.g. sulfonate such as benzenesulfonate salt) to the amine compound (IX) or the salt thereof (e.g. HCl salt), may for example be carried out under suitable conditions, for example by reaction of a compound of formula (XII) or an acid addition salt thereof with an aminating agent.
  • R 4 represents a hydrogen atom
  • a suitable aminating agent may be used, e.g.
  • an alkali-metal hexamethyldisilazide such as lithium hexamethyldisilazide, sodium hexamethyldisilazide or potassium hexamethyldisilazide (in particular lithium hexamethyldisilazide), in a suitable non-aqueous non-alcohol (aprotic) organic solvent (e.g. anhydrous solvent) such as tetrahydrofuran (THF), for example at a suitable temperature such as about 25 to about 50° C., for example ca. 30-45° C. or ca. 30-40° C.
  • a suitable non-aqueous non-alcohol (aprotic) organic solvent e.g. anhydrous solvent
  • THF tetrahydrofuran
  • the compound (XII) or the salt thereof is suitably added slowly to a mixture or solution of the alkali-metal hexamethyldisilazide (e.g. lithium hexamethyldisilazide) in the aprotic organic solvent (e.g. THF), to try to minimise alkylation of any in-situ deprotected amine (IX) by the compound (XII) or the salt thereof.
  • the reaction with the suitable aminating agent e.g. with the alkali-metal hexamethyldisilazide
  • an aqueous acid such as aqueous hydrochloric acid (e.g. 2-10M, e.g.
  • a solution of the produced amine (IX) or the salt thereof in an organic solvent is extracted with aqueous base, such as concentrated (e.g. ca. 32% w/w) NaOH solution, to form the amine compound (IX) as the “free base”.
  • a mono-acid-addition salt e.g.
  • monohydrochloride, of the amine (IX) can be formed by mixing the “free base” amine compound (IX) (e.g. in an organic solvent such as comprising 2-methyl-THF or a mixture of sec-butanol and isopropanol) with about 1 equivalent (e.g. 1.03 equiv.) of a suitable acid such as HCl (e.g. aqueous hydrochloric acid such as concentrated aq. HCl e.g. ca. 36% w/w aq. HCl), preferably under conditions such that the mono-acid-addition salt, e.g. monohydrochloride, of the amine (IX) crystallises from a or the organic solvent present.
  • a suitable acid such as HCl (e.g. aqueous hydrochloric acid such as concentrated aq. HCl e.g. ca. 36% w/w aq. HCl)
  • HCl e.g
  • the compound of formula (XII) or the salt thereof wherein X 6 is a chlorine atom can for example be in the form of the benzenesulfonate salt, in particular when R 1 and R 2 are ethyl and when R 3 is of the sub-formula (h) that is when R 3 is tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl.
  • conversion of compound (XIII) to compound (XI) or a salt thereof wherein X 6 is C 1 is optionally carried out using thionyl chloride in a suitable non-aqueous (e.g. anhydrous) aprotic organic solvent such as anisole or toluene, e.g. at 20 ⁇ 5° C.
  • One suitable reducing agent is lithium borohydride, in which case:
  • Compounds of formula (XIV), wherein R 1 , R 2 and R 3 and X 7 are as defined herein, may be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula (XV) with an amine of formula R 3 NH 2 , for example generally according to the method described by Yu et. al. in J. Med. Chem., 2001, 44, 1025-1027.
  • the reaction is preferably carried out in the presence of a base such as triethylamine or N,N-diisopropylethylamine, and/or in an organic solvent such as ethanol, dioxane, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) or acetonitrile.
  • the reaction may require heating e.g. to ca. 60-180° C., for example at 115° C.:
  • the urea-forming reagent may be benzyl isocyanate (followed later by debenzylation e.g. reductive debenzylation), or preferably the urea-forming reagent is a tri(C 1-4 alkyl)silyl isocyanate such as a tri(C 1-2 alkyl)silyl isocyanate, preferably trimethylsilyl isocyanate.
  • the conversion of the compound (XIVa) or salt thereof to the compound (XIV) is in one embodiment carried out in the presence of a suitable base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine, in a suitable solvent such as dichloromethane or chloroform, at a suitable temperature such as at room temperature or at the reflux temperature of the solvent.
  • a suitable base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine
  • a suitable solvent such as dichloromethane or chloroform
  • Compound (XIVa), wherein R 1 , R 2 , X 7 and n 3 are as defined herein, or a salt thereof, can be prepared from compound (XlVb), wherein R 1 , R 2 , X 7 and n 3 are as defined herein and Prot is a nitrogen protecting group such as (tert-butyloxy)carbonyl, by removal of the nitrogen protecting group.
  • a nitrogen protecting group such as (tert-butyloxy)carbonyl
  • suitable acidic conditions such as with hydrogen chloride (e.g. 4M) in a suitable solvent such as 1,4-dioxane:
  • 1,1-dimethylethyl 4-amino-1-piperidinecarboxylate e.g. commercially available from AstaTech, Philadelphia, USA
  • 1,1-dimethylethyl 3-amino-1-pyrrolidinecarboxylate e.g. commercially available from Aldrich.
  • reaction is optionally carried out in the presence of a base such as triethylamine or N,N-diisopropylethylamine, optionally in a suitable organic solvent such as acetonitrile, at a suitable temperature such as 60-100° C. (e.g. 80-90° C.):
  • a base such as triethylamine or N,N-diisopropylethylamine
  • a suitable organic solvent such as acetonitrile
  • a compound of formula (XVII), wherein R 2 and X 7 are as defined herein is prepared by reaction of a compound of formula (XVIII), wherein R 2 and X 7 are as defined herein, with phosphorus oxychloride (POCl 3 ) in the presence of a suitable base such as tributylamine, at a suitable temperature such as ca. 80-130° C., for example ca. 100-120° C.
  • a suitable base such as tributylamine
  • a compound of formula (XVIII), wherein R 2 and X 7 are as defined herein is prepared by reaction of a dialkyl malonate of formula (XIX), wherein X 7 is as defined herein, with magnesium chloride (suitably anhydrous) and a suitable non-aqueous base such as triethylamine, in a suitable solvent (e.g. anhydrous solvent) such as acetonitrile, at a suitable temperature such as ca. 5-10° C., followed by addition of an acid chloride of formula (XX), for example propanoyl chloride when R 2 is ethyl, at a suitable temperature such as between 10° C. and room temperature.
  • the reaction is for example carried out under anhydrous conditions:
  • a compound of formula (XV), wherein R 1 , R 2 and X 7 are as defined herein is prepared by reaction of a compound of formula (XVI), wherein R 1 is as defined herein, with a compound of formula (XXI), wherein R 2 and X 7 are as defined herein, with heating, followed by reaction with phosphorous oxychloride, again with heating (e.g. see Yu et. al. in J. Med. Chem., 2001, 44, 1025-1027).
  • Compounds of formula (XXI) can for example be diethyl [(ethyloxy)methylidene]propanedioate (wherein R 2 is H and X 7 is Et, available from Aldrich) or diethyl [1-(ethyloxy)ethylidene]propanedioate (wherein R 2 is Me and X 7 is Et, see Eur. Pat. Appl. (1991), EP 413918 A2).
  • a method of preparation of (XVI) comprises reaction of 3-hydrazinopropanenitrile (available from Lancaster Synthesis) with a suitable aldehyde of formula R 40 CHO in a suitable solvent such as ethanol, with heating, followed by reduction with, for example sodium in a suitable solvent such as t-butanol.
  • the 4-chloro substituent in the compound of formula (XV) is replaced by another halogen atom, such as a bromine atom, or by another suitable leaving group which is displaceable by an amine of formula R 3 NH 2 .
  • the leaving group can, for example, be a straight-chain alkoxy group —OR 35 being —OMe, —OEt or —OPr n , or a group —O—S(O) 2 —R 37 , wherein R 37 is methyl, CF 3 , or phenyl or 4-methyl-phenyl.
  • the reaction is optionally carried out with or without solvent. The reaction may require heating.
  • Conditions can include:
  • a compound of formula (XXXVIII), wherein R 1 and R 2 , n 3 and Prot are as defined herein is prepared from a compound of formula (XXXIX), wherein R 1 and R 2 , n 3 and Prot are as defined herein.
  • Conditions can include reaction of a compound of formula (XXXIX) with an azide such as sodium azide and a halogenating agent such as carbon tetrabromide, in the presence of a suitable phosphine such as triphenylphosphine, in a suitable solvent such as N,N,-dimethylformamide, at a suitable temperature such as between 0° C. and room temperature.
  • a compound of formula (XXXIX), wherein R 1 and R 2 , n 3 and Prot are as defined herein is prepared from a compound of formula (XL), wherein R 1 and R 2 , n 3 Prot and X 7 are as defined herein, by reduction with a suitable reducing agent such as lithium borohydride, in a suitable solvent such as a mixture of tetrahydrofuran and methanol, at a suitable temperature such as at the reflux temperature of the solvent.
  • a suitable reducing agent such as lithium borohydride
  • a compound of formula (XL), wherein R 1 and R 2 , n 3 Prot and X 7 are as defined herein is prepared from compounds of formula (XV), wherein R 1 , R 2 , and X 7 are as defined herein, by reaction of a compound of formula (XV) with an amine of formula (XLI), wherein Prot and n 3 are as defined herein.
  • the reaction is optionally carried out in the presence of a base such as triethylamine or N,N-diisopropylethylamine, and/or in an organic solvent such as ethanol, dioxane, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) or acetonitrile.
  • the reaction may require heating e.g. to ca. 60-180° C., for example at 120° C.:
  • compounds of formula (III), wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , n and X 1 are as defined herein may also be prepared by reaction between compounds of formula (IX), wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 and R 4 are as defined herein, and compounds of formula (XXVI), wherein X 1 and n are as described herein and X 9 is a suitable leaving group, preferably a halogen atom such as a chlorine atom; suitable conditions include stirring in a suitable anhydrous solvent such as dichloromethane, in the presence of a base such as triethylamine, at a suitable temperature such as between 0° C. and room temperature, for example between 0° C. and 10° C.
  • Compounds of formula (XXVI), wherein X 1 , n and X 9 are as described herein, may be prepared from carboxylic acids of formula (XXVII), wherein X 1 and n are as described herein, by treatment with a suitable activating agent such as thionyl chloride, phosphoryl chloride or other reagents as described in R. C. Larock, Comprehensive Organic Transformations , Wiley, 2 nd Ed., 1999.
  • a suitable activating agent such as thionyl chloride, phosphoryl chloride or other reagents as described in R. C. Larock, Comprehensive Organic Transformations , Wiley, 2 nd Ed., 1999.
  • X 9 is chlorine compounds of formula (XXVI) may be prepared from compounds of formula (XXVII) by heating with thionyl chloride at a suitable temperature such as 100° C.
  • Compounds of formula (XXVII), wherein X 1 and n are as described herein, may be prepared by hydrolysis of compounds of formula (XXV), wherein X 1 , n and X 8 are as described herein.
  • X 8 is tert-butyl and the formation of compounds of formula (XXVII) from compounds of formula (XXV) can be achieved by treatment with a suitable acid such as 4M hydrogen chloride in a suitable solvent such as 1,4-dioxane, at a suitable temperature such as room temperature.
  • Process 1B is a process of particular interest for the preparation of N- ⁇ [1,6-diethyl-4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]methyl ⁇ -4-( ⁇ 8-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino]octanoyl ⁇ amino)benzamide or a salt thereof e.g. this compound or a hydrochloride salt thereof, e.g. see Example 1B first preparation and/or Example 1A2 alternative preparation no. 1).
  • a compound of formula (II) or a salt thereof wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 and n are as defined herein (in particular when R 4 is a hydrogen atom), is prepared by reaction of a compound of formula (IX) or a salt thereof (e.g. a HCl salt thereof, e.g.
  • a compound of formula (II) is a compound of formula (I) wherein Ar has sub-formula (x), Q 1 is NH, Q 2 is —C(O)—, and L is (CH 2 ) n .]
  • the compound of formula (XXII) or salt thereof can for example be a suitable activated carboxylic acid derivative wherein the leaving group X 4 is the leaving group of said activated carboxylic acid derivative.
  • the leaving group X 4 can for example be of sub-formula (bt):
  • the leaving group X 4 can alternatively be for example —O—C(NHR′) ⁇ N—R′′ or —O—C(NHR′′) ⁇ N—R′, wherein R′ and R′′ are the substituents (which may be the same or different) of an organic (di-substituted) carbodiimide reagent R′—N ⁇ C ⁇ N—R′′ which may have been used to prepare (XXII) or a salt thereof from the corresponding carboxylic acid.
  • the leaving group X 4 can alternatively be, for example, a chlorine atom (Cl), a bromine atom (Br), 1-imidazolyl, or t-Bu-C(O)—O—.
  • a compound of formula (XXII), wherein R 5 , R 6 , n and X 4 are as defined herein, or a salt thereof can be formed from a carboxylic acid of formula (XXIII) or a salt (e.g. acid addition salt such as a HCl salt) thereof, wherein R 5 , R 6 , and n are as defined herein.
  • a compound of formula (XXII) or a salt thereof, wherein the leaving group X 4 is of sub-formula (bt) is prepared from the corresponding carboxylic acid of formula (XXIII) or a salt thereof by the following reaction (a).
  • the carboxylic acid (XXIII) or salt is reacted with a suitable organic carbodiimide e.g.
  • organic di-substituted carbodiimide such as 1-ethyl-3-(3′-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide [also named 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide] or a salt thereof such as a hydrochloride salt thereof (EDC), or such as N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), followed by reaction of the resulting product with 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (when X 5 is CH) or 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole (when X 5 is N).
  • 1-ethyl-3-(3′-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide also named 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide
  • a salt thereof such as a hydrochloride salt thereof (EDC)
  • EDC hydrochloride salt thereof
  • DCC N,N′-dicyclohe
  • a solvent such as an aprotic organic solvent (e.g. anhydrous solvent) such as N,N-dimethylformamide or acetonitrile, e.g. under anhydrous conditions and/or at a
  • this salt crystallisation is optionally done:
  • tert-butyl methyl ether is optionally used as such an antisolvent, especially for preparing a salt of N- ⁇ [1,6-diethyl-4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]methyl ⁇ -4-( ⁇ 8-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino]octanoyl ⁇ amino)benzamide (e.g. the HCl salt e.g. monohydrochloride salt thereof).
  • Example 1A2 alternative preparation no. 1, plant method
  • Example 1A2 alternative preparation no. 1, plant method
  • the compound of formula (XXII) or salt is a suitable activated carboxylic acid derivative
  • the compound of formula (XXII) or a salt thereof is the product (adduct) formed from the reaction of the carboxylic acid of formula (XXII) or salt thereof with a suitable organic carbodiimide e.g. organic di-substituted carbodiimide (e.g. R′—N ⁇ C ⁇ N—R′) [e.g.
  • carbodiimide can be 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide or a salt thereof such as a hydrochloride salt thereof (EDC), or N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC)].
  • EDC hydrochloride salt thereof
  • DCC N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide
  • the compound of formula (XXII) or salt thereof is for example the acid chloride (in which case, the leaving group X 4 is a chlorine atom (Cl)).
  • this acid chloride is for example prepared from the corresponding carboxylic acid (XXIII) or a salt thereof by reaction with oxalyl chloride, usually in a suitable organic solvent (e.g. anhydrous) such as DMF or dichloromethane (e.g. dichloromethane or another solvent together with a catalytic amount of DMF), and/or e.g. under anhydrous conditions, and/or e.g. at room temperature or at or below 20° C.
  • a suitable organic solvent e.g. anhydrous
  • suitable organic solvent e.g. anhydrous
  • dichloromethane e.g. dichloromethane or another solvent together with a catalytic amount of DMF
  • a suitable aprotic organic solvent e.g. anhydrous solvent
  • acetonitrile or dichloromethane acetonitrile or dichloromethane
  • further alternative values of the leaving group X 4 include a bromine atom (Br), 1-imidazolyl (e.g. as prepared from the acid (XXIII) or salt using carbonyl diimidazole), and t-Bu-C(O)—O— (e.g. as prepared from the acid (XXIII) or salt using t-Bu-C(O)—CI).
  • Compounds of formula (XXIII), wherein R 5 , R 6 and n are as defined herein, can for example typically be formed by hydrolysis of esters of formula (XXIV), wherein R 5 , R 6 , and n are as defined herein and X 8 is an alkyl group, such as ethyl or preferably tert-butyl.
  • the hydrolysis may be achieved under suitable conditions, such as by reaction with 4M hydrogen chloride in 1,4-dioxane (e.g. for when X 8 is tert-butyl but usually not when X 8 is ethyl), at a suitable temperature such as room temperature, optionally in dry dichloromethane.
  • X 1 can be a bromine atom), with an amine of formula (IV), wherein R 5 and R 6 are as defined herein, optionally in the presence of a suitable base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine, in a suitable solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide, at a suitable temperature such as between room temperature and 100° C., for example at about 60° C.
  • a suitable base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine
  • a suitable solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide
  • Compounds of formula (XXV), wherein X 8 and X 1 and n are as defined herein, can for example typically be formed from compounds of formula (XXVI), wherein X 8 is as defined herein, by reaction with a suitable acylating agent (VI), wherein X 1 , X 2 and n are as defined herein e.g. hereinabove (e.g. for X 1 and X 2 as defined in Process 1A hereinabove, e.g. X 1 can be a bromine atom and/or X 2 can be a chlorine atom).
  • Suitable conditions include carrying out the reaction in a suitable anhydrous solvent such as dichloromethane or chloroform, in the presence of a suitable non-aqueous base e.g. a tertiary amine base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine or triethylamine, at a suitable temperature such as between 0° C. and room temperature, e.g. under anhydrous conditions.
  • a suitable anhydrous solvent such as dichloromethane or chloroform
  • a suitable non-aqueous base e.g. a tertiary amine base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine or triethylamine
  • ethyl 4-aminobenzoate (X 8 is ethyl) is commercially available, for example from Aldrich.
  • X 8 is tert-butyl; for example tert-butyl 4-aminobenzoate and tert-butyl 3-aminobenzoate are commercially available, for example from Fluka.
  • Process 1C is a process which is of interest for the preparation of N- ⁇ [1,6-diethyl-4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]methyl ⁇ -4-( ⁇ 8-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino]octanoyl ⁇ amino)benzamide or a salt thereof, e.g. this compound or a hydrochloride salt thereof such as a monohydrochloride).
  • R 6 ′ is —CH 2 CH 2 OH, —CH 2 CH(Me)OH, —CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 OH, or —CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 OH, in particular wherein R 6 ′ is —CH 2 CH 2 OH), which is one embodiment of a compound of formula (I), or a salt thereof, is prepared by deprotection of a compound of formula (XLIII) or a salt thereof, wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 and n are as defined herein (in particular when R 4 is a hydrogen atom), wherein R 5 ′ is a hydrogen atom (H), methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, or isopropyl (e.g.
  • R 6 -prot is C 1-4 alkyl substituted by one protected OH substituent O-Prot′ (e.g. wherein R 6 -prot is —CH 2 CH 2 —O-Prot′, —CH 2 CH(Me)-O-Prot′, —CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 —O-Prot′, or —CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 —O-Prot′, in particular wherein R 6 -prot is —CH 2 CH 2 —O-Prot′).
  • O-Prot′ e.g. wherein R 6 -prot is —CH 2 CH 2 —O-Prot′, —CH 2 CH(Me)-O-Prot′, —CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 —O-Prot′, or —CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 —O-Prot′, in particular wherein R 6 -prot is —CH 2 CH 2 —O-Prot′).
  • O-Prot′ can be any protected OH group which is deprotectable by treatment with acid or base or fluoride ions.
  • O-Prot′ can be —OC(O)—C 1-6 alkyl such as OAc (acetate), OC(O)—CF 3 , —OC(O)aryl such as —OC(O)-phenyl, or —O-(tri-organo)silyl such as O-trialkylsilyl such as O-TBDMS (tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy) or O-TMS (trimethylsilyloxy).
  • Deprotection of the compound of formula (XLIII) or the salt thereof can be via standard OH-deprotection conditions, e.g. using acid or more preferably base in particular strong base such as strong inorganic base (e.g. NaOH or KOH, e.g. aqueous and/or ethanolic NaOH or KOH, in particular concentrated (e.g. 5-12M or 10-11M) aqueous NaOH or KOH) for deprotection where O-Prot′ is —OC(O)—C 1-6 alkyl such as OAc (acetate) or —OC(O)—CF 3 or —OC(O)aryl.
  • strong base e.g. NaOH or KOH, e.g. aqueous and/or ethanolic NaOH or KOH, in particular concentrated (e.g. 5-12M or 10-11M) aqueous NaOH or KOH
  • O-Prot′ is —OC(O)—C 1-6 alkyl such as OAc (
  • O-Prot′ is —OC(O)—C 1-6 alkyl or —OC(O)—CF 3 or —OC(O)aryl
  • O-Prot′ can in particular be carried out under heating (e.g. at ca. 40-60° C. such as ca. 50° C.) and/or in the presence of an organic solvent such as a C 1-7 alcohol for example a C 4-6 alcohol e.g. pentanol such as pentan-1-ol.
  • O-Prot′ is O-trialkylsilyl such as O-TBDMS or O-TMS, this can be deprotected sometimes by acid or more usually by fluoride ions such as by use of tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride.
  • fluoride ions such as by use of tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride.
  • Compounds of formula (XLIII) or salts thereof can typically be formed by the following reaction of an amide of formula (XLV) or a salt thereof, wherein R 4 and n are as defined herein (in particular wherein R 4 is a hydrogen atom), R 5 ′ is a hydrogen atom (H), methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, or isopropyl (e.g. methyl), and R 6 -prot is as defined herein, with a compound of formula (XLIV) or an acid addition salt thereof (e.g. a sulfonate salt thereof, e.g.
  • X 11 is a suitable leaving group such as mesylate (methanesulfonate), tosylate (p-toluenenesulfonate), triflate (trifluoromethanesulfonate), or a chlorine, bromine or iodine atom (in particular a chlorine atom).
  • X 11 is mesylate, tosylate, triflate, or a chlorine, bromine or iodine atom, are generally thought to be potent electrophiles.
  • Conditions can include heating compound (XLIV) or the acid addition salt thereof (e.g. a sulfonate salt thereof, e.g. methanesulfonate or benzenesulfonate salt of (XLIV)) and compound (XLV) or a salt thereof together, e.g. at ca. 50-100° C. or ca. 60-80° C., e.g. at ca.
  • a sulfonate salt thereof e.g. methanesulfonate or benzenesulfonate salt of (XLIV)
  • compound (XLV) or a salt thereof e.g. at ca. 50-100° C. or ca. 60-80° C., e.g. at ca.
  • a suitable solvent such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (that is 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, also called NMP), dimethyl sulfoxide, ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, chloroform, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether [“diglyme”, (CH 3 OCH 2 CH 2 ) 2 O], N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), tetrahydrofuran (THF), or mixtures thereof.
  • the solvent can be NMP, dimethyl sulfoxide, ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, chloroform, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, or mixtures thereof.
  • the solvent is 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP).
  • the compound of formula (XLIV) or the acid addition salt thereof e.g. sulfonate salt thereof, e.g. methanesulfonate or benzenesulfonate salt of (XLIV)
  • X 11 is a suitable leaving group such as mesylate (methanesulfonate), tosylate (p-toluenenesulfonate), triflate (trifluoromethanesulfonate), or a chlorine, bromine or iodine atom (in particular a chlorine atom)
  • X 11 is a suitable leaving group such as mesylate (methanesulfonate), tosylate (p-toluenenesulfonate), triflate (trifluoromethanesulfonate), or a chlorine, bromine or iodine atom (in particular a chlorine atom)
  • it is preferably not isolated; e.g. it can be prepared in solution and used directly
  • X 11 is Cl. See in particular Stages 1c, 1d, 2a, and 2b within that Scheme for alternative reagents and/or reaction conditions.
  • Intermediate 2B for Stage 1c preparation
  • Intermediate 2C for Stage 1d preparation
  • Intermediate 3 alternative preparation
  • Intermediate 4 alternative preparation
  • a compound of formula (XLV) or a salt thereof can for example be prepared by the following generalised route:
  • Typical conditions and/or reagents for the protection of the OH group within R 6 ′ of compound (XLVI) ro a salt thereof, to form (XLV) or a salt thereof can include conditions suitable for OH-protection with the OH-protecting group used.
  • O-Prot′ within R 6 -prot of compound (XLV)
  • OAc acetate
  • acetic anhydride can be used, e.g. in a suitable solvent (e.g. anhydrous) such as acetonitrile, and/or in the presence of an organic base such as triethylamine, and/or e.g. with heating such as at ca. 60-90° C., for example heating at ca.
  • Conditions and/or reagents for the coupling of the aminobenzamide or N-alkyl-(amino)benzamide compound (XLVIII) or a salt thereof with the specific acid chloride compound within formula (VI) will normally include generally anhydrous/dry conditions. and/or can optionally include:
  • a sulfonate salt thereof e.g. methanesulfonate or benzenesulfonate salt thereof, wherein X 11 is a suitable leaving group such as mesylate (methanesulfonate), tosylate (p-toluenenesulfonate), triflate (trifluoromethanesulfonate), or a chlorine, bromine or iodine atom (in particular a chlorine atom):
  • Suitable conditions include heating in a suitable solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide, suitably in the presence of a suitable base e.g. organic tertiary amine base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine, e.g. at a suitable temperature such as ca. 60-100° C. e.g. ca. 85° C.
  • a suitable solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide
  • a suitable temperature such as ca. 140-150° C.
  • Compounds of formula (XXX), wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 R 5 , and R 6 are as defined herein, or salts thereof, may typically be prepared by reaction by substitution of a compound of formula (XXXI), or a salt thereof, wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 and X 1 are as defined herein, with an amine of formula (IV), or a salt thereof wherein R 5 and R 6 are as defined herein. At least about 2 equivalents of the amine of formula (IV) or the salt thereof can be used.
  • Suitable conditions include heating in a suitable solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide, suitably in the presence of a suitable base e.g. organic tertiary amine base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine, e.g. at a suitable temperature such as ca. 60-100° C. e.g. ca. 85° C.
  • a suitable solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide
  • a suitable temperature such as ca. 140-150° C.
  • Compounds of formula (XXXI), wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 and X 1 are as defined herein, may typically be prepared by reaction between compounds of formula (IX), wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 and R 4 are as defined above, and compounds of formula (XXXIII) wherein X 1 and X 4 are as defined herein (e.g. X 1 can in particular be Br and/or X 4 can in particular be Cl).
  • the activated compound (the compound of formula (XXXIII)) can for example be an activated carboxylic acid derivative wherein the leaving group X 4 is
  • Compounds of formula (XXXIV), wherein X 1 is as defined herein, may for example be prepared by hydrolysis of an ester of formula (XXXV), wherein X 1 and X 8 are as defined herein.
  • Conditions can include reaction with a base such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide in a suitable solvent such as aqueous ethanol or aqueous dioxane, or if X 8 is tert-butyl then 4M hydrogen chloride in dioxane can be used.
  • Compounds of formula (XLII), wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 6 are as defined herein, may typically be prepared by reaction by substitution of compounds of formula (XLIII) or a salt thereof, wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 and X 1 are as defined herein, with an amine of formula (IV) or a salt thereof, wherein R 5 and R 6 are as defined herein.
  • Suitable conditions include heating in a suitable solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide, suitably in the presence of a suitable base e.g. an organic tertiary amine base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine, e.g.
  • a suitable temperature such as ca. 60-100° C. e.g. ca. 85° C.
  • Alternative conditions include heating under microwave irradiation in a suitable solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide, e.g. at a suitable temperature such as ca. 140-150° C.
  • Compounds of formula (XLIII), wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 and X 1 are as defined above, may for example be prepared from compounds of formula (XLIV), wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 and R 4 are as defined above.
  • X 1 represents a halogen atom such as a bromine atom
  • compounds of formula (XLIII) may be prepared from compounds of formula (XLIV) and a suitable halogenating agent such as carbon tetrabromide, in the presence of a suitable phosphine such as triphenylphosphine, in a suitable solvent such as dichloromethane, at a suitable temperature for example between 0° C. and room temperature.
  • Compounds of formula (XLIV), wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , and R 4 are as defined above, may for example be prepared from compounds of formula (IX), wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 and R 4 are as defined above, and the compound of formula (XLV), in the presence of a suitable amide coupling reagent such as (1H-1,2,3-benzotriazol-1-yloxy)(tri-1-pyrrolidinyl)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (available from Aldrich) and a suitable base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine, in a suitable solvent such as anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide, at a suitable temperature such as room temperature.
  • a suitable amide coupling reagent such as (1H-1,2,3-benzotriazol-1-yloxy)(tri-1-pyrrolidinyl)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (available from Aldrich) and
  • the compound of formula (XLV) is a known compound (e.g. can optionally be prepared according to K. Fukai JP11174621).
  • Compounds of formula (XLVI), wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 and n are as defined herein, may typically be prepared by reaction by substitution of compounds of formula (XLVII) or a salt thereof, wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , X 1 and n are as defined herein, with an amine of formula (IV) or a salt thereof, wherein R 5 and R 6 are as defined herein.
  • Suitable conditions include heating in a suitable solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide, suitably in the presence of a suitable base e.g.
  • an organic tertiary amine base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine, e.g. at a suitable temperature such as ca. 60-100° C., e.g. ca. 85° C.
  • Alternative conditions include heating under microwave irradiation in a suitable solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide, e.g. at a suitable temperature such as ca. 140-150° C.
  • Compounds of formula (XLVIII), wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 and n are as defined herein, may typically be prepared by reaction by substitution of compounds of formula (XLIX) or a salt thereof, wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , X 1 and n are as defined herein, with an amine of formula (IV) or a salt thereof, wherein R 5 and R 6 are as defined herein.
  • Suitable conditions include heating in a suitable solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide, suitably in the presence of a suitable base e.g.
  • an organic tertiary amine base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine, e.g. at a suitable temperature such as ca. 60-100° C. e.g. ca. 85° C.
  • Alternative conditions include heating under microwave irradiation in a suitable solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide, e.g. at a suitable temperature such as ca. 140-150° C.
  • Compounds of formula (L), wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 and n are as defined herein, may typically be prepared by reaction by substitution of a compound of formula (LI) or a salt thereof, wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , X 1 and n are as defined herein, with an amine of formula (IV) or a salt thereof, wherein R 5 and R 6 are as defined herein.
  • Suitable conditions include heating in a suitable solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide, suitably in the presence of a suitable base e.g. an organic tertiary amine base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine, e.g.
  • an organic tertiary amine base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine, e.g. at a suitable temperature such as ca. 60-100° C. e.g. ca. 85° C.
  • Alternative conditions include heating under microwave irradiation in a suitable solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide, e.g. at a suitable temperature such as ca. 140-150° C.
  • Compound of formula (IX) may e.g. typically be prepared as described above.
  • Compounds of formula (LVI), wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 and n are as defined herein, may e.g. typically be prepared by reaction by substitution of a compound of formula (LVII) or a salt thereof, wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , X 1 and n are as defined herein, with an amine of formula (IV) or a salt thereof, wherein R 5 and R 6 are as defined herein.
  • Suitable conditions include heating in a suitable solvent such as N 7 N-dimethylformamide, suitably in the presence of a suitable base e.g.
  • an organic tertiary amine base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine, e.g. at a suitable temperature such as ca. 60-100° C. e.g. ca. 85° C.
  • Alternative conditions include heating under microwave irradiation in a suitable solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide, e.g. at a suitable temperature such as ca. 140-150° C.
  • R 4 represents methyl or ethyl
  • R 4-C1 represents H when R 4 is methyl and R 4-C1 represents methyl when R 4 is ethyl; followed by appropriate subsequent steps, e.g. as described in Process 1A or 1B or 1C:
  • Process F Conversion of One Compound of Formula (I), or a Salt Thereof into Another Compound of Formula (I) or a Salt Thereof.
  • one compound of formula (I) or salt thereof is optionally converted into another compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof.
  • This conversion reaction can for example occur within the R 3 group.
  • This conversion optionally comprises or is one or more of the following processes F1 to F10:
  • the oxidation process can comprise or be oxidation of an alcohol to a ketone (e.g. using Jones reagent) or oxidation of an alcohol or a ketone to a carboxylic acid.
  • a reduction process for example reduction of a ketone or a carboxylic acid to an alcohol.
  • Acylation for example acylation of an amine (e.g. see Examples 329-349 and Example 353 of WO 2004/024728 A2 for suitable process details), or acylation of a hydroxy group.
  • Alkylation for example alkylation of an amine or of a hydroxy group.
  • F6 Alkylation, for example alkylation of an amine or of a hydroxy group.
  • Hydrolysis e.g. hydrolysis of an ester to the corresponding carboxylic acid or salt thereof (e.g. see Examples 351, 488, 489, 650, 651 of WO 2004/024728 A2 for suitable process details).
  • Deprotection e.g. deprotection of (e.g. deacylation of, or t-butyloxycarbonyl (BOC) removal from, or benzyloxycarbonyl removal from) an amine group.
  • BOC deprotection is usually carried out under acidic conditions e.g. using hydrogen chloride in an organic solvent such as dioxan.
  • Benzyloxycarbonyl deprotection is optionally carried out by hydrogenation.
  • the Beckmann rearrangement can for example comprise conversion of a compound of formula (I) wherein NHR 3 is of sub-formula (o2)
  • the present invention therefore also provides a process for preparing a compound of formula (I) or a salt (e.g. pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof:
  • R 6-prot is C 1-4 alkyl substituted by one protected OH substituent O-Prot′ (in particular wherein R 6 -prot is —CH 2 CH 2 —O-Prot′), wherein O-Prot′ is any protected OH group which is deprotectable by treatment with acid or base or fluoride ions [in particular, —OC(O)—C 1-6 alkyl such as OAc (acetate), OC(O)—CF 3 , —OC(O)aryl such as —OC(O)-phenyl, or —O-(tri-organo)silyl such as O-trialkylsilyl such as O-TBDMS (tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy) or O-TMS (trimethylsilyloxy)], by reaction of an amide of formula (XLV) or a salt thereof, wherein R 4 and n are as defined herein (in particular wherein R 4 is a hydrogen atom), R 5 ′ is
  • a sulfonate salt thereof e.g. methanesulfonate or benzenesulfonate salt thereof
  • X 11 is a suitable leaving group such as mesylate (methanesulfonate), tosylate (p-toluenenesulfonate), triflate (trifluoromethanesulfonate), or a chlorine, bromine or iodine atom (in particular a chlorine atom):
  • Process F as described in Process F hereinabove); and, in the case of any of Process 1A, 1B, 1C, 1 D, 3, or 4 to 10, or (F), optionally converting the compound of formula (I) into a salt thereof such as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; or (G) to prepare a salt of a compound of formula (I), converting a compound of formula (I) into a salt thereof such as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
  • the present invention also provides: (G) a process for preparing a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of formula (I) comprising conversion of the compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof into the desired pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
  • a pharmaceutically acceptable salt can be an acid addition salt, or less commonly (e.g. if a C(O)OH group is present in the compound) a base addition salt.
  • a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt is optionally prepared by reaction of a compound of formula (I) with a suitable inorganic or organic acid (e.g. as described hereinabove).
  • the present invention also provides a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, prepared by (or obtainable by) a method as defined herein.
  • a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the manufacture of a medicament (e.g. pharmaceutical composition) for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of any of the diseases/conditions described herein in a mammal such as a human, e.g. for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of an inflammatory and/or allergic disease in a mammal such as a human.
  • a method of treatment and/or prophylaxis of any of the diseases/conditions described herein in a mammal (e.g. human) in need thereof e.g. a method of treatment and/or prophylaxis of an inflammatory and/or allergic disease in a mammal (e.g. human) in need thereof, which method comprises administering to the mammal (e.g. human) a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) as herein defined or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
  • chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema
  • asthma rhinitis (e.g. allergic and/or non-allergic rhinitis), atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, urticaria, allergic conjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, eosinophilic granuloma, inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. ulcerative colitis and/or Crohn's disease), or adult respiratory distress syndrome, in a mammal such as a human.
  • rhinitis e.g. allergic and/or non-allergic rhinitis
  • atopic dermatitis e.g. allergic and/or non-allergic rhinitis
  • psoriasis urticaria
  • allergic conjunctivitis urticaria
  • vernal conjunctivitis eosinophilic granul
  • the inflammatory and/or allergic disease can for example be chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, rhinitis (e.g. allergic and/or non-allergic rhinitis), atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, in a mammal (e.g. human).
  • COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • rhinitis e.g. allergic and/or non-allergic rhinitis
  • atopic dermatitis or psoriasis in a mammal (e.g. human).
  • the compound of formula (I) or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of COPD, asthma or rhinitis (e.g. allergic and/or non-allergic rhinitis), in a mammal (e.g. human).
  • PDE4 inhibitors for example cilomilast and roflumilast, are thought to be effective in the treatment of COPD.
  • PDE4 inhibitors for example cilomilast and roflumilast.
  • S. L. Wolda Emerging Drugs, 2000, 5(3), 309-319
  • Z. Huang et al. Current Opinion in Chemical Biology, 2001, 5:432-438
  • H. J. Dyke et al. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs , January 2002, 11(1), 1-13
  • C. Burnouf et al. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2002, 8(14), 1255-1296
  • A. M. Doherty Current Opinion Chem. Biol., 1999, 3(4), 466-473; A. M.
  • COPD is often characterised by the presence of airflow obstruction due to chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema (e.g., see S. L. Wolda, Emerging Drugs, 2000, 5(3), 309-319).
  • inhaled or parenteral administration to the mammal of the compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof can be used, preferably inhaled administration.
  • PDE4 inhibitors are thought to be effective in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of asthma (e.g. see M. A. Giembycz, Drugs , February 2000, 59(2), 193-212; Z. Huang et al., Current Opinion in Chemical Biology, 2001, 5: 432-438; H. J. Dyke et al., Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs , January 2002, 11(1), 1-13; C. Burnouf et al., Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2002, 8(14), 1255-1296; A. M. Doherty, Current Opinion Chem. Biol., 1999, 3(4), 466-473; P. J. Barnes, Nature Reviews—Drug Discovery , October 2004, 831-844; B. J. Lipworth, The Lancet, 2005, 365, 167-175; and references cited in the aforementioned publications).
  • the compound of formula (I) or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of rhinitis, such as allergic rhinitis (e.g. seasonal allergic rhinitis or perennial allergic rhinitis) and/or non-allergic rhinitis (e.g. vasomotor rhinitis or cold air rhinitis), in a mammal such as a human.
  • rhinitis e.g. seasonal allergic rhinitis or perennial allergic rhinitis
  • non-allergic rhinitis e.g. vasomotor rhinitis or cold air rhinitis
  • rhinitis such as allergic and/or non-allergic rhinitis
  • intranasal or parenteral administration of the compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is optionally used.
  • PDE4 inhibitors may be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (e.g. see H. J. Dyke et al., Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs , January 2002, 11(1), 1-13; C. Burnouf et al., Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2002, 8(14), 1255-1296; and A. M. Doherty, Current Opinion Chem. Biol., 1999, 3(4), 466-473; and references cited in these publications).
  • parenteral administration is optionally used for rheumatoid arthritis.
  • PDE4 inhibition has been suggested for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. ulcerative colitis and/or Crohn's disease), see K. H. Banner and M. A. Trevethick, Trends Pharmacol. Sci., August 2004, 25(8), 430-436.
  • inflammatory bowel disease e.g. ulcerative colitis and/or Crohn's disease
  • the treatment and/or prophylaxis is of atopic dermatitis in a mammal such as a human or pig, preferably in a human, in particular in a human aged 21 years or less, e.g. 18 years or less.
  • a mammal such as a human or pig
  • external topical administration to the mammal of the compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof e.g. topical administration to the skin e.g. to skin affected by the atopic dermatitis
  • inhaled administration is usually not suitable.
  • Atopic dermatitis has been proposed to include two general sub-classes: (1) an “allergic (extrinsic)” type of atopic dermatitis which generally occurs in the context of sensitization to environmental allergens and/or which is generally accompanied by elevated serum IgE levels; and (2) an “non-allergic (intrinsic)” type of atopic dermatitis generally with little or no detectable sensitization and/or generally with normal or low serum IgE levels (N. Novak et al., J. Allergy Clin. Immunol., 2003, 112, 252-262; and T. C. Roos et al., Drugs, 2004, 64(23), 2639-2666, see e.g.
  • the compound of formula (I) or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof can therefore be for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of allergic (extrinsic) atopic dermatitis and/or non-allergic (intrinsic) atopic dermatitis in a mammal (e.g. human or pig, preferably human).
  • a mammal e.g. human or pig, preferably human.
  • External topical administration means topical administration to an external body part (i.e. excluding, for example, the lung or mouth, but including the lips), preferably excluding the eye.
  • the compounds or salts of the present invention are usually administered as a pharmaceutical composition.
  • the present invention therefore provides in a further aspect a pharmaceutical composition
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or excipients.
  • the pharmaceutical composition can be for use in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of any of the conditions described herein, for example chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, rhinitis (e.g. allergic rhinitis), atopic dermatitis or psoriasis in a mammal (e.g. human).
  • COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • rhinitis e.g. allergic rhinitis
  • atopic dermatitis or psoriasis in a mammal (e.g. human).
  • the invention also provides a method of preparing a pharmaceutical composition
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I), as herein defined, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or excipients,
  • the invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition prepared by said method.
  • the compounds of formula (I) or salts thereof and/or the pharmaceutical composition may be administered, for example, by inhaled, intranasal, external topical (e.g. skin topical), parenteral (e.g. intravenous, subcutaneous, or intramuscular), or oral administration, for example to a mammal such as a human.
  • Inhaled administration involves topical administration to the lung e.g. by aerosol or dry powder composition.
  • the pharmaceutical composition can be suitable for (e.g. adapted for) inhaled, intranasal, external topical (e.g. skin topical), parenteral (e.g. intravenous, subcutaneous, or intramuscular), or oral administration, e.g. to a mammal such as a human.
  • the pharmaceutical composition can for example be suitable for inhaled, intranasal or external topical (e.g. skin topical) administration, e.g. to a mammal such as a human.
  • inhaled or intranasal administration in particular inhaled administration, is generally a preferred route of administration.
  • inhaled or intranasal administration is preferred for N- ⁇ [1,6-diethyl-4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]methyl ⁇ -4-( ⁇ 8-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino]octanoyl ⁇ amino)benzamide or a salt thereof such as the monohydrochloride salt thereof [e.g.
  • Example 1A2 dihydrochloride salt
  • Example 1B dihydrochloride salt
  • Example 1B 4-( ⁇ 1,6-diethyl-5-[( ⁇ [4-(4- ⁇ [4-(4-morpholinyl)butyl]oxy ⁇ butyl)phenyl]carbonyl ⁇ amino)methyl]-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-4-yl ⁇ amino)-1-piperidinecarboxamide or a salt thereof [e.g. which can be as prepared in Example 23 (formate salt) or Example 23A (“free base”)].
  • Oral administration is generally not a preferred route of administration.
  • the pharmaceutical composition can optionally be in unit dose form.
  • the unit dose form can for example be:
  • a rupturable or peel-openable sealed dose container containing a dry powder inhalable pharmaceutical composition e.g. a plurality of which are usually disposed inside a suitable inhalation device
  • a vial, ampoule or filled syringe for parenteral administration e.g. comprising a solution or suspension of the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt in a suitable carrier such as an aqueous carrier or e.g. containing a lyophilised parenteral pharmaceutical composition (the vial or ampoule can optionally be manufactured using a blow-fill-seal process); or
  • a tablet or capsule for oral administration e.g. for oral administration to a human.
  • the composition can be in a form adapted for the administration of varying amounts of composition as desired by the user, such as a spreadable or sprayable external topical composition such as a cream, an ointment, a gel, or a liquid.
  • a spreadable or sprayable external topical composition such as a cream, an ointment, a gel, or a liquid.
  • the compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof may typically be in a particle-size-reduced form, which may be prepared by conventional techniques, for example, micronisation and milling.
  • the size-reduced (e.g. micronised) compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof can be defined by a D 50 value of about 0.5 to 10 microns, such as of about 2 to 4 microns (for example as measured using laser diffraction).
  • compositions Suitable for Intranasal Administration are provided.
  • compositions comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof are suitable for intranasal administration.
  • a liquid vehicle such as an aqueous (liquid) vehicle is typically used.
  • the compound of formula (I) or the salt thereof can be present, for example, as a suspension in a liquid vehicle (e.g. as a suspension in an aqueous (liquid) vehicle) and/or as a solution for example as an aqueous solution.
  • compositions may optionally contain one or more suspending and/or thickening agents, one or more preservatives, one or more wetting and/or solublising agents and/or one or more isotonicity adjusting agents as desired.
  • Compositions suitable for intranasal administration may optionally further contain other excipients, such as antioxidants (for example sodium metabisulphite), taste-masking agents (such as menthol) and/or sweetening agents (for example dextrose, glycerol, saccharin and/or sorbitol).
  • a suspending and/or thickening agent if included, will typically be present in the intranasal composition in an amount of from about 0.05 to about 5% w/w or from about 0.1 to about 5% w/w, such as from about 0.05 to about 1% w/w (e.g. about 0.1 to about 0.5% w/w, e.g. about 0.2% w/w, e.g. for xanthan gum) or from about 1% to about 3% w/w, based on the total weight of the composition.
  • a suspending and/or thickening agent can include xanthan gum, microcrystalline cellulose (e.g. Avicel®), carboxymethylcellulose (e.g.
  • xanthan gum especially when the compound of formula (I) or the salt thereof is N- ⁇ [1,6-diethyl-4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]methyl ⁇ -4-( ⁇ 8-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino]octanoyl ⁇ amino)benzamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
  • Suspending agents may also be included in compositions suitable for inhaled or oral liquid administration, as appropriate.
  • intranasal compositions comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof may be protected from microbial or fungal contamination and growth by inclusion of a preservative.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable anti-microbial agents or preservatives may include quaternary ammonium compounds (e.g. benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, cetrimide and cetylpyridinium chloride), mercurial agents (e.g. phenylmercuric nitrate, phenylmercuric acetate and thimerosal), alcoholic agents (e.g. chlorobutanol, phenylethyl alcohol and benzyl alcohol), antibacterial esters (e.g.
  • the pharmaceutically acceptable anti-fungal agent or preservative can for example include potassium sorbate (e.g. 0.1% to 1% w/w, e.g. about 0.3% w/w) and/or disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA, also called disodium edetate) (e.g. 0.005% to 0.5% w/w, e.g.
  • the preservative if included, may be present in an amount of between about 0.001 and 1% (w/w), such as about 0.015% to 0.3% (w/w), based on the total weight of the composition. Preservatives may be included in compositions suitable for other routes of administration as appropriate.
  • compositions which contain a suspended medicament may include a pharmaceutically acceptable wetting agent which functions to wet the particles of medicament to facilitate dispersion thereof in a or the aqueous phase of the composition.
  • wetting agents include fatty alcohols, esters and ethers, such as polysorbate e.g. a polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate such as polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate (polysorbate 80).
  • the wetting agent may be present in intranasal compositions in an amount of between about 0.001 and 0.05% (w/w), for example about 0.025% (w/w), based on the total weight of the composition.
  • Wetting agents may be included in compositions suitable for other routes of administration, e.g. for inhaled administration, as appropriate.
  • Compositions can alternatively or additionally contain a solublising agent, which generally functions to maintain the compound of formula (I) or salt in solution (e.g. aqueous solution) and/or to reduce the amount of precipitation of said compound or salt from solution (e.g. aqueous solution) and/or to decrease the rate of precipitation of said compound or salt from solution (e.g. aqueous solution).
  • a solublising agent which generally functions to maintain the compound of formula (I) or salt in solution (e.g. aqueous solution) and/or to reduce the amount of precipitation of said compound or salt from solution (e.g. aqueous solution) and/or to decrease the rate of precipitation of said compound or salt from solution (e.g. aqueous solution).
  • Such a solublising agent can include a polysorbate, for example a polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate such as polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate (polysorbate 80) or polyoxyethylene 5 sorbitan monooleate (polysorbate 81), or polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20), or polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monopalmitate (polysorbate 40), or polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monostearate (polysorbate 60).
  • a polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate such as polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate (polysorbate 80) or polyoxyethylene 5 sorbitan monooleate (polysorbate 81), or polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20), or polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monopalmitate (polysorbate 40), or polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monostearate (polysorbate 60).
  • the solubilising agent can be present in intranasal compositions in an amount of from about 0.25% to about 10% (w/w) such as about 1% to about 10% (w/w), for example about 1% to about 5% (w/w), based on the total weight of the composition.
  • An isotonicity adjusting agent may be included to achieve isotonicity with body fluids e.g. fluids of the nasal cavity, resulting in reduced levels of irritancy.
  • the isotonicity adjusting agent can include sodium chloride, dextrose, xylitol or calcium chloride, in particular xylitol or dextrose.
  • An isotonicity adjusting agent may be included in intranasal compositions in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 10% w/w, such as from about 1% to about 10% w/w or from about 2% to about 10% w/w, e.g. about 4 to about 5% (w/w), based on the total weight of the composition.
  • Isotonicity adjusting agents may also be included in compositions suitable for other routes of administration, for example in compositions suitable for inhaled, oral liquid or parenteral administration, as appropriate.
  • a isotonicity adjusting agent of particular interest is xylitol, especially when the compound of formula (I) or the salt thereof is N- ⁇ [1,6-diethyl-4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]methyl ⁇ -4-( ⁇ 8-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino]octanoyl ⁇ amino)benzamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
  • the intranasal compositions comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof may be buffered by the addition of suitable buffering agents such as sodium citrate, citric acid, phosphates such as disodium phosphate (for example the dodecahydrate, heptahydrate, dihydrate and anhydrous forms) or sodium phosphate, or mixtures thereof, in particular sodium citrate and/or citric acid. Buffering agents may also be included in compositions suitable for other routes of administration as appropriate.
  • suitable buffering agents such as sodium citrate, citric acid, phosphates such as disodium phosphate (for example the dodecahydrate, heptahydrate, dihydrate and anhydrous forms) or sodium phosphate, or mixtures thereof, in particular sodium citrate and/or citric acid.
  • Buffering agents may also be included in compositions suitable for other routes of administration as appropriate.
  • compositions for administration topically to the nose or lung for example, for the treatment of rhinitis include pressurised aerosol compositions (e.g. for inhaled administration/topical to the lung administration) and aqueous compositions for delivery to the nasal cavities by pressurised pump.
  • Compositions which are non-pressurised and adapted to be administered topically to the nasal cavity are of particular interest. Suitable compositions contain water as the diluent or carrier for this purpose.
  • Aqueous compositions for administration to the lung or nose may be provided with excipients such as buffering agents, tonicity modifying agents and the like. Aqueous compositions may also be administered to the nose by nebulisation.
  • a fluid dispenser may typically be used to deliver a fluid composition to the nasal cavities.
  • the fluid composition may be aqueous or non-aqueous, but typically aqueous.
  • Such a fluid dispenser may have a dispensing nozzle or dispensing orifice through which a metered dose of the fluid composition is dispensed upon the application of a user-applied force to a pump mechanism of the fluid dispenser.
  • Such fluid dispensers are generally provided with a reservoir of multiple metered doses of the fluid composition, the doses being dispensable upon sequential pump actuations.
  • the dispensing nozzle or orifice may be configured for insertion into the nostrils of the user for spray dispensing of the fluid composition into the nasal cavity.
  • a fluid dispenser of the aforementioned type is described and illustrated in WO05/044354.
  • the dispenser has a housing which houses a fluid discharge device having a compression pump mounted on a container for containing a fluid composition.
  • the housing has at least one finger-operable side lever which is movable inwardly with respect to the housing to cam the container upwardly in the housing to cause the pump to compress and pump a metered dose of the composition out of a pump stem through a nasal nozzle of the housing.
  • the fluid dispenser is of the general type illustrated in FIGS. 30-40 of WO05/044354.
  • compositions suitable for (e.g. adapted for) inhaled administration can be in a particle-size-reduced form.
  • the size-reduced form can for example be obtained or obtainable by micronisation. Micronisation usually involves subjecting the compound/salt to collisional and/or abrasional forces in a fast-flowing circular or spiral/vortex-shaped airstream often including a cyclone component.
  • the particle size of the size-reduced (e.g. micronised) compound or salt can be defined by a D50 value of about 0.5 to about 10 microns, e.g. about 1 to about 7 microns or about 1 to about 5 microns (e.g.
  • the compound or salt of formula (I) can have a particle size defined by: a D10 of about 0.3 to about 3 microns (e.g. about 0.4 to about 2 microns, or about 0.5 to about 1 microns), and/or a D50 of about 0.5 to about 10 microns or about 1 to about 7 microns or (e.g. about 1 to about 5 microns or about 1.5 to about 5 microns or about 1.5 to about 4 microns), and/or a D90 of about 1 to about 30 microns or about 2 to about 20 microns or about 2 to about 15 microns or about 3 to about 15 microns (e.g. about 2 to about 10 microns or about 4 to about 10 microns); for example as measured using laser diffraction.
  • a D10 of about 0.3 to about 3 microns e.g. about 0.4 to about 2 microns, or about 0.5 to about 1 microns
  • D90, D50 and D10 respectively mean that 90%, 50% and 10% of the material is less than the micron size specified.
  • D50 is the median particle size.
  • DV90, DV50 and DV10 respectively mean that 90%, 50% and 10% by volume of the material is less than the micron size specified.
  • DM90, DM50 and DM10 respectively mean that 90%, 50% and 10% by weight of the material is less than the micron size specified.
  • Laser diffraction measurement of particle size can use a dry method (wherein a suspension of the compound/salt in an airflow crosses the laser beam) or a wet method [wherein a suspension of the compound/salt in a liquid dispersing medium, such as isooctane or ca. 0.05% lecithin in isooctane or (e.g. if compound is soluble in isooctane) 0.1% Tween 80 in water, crosses the laser beam].
  • particle size is preferably calculated using the Fraunhofer calculation; and/or preferably a Malvern Mastersizer or Sympatec apparatus is used for measurement.
  • particle size measurement and/or analysis by laser diffraction can use any or all of (e.g. all of) the following apparatus and/or conditions: a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 version apparatus, a dispersing medium of isooctane or ca. 0.05% lecithin in isooctane or ca. 0.1% Tween 80 in water, a stirring speed of ca. 1500-2500 rpm, ca. 30 seconds to ca. 3 mins (e.g. ca. 30 seconds) sonification prior to final dispersion and analysis, a 300 RF (Reverse Fourier) lens, and/or the Fraunhofer calculation with Malvern software.
  • a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 version apparatus e.g. a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 version apparatus
  • a dispersing medium of isooctane or ca. 0.05% lecithin in isooctane or ca. 0.1% Tween 80 in water e.g. all of a stirring speed of ca. 1500-2500 rpm
  • particle size measurement and/or analysis by laser diffraction can use any or all of (e.g. all of) the following apparatus and/or conditions: a Malvern Mastersizer longbed version apparatus, a dispersing medium of ca. 0.1% Tween 80 in water, a stirring speed of ca. 1500 rpm, ca. 3 mins sonification prior to final dispersion and analysis, a 300 RF (Reverse Fourier) lens, and/or the Fraunhofer calculation with Malvern software.
  • Micronisation Example Micronisation of a compound or salt of one of the Examples
  • Air tank with pressure resistant Micronizer reinforced tubing e.g. with 275 psi rate tubing
  • Analytical balance can e.g. be Sartorius Analytical Top loader balance can e.g. be Mettler PM400 or Sartorius L420P Digital Caliper can e.g. be VWR Electronic caliper Materials to be a compound or salt of one of the Examples micronised
  • the Jetpharma MC1 Micronizer comprises a horizontal disc-shaped milling housing having: a tubular compound inlet (e.g. angled at ca. 30 degrees to the horizontal) for entry of a suspension of unmicronised compound of formula (I) or salt in a gasflow, a separate gas inlet for entry of gases, a gas outlet for exit of gases, and a collection vessel (micronizer container) for collecting micronised material.
  • the milling housing has two chambers: (a) an outer annular chamber in gaseous connection with the gas inlet, the chamber being for receiving pressurised gas (e.g.
  • the compound inlet is in gaseous communication with the inner chamber via a nozzle directed tangentially to the inner chamber, within and near to the annular wall/ring R.
  • Upper and lower broad-diameter exit vents in the central axis of the inner milling chamber connect to (a) (lower exit) the collection vessel which has no air outlet, and (b) (upper exit) the gas outlet.
  • a venturi inlet (V) Inside and coaxial with the tubular compound inlet and longitudinally-movable within it is positioned a venturi inlet (V) for entry of gases.
  • the compound inlet also has a bifurcation connecting to an upwardly-directed material inlet port for inputting material.
  • the narrow head of the venturi inlet (V) is preferably positioned below and slightly forward of the material inlet port, so that when the venturi delivers pressurised gas (e.g. air or nitrogen) the feed material is sucked from the material inlet port into the gas stream through the compound inlet and is accelerated into the inner milling chamber tangentially at a subsonic speed. Inside the milling chamber the material is further accelerated to a supersonic speed by the hole/nozzle system around the ring (R) (annular wall) of the milling chamber. The nozzles are slightly angled so that the acceleration pattern of the material is in the form of an inwardly-directed vortex or cyclone.
  • pressurised gas e.g. air or nitrogen
  • the micronizer is assembled.
  • the narrow head of the venturi inlet is positioned below and slightly forward of the material inlet port and is measured with a micro-caliper to make sure that it is inserted correctly.
  • the grind (ring) (R) and venturi (V) pressures are adjusted according to the values specified in the experimental design (refer to experimental section below) by adjusting the valves on the pressure gauges on the micronizer.
  • the setup is checked for leakage by observing if there is any fluctuation in the reading of the pressure gauges.
  • venturi (V) pressure is kept at least about 2 bars greater than the grind (ring) (R) pressure to prevent regurgitation of material, e.g. outwardly from the material inlet port.
  • Balance performance can be checked with calibration weights. Specified amount of the parent material (input material) is fed manually, generally quite slowly, into the input container of the micronizer using a spatula. The input container plus material is weighed. The equipment pressure is monitored during the micronization process.
  • input material may be passed through a sieve/screen (e.g. a 600 micron screen) prior to micronisation in order to de-aggregate the input material, if appropriate or desirable.]
  • a sieve/screen e.g. a 600 micron screen
  • the nitrogen supply is shut off and the micronised material is allowed to settle into the micronizer container.
  • the Venturi pressure valve and the grind (ring) pressure valve can be closed.
  • the micronised powder in the micronizer container (collection vessel) and the cyclone (above the recovery vessel) are collected together into a pre-weighed and labelled collection vial. Any fine micronised material which may have collected in any filter sock, which may have been optionally placed in the upper gas outlet of the microniser, can optionally be tapped down into the collection vessel or cyclone.
  • the weight of the micronised material is recorded.
  • the input container is generally re-weighed in order to calculate the amount of input material by difference.
  • the micronizer can be disassembled and residual PDE4 compound on the micronizer inner surface can be rinsed e.g. with 70/30 isopropyl alcohol/water and collected into a flask. The micronizer can then be thoroughly cleaned, e.g. in a Lancer washing machine, and can be dried before subsequent runs are performed.
  • one example of suitable micronisation conditions is: Material input amount about 300 mg to about 1000 mg; Venturi Pressure (V) about 4 to about 10 bar (e.g. about 4-6 bar, e.g. about 4-5 bar); Grind (Ring) Pressure (R) about 2 to about 6 bar (e.g. about 2 bar). Material feed rate can optionally be from about 70 to about 200 mg/min.
  • % yield [(Material from collection vessel+Material from cyclone+optionally material from gas outlet)/Material input amount] ⁇ 100.
  • equant particles 282 mg of R 2 bar primary generally of micronised particles.
  • the about 2-4 material primary particle microns or less collected size is particle size generally about (e.g. generally 5 microns or about 2-3 less microns or less). Some of the primary particles are present as loose agglomerates
  • This final stage, micronising the screened material lasted 7 minutes.
  • the collected micronised material (282 g) appeared to be cohesive in nature, based on evidence of a residue on the venturi. There was some evidence of material present in the outlet; there was no major presence of material around the micronising ring.
  • Micronisation Example 3 The input material appeared to be reasonably free-flowing and not excessively aggregated or lumpy and so was not screened.
  • the grind pressure (R) was 2 bar and the initial venturi pressure (V) was 4 bar, and the input material was fed manually to the microniser quickly, in an attempt to reduce the risk of rapid and excessive micronisation.
  • the venturi pressure was increased to 5 bar, which cleared the powder in the feed funnel. There was no further recurrence of build-up/blockage in the feed funnel.
  • V Venturi Particle Size Particle Size Material Pressure
  • G gas pressure
  • laser laser micronised
  • g bar
  • V ca. 7 bar
  • divided G ca. 5 bar 77.8 microns 2.48 microns net weight into pre-sampling separate (about 90% 443 g and yield) 357 g lots)
  • the feed rate i.e. the rate of feeding of the input material via a rotating screw feed into the venturi inlet of the microniser
  • An automatic (not manual) feeder was used.
  • Inhaled administration involves topical administration to the lung, such as by aerosol or dry powder composition.
  • An aerosol formulation (aerosol composition), e.g. for inhaled administration, can be either a suspension or a solution.
  • Aerosol formulations can optionally comprise a solution or fine suspension of the compound of formula (I) or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (active substance) in a pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous or non-aqueous liquid (e.g. solvent).
  • a pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous or non-aqueous liquid e.g. solvent
  • An aerosol formulation (aerosol composition), e.g. for inhaled administration, generally can contain a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a suitable propellant (e.g. under pressure) such a suitable organic propellant such as a fluorocarbon or hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) or hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) or a mixture thereof.
  • a suitable organic propellant such as a fluorocarbon or hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) or hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) or a mixture thereof.
  • HFC hydrofluorocarbon
  • HFC hydrofluorocarbon
  • Other propellants include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) such as dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane or dichlorotetrafluoroethane.
  • An aerosol composition may optionally contain additional formulation excipient(s) such as a surfactant and/or a cosolvent.
  • a surfactant can include, but is not limited to, oleic acid, lecithin, an oligolactic acid or derivative e.g. as described in WO94/21229 and/or WO98/34596.
  • the cosolvent can for example comprise ethanol.
  • Aerosol formulations e.g. for inhaled administration, can be presented e.g. as a dosage form, e.g. in single or multidose quantities in sterile form in a sealed container, which can take the form of a cartridge or refill for use with an atomising device or inhaler.
  • the sealed container may be a unitary dispensing device such as a single dose nasal inhaler or an aerosol dispenser fitted with a metering valve (metered dose inhaler, or MDI) which is intended for disposal once the contents of the container have been exhausted.
  • the aerosol formulation dosage form can alternatively take the form of a pump-atomiser.
  • the pharmaceutical composition may for example be a dry powder inhalable composition.
  • Dry powder inhalable compositions may take the form of capsules and cartridges of, for example, gelatine, or blisters of, for example, laminated aluminium foil, for use in an inhaler or insufflator. Dry powder inhalable compositions may be formulated comprising a powder mix of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a suitable powder base such as lactose or starch.
  • a dry powder inhalable pharmaceutical composition can comprise a powder base such as lactose or starch, the compound of formula (I) or salt thereof (suitably in particle-size-reduced form, e.g. in micronised form), and optionally a ternary agent.
  • the ternary agent can for example comprise L-leucine, mannitol, trehalose, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate and/or cellobiose octaacetate (e.g. alpha-D-isomer of cellobiose octaacetate, e.g. available from Aldrich).
  • the ternary agent can in particular be magnesium stearate, e.g.
  • magnesium stearate present in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 2% w/w or from about 0.1% to about 1% w/w or from about 0.1% to about 0.5% w/w, such as from about 0.1% to about 0.25% w/w or from about 0.25% to about 1% w/w, for example about 0.5% w/w magnesium stearate.
  • magnesium stearate in dry powder inhalable compositions, see WO 00/28979 A1 (Skyepharma) and the corresponding publications U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,466 B1 and US 2004/0202616 A1; and/or see WO 00/53157 A1.
  • WO 03/088943 For cellobiose octaacetate and storage stability, see WO 03/088943.
  • the dry powder inhalable composition can comprise a dry powder blend of lactose and the compound of formula (I) or salt thereof.
  • the lactose can be lactose hydrate e.g. lactose monohydrate and/or can be inhalation-grade and/or fine-grade lactose.
  • the particle size of the lactose can for example be defined by 90% or more (by weight or by volume) of the lactose particles being less than 1000 microns (micrometres) (e.g. 10-1000 microns e.g. 30-1000 microns) in diameter, and/or 50% or more of the lactose particles being less than 500 microns (e.g. 10-500 microns) in diameter.
  • the particle size of the lactose can for example be defined by 90% or more of the lactose particles being less than 300 microns (e.g. 10-300 microns e.g. 50-300 microns) in diameter, and/or 50% or more of the lactose particles being less than 100 microns in diameter.
  • the particle size of the lactose can be defined by 90% or more of the lactose particles being less than 100-200 microns in diameter, and/or 50% or more of the lactose particles being less than 40-70 microns in diameter.
  • the particle size of the lactose can be about 2% to about 30% or about 3% to about 30% (e.g. 2% to 15%, or 7% to 11%, e.g.
  • lactose e.g. 10% fines (e.g. E9334), or 6% fines, or 7% fines, or 11% fines
  • Friesland Foods Domo formerly Borculo Domo Ingredients
  • Hanzeplein 25, 8017 JD Zwolle, Netherlands.
  • the compound of formula (I) or salt thereof can for example be present in about 0.1% to about 70% (e.g. about 0.1% to about 50%, about 0.1% to about 30%, or about 0.1% to about 20%, or about 0.1% to about 10%, such as about 0.4% to about 10%, e.g. about 1% to about 10%, e.g. about 1% to about 5%) by weight of the composition.
  • dry powder inhalable compositions follow:
  • a dry powder blend can, for example, be prepared by mixing the required amount of the compound/salt (e.g. 10 mg, 1% w/w) with inhalation-grade lactose containing 10% fines (e.g. 990 mg, 99% w/w) in a TeflonTM (polytetrafluoroethene) pot in a Mikro-dismembrator ball-mill (but without a ball bearing) at % speed (ca. 2000-2500 rpm) for about 4 hours at each blend concentration.
  • the compound/salt e.g. 10 mg, 1% w/w
  • inhalation-grade lactose containing 10% fines e.g. 990 mg, 99% w/w
  • TeflonTM polytetrafluoroethene
  • the Mikro-dismembrator (available from B. Braun Biotech International, Schwarzenberger Weg 73-79, D-34212 Melsungen, Germany; www.bbraunbiotech.com) comprises a base with an upwardly-projecting and sidewardly-vibratable arm to which is attached the TeflonTM pot. The vibration of the arm achieves blending.
  • blends can include: 10% w/w compound/salt (50 mg)+90% w/w lactose (450 mg, inhalation-grade lactose containing 10% fines).
  • Serial dilution of the 1% w/w blend can achieve e.g. 0.1% and 0.3% w/w blends.
  • the dry powder blend can, for example, be prepared by mixing (blending), in a high shear blender (such as an Aeromatic-Fielder Turbo Rapid Volume blender), the required amount of the compound/salt with inhalation-grade lactose, e.g. lactose (such as lactose monohydrate) containing from 2% to 15% w/w fines, such as 7% to 11% w/w fines.
  • a high shear blender such as an Aeromatic-Fielder Turbo Rapid Volume blender
  • lactose such as lactose monohydrate
  • dry powder inhalable compositons examples of the contents of these dry powder inhalable compositons are those which are in a dosage unit containing 12.5 mg total amount of dry powder inhalable composition, which can have different constituents as follows:
  • the micronised compound of formula (I) or salt thereof is preferably N- ⁇ [1,6-diethyl-4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl]methyl ⁇ -4-( ⁇ 8-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino]octanoyl ⁇ amino)benzamide or a salt thereof, such as the monohydrochloride salt thereof, e.g. the monohydrochloride Form 1 anhydrate thereof.
  • the above dry powder inhalable compositons (Dry Powder Composition Example 2(A) to 2(H)) can optionally be formed into a dosage unit as follows:
  • a pharmaceutical composition for inhaled administration can be incorporated into a plurality of sealed dose containers (e.g. containing the dry powder composition) mounted longitudinally in a strip or ribbon inside a suitable inhalation device.
  • the container can be rupturable or peel-openable on demand and the dose, e.g. of the dry powder composition, can be administered by inhalation via a device such as the DISKUSTM device, marketed by GlaxoSmithKline.
  • the DISKUSTM inhalation device can e.g. be substantially as described in GB 2,242,134 A.
  • At least one container for the pharmaceutical composition in powder form (the at least one container preferably being a plurality of sealed dose containers mounted longitudinally in a strip or ribbon) is defined between two members peelably secured to one another; the device comprises: means defining an opening station for the said at least one container; means for peeling the members apart at the opening station to open the container; and an outlet, communicating with the opened container, through which a user can inhale the pharmaceutical composition in powder form from the opened container.
  • compositions Suitable for External Topical Administration are provided.
  • a pharmaceutical composition of the invention can for example be suitable for (e.g. adapted for) external topical (e.g. skin topical) administration, for example to a mammal such as a human.
  • the pharmaceutical composition suitable for external topical administration can suitably be for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of atopic dermatitis in a mammal such as a human.
  • External topical administration is defined above under the “medical uses” section. External topical administration can for example be to those parts of the skin affected by or susceptible to the disease or condition e.g. atopic dermatitis, in particular in a mammal (e.g. human) suffering from or susceptible to atopic dermatitis.
  • An external-topical pharmaceutical composition e.g. skin topical pharmaceutical composition
  • the compound of formula (I) or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof can be present in 0.1% to 10%, such as 0.2% to 5%, or 0.5% to 5%, or 1% to 5%, or 0.5% to 3% (e.g. about 1% or about 2%), by weight of the composition (w/w).
  • the compound of formula (I) or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof can optionally be in a particle-size-reduced form, for example obtained or obtainable by micronisation.
  • This can be, for example, for use in a pharmaceutical composition suitable for (e.g. adapted for) external topical (e.g. skin topical) administration. See the Particle size reduction sub-section herein, within the Inhalable pharmaceutical compositions section, for more details.
  • a preliminary screen which can aim to estimate roughly the aqueous solubility of a compound or salt of the invention, can include (as an approximate summary): (i) creating a ca. 10 mM solution of the compound in DMSO, (ii) diluting a portion of this DMSO solution by mixing about 19 parts by volume of pH 7.4 aqueous phosphate buffered saline (PBS) buffer with 1 part by volume of the ca. 10 mM DMSO solution, (iii) “filtering” the mixture with the aid of centrifugation, and then (iv) measuring the concentration of the dissolved compound in the “filtrate”. Although some DMSO (about 5% by volume) is usually present in this solubility screen “filtrate”, the results can be a very approximate estimate of aqueous solubility, e.g. at room temperature.
  • Lipophilicity The clogP (calculated log of the octanol/water partition coefficient (P)) of a particular compound or salt of the invention can estimate the lipophilicity of the compound or salt.
  • an external-topical pharmaceutical composition e.g. an ointment or an oil-in-water cream or water-in-oil cream
  • the skin-penetration-enhancing- and/or solubilising-agent can for example be propylene glycol, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (e.g. TRANSCUTOLTM) and/or caprylocaproyl macrogolglycerides (e.g. LABRASOLTM), such as propylene glycol.
  • the solubiliser and/or skin-penetration enhancer suitably does not comprise DMSO.
  • the solubiliser and/or skin-penetration enhancer can be both a solubiliser and skin-penetration enhancer, and/or can for example be present in 0.5% to 50%, suitably 5% to 50%, more suitably 7% to 30%, for example 7% to 25%, such as about 10% to about 20% (e.g. about 10% or about 20%), by weight of the composition (w/w).
  • the skin-penetration enhancer is for delivery of the compound of formula (I) or salt thereof (“active agent” or “drug”) through the skin. Solubilization of the drug also helps.
  • the solubilising and/or skin-penetration-enhancing agents should ideally (a) be safe and/or tolerable, (b) have as low a potential for skin irritancy as possible consistent with being an effective skin penetration enhancer, and (c) be compatibile with the active pharmaceutical ingredient.
  • the agent can e.g. function both as a solubilising agent and a skin-penetration-enhancing agent.
  • An external-topical pharmaceutical composition e.g. an ointment or in particular an oil-in-water cream or water-in-oil cream, can include a surfactant (e.g. as an emulsifier), for example for achieving emulsification of compositions having two or more phases.
  • the total surfactant content can for example be 0.3% to 20%, e.g. 0.5% to 15% or 0.5% to 12% or 0.5% to 10% or 1% to 12% or 3% to 10%, by weight of the composition (w/w).
  • the surfactant can for example comprise a nonionic surfactant such as one or more of the following: a polyoxyl C 12-22 alkyl ether (e.g.
  • a polyoxyl C 12-18 alkyl ether such as polyoxyl cetyl ether or polyoxyl stearyl ether or polyoxyl lauryl ether
  • glycerol monostearate e.g. Arlacel 165TM
  • sorbitan monostearate e.g. Span 60TM
  • cetyl alcohol and/or stearyl alcohol e.g. cetostearyl alcohol, e.g. wherein the total of any cetyl alcohol and any stearyl alcohol present is 0.5% to 15% w/w, e.g. 1% to 10% w/w such as 2% to 10% w/w or 5% to 10% w/w.
  • Polyoxyl stearyl ether (steareth) can e.g.
  • polyoxyl 2-21 stearyl ether such as polyoxyl 2 stearyl ether (steareth-2), polyoxyl 10 stearyl ether (steareth-10), polyoxyl 20 stearyl ether (steareth-20) or polyoxyl 21 stearyl ether (steareth-21).
  • Polyoxyl cetyl ether (ceteth) can e.g. be a polyoxyl 2-20 cetyl ether such as ceteth-2, ceteth-10 or ceteth-20.
  • Polyoxyl alkyl ethers are also named polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers.
  • SDS sodium dodecyl sulfate
  • SDS present at 0.3% to 2% w/w such as 0.5% to 1.5% w/w.
  • Ointments and creams can be an ointment or an oil-in-water cream or water-in-oil cream.
  • the ointment or cream typically contains an oil phase (oily ointment base).
  • the oil phase (ointment base) typically comprises an oil and/or a fat, suitably of a consistency suitable for skin-spreadability.
  • an oil comprising or being white soft paraffin (white petrolatum) and/or a mineral oil (such as liquid paraffin) can be used.
  • white soft paraffin white petrolatum
  • the white soft paraffin (white petrolatum) can be of various grades, for example (for Penreco supplier) Penreco Regent White grade, Penreco Snow White grade, or Penreco Ultima White grade, in particular high melting point white soft paraffin (e.g. of Penreco Ultima White grade).
  • Microcrystalline wax or beeswax or beeswax substitute can be used as an oil/fat in the oil phase.
  • one or more fats like straight or branched chain mono- or di-alkyl esters such as isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, diisopropyl adipate, isocetyl stearate, isostearyl isostearate, decyl oleate, butyl stearate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, propylene glycol diester of coconut fatty acids, or a mixed ester of 2-ethyl hexanoic acid with a blend of cetyl or stearyl alcohols (e.g. known as Crodamol CAP), may be used in the oil phase (some of these are also solubilisers and/or surfactants). These may be used singly or in combination depending on the properties required.
  • solubilisers and/or surfactants e.g. known as Crodamol CAP
  • oil phase (oily ointment base) can for example be present at:
  • an external-topical pharmaceutical composition can be an ointment comprising:
  • the oil phase or composition can suitably comprise white petrolatum present at 25% to 99.5% w/w or 45% to 99% w/w or 55% to 85% w/w (i.e. by weight of the composition).
  • the oil phase or composition can comprise mineral oil (e.g. as solubiliser and emollient) present at 2.5% to 25% w/w such as 4% to 20% w/w (i.e. by weight of the composition)].
  • the ointment can optionally comprise one or more surfactants (e.g. polyoxyl stearyl ether, polyoxyl cetyl ether or cetostearyl alcohol) present in total at 0.5% to 10% w/w or 3% to 10% w/w.
  • surfactants e.g. polyoxyl stearyl ether, polyoxyl cetyl ether or cetostearyl alcohol
  • the ointment can optionally comprise one or more agents acting as a skin-penetration enhancer (in particular acting as both a solubiliser and skin-penetration enhancer and/or in particular hydrophilic such as propylene glycol) present in total at 0.5% to 50% w/w, such as 5% to 50% w/w or 7% to 30% w/w.
  • a skin-penetration enhancer in particular acting as both a solubiliser and skin-penetration enhancer and/or in particular hydrophilic such as propylene glycol
  • the ointment can optionally comprise (a) one or more antioxidants (e.g. butylated hydroxyanisole), e.g. present in total at 0.001% to 2% w/w such as 0.02% to 2% w/w; and/or (b) one or more preservatives, e.g. present in total at 0.01% to 4% w/w such as 0.05% to 1% w/w (e.g. methylparaben present at 0.05% to 2% w/w and/or propylparaben present at 0.01% to 2% w/w).
  • antioxidants e.g. butylated hydroxyanisole
  • preservatives e.g. present in total at 0.01% to 4% w/w such as 0.05% to 1% w/w (e.g. methylparaben present at 0.05% to 2% w/w and/or propylparaben present at 0.01% to 2% w/w).
  • the above example ointment composition can optionally be a homogeneous single phase.
  • the oil phase e.g. when using propylene glycol or another hydrophilic solubiliser and penetration enhancer
  • the oil phase (oily ointment base) and a hydrophilic phase containing the hydrophilic solubiliser and penetration enhancer e.g. propylene-glycol-containing phase
  • a hydrophilic phase containing the hydrophilic solubiliser and penetration enhancer e.g. propylene-glycol-containing phase
  • Ointment compositions having two phases can optionally be prepared using an emulsification process whereby the hydrophilic phase (e.g. propylene-glycol-containing phase) and oil phase are first prepared in separate vessels.
  • the hydrophilic phase can optionally contain a penetration enhancer such as propylene glycol, and optionally some or all of the compound of formula (I) or salt thereof.
  • the oil phase can optionally contain a surfactant.
  • Temperatures of both phases are maintained at elevated temperatures, such as about 55-90° C. or in particular from above 70 to 90° C., the oil phase temperature being sufficiently high (e.g. from above 70 to 90° C.) to melt the oil phase. While hot, one phase is added to another while mixing, e.g.
  • a high shear mixer to effect emulsification, e.g. keeping the temperature above 70° C. such as from above 70 to 90° C.
  • the resulting ointment emulsion is allowed to cool, e.g. to about 15-35° C. such as to about 18-30° C., in particular while the agitation continues e.g. at lower speeds.
  • the ointment emulsion can then optionally be dispensed from the manufacturing vessel and filled into primary packaging, for example tubes or sachets.
  • an ointment can comprise a polyethylene glycol base, e.g. present at 25% to 99% w/w such as 50% to 98% w/w, instead of or as well as an oily ointment base.
  • a polyethylene glycol base e.g. present at 25% to 99% w/w such as 50% to 98% w/w, instead of or as well as an oily ointment base.
  • An external-topical pharmaceutical composition can be a cream, e.g. a water-in-oil cream or an oil-in-water cream. Creams can sometimes be more fluid than ointments, can sometimes provide more moisture, and hence may in principle in certain cases allow for improved and/or good efficacy in patients with atopic dermatitis.
  • Water-in-oil creams usually have an increased aqueous content compared to ointments.
  • the water-in-oil cream can be a water-in-oil cream emulsion. That is, in particular, in the water-in-oil cream, an oil phase and an aqueous phase can have been emulsified to form a water-in-oil cream emulsion.
  • an external-topical pharmaceutical composition can be a water-in-oil cream (e.g. cream emulsion) comprising:
  • Oil-in-water creams usually have an increased aqueous content compared to ointments and water-in-oil creams.
  • the oil-in-water cream can be an oil-in-water cream emulsion. That is, preferably, in the oil-in-water cream, an oil phase and an aqueous phase have been emulsified to form an oil-in-water cream emulsion.
  • oil-in-water creams are high-occlusion creams, wherein, after topical administration to the skin, moisture loss from the skin and/or from the cream is reduced or limited by means of sufficiently high coverage of the skin and/or by providing a sufficient barrier at the site of application.
  • the oil-in-water cream can contain one or more emollients (hydrating agents), such as silicones (e.g. dimethicone, e.g. dimethicone 360 or dimethicone 20), a high-viscosity wax such as microcrystalline wax, and/or mineral oil.
  • emollients such as silicones (e.g. dimethicone, e.g. dimethicone 360 or dimethicone 20), a high-viscosity wax such as microcrystalline wax, and/or mineral oil.
  • emollients e.g. dimethicone, e.g. dimethicone 360 or dimethicone 20
  • a high-viscosity wax such as microcrystalline wax
  • mineral oil e.g., mineral oil
  • a sufficiently high water content is also preferred, for example wherein the water is present in 15% to 60% w/w, 20% to 50% w/w, or 25% to 40% w/w.
  • an external-topical pharmaceutical composition can be an oil-in-water cream (e.g. cream emulsion) comprising:
  • the oil phase in particular can comprise mineral oil (e.g. as emollient and solubiliser) present at 15% to 50% w/w or 20% to 45% w/w (i.e. by weight of the composition), and/or comprises a high-viscosity wax such as microcrystalline wax (e.g. as emollient) present at 5% to 25% w/w such as 8% to 15% w/w, and/or comprises a silicone (such as dimethicone e.g. dimethicone 360 or dimethicone 20, e.g. as emollient) present at 0.5% to 20% such as 0.5% to 10% or 1% to 5% w/w.
  • mineral oil e.g. as emollient and solubiliser
  • a high-viscosity wax such as microcrystalline wax (e.g. as emollient) present at 5% to 25% w/w such as 8% to 15% w/w
  • silicone such as dimethicone e
  • the one or more surfactants can in particular comprise: glycerol monostearate present at 0.5% to 10% w/w, and/or sorbitan monostearate present at 0.05% to 10% w/w, and/or [cetyl alcohol and/or stearyl alcohol] present in total at 0.1% to 15% or 1 to 10% w/w.
  • Cream emulsions e.g. water-in-oil or oil-in-water cream emulsions
  • an aqueous phase is prepared, e.g. prepared before emulsification.
  • the aqueous phase usually contains water and a solubiliser and/or skin-penetration enhancer such as propylene glycol, and optionally contains some or all of the compound of formula (I) or salt thereof, and/or optionally contains surfactant.
  • the oil phase e.g. containing white petrolatum and/or mineral oil, and/or optionally containing surfactant, can be prepared in a separate vessel. Temperatures of both phases are maintained at elevated temperatures, such as about 55-90° C.
  • the oil phase temperature being sufficiently high (e.g. from above 70 to 90° C.) to melt the oil phase.
  • one phase is added to another while mixing, e.g. using a high shear mixer, to effect emulsification, in particular keeping the temperature above 70° C. such as from above 70 to 90° C.
  • the resulting emulsion is allowed to cool, e.g. to about 15-35° C. such as to about 18-30° C., in particular while the agitation continues e.g. at lower speeds.
  • the cream emulsion can then optionally be dispensed from the manufacturing vessel and filled into primary packaging, for example tubes or sachets.
  • a pharmaceutical composition of the invention suitable for external topical administration can be administered once daily, twice daily or more than twice daily, to external body part(s), e.g. on the skin such as at a site of diseased skin, e.g. skin suffering from atopic dermatitis.
  • compositions Suitable for Parenteral or Oral Administration are provided.
  • a pharmaceutical composition suitable for (e.g. adapted for) parenteral (e.g. intravenous, subcutaneous, or intramuscular) administration can comprise a solution or suspension of the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt in a sterile pharmaceutically and parenterally acceptable aqueous liquid carrier (e.g. sterile water or a sterile aqueous solution) or in a parenterally acceptable oil.
  • a sterile pharmaceutically and parenterally acceptable aqueous liquid carrier e.g. sterile water or a sterile aqueous solution
  • an aqueous solution can be lyophilised to prepare the parenteral composition.
  • a lyophilised pharmaceutical composition suitable for (e.g. adapted for) parenteral administration may, in use, optionally be reconstituted with a suitable solvent, e.g. sterile water or a sterile parenterally acceptable aqueous solution, just prior to administration.
  • a pharmaceutical composition suitable for (e.g. adapted for) parenteral administration may
  • a pharmaceutical composition suitable for oral administration can be liquid or solid; for example it can be a syrup, suspension or emulsion, a tablet, a capsule or a lozenge.
  • a liquid formulation can generally consist of a suspension or solution of the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt in a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable liquid carrier(s), for example an aqueous solvent such as water, aqueous ethanol or aqueous glycerine, or a non-aqueous solvent, such as polyethylene glycol or an oil.
  • a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable liquid carrier(s) for example an aqueous solvent such as water, aqueous ethanol or aqueous glycerine, or a non-aqueous solvent, such as polyethylene glycol or an oil.
  • the formulation may also contain a suspending agent, preservative, flavouring and/or colouring agent.
  • the pharmaceutical composition is in unit dose form, such as a tablet or capsule for oral administration, e.g. for oral administration to a human.
  • a pharmaceutical composition suitable for oral administration being a tablet can comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or excipients suitable for preparing tablet formulations.
  • the carrier can for example be or include lactose, cellulose (for example microcrystalline cellulose), or mannitol.
  • the tablet can also or instead contain one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, for example a binding agent such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose or povidone (polyvinylpyrrolidone), a lubricant e.g. an alkaline earth metal stearate such as magnesium stearate, and/or a tablet disintegrant such as sodium starch glycollate, croscarmellose sodium, or crospovidone (cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone).
  • a binding agent such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose or povidone (polyvinylpyrrolidone)
  • a lubricant e.g. an alkaline earth metal stearate such as magnesium stearate
  • the pharmaceutical composition being a tablet can be prepared by a method comprising the steps of: (i) mixing the compound of formula (I), as herein defined, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, with the one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or excipients, (ii) compressing the resulting mixture (which is usually in powder form) into tablets, and (iii) optionally coating the tablet with a tablet film-coating material.
  • a pharmaceutical composition suitable for oral administration being a capsule can be prepared using encapsulation procedures.
  • pellets or powder containing the active ingredient can be prepared using a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and then filled into a hard gelatin capsule.
  • a dispersion or suspension can be prepared using any suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, for example an aqueous gum or an oil and the dispersion or suspension then filled into a soft gelatin capsule.
  • the pharmaceutical composition can optionally be in unit dose form.
  • the unit dose form can for example be:
  • a rupturable or peel-openable sealed dose container containing a dry powder inhalable pharmaceutical composition e.g. a plurality of which are usually disposed inside a suitable inhalation device
  • a vial, ampoule or filled syringe for parenteral administration e.g. comprising a solution or suspension of the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt in a suitable carrier such as an aqueous carrier or e.g. containing a lyophilised parenteral pharmaceutical composition (the vial or ampoule can optionally be manufactured using a blow-fill-seal process); or
  • a tablet or capsule for oral administration e.g. for oral administration to a human.
  • a or each dosage unit for inhaled or intranasal administration can for example contain from 0.005 to 10 mg, such as 0.005 to 7.5 mg (e.g. 0.01 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.5 mg or 1 mg), for example 0.02 to 2 mg (e.g. 0.05 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.4 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.875 mg or 1 mg) or 0.05 to 2 mg (e.g. 0.05 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.4 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.875 mg or 1 mg), of a compound (e.g. of formula (I)) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, calculated as the free base.
  • a or each dosage unit for oral or parenteral administration can for example contain from 0.02 to 1000 mg, such as 0.2 to 350 mg, of a compound (e.g. of formula (I)) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, calculated as the free base.
  • a compound, e.g. of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof of the invention can, for example, be administered to a human in a total daily inhaled or intranasal dose of: 0.005 to 10 mg per day, or 0.02 to 7.5 mg per day, or 0.05 to 7.5 mg per day, or 0.05 to 4 mg per day (e.g. 1 mg per day), or 0.25 to 2 mg per day, of the compound (e.g. of formula (I)) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, calculated as the free base.
  • These total daily doses can be administered as a single dose once daily, or can represent the summation of two or more separate doses administered at different times of the day (e.g. two doses per day administered every ca. 12 hours).
  • These total daily doses can e.g. be for administration to an adult human e.g. of 50-120 kg or 60-100 kg body weight.
  • a human inhaled or intranasal dosage regimen of 0.05 to 2 mg (e.g. 0.05 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.4 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.875 mg or 1 mg) of the compound or the salt thereof once or twice per day, or 0.2 to 2 mg (e.g. 0.4 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.875 mg or 1 mg) once or twice per day, calculated as the free base, can optionally be administered to a human, for example in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of COPD, asthma or rhinitis (e.g. allergic or non-allergic rhinitis) in the human.
  • a compound, e.g. of formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof of the invention is optionally, for example, administered to a human (e.g. adult human) in a total daily parenteral or oral dose of 0.02 mg to 1000 mg per day or 0.2 to 350 mg per day of the compound (e.g. of formula (I)) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, calculated as the free base.
  • a human e.g. adult human
  • a pharmaceutical composition suitable for (e.g. adapted for) external topical administration e.g. an ointment or an oil-in-water or water-in-oil composition
  • the compound of formula (I) or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof can be present in 0.1% to 10%, such as 0.2% to 5%, or 0.5% to 5%, or 0.5% to 3%, by weight of the composition (w/w).
  • an external-topical pharmaceutical composition can be administered once daily, twice daily or more than twice daily, to external body part(s), e.g. to the skin such as at a site of diseased skin.
  • the amount administered is usually such as substantially to cover the site(s) of diseased skin.
  • the compounds, salts and/or pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention may also be used in combination with another therapeutically active agent, for example, a ⁇ 2 adrenoreceptor agonist, an anticholinergic compound (e.g. muscarinic (M) receptor antagonist), an anti-histamine, an anti-allergic, an anti-inflammatory agent, an antiinfective agent or an immunosuppressant.
  • a ⁇ 2 adrenoreceptor agonist e.g. muscarinic (M) receptor antagonist
  • an anti-histamine e.g. muscarinic (M) receptor antagonist
  • an anti-histamine e.g. muscarinic (M) receptor antagonist
  • an anti-histamine e.g. muscarinic (M) receptor antagonist
  • an anti-histamine e.g. muscarinic (M) receptor antagonist
  • an anti-histamine e.g. muscarinic (M) receptor antagonist
  • the invention thus provides, in a further aspect, a combination comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof together with another therapeutically active agent, for example, a muscarinic (M) receptor antagonist, a ⁇ 2 -adrenoreceptor agonist (beta-2 adrenoreceptor agonist), an anti-histamine, an anti-allergic, an anti-inflammatory agent, an antiinfective agent or an immunosuppressant.
  • M muscarinic
  • a ⁇ 2 -adrenoreceptor agonist beta-2 adrenoreceptor agonist
  • an anti-histamine an anti-allergic
  • an anti-inflammatory agent an antiinfective agent or an immunosuppressant.
  • the invention also provides, in a further preferred aspect, a combination comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof together with a muscarinic (M) receptor antagonist.
  • the muscarinic (M) receptor antagonist can be an M 1 , M 2 , M 1 /M 2 , or M 3 receptor antagonist, such as a M 3 receptor antagonist, in particular a M 3 receptor antagonist which selectively antagonises (e.g. antagonises 10 times or more strongly) the M 3 receptor over the M 1 and/or M 2 receptor.
  • M 3 receptor antagonist selectively antagonises (e.g. antagonises 10 times or more strongly) the M 3 receptor over the M 1 and/or M 2 receptor.
  • the muscarinic receptor antagonist can comprise or be an ipratropium salt (e.g. ipratropium bromide), an oxitropium salt (e.g. oxitropium bromide), or more preferably a tiotropium salt (e.g. tiotropium bromide); see e.g. EP 418 716 A1 for tiotropium.
  • ipratropium salt e.g. ipratropium bromide
  • an oxitropium salt e.g. oxitropium bromide
  • tiotropium salt e.g. tiotropium bromide
  • Muscarinic antagonists which can be optionally used in the combination of the present invention include a compound (including a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof) defined by claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 of WO 2005/037280 A1. These compounds are stated or implied as being muscarinic (e.g. M 3 ) acetylcholine receptor antagonists.
  • Muscarinic antagonists which can be optionally used in the combination of the present invention include those disclosed in WO 2005/037280, WO 2005/046586 and WO 2005/104745.
  • the muscarinic antagonist can be:
  • the muscarinic (M) receptor antagonist e.g. M 3 receptor antagonist
  • M 3 receptor antagonist is preferably for inhaled administration, more preferably in particle-size-reduced form e.g. as defined herein. More preferably, both the muscarinic (M) receptor antagonist and the compound of formula (I) or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof are for inhaled administration.
  • the muscarinic receptor antagonist and the compound of formula (I) or salt are for simultaneous administration.
  • the muscarinic receptor antagonist combination is preferably for treatment and/or prophylaxis of COPD.
  • the combination includes a ⁇ 2 -adrenoreceptor agonist (beta-2 adrenoreceptor agonist) being salmeterol (e.g. as racemate or a single enantiomer such as the R-enantiomer), salbutamol, formoterol, salmefamol, fenoterol, carmoterol, indacaterol or terbutaline, or a salt thereof (e.g. pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof), for example the xinafoate salt of salnieterol, the sulphate salt or free base of salbutamol or the fumarate salt of formoterol.
  • a ⁇ 2 -adrenoreceptor agonist being salmeterol (e.g. as racemate or a single enantiomer such as the R-enantiomer), salbutamol, formoterol, salmefamol, fenoterol, carmoterol, indacaterol or terbutaline,
  • ⁇ 2-adrenoreceptor agonists are preferred, especially those having a therapeutic effect over a 12-24 hour period such as salmeterol or formoterol.
  • the ⁇ 2-adrenoreceptor agonist is for inhaled administration, e.g. once per day and/or for simultaneous inhaled administration; and more preferably the ⁇ 2-adrenoreceptor agonist is in particle-size-reduced form e.g. as defined herein.
  • the ⁇ 2 -adrenoreceptor agonist combination is for treatment and/or prophylaxis of COPD or asthma.
  • Salmeterol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, e.g. salmeterol xinofoate can be administered to humans at an inhaled dose of 25 to 50 micrograms twice per day (measured as the free base).
  • ⁇ 2 -adrenoreceptor agonists e.g. long acting ⁇ 2 -adrenoreceptor agonists for use in the combination include those described in WO 02/066422A, WO 03/024439, WO 02/070490, WO 02/076933, WO 03/072539, WO 03/091204, WO 2004/016578, WO2004/022547, WO 2004/037807, WO 2004/037773, WO 2004/037768, WO 2004/039762, and WO 2004/039766.
  • long-acting ⁇ 2 -adrenoreceptor agonists can include compounds of formula (XX) (described in WO 02/066422);
  • m X is an integer of from 2 to 8
  • n X is an integer of from 3 to 11, with the proviso that m X +n X is 5 to 19,
  • R 11X is —XSO 2 NR 16X R 17X wherein X is —(CH 2 ) p X — or C 2-6 alkenylene;
  • R 16X and R 17X are independently selected from hydrogen, C 1-6 alkyl, C 3-7 cycloalkyl, C(O)NR 18X R 19X , phenyl, and phenyl (C 1-4 alkyl)-, or R 16X and R 17X , together with the nitrogen to which they are bonded, form a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered nitrogen containing ring, and
  • R 16X and R 17X are each optionally substituted by one or two groups selected from halo, C 1-6 alkyl, C 1-6 haloalkyl, C 1-6 alkoxy
  • Suitable ⁇ 2 -adrenoreceptor agonists disclosed in WO 02/066422 include:
  • a preferred ⁇ 2 -adrenoreceptor agonist disclosed in WO 03/024439 is:
  • ⁇ 2-adrenoreceptor agonist disclosed in WO 2004/037773 is:
  • An anti-histamine usable in a combination of a compound of formula (I) or salt can for example be for oral administration (e.g. this can be as a separately-administrable tablet), and can be for treatment and/or prophylaxis of allergic rhinitis.
  • anti-histamines for oral administration include methapyrilene, or H 1 antagonists such as cetirizine, loratadine (e.g. ClaritynTM), desloratadine (e.g. ClarinexTM) or fexofenadine (e.g. AllegraTM).
  • An anti-histamine usable in a combination of a compound of formula (I) or salt can for example be for intranasal administration.
  • An anti-histamine for intranasal administration can e.g. be azelastine or a salt thereof (e.g. azelastine hydrochloride, e.g. 0.1% w/v aqueous solution), or levocabastine or a salt thereof (e.g. levocabastine hydrochloride).
  • the anti-histamine olopatadine e.g. as olopatadine HCl
  • eye drops e.g. as eye drops.
  • a combination comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof together with another anti-inflammatory agent such as an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid; or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as a leukotriene antagonist (e.g. montelukast), an iNOS inhibitor, a tryptase inhibitor, a elastase inhibitor, a beta-2 integrin antagonist, a adenosine 2a agonist, or a 5-lipoxogenase inhibitor; or an antiinfective agent (e.g. an antibiotic or an antiviral).
  • a leukotriene antagonist e.g. montelukast
  • an iNOS inhibitor e.g. montelukast
  • iNOS inhibitor e.g. montelukast
  • tryptase inhibitor e.g. a tryptase inhibitor
  • a elastase inhibitor a beta
  • iNOS inhibitors inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors
  • examples of iNOS inhibitors include those disclosed in WO 93/13055, WO 98/30537, WO 02/50021, WO 95/34534 and WO 99/62875.
  • the anti-inflammatory corticosteroid can be fluticasone propionate (e.g. see U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,121), beclomethasone 17-propionate ester, beclomethasone 17,21-dipropionate ester, dexamethasone or an ester thereof, mometasone or an ester thereof (e.g.
  • mometasone furoate is a compound as described in WO 02/12266 A1 (e.g. as claimed in any of claims 1 to 22 therein), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of any of the above.
  • the anti-inflammatory corticosteroid is a compound as described in WO 02/12266 A1, then it can be Example 1 therein ⁇ which is 6 ⁇ ,9 ⁇ -difluoro-17 ⁇ -[(2-furanylcarbonyl)oxy]-11 ⁇ -hydroxy-16 ⁇ -methyl-3-oxo-androsta-1,4-diene-17 ⁇ -carbothioic acid S-fluoromethyl ester ⁇ or Example 41 therein ⁇ which is 6 ⁇ ,9 ⁇ -difluoro-11 ⁇ -hydroxy-16 ⁇ -methyl-17 ⁇ -[(4-methyl-1,3-thiazole-5-carbonyl)oxy]-3-oxo-androsta-1,4-diene-17 ⁇ -carbothioic acid S-fluoromethyl ester ⁇ , or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
  • the anti-inflammatory corticosteroid can for example be for inhaled, intranasal or external topical administration.
  • Fluticasone propionate can be used and is preferably for inhaled administration to a human either (a) at a dose of 250 micrograms once per day or (b) at a dose of 50 to 250 micrograms twice per day.
  • the betamethasone valerate can be present at from about 0.025% to about 0.1% w/w in an externally-topically-administrable composition such as a cream or ointment.
  • the clobetasol propionate can be present at about 0.0525% w/w or about 0.05% w/w in an externally-topically-administrable composition such as a cream or ointment.
  • a combination comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof together with ⁇ 2 -adrenoreceptor agonist and an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid, for example as described in WO 03/030939 A1.
  • this combination is for treatment and/or prophylaxis of asthma, COPD or allergic rhinitis.
  • the ⁇ 2 -adrenoreceptor agonist and/or the anti-inflammatory corticosteroid can be as described above and/or as described in WO 03/030939 A1.
  • the ⁇ 2-adrenoreceptor agonist can for example be salmeterol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (e.g. salmeterol xinafoate), and the anti-inflammatory corticosteroid can for example be fluticasone propionate.
  • combinations in particular for external topical administration (e.g. versus atopic dermatitis), include, for example, a combination comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof together with an immunosuppressant, e.g. a calcineurin inhibitor such as pimecrolimus or tacrolimus.
  • an immunosuppressant e.g. a calcineurin inhibitor such as pimecrolimus or tacrolimus.
  • the immunosuppressant can in particular be an externally-topically administrable immunosuppressant such as pimecrolimus (e.g. pimecrolimus at ca. 1% w/w concentration in a topical composition such as a cream, and/or e.g. ElidelTM) or tacrolimus (e.g.
  • the externally-topically administrable immunosuppressant can be administered or administrable in a external-topical composition separately from the compound or salt of the invention, or it can be contained with the compound of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salt in a combined externally-topically-administrable composition.
  • the anti-infective agent can include (e.g. be) an externally-topically-administrable antibacterial, such as mupiricin or a salt thereof (e.g. mupirocin calcium salt) (e.g. BactrobanTM) or such as an externally-topically-administrable pleuromutilin antibacterial (e.g.
  • the anti-infective agent can include an externally-topically-administrable antifungal such as clotrimazole (e.g. at about 1% to about 10% w/w or at about 1% to about 2% w/w in a topical composition), or ketoconazole, or terbinafine (e.g. as HCl salt and/or at about 1% w/w).
  • an externally-topically-administrable antifungal such as clotrimazole (e.g. at about 1% to about 10% w/w or at about 1% to about 2% w/w in a topical composition), or ketoconazole, or terbinafine (e.g. as HCl salt and/or at about 1% w/w).
  • a combination with an anti-itch compound may optionally be used.
  • compositions comprising a combination as defined above together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or excipients represent a further aspect of the invention.
  • the individual compounds of such combinations may be administered either sequentially or simultaneously in separate or combined pharmaceutical composition.
  • the combination as defined herein can be for simultaneous inhaled administration and is disposed in a combination inhalation device.
  • a combination inhalation device is another aspect of the invention.
  • Such a combination inhalation device can comprise a combined pharmaceutical composition for simultaneous inhaled administration (e.g. dry powder composition), the composition comprising all the individual compounds of the combination, and the composition being incorporated into a plurality of sealed dose containers mounted longitudinally in a strip or ribbon inside the inhalation device, the containers being rupturable or peel-openable on demand; for example such inhalation device can be substantially as described in GB 2,242,134 A (DISKUSTM) and/or as described above.
  • DISKUSTM substantially as described in GB 2,242,134 A
  • the combination inhalation device can be such that the individual compounds of the combination are administrable simultaneously but are stored separately (or wholly or partly stored separately for triple combinations), e.g. in separate pharmaceutical compositions, for example as described in PCT/EP03/00598 filed on 22 Jan. 2003, published as WO 03/061743 A1 (which discloses a medicament dispenser for use with plural elongate form medicament carriers, each having multiple distinct medicament dose portions carried thereby, e.g. as described in the claims thereof e.g. claim 1 ) and/or WO 2007/012871 A1 (which discloses a medicament dispenser for use with at least one medicament carrier carrying multiple distinct medicament portions, e.g. as described in the claims thereof e.g. claim 1 ).
  • the invention also provides a method of preparing a combination as defined herein,
  • the invention also provides a combination as defined herein, prepared by a method as defined herein.
  • the biological activity of the compounds or salts of the invention can be measured in the assay methods shown below, or in generally similar or generally analogous assay methods.
  • PDE4 inhibitors i.e. they inhibit PDE4 (e.g. PDE4B) more strongly than they inhibit PDE3 and/or more strongly than they inhibit PDE5 and/or more strongly than they inhibit PDE6. It is to be recognised that such selectivity is not essential to the invention.
  • Human recombinant PDE4B in particular the 2B splice variant thereof (HSPDE4B2B), is disclosed in WO 94/20079 and also M. M. McLaughlin et al., “A low Km, rolipram-sensitive, cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase from human brain: cloning and expression of cDNA, biochemical characterisation of recombinant protein, and tissue distribution of mRNA”, J. Biol. Chem., 1993, 268, 6470-6476.
  • human recombinant PDE4B is described as being expressed in the PDE-deficient yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain GL62, e.g. after induction by addition of 150 uM CuSO 4 , and 100,000 ⁇ g supernatant fractions of yeast cell lysates are described for use in the harvesting of PDE4B enzyme.
  • HSPDE4D3A Human recombinant PDE4D (HSPDE4D3A) is disclosed in P. A. Baecker et al., “Isolation of a cDNA encoding a human rolipram-sensitive cyclic AMP phoshodiesterase (PDE IVD)”, Gene, 1994, 138, 253-256.
  • Human recombinant PDE5 is disclosed in K. Loughney et al., “Isolation and characterisation of cDNAs encoding PDE5A, a human cGMP-binding, cGMP-specific 3′,5′-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase”, Gene, 1998, 216, 139-147.
  • PDE3 can be purified from bovine aorta as described by H. Coste and P. Grondin, “Characterisation of a novel potent and specific inhibitor of type V phosphodiesterase”, Biochem. Pharmacol., 1995, 50, 1577-1585.
  • PDE6 can be purified from bovine retina as described by: P. Catty and P. Deterre, “Activation and solubilization of the retinal cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase by limited proteolysis”, Eur. J. Biochem., 1991, 199, 263-269; A. Tar et al. “Purification of bovine retinal cGMP phosphodiesterase”, Methods in Enzymology, 1994, 238, 3-12; and/or D. Srivastava et al. “Effects of magnesium on cyclic GMP hydrolysis by the bovine retinal rod cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase”, Biochem. J, 1995, 308, 653-658.
  • the ability of compounds to inhibit catalytic activity at PDE4B or 4D can optionally be determined by Scintillation Proximity Assay (SPA) in a 96-well format.
  • SPA Scintillation Proximity Assay
  • Test compounds (as a solution in DMSO, suitably about 2 microlitre (ul) volume of DMSO solution) are preincubated at ambient temperature (room temperature, e.g. 19-23° C.) in Wallac Isoplates (code 1450-514) with PDE enzyme in 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer pH 7.5, 8.3 mM MgCl 2 , 1.7 mM EGTA, 0.05% (w/v) bovine serum albumin for 10-30 minutes (usually 30 minutes). The enzyme concentration is adjusted so that no more than 20% hydrolysis of the substrate defined below occurs in control wells without compound, during the incubation.
  • [5′,8- 3 H]Adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic phosphate (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, code TRK.559; or Amersham Biosciences UK Ltd, Pollards Wood, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire HP8 4SP, UK) is added to give 0.05uCi per well and about 10 nM final concentration.
  • [8 ⁇ 3 H]Guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic phosphate is added to give 0.05uCi per well and about 36 nM final concentration.
  • Plates containing assay mixture are mixed on an orbital shaker for 5 minutes and incubated at ambient temperature for 1 hour.
  • Phosphodiesterase SPA beads (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, code RPNQ 0150) are added (about 1 mg per well) to terminate the assay. Plates are sealed and shaken and allowed to stand at ambient temperature for 35 minutes to 1 hour (suitably 35 minutes) to allow the beads to settle.
  • Bound radioactive product is measured using a WALLAC TRILUX 1450 Microbeta scintillation counter.
  • 10 concentrations e.g. 1.5 nM-30 uM
  • Curves are analysed using ActivityBase and XLfit (ID Business Solutions Limited, 2 Ocean Court, Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7QB, United Kingdom) Results are expressed as pIC 50 values.
  • PDE4B or PDE4D inhibition can be measured in the following Fluorescence Polarisation (FP) assay:
  • the ability of compounds to inhibit catalytic activity at PDE4B (human recombinant) or PDE4D (human recombinant) can optionally be determined by IMAP Fluorescence Polarisation (FP) assay (IMAP Explorer kit, available from Molecular Devices Corporation, Sunnydale, Calif., USA; Molecular Devices code: R8062) in 384-well format.
  • FP IMAP Fluorescence Polarisation
  • the IMAP FP assay is able to measure PDE activity in an homogenous, non-radioactive assay format.
  • the FP assay uses the ability of immobilised trivalent metal cations, coated onto nanoparticles (tiny beads), to bind the phosphate group of Fl-AMP that is produced on the hydrolysis of fluorescein-labelled (Fl) cyclic adenosine mono-phosphate (Fl-cAMP) to the non-cyclic Fl-AMP form.
  • Fl-cAMP substantially does not bind. Binding of Fl-AMP product to the beads (coated with the immobilised trivalent cations) slows the rotation of the bound Fl-AMP and leads to an increase in the fluorescence polarisation ratio of parallel to perpendicular light. Inhibition of the PDE reduces/inhibits this signal increase.
  • Test compounds small volume, e.g. ca. 0.5 to 1 microlitres (ul), suitably ca. 0.5 ul, of solution in DMSO
  • ambient temperature room temperature, e.g. 19-23° C.
  • PDE enzyme in 10 mM Tris-HCl buffer pH 7.2, 10 mM MgCl 2 , 0.1% (w/v) bovine serum albumin, and 0.05% NaN 3 for 10-30 minutes.
  • the enzyme level is set by experimentation so that reaction is linear throughout the incubation.
  • Fluorescein adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic phosphate (from Molecular Devices Corporation, Molecular Devices code: R7091) is added to give about 40 nM final concentration (final assay volume usually ca. 20-40 ul, suitably ca. 20 ul). Plates are mixed on an orbital shaker for 10 seconds and incubated at ambient temperature for 40 minutes. IMAP binding reagent (as described above, from Molecular Devices Corporation, Molecular Devices code: R7207) is added (60 ul of a 1 in 400 dilution in binding buffer of the kit stock solution) to terminate the assay. Plates are allowed to stand at ambient temperature for 1 hour.
  • FP Fluorescence Polarisation
  • reagents can be dispensed using MultidropTM (available from Thermo Labsystems Oy, Ratastie 2, PO Box 100, Vantaa 01620, Finland).
  • MultidropTM available from Thermo Labsystems Oy, Ratastie 2, PO Box 100, Vantaa 01620, Finland.
  • the PDE4B (or PDE4D) inhibition values measured using the SPA and FP assays can differ slightly.
  • Biological Data obtained for some of the Examples are generally as follows, based on measurements only, generally using SPA and/or FP assay(s) generally as described above or generally similar or generally analogous to those described above.
  • SPA and/or FP assay(s) generally as described above or generally similar or generally analogous to those described above.
  • absolute accuracy of measurement is not possible, and the pIC 50 readings given are generally thought to be accurate only up to very approximately ⁇ 0.5 of a log unit, depending on the number of readings made and averaged:
  • Examples 1A1,1B, 1C, 3, 4, 9, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 23A, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34 have been tested for PDE4B inhibition, mostly or all using the FP assay generally as described above or a generally similar or generally analogous assay.
  • PDE4B-tested Examples have also been tested, for PDE3 and/or PDE5 inhibition using the above-described assays or generally similar or generally analogous assays or other assays (for example FP or SPA assays).
  • the compound of Example 1B and the salt of Example 1A1 each exhibit a larger PDE4B pIC 50 value than any of the PDE3, PDE5 and PDE6 pIC 50 values for the same compound or salt. That is, the compound of Example 1B and the salt of Example 1A1 each inhibit PDE4B more strongly than they inhibit PDE3, PDE5 and PDE6 (as measured in whatever assays, e.g. FP or SPA assays, happen to have been used).
  • PDE4D pIC 50 values of some compounds or salts of the invention are as follows, as measured using an FP assay or a generally similar assay:
  • PDE4 inhibitors can cause other side effects such as headache and/or other central nervous system (CNS—) mediated side effects; and/or gastrointestinal (GI) tract disturbances. Therefore, it would be preferable but not essential if a particular PDE4 inhibitory compound or salt of the invention were to cause only limited or manageable side-effects in one or more of these side-effect categories.
  • CNS— central nervous system
  • GI gastrointestinal
  • TNF-Alpha TNF-Alpha
  • a 96-well plate (96 MicroWellTM Plates NunclonTM ⁇ -High Flange Design, Fisher Scientific UK, Bishop Meadow Road, Loughborough LE 11 5 RG, Sheffieldshire, UK) is prepared by initially adding to column 1 ca. 10 mM of test compound dissolved in DMSO. For a more potent compound, a more diluted solution in DMSO may be used. The compound is further diluted with DMSO into columns 2 to 9 by 8 successive 3-fold dilutions using the Biomek® FX Laboratory Automation Workstation (Beckman Coulter, Inc., 4300 N. Harbor Boulevard, P.O. Box 3100, Fullerton, Calif. 92834-3100, USA).
  • PBMC cells peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • PBMC cells peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • heparinised human blood using 1% v/v Heparin Sodium 10001 U/ml Endotoxin Free, Leo Laboratories Ltd., Cashel Road, Dublin 12. Ireland, Cat No: PL0043/0149
  • AccuspinTM System-Histopaque®-1077 essentially (Sigma-Aldrich Company Ltd., The Old Brickyard New Rd, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4XT, UK).
  • About 20 ml of blood is overlaid onto 15 ml Histopaque® in AccuspinTM tubes. The tube is then centrifuged at about 800 g for ca. 20 minutes.
  • the cells are collected from the interface, washed by centrifugation (ca. 1300 g, ca. 10 minutes) and resuspended in RPMI1640 medium (Low endotoxin RPMI1640 medium, Cat No: 31870-025, Invitrogen Corporation Invitrogen Ltd, 3 Fountain Drive, Inchinnan Business Park, Paisley PA4 9RF, UK) containing 10% foetal calf serum, 1% L-glutamine (Invitrogen Corporation, Cat No: 25030024) and 1% penicillin/streptomycin (Invitrogen Corporation, Cat No: 15140-122). Viable cells are counted by trypan blue staining and diluted to 1 ⁇ 10 6 viable cells/ml.
  • RPMI1640 medium Low endotoxin RPMI1640 medium, Cat No: 31870-025, Invitrogen Corporation Invitrogen Ltd, 3 Fountain Drive, Inchinnan Business Park, Paisley PA4 9RF, UK
  • RPMI1640 medium Low endotoxi
  • TNF- ⁇ concentrations of TNF- ⁇ are determined by electrochemiluminescence assay using the Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) technology (Meso Scale Discovery, 9238 Gaither Road, Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, USA). See the “TNF- ⁇ (TNF-alpha) MSD Assay” described below for typical details.
  • MSD Meso Scale Discovery
  • Results can be expressed as pIC50 values for inhibition of TNF- ⁇ (TNF-alpha) production in PBMCs, and it should be appreciated that these results can be subject to a possibly-large variability or error.
  • Test compounds are prepared as a ca. 10 mM stock solution in DMSO and a dilution series prepared in DMSO with 8 successive 3-fold dilutions, either directly from the 10 mM stock solution or from a more dilute solution in DMSO.
  • the compound is added to assay plates using a Biomek Fx liquid handling robot.
  • PBMC cells peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • PBMC cells peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • the cells are collected from the interface, washed by centrifugation (ca. 1300 g, ca. 10 minutes) and resuspended in assay buffer (RPMI 1640 containing 10% foetal calf serum, 1% L-glutamine and 1% penicillin/streptomycin) at 1 ⁇ 10 6 cells/ml.
  • assay buffer RPMI 1640 containing 10% foetal calf serum, 1% L-glutamine and 1% penicillin/streptomycin
  • Results can be expressed as pIC50 values for inhibition of TNF- ⁇ (TNF-alpha) production in PBMCs, and it should be appreciated that these results can be subject to a possibly-large variability or error.
  • the measured and/or mean pIC50 values for inhibition of TNF- ⁇ (TNF-alpha) production in PBMCs are generally as follows (subject to a possibly-large variability or error):
  • the assay may measure the effect of PDE4 inhibitors after loss by protein binding, it might possibly be relevant to externally-topically-administrable PDE4 inhibitors as protein-binding-loss of compound is possible during transport through the skin.
  • Test compounds are prepared as a ca. 10 mM stock solution in DMSO and a dilution series prepared in DMSO with 8 successive 3-fold dilutions, either directly from the 10 mM stock solution or from a more dilute solution in DMSO.
  • the compound is added to assay plates using a Biomek Fx liquid handling robot.
  • ca. 1 hr incubation at ca. 37° C., 5% CO 2 ca. 25 ⁇ l (ca. 25 ul) of LPS (lipopolysaccharide) solution ( S. typhosa ) in RPMI 1640 (containing 1% L-glutamine and 1% Penicillin/streptomycin) is added (ca. 50 ng/ml final).
  • LPS lipopolysaccharide
  • S. typhosa lipopolysaccharide
  • RPMI 1640 containing 1% L-glutamine and 1% Penicillin/streptomycin
  • Plasma TNF- ⁇ content is determined by electrochemiluminescence assay using the MSD technology (see below), the IGEN technology (see below) or by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) (see below).
  • Results can be expressed as plC50 values for inhibition of TNF- ⁇ (TNF-alpha) production in Human Whole Blood, and it should be appreciated that these results can be subject to a possibly-large variability or error.
  • TNF- ⁇ standard About 20 ⁇ l (ul) of TNF- ⁇ standard (Cat No. 210-TA; R&D Systems Inc., 614 McKinley Place NE, Minneapolis, Minn. 55413, USA) are added to column 12 of the MSD plate to generate a standard calibration curve (about 0 to 30000 pg/ml final).
  • MSD Read Buffer P diluted to 2.5 times with distilled water
  • A is the minimum response
  • B is the maximum response
  • C is the log10(IC50)
  • D is the Hill slope.
  • the results for each compound are recorded as pIC50 values (—C in the above equation).
  • Ca. 50 ⁇ l supernatant from either whole blood or PBMC assay plates is transferred to a 96 well polypropylene plate. Each plate also contains a TNF- ⁇ standard curve (ca. 0 to 30000 pg/ml: R+D Systems, 210-TA).
  • Ca. 50 ⁇ l (ul) of streptavidin/biotinylated anti-TNF- ⁇ antibody mix, ca. 25 ⁇ l ruthenium tagged anti-TNF- ⁇ monoclonal and ca. 100pI PBS containing 0.1% bovine serum albumin are added to each well and the plates are sealed and shaken for ca. 2 hours before being read on an IGEN instrument.
  • TNF- ⁇ (TNF-alpha) ELISA Assay Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay
  • Human TNF- ⁇ can be assayed using a commercial ELISA assay kit (AMS Biotechnology, 211-90-164-40) according to the manufacturers' instructions but with TNF- ⁇ calibration curves prepared using Pharmingen TNF- ⁇ (cat. No. 555212).
  • in vitro enzymatic PDE4B inhibition assay(s) described above or generally similar or analogous assays should be regarded as being the primary test(s) of biological activity.
  • additional in vivo biological tests which are optional only, and which are not an essential measure of activity, efficacy or side-effects, and which have not necessarily been carried out, are described below.
  • This assay is an animal model of acute inflammation in the lung—specifically neutrophilia induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)—and allows the study of putative inhibition of such neutrophilia (anti-inflammatory effect) by an intratracheally (i.t.) administered PDE4 inhibitor (“drug”).
  • PDE4 inhibitors are suitably in dry powder, aqueous solution or aqueous suspension form.
  • I.t. administration is one model of inhaled administration, allowing topical delivery to the lung.
  • mice Male CD (Sprague Dawley Derived) rats supplied by Charles River, United Kingdom are housed in groups of 5 rats per cage, acclimatised after delivery for at least 7 days with bedding/nesting material regularly changed, fed on SDS diet R1 pelleted food given ad lib, and supplied with daily-changed pasteurised animal grade drinking water.
  • Male CD Sprague Dawley Derived rats supplied by Charles River, United Kingdom are housed in groups of 5 rats per cage, acclimatised after delivery for at least 7 days with bedding/nesting material regularly changed, fed on SDS diet R1 pelleted food given ad lib, and supplied with daily-changed pasteurised animal grade drinking water.
  • a Penn Century DP-4 dry powder intratracheal (i.t.) delivery device is used for administration of a dry powder blend of vehicle (inhalation grade lactose) and the PDE4 inhibitor compound or salt of the invention (“drug”).
  • a dry powder blend of vehicle inhalation grade lactose
  • drug the PDE4 inhibitor compound or salt of the invention
  • Each device is numbered and the sample loading chamber is unscrewed from the main device and weighed. The i.t. delivery needle is also weighed. The drug+lactose blend or inhalation grade lactose (vehicle control) is then added to the sample chamber and this is then re-weighed. The sample chamber is fitted back on to the main device to prevent any drug being lost. This procedure is repeated for all of the Penn century devices to be used in the study (one separate device for each animal). After dosing to the animals, the sample chambers and needles are re-weighed in order to determine the amount of sample that was expelled from the device.
  • a blunt dosing needle whose forward end is slightly angled to the needle axis, is used, with a flexible plastic portex canula inserted into the needle.
  • the portex cannula is inserted into the lumen of the blunt stainless steel dosing needle and this is carefully inserted into the back of the animal's throat and into the trachea via the larynx.
  • a known volume (200 microlitres) of the vehicle (0.2% Tween 80TM in saline) or of the solution (or suspension) drug composition is administered into the trachea using a plastic syringe that is attached to the portex cannula and dosing needle.
  • a new internal cannula is used for each different drug group.
  • PDE4 inhibitors are preferably used in size-reduced (e.g. micronised) form, for example according to the Micronisation Example(s) disclosed herein.
  • one suitable inhalation-grade lactose that is typically used is: lactose monohydrate; and/or lactose having about 10% fines (i.e. has about 10% of material under 15 um (15 micron) particle size, measured by Malvern particle size).
  • lactose monohydrate and/or lactose having about 10% fines (i.e. has about 10% of material under 15 um (15 micron) particle size, measured by Malvern particle size).
  • Other inhalation-grade lactoses might have e.g. from about 7% to about 11% fines.
  • Tween 80TM phosphate buffered saline
  • PBS phosphate buffered saline
  • Tween 80TM as a brand of polysorbate 80 (according to HPE, polysorbate 80 is also named polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate, i.e. having been copolymerised with about 20 moles of ethylene oxide for each mole of sorbitol and/or sorbitol anhydrides used).
  • Solution compositions are prepared by adding the required volume of 0.2% Tween 80TM in PBS to the pre-weighed PDE4 inhibitor compound or salt of the invention (drug).
  • the average weight of the rats generally used in these studies is approximately 350 g; the i.t. solution dose volume is 200 microlitres.
  • a 0.175 mg/ml solution of the drug is prepared.
  • Lower concentrations are achieved by preparing serial dilutions from the 0.175 mg/ml stock solution concentration. All solutions were prepared immediately prior to dosing.
  • the formulation is usually sonicated, e.g. for approximately 2-15 minutes e.g. ca. 2 minutes, prior to use and is observed to be a solution (if it is a solution) by visual examination.
  • aqueous suspensions of a drug can be prepared by adding the required volume of vehicle to the pre-weighed drug; the vehicle used can for example be saline alone or preferably a mixture of saline/TweenTM (e.g. 0.2% Tween 80TM in phosphate buffered saline).
  • the aqueous suspension is usually sonicated, e.g. for about 10-15 minutes, prior to use.
  • a portex cannula is introduced via a blunt metal dosing needle that has been carefully inserted into the rat trachea.
  • the animals are intratracheally dosed with vehicle or PDE4 inhibitor via the dosing needle with a new internal canula used for each different drug group.
  • the formulation is slowly (ca. 5 seconds) dosed into the trachea using a syringe attached to the dosing needle.
  • the procedure with an aqueous suspension is generally similar.
  • the intratracheal dosing device (a Penn Century dry powder insufflator, DP-4) is inserted into the rat trachea up to a pre-determined point established to be located approximately 1 cm above the primary bifurcation. Two ⁇ 3 ml of air is delivered using the Penn Century dry powder insufflator device by depressing a plastic syringe (ideally coinciding with the animal inspiring), aiming to expel the entire drug quantity from the tap. After dosing, the device is removed from the airway, and then is stored in an upright postion in a sealed plastic bag. At a later stage, the device is re-weighed to determine the quantity of dry powder delivered.
  • DP-4 Penn Century dry powder insufflator
  • aqueous solution or wet suspension
  • dry powder After dosing with either aqueous solution (or wet suspension) or dry powder, the animals are removed from the table and observed constantly until they have recovered from the effects of anaesthesia. The animals are returned to the holding cages and given free access to food and water; they are observed and any unusual behavioural changes noted.
  • the rats can be exposed to LPS more than 2 hours (e.g. ca. 4 hours to ca. 36 hours, such as 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, 18 hours, 24 hours or 36 hours, in particular 4 hours or 12 hours) after i.t. dosing by vehicle or PDE4 inhibitor, to test whether or not the PDE4 inhibitor has a long duration of action (which is preferable but not essential).
  • LPS more than 2 hours (e.g. ca. 4 hours to ca. 36 hours, such as 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, 18 hours, 24 hours or 36 hours, in particular 4 hours or 12 hours) after i.t. dosing by vehicle or PDE4 inhibitor, to test whether or not the PDE4 inhibitor has a long duration of action (which is preferable but not essential).
  • Bronchoalveolar lavage About 4 hours after LPS exposure the animals are killed by overdose of sodium pentobarbitone (i.p.). The trachea is cannulated with polypropylene tubing and the lungs are lavaged (washed out) with 3 ⁇ 5 ml of heparinised (25 units/ml) phosphate buffered saline (PBS).
  • PBS phosphate buffered saline
  • Neutrophil cell counts The Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples are centrifuged at ca. 1300 rpm for ca. 7 minutes. The supernatant is removed and the resulting cell pellet resuspended in ca. 1 ml PBS.
  • a cell slide of the resuspension fluid is prepared by placing ca. 100 ⁇ l (ca. 100 ul) of resuspended BAL fluid into cytospin holders and then is spun at ca. 5000 rpm for ca. 5 minutes. The slides are allowed to air dry and then stained with Leishmans stain (ca. 20 minutes) to allow differential cell counting. The total cells are also counted from the resuspension.
  • a dose-response curve can be generated, and thence an ED 50 value.
  • the ED 50 value is typically the dose required to achieve 50% of the maximum level of inhibition achievable for that particular PDE4 inhibitor (drug) in the particular composition used in that particular study.
  • the ED 50 value is not usually the dose required for 50% inhibition of neutrophilia.
  • results In an assay(s), generally involving LPS-induced pulmonary neutrophilia in rats and the effect of intratracheally administered PDE4 inhibitors to those rats, which assay(s) is or are generally similar to or generally analogous to the above-mentioned assay, the following results, given below, were measured. It is noted that these results might be subject to a possibly significant margin of error; and generally results may vary as the assay or measurement method varies:
  • Example 1A1 which can be as prepared in Example 1A1), in micronised form, showed an estimated ED 50 of very approximately 12.3 micrograms/kg body weight, for inhibition of LPS-induced pulmonary neutrophilia in rats, when administered to rats intratracheally (i.t.) as an aqueous solution in 0.2% Tween 80TM in phosphate buffered saline, the administration to the rats being about 2 hours prior to the LPS challenge.
  • the individual values of percentage mean inhibition of LPS-induced pulmonary neutrophilia in rats at different doses, which led to this estimated ED 50 value of very approximately 12.3 micrograms/kg, were as follows (n 6-8 for each of the following four dosing groups):
  • Example 1A2 which can be as prepared in Example 1A2), in micronised form, gave about 60% inhibition (p ⁇ 0.05) of LPS-induced pulmonary neutrophilia in rats, when about 100 micrograms of the drug/kg body weight was administered to the rats intratracheally (i.t.) as a dry powder composition blended in inhalation grade lactose (with about 10% fines), the administration to the rats being about 4 hours prior to the LPS challenge.
  • This assay is an animal model of acute inflammation in the nose—specifically neutrophilia induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)— and allows the study of putative inhibition of such neutrophilia (anti-inflammatory effect) by an intranasally (i.n.) administered PDE4 inhibitor (“drug”).
  • PDE4 inhibitor is preferably in the form of an aqueous suspension or aqueous solution.
  • Bolus, i.n. administration allows topical delivery to the nose.
  • Lipopolysaccharide (Serotype: 0127:B8, e.g. available from Sigma, UK; e.g. L3129 prepared by phenol extraction) is used for all studies and is dissolved in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS).
  • PBS phosphate-buffered saline
  • the PDE4 inhibitor compound or salt of the invention (“drug”) is preferably used in size-reduced (e.g. micronised) form, for example according to the Micronisation Example(s) disclosed herein.
  • a solution of compound (0.7 mg/ml) is generally prepared by adding 0.2% Tween 80TM in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) to a pre-weighed micronised sample of the drug.
  • the solution composition is sonicated, e.g. for approximately 2 min, and is observed to be a solution (if it is a solution) by visual assessment.
  • a fixed volume of 50 microlitres (25 microlitres into each nostril) of either the drug-containing solution composition or a saline/Tween 80TM vehicle is administered to all animals. Each animal weighs, on average, 350 g. To achieve a dose of 100 ⁇ g/kg (100 ug/kg), each animal receives a total of 35 ⁇ g (35 ug) of the drug.
  • Rats are anaesthetised by placing the animals in a sealed Perspex chamber and exposing them to a gaseous mixture of isofluorane (5%), nitrous oxide (2 L/min) and oxygen (1 L/min). Once anaesthetised, the animals are i.n. dosed with vehicle or PDE4 inhibitor aqueous compositions using a 10-100-microlitre-range Gilson pipette and plastic disposable tip. A volume of 25 microlitres is administered into each nostril by carefully inserting the pipette tip into the nostril and dispensing the required volume. When the dosing procedure is completed, the animal is returned to the cage and observed at regular intervals until it had recovered from the effects of the anaesthetic.
  • Nasal Lavage Four hours after LPS exposure, the animals areeuthanased by overdose of sodium pentobarbitone (i.p.). The trachea is exposed and a small incision made approximately 1 cm below the larynx. A polypropylene cannula is inserted into the trachea towards the larynx and into the upper airway. The nasal cavity is then lavaged with 15 ml of heparinised (10 units/ml) phosphate buffered saline. The lavage fluid is collected in a 20 ml plastic sterilin tube which is positioned against the nostrils.
  • the nasal lavage samples are centrifuged at 1300 rpm for 7 minutes. The supernatant is removed and the resulting cell pellet is resuspended in 0.5 ml PBS.
  • a cell slide of the resuspension fluid is prepared by placing 75 microlitres of resuspended nasal lavage fluid into cytospin holders and then spun at 500 rpm for 5 min. The slides are allowed to air dry and then stained with Leishmans stain (20 minutes) to allow differential cell counting. The total cells are also counted from the resuspension. From these two counts, the total numbers of neutrophils in the nasal lavage fluid is determined.
  • a comparison of the neutrophil count in rats treated with vehicle and rats treated with the PDE4 inhibitor is conducted.
  • the dose of the PDE4 inhibitor used in the dosing step e.g. 0.3 or 0.1 mg of PDE4 inhibitor per kg of body weight, down to e.g. 0.01 mg/kg
  • a dose-response curve can be generated, and thence an ED 50 value.
  • Example 1A2 which can be as prepared in Example 1A2), in micronised form, showed an estimated ED50 of very approximately 4.6 micrograms/kg body weight, for inhibition of LPS-induced nasal neutrophilia in rat, when administered to the rat intranasally (i.n.) as an aqueous solution in 0.2% Tween 80TM in phosphate buffered saline, the administration to the rat being about 30 minutes prior to the LPS challenge.
  • the pig DTH (delayed type hypersensitivity) model of contact hypersensitivity utilizes the Th2-mediated inflammatory response in pig skin to mimic the pathology of atopic dermatitis in humans.
  • the model measures the potential anti-inflammatory effect of compounds, topically-applied to the skin, on the acute DTH (delayed type hypersensitivity) response in castrated male Yorkshire pigs.
  • pigs domestic Yorkshire pigs, 15-18 kg at time of sensitization, castrated males
  • DNFB dinitrofluorobenzene
  • DMSO:acetone:olive oil ca. 1:5:3
  • DNFB 400 microlitre solution total
  • the pigs are then challenged 12 days later with ca. 0.6% (w/v) DNFB applied to randomized sites on the shaved back of the pigs (ca. 90 micrograms/site; sites are identified and numbered by grid made with marking pen).
  • Differences in the summed score between adjacent control (placebo) and treatment sites on the grids are calculated. This difference value is then used to determine the percent inhibition compared to the summed score for the control (placebo) sites. The more negative the difference value, the greater the calculated inhibition. Percent inhibition of (percent inhibition compared to) the mean summed score can be calculated.
  • treatment sites can optionally also be visually evaluated for lesion area.
  • “Intermediates” can represent syntheses of intermediate compounds intended for use in the synthesis of one or more of the “Examples”, and/or “Intermediates” can represent syntheses of intermediate compounds which can possibly be used in the synthesis of compounds of formula (I) or salts thereof.
  • “Examples” are generally examples of compounds or salts of the invention, for example compounds of formula (I) or salts thereof.
  • Waters ZQ mass spectrometer operating in positive ion electrospray mode, mass range 100-1000 amu.
  • T RET retention times
  • a mass spectrometer attached to the end of the column can detect peaks arising from eluted compounds.
  • UV detection wavelength 200-320 nm
  • Flow rate 20 ml/min
  • Solvent A 0.1% v/v aqueous formic acid solution
  • Solvent B 0.05% v/v solution of formic acid in a mixture of [95% acetonitrile and 5% water]
  • Gradient systems mixtures of Solvent A and Solvent B are used according to a choice of 5 generic gradient profiles (expressed as % Solvent B in the mixture), ranging from a start of 0 to 50% Solvent B, with all finishing at 100% Solvent B to ensure total elution. It is thought that compounds isolated by this method are usually isolated as formate salts.

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US20080058369A1 (en) 2008-03-06
US20090318494A1 (en) 2009-12-24
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ATE504586T1 (de) 2011-04-15
HK1127603A1 (en) 2009-10-02
NZ574533A (en) 2011-05-27
WO2008015416A1 (fr) 2008-02-07
CY1111625T1 (el) 2015-10-07
EP2046787A1 (fr) 2009-04-15
TW200840818A (en) 2008-10-16
PT2046787E (pt) 2011-06-15
US8003663B2 (en) 2011-08-23
DK2046787T3 (da) 2011-07-18
WO2008015437A1 (fr) 2008-02-07
HRP20110434T1 (hr) 2011-08-31
CA2659539A1 (fr) 2008-02-07
SI2046787T1 (sl) 2011-07-29
AU2007280214A1 (en) 2008-02-07
DE602007013762D1 (de) 2011-05-19
CL2007002349A1 (es) 2008-10-10
EP2046787B1 (fr) 2011-04-06

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