WO2000053181A1

WO2000053181A1 - 6-azaindole compounds as antagonists of gonadotropin releasing hormone

Info

Publication number: WO2000053181A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/005933
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas F. Walsh; Feroze Ujjainwalla
Original assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
Priority date: 1999-03-10
Filing date: 2000-03-06
Publication date: 2000-09-14
Also published as: EP1165076A1; EP1165076A4; JP2002538206A; AU3396000A; CA2367126A1

Abstract

There are disclosed compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are useful as antagonists of GnRH and as such may be useful for the treatment of a variety of sex-hormone related and other conditions in both men and women.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

6-AZAINDOLE COMPOUNDS AS ANTAGONISTS OF

GONADOTROPIN RELEASING HORMONE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), also referred to as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), is a decapeptide that plays a key role in human reproduction. The hormone is released from the hypothalamus and acts on the pituitary gland to stimulate the biosynthesis and secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle- stimulating hormone (FSH). LH released from the pituitary gland is primarily responsible for the regulation of gonadal steroid production in both sexes, whereas FSH regulates spermatogenesis in males and follicular development in females. GnRH agonists and antagonists have proven effective in the treatment of certain conditions which require inhibition of LH/FSH release. In particular, GnRH-based therapies have proven effective in the treatment of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovarian disease, precocious puberty and several gonadal steroid- dependent neoplasia, most notably cancers of the prostate, breast and ovary. GnRH agonists and antagonists have also been utilized in various assisted fertilization techniques and have been investigated as a potential contraceptive in both men and women. They have also shown possible utility in the treatment of pituitary gonadotrophe adenomas, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, irritable bowel syndrome, premenstrual syndrome, benign prostatic hyperplasia, hirsutism, as an adjunct to growth hormone therapy in growth hormone deficient children, and in murine models of lupus. The compounds of the invention may also be used in combination with bisphosphonates (bisphosphonic acids) and other agents, such as growth hormone secretagogues, for the treatment and the prevention of disturbances of calcium, phosphate and bone metabolism, in particular, for the prevention of bone loss during therapy with the GnRH antagonist, and in combination with estrogens, progesterones, antiestrogens, antiprogestins and/or androgens for the prevention or treatment of bone loss or hypogonadal symptoms such as hot flashes during therapy with the GnRH antagonist.

Additionally, a compound of the present invention may be co-administered with a 5a-reductase 2 inhibitor, such as finasteride or epristeride; a 5a-reductase 1 inhibitor such as 4,7b-dimethyl-4-aza-5a- cholestan-3-one, 3-oxo-4-aza-4,7b-dimethyl-16b-(4-chlorophenoxy)-5a- androstane, and 3-oxo-4-aza-4,7b-dimethyl-16b-(phenoxy)-5a-androstane as disclosed in WO 93/23420 and WO 95/11254; dual inhibitors of 5a- reductase 1 and 5a-reductase 2 such as 3-oxo-4-aza-17b-(2,5-trifluoro- methylphenyl-carbamoyl)-5a-androstane as disclosed in WO 95/07927; antiandrogens such as flutamide, casodex and cyproterone acetate, and alpha- 1 blockers such as prazosin, terazosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin, and alfuzosin.

Further, a compound of the present invention may be used in combination with growth hormone, growth hormone releasing hormone or growth hormone secretagogues, to delay puberty in growth hormone deficient children, which will allow them to continue to gain height before fusion of the epiphyses and cessation of growth at puberty. Further, a compound of the present invention may be used in combination or co-administered with a compound having luteinizing hormone releasing activity such as a peptide or natural hormone or analog thereof. Such peptide compounds include leuprorelin, gonadorelin, buserelin, triptorelin, goserelm, nafarelin. histrelin, deslorelin, meterlin and recirelin. Additionally, a compound of the present invention may be used as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,824,286 which discloses the administration of peptide GnRH antagonists such as Antide and azaline B to premenopausal women to enhance the readability of mammographic film relative to a mammogram effected in the absence of the administration.

Current GnRH antagonists are GnRH-like decapeptides which are generally administered intravenously or subcutaneously presumably because of negligible oral activity. These have amino acid substitutions usually at positions one, two, three, six and ten. Non-peptide GnRH antagonists offer the possible advantage of oral admmstration. Non-peptide GnRH antagonists have been described in European Application 0 219 292 and in De, B. et al., J. Med. Chem., 32, 2036-2038 (1989), in WO 95/28405, WO 95/29900 and EP 0679642 all to Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd.

Substituted mdoles known m the art include those described m the following patents and patent applications. US Patent No. 5,030,640 discloses alpha-heterocychc ethanol ammoalkyl mdoles which are potent β-agonists. US Patent No. 4,544,663 discloses mdolamme derivatives which are allegedly useful as male anti-fertility agents WO 90/05721 discloses alpha-ammo-mdole-3-acetιc acids useful as anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and anti-atherosclerotic agents. French patent 2,181,559 discloses mdole derivatives with sedative, neuroleptic, analgesic, hypotensive, antiserotonm and adrenolytic activity. Belgian patent 879381 discloses 3-ammoalkyl-lH-mdole-5-thιoamιde and carboxamide derivatives as cardiovascular agents used to treat hypertension, Raynaud's disease and migraine. U.S. Patent Nos 5,756,507, 5,780,437 and 5,849,764 also disclose substituted arylmdoles as non-peptide antagonists of GnRH.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds which are non-peptide antagonists of GnRH which can be used to treat a variety of sex-hormone related conditions in men and women, to methods for their preparation, and to methods and pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds for use in mammals

Because of their activity as antagonists of the hormone GnRH, the compounds of the present invention are useful to treat a variety of sex-hormone related conditions m both men and women These conditions include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovarian disease, hirsutism, precocious puberty, gonadal steroid-dependent neoplasias such as cancers of the prostate, breast and ovary, gonadotrophe pituitary adenomas, sleep apnea, irritable bowel syndrome, premenstrual syndrome and benign prostatic hypertophy. They are also useful as an adjunct to treatment of growth hormone deficiency and short stature, and for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosis. Further, the compounds of the invention may be useful in in vitro fertilization and as contraceptives. The compounds may also be useful in combination with androgens, estrogens, progesterones, antiestrogens and antiprogestogens for the treatment of endometriosis, fibroids and in contraception. They may also be useful in combination with testosterone or other androgens or antiprogestogens in men as a contraceptive. The compounds may also be used in combination with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor such as Enalapril or Captopril, an angiotensin II-receptor antagonist such as Losartan or a renin inhibitor for the treatment of uterine fibroids. Additionally, the compounds of the invention may also be used in combination with bisphosphonates (bisphosphonic acids) and other agents, for the treatment and the prevention of disturbances of calcium, phosphate and bone metabolism, in particular, for the prevention of bone loss during therapy with the GnRH antagonist, and in combination with estrogens, progesterones and/or androgens for the prevention or treatment of bone loss or hypogonadal symptoms such as hot flashes during therapy with the GnRH antagonist.

Further, a compound of the present invention may be used in combination with growth hormone, growth hormone releasing hormone or growth hormone secretagogues, to delay puberty in growth hormone deficient children, which will allow them to continue to gain height before fusion of the epiphyses and cessation of growth at puberty.

Further, a compound of the present invention may be used in combination or co-administered with a compound having luteinizing hormone releasing activity such as a peptide or natural hormone or analog thereof. Such peptide compounds include leuprorelin, gonadorelin, buserelin, triptorelin, goserelin, nafarelin, histrelin, deslorelin, meterlin and recirelin.

Additionally, a compound of the present invention may be used as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,824,286 which discloses the administration of peptide GnRH antagonists such as Antide and azaline B to premenopausal women to enhance the readability of mammographic film relative to a mammogram effected in the absence of the administration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds of the general formula

wherein A is Ci-Cβ alkyl, substituted Ci-Cβ alkyl, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, substituted C3-C7 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 alkenyl, substituted C3-C6 alkenyl, C3-C6 alkynyl, substituted C3-C6 alkynyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, or C0-C5 alkyl-S(O)_n-Co-C5 alkyl, C0-C5 alkyl- O-C0-C5 alkyl, C0-C5 alkyl-NRi8-Co-C5 alkyl where Ri8 and the C0-C5 alkyl can be joined to form a ring, or a single bond; Rθ is hydrogen, Cχ-C6 alkyl, substituted Ci-Cβ alkyl, wherein the substituents are as defined below; aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl or substituted aralkyl, wherein the substituents are as defined for R3, R4 and R5;

Rl is

the nitrogen atoms contained in the Ri heteroaromatic rings may exist either as drawn or, when chemically allowed, in their oxidized

(N→O) state; R2 is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, substituted Ci-Cβ alkyl, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, alkyl -ORii₎ Ci-C6(NRnRi2), Cι-C₆(CONRιιRι₂) or C(NRnRi2)NH; R2 and A taken together form a ring of 5-7 atoms; R3, R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen, C -CQ alkyl, substituted

Cl-Cβ alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, substituted C2-C6 alkenyl, CN, nitro, C1-C3 perfluoroalkyl, C1-C3 perfluoroalkoxy, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, RuO(CH2)p-, RnC(O)O(CH2)p-, RπOC(O)(CH₂)_p-, -(CH₂)_pS(O)_nRι₇,

-(CH2)pC(O)NRnRi2 or halogen; wherein R17 is hydrogen, Cχ-C6 alkyl, C1-C3 perfluoroalkyl, aryl or substituted aryl;

R3 and R4 taken together form a carbocyclic ring of 3-7 carbon atoms or a heterocyclic ring containing 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S;

R6 is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, substituted Ci-Cβ alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, C1-C3 perfluoroalkyl, CN, NO2, halogen, RllO(CH )p-, NR₂ι C(O)R₂₀, NR₂lC(O)NR₂₀R21 or SO_nR20; R7 is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted Ci-Cβ alkyl, unless X is hydrogen or halogen, then R7 is absent;

R₈ is C(O)OR₂₀, C(O)NR₂θR2 NR₂₀R₂1, C(O)R₂₀,

NR2lC(O)R₂0, NR₂lC(0)NR2θR2 NR₂θS(0)₂R21, NR₂ιS(O)₂NR₂₀R₂i, OC(O)R₂₀, OC(O)NR₂₀R l, OR₂0, SO_nR20, S(O)_nNR₂oR₂l, a heterocyclic ring or bicyclic heterocyclic ring with from 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from N, O or S which can be optionally substituted by R3, R4 and R5, Ci-Cβ alkyl or substituted Ci-Cρ alkyl; or R7 and R8 taken together form a heterocyclic ring containing one or more heteroatoms selected from N, O or S which can be optionally substituted by R3, R4 and R5; R9 and Rg_a are independently hydrogen, C -CQ alkyl, substituted Ci-Cρ alkyl; aryl or substituted aryl, aralkyl or substituted aralkyl when m≠O; or

O

R9 and Rg_a taken together form a carbocyclic ring of 3-7 atoms or when m≠O; R9 and A taken together form a heterocyclic ring containing 3-7 carbon atoms and one or more heteroatoms when m≠O; or RlO and RlOa ^are independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, substituted C -CQ alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl or substituted aralkyl; or

O

RlO and RlOa taken together form a carbocyclic ring of 3-7 atoms or

R9 and Rio taken together form a carbocyclic ring of 3-7 carbon atoms or a heterocyclic ring containing one or more heteroatoms when m≠O; or R9 and R2 taken together form a heterocyclic ring containing 3-7 carbon atoms and one or more heteroatoms when m≠O; or RlO and R2 taken together form a heterocyclic ring containing 3-7 carbon atoms and one or more heteroatoms; RlO and A taken together form a heterocyclic ring containing 3-7 carbon atoms and one or more heteroatoms; or

Rll and R12 are independently hydrogen , Ci-Cg alkyl, substituted Ci-Cβ alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, a carbocyclic ring of 3-7 atoms or a substituted carbocyclic ring containing 3-7 atoms; Rll and Rι₂ taken together can form an optionally substituted ring of 3-7 atoms; Rl3 is hydrogen, OH, NR7R8- NRnSO₂(Cι-C6 alkyl),

NRnSO2(substituted Ci-Cβ alkyl), NRnSO2(aryl), NRnSO₂(substituted aryl), NRnSO₂(Cι-C3 perfluoroalkyl); SO₂NRιι(Cι-C6 alkyl), SO₂NRn (substituted Ci-Cβ alkyl),

Sθ2NRn(aryl),

aryl), SO₂NRn(Cι-C3 perfluoroalkyl); SO₂NRn(C(O)Cι-C6 alkyl); SO₂NRn(C(O)- substituted Ci-Cβ alkyl); SO₂NRn(C(O)-aryl); SO₂NRn(C(O)-substιtuted aryl); S(0)_n(Ci-C6 alkyl); S(O)_n (substituted C1-C6 alkyl), S(O)_n(aryl), S(O)_n(substιtuted aryl), C1-C3 perfluoroalkyl, C1-C3 perfluoroalkoxy, C1-C6 alkoxy, substituted Ci-Cβ alkoxy, COOH, halogen, NO2 or CN; Rl4 and R15 are independently hydrogen, Ci-Cβ alkyl, substituted

C1-C6 alkyl, C₂-Cβ alkenyl, substituted C -Cβ alkenyl, CN, nitro, C1-.C3 perfluoroalkyl, C1-C3 perfluoroalkoxy, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, RnO(CH₂)p-, RnC(O)O(CH₂)p-, RiiOC(O)(CH₂)p-, -(CH₂)_pS(O)_nRi7,

-(CH₂)pC(O)NRnRi₂ or halogen; wherein R17 is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C3 perfluoroalkyl, aryl or substituted aryl;

Rl8 is hydrogen, Ci-Cβ alkyl, substituted Ci-Cβ alkyl, C(O)ORn,

C(O)NRnRi₂, C(O)Rn, S(O)_nRli; Rl9 is either the definition of Ri 3 or R14;

R20 and R21 are independently hydrogen , Ci-Cβ alkyl, substituted Ci-Cβ alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, a carbocyclic ring of 3-7 atoms, a substituted carbocyclic ring containing 3-7 atoms, a heterocyclic ring or bicyclic heterocyclic ring with from 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from N, O or S which can be optionally substituted by R3, R4 and R5, Ci-C6-alkyl substituted by a heterocyclic ring or bicyclic heterocyclic ring with from 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from N, O or S which can be optionally substituted by R3, R4 and R5;

R20 and R21 taken together can form an optionally substituted ring of 3-7 atoms;

X is N, O, S(O)_n, C(O), (CRnRi2)p, a single bond to s, C2-C6 alkenyl, substituted C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, or substituted C2-C6 alkynyl; when X is O, S(O)n, C(O), or

CR11R12 only Rδ is possible;

Z is O. S or NRn; m is 0-3; n is 0-2; p is 0-4; and the alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl substituents are selected from Ci-Cβ alkyl, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, hydroxy, oxo, cyano, C -CQ alkoxy, fluoro, C(O)ORn_j aryl C1-C3 alkoxy, substituted aryl C1-C3 alkoxy, and the aryl substituents are as defined for R3, R4 and R5; or a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt and/or hydrate thereof, or where applicable, a geometric or optical isomer or racemic mixture thereof.

Preferred substituents when R20 and R21 are taken together include 7-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane and 2-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2] octane.

Unless otherwise stated or indicated, the following definitions shall apply throughout the specification and claims.

When any variable (e.g., aryl, heterocycle, Ri, etc.) occurs more than one time in any constituent or in formula I, its definition on each occurrence is independent of its definition at every other occurrence. Also, combinations of substituents and/or variables are permissible only if such combinations result in stable compounds.

The term "alkyl" is intended to include both branched- and straight-chain saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having the specified number of carbon atoms, e.g., methyl (Me), ethyl (Et), propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonanyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, and the isomers thereof such as isopropyl (i-Pr), isobutyl (i-Bu), sec-butyl (s-Bu), tert-butyl (t-Bu), isopentane, isohexane, etc.

The term "aryl" includes phenyl and naphthyl. In a preferred embodiment, aryl is phenyl.

The term "halogen" or "halo" is intended to include fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.

The term "heterocycle" or "heterocyclic ring" is defined by all non-aromatic, heterocyclic rings of 3-7 atoms containing 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, such as oxirane, oxetane, tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydropyran, pyrrolidine, piperidine, tetrahydropyridine, tetrahydro- pyrimidine, tetrahydrothiophene, tetrahydrothiopyran, morpholine, hydantoin, valerolactam, pyrrolidinone, and the like.

As used herein, the term "composition" is intended to encompass a product comprising the specified ingredients in the specified amounts, as well as any product which results, directly or indirectly, from combination of the specified ingredients in the specified amounts.

In addition, it is well known to those skilled in the art that many of the foregoing heterocyclic groups can exist in more than one tautomeric form. It is intended that all such tautomers be included within the ambit of this invention.

The optical isomeric forms, that is mixtures of enantiomers, e.g., racemates, or diastereomers as well as individual enantiomers or diastereomers of the instant compound are included. These individual enantiomers are commonly designated according to the optical rotation they effect by the symbols (+) and (-), (L) and (D), (1) and (d) or combinations thereof. These isomers may also be designated according to their absolute spatial configuration by (S) and (R), which stands for sinister and rectus, respectively. The individual optical isomers may be prepared using conventional resolution procedures, e.g., treatment with an appropriate optically active acid, separating the diastereomers and then recovering the desired isomer. In addition, the individual optical isomers may be prepared by asymmetric synthesis. Additionally, a given chemical formula or name shall encompass pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts thereof and solvates thereof, such as hydrates.

The compounds of the present invention, while effective themselves, may be formulated and administered in the form of their pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts for purposes of stability, convenience of crystallization, increased solubility and other desirable properties.

The compounds of the present invention may be administered in the form of pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salt" is intended to include all acceptable salts. Examples of acid salts are hydrochloric, nitric, sulfuric, phosphoric, formic, acetic, trifluoroacetic, propionic, maleic, succinic, malonic, methanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic and the like which can be used as a dosage form for modifying the solubility or hydrolysis characteristics or can be used in sustained release or prodrug formulations. Depending on the particular functionality of the compound of the present invention, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of this invention include those formed from cations such as sodium, potassium, aluminum, calcium, lithium, magnesium, zinc, and from bases such as ammonia, ethylenediamine, N-methyl-glutamine, lysine, arginine, ornithine, choline, N,N'-dibenzylethylenediamine, chloroprocaine, diethanolamine, procaine, N-benzylphenethylamine, diethylamine, piperazine, tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane, and tetramethylammonium hydroxide. These salts may be prepared by standard procedures, e.g. by reacting a free acid with a suitable organic or inorganic base, or alternatively by reacting a free base with a suitable organic or inorganic acid.

Also, in the case of an acid (-COOH) or alcohol group being present, pharmaceutically acceptable esters can be employed, e.g. methyl, ethyl, butyl, acetate, maleate, pivaloyloxymethyl, and the like, and those esters known in the art for modifying solubility or hydrolysis characteristics for use as sustained release or prodrug formulations. The compounds of the present invention may have chiral centers other than those centers whose stereochemistry is depicted in formula I, and therefore may occur as racemates, racemic mixtures and as individual enantiomers or diastereomers, with all such isomeric forms being included in the present invention as well as mixtures thereof. Furthermore, some of the crystalline forms for compounds of the present invention may exist as polymorphs and as such are intended to be included in the present invention. In addition, some of the compounds of the instant invention may form solvates with water or common organic solvents. Such solvates are encompassed within the scope of this invention. The compounds of the invention are prepared according to the following reaction schemes. All of the substituents are as defined above unless indicated otherwise. Reaction Scheme A

A preferred method for the synthesis of the substituted tryptammes described in this invention utilizes a palladium-catalyzed cross coupling reaction as a key step as shown in Scheme A This 6- azamdole synthesis involves the reaction of a suitably functionalized 3-ammo-4-ιodopyrιdme (1) with substituted acetylenes such as 2 in the presence of a base like sodium carbonate, lithium chloride, and a palladium catalyst such as (dppf)PdCl₂ * CH2CI2 The reaction is conducted m an inert organic solvent such as dimethylformamide at elevated temperatures, for instance at 100^°C, and the reaction is conducted for a period of about 30 minutes to about 24 hours A standard workup and isolation affords the substituted lsomeric mdole derivatives 3 and 4, and the isomer of general formula 3 is the preferred isomer The acetylene utilized m this reaction may be a terminal acetylene (2a) or be optionally substituted on the terminal carbon atom with a substituent Z (2b, 2c) The substituent abbreviated PGi indicates an alcohol protecting group such as a benzyl ether, tert-butyl ether or the like The nature of the Z substituent determines the distribution of the 6-azamdole isomers (3 and 4) produced in the reaction. For example, if the substituent Z on the acetylene is a hydrogen atom then the isomer 4a is the major product of the reaction. When the substituent Z is chosen to be a substituted silyl group such as trimethylsilyl, triethylsilyl (as shown), or the like, then isomer 3b is formed almost exclusively. When Z is a substituted aryl group, then both isomers 3c and 4c may be formed and the product mixture is separated using chromatographic or crystallization techniques to afford the individual isomers.

If the synthesis is conducted with a silyl-substituted acetylene 2b to produce a silyl-substituted 6-azaindole 3b, then the silyl group is next converted to an aryl or substituted aryl group of general formula 3c using the reactions described later in Scheme E. The 2- arylsubstituted 6-azaindole derivatives 3c formed either directly from arylacetylenes (2c) as shown in Scheme A or from 2-trialkylsilyl-6- azaindoles using the method of Scheme E are then further elaborated as described below to produce the novel 6-azaindole derivatives described in this invention.

Reaction Scheme B

Scheme B illustrates the preparation of substituted 3- ammo-4-ιodopyπdmes (1) which are utilized in the 6-azamdole synthesis described in Scheme A. Substituted 3-nιtropyrιdme derivatives such as 5 are useful starting materials for the preparation of 3-ammo-4- lodopyridmes (1). The 3-nιtropyrιdmes (5) bearing the desired substituents can in turn be prepared by the nitration of a pyndme derivative, by a nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction from a suitable halogenated nitropyridme or by other methods known in the chemical literature. The nitro substituent of a 3-nιtropyπdme is readily reduced to the required 3-amιno group using a variety of methods such as catalytic hydrogenation and the resulting 3-ammo group can then serve as a directing group for the subsequent introduction of an iodine at the 4 position of the pyndme. To facilitate the introduction of the iodine atom the 3-ammo group is first converted to a good ori/io-directing substituent such as a pivalamide (7) This is achieved by reacting the 3-amιno- pyndme 6 with pivaloyl chloride in the presence of an amme base like tnethylamine in a suitable inert solvent followed by a standard workup and isolation. The resulting pivalamide 7 is then subjected to ortho- lithiation by treatment with a strong organolithium base such as tert- butyl lithium m the presence of a N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylene- diamine The ortbo-lithiation is conducted in an inert solvent such as tetrahydrofuran at low temperature, typically -78°C, and the 4-lιthιated derivative is the predominant regioisomer formed Once the lithiation reaction is complete the reaction mixture is then treated with an lodmatmg reagent like iodine or iodine monochlonde in a compatable solvent such as tetrahydrofuran and then allowed to warm to room temperature Workup and product purification affords the 4-ιodoρyπdιne derivative 8 which m the final step is converted to the substituted 3- ammo-4-ιodopyndmes of general formula 1 by removal of the ortho- directmg group In the case illustrated in reaction Scheme B where a pivaloyl group was chosen as the ortbo-directmg group it may be removed by hydrolysis under acidic conditions such as treatment with sulfuric acid at anelevated temperature Reaction Scheme C

Acetylenic compounds of general structure 2 are prepared using one of several methods depending upon the choice of the desired substituents. When the substituents R9, Rg_a, Rio and Rioa are selected to be hydrogen or lower alkyl groups, compounds of formula 2 may be prepared from known acetylenic alcohols such as 3-butyn-l-ol, 4-pentyn- 2-ol or similar acetylenic alcohols reported in the chemical literature. The conversion of acetylenic alcohols of general formula 10 to acetylene derivatives of general formula 2 is shown in Scheme C. For clarity the hydroxyl protecting group (PGi) illustrated in Scheme C is exemplified as an O-benzyl ether. Thus, reaction of 10 with 0-benzyl-2,2,2-trichloro- acetimidate in the presence of a catalytic amount of a strong acid such as trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and in a suitable inert organic solvent like carbon tetrachloride at room temperature affords after 2 to 24 hours the protected acetylenic alcohol 2a. Compounds of formula 2a may in turn be converted to acetylenes (2b) of general formula 2 wherein Z is a trialkylsilyl group by deprotonation of the acetylene with a base such as M-butyllithium in an inert organic solvent like tetrahydrofuran followed by reaction with a trialkylsilyl chloride such as triethylchlorosilane. The deprotonation and silylation reactions are generally conducted at low temperatures, for instance between about -78°C and room temperature, and after standard workup and purification a silylacetylene of formula 2b is obtained. As previously stated, acetylenes of general formula 2c wherein Z is an aryl or substituted aryl group, are also useful in the 6- azaindole synthesis illustrated in Scheme A. Arylacetylenes 2c may be prepared using a coupling reaction of cuprous acetylides derived from acetylenic alcohols of formula 2a with various aryl halides or aryl triflates (11). Such coupling reactions produce aryl acetylenes of general formula 12 as shown at the bottom of Scheme C. These reactions are generally carried out in a basic organic solvent like triethylamine at elevated temperatures, typically between about 60°C and about 120°C, and the coupling reaction is catalyzed by copper(I) salts such as cuprous iodide and a palladium catalyst such as palladium acetate in combination with triphenylphosphine. The hydroxyl group of the arylacetylenes of general formula 12 can be protected with a suitable protecting group such as the O-benzyl ether group shown in Scheme C, to afford an arylacetylene (2c) of general formula 2 wherein Z is an aryl or substituted aryl group. It is also recognized that in some cases it may be preferable to reverse the order of the steps illustrated in Scheme C. For instance, acetylenic alcohols (7) may be subjected to silylation or arylation prior to the hydroxyl group protection step. Reaction Scheme D

Another useful approach for the preparation of acetylenic compounds of general formula 2a employs an ethynylation reaction sequence of aldehydes of general formula 16 as shown in Scheme D. The aldehydes (16) used in the ethynylation sequence may be prepared using various methods known in organic synthesis starting with hydroxyesters of general formula 13, from protected hydroxyesters of formula 14, or from alcohols related to the mono-hydroxyl protected diols of formula 15. The choice of preferred starting material depends upon the nature of the substituents R9, Rθa, Rio, and Rioa selected. Scheme D illustrates this strategy begining with the generalized hydroxy ester 13. Protection of the hydroxyl group of 13, for instance as the O-benzylether shown, affords a protected hydroxy ester of formula 14. The ester group of compounds of formula 14 can then be converted to an aldehyde of formula 16 either directly using a reagent like diisobutylaluminum hydride in a solvent like toluene, or through a two step process. In the two step process, reduction of the ester group with a reagent such as lithium aluminum hydride in tetrahydrofuran affords alcohols of formula 15 which are then subjected to reoxidation, for instance using a Swern-Moffatt oxidation, to afford the desired aldehydes of formula 16.

The ethynylation of aldehydes of formula 16 is accomplished in two steps. First, aldehydes (16) are reacted with carbon tetrabromide and triphenylphosphine in an inert organic solvent like dichloromethane to produce the dibromo olefins of formula 17. Next, the dibromo olefins (17) are treated with two equivalents of a strong base such as 7t-butyllithium in tetrahydrofuran at low temperature, for instance at about -78°C. The strong base induces dehydrohalogenation and metal- halogen exchange to afford lithium acetylides which upon quenching and workup afford acetylenes of general formula 2a. Alternatively, the intermediate lithium acetylides formed in the reaction may be treated with a trialkylsilyl chloride, such as triethylchlorosilane, to afford silylacetylenes of general formula 2b.

Reaction Scheme E

The conversion of 2-silyl-substituted 6-azaindoles of general formula 3b to 2-aryl-substituted 6-azaindoles of general formula 3c may be accomplished in two steps as shown in Scheme E. The first step is a halodesilylation reaction which converts silyl-substituted 6-azaindoles of formula 3b into 2-halo-6-azamdoles of general formula 18 Scheme E illustrates this process using iodine monochloπde so that the product obtained is a 2-ιodomdole of general formula 18 Silver tetrafluoroborate is also employed in this example to increase the reactivity of the halogenatmg reagent It is possible to effect the halodesilylation reaction with other electrophilic halogenatmg reagents such as N- bromosuccmimide in dichloromethane which affords a 2-bromo-6- azamdole derivative. Both 2-bromo and 2-ιodo-6-azamdoles of formula 18 are useful in the subsequent step The second step is a palladium-catalyzed cross coupling reaction of the 2-halo-6-azamdole 18 with a suitable aryl or substituted aryl organometallic reagent 19 Scheme E illustrates this process with an aryl or substituted arylboronic acid as the organometallic reagent, however, other organometallic reagents known to participate m palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions such as arylboronic esters or arylstannanes may also be employed. In the example, a 2-ιodo-6- azamdole of general formula 18 is coupled with a generalized boronic acid (19) using a catalyst such as [l,l'-bιs(dιphenylphosphmo)ferrocene] dιchloropalladιum(II) complex with dichloromethane (shown), tetrakis (tπphenylphosphme)-palladιum(O) or the like The reaction is usually conducted at temperatures between room temperature and about 100°C, for instance at about 80°C This palladium catalyzed cross-coupling reaction may be effected using various combinations of palladium catalysts and solvent compositions known in organic chemistry, and the selection of the conditions is made depending upon the type of organometallic reagent (19) used and the identity of the substituent groups in the two starting materials. When the organometallic reagent is a boronic acid or boronate ester then a preferred solvent mixture consists of toluene, ethanol and an aqueous solution of a base like cesium or sodium carbonate If instead the organometallic reagent 19 is an arylstannane, then no additional base is required, and a polar aprotic solvent such as tetrahydrofuran or dimethylformamide is employed Reaction Scheme F

The next stage of the synthesis of the novel 6-azaindole derivatives is illustrated in Scheme F. This sequence of reactions begins with protection of the 6-azaindole with an amine protecting group (PG₂) to afford compounds of general formula 20. The protection step is required to avoid competing side rections of the 2-aryltryptophol of formula 21 (where PG₂ is H) in the later conversion of compounds of formula 21 to compounds of formula 22. The indole protection is followed by removal of the hydroxyl protecting group (PGi) from the side chain at the C-3 position of the 6-azaindole ring to afford compounds of general formula 21. Finally, the hydroxyl group of 21 is converted to a primary amine of general formula 23 which is then further functionalized as shown below in the following schemes. The choice of an appropriate amine protecting group (PG₂) for the 6-azaindole is determined primarily by which protecting group (PGi) is present on the hydroxyl group in the C-3 sidechain, and by consideration of the chemical stability of the amine protecting group (PGi) required in the remaining steps of the synthesis. When the hydroxyl protecting group (PGi) is anO-benzyl ether as illustrated previously in Schemes C and D, the 6-azaindole may be protected as a carbamate derivative such as a tβrt-butylcarbamate (BOC). In this case, the BOC-protected 6-azaindole is stable under the hydrogenolysis conditions which are used to remove the O-benzyl ether and it may be conveniently removed at the end of the synthesis using acidic conditions. If it is desired to synthesize compounds of formula (I) wherein Ro is alkyl, substituted alkyl or the like, then it is possible to introduce that substituent at this point and the use of a protecting group and its subsequent removal is not required.

An alcohol of general formula 21 may be converted to a primary amine of general formula 23 using a variety of methods known in the literature of organic chemistry. The bottom of Scheme F illustrates a process where the alcohol 21 is first converted to an azide of general formula 22, followed by reduction to afford the amine derivative 23. The synthesis of an azide of general formula 22 from alcohols like 21 is best accomplished by performing a Mitsunobu reaction in the presence of an appropriate azide source such as diphenylphosphoryl azide or zinc azide pyridine complex. Scheme F illustrates the reaction of alcohol 21 with triphenylphosphine, diethylazodicarboxylate, zinc azide pyridine complex and a proton source such as imidazole in an inert solvent like methylene chloride or tetrahydrofuran. The reaction is usually conducted at room temperature for periods between 1-24 hours, typically overnight or about 15 hours, and affords the azide of general formula 22 in good yield. Finally, an azide of formula 22 may then be reduced to an amine of formula 23 using one of several methods common in organic synthesis. One preferred method is catalytic hydrogenation in a solvent like methanol or ethanol in the presence of a catalyst such as 10% palladium on carbon. Alternatively, azides like 22 may be reacted with triphenyl- phosphine to form an iminophosphorane which upon hydrolysis with water affords the amine of formula 23 and triphenylphophine oxide. Reaction Scheme G

Et₃N, CH₂CI₂

The final stage of the synthesis of the novel 6-azaindole derivatives (I) involves elaboration of the sidechain at the C-3 position of the 6-azaindole core. One method for the completion of the synthesis is illustrated in Scheme G. As shown, the 2-aryltryptamine (23) may be condensed with a carboxylic acid of type 24 using the coupling reagent l-(3-dimethylamino-propyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC), 1,3-dicyclohexyl-carbodiimide (DCC) or the like with or without 1- hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) and a tertiary amine base such as N- methylmorpholine (NMM), triethylamine or the like in an inert organic solvent such as methylene chloride, chloroform, dimethylformamide, or mixtures thereof at or near room temperature for a period of 3-24 hours to provide the corresponding amide derivative (25). Alternatively, 2- aryltryptamine 23 can be treated with an active ester or acid chloride of formula 26 in an inert organic solvent such as methylene chloride, chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, or the like and a tertiary amine base such as triethylamine, diisopropylethylamine, pyridine or the like at a temperature of 0°-25°C for 30 minutes to 4 hours to give compound 25. Reaction Scheme H

As shown in reaction Scheme H, the amide carbonyl of 25 can be reduced by treatment with borane, lithium aluminum hydride, or equivalent hydride sources in an inert organic solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, 1,4-dioxane or the like at about 25°C to about 100°C, preferably about 65°C, for a period of 1-8 hours to give the corresponding amine 27.

Reaction Scheme I

As shown in reaction Scheme I, the 2-aryltryptamine 23 can be modified by treatment with an aldehyde or ketone of type 28 in the presence of a weak acid such as trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), acetic acid or the like, with or without a dessicant such as 3A molecular sieves or magnesium sulfate, and a hydride source such as sodium boro hydride or sodium cyanoborohydride, in an inert organic solvent such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, tetrahydrofuran, dichloromethane, chloroform, or mixtures thereof at a temperature of about 0° to about 25°C for a period of 1-12 hours to give the corresponding secondary or tertiary amine derivative 29. Reaction Scheme J

As shown in reaction Scheme J, the tryptamme 23 can be modified using the Fukuyama modification of the Mitsunobu reaction (Fukuyama, T.; Jow, C.-K.; Cheung, M. Tetrahedron Lett. 1995, 36, 6373- 74) The tryptamme 23 may be reacted with an arylsufonyl chloride such as 2-nιtrobenzene-sulfonyl chloride, 4-nιtrobenzenesulfonyl chloride or 2,4-dmιtrobenzene-sulfonyl chloride and a hindered amme base such as 2,4,6-collιdme, 2,6-lutιdme or the like in an inert organic solvent such as methylene chloride to provide the corresponding sulfonamide 30 The sulfonamides can be further modified by reaction with an alcohol of type 31 m the presence of triphenylphosphine and an activating agent such as diethylazodicarboxylate (DEAD), dnsopropylazodicaboxylate or the like m an inert organic solvent such as benzene, toluene, tetrahydrofuran or mixtures thereof to give the dialkylsulfonamide adduct. Removal of a dmitrobenzenesulfonyl group is accomplished by treatment with a nucleophilic amme such as π,-propylamme or the like m an inert organic solvent such as methylene chloride to give secondary ammes of type 32 When a mono-nitrobenzenesulfonyl derivative is employed, the removal of the sulfonamide is accomplished with a more nucleophilic reagent such as thiophenol or mercaptoacetic acid in combination with lithium hydroxide m DMF Reaction Scheme K

Reaction Scheme K illustrates a method that is complimentary to reaction Scheme J for completing the synthesis of the novel compounds of formula (I). Scheme K also employs the Fukuyama modification of the Mitsunobu reaction similar to that illustrated in reaction Scheme J. However in this instance, the alcohol partner employed is a 2-aryltryptophol of general formula 21 which has been decribed previously in reaction Scheme F. The 2-aryltryptophol (21) is reacted with a substituted sulfonamide of general formula 33, triphenylphosphine and diethylazodicarboxylate in a suitable inert organic solvent such as benzene, tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane or the like. The reaction is generally conducted at room temperature for a period of 2 to 24 hours, typically overnight or for about 12-16 hours. The product is an N,N-disubstituted sulfonamide which is then separately subjected to reaction with a base such as 71-propylamine which removes the sulfonamide substituent and furnishes a secondary amine related to formula 32. The sulfonamides of formula 33 employed are readily obtained from a primary amine and either 2-nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride, 4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride or 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride (as shown) in the presence of a hindered amine base such as 2,4,6-collidine, 2,6-lutidine or the like in an inert organic solvent such as methylene chloride. The final stage of the synthesis requires removal of the protecting group on the 6-azaindole nitrogen atom (PG₂) which produces a compound of general formula 32 wherein Ro is a hydrogen atom. It will be recognized by individuals skilled in the art of organic synthesis that a preference for utilizing either the synthetic sequences outlined in reaction Schemes J or K will be determined by the substituents selected to be present in the compounds of formula (I). The compounds of the present invention are useful in the treatment of various sex-hormone related conditions in men and women. This utility is manifested in their ability to act as antagonists of the neuropeptide hormone GnRH as demonstrated by activity in the following in vitro assays.

Rat pituitary GnRH receptor binding assay:

Crude plasma membranes prepared from rat pituitary tissues were incubated in a Tris.HCl buffer (50 mM, PH. 7.5) containing bovine serum albumin (.1%), [I-125]D-t-Bu-Ser6-Pro9-ethyl amide-GnRH, and the desired concentration of a test compound. The assay mixtures were incubated at 4°C for 90-120 minutes followed by rapid filtration and repeated washings through a glass fiber filter. The radioactivity of membrane bound radioligands was determined in a gamma-counter. From this data, the IC50 of the radioligand binding to GnRH receptors in the presence of test compound was estimated.

Inhibition of LH release assay:

Active compounds from the GnRH receptor binding assay were further evaluated with an in vitro LH release assay to confirm their antagonist activity (blocking GnRH-induced LH release).

1. Sample Preparation

The compounds to be assayed were dissolved and diluted in DMSO. The final concentration of DMSO in the incubation medium was

0.5%. 2 Assay

The Wistar male rats (150-200 grams) were obtained from Charles River Laboratories (Wilmington, MA). Rats were maintained at a constant temperature (25°C) on a 12-hr light, 12-hr dark cycle. Rat chow and water were available ad libitum. The animals were sacrificed by decapitation and pituitary glands were aseptically removed and placed in Hank's Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) in a 50-mL polypropylene centrifuge tube. The collection tube was centrifuged for 5 mm at 250 x g, and HBSS was removed by aspiration. Pituitary glands were transferred to a disposable petπ plate and minced with a scalpel. The minced tissue was then transferred to a 50-mL disposable centrifuge tube by suspending the tissue fragments m three successive 10-mL aliquots of HBSS containing 0.2% collagenase and 0 2% hyaluronidase The cell dispersion was carried out in a water bath at 37°C with gentle stirring for 30 mm. At the end of the incubation, the cells were aspirated 20 to 30 times with a pipet and the undigested pituitary fragments were allowed to settle for 3 to 5 mm. The suspended cells were removed by aspiration, and then subjected to a 1200 x g centrifugation for 5 mm. The cells were then resuspended in Culture medium The undigested pituitary fragments were treated with 30 mL aliquots of the digestion enzymes as above for a total of 3 digestions with the collagenase/hyaluronidase mixture. The resulting cell suspensions were pooled, counted and diluted to a concentration of 3 x 10^ cells/ml, and 1.0 ml of this suspension was placed in each well of a 24-well tray (Costar, Cambridge, MA) Cells were maintained in a humidified 5% CO2-95% air atmosphere at 37°C for 3 to 4 days The culture medium consisted of DMEM containing 0.37% NaHCO3, 10% horse serum, 2.5% fetal bovine serum, 1% non-essential ammo acids, 1% glutamme, and 0 1% gentamycm. On the day of an experiment, cells were washed three times 1 1/2 hrs prior to and two more times immediately before the start of the experiment with DMEM containing 0.37% NaHCO3, 10% horse serum,

2.5% fetal bovine serum, 1% non-essential ammo acιds(lOOX), 1% glutamιne(lOOX), 1% Pemcιllm/Streptomycm(10,000 Units of Penicillin and 10,000 micrograms of Streptomycin per ml), and 25 mM HEPES, pH 7.4. LH release was initiated by adding 1 ml of fresh medium containing test compounds in the presence of 2 nM GnRH to each well in duplicate. Incubation was carried out at 37°C for 3 hr. After incubation, medium was removed and centrifuged at 2,000 x g for 15 min to remove any cellular material. The supernatant fluid was removed and assayed for LH content with a double antibody RIA procedure using materials obtained from Dr. A. F. Parlow (Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA).

The compounds of formula I are useful in a number of areas affected by GnRH. They may be useful in sex-hormone related conditions, sex-hormone dependent cancers, benign prostatic hypertrophy or myoma of the uterus. Sex-hormone dependent cancers which may benefit from the administration of the compounds of this invention include prostatic cancer, uterine cancer, breast cancer and pituitary gonadotrophe adenomas. Other sex-hormone dependent conditions which may benefit from the administration of the compounds of this invention include endometriosis, polycystic ovarian disease, uterine fibroids and precocious puberty. The compounds may also be used in combination with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor such as Enalapril or Captopril, an angiotensin Il-receptor antagonist such as Losartan or a renin inhibitor for the treatment of uterine fibroids.

The compounds of the invention may also be useful for controlling pregnancy, as a contraceptive in both men and women, for in vitro fertilization, in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome, in the treatment of lupus erythematosis, in the treatment of hirsutism, in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and for the treatment of sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.

A further use of the compounds of this invention is as an adjunct to growth hormone therapy in growth hormone deficient children. The compounds may be administered with growth hormone or a compound which increases the endogenous production or release of growth hormone. Certain compounds have been developed which stimulate the release of endogenous growth hormone. Peptides which are known to stimulate the release of endogenous growth hormone include growth hormone releasing hormone, the growth hormone releasing peptides GHRP-6 and GHRP-1 (described in U.S. Patent No. 4,411,890, PCT Patent Pub. No. WO 89/07110, and PCT Patent Pub. No. WO 89/07111) and GHRP-2 (described in PCT Patent Pub. No. WO 93/04081), as well as hexarelin (J. Endocrinol Invest.. 15(Suppl 4), 45 (1992)). Other compounds which stimulate the release of endogenous growth hormone are disclosed, for example, in the following: U.S. Patent No. 3,239,345; U.S. Patent No. 4,036,979; U.S. Patent No. 4,411,890; U.S. Patent No. 5,206,235; U.S. Patent No. 5,283,241; U.S. Patent No. 5,284,841; U.S. Patent No. 5,310,737; U.S. Patent No. 5,317,017; U.S. Patent No. 5,374,721; U.S. Patent No. 5,430,144; U.S. Patent No.

5,434,261; U.S. Patent No. 5,438,136; EPO Patent Pub. No. 0,144,230; EPO Patent Pub. No. 0,513,974; PCT Patent Pub. No. WO 94/07486; PCT

Patent Pub. No. WO 94/08583 PCT Patent Pub. No. WO 94/11012; PCT Patent Pub. No. WO 94/13696 PCT Patent Pub. No. WO 94/19367; PCT Patent Pub. No. WO 95/03289 PCT Patent Pub. No. WO 95/03290; PCT Patent Pub. No. WO 95/09633 PCT Patent Pub. No. WO 95/11029; PCT Patent Pub. No. WO 95/12598 PCT Patent Pub. No. WO 95/13069; PCT Patent Pub. No. WO 95/14666 PCT Patent Pub. No. WO 95/16675; PCT Patent Pub. No. WO 95/16692 PCT Patent Pub. No. WO 95/17422; PCT Patent Pub. No. WO 95/17423 Science. 260. 1640-1643 (June 11, 1993); Ann. Rep. Med. Chem.. 28, 177-186 (1993); Bioorg. Med. Chem. Ltrs., 4(22), 2709-2714 (1994); and Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 92. 7001-7005 (July 1995).

Representative preferred growth hormone secretagoues employed in the present combination include the following:

1) N-[l(R)-[(l,2-Dihydro-l-methanesulfonylspiro[3H-indole-3,4'- piperidin]-l'-yl)carbonyl]-2-(lH-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-2-amino-2-methyl- propanamide;

2) N-[l(R)-[(l,2-Dihydro-l-methanecarbonylspiro[3H-mdole-3,4'- piperidin]-l'-yl)carbonyl]-2-(lH-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-2-amino-2-methyl- propanamide; 3) N-[l(R)-[(l,2-Dihydro-l-benzenesulfonylspiro[3H-indole-3,4'-piperidin]- l'-yl)carbonyl]-2-(lH-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-2-amino-2-methyl-propanamide;

4) N-[l(R)-[(3,4-Dihydro-spiro[2H-l-benzopyran-2,4'-piperidin]-l'-yl) carbonyl]-2-(lH-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-2-amino-2-methylpropanamide;

5) N- [ 1 (R)- [(2-Acetyl- 1 , 2 , 3, 4-tetrahy drospiro [isoquinolin-4, 4'-piperidin] - 1 '- yl)carbonyl]-2-(indol-3-yl)ethyl]-2-amino-2-methyl-propanamide;

6) N-[l(R)-[(l,2-Dihydro-l-methanesulfonylspιro[3H-mdole-3,4'- piperidin]-l'-yl)carbonyl]-2-(phenylmethyloxy)ethyl]-2-amino-2- methylpropanamide;

7) N-[l(R)-[(l,2-Dihydro-l-methanesulfonylspιro[3H-mdole-3,4'- pιperidin]-l'-yl)carbonyl]-2-(phenylmethyloxy)ethyl]-2-amino-2- methylpropanamide methanesulfonate;

8) N-[l(R)-[(l,2-Dihydro-l-methanesulfonylspiro[3H-indole-3,4'- piperidin]-l'-yl)carbonyl]-2-(2',6'-difluorophenylmethyloxy)ethyl]-2-amino- 2-methylpropanamide;

9) N-[l(R)-[(l,2-Dihydro-l-methanesulfonyl-5-fluorospιro[3H-indole-3,4'- piperidin]-l'-yl)carbonyl]-2-(phenylmethyloxy)ethyl]-2-amino-2- methylpropanamide;

10) N-[l(S)-[(l,2-Dihydro-l-methanesulfonylspιro[3H-mdole-3,4'- piperidin]-l'-yl) carbonyl]-2-(phenylmethylthio)ethyl]-2-amino-2- methylpropanamide;

11) N-[l(R)-[(l,2-Dihydro-l-methanesulfonylspιro[3H-indole-3,4'- piperidin]-l'-yl)carbonyl]-3-phenylpropyl]-2-amino-2-methyl-propanamide; 12) N-[l(R)-[(l,2-Dιhydro-l-methanesulfonylspιro[3H-mdole-3,4'- pιperιdm]-l'-yl)carbonyl]-3-cyclohexylpropyl]-2-ammo-2-methyl- propanamide;

13) N-[l(R)-[(l,2-Dιhydro-l-methanesulfonylspιro[3H-mdole-3,4'- pιperιdm]-l'-yl)carbonyl]-4-phenylbutyl]-2-ammo-2-methyl-propanamιde;

14) N-[l(R)-[(l,2-Dιhydro-l-methanesulfonylspιro[3H-mdole-3,4^*- pιperιdm]-l'-yl)carbonyl]-2-(5-fluoro-lH-mdol-3-yl)ethyl]-2-ammo-2- methylpropanamide;

15) N-[l(R)-[(l,2-Dιhydro-l-methanesulfonyl-5-fluorospιro[3H-mdole-3,4'- pιperιdm]-l'-yl)carbonyl]-2-(5-fluoro-lH-mdol-3-yl)ethyl]-2-amιno-2- methylpropanamide ;

16) N-[l(R)-[(l,2-Dιhydro-l-(2-ethoxycarbonyl)methylsulfonylspιro-[3H- mdole-3,4'-pιperιdm]-l^,-yl)carbonyl]-2-(lH-mdol-3-yl)ethyl]-2-ammo-2- methylpropanamide ,

17) N-[l(R)-[(l,2-Dιhydro-l,l-dιoxospιro[3H-benzothιophene-3,4'- pιperιdm]-l'-yl)carbonyl]-2-(phenylmethyloxy)ethyl]-2-ammo-2- methylpropanamide,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof The compounds of the invention may also be used in combination with bisphosphonates (bisphosphonic acids) and other agents, such as growth hormone secretagogues, for the treatment and the prevention of disturbances of calcium, phosphate and bone metabolism, m particular, for the prevention of bone loss during therapy with the GnRH antagonist, and in combination with estrogens, progesterones and or androgens for the prevention or treatment of bone loss or hypogonadal symptoms such as hot flashes during therapy with the GnRH antagonist Bisphosphonates (bisphosphonic acids) are known to inhibit bone resorption and are useful for the treatment of bone lithiasis as disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,621,077 to Rosini, et al.

The literature discloses a variety of bisphosphonic acids which are useful in the treatment and prevention of diseases involving bone resorption. Representative examples may be found in the following: U.S. Patent No. 3,251,907; U.S. Patent No. 3,422,137; U.S. Patent No. 3,584,125; U.S. Patent No. 3,940,436; U.S. Patent No. 3,944,599; U.S. Patent No. 3,962,432; U.S. Patent No. 4,054,598; U.S. Patent No. 4,267,108; U.S. Patent No. 4,327,039; U.S. Patent No. 4,407,761; U.S. Patent No. 4,578,376; U.S. Patent No. 4,621,077; U.S. Patent No. 4,624,947; U.S. Patent No. 4,746,654; U.S. Patent No. 4,761,406; U.S. Patent No. 4,922,007; U.S. Patent No. 4,942, 157; U.S. Patent No. 5,227,506; U.S. Patent No. 5,270,365; EPO Patent Pub. No. 0,252,504; and J. Org. Chem., 36, 3843 (1971).

The preparation of bisphosphonic acids and halo- bisphosphonic acids is well known in the art. Representative examples may be found in the above mentioned references which disclose the compounds as being useful for the treatment of disturbances of calcium or phosphate metabolism, in particular, as inhibitors of bone resorption. Preferred bisphosphonates are selected from the group of the following compounds: alendronic acid, etidrononic acid, clodronic acid, pamidronic acid, tiludronic acid, risedronic acid, 6-amino-l-hydroxy- hexylidene-bisphosphonic acid, and l-hydroxy-3(methylpentylamino)- propylidene-bisphosphonic acid; or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A particularly preferred bisphosphonate is alendronic acid (alendronate), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. An especially preferred bisphosphonate is alendronate sodium, including alendronate sodium trihydrate. Alendronate sodium has received regulatory approval for marketing in the United States under the trademark FOSAMAX®.

Additionally, a compound of the present invention may be co-administered with a 5α-reductase 2 inhibitor, such as finasteride or epristeride; a 5α-reductase 1 inhibitor such as 4,7β-dimethyl-4-aza-5α- cholestan-3-one, 3-oxo-4-aza-4,7β-dιmethyl-16β-(4-chlorophenoxy)-5α- androstane, and 3-oxo-4-aza-4,7β-dιmethyl-16β-( henoxy)-5α-androstane as disclosed m WO 93/23420 and WO 95/11254; dual inhibitors of 5 - reductase 1 and 5α-reductase 2 such as 3-oxo-4-aza-17β-(2,5-tnfluoro- ethylphenyl-carbamoyl)-5α-androstane as disclosed in WO 95/07927, antiandrogens such as flutamide, casodex and cyproterone acetate, and alpha- 1 blockers such as prazosin, terazosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin, and alfuzosm

Further, a compound of the present invention may be used in combination with growth hormone, growth hormone releasing hormone or growth hormone secretagogues, to delay puberty in growth hormone deficient children, which will allow them to continue to gam height before fusion of the epiphyses and cessation of growth at puberty Further, a compound of the present invention may be used m combination or co- administered with a compound having luteinizing hormone releasing activity such as a peptide or natural hormone or analog thereof Such peptide compounds include leuprorelm, gonadorelm, buserelin, triptorelin, goserelin, nafarelin, histrelin, deslorelin, meterlin and recirelm

For combination treatment with more than one active agent, where the active agents are in separate dosage formulations, the active agents may be administered separately or m conjunction In addition the administration of one element may be prior to, concurrent to, or subsequent to the administration of the other agent

The pharmaceutical compositions containing the active ingredient may be in a form suitable for oral use, for example, as tablets troches, lozenges, aqueous or oily suspensions, dispersible powders or granules, emulsions, hard or soft capsules, or syrups or elixirs Compositions intended for oral use may be prepared according to any method known to the art for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions and such compositions may contain one or more agents selected from the group consisting of sweetening agents, flavoring agents, coloring agents and preserving agents in order to provide pharmaceutically elegant and palatable preparations Tablets contain the active ingredient in admixture with non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable excipients which are suitable for the manufacture of tablets These excipients may be for example, inert diluents, such as calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, lactose, calcium phosphate or sodium phosphate, granulating and disintegrating agents, for example, corn starch, or algmic acid, binding agents, for example starch, gelatin or acacia, and lubricating agents, for example, magnesium stearate, stearic acid or talc The tablets may be uncoated or they may be coated by known techniques to delay disintegration and absorption m the gastrointestinal tract and thereby provide a sustained action over a longer period For example, a time delay material such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate may be employed They may also be coated by the technique described m the U S Patent 4,256,108, 4,166,452, and 4,265,874 to form osmotic therapeutic tablets for control release Formulations for oral use may also be presented as hard gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with an inert solid diluent, for example, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or kaolin, or as soft gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with water or an oil medium, for example peanut oil, liquid paraffin, or olive oil Aqueous suspensions contain the active material in admixture with excipients suitable for the manufacture of aqueous suspensions Such excipients are suspending agents, for example sodium carboxymethylcellulose , methylcellulose , hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose , sodium algmate, poly vmyl-pyrroli done, gum tragacanth and gum acacia dispersing or wetting agents may be a naturally-occurring phosphatide for example lecithin, or condensation products of an alkylene oxide with fatty acids, for example polyoxy ethylene stearate, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with long chain aliphatic alcohols, for example heptadecaethylene-oxycetanol, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and a hexitol such as polyoxyethylene sorbitol monooleate, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, for example polyethylene sorbitan monooleate The aqueous suspensions may also contain one or more preservatives, for example ethyl, or n- propyl, p-hydroxybenzoate, one or more coloring agents, one or more flavoring agents, and one or more sweetening agents, such as sucrose, saccharin or aspartame.

Oily suspensions may be formulated by suspending the active ingredient in a vegetable oil, for example arachis oil, olive oil, sesame oil or coconut oil, or in mineral oil such as liquid paraffin. The oily suspensions may contain a thickening agent, for example beeswax, hard paraffin or cetyl alcohol. Sweetening agents such as those set forth above, and flavoring agents may be added to provide a palatable oral preparation. These compositions may be preserved by the addition of an anti-oxidant such as ascorbic acid.

Dispersible powders and granules suitable for preparation of an aqueous suspension by the addition of water provide the active ingredient in admixture with a dispersing or wetting agent, suspending agent and one or more preservatives. Suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents are exemplified by those already mentioned above. Additional excipients, for example sweetening, flavoring and coloring agents, may also be present.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may also be in the form of an oil-in- water emulsions. The oily phase may be a vegetable oil, for example olive oil or arachis oil, or a mineral oil, for example liquid paraffin or mixtures of these. Suitable emulsifying agents may be naturally-occurring phosphatides, for example soy beans, lecithin, and esters or partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, for example sorbitan monooleate, and condensation products of the said partial esters with ethylene oxide, for example polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The emulsions may also contain sweetening and flavouring agents.

Syrups and elixirs may be formulated with sweetening agents, for example glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol or sucrose. Such formulations may also contain a demulcent, a preservative and flavoring and coloring agents.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of a sterile injectable aqueous or oleagenous suspension. This suspension may be formulated according to the known art using those suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents which have been mentioned above. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally-acceptable diluent or solvent, for example as a solution in 1,3-butane diol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids such as oleic acid find use in the preparation of injectables.

Compounds of Formula I may also be administered in the form of a suppositories for rectal administration of the drug. These compositions can be prepared by mixing the drug with a suitable non- irritating excipient which is solid at ordinary temperatures but liquid at the rectal temperature and will therefore melt in the rectum to release the drug. Such materials are cocoa butter and polyethylene glycols. For topical use, creams, ointments, jellies, solutions or suspensions, etc., containing the compound of Formula I are employed. (For purposes of this application, topical application shall include mouth washes and gargles.)

The compounds for the present invention can be administered in intranasal form via topical use of suitable intranasal vehicles, or via transdermal routes, using those forms of transdermal skin patches well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. To be administered in the form of a transdermal delivery system, the dosage administration will, of course, be continuous rather than intermittent throughout the dosage regimen. Compounds of the present invention may also be delivered as a suppository employing bases such as cocoa butter, glycerinated gelatin, hydrogenated vegetable oils, mixtures of polyethylene glycols of various molecular weights and fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol. The dosage regimen utilizing the compounds of the present invention is selected in accordance with a variety of factors including type, species, age, weight, sex and medical condition of the patient; the seventy of the condition to be treated; the route of administration; the renal and hepatic function of the patient; and the particular compound thereof employed. A physician or veterinarian of ordinary skill can readily determine and prescribe the effective amount of the drug required to prevent, counter, arrest or reverse the progress of the condition. Optimal precision in achieving concentration of drug withm the range that yields efficacy without toxicity requires a regimen based on the kinetics of the drug's availability to target sites This involves a consideration of the distribution, equilibrium, and elimination of a drug. Preferably, doses of the compound of structural formula I useful in the method of the present invention range from 0.01 to 1000 mg per adult human per day. Most preferably, dosages range from 0.1 to 500 mg/day. For oral administration, the compositions are preferably provided in the form of tablets containing 0.01 to 1000 milligrams of the active ingredient, particularly 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 25.0, 50.0, 100 and 500 milligrams of the active ingredient for the symptomatic adjustment of the dosage to the patient to be treated. An effective amount of the drug is ordinarily supplied at a dosage level of from about 0.0002 mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg of body weight per day The range is more particularly from about 0.001 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg of body weight per day Advantageously, the active agent of the present invention may be administered in a single daily dose, or the total daily dosage may be administered in dividend doses of two, three or four times daily

The amount of active ingredient that may be combined with the carrier materials to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon the host treated and the particular mode of administration.

It will be understood, however, that the specific dose level for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors including the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, time of administration, route of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination and the severity of the particular disease undergoing therapy

The following examples illustrate the preparation of some of the compounds of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention disclosed herein.

EXAMPLE 1

(>S^r)-l-(2-Azabιcvclor2.2.21oct-2-yl)-2-{2-(3.5-dιmethylphenyl)-3- l-methyl-2-(2-pyrιdm-4-ylethylammo)ethyl]-lH-pyrrolo 2,3-clpyrιdm

-5-yl}-2-methylpropan-l-one

Step 1A (^-l-(2-Azabιcyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{2-(3,5-dιmethylphenyl)- 3-[2-[N-(2,4-dmιtrobenzenesulfonyl),N-(2-pyndm-4-ylethyl)- ammo] - 1 -methylethyl] - 1H- (tert-butoxycarbonyl)pyrrolo-

[2,3-c1pyrιdm-5-yl)-2-methylpropan-l-one

DEAD (59.8 μL, 0.380 mmol) was added dropwise via syringe to a stirred solution of (4S)-l-(2-azabιcyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{2-(3,5- dιmethyl-phenyl)-3-[2-(2,4-dmιtrobenzenesulfonylammo)-l-methylethyl]- lH-(tert-butoxy-carbonyl)pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyrιdm-5-yl}-2-methylpropan-l-one (150 mg, 0.190 mmol), 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-pyrιdme (46.8 mg, 0.380 mmol) and PPh₃ (99.7 mg, 0.380 mmol) in benzene (2 mL) at room temperature After approximately lh, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was partially purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (80% ethyl acetate/hexanes as eluent) to give a mixture of the title compound, 1,2-dιcarbethoxyhydrazme and triphenylphosphine oxide Step IB: (^-l-(2-Azabιcyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{2-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)- 3-l-methyl-2-(2-pyridin-4-ylethylamino)ethyl]-lH-(tert- butoxycarbonyl)pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-5-yl}-2-methylpropan-l- one n-Propylamine (391 μL, 4.75 mmol.) was added to a stirred solution of crude (S)-l-(2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{2-(3,5- dimethylphenyl)-3-[2-[N-(2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonyl),7N-(2-pyridin-4- ylethyl)amino]-l-methylethyl]-lH-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)pyrrolo[2,3- c]pyridin-5-yl}-2-methylpropan-l-one (0.190 mmol.) in CΗ2CI2 (2 mL) at room temperature. After approximately 15 min., the volatiles were evaporated in vacuo and the residue was purified by preparative thin layer chromatography on silica gel (double elution using 100% ethyl acetate as eluent) to give the title compound as a foam (94.6 mg, 75% overall yield for two steps).

Step 1C: (^-l-(2-Azabιcyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{2-(3,5-dιmethylphenyl)- 3-[l-methyl-2-(2-pyridin-4-ylethylamino)ethyl]-lH-pyrrolo- [2,3-cl-pyridin-5-yl}-2-methylpropan-l-one A solution of (S)-l-(2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{2-(3,5- dimethylphenyl)-3-[l-methyl-2-(2-pyridin-4-ylethylamino)ethyl]-lH- (teri-butoxycarbonyl)-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-5-yl}-2-methylpropan-l-one (65.0 mg, 97.9 μmol) in trifluoroacetic acid/CH2Cl₂ (1:4; 1 mL) was aged at room temperature for approximately 9h. The resulting mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue partitioned between saturated aqueous NaHCO. and CH2CI2. The organic phase was separated and the aqueous phase re-extracted with CH2CI2 (χ3). The combined organic extract was washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (gradient elution; 2-4% methanol/1% NH OH/CH₂Cl₂ as eluent) to give the title compound as a foam (53.4 mg, 97%). MS (ESI) m/e = 564.6 (M+H⁺). EXAMPLE 2

(4S')-l-(2-Azabιcyclo 2.2.21oct-2-yl)-2-r3-{2-r2-(lH-benzotriazol-

5-yl)-ethylamino]-l-methylethyl|-2-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)- lH-pyrrolo 2,3-c pyridin-5-yl1-2-methylpropan-l-one

Step 2A: (4S)-l-(2-Azabιcyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{2-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)- 3-2-[N-(2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonyl),N-(2-[l-(2-trimethylsilyl- ethoxymethyl)-lH-benzotriazol-5-yl]ethyl)amino]-l-methyl- ethyl]- lH-(iβrt-butoxycarbonyl)pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-5-yl}-2- methylp rop an- 1 -one

DEAD (64.3 μL, 0.409 mmol) was added dropwise via syringe to a stirred solution of (S)-l-(2-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{2-(3,5- dimethylphenyl)-3-[2-(2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonylamino)-l-methylethyl]- lH-(tert-butoxy-carbonyl)pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-5-yl}-2-methylpropan- 1-one (170 mg, 0.215 mmol), 2-[l-(2-tnmethylsilylethoxymethyl)-lH- benzotnazol-5-yl]ethanol (120 mg, 0.409 mmol) and PPh (107 mg, 0.409 mmol) in benzene (2 mL) at room temperature. After approximately 1.5h, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was partially purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (40-60% ethyl acetate/hexanes as eluent) to give a mixture of the title compound, 1,2- dicarbethoxyhydrazine, triphenylphosphine oxide and the recovered benzotriazole component.

Step 2B: (S)-l-(2-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{2-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)- 3-2-[2-[l-(2-trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)-lH-benzotriazol-5- yl] -ethylamino] - 1 -methylethyl}- 1H- (tert-butoxycarbonyl) Pyrrolo-|^"2,3-c1pyridin-5-yl}-2-methylpropan-l-one tt-Propylamine (442 μL, 5.38 mmol.) was added to a stirred solution of crude (S)-l-(2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{2-(3,5- dιmethylphenyl)-3-[2-[N-(2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonyl),N-(2-[l-(2- trimethylsilylethoxy-methyl)- lH-benzo-triazol- 5-yl] ethyl)amino] - 1 - methylethyl]-lH-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)pyrrolo-[2,3-c]pyridin-5-yl}-2- methyl-propan-1-one (0.215 mmol.) in CΗ2CI2 (2 mL) at room temperature. After approximately 10 min., the volatiles were evaporated in vacuo and the residue was partially purified by preparative thin layer chromatography on silica gel (double elution using 100% ethyl acetate as eluent) to give the title compound as a foam.

Step 2C: (4S)-l-(2-Azabιcyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-[3-{2-[2-(lH-benzotrιazol- 5-yl)ethylamino]-l-methylethyl}-2-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)-l H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-5-yl]-2-methylpropan-l-one trifluoroacetic acid salt

A vigorously stirred suspension of crude (<S)-l-(2- azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{2-(3,5-dιmethylphenyl)-3-{2-[2-[l-(2- trimethylsilylethoxymethyl)-lH-benzo-triazol-5-yl]-ethylamino]-l- methylethyl}-lH-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-5-yl}-2- methyl-propan-1-one (0.215 mmol.) and 2N ΗCl/EtOΗ (1:1; 1 mL) was heated at 75°C for approximately 3h. After cooling to ambient temperature, the reaction mixture was basified to pΗ=9 with 2N NaOH, and then extracted with dichloromethane (χ3). The combined organic extract was washed with brine, dried (MgSO i) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by reverse phase HPLC (Waters Delta Pak 15μ, C18, 100A 19x300 mm column; 25% acetomtrile/75%water - 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid as eluent) to give the title compound as a solid (65 mg, 37% overall yield for the three steps). MS (ESI) m/e = 604.7 (M+H⁺). EXAMPLE 3

l-(2-Azabιcvclor2.2.2loct-2-yl)-2-(2-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)-3-{l- methyl-2-[2-(2-methyl-l-oxopyridin-4-yl)ethylamino1ethylMH-

Pyrrolo 2,3-c1pyridin-5-yl)-2-methylpropan-l-one

Step 3A: (S)-l-(2-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{2-(3,5-dιmethylphenyl)- 3-[2-[N-(2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonyl), N-(2-(2-methyl-l-oxo- pyridin-4-yl)ethyl)amino] - 1-methylethyl] - lH-(tert-butoxy- carbonyl)pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-5-yl}-2-methylpropan-l-one

DEAD (80.0 μL, 0.508 mmol) was added dropwise via syringe to a stirred solution of (4S -l-(2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{2-(3,5- dimethylphenyl)-3-[2-(2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonylamino)-l-methylethyl]- lH-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-5-yl}-2-methylpropan-l-one (200 mg, 0.254 mmol), 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-methylpyridin-l-oxide (77.8 mg, 0.508 mmol) and PPhs (133 mg, 0.508 mmol) in benzene (5 mL) at room temperature. After approximately 1.5h, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was partially purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (100% CΗ₂C1₂ then 3%MeOH/CH₂Cl₂ as eluent) to give the title compound as a foam.

Step 3B: (4S)-l-(2-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{2-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)- 3-[2-(2-methyl-l-oxopyridin-4-ylethylamino)-l-methylethyl]- lH-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-5-yl}-2- methylpropan-1-one

71-Propylamine (520 μL, 6.35 mmol.) was added to a stirred solution of crude (S)-l-(2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{2-(3,5- dimethylphenyl)-3-[2-[N-(2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonyl), 7Y-(2-(2-methyl-l- oxopyridin-4-yl)ethyl)-amino]-l-methylethyl]-lH-(tert-butoxycarbonyl) pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-5-yl}-2-methylpropan-l-one (0.254 mmol.) in CH2CI2 (2.5 mL) at room temperature. After approximately 2h, the volatiles were evaporated in vacuo and the residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (100% CH2CI2 then 3-5%MeOH/l% NH₄OH/ CH2CI2 as eluent) to give the title compound as a foam (141 mg, 80% overall yield for two steps).

Step 3C: l-(2-Azabιcyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-(2-(3,5-dιmethylphenyl)- 3-{l-methyl-2-[2-(2-methyl-l-oxopyridin-4-yl)ethylamino] ethyl}- lH-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-5-yl)-2-methylpropan-

1-one trifluoroacetic acid salt A solution of (S)-l-(2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{2-(3,5- dimethylphenyl)-3-[2-(2-methyl-l-oxopyridin-4-yl-ethylamino)-l- methylethylJ-lH-(tert-butoxy-carbonyl)-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-5-yl}-2- methj propan-1-one (140 mg, 0.202 mmol) in trifluoroacetic acid/ CΗ2CI2 (1:1; 2 mL) was aged at room temperature for approximately 2h. The resulting mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue purified by reverse phase HPLC (Waters Delta Pak 15μ, C18, lOOA 19x300 mm column; gradient elution 27-32% acetonitrile/water - 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) to give the title compound as a solid (128 mg, 77%). MS (ESI) m/e = 594.4 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 4

Following procedures similar to those described in Examples 1, 2 and 3 and in Schemes A to K, the following compounds are prepared:

PREPARATION OF SYNTHETIC INTERMEDIATES

(^-(4-Benzyloxy-3-methylbut-l-ynyl)triethylsilane

Step A: Methyl (<S^-3-benzyloxy-2-methyrpropanoate

An oven dried 1 L single-necked round bottom flask was equipped with a magnetic stir bar and then charged sequentially with 15.948 g (0.135 moi) of (i?)-(-)-methyl-3-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoate, carbon tetrachloride (150 mL), cyclohexane (300 mL), and 35.796 g (0.142 moi) of benzyl 2,2,2-trichloroacetimidate. Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (0.8 mL; 9.0 mmol) was added to the solution and the resulting mixture was stirred for 16 h at room temperature under an N2 atmosphere. The reaction mixture was then filtered and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo. The residue was redissolved in 150 mL EtOAc and extracted with saturated aqueous NaHCO3 (1x100 mL). The organic layer was washed with saturated NaCI, dried (MgSO i), filtered and evaporated. The residual oil was purified on a silica gel flash chromatography column eluted with 10% EtOAc-hexane. The purified fractions were combined and evaporated in vacuo to afford 20.787g of the title compound as an oil. MS (CI): ;n/e = 209 (M+l).

Step B: (>S)-3-Benzyloxy-2-methyrpropan-l-ol

An oven dried three-necked 2 L round bottom flask was equipped with a mechanical stirrer, a reflux condenser and a 500 mL constant pressure addition funnel. The flask was charged with a solution of 62.252 g (0.299 moi) of methyl (4S)-3-benzyloxy-2-methylpropanoate in 600 mL of anhydrous THF, and a 1.0 M solution of lithium aluminum hydride (300 mL; 0.3 moi) was transferred into the dropping funnel via a cannula. Stirring was started and the lithium aluminum hydride solution was added over 45 minutes to the reaction under an N₂ atmosphere while the temperature of the reaction mixture was maintained between 25-30°C using an external ice-water bath. After the addition was complete, the reaction was stirred an additional 6 h at room temperature at which point TLC analysis (20% EtOAc-hexane) indicated complete reaction. The reaction mixture was then cooled with an external ice-water bath and quenched by serial addition of 11.4 mL water, 11.4 mL of 15% aqueous NaOH, and 34.2 mL water. The reaction mixture was then filtered, the solids were washed with EtOAc, the filtrate and washings were combined and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was redissolved in EtOAc, washed with 10% aqueous NaHSO₄, saturated NaCI, dried (MgSO ), filtered and evaporated. The residue was purified by Kugelrohr distillation to afford 47.67 g of the title compound as an oil. MS (CI): τn/e = 181 (M+l).

Step C: (^-3-Benzyloxy-2-methylpropanal

An oven dried three-necked 2 L round bottom flask was equipped with a mechanical stirrer, a thermometer, an N₂ inlet, and a septum. The flask was charged with 24.050 g (0.189 moi) of oxalyl chloride and 425 mL CH2CI2. The reaction mixture was stirred under an N2 atmosphere and cooled to -78°C with an external dry ice-acetone bath. A solution of methyl sulfoxide (29.607 g; 0.379 moi) in 85 mL CH2CI2 was then added over 5 min to the reaction mixture via cannula. After the adition, the reaction was stirred an additional 5 min and then a solution of 31.048 g (0.172 moi) of (-S)-3-benzyloxy-2-methylpropan-l-ol in 170 mL CH2CI2 was added via cannula. When the second addition was completed the reaction mixture was stirred for 15 mm at -78°C then 111.32 g (0.861 moi) of N,N-diisopropylethylamine was added via syringe. The reaction mixture was stirred an addition 15 mm at -78°C, the cooling bath was removed and the reaction was allowed to warm. When the internal temperature had reached -15^°C, 350 mL of a 10% aqueous NaHSO₄ solution was slowly added and the mixture was transferred to a separatory funnel. The organic layer was separated, washed with aqueous NaHSO (2x250 mL), saturated NaCI, dried (MgSO ), filtered and evaporated. The residue was used immediately in the next step without further purification.

Step D' (-S^r)-4-Benzyloxy-l,l-dιbromo-3-methylbutene

An oven dried three-necked 2 L round bottom flask was equipped with a mechanical stirrer, a thermometer, an N₂ mlet, and a septum. The flask was charged with 180.71 g (0 689 moi) of triphenylphosphine and 925 mL of CH2CI2. The reaction mixture was stirred under an N2 atmosphere and cooled to 0-5°C with an external ice-water bath. The septum was then removed and 114.25 g (0.344 moi) of carbon tetrabromide was added in portions through the open neck of the flask at a rate that maintained the temperature of the reaction mixture below 20°C. After the addition was complete the reaction was stirred for 1 h and then a solution of the (»S)-3-benzyloxy-2-methylpiOpanal from the previous step dissolved in 150 mL of CH2CI2 was added via cannula over a 5 mm period. The reaction mixture was stirred under N₂ for an additional 1 h and allowed to warm to room temperature A separate 10 L three-necked round bottom flask was equipped with a mechanical stirrer and charged with 4 L of hexane The stirrer was started and the crude reaction mixture was introduced as a slow stream which resulted in formation of a granular precipitate. After the transfer was complete the reaction mixture was filtered and the solids were carefully washed with hexane The filtrate was evaporated in vacuo and additional solids were deposited. The residue was resuspended in hexane, filtered and the filtrate reevaporated. The resulting oil was purified by Kugelrohr distillation to afford 46.54 g of the title compound as an oil.

Step E" (»S^l)-(4-benzyloxy-3-methylbut-l-ynyl)tnethylsιiane

An oven dried 100 mL single-necked round bottom flask was equipped with a magnetic stir bar and a septum then charged with 5.171 g (15.5 mmol) of (^-4-benzyloxy-l,l-dibromo-3-methylbutene and 20 mL of anhydrous THF. The reaction mixture was stirred at -78°C under an N2 atmosphere and 12.4 mL of a 2.5 M solution of ?ι-butyllithium (31.0 mmol) was added dropwise via syringe over 15 min. The reaction mixture was stirred at -78°C for an additional 1 h, then quenched with 10% aqueous NaHSO4 and extracted into EtOAc. The organic layer was washed with water (3x25 mL), sturated NaCI, then dried (MgSO4), filtered, and evaporated. The residue was purified by Kugelrohr distillation to afford 3.999 g of the title compound as an oil.

(g)-l-(2-Azabicvclo[2.2.21oct-2-yl)-2-(2-(3.5-dιmethylphenyl)-3-[2-(2.4- dinitrobenzenesulfonylamino)-l-methylethyl]-lH-(tβrt-butoxy- carbonyl)pyrrolo[2.3-c]pyridin-5-yl}-2-methylpropan-l-one

Step AA: tβrt-Butyl methyl 2-(5-nitropyridin-2-yl)malonate

Tert-Butylmethylmalonate (50.1 mL, 0.296 moi.) was added dropwise, via pressure equalizing addition funnel, to a vigorously stirred solution of 2-chloropyridine (23.4 g, 0.148 moi.) and sodium hydride (11.8 g of a 60% dispersion in mineral oil, 0.296 moi.) in N,N- dimethylformamide at room temperature. An exothermic reaction was observed! After the initial exotherm had subsided, the reaction mixture was maintained at 50°C for approximately 6h. Upon cooling to ambient temperature, the reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate (χ3). The combined organic extract was washed with water, brine, dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo. The residual yellow oil was sufficiently pure to be used without further purification in the subsequent reaction.

Step BB: Methyl (5-nitropyridin-2-yl)acetate Trifluoroacetic acid (34.2 mL, 0.444 moi.) was added, via syringe, to a stirred solution of crude tert-butyl methyl 2-(5-nitropyridin- 2-yl)malonate (0.148 moi.) in dichloromethane (500 mL) at ambient temperature. After approximately 2h, the reaction mixture was poured cautiously onto cold saturated aqueous NaHCO3 and extracted with ethyl acetate (χ3). The combined organic extract was washed with brine, dried (M SO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (gradient elution; 25-40% ethyl acetate/ hexanes as eluent) to give the title compound as an orange oil (20.0 g, 69%).

Step CC: Methyl 2-methyl-2-(5-nitropyridin-2-yl)propionate

A solution of methyl (5-nitropyridin-2-yl)acetate (20.0 g, 0.102 moi.) in N,N-dimethylformamide (50 mL) was added dropwise, via pressure equalizing addition funnel, to a stirred suspension of sodium hydride (12.2 g of a 60% dispersion in mineral oil, 0.306 moi.) in N,N- dimethylformamide (150 mL) at -20°C. After completion of addition, the reaction mixture was warmed to 0°C and aged for approximately lh. After re-cooling to -20°C, methyl iodide (22.2 mL, 0.357 moi.) was added, via pressure equalizing addition funnel, so as to maintain the internal temperature between -15°C and -20°C. The resulting mixture was warmed to 0°C and aged for approximately 12h. The reaction mixture was quenched with saturated aqueous NH4CI, poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate (χ3). The combined organic extract was washed with brine, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (gradient elution; 10- 20% ethyl acetate/hexanes as eluent) to give the title compound as a pale yellow oil (17.5 g, 76%). Step DD: Methyl 2-(5-ammopyrιdm-2-yl)-2-methylpropιonate A mixture of methyl 2-methyl-2-(5-nιtropyrιdm-2-yl) propionate (17.5 g, 78.0 mmol.) and and Pd/C (Pd-10%; 600 mg) m methanol (150 mL) was hydrogenated at 50 psi for 0.75h. An exothermic reaction was observed! The resulting mixture was filtered through Celite* washing copiously with methanol and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo. The residual oil was sufficiently pure to be used without further purification in the subsequent reaction.

Step EE: Methyl 2-[5-(2,2-dιmethylpropιonylammo)pyrιdm- 2-yll-2-methylpropιonate

Tnmethylacetyl chloride (11.5 mL, 93.6 mmol.) was added dropwise, via syringe, to a stirred solution of crude methyl 2-(5- ammopyrιdm-2-yl)-2-methylpropιonate (78.0 mmol.) and triethylamine (13.0 mL, 93.6 mmol.) in a mixture of diethyl ether/THF (1:1; 600 mL) at 0°C. After approximately 0.5h, the reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature, poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate (χ3) The combined organic extract was washed with water, brme, dried (M SO4) and concentrated in vacuo The residual oil was sufficiently pure to be used without further purification in the subsequent reaction.

Step FF: 2-[5-(2,2-Dιmethylpropιonylammo)pyrιdm-

2-yl1-2-methyl-propιonιc acid

A vigorously stirred suspension of crude methyl 2-[5-(2,2- dιmethylpropιonylammo)pyrιdm-2-yl]-2-methylpropιonate (78.0 mmol.) and 2.5N NaOH (65.5 mL, 0.164 moi) in methanol (150 mL) was heated at 50°C for approximately 12h After cooling to ambient temperature, the volatiles were evaporated in vacuo, and the residue diluted with dichloromethane. The resulting solution was acidified to pH=5 with 2N HC1 and extracted with dichloromethane (χ3) The combined organic extract was washed with brme, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The residual solid was sufficiently pure to be used without further purification m the subsequent reaction Step GG: 7N-{6-[2-(2-Azabιcyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-l,l-dιmethyl-2-oxoethyl]- yrιdιn-3-yli-2,2-dιmethylpropιonamιde

PyBOP (42.6 g, 81.9 mmol) was added to a stirred mixture of crude 2-[5-(2,2-dιmethylpropιonylammo)pyrιdm-2-yl]-2-methyl-propιonιc acid (78.0 mmol), isoqumuclidme ^• HC1 (12.7 g, 85.8 mmol) and triethylamine (23.9 mL, 172 mmol) in dichloromethane (150 mL) at room temperature. After approximately 12h, the reaction mixture was poured into water/brme (1:1) and extracted with dichloromethane (χ3). The combined organic extract was washed with brme, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by recrystallization from ethyl acetate/hexanes to give the title compound as colorless needles (25.1 g, 90% overall from the product of step CC)

Step HH. N-{6-[2-(2-Azabιcyclo[2 2.2]oct-2-yl)-l,l-dιmethyl-2-oxoethyl]- 4-ιodopyrιdm-3-yl}-2,2-dιmethylpropιonamιde

A solution of tert-butyllithium (20.6 mL of a 1.7M solution in hexanes, 35.0 mmol) was added dropwise, via syringe, to a stirred solution of /Y-{6-[2-(2-azabιcyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-l,l-dιmethyl-2-oxoethyl]pyrιdm-3- yι}-2,2-dιmethylpropιonamιde and N,N,N,N-tetramethylethylenedιamme (5.28 mL, 35.0 mmol.) in THF (50 mL) at -78°C. The resulting mixture was warmed to -45°C and aged for approximately 6h. After re-coolmg to -78°C, a solution of iodine (8.88 g, 35.0 mmol.) in THF (20 mL) was added, via syringe, so as to maintain the internal temperature <60°C. After completion of addition, the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature over approximately 6h and then quenched with saturated aqueous NH4CI The resulting mixture was poured into 1M Na₂S2θ3 and extracted with ethyl acetate (χ3). The combined organic extract was washed with brme, dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (gradient elution; 60-80% ethyl acetate/hexanes as eluent) to give in order of elution- the title compound as a pale yellow foam (4.67 g, 69%) followed by recovered starting material (1.21 g, 24%) Step II: 2-(5-Ammo-4-ιodopyndm-2-yl)-l-(2-azabιcyclo[2.2.2] oct-2-yl)-2-methylpropan-l-one

A vigorously stirred mixture of N-{6-[2-(2-azabιcyclo [2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-l,l-dιmethyl-2-oxoethyl]-4-ιodopyrιdm-3-yl}-2,2- dimethylpropionamide (4.66 g, 9.64 mmol.) in 24% H2SO4 (48 mL) was heated at 100°C for approximately 3.5h. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was basified to pH=10 with 2.5N NaOH and then extracted with ethyl acetate (χ3). The combined organic extract was washed with brme, dried (M SO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by recrystallization from dichloromethane/diethyl ether to give the title compound as colorless prisms (3 02 g, 78%).

Step JJ: (4S)-l-(2-Azabιcyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-[3-(2-benzyloxy-l- methyl-ethyl)-2-trιethylsιlyl-lH-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyrιdm-

5-yIl-2-methylpropan-l-one

A vigorously stirred suspension of 2-(5-ammo-4-ιodopyrιdm- 2-yl)-l-(2-azabιcyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-methylpropan-l-one (3.00 g, 7.51 mmol), (-S -(4-benzyloxy-3-methylbut-l-ynyl)trιethylsιlane (3.25 g, 11.3 mmol), Pd(dppf)Cl₂ ^• CΗ2CI2 (0.307 g, 0 376 mmol), LiCl (0.318 g, 7.51 mmol) and Na₂CO₃ (1.99 g, 18.8 mmol) m N,N-dιmethylformamιde (60 mL) was degassed via three vacuum/nitrogen ingress cycles, and the resulting mixture heated at 90°C for approximately 12h. After cooling to ambient temperature, the reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and filtered through celite^® washing copiously with ethyl acetate. The filtrate was poured into water/l ne (1 1) and the organic phase separated The aqueous phase was re-extracted with ethyl acetate (χ2), the combined organic extract washed with brme, dried (M SO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (gradient elution; 70-80% ethyl acetate/hexanes as eluent) to give the title compound as a yellow foam (2.59 g, 62%) Step KK: (^-l-(2-Azabιcyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-[3-(2-benzyloxy-l- methyl-ethyl)-2-ιodo-lH-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyrιdm-5-yl]-

2-methylpropan-l-one

IPy2BF4 (2.51 g, 6.75 mmol.) was added in one portion to a stirred solution of (-5^,)-l-(2-azabιcyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-[3-(2-benzyloxy- l-methyl-ethyl)-2-trιethylsιlyl-lH-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyrιdm-5-yl]-2- methylpropan-1-one (2.52 g, 4.50 mmol.) in dichloromethane (45 mL) at room temperature. Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (1.19 mL, 13.5 mmol.) was then added over approximately 3mm, via syringe, and the resulting mixture stirred at ambient temperature for 1 5h The reaction mixture was poured into cold saturated aqueous NaΗCO /lM Na2S2θ3 (1:1) and extracted with ethyl acetate (χ3). The combined organic extract was washed with water, brme, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (gradient elution; 70-85% ethyl acetate/hexanes as eluent) to give the title compound as a pale yellow foam (2.50 g, 97%)

Step LL- (^-l-(2-Azabιcyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-[3-(2-benzyloxy-l-methyl- ethyl)-2-(3,5-dιmethylphenyl)-lH-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyrιdm-5-yl]- 2-methylpropan-l-one

A vigorously stirred suspension of (iS)-l-(2-azabιcyclo [2.2 2]oct-2-yl)-2-[3-(2-benzyloxy-l-methyl-ethyl)-2-ιodo-lH-pyrrolo [2,3-c]pyrιdm-5-yl]-2-methylpropan-l-one (2 50 g, 4 37 mmol), 2,5- dimethylphenylboronic acid (1.31 g, 8.74 mmol) and Pd(dppf)Cl2 * CΗ₂Cl₂ (0.178 g, 0.219 mmol) in toluene/MeOH (5.2, 42 mL) was degassed via three vacuum/nitrogen ingress cycles, and the resulting mixture heated to 80°C. 1M Na₂CO3 (10.9 mL, 10.9 mmol) was added dropwise, via syringe, and the resulting mixture stirred vigorously at 80°C for approximately 6h. After cooling to ambient temperature, the reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and filtered through celite " washing copiously with ethyl acetate. The filtrate was poured into water and the organic phase separated. The aqueous phase was re-extracted with ethyl acetate (χ2), the combined organic extract washed with brme, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated in vacuo The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (gradient elution; 70-85% ethyl acetate/hexanes as eluent) to give the title compound as a pale yellow foam (2.40 g, 100%).

Step MM: (S l-(2-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{3-(2-benzyloxy-l- methylethyl)-2-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)-lH-(tert-butoxy- carbonyl)pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-5-yl}-2-methylpropan-l-one Di-tert-butyl-dicarbonate (1.43 g, 4.37 mmol) was added to stirred suspension of (^-l-(2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-[3-(2-benzyloxy- l-methyl-ethyl)-2-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)-lH-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-5-yl]-2- methylpropan-1-one (2.40 g, 4.37 mmol) and DMAP (0.053 g, 0.437 mmol) in dichloromethane (44 mL) at room temperature. After approximately lh, the reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate (χ3). The combined organic extract was washed with brine, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (gradient elution; 35-45% ethyl acetate/ hexanes as eluent) to give the title compound as a colorless foam (2.54 g, 90%).

Step NN: (S)-l-[2-(2-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)]-2-{2-(3,5-dimethyl- phenyl)-3-(2-hydroxy-l-methylethyl)-lH-(tert-butoxy- carbonyl)pyrrolθ|^r2,3-c]pyridin-5-yl}-2-methylpropan-l-one A mixture of (^-l-^-azabicyclo ^^joct^-y^-IS-^- benzyloxy-l-methylethyl^-^δ-dimethylpheny -lH-^e^butoxy- carbonyl)pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-5-yl}-2-methylpropan-l-one (1.94 g, 2.99 mmol) and Pd(OH)₂ (Pd-20%; 100 mg) in glacial acetic acid/EtOH (1:3; 20 mL) was hydrogenated at 50 psi for 4d. The resulting mixture was filtered through celite* washing copiously with EtOH, the filtrate evaporated in vacuo and the residue purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (80% ethyl acetate/hexanes) to give the title compound as a colorless foam (1.32 g, 79%).

Step OO: (,S)-l-(2-Azabιcyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{3-(2-azιdo-l-methyl- ethyl)-2-(3,5-dimethylphenyl) -lH-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)- pyrrolof2,3-c1pyridin-5-yl}-2-methyipropan-l-one DEAD (0 38 mL, 2.42 mmol) was added dropwise, via syringe, to a stirred solution of (^-l-[2-(2-azabιcyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)]-2- {2-(3,5-dιmethylphenyl)-3-(2-hydroxy-l-methylethyl)-lH-(teri-butoxy- carbonyl)pyrrolo-[2,3-c]pyndm-5-yl}-2-methylpropan-l-one (0.338 g, 0.604 mmol), ZnN₆ ^• 2py (0.372 g, 1.21 mmol), PPh₃ (0.634 g, 2 42 mmol) and imidazole (0.164 g, 2.42 mmol) m CΗ₂C1₂ (6 mL) at approximately 0°C After allowing to warm to ambient temperature overnight, the reaction mixture was filtered through celite^® washing copiously with dichloromethane, and then concentrated in vacuo The residue was partially purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (gradient elution, 50-60% ethyl acetate/hexanes as eluent) to give a mixture of the title compound contaminated with 1,2-dιcarbethoxyhydrazme as a colourless solid

Step PP. (-S)-2-{3-(2-Ammo-l-methylethyl)-2-(3,5-dιmethylphenyl)- lH-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyrιdm-5-yl}-l-(2- azabιcyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-methylpropan-l-one

A mixture of crude (S)-l-(2-azabιcyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{3-(2- azιdo-l-methylethyl)-2-(3,5-dιmethylphenyl)-lH-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)- pyrrolo[2,3-c]-pyrιdm-5-yl}-2-methylpropan-l-one (0 604 mmol) and

Pd/C (Pd-10%; 40 mg) m MeOΗ (6 mL) was hydrogenated at 50 psi for approximately lh The resulting mixture was filtered through celite¹* washing copiously with methanol, the filtrate evaporated in vacuo and the residue purified by preparative thm layer chromatography on silica gel (double elution, 100%) ethyl acetate as eluent) to give the title compound as a colorless foam (0 265 g, 78% overall)

Step QQ (4S)-l-(2-Azabιcyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-{2-(3,5-dιmethylphenyl)- 3-2-(2,4-dmιtrobenzenesulfonylammo)-l-methylethyl]-lH- (tert-butoxycarbonyl)pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyrιdm-5-yl}-2-methyl- propan-1-one

2,4-Dιmtrobenzenesulfonyl chloride (152 mg, 0.569 mmol) was added portionwise, to a vigorously stirred emulsion of (_>S^,)-2-{3-(2- ammo-l-methylethyl)-2-(3,5-dιmethylphenyl)-lH-(/-:ert-butoxycarbonyl) pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-5-yl}-l-(2-azabicyclo-[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-2-methylpropan- 1-one (264 mg, 0.474 mmol) in saturated aqueous NaHCO.3/ CH2CI2 (1:1; 4 mL) at approximately 0°C. After 10 min., the reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate (χ3). The combined organic extract was washed with brine, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (gradient elution; 40-60% ethyl acetate/hexanes as eluent) to give the title compound as a yellow foam (299 mg, 80%).

4-(2-Hvdroxyethyl)-2-methylpyridin-l-oxide

Step AAA: (2-methylpyridin-4-yl)acetic acid methyl ester (and bis- adduct)

A solution of 2,4-lutidme (10.4mL in lOmL dry tetrahydrofuran was added dropwise over 30 minutes to a freshly prepared solution of lithium diisopropylamide (lOOmmol in 60mL dry tetrahydrofuran) at room temperature. After 4 hours, a solution of dimethylcarbonate (7.6mL in 8mL dry tetrahydrofuran) was added and the mixture stirred at room temperature. After 16 hours, the reaction was quenched by the addition of saturated aqueous ammonium chloride and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organics were washed with brine and dried over sodium sulfate. Purification of the concentrate by flash chromatography on silica gel (ethyl acetate: hexane, 2:1) gave the title compounds (4.2g).

Step BBB: (2-methylpyridin-4-yl)-acetic acid hydrochloride

A solution of 2-methylpyridin-4-yl)acetic acid methyl ester and (bis)adduct (2.0g in lOmL concentrated hydrochloric acid) was heated to reflux on an oil bath. After 1 hour the mixture was cooled to room temperature, diluted with toluene and concentrated in vacuo to provide the crude title compound (1.67g). Step CCC: (2-methylpyridin-4-yl)acetic acid ethyl ester

To a solution of (2-methylpyridin-4-yl)acetic acid (lOg in 50mL ethanol) was added 0.50mL concentrated sulfuric acid and the mixture heated to reflux on an oil bath. After 3 hours, the mixture was cooled to room temperature and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was solvated in water and neutralized by the addition of 2N ammonium hydroxide. The mixture was then extracted with ethyl acetate, washed with brine and dried over sodium sulfate. Concentration in vacuo provided the crude title compound as a light brown oil (8.94g).

Step DDD: 2-(2-methylpyridin-4-yl)-ethanol

To a solution of (2-methylpyridin-4-yl)-acetic acid ethyl ester (8.9g in 50mL dry tetrahydrofuran) at 0°C was added lithium aluminum hydride (50mL of a 1M solution in tetrahydrofuran) and the mixture stirred at low temperature. After 30 minutes, the reaction was quenched by the sequential addition of 1.85mL water, 1.39mL 5N sodium hydroxide and 5.55mL water. After 10 minutes, the mixture was filtered through diatomaceous earth and the filtrate extracted with ether. The combined organics were concentrated in vacuo to give the crude title compound as a brown oil (5.0g).

Step EEE: 4-(2-hvdroxyethyl)-2-methylpyridin-l-oxide

To a solution of 2-(2-methylρyridin-4-yl)-ethanol (1.5g in 6mL acetic acid) was added 4.2mL of a 30% solution of hydrogen peroxide and the mixture heated to 80°C on an oil bath. After 7 hours, the mixture was cooled to room temperature and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was resolvated in methylene chloride and the excess acetic acid quenched by the careful addition of solid sodium carbonate. The mixture was then filtered and the residue washed with ethyl acetate then methylene chloride:methanol (3:1). Purification of the concentrated filtrate by flash chromatography on silica gel (methylene chloride:methanol, 95:5, then 90:10) gave the title compound as a colorless oil (1.2g). MS ESI + Q1MS m/z 154.2 ⁱH NMR (500 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 2.46 (s, 3H), 2.79 (t, J = 6.18 Hz, 5.95 Hz, 2H), 3.87 (t, J = 5.95Hz, 6.18Hz, 2H), 7.00 (m, IH), 7.13 (s, IH), 8.08 (d, J = 6.64Hz, IH).

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A compound of the formula

wherein A is C1-C6 alkyl, substituted Cχ-C6 alkyl, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, substituted C3-C7 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 alkenyl, substituted

C3-C6 alkenyl, C3-C6 alkynyl, substituted C3-C6 alkynyl,

C1-C6 alkoxy, or C0-C5 alkyl-S(O)_n-Co-C5 alkyl, C0-C5 alkyl-

O-C0-C5 alkyl, C0-C5 alkyl-NRis-Co-Cδ alkyl where Rχ8 and the C0-C5 alkyl can be joined to form a ring,

^R16 , or a single bond;

Rθ is hydrogen, Ci-Cg alkyl, substituted Ci-Cβ alkyl, wherein the substituents are as defined below; aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl or substituted aralkyl, wherein the substituents are as defined for R3, R4 and R5;

Rl is

the nitrogen atoms contained in the Ri heteroaromatic rings may exist either as drawn or, when chemically allowed, in their oxidized (N- O) state;

R2 is hydrogen, Cχ-C6 alkyl, substituted Cχ-C6 alkyl, aralkyl. substituted aralkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, alkyl -ORχχ_; Ci-C6(NRiiRi2), Cχ-C6(CONRχιRi2) or C(NRnRι₂)NH;

R2 and A taken together form a ring of 5-7 atoms;

R3, R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen, Cχ-C6 alkyl, substituted

Cχ-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, substituted C2-C6 alkenyl, CN, nitro, C1-C3 perfluoroalkyl, C1-C3 perfluoroalkoxy, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, RιχO(CH2)p-, RllC(O)O(CH₂)p-, RllOC(O)(CH₂)p-, -(CH₂)pS(O)_nRl7, -(CH2)pC(O)NRιχRχ2 or halogen; wherein R17 is hydrogen,

Cl-Cg alkyl, C1-C3 perfluoroalkyl, aryl or substituted aryl; R3 and R4 taken together form a carbocyclic ring of 3-7 carbon atoms or a heterocyclic ring containing 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, 5 O and S;

R6 is hydrogen, Cχ-C6 alkyl, substituted Cχ-C6 alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, C1-C3 perfluoroalkyl, CN, NO2, halogen,

RllO(CH₂)_p-, NR₂χC(O)R₂₀, NR₂lC(O)NR₂θR21 or

SO_nR20; 10 R7 is hydrogen, Cχ-C6 alkyl, or substituted C -CQ alkyl, unless X is hydrogen or halogen, then R7 is absent; R₈ is C(O)OR₂0, C(O)NR₂₀R21, NR₂₀R₂1, C(O)R₂0,

NR₂lC(O)R20, NR₂χC(O)NR₂₀R₂l, NR₂θS(O)₂R₂χ,

NR₂iS(O)2NR₂oR OC(O)R₂0, OC(O)NR₂₀R₂1, OR₂0, lδ SO_nR20, S(O)_nNR₂θR2L a heterocyclic ring or bicyclic heterocyclic ring with from 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from

N, O or S which can be optionally substituted by R3, R4 and

R5, Cχ-C6 alkyl or substituted

Cχ-C6 alkyl; or 20 R7 and Rδ taken together form a heterocyclic ring containing one or more heteroatoms selected from N, O or S which can be optionally substituted by R3, R4 and R5; R9 and R9 are independently hydrogen, Cχ-C6 alkyl, substituted C -CQ alkyl; aryl or substituted aryl, aralkyl or substituted aralkyl 2δ when m≠O; or

O

R9 and Rg_a taken together form a carbocyclic ring of 3-7 atoms or when m≠O; R9 and A taken together form a heterocyclic ring containing 3-7 carbon atoms and one or more heteroatoms when m≠O; or 30 Rχo and RlOa ^are independently hydrogen, Cχ-C6 alkyl, substituted C -CQ alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl or substituted aralkyl; or O RlO and RlOa taken together form a carbocyclic ring of 3-7 atoms or ; R9 and Rio taken together form a carbocyclic ring of 3-7 carbon atoms or a heterocyclic ring containing one or more heteroatoms when m≠O; or δ R9 and R₂ taken together form a heterocyclic ring containing 3-7 carbon atoms and one or more heteroatoms when m≠O; or RlO and R₂ taken together form a heterocyclic ring containing 3-7 carbon atoms and one or more heteroatoms; RlO and A taken together form a heterocyclic ring containing 3-7 carbon

10 atoms and one or more heteroatoms; or

Rll and Rι₂ are independently hydrogen , Ci-Cρ alkyl, substituted Ci-Cβ alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, a carbocyclic ring of 3-7 atoms or a substituted carbocyclic ring containing 3-7 atoms; lδ R11 and R12 taken together can form an optionally substituted ring of 3-7 atoms; Rl3 is hydrogen, OH, NR7R8, NRnSθ2(Ci-C6 alkyl),

NRnSO₂(substituted C1-C6 alkyl), NRnSO₂(aryl), NRnSO₂(substituted aryl), NRnSO₂(Ci-C3 perfluoroalkyl);

20 SO₂NRn(Ci-C6 alkyl), SO₂NRn(substituted Ci-Cβ alkyl),

SO NRn(aryl), SO₂NRn(substituted aryl), SO₂NRn(Cι-C3 perfluoroalkyl); SO₂NRπ(C(O)Cι-C6 alkyl); SO₂NRn(C(O)- substituted C1-C6 alkyl); SO NRn(C(O)-aryl); SO₂NRn(C(O)-substιtuted aryl); S(0)_n(Cι-C6 alkyl); S(O)_n

2δ (substituted C1-C6 alkyl), S(O)_n(aryl), S(O)_n(substituted aryl), C1-C3 perfluoroalkyl, C1-C3 perfluoroalkoxy, Ci-Cβ alkoxy, substituted Ci-Cβ alkoxy, COOH, halogen, NO₂ or

CN; Rl4 and R15 are independently hydrogen, C -CQ alkyl, substituted C\-CQ 30 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, substituted C2-C6 alkenyl, CN, nitro,

C1-C3 perfluoroalkyl, C1-C3 perfluoroalkoxy, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, RllO(CH₂)p-, RllC(O)O(CH₂)_p-, RiiOC(O)(CH₂)_p-, -(CH₂)_pS(O)_nRl7, -(CH₂)pC(O)NRnRι or halogen; wherein R17 is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C3 perfluoroalkyl, aryl or substituted aryl; Rl6 is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, substituted C1-C6 alkyl, or

N(RnRi2); Ri8 is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, substituted Cl-Cβ alkyl, C(O)ORn,

C(0)NRnRi2, C(0)Rn, S(O)_nRli;

Rl9 is either the definition of R13 or R14;

R20 ^and R21 are independently hydrogen , Cl-Cρ alkyl, substituted C -CQ alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, a carbocyclic ring of 3-7 atoms, a substituted carbocyclic ring containing 3-7 atoms, a heterocyclic ring or bicyclic heterocyclic ring with from 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from N, O or S which can be optionally substituted by R3, R4 and R5, Ci-C6-alkyl substituted by a heterocyclic ring or bicyclic heterocyclic ring with from 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from N, O or S which can be optionally substituted by R3, R4 and R5; R20 ^an R21 taken together can form an optionally substituted ring of 3-7 atoms; X is N, O, S(O)n, C(0), (CRnRi2)p, a single bond to Re, C₂-C6 alkenyl, substituted C₂-C6 alkenyl, C₂-C6 alkynyl, or substituted C2-C6 alkynyl; when X is O, S(O)n, C(O), or CR11R12 only R8 is possible;

m is 0-3; n is 0-2; p is 0-4; and the alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl substituents are selected from Ci-Cρ alkyl, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, hydroxy, oxo, cyano, Cl-Cβ alkoxy, fluoro, C(O)ORn_j aryl C1-C3 alkoxy, substituted aryl C1-C3 alkoxy, and the aryl substituents are as defined for R3, R4 and R5; or a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt and/or hydrate thereof, or where applicable, a geometric or optical isomer or racemic mixture thereof.

2. The compound according to Claim 1 of the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt and/or hydrate thereof, or where applicable, a geometric or optical isomer or racemic mixture thereof.

3. The compound according to Claim 1 of the formula

4. The compound according to Claim 1 of the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt and/or hydrate thereof, or where applicable, a geometric or optical isomer or racemic mixture 5 thereof.

The compound according to Claim 1 of the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt and/or hydrate thereof, or 10 where applicable, a geometric or optical isomer or racemic mixture thereof,

wherein Ri, X-R7R8 and A are as indicated in the table below:

lδ

6. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises an effective amount of a compound as defined in Claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.

7. A method for antagonizing gonadotropin-releasing hormone in a subject in need thereof which comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound as defined m Claim 1 to a subject suffering from a gonadotropm-releasmg hormone derived disorder

8. A method according to Claim 7 wherein the δ gonadotropm-releasmg hormone derived disorder is a sex-hormone related condition.

9. A method according to Claim 7 wherein the gonadotropm-releasmg hormone derived disorder is a sex hormone

10 dependent cancer, benign prostatic hypertropy or myoma of the uterus

10. A method according to Claim 9 wherein the sex hormone dependent cancer is selected from the group consisting of prostatic cancer, uterine cancer, breast cancer and pituitary gonadotrophe lδ adenomas.

11. A method according to Claim 8 wherein the sex hormone related condition is selected from the group consisting of endometriosis, polycystic ovarian disease, uterine fibroids and precocious

20 puberty.

12. A method for preventing pregnancy in a subject in need thereof which comprises administering an effective amount of a compound as defined m Claim 1

25

13. A method for treating lupus erythematosis in a subject in need thereof which comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound as defined m Claim 1

30 14. A method for treating irritable bowel syndrome in a subject in need thereof which comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound as defined in Claim 1. lδ. A method for treating premenstrual syndrome in a subject in need thereof which comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound as defined in Claim 1.

δ

16. A method for treating hirsutism in a subject in need thereof which comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound as defined in Claim 1.

17. A method for treating short stature or a growth 10 hormone deficiency in a subject in need thereof which comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound which stimulates the endogenous production or release of growth hormone and an effective amount of a compound as defined in Claim 1.

lδ 18. A method for treating sleep disorders in a subject in need thereof which comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound as defined in Claim 1.

19. The method of Claim 18 wherein the sleep disorder is 20 sleep apnea.

20. A mammographic method in which the image on the mammographic film has enhanced readability relative to a mammogram effected in the absence of the method, which comprises administering to a

2δ premenopausal woman an effective amount of a compound as defined in Claim 1.

21. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises an inert carrier and an effective amount of a compound which stimulates the

30 endogenous production or release of growth hormone in combination with a compound as defined in Claim 1.

22. A pharmaceutical composition made by combining the compound of Claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.

23. A process for making a pharmaceutical composition comprising combining a compound of Claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. δ

24. Pharmaceutical therapy comprising co-administration of a compound having luteinizing hormone releasing hormone activity with a compound of Claim 1.

10 2δ. The therapy of Claim 24 wherein the compound having luteinizing hormone releasing hormone activity is a peptide compound.

26. The therapy of Claim 2δ wherein the peptide compound is a natural hormone or an analog thereof. lδ

27. The therapy of Claim 2δ wherein the peptide compound is a compound selected from the group consisting of leuprorelin, gonadorelin, buserelin, triptorelin, goserelin, nafarelin, histrelin, deslorelin, meterelin and recirelin.

20

28. Pharmaceutical combination therapy comprising a compound having luteinizing hormone releasing hormone activity in combination with a compound of Claim 1.

2δ 29. The therapy of Claim 28 wherein the compound having luteinizing hormone releasing hormone activity is a peptide compound.

30. The therapy of Claim 29 wherein the peptide compound is a natural hormone or an analog thereof.

30

31. The therapy of Claim 29 wherein the peptide compound is a compound selected from the group consisting of leuprorelin, gonadorelin, buserelin, triptorelin, goserelin, nafarelin, histrelin, deslorelin, meterelin and recirelin.