WO2000063208A1 - Substituted imidazoles, their preparation and use - Google Patents

Substituted imidazoles, their preparation and use Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000063208A1
WO2000063208A1 PCT/DK2000/000179 DK0000179W WO0063208A1 WO 2000063208 A1 WO2000063208 A1 WO 2000063208A1 DK 0000179 W DK0000179 W DK 0000179W WO 0063208 A1 WO0063208 A1 WO 0063208A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
alkyl
amino
aryl
heteroaryl
aroyl
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/DK2000/000179
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2000063208B1 (en
Inventor
Florencio Zaragoza DÖRWALD
Knud Erik Andersen
Tine Krogh JØRGENSEN
Bernd Peschke
Birgitte Schjellerup Wulff
Ingrid Pettersson
Klaus Rudolf
Dirk Stenkamp
Rudolf Hurnaus
Stephan Georg MÜLLER
Bernd Krist
Original Assignee
Novo Nordisk A/S
Boehringer Ingelheim International, Gmbh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Novo Nordisk A/S, Boehringer Ingelheim International, Gmbh filed Critical Novo Nordisk A/S
Priority to JP2000612298A priority Critical patent/JP2002542245A/en
Priority to AU39569/00A priority patent/AU3956900A/en
Priority to EP00918714A priority patent/EP1173438A1/en
Publication of WO2000063208A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000063208A1/en
Publication of WO2000063208B1 publication Critical patent/WO2000063208B1/en

Links

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
    • C07D471/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms in the condensed system, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with one nitrogen atom, not provided for by groups C07D451/00 - C07D463/00
    • C07D471/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms in the condensed system, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with one nitrogen atom, not provided for by groups C07D451/00 - C07D463/00 in which the condensed system contains two hetero rings
    • C07D471/04—Ortho-condensed systems
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P1/00—Drugs for disorders of the alimentary tract or the digestive system
    • A61P1/08—Drugs for disorders of the alimentary tract or the digestive system for nausea, cinetosis or vertigo; Antiemetics
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P25/00—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P25/00—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
    • A61P25/20—Hypnotics; Sedatives
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P29/00—Non-central analgesic, antipyretic or antiinflammatory agents, e.g. antirheumatic agents; Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs [NSAID]
    • A61P29/02—Non-central analgesic, antipyretic or antiinflammatory agents, e.g. antirheumatic agents; Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs [NSAID] without antiinflammatory effect
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P3/00—Drugs for disorders of the metabolism
    • A61P3/04—Anorexiants; Antiobesity agents
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P3/00—Drugs for disorders of the metabolism
    • A61P3/08—Drugs for disorders of the metabolism for glucose homeostasis
    • A61P3/10—Drugs for disorders of the metabolism for glucose homeostasis for hyperglycaemia, e.g. antidiabetics
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P43/00—Drugs for specific purposes, not provided for in groups A61P1/00-A61P41/00
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
    • C07D471/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms in the condensed system, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with one nitrogen atom, not provided for by groups C07D451/00 - C07D463/00
    • C07D471/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms in the condensed system, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with one nitrogen atom, not provided for by groups C07D451/00 - C07D463/00 in which the condensed system contains two hetero rings
    • C07D471/10—Spiro-condensed systems
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
    • C07D487/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms in the condensed system, not provided for by groups C07D451/00 - C07D477/00
    • C07D487/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms in the condensed system, not provided for by groups C07D451/00 - C07D477/00 in which the condensed system contains two hetero rings
    • C07D487/04—Ortho-condensed systems

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to novel substituted imidazoles, to the use of these compounds as medicaments, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and to a method of treatment employing these compounds and compositions.
  • the present compounds show a high and selective binding affinity to the histamine H3 receptor indicating histamine H3 receptor antagonistic or agonistic activ- ity. As a result, the compounds are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases and disorders related to the histamine H3 receptor.
  • histamine H3 receptor has been known for several years and of current interest for the development of new medicaments (see e.g. Stark, H.;
  • the histamine H3 receptor is a presynaptic auto- receptor located in both the central and the peripheral nervous system, the skin and in organs such as the lung, the intestine, probably the spleen and the gastrointestinal tract.
  • the histamine H3 receptor has been demonstrated to regulate the release of histamine and also of other neurotransmitters such as serotonin and acetylcholine.
  • a histamine H3 receptor antagonist would therefore be expected to increase the re- lease of these neurotransmitters in the brain.
  • a histamine H3 receptor agonist leads to an inhibition of the biosynthesis of histamine and an inhibition of the release of histamine and also of other neurotransmitters such as serotonin and acetylcholine.
  • WO 98/29119 relates to tetrahydroimidazopyridine farnesyl-protein inhibitors.
  • JP 06312927 discloses tetrahydroimidazopyridine intermediates for preparing angiosin II inhibitors.
  • WO 93/17701 discloses tetrahydroimidazopyridine intermediates for preparing endothelin receptor-binding peptides.
  • Klutchko, S., et al., J. Heterocycl. Chem., 28(1 ), 1991, 97- 108 relates to synthesis methods for the preparation of imidazole derivatives.
  • GB 2158440 relates to antiviral compounds.
  • Arcari, G.; Bernardi, L; Cimaschi, R.; Falconi, G.; Luini, F.; Scarponi, U., Arzneim. Forsch., 34, 11 , 1984, 1467-1471 relates to tetrahydroimidazopyridine intermediates for the preparation of imidazopiperidines with anti-ulcer and antisecretory activity
  • GB 2028798 relates to tetrahydroimidazopyridine intermediates for the preparation of antiulcer and anticholinergic compounds.
  • these references neither disclose nor suggest that the imidazoles may have a histamine H3 receptor antagonistic or agonistic activity.
  • imidazopyridine derivatives which are stated to be useful either as intermediates or as therapeutically active substances such as angiotensin II antagonists effective to treat hypertension, peripheral kappa opioid receptor activating substances effective to treat inflammatory pain and N-myristoyl transferase inhibitors effective as anti-cancer agents.
  • angiotensin II antagonists effective to treat hypertension
  • peripheral kappa opioid receptor activating substances effective to treat inflammatory pain
  • N-myristoyl transferase inhibitors effective as anti-cancer agents.
  • these references neither disclose nor suggest that the imidazoles may have a histamine H3 receptor antagonistic or agonistic activity.
  • novel compounds which interact with the histamine H3 receptor would be a highly desirable contribution to the art.
  • the present invention provides such a contribution to the art being based on the finding that a specific class of substituted imidazole compounds has a high and specific affinity to the histamine H3 receptor. Some of these substituted imidazole derivatives are novel per se thereby constituting a further as- pect of the invention.
  • the present compounds are useful in the treatment and/or prevention of a wide range of conditions and disorders in which an interaction with the histamine H3 receptor is beneficial.
  • the com- pounds may find use eg in the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the pulmonary system, the gastrointestinal system and the endocrinological system.
  • C,. 6 -alkyl as used herein represent a branched or straight hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.
  • Typical C ⁇ -alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, terf-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, hexyl, isohexyl and the like.
  • C 2 - 8 -alkenyl represents a branched or straight hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and at least one double bond.
  • groups include, but are not limited to, vinyl, 1 -propenyl, 2-propenyl, allyl, iso-propenyl, 1 ,3-butadienyl, 1 -butenyl, 2-butenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 1-heptenyl, 2-heptenyl, 1-octenyl, 2-octenyl and the like.
  • C 2.6 -alkenyl represents a branched or straight hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and at least one double bond.
  • C 2.8 -alkynyl represents a branched or straight hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and at least one triple bond.
  • Examples of such groups include, but are not limited to, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1 -butynyl, 2-butynyl, 1-pentynyl, 2-pentynyl, 1 -hexynyl, 2-hexynyl, 1-heptynyl, 2-heptynyl, 1-octynyl, 2-octynyl and the like.
  • C 2 . 6 -alkynyl represents a branched or straight hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and at least one triple bond.
  • C,_ 6 -alkoxy refers to the radical -O-C ⁇ -alkyl where C ⁇ -alkyl is as defined above. Representative examples are methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, sec-butoxy, terf-butoxy, pentoxy, isopentoxy, hexoxy, isohexoxy and the like.
  • C ⁇ -alkylthio refers to the radical -S-C ⁇ -alkyl where C ⁇ -alkyl is as defined above. Representative examples are methylthio, ethylthio, isopropylthio, propylthio, butylthio, pentylthio and the like.
  • C 3 . 15 -cycloalkyl represents a carbocyclic group having from 3 to 15 carbon atoms such as from 3 to 8 carbon atoms. Representative examples are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyc- lononyl, cyclodecyl and the like. In the same way the term "C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl” represents a carbocyclic group having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms
  • C 3 . 15 -cycloalkenyl represents a carbocyclic group having from 3 to 15 carbon atoms such as from 3 to 8 carbon atoms and at least one double bond.
  • Representative examples are cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclohepentyl, cyclooctenyl, cyclononenyl, cyclodecenyl and the like.
  • C 3 . 15 -cycloalkynyl represents a carbocyclic group having from 3 to 15 carbon atoms such as from 3 to 8 carbon atoms and at least one triple bond.
  • Representative examples are cyclopropynyl, cyclobutynyl, cyclopentynyl, cyclohexynyl, cycloheptynyl, cyclooctynyl, cyclononynyl, cyclodecynyl and the like.
  • aryl as used herein is intended to include carbocyclic aromatic ring systems such as phenyl, naphthyl (1-naphthyl or 2-naphthyl), anthracenyl (1-anthracenyl, 2-anthracenyl, 3-anthracenyl), phenanthrenyl, fluorenyl, indenyl and the like.
  • Aryl is also intended to include the partially hydrogenated derivatives of the carbocyclic systems enumerated above. Non-limiting examples of such partially hydrogenated derivatives are 1-(1 ,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl) and 2-(1 ,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl).
  • aroyl refers to the radical -CO-aryl where aryl is as defined above. Non-limiting examples are benzoyl, naphthoyl, anthracenoyl, phenanthrenoyl, fluorenoyl, indenoyl and the like.
  • aryloxy refers to the radical -O-aryl where aryl is as defined above. Non-limiting examples are phenoxy, naphthoxy, anthracenyloxy, phenantrenyl- oxy, fluorenyloxy, indenyloxy and the like.
  • arylthio refers to the radical -S-aryl where aryl is as defined above.
  • Non-limiting examples are phenylthio, naphthylthio, phenanthrenylthio, fluorenylthio, indenylthio and the like.
  • arylamino refers to the radical -NH-aryl where aryl is as defined above.
  • Non-limiting examples are phenylamino, naphthylamino, phenanthrenylamino, fluorenylamino, indenylamino and the like.
  • Non-limiting examples are phenylsulfonyl, naphthylsulfonyl, phenanthrenylsulfonyl, fluorenylsulfonyl, indenylsulfonyl and the like.
  • heteroaryl as used herein is intended to include heterocyclic aromatic ring systems containing one or more heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur such as furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, 1 ,2,3-triazolyl, 1 ,2,4-triazolyl, pyranyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, 1 ,2,3-triazinyl, 1 ,2,4-triazinyl, 1 ,3,5-triazinyl, 1 ,2,3-oxadiazolyl, 1 ,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 1 ,2,5-oxadiazolyl, 1 ,3,4-oxadiazolyl, 1 ,2,3-thiadiazolyl, 1 ,2,4-thiadiazol
  • Heteroaryl is also intended to include the partially or fully hydrogenated derivatives of the heterocyclic systems enumerated above.
  • Non-limiting examples of such partially or fully hydrogenated derivatives are pyrrolinyl, pyrazolinyl, indolinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, azepinyl, diazepinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, oxazolidinyl, oxazolinyl, oxazepinyl, aziridinyl and tetrahydofuranyl.
  • heteroaroyl refers to the radical -CO-heteroaryl where heteroaryl is as defined above.
  • Non-limiting examples are furoyl, thienylcarbonyl, pyridoyl, oxazolylcarbonyl, benzofurylcarbonyl, benzimidazolylcarbonyl, pyrrolinylcarbonyl, azepinylcarbonyl and the like.
  • heteroaryloxy refers to the radical -O-heteroaryl where heteroaryl is as defined above.
  • Non-limiting examples are furyloxy, thienyloxy, pyridyloxy, oxazolyloxy, benzofuryloxy, benzimidazolyloxy, pyrrolinyloxy, azepinyloxy and the like.
  • heteroarylamino refers to the radical -NH-heteroaryl where heteroaryl is as defined above.
  • Non-limiting examples are furylamino, thienylamino, pyridylamino, oxazolylamino, benzofurylamino, benzimidazolylamino, pyrrolinylamino, azepinylamino and the like.
  • heteroarylthio refers to the radical -S-heteroaryl where heteroaryl is as defined above.
  • Non-limiting examples are furylthio, thienylthio, pyridylthio, oxazolylthio, benzofurylthio, benzimidazolylthio, pyrrolinylthio, azepinylthio and the like.
  • Non-limiting examples are furylsulfonyl, thienylsulfonyl, pyridylsulfonyl, oxazolylsulfonyl, benzofurylsulfonyl, benzimidazolylsulfonyl, pyrrolinylsulfonyl, azepinylsulfonyl and the like.
  • G and L independently represent hydrogen, C ⁇ -alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl as defined above.
  • Non-limiting examples are acetylamino, propanoylamino, butyryl- amino, pentanoylamino, benzoylamino, furoylamino, pyridoylamino and the like.
  • G and L independently represent hydrogen, C,. 6 -alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl as defined above.
  • Non-limiting examples are methanesulfonylamino, propanesulfonylamino, benzenesulfonylamino, ⁇ /-methyl- ⁇ /-(benzenesulfonyl)amino, 4-methylbenzenesulfonylamino ⁇ /-butyl- ⁇ /-(4-methylbenzenesulfonyl)amino, 2-thienylsulfonylamino and the like.
  • halogen means fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.
  • the phrase "3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring” is intended to include carbocyclic rings which are saturated or contain one or more double bonds as well as heterocyclic rings containing one or more heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur which are saturated or contain one or more double bonds.
  • a functional group which can be converted to hydrogen in vivo is intended to include any group which upon administering the present com- pounds to the subjects in need thereof can be converted to hydrogen e.g. enzymati- cally or by the acidic environment in the stomach.
  • Non-limiting examples of such groups are acyl, carbamoyl, monoalkylated carbamoyl, dialkylated carbamoyl, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxyalkyl groups and the like such as C ⁇ -alkanoyl, aroyl, C,_ 6 -alkylcarbamoyl, di-C ⁇ -alkylcarbamoyl, C
  • the phrase "diseases and disorders related to the histamine H3 receptor" is intended to include any disease or disorder in which an effect, either antagonistic or agonistic, on the histamine H3 receptor is beneficial.
  • the present invention relates to novel, substituted imidazoles of the general formula I
  • R 1 is hydrogen or a functional group, which can be converted to hydrogen in vivo;
  • R 2 is hydrogen, C,_ 6 -alkyl, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxy or -NR 7 R 8 ,
  • R 7 and R 8 independently are
  • C ⁇ -alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroaryl- amino or C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
  • R 7 and R 8 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, di(C 1 . 6 -alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
  • R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 6 independently are
  • aryl optionally substituted with halogen, cyano, nitro, C ⁇ -alkyl, C.,_ 6 -alkoxy, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoro- methoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aryloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or -CO-NR 9 R 10 ,
  • C ⁇ -alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C,_ 6 -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C ⁇ -alkylamino, di(C 1 . 6 -alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
  • R 9 and R 10 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally contain- ing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C ⁇ e-alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C ⁇ -alkylamino, d C ⁇ -alky ⁇ amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
  • R 3 and R 4 together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, and/or R 5 and R 6 together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C ⁇ -alkylamino, di(C 1 .
  • C,_ 6 -alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with di(C 1 . 6 -alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
  • R 11a is C ⁇ -alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
  • aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl which are optionally substituted with hydroxy, amino, C L g-alkylamino, di(C 1 . 6 -alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
  • Y is a valence bond, -O- or -N(R 12 )-,
  • C,. 6 -alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
  • aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl which are optionally substituted with C,. 6 -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C ⁇ -alkylamino, d ' ⁇ C ⁇ e-alky ⁇ amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
  • A is a valence bond, C,. 8 -alkylene, C 2 . 8 -alkenylene, C 2 . 8 -alkynylene, C 3 _ 8 -cyclo- alkylene or phenylene, or
  • Y when Y is -N(R 12 )-, A, together with R 12 and the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, may form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring system optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, di(C 1 .
  • R 13 , R 14 and R 15 independently are
  • C ⁇ -alkyl C 2 . 6 -alkenyl or C 2 . 6 -alkynyl, which are optionally substituted with aryl, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, C,_ 6 -alkyl- sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, heteroaryl or C 3 .
  • aryl C 3 . 15 -cycloalkyl, C 3 . 15 -cycloalkenyl, C 3 . 15 -cycloalkynyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted with aryl-C ⁇ -alkyl, heteroaryl-C,_ 6 -alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C ⁇ -alkyl- sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, C,_ 6 -alkyl, C,.
  • -N C 1 ⁇ -alkylene, -O-C ⁇ -alkenylene, -S-C ⁇ -alkenylene or -N(R 16 )-C 2 ⁇ -alke- nylene, to form a mono-, bi- or polycyclic ring system,
  • C ⁇ -alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, het- eroarylamino or C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C ⁇ -alkyl- amino, di(C 1 . 6 -alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
  • R 16 and R 17 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, di(C 1 ⁇ -alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
  • R 5 must not be carboxy, aminocarbonyl or 4-phenyl- piperazin-1 -ylcarbonyl;
  • A is a valence bond, C 2 . 8 -alkenylene or C 2 . 8 -alkynylene.
  • A is a valence bond or such as methylene, ethylene or propylene.
  • Z is -R 13 , -NR 13 R 14 , -CHR 13 R 14 or -CR 13 R 14 R 15 , wherein R 13 , R 14 and R 15 are as defined for formula I above.
  • Z is -R 13 , wherein R 13 is as defined for formula I above.
  • Z is preferably C ⁇ -alkyl, aryl, C 3 . 15 -cycloalkyl, C 3 . 15 -cycloalkenyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted as defined for formula I above. More preferably, Z is C ⁇ -alkyl, phenyl, naphthyl, thienyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, oxazolyl, indanyl, isoquinolyl, benzoyl or tetrahydronaphthyl, which are optionally substituted for formula I above.
  • Z is phenyl or cyclohexyl, which are optionally substituted as defined for formula I above.
  • Z may be unsubstituted or substituted with one to three substituents selected from C,. 6 -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, halogen, phenyl, di(C 1 ⁇ -alkyl)amino, C 3 . 8 -cyclopropane- carbonyl, trifluoromethoxy and trifluoromethyl.
  • Z is -NR 13 R 14 , in which R 13 and R 14 are both phenyl, which phenyl groups are joined with a C ⁇ -alkylene group to form a tricyclic ring system, such as 10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl.
  • Z is -CHR 13 R 14 , in which R 13 is C ⁇ -alkyl or phenyl and R 14 is phenyl, or R 13 and R 14 are both C ⁇ -alkyl, which are joined with C,. alkylene linkers to form a polycarbocyclic ring system, such as bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2- yi-
  • Z is -CR 13 R 14 R 15 , in which R 13 , R 14 and R 5 are linkers to form a polycarbocyclic ring system, such as adamantyl.
  • R 3 and R 4 are independently
  • Cs-a-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C,_ 6 -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C ⁇ -alkylamino, d C ⁇ -alkylamino), halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoro- methoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
  • aryl optionally substituted with halogen, cyano, nitro, C ⁇ -alkyl, C,_ 6 -alkoxy, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aryloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or -CO-NR 9 R 10 , wherein R 9 and R 10 are as defined in claim 1 , or
  • R 3 and R 4 together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, form a C 3 - 8 -cycloalkyl ring optionally substituted with C,_ 6 -alkyl, C,_ 6 -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C ⁇ -alkylamino, d ⁇ C ⁇ e-alkylamino), halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino.
  • R 3 and R 4 are both hydrogen or are both C ⁇ -alky!, or R 3 and R 4 , together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, form a C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl ring, or one of R 3 and R 4 is hydrogen while the other is C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl substituted C 1 6 -alkyl.
  • R 5 and R 6 are both hydrogen.
  • R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 6 are hydrogen.
  • R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 6 are hydrogen;
  • Y is -N(R 12 )-, wherein R 2 and A, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring system optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C ⁇ -alkylamino, di(C 1 .
  • R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 6 are hydrogen;
  • Y is -NH-;
  • A is C,. 8 -alkylene;
  • Z is -R 13 , wherein R 13 is C ⁇ -alkyl, aryl, C 3 . 15 - cycloalkyl, C 3 . 15 -cycloalkenyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted as defined for formula I above.
  • R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 6 are hydrogen;
  • Y is a va- lence bond;
  • A is a valence bond or and
  • Z is -R 3 , wherein R 13 is C,_ 6 - alkyl, aryl, C 3 . 15 -cycloalkyl, C 3 . 15 -cycloalkenyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted as defined for formula I above.
  • R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 6 are hydrogen;
  • Y is -N(R 12 )-, wherein R 12 is hydrogen or C ⁇ -alkyl;
  • A is a valence bond or C ⁇ -alkylene;
  • Z is - R 13 , wherein R 13 is C ⁇ -alkyl, aryl, C 3 . 15 -cycloalkyl, C 3 . 15 -cycloalkenyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted as defined for formula I above.
  • R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 6 are hydrogen;
  • Y is -0-;
  • A is a valence bond or C.,_ 8 -alkylene;
  • Z is -R 13 , wherein R 13 is C ⁇ -alkyl, aryl, C 3 . 15 -cyclo- alkyl, C 3 . 15 -cycloalkenyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted as defined for formula I above.
  • R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 6 are hydrogen;
  • Y is a valence bond;
  • A is a valence bond or C ⁇ -alkylene;
  • Z is -R 3 , wherein R 13 is C ⁇ -alkyl, aryl, C 3 . 15 -cycloalkyl, C 3 . 15 -cycloalkenyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted as defined for formula I above.
  • Z is C,_ 6 -alkyl, phenyl, naphthyl, thienyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, oxazolyl, indanyl, isoquinolyl, benzoyl or tetrahydronaphthyl, which are optionally substituted as defined for formula I above.
  • Z is phenyl or cyclohexyl which are optionally substituted as defined for formula I above.
  • Z may be unsubstituted or substituted with one to three substituents selected from C,. 6 -alkyl, C-.g-alkoxy, halogen, phenyl, di(C 1 . 6 -alkyl)amino, C ⁇ -cyclopropane- carbonyl, trifluoromethoxy and trifluoromethyl.
  • R 1 is hydrogen or a functional group which can be converted to hydrogen in vivo
  • R 2 is hydrogen, C,_ 6 -alkyl, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, hydroxy or -NR 7 R 8 ,
  • R 7 and R 8 independently are
  • C,. 6 -alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
  • aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl which are optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C,_ 6 -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
  • C ⁇ -alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl, C,_ 6 -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
  • R 7 and R 8 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C.,_ 6 -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
  • R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 6 independently are
  • C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ e-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
  • aryl optionally substituted with halogen, cyano, nitro, C ⁇ -alkyl, C,. 6 -alkoxy, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aryloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or -CO-NR 9 R 10 ,
  • C ⁇ -alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with
  • R 9 and R 10 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring op- tionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C,_ 6 -alkyl, C, .6 -alkoxy, C,. 6 -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
  • R 3 and R 4 together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, and/or R 5 and R 6 together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring optionally substituted with C,_ 6 -alkyl, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
  • n, p and q independently are 0, 1 or 2;
  • C ⁇ -alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
  • aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl which are optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
  • C ⁇ -alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C,. 6 -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
  • Y is a valence bond, -O- or -N(R 12 )-,
  • A is a valence bond, C ⁇ -alkylene, C 2 . 8 -alkenylene, C 2 . 8 -alkynylene, C 3 . 8 -cyclo- alkylene or phenylene, or
  • Y when Y is -N(R 12 )-, A, together with R 12 and the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, may form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring system optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aryl-C ⁇ -alkyl, heteroaryl-C ⁇ -alkyl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino; and
  • R 13 , R 14 and R 15 independently are hydrogen
  • C ⁇ -alkyl, C 2 . 6 -alkenyl or C 2 . 6 -alkynyl which are optionally substituted with aryl, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, C ⁇ -alkyl- sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, heteroaryl or C 3 _ 8 -cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, aryl-C,_ 6 -alkyl, hetero- aryl-C 1 _ 6 -alkyl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, sulfonylamino
  • aryl C 3 . 15 -cycloalkyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C,_ 6 -alkyl- sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, C,. ⁇ -alkyl, C,. 6 -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano or trifluoromethyl, where
  • C,_ 6 -alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C 3 .
  • 8 -cycloalkyl which are optionally substituted with hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
  • aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl which are optionally substituted with C,_ 6 -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ e-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
  • C, .6 -alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C,. 6 -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
  • R 16 and R 17 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroaryl- amino;
  • R 1 is hydrogen or a functional group which can be converted to hydrogen in vivo
  • R 2 is hydrogen, C ⁇ -alkyl, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, hydroxy or -NR 7 R 8
  • R 7 and R 8 independently are
  • heteroaryl optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C,. 6 -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
  • aroyl optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
  • heteroaroyl optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
  • arylsulfonyl optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ -C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
  • heteroarylsulfonyl optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C,. 6 -alkoxy, C,. 6 -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino; or
  • R 7 and R 8 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring optionally sub- stituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
  • R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 6 independently are
  • C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
  • C,. 6 -alkyl optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkoxy; C ⁇ -alkylthio; hydroxy; cyano; halogen; trifluoromethyl; carboxy; or -CO-NR 7 R 8 wherein R 7 and R 8 are as defined above; or C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino which are optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C,_ 6 -alkoxy, C,.
  • aryl optionally substituted with halogen, cyano, nitro, C ⁇ -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aryloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or -CO-NR 7 R 8 wherein R 7 and R 8 are as defined above; or
  • R 3 and R 4 together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, and/or R 5 and R 6 together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring optionally substi- tuted with C.,_ 6 -alkyl, C
  • n, p and q independently are 0, 1 or 2;
  • Y is a valence bond, -O- or -N(R 7 )- wherein R 7 is as defined above;
  • A is a valence bond, C ⁇ -alkylene, C 2 _g-alkenylene, C 2 . 8 -alkynylene, C 3 . 8 -cycloalkylene or phenylene; or
  • A when Y is -N(R 7 )-, A may together with R 7 form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring optionally substituted with C,_ 6 -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino; and
  • C ⁇ -alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, C ⁇ -alkylsulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, heteroaryl or C 3 .
  • C 2.6 -alkynyl optionally substituted with aryl, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, C, ..6 -alkylsu-fonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, heteroaryl or C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl which are optionally substituted with C,.
  • aryl optionally substituted with aryl-C ⁇ -alkyl, heteroaryl-C ⁇ -alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C ⁇ -alkylsulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano or trifluoromethyl;
  • aroyl optionally substituted with aryl-C ⁇ -alkyl, heteroaryl-C.,_ 6 -alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C g-alkylsulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, C,_ 6 -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano or trifluoro- methyl; or
  • heteroaryl optionally substituted with aryl-C ⁇ -alkyl, heteroaryl-C ⁇ -alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C ⁇ -alkylsulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, C 1 _ 6 -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano or trifluoromethyl; or
  • R 9 or R 10 may together with R 7 form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring optionally substituted with aryl-C ⁇ -alkyl, heteroaryl-C ⁇ -alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C.,. 6 -alkylsulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, C,. 6 -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C.,_ 6 -alky-thio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano or trifluoromethyl;
  • the compounds of the present invention may have one or more asymmetric centres and it is intended that any optical isomers, as separated, pure or partially purified optical isomers or racemic mixtures thereof are included in the scope of the invention.
  • geometric isomers may be formed. It is intended that any geo- metric isomers, as separated, pure or partially purified geometric isomers or mixtures thereof are included within the scope of the invention. Likewise, molecules having a bond with restricted rotation may form geometric isomers. These are also intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.
  • the compounds of the present invention may exist in different tautomeric forms and it is intended that any tautomeric forms, which the compounds are able to form, are included within the scope of the present invention.
  • the present invention also encompasses pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the present compounds.
  • Such salts include pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts, pharmaceutically acceptable metal salts, ammonium and alkylated ammonium salts.
  • Acid addition salts include salts of inorganic acids as well as organic acids. Representative examples of suitable inorganic acids include hydrochloric, hydro- bromic, hydroiodic, phosphoric, sulfuric acids and the like.
  • suitable organic acids include formic, acetic, trichloroacetic, trifluoroacetic, propionic, benzoic, cinnamic, citric, fumaric, glycolic, lactic, maleic, malic, malonic, mandelic, oxalic, picric, pyruvic, salicylic, succinic, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, tartaric acids and the like.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic acid addition salts include the pharmaceutically acceptable salts listed in J. Pharm. Sci. 1977, 66, 2, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • metal salts include lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium salts and the like.
  • ammonium and alkylated ammonium salts include ammonium, methylammonium, dimethylammonium, trimethylammonium, ethylammonium, hydroxyethylammonium, diethylammonium, butylammonium, tetramethylammonium salts and the like.
  • Also intended as pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts are the hydrates, which the present compounds, are able to form.
  • the acid addition salts may be obtained as the direct products of compound synthe- sis.
  • the free base may be dissolved in a suitable solvent containing the appropriate acid, and the salt isolated by evaporating the solvent or otherwise separating the salt and solvent.
  • the compounds of the present invention may form solvates with standard low mo- lecular weight solvents using methods known to the skilled artisan. Such solvates are also contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.
  • the invention also encompasses prodrugs of the present compounds, which on administration undergo chemical conversion by metabolic processes before becoming active pharmacological substances.
  • prodrugs will be functional derivatives of the compounds, which are readily convertible in vivo into the present compounds.
  • Conventional procedures for the selection and preparation of suitable prodrug derivatives are described, for example, in "Design of Prodrugs", ed. H. Bundgaard, Elsevier, 1985.
  • the invention also encompasses active metabolites of the present compounds.
  • the compounds of the present invention interact with the histamine H3 receptor and may thus be used for the treatment of a wide range of conditions and disorders in which histamine H3 receptor interactions are beneficial.
  • the present invention relates to a compound of the general formula I as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use as a medicament.
  • the invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising, as an active ingredient, at least one compound of the formula I as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents.
  • R 1 is hydrogen or a functional group.which can be converted to hydrogen in vivo;
  • R 2 is hydrogen, C,_ 6 -alkyl, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxy or -NR 7 R 8 ,
  • R 7 and R 8 independently are
  • C 3 - 8 -cycloalkyl C ⁇ -alkoxy, C,. 6 -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C ⁇ -alkylamino, di(C 1 . 6 -alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
  • R 7 and R 8 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally contain- ing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C.,. 6 -alkoxy, C,. 6 -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C ⁇ -alkylamino, di(C 1 . 6 -alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
  • R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 6 independently are
  • C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl optionally substituted with C,. 6 -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C.,_ 6 -alkylamino, di(C 1 . 6 -alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
  • C ⁇ -alkyl C 2 . 6 -alkenyl or C 2 . 6 -alkynyl, which are optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkoxy, C.,_ 6 -alkylthio, hydroxy, cyano, halogen, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, carboxy, C ⁇ -alkoxycarbonyl,
  • aryl optionally substituted with halogen, cyano, nitro, C ⁇ -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aryloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or -CO-NR 9 R 10 ,
  • C ⁇ -alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with di(C 1 . 6 -alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
  • aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl which are optionally substituted with hydroxy, amino, C L e-alkylamino, di(C 1 ⁇ -alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
  • C ⁇ -alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C,_ 6 -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C ⁇ -alkylamino, di(C 1 . 6 -alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
  • n, p and q independently are 0, 1 or 2;
  • C ⁇ -alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroaryl- amino or C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
  • aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl which are optionally substituted with di(C.,_ 6 -alkyl)a ⁇ ino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, C,_ 6 -aIkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with
  • Y is a valence bond, -O- or -N(R 12 )-,
  • C,. 6 -alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroaryl- amino or C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with hydroxy, amino, di(C 1 . 6 -alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
  • aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl which are optionally substituted with hydroxy, amino, C,_ 6 -alkylamino, di(C 1 . 6 -alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
  • A is a valence bond, C 2 relieve 8 -alkenylene, C 2 . 8 -alkynylene, C 3 . 8 -cyclo- alkylene or phenylene, or
  • Y when Y is -N(R 12 )-, A, together with R 12 and the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, may form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring system optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C ⁇ -alkyl, C ⁇ -alkoxy, C ⁇ -alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C 1 _ 6 -alkylamino, di(C 1 .
  • R 13 , R 14 and R 15 independently are hydrogen
  • aryl C 3 . 15 -cycioalkyl, C 3 . 15 -cycloalkynyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted with aryl-C ⁇ -alkyl, heteroaryl-C ⁇ -alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C ⁇ -alkyl- sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, C,_ 6 -alkyl, C 3 .
  • R 13 and R 14 or R 13 , R 14 and R 15 when they do not represent hydrogen, may be joined by one or more bridging linkers such as a valence bond, C ⁇ -alkylene,
  • R and R 17 independently are hydrogen
  • aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl which are optionally substituted with di(C 1 . 6 -alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
  • C 3 . 8 -cycloalkyl C.,_ 6 -alkoxy, amino, di(C 1 . 6 -alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
  • R 16 and R 17 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C,.
  • the invention relates to a method for the treatment of disorders related to the histamine H3 receptor the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of the formula I' as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.
  • the present compounds may possess histamine H3 receptor antagonistic activity and would accordingly be useful in the treatment of a wide range of conditions and disorders in which a histamine H3 receptor blockade is beneficial.
  • the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the reduction of weight.
  • the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of overweight or obesity.
  • the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the suppression of appetite or satiety induction.
  • the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and/or treatment of disorders and diseases related to overweight or obesity such as atheroscle- rosis, hypertension, IGT (impaired glucose tolerance), diabetes, especially Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus)), dyslipidaemia, coronary heart disease, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis and various types of cancer such as endometrial, breast, prostate and colon cancers.
  • disorders and diseases related to overweight or obesity such as atheroscle- rosis, hypertension, IGT (impaired glucose tolerance), diabetes, especially Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus)), dyslipidaemia, coronary heart disease, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis and various types of cancer such as endometrial, breast, prostate and colon cancers.
  • the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and/or treatment of eating disorders such as bulimia and binge eating.
  • the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of IGT.
  • the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of Type 2 diabetes.
  • the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the delaying or prevention of the progression from IGT to Type 2 diabetes.
  • the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the delaying or prevention of the progression from non-insulin requiring Type 2 diabetes to insulin requiring Type 2 diabetes.
  • the compounds of the present invention may also be used for the treatment of airway disorders such as asthma, as anti-diarrhoeals and for the modulation of gastric acid secretion. Furthermore, the compounds of the present invention may be used for the treatment of diseases associated with the regulation of sleep and wakefulness and for the treatment of narcolepsy and attention deficit disorders.
  • the compounds of the invention may be used as stimulants or as sedatives.
  • the present compounds may also be used for the treatment of conditions associated with epilepsy. Additionally, the present compounds may be used for the treatment of motion sickness and vertigo. Furthermore, they may be useful as regulators of hypo- thalamo-hypophyseal secretion, antidepressants, modulators of cerebral circulation, and in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.
  • the compounds of the present invention may be used for the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
  • the present novel compounds may also interact with the vanilloid receptors, the serotonin receptors, and the adrenergic receptors and may be useful for the treatment of diseases associated with these receptors.
  • the compounds of the present invention may be vanilloid receptor agonists, and thus be useful for the treatment of obesity by enhancement of the metabolic rate and energy expenditure. Further, by virtue of their interaction with the vanilloid receptor the compounds of the present invention may be useful for the treatment of pain or neurogenic inflammation or inflammatory painful conditions.
  • the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases and disorders related to the vanilloid receptor, such as for the treatment and/or prevention of pain, neurogenic inflammation or obesity.
  • the present compounds may interact with the 5-HT3 receptor (sero- tonin-3-receptor) and may accordingly be useful as antiemetics, in particular the chemotherapy-induced emesis.
  • 5-HT3 antagonists include treatment of central nervous system disorders such as anxiety, schizophre- nia, drug abuse and withdrawal symptoms, and pathological and age-associated amnesia.
  • the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or preven- tion of diseases and disorders related to the serotonin-3 receptor (5-HT3), such as for the treatment of emesis.
  • a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or preven- tion of diseases and disorders related to the serotonin-3 receptor (5-HT3) such as for the treatment of emesis.
  • the present compounds may interact with the adrenergic alpha-2 receptor and thus be useful for the treatment of hypertension and of conditions associ- ated with overexpression or hypersensitization of the adrenergic alpha-2 receptor, especially obesity, withdrawal symptoms to an adrenergic alpha-2 agonist, neurological disorders (especially orthostatic hypotension), multiple system atrophy, diabetes mellitus, benign prostatic hyperplasia or drug induced sensitization of the adrenergic alpha-2 receptor.
  • the compounds of the present invention by virtue of their interaction with the alpha-2 receptor, may be useful as sedatives and hypnotics (sleep inducing agents) or as stimulants.
  • the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or preven- tion of diseases and disorders related to the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor, such as for use as a sleep inducing agent.
  • the present compounds may be administered in combination with one or more further pharmacologically active substances eg selected from antiobesity agents, antidiabet- ics, antihypertensive agents, agents for the treatment and/or prevention of complica- tions resulting from or associated with diabetes and agents for the treatment and/or prevention of complications and disorders resulting from or associated with obesity.
  • pharmacologically active substances eg selected from antiobesity agents, antidiabet- ics, antihypertensive agents, agents for the treatment and/or prevention of complica- tions resulting from or associated with diabetes and agents for the treatment and/or prevention of complications and disorders resulting from or associated with obesity.
  • the present compounds may be adminis- tered in combination with one or more antiobesity agents or appetite regulating agents.
  • Such agents may be selected from the group consisting of CART (cocaine amphetamine regulated transcript) agonists, NPY (neuropeptide Y) antagonists, MC4 (melanocortin 4) agonists, orexin antagonists, TNF (tumor necrosis factor) agonists, CRF (corticotropin releasing factor) agonists, CRF BP (corticotropin releasing factor binding protein) antagonists, urocortin agonists, ⁇ 3 agonists, MSH (melanocyte- stimulating hormone) agonists, MCH (melanocyte-concentrating hormone) antagonists, CCK (cholecystokinin) agonists, serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, serotonin and noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitors, mixed serotonin and noradrenergic compounds, 5HT (serotonin) agonists, bombesin agonists, galanin antagonists, growth hormone, growth hormone releasing compounds, TR
  • the antiobesity agent is leptin.
  • the antiobesity agent is dexamphetamine or amphetamine.
  • the antiobesity agent is fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine.
  • the antiobesity agent is sibutramine.
  • the antiobesity agent is orlistat. In another embodiment the antiobesity agent is mazindol or phentermine.
  • Suitable antidiabetics comprise insulin, GLP-1 (glucagon like peptide-1 ) derivatives such as those disclosed in WO 98/08871 to Novo Nordisk A/S, which is incorporated herein by reference as well as orally active hypoglycaemic agents.
  • the orally active hypoglycaemic agents preferably comprise sulphonylureas, bigua- nides, meglitinides, oxadiazolidinediones, thiazolidinediones, glucosidase inhibitors, glucagon antagonists such as those disclosed in WO 99/01423 to Novo Nordisk A/S and Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., GLP-1 agonists, potassium channel openers such as those disclosed in WO 97/26265 and WO 99/03861 to Novo Nordisk A/S which are incorporated herein by reference, insulin sensitizers, DPP-IV (dipeptidyl peptidase-IV) inhibitors, inhibitors of hepatic enzymes involved in stimulation of glu- coneogenesis and/or glycogenolysis, glucose uptake modulators, compounds modifying the lipid metabolism such as antihyperlipidemic agents and antilipidemic agents, compounds lowering food intake, PPAR and RXR agonists and agents
  • the present compounds are administered in combination with insulin.
  • the present compounds are administered in combination with a sulphonylurea eg tolbutamide, glibenclamide, glipizide or glicazide.
  • a sulphonylurea eg tolbutamide, glibenclamide, glipizide or glicazide.
  • the present compounds are administered in combination with a biguanide eg metformin.
  • the present compounds are administered in combination with a meglitinide eg repaglinide.
  • the present compounds are administered in combination with a thiazolidinedione eg troglitazone, ciglitazone, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone or the compounds disclosed in WO 97/41097 to Dr. Reddy's Research Foundation.
  • the present compounds may be administered in combination with the insulin sensitizers disclosed in WO 99/19313 to Dr. Reddy's Research Foundation.
  • the present compounds are administered in combination with an ⁇ -glucosidase inhibitor eg miglitol or acarbose.
  • an ⁇ -glucosidase inhibitor eg miglitol or acarbose.
  • the present compounds are administered in combination with an agent acting on the ATP-dependent potassium channel of the ⁇ -cells eg tolbu- tamide, glibenclamide, glipizide, glicazide or repaglinide.
  • an agent acting on the ATP-dependent potassium channel of the ⁇ -cells eg tolbu- tamide, glibenclamide, glipizide, glicazide or repaglinide.
  • the present compounds may be administered in combination with na- teglinide.
  • the present compounds are administered in combination with an antihyperlipidemic agent or antilipidemic agent eg cholestyramine, colestipol, clofibrate, gemfibrozil, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, probucol or dextrothyrox- ine.
  • an antihyperlipidemic agent or antilipidemic agent eg cholestyramine, colestipol, clofibrate, gemfibrozil, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, probucol or dextrothyrox- ine.
  • the present compounds are administered in combination with more than one of the above-mentioned compounds eg in combination with a sulphonylurea and metformin, a sulphonylurea and acarbose, repaglinide and met- formin, insulin and a sulphonylurea, insulin and metformin, insulin and troglitazone, insulin and lovastatin, etc.
  • the present compounds may be administered in combination with one or more antihypertensive agents.
  • antihypertensive agents are ⁇ - blockers such as alprenolol, atenolol, timolol, pindolol, propranolol and metoprolol, ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors such as benazepril, captopril, enala- pril, fosinopril, lisinopril, quinapril and ramipril, calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, felodipine, nicardipine, isradipine, nimodipine, diltiazem and verapamil, and ⁇ -blockers such as doxazosin, urapidil, prazosin and terazosin. Further refer- ence can be made to Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 19 th Edition, Gennaro,
  • the compounds of the invention may be administered alone or in combination with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients, in either single or multiple doses.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention may be formulated with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents as well as any other known adjuvants and excipients in accordance with conventional techniques such as those disclosed in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 19 th Edition, Gennaro, Ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, PA, 1995.
  • compositions may be specifically formulated for administration by any suitable route such as the oral, rectal, nasal, pulmonary, topical (including buccal and sublingual), transdermal, intracisternal, intraperitoneal, vaginal and par- enteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, intrathecal, intravenous and in- tradermal) route, the oral route being preferred.
  • suitable route such as the oral, rectal, nasal, pulmonary, topical (including buccal and sublingual), transdermal, intracisternal, intraperitoneal, vaginal and par- enteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, intrathecal, intravenous and in- tradermal) route, the oral route being preferred.
  • the preferred route will depend on the general condition and age of the subject to be treated, the nature of the condition to be treated and the active ingredient chosen.
  • compositions for oral administration include solid dosage forms such as capsules, tablets, dragees, pills, lozenges, powders and granules. Where appro- priate, they can be prepared with coatings such as enteric coatings or they can be formulated so as to provide controlled release of the active ingredient such as sustained or prolonged release according to methods well-known in the art.
  • Liquid dosage forms for oral administration include solutions, emulsions, suspensions, syrups and elixirs.
  • compositions for parenteral administration include sterile aqueous and non-aqueous injectable solutions, dispersions, suspensions or emulsions as well as sterile powders to be reconstituted in sterile injectable solutions or dispersions prior to use. Depot injectable formulations are also contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.
  • Suitable administration forms include suppositories, sprays, ointments, cremes, gels, inhalants, dermal patches, implants etc.
  • a typical oral dosage is in the range of from about 0.001 to about 100 mg/kg body weight per day, preferably from about 0.01 to about 50 mg/kg body weight per day, and more preferred from about 0.05 to about 10 mg/kg body weight per day adminis- tered in one or more dosages such as 1 to 3 dosages.
  • the exact dosage will depend upon the frequency and mode of administration, the sex, age, weight and general condition of the subject treated, the nature and severity of the condition treated and any concomitant diseases to be treated and other factors evident to those skilled in the art.
  • a typical unit dosage form for oral administration one or more times per day such as 1 to 3 times per day may contain of from 0.05 to about 1000 mg, preferably from about 0.1 to about 500 mg, and more preferred from about 0.5 mg to about 200 mg.
  • parenteral routes such as intravenous, intrathecal, intramuscular and similar administration, typically doses are in the order of about half the dose employed for oral administration.
  • the compounds of this invention are generally utilized as the free substance or as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
  • One example is an acid addition salt of a compound having the utility of a free base.
  • a compound according to the invention contains a free base such salts are prepared in a conventional manner by treating a solution or suspension of a free base of the compound according to the invention with a chemical equivalent of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid, for example, inorganic and organic acids. Representative examples are mentioned above.
  • Physiologically acceptable salts of a compound with a hydroxy group include the anion of said compound in combination with a suitable cation such as sodium or ammonium ion.
  • solutions of the present compounds in sterile aqueous solution aqueous propylene glycol or sesame or peanut oil may be employed.
  • aqueous solutions should be suitable buffered if necessary and the liquid diluent first rendered isotonic with sufficient saline or glucose.
  • the aqueous solutions are particularly suitable for intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous and intraperitoneal admini- stration.
  • the sterile aqueous media employed are all readily available by standard techniques known to those skilled in the art.
  • Suitable pharmaceutical carriers include inert solid diluents or fillers, sterile aqueous solution and various organic solvents.
  • solid carriers are lactose, terra alba, sucrose, cyclodextrin, talc, gelatine, agar, pectin, acacia, magnesium stearate, stearic acid or lower alkyl ethers of cellulose.
  • liquid carriers are syrup, peanut oil, olive oil, phospholipids, fatty acids, fatty acid amines, polyoxyethylene or water.
  • the carrier or diluent may include any sustained release material known in the art, such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate, alone or mixed with a wax.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions formed by combining the compounds according to the invention and the pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are then readily administered in a variety of dosage forms suitable for the disclosed routes of administration.
  • the formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form by methods known in the art of pharmacy.
  • Formulations of the present invention suitable for oral administration may be presented as discrete units such as capsules or tablets, each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient, and which may include a suitable excipient. These formulations may be in the form of powder or granules, as a solution or suspension in an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid, or as an oil-in-water or water-in-oil liquid emulsion.
  • the preparation may be tabletted, placed in a hard gelatine capsule in powder or pellet form or it can be in the form of a troche or lozenge.
  • the amount of solid carrier will vary widely but will usually be from about 25 mg to about 1 g.
  • the preparation may be in the form of a syrup, emulsion, soft gelatine capsule or sterile injectable liquid such as an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid suspension or solution.
  • a typical tablet which may be prepared by conventional tabletting techniques, may contain:
  • Active compound (as free compound or salt thereof) 5.0 mg
  • the pharmaceutical composition of the invention may comprise the compound of the formula I' in combination with further pharmacologically active sub- stances.
  • the preparation of the compounds of this invention can be realized in many different ways.
  • the preparation of imidazoles of the formula III has been described in the literature (see e.g. F. B. Stocker et al., J. Org. Chem. 1966, 31, 2380; idem, ibid. 1990, 55, 3370; T. Vitali et al., II Farmaco 1967, 22, 821 ; idem, ibid. 1965, 20, 634; S.
  • LG leaving group
  • compounds of the formula lb can be synthesized from 4,5,6,7-tetra- hydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridines III by treating the latter with suitable activated derivatives of carboxylic acids, such as acyl imidazoles, anhydrides, acid chlorides or active esters, or any of the derivatives commonly used for the preparation of carboxamides, under appropriate conditions.
  • suitable activated derivatives of carboxylic acids such as acyl imidazoles, anhydrides, acid chlorides or active esters, or any of the derivatives commonly used for the preparation of carboxamides, under appropriate conditions.
  • Compounds of the formula Ic can be prepared by treating 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro- imidazo[4,5-c]pyridines III with isocyanates Z-A-NCO or with synthetic equivalents thereof, such as carbamoyl chlorides Z-A-N(R 12 )-CO-CI under suitable conditions.
  • compounds of the formula le can be prepared by treating 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro- imidazo[4,5-c]pyridines III with isothiocyanates Z-A-NCS or with synthetic equivalents thereof, such as thiocarbamoyl chlorides Z-A-N(R 12 )-CS-CI under suitable conditions.
  • the starting materials are either known compounds or compounds, which may be prepared in analogy with the preparation of similar known compounds.
  • HOBt ⁇ /-hydroxybenzotriazole, 1 -hydroxybenzotriazole
  • HPLC-systems from Merck-Hitachi (HibarTM RT 250-4, LichrosorbTM RP 18, 5.0 ⁇ m, 4.0 x 250 mm, gradient elution, 20% to 80% acetonitrile in water within 30 min, 1.0 mL/min, detection at 254 nm) and Waters (SymmetryTM, C- ⁇ 8 , 3.5 ⁇ m, 3.0 x 150 mm, gradient elution, 5% to 90% acetonitrile in water within 15 min, 1.0 mL/min, detection at 214 nm) were used.
  • the reverse phase analysis was performed using UV detections at 214, 254, 276 and 301 nm on a 218TP54 4.6 mm x 150 mm C-18 silica column, which was eluted at 1 mL/min at 42 °C.
  • the column was equilibrated with 5% acetonitrile, 85% water and 10% of a solution of 0.5% trifluoroacetic acid in water and eluted by a linear gradient from 5% acetonitrile, 85% water and 10% of a solution of 0.5% trifluoroacetic acid to 90% acetonitrile and 10% of a solution of 0.5% trifluoroacetic acid over 15 min.
  • the purified amine III was then acylated as in general procedure A or by any other, conventional method.
  • reaction mixture is concentrated on a rotavapor at a bath temperature of 35°C.
  • a solution of sodium ethanolate is prepared by dissolving 1.4 g (60 mmol) of sodium in 150 mL of dry ethanol. Then 4.8 g (60 mmol) of formamidine hydrochloride and 7.3 g (20 mmol) of 1-benzyl-5-bromohexahydroazepin-4-one hydrobromide as well as 80 mL chloroform are added successively. After keeping at reflux for about 8 hours the mixture is cooled and treated with a solution of 40 mmol of sodium hydroxide in dry methanol. The reaction mixture is concentrated on a rotavapor and the residue purified by column chromatography on silicagel with chloroform/methanol 9:1 as eluent.
  • Example 1 5-(3-Cyclohexylpropanoyl)-4,4-dimethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]- pyridine oxalic acid salt
  • Example 8 5-[3-(10,11-Dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)propanoyl]-4, 5,6,7- tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine
  • Example 12 4-(2-Cyclohexylethyl)-5-(ethylaminocarbonyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro- imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine
  • Example 13 4-(2-Cyclohexylethyl)-5-(2,4-dichlorobenzylaminocarbonyl)-4, 5,6,7- tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1/-/-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 4-(te/ ⁇ -butyl)benzyl alcohol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2,3-dimethylbenzyl alcohol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-phenyl-1-butanol oxalate.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-phenyl-1-butanol oxalate.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-1 H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and cyclopentylmethanol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1 H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-methylbenzyl alcohol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1 -ethanol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1 H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-(3-methylphenyl)-1 -ethanol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 1 -adamantylmethanol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 3,4-dimethylbenzyl alcohol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1/-/-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and cyclohexen-4-ylmethanol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2,4-dimethylbenzylalcohol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-(2-methylphenyl)ethanol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 1 -naphthylmethanol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6N-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 4-isopropylbenzyl alcohol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1/-/-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-naphthylmethanol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-methylbiphenyl-3-ylmethanol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 4-ethylbenzyl alcohol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-1 H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-thienylmethanol.
  • Example 36 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 2-thiophen- 2-ylethyl ester oxalate
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-(2-thienyl)-1 -ethanol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-(3-thienyl)-1 -ethanol.
  • Example 38 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 4-methoxy- 2,3-dimethylbenzyl ester oxalate
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2,3-dimethyl-4-methoxybenzyl alcohol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4-trifluoromethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H- imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and benzyl alcohol.
  • Example 40 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 2-cyclohexylethyl ester oxalate
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-cyclohexyl-1 -ethanol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and cyclohexylmethanol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-chlorobenzyl alcohol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl alcohol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 1-phenylethanol.
  • the compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 4-benzylpiperidine according to the following, general procedure for the preparation of ureas:
  • Example 46 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid ⁇ /-methyl- ⁇ /- benzylamide oxalate
  • the compound was prepared in the same way as disclosed for example 45 from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and benzylmethylamine.
  • the compound was prepared in the same way as disclosed for example 45 from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and benzylmethylamine .
  • the reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (100 mL) and washed with 10% aqueous sodium hydrogen sulfate solution (100 mL). A 1 N solution of sodium hydroxide was added to the aqueous solution until pH 12 was obtained. It was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 100 mL). These organic extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate. The solvent was removed in vacuo. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica (40 g), using dichloro- methane/methanol/25% aqueous ammonia (100:10:1 ) as eluent to give 125 mg of the title compound.
  • the reaction mixture was stirred for 16 h at room temperature. It was diluted with ethyl acetate (100 mL) and washed with 10% aqueous sodium hydrogensulfate solution (100 mL). The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 60 mL): It was added a 1 N sodium hydroxide solution until pH 12 was obtained. It was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 90 mL). These extracts were combined and dried over magne- sium sulfate. The solvent was removed in vacuo. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica (40 g), using dichloromethane/methanol/25% aqueous ammonia (100:10:1 ) as eluent, to give 50 mg of the title compound.
  • the title compound was transferred into its oxalate salt by dissolving in ethyl acetate (20 mL) and addition of a solution of oxalic acid in ethyl acetate (20 mL). The precipitation was collected and washed with ethyl acetate (10 mL). It was dried in vacuo.
  • the title compound was transferred into its oxalate salt: The title compound was dissolved in ethyl acetate (15 mL). A solution of oxalic acid (58 mg, 0.64 mmol) in ethyl acetate (15 mL) was added. The precipitation was collected, washed with ethyl acetate (10 mL) and dried in vacuo.
  • EDC (0.45 g, 2.4 mmol) was added to a solution of 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzo- triazole (0.32 g, 2.4 mmol) and 2-norbornaneacetic acid (0.338 mL, 2.4 mmol) in di- chloromethane (30 mL).
  • the reaction mixture was stirred for 20 min at 0 °C.
  • 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine dihycrochloride (0.50 g, 2.3 mmol) was added.
  • Ethyldiisopropylamine (0.40 mL, 2.3 mmol) was added.
  • the reaction mixture was stirred for 16 h at room temperature.
  • Example 52 4-Pentylphenyl-(1 ,4,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-5-yl)methanone hydrochloride
  • the oxalate was dissolved in water (50 mL) and sodium hydroxide (2 mL, 4N in water) was added.
  • the free base was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 100 mL), and after drying (MgS04) and concentration it was redissolved in hydrochloric acid (1 N in water). Concentration and precipitation from acetone yielded 0.45 g (36%) of the title compound as colourless solid.
  • the compound was prepared in the same way as example 52 from 4-trifluoro- methoxybenzoic acid and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine.
  • Example 54 4-Trifluoromethylphenyl-(1 ,4,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-5- yl)methanone oxalate
  • the compound was prepared in the same way as example 52 from 4-trifluoro- methylbenzoic acid and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine.
  • Example 55 4-lsobutylphenyl-(1 ,4,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-5- yl)methanone oxalate
  • the compound was prepared in the same way as example 52 from 4-isobutylbenzoic acid and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine.
  • Example 56 4-Chlorophenyl-(1 ,4,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-5- yl)methanone oxalate
  • Rat cerebral cortex was homogenized in ice cold K-Hepes, 5 mM MgCI 2 pH 7.1 buffer. After two differential centrifugations the last pellet was resuspended in fresh Hepes buffer containing 1 mg/mL bacitracin. Aliquots of the membrane suspension (400 mg/mL) were incubated for 60 min at 25°C with 30 pM [ 125 l]-iodoproxifan, a known histamine H3 receptor antagonist, and the test compound at various concentrations. The incubation was stopped by dilution with ice-cold medium, followed by rapid filtration through Whatman GF/B filters pretreated for 1 h with 0.5% polyethyle- neimine. The radioactivity retained on the filters was counted using a Cobra II auto gamma counter. The radioactivity of the filters was indirectly proportional to the bind- ing affinity of the tested compound. The results were analyzed by nonlinear regression analysis.
  • Binding assay II The H3-receptor agonist ligand R- ⁇ -methyl[ 3 H]histamine was incubated with isolated rat cortex cell-membranes at 25 °C for 1 h, followed by a filtration of the incubate through Whatman GF/B filters. Radioactivity retained on the filters was measured using a beta counter.
  • Rat cerebral cortex was homogenized in 10 volumes (w/w) ice-cold Hepes buffer (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM MgCI 2 pH 7.1 (KOH) + 1 mg/mL bacitracin) using a Ul- tra-Turrax homogenizer for 30 seconds. The homogenate was centrifuged at 140 g in 10 min. The supernatant was transferred to a new test tube and centrifuged for 30 min at 23 000 g.
  • Pellet was resuspended in 5-10 mL Hepes buffer, homogenized and centrifuged for 10 min at 23 000 g. This short centrifugation step is repeated twice. After the last centrifugation the pellet was resuspended in 2-4 mL Hepes buffer and the protein concentration was determined. The membranes were diluted to a protein concentration of 5 mg/mL using Hepes buffer, aliquoted and stored at -80 °C until use
  • test-compound 100 ⁇ L membrane (200 ⁇ g/mL), 300 ⁇ L.
  • Hepes buffer and 50 ⁇ L R- ⁇ -methyl[ 3 H]histamine (1 nM) were mixed in a test tube.
  • the compounds to be tested were dissolved in DMSO and further diluted in H 2 O to the desired concentrations.
  • Radioligand and membranes were diluted in Hepes buffer + 1 mg/mL bacitracin. The mixture was incubated for 60 min at 25 °C. Incubation was terminated by adding 5 mL ice-cold 0.9 % NaCl, followed by rapid filtration through Whatman GF/B filters pre-treated for 1 h with 0.5 % polyethyleneimine.
  • the filters were washed with 2 x 5 mL ice-cold NaCl. To each filter a 3 mL scintillation cocktail was added and the radioactivity retained was measured with a Packard Tri-Carb beta counter. IC 5 o values were calculated by non-linear regression analysis of binding curves (6 points minimum) using the windows program GraphPad Prism, GraphPad software, USA.
  • the present compounds of the formula (I) When tested, the present compounds of the formula (I) generally showed a high binding affinity to the histamine H3 receptor.
  • the compounds according to the invention have an IC 50 value as deter- mined by one or both of the assays of less than 1 ⁇ M, more preferred of less than 500 nM and even more preferred of less than 100 nM.
  • the ability of the present compounds to reduce weight was determined using the in vivo open cage Schedule-fed rat model.
  • Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats of an age of about V ⁇ to 2 months and a weight of about 250 g were habituated to the presence of food (Altromin pelleted rat chow) in their home cage only during three hours in the morning from 9 to12 a.m. all days a week. Water was present ad libitum. As the consumption of food stabilised after 7 to 9 days, the animals were ready for use.
  • food Altromin pelleted rat chow
  • the animals were tested twice a week. During the test sessions, the test compound was administered intraperitoneally 30 minutes before the start of the sessions. One group of 9 animals was administered the test compound at a dose of 15 mg/kg and another group of 11 animals was administered the test compound at a dose of 30 mg/kg. A control group of 11 animals was administered the vehicle consisting of NaCl 0.9% and Chremophor 5%. Food and water intake were monitored at 1 , 2 and 3 h post administration. 138

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Diabetes (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Obesity (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Neurology (AREA)
  • Emergency Medicine (AREA)
  • Rheumatology (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Endocrinology (AREA)
  • Child & Adolescent Psychology (AREA)
  • Hospice & Palliative Care (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Pharmaceuticals Containing Other Organic And Inorganic Compounds (AREA)
  • Nitrogen Condensed Heterocyclic Rings (AREA)

Abstract

A novel class of substituted imidazole compounds (I), pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and use thereof in the treatment and/or prevention of diseases and disorders related to the histamine H3 receptor. More particularly, the compounds are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases and disorders, in which an interaction with the histamine H3 receptor is beneficial.

Description

TITLE
Substituted Imidazoles, their Preparation and Use
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to novel substituted imidazoles, to the use of these compounds as medicaments, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and to a method of treatment employing these compounds and compositions. The present compounds show a high and selective binding affinity to the histamine H3 receptor indicating histamine H3 receptor antagonistic or agonistic activ- ity. As a result, the compounds are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases and disorders related to the histamine H3 receptor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The existence of the histamine H3 receptor has been known for several years and of current interest for the development of new medicaments (see e.g. Stark, H.;
Schlicker, E.; Schunack, W., Drugs Fut. 1996, 21, 507-520; Leurs, R.; Timmerman, H.; Vollinga, R. C, Progress in Drug Research 1995, 45, 107-165). Recently, the histamine H3 receptor has been cloned, cf. Lovenberg, T.W. et al, Molecular Pharmacology, June 1999, 55, 1101-1107. The histamine H3 receptor is a presynaptic auto- receptor located in both the central and the peripheral nervous system, the skin and in organs such as the lung, the intestine, probably the spleen and the gastrointestinal tract. The histamine H3 receptor has been demonstrated to regulate the release of histamine and also of other neurotransmitters such as serotonin and acetylcholine. A histamine H3 receptor antagonist would therefore be expected to increase the re- lease of these neurotransmitters in the brain. A histamine H3 receptor agonist, on the contrary, leads to an inhibition of the biosynthesis of histamine and an inhibition of the release of histamine and also of other neurotransmitters such as serotonin and acetylcholine. These findings suggest that histamine H3 receptor agonists and antagonists could be important mediators of neuronal activity. Accordingly, the hista- mine H3 receptor is an important target for new therapeutics. Imidazoles similar to the compounds of the present invention have previously been prepared, and their biological properties have been investigated. Thus, WO 98/29119 relates to tetrahydroimidazopyridine farnesyl-protein inhibitors. JP 06312927 discloses tetrahydroimidazopyridine intermediates for preparing angiosin II inhibitors. WO 93/17701 discloses tetrahydroimidazopyridine intermediates for preparing endothelin receptor-binding peptides. Klutchko, S., et al., J. Heterocycl. Chem., 28(1 ), 1991, 97- 108 relates to synthesis methods for the preparation of imidazole derivatives. GB 2158440 relates to antiviral compounds. Arcari, G.; Bernardi, L; Cimaschi, R.; Falconi, G.; Luini, F.; Scarponi, U., Arzneim. Forsch., 34, 11 , 1984, 1467-1471, relates to tetrahydroimidazopyridine intermediates for the preparation of imidazopiperidines with anti-ulcer and antisecretory activity, and GB 2028798 relates to tetrahydroimidazopyridine intermediates for the preparation of antiulcer and anticholinergic compounds. However, these references neither disclose nor suggest that the imidazoles may have a histamine H3 receptor antagonistic or agonistic activity.
Furthermore, Chem. Abstr., 87, 201535; Hepp, M.; Schunack, W., Arch. Pharm. (Weinheim Gen), 313, 9, 1980, 756-762; Vitali et al., Farmaco Ed. Sci., 22, 1967, 821 ; Habermehl; Ecsy, Heterocycles, 5, 1976, 127; Vitali; Bertaccini, Gazz. Chim. Ital., 94, 1964, 296; Emmett, J. C; Durant, G. J.; Ganellin, C. R.; Roe, A. M.; Turner, J. L, J. Med. Chem., 25, 10, 1982, 1168-1174; Nagarajan, K. et al., Indian J. Chem. Sect. B, 15, 1977, 629-634; Casella, L; Gullotti, M., J. Am. Chem. Soc, 103, 21 , 1981 , 6338- 6347; Piper, I. M.; MacLean, D. B.; Kvarnstroem, I.; Szarek, W. A., Can. J. Chem., 61 , 1983, 2721-2728; Williams, R. L; Neergaard, S., J. Pharm. Sci., 71 , 1 , 1982, 119-120), DE 2700012, EP 589 665, EP 531 874, WO 92/18115, EP 449 521 , US 5,091 ,390, DE 33 02 125 and DE 33 02 126 disclose imidazopyridine derivatives which are stated to be useful either as intermediates or as therapeutically active substances such as angiotensin II antagonists effective to treat hypertension, peripheral kappa opioid receptor activating substances effective to treat inflammatory pain and N-myristoyl transferase inhibitors effective as anti-cancer agents. However, these references neither disclose nor suggest that the imidazoles may have a histamine H3 receptor antagonistic or agonistic activity. Several publications disclose the preparation and use of histamine H3 agonists and antagonists. Thus, US 4,767,778 (corresponding to EP 214 058), EP 338 939, WO 93/14070, EP 531 219, EP 458 661 , EP 197 840, EP 494 010, WO 91/17146, WO 93/12108, WO 93/12107, WO 93/12093, US 5,578,616 (corresponding to WO 95/14007), WO 96/38142, WO 96/38141 , WO 95/11894, WO 93/20061 , WO 96/40126, WO 95/06037, WO 92/15567 and WO 94/17058 disclose imidazole derivatives having histamine H3 receptor agonistic or antagonistic activity. However, the structures of these imidazole derivatives are quite different from that of the present compounds. Thus, none of the imidazole derivatives disclosed in these publications have a ring structure fused to the imidazole group such as is the case in the present compounds.
In view of the art's interest in histamine H3 receptor agonists and antagonists, novel compounds which interact with the histamine H3 receptor would be a highly desirable contribution to the art. The present invention provides such a contribution to the art being based on the finding that a specific class of substituted imidazole compounds has a high and specific affinity to the histamine H3 receptor. Some of these substituted imidazole derivatives are novel per se thereby constituting a further as- pect of the invention.
Due to their interaction with the histamine H3 receptor, the present compounds are useful in the treatment and/or prevention of a wide range of conditions and disorders in which an interaction with the histamine H3 receptor is beneficial. Thus, the com- pounds may find use eg in the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the pulmonary system, the gastrointestinal system and the endocrinological system. DEFINITIONS
In the structural formulas given herein and throughout the present specification, the following terms have the indicated meaning:
The term "C,.6-alkyl" as used herein represent a branched or straight hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Typical C^-alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, terf-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, hexyl, isohexyl and the like.
The term "C2-8-alkenyl" as used herein represents a branched or straight hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and at least one double bond. Examples of such groups include, but are not limited to, vinyl, 1 -propenyl, 2-propenyl, allyl, iso-propenyl, 1 ,3-butadienyl, 1 -butenyl, 2-butenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 1-heptenyl, 2-heptenyl, 1-octenyl, 2-octenyl and the like. In a similar way the term "C2.6-alkenyl" represents a branched or straight hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and at least one double bond.
The term "C2.8-alkynyl" as used herein represents a branched or straight hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and at least one triple bond. Examples of such groups include, but are not limited to, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1 -butynyl, 2-butynyl, 1-pentynyl, 2-pentynyl, 1 -hexynyl, 2-hexynyl, 1-heptynyl, 2-heptynyl, 1-octynyl, 2-octynyl and the like. In a similar way the term "C2.6-alkynyl" represents a branched or straight hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and at least one triple bond.
The term "C,_6-alkoxy" as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to the radical -O-C^-alkyl where C^-alkyl is as defined above. Representative examples are methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, sec-butoxy, terf-butoxy, pentoxy, isopentoxy, hexoxy, isohexoxy and the like. The term "C^-alkylthio" as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to the radical -S-C^-alkyl where C^-alkyl is as defined above. Representative examples are methylthio, ethylthio, isopropylthio, propylthio, butylthio, pentylthio and the like.
The term "C3.15-cycloalkyl" as used herein represents a carbocyclic group having from 3 to 15 carbon atoms such as from 3 to 8 carbon atoms. Representative examples are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyc- lononyl, cyclodecyl and the like. In the same way the term "C3.8-cycloalkyl" represents a carbocyclic group having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms
The term "C3.15-cycloalkenyl" as used herein represents a carbocyclic group having from 3 to 15 carbon atoms such as from 3 to 8 carbon atoms and at least one double bond. Representative examples are cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclohepentyl, cyclooctenyl, cyclononenyl, cyclodecenyl and the like.
The term "C3.15-cycloalkynyl" as used herein represents a carbocyclic group having from 3 to 15 carbon atoms such as from 3 to 8 carbon atoms and at least one triple bond. Representative examples are cyclopropynyl, cyclobutynyl, cyclopentynyl, cyclohexynyl, cycloheptynyl, cyclooctynyl, cyclononynyl, cyclodecynyl and the like.
The term "aryl" as used herein is intended to include carbocyclic aromatic ring systems such as phenyl, naphthyl (1-naphthyl or 2-naphthyl), anthracenyl (1-anthracenyl, 2-anthracenyl, 3-anthracenyl), phenanthrenyl, fluorenyl, indenyl and the like. Aryl is also intended to include the partially hydrogenated derivatives of the carbocyclic systems enumerated above. Non-limiting examples of such partially hydrogenated derivatives are 1-(1 ,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl) and 2-(1 ,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl).
The term "aroyl" as used herein refers to the radical -CO-aryl where aryl is as defined above. Non-limiting examples are benzoyl, naphthoyl, anthracenoyl, phenanthrenoyl, fluorenoyl, indenoyl and the like. The term "aryloxy" as used herein refers to the radical -O-aryl where aryl is as defined above. Non-limiting examples are phenoxy, naphthoxy, anthracenyloxy, phenantrenyl- oxy, fluorenyloxy, indenyloxy and the like.
The term "arylthio" as used herein refers to the radical -S-aryl where aryl is as defined above. Non-limiting examples are phenylthio, naphthylthio, phenanthrenylthio, fluorenylthio, indenylthio and the like.
The term "arylamino" as used herein refers to the radical -NH-aryl where aryl is as defined above. Non-limiting examples are phenylamino, naphthylamino, phenanthrenylamino, fluorenylamino, indenylamino and the like.
The term "arylsulfonyl" as used herein refers to the radical -S(=0)2-aryl where aryl is as defined above. Non-limiting examples are phenylsulfonyl, naphthylsulfonyl, phenanthrenylsulfonyl, fluorenylsulfonyl, indenylsulfonyl and the like.
The term "heteroaryl" as used herein is intended to include heterocyclic aromatic ring systems containing one or more heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur such as furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, 1 ,2,3-triazolyl, 1 ,2,4-triazolyl, pyranyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, 1 ,2,3-triazinyl, 1 ,2,4-triazinyl, 1 ,3,5-triazinyl, 1 ,2,3-oxadiazolyl, 1 ,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 1 ,2,5-oxadiazolyl, 1 ,3,4-oxadiazolyl, 1 ,2,3-thiadiazolyl, 1 ,2,4-thiadiazolyl, 1 ,2,5-thiadiazolyl, 1 ,3,4-thiadiazolyl, tetrazolyl, thiadiazinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, benzofuryl, benzothienyl, benzothiophenyl (thianaphthenyl), indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzthiazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, purinyl, quinazolinyl, quinolizinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, naphthyridinyl, pteridinyl, carbazolyl, azepinyl, diazepinyl, acridinyl and the like. Heteroaryl is also intended to include the partially or fully hydrogenated derivatives of the heterocyclic systems enumerated above. Non-limiting examples of such partially or fully hydrogenated derivatives are pyrrolinyl, pyrazolinyl, indolinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, azepinyl, diazepinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, oxazolidinyl, oxazolinyl, oxazepinyl, aziridinyl and tetrahydofuranyl.
The term "heteroaroyl" as used herein refers to the radical -CO-heteroaryl where heteroaryl is as defined above. Non-limiting examples are furoyl, thienylcarbonyl, pyridoyl, oxazolylcarbonyl, benzofurylcarbonyl, benzimidazolylcarbonyl, pyrrolinylcarbonyl, azepinylcarbonyl and the like.
The term "heteroaryloxy" as used herein refers to the radical -O-heteroaryl where heteroaryl is as defined above. Non-limiting examples are furyloxy, thienyloxy, pyridyloxy, oxazolyloxy, benzofuryloxy, benzimidazolyloxy, pyrrolinyloxy, azepinyloxy and the like.
The term "heteroarylamino" as used herein refers to the radical -NH-heteroaryl where heteroaryl is as defined above. Non-limiting examples are furylamino, thienylamino, pyridylamino, oxazolylamino, benzofurylamino, benzimidazolylamino, pyrrolinylamino, azepinylamino and the like.
The term "heteroarylthio" as used herein refers to the radical -S-heteroaryl where heteroaryl is as defined above. Non-limiting examples are furylthio, thienylthio, pyridylthio, oxazolylthio, benzofurylthio, benzimidazolylthio, pyrrolinylthio, azepinylthio and the like.
The term "heteroarylsulfonyl" as used herein refers to the radical -S(=0)2-heteroaryl where heteroaryl is as defined above. Non-limiting examples are furylsulfonyl, thienylsulfonyl, pyridylsulfonyl, oxazolylsulfonyl, benzofurylsulfonyl, benzimidazolylsulfonyl, pyrrolinylsulfonyl, azepinylsulfonyl and the like.
The term "acylamino" as used herein represents a radical of the form -N(L)-C(=0)-G where G and L independently represent hydrogen, C^-alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl as defined above. Non-limiting examples are acetylamino, propanoylamino, butyryl- amino, pentanoylamino, benzoylamino, furoylamino, pyridoylamino and the like.
The term "sulfonylamino" as used herein represents a radical of the form -N(L)-S(=O)2-G where G and L independently represent hydrogen, C,.6-alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl as defined above. Non-limiting examples are methanesulfonylamino, propanesulfonylamino, benzenesulfonylamino, Λ/-methyl-Λ/-(benzenesulfonyl)amino, 4-methylbenzenesulfonylamino Λ/-butyl-Λ/-(4-methylbenzenesulfonyl)amino, 2-thienylsulfonylamino and the like.
The term "halogen" means fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.
As used herein, the phrase "3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring" is intended to include carbocyclic rings which are saturated or contain one or more double bonds as well as heterocyclic rings containing one or more heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur which are saturated or contain one or more double bonds.
Certain of the above defined terms may occur more than once in the structural formulas, and upon such occurrence each term shall be defined independently of the other.
The term "optionally substituted" as used herein means that the groups in question are either unsubstituted or substituted with one or more of the substituents specified. When the groups in question are substituted with more than one substituent the substituents may be the same or different.
As used herein, the phrase "a functional group which can be converted to hydrogen in vivo" is intended to include any group which upon administering the present com- pounds to the subjects in need thereof can be converted to hydrogen e.g. enzymati- cally or by the acidic environment in the stomach. Non-limiting examples of such groups are acyl, carbamoyl, monoalkylated carbamoyl, dialkylated carbamoyl, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxyalkyl groups and the like such as C^-alkanoyl, aroyl, C,_6-alkylcarbamoyl, di-C^-alkylcarbamoyl, C|.6-alkoxycarbonyl and C^-alkoxy-C^-alkyl.
As used herein, the phrase "diseases and disorders related to the histamine H3 receptor" is intended to include any disease or disorder in which an effect, either antagonistic or agonistic, on the histamine H3 receptor is beneficial.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to novel, substituted imidazoles of the general formula I
Figure imgf000011_0001
wherein
R1 is hydrogen or a functional group, which can be converted to hydrogen in vivo;
R2 is hydrogen, C,_6-alkyl, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxy or -NR7R8,
wherein R7 and R8 independently are
hydrogen, C^-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroaryl- amino or C3.8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C,.6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^β-alkylamino, d C^-alky amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or het- eroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with
Ci-β-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C^e-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with
C3.8-cycloalkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^e-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C 6-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
R7and R8, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino,
Figure imgf000012_0001
di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
R3, R4, R5 and R6 independently are
hydrogen, carboxy, C^-alkoxycarbonyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, halogen, C3.8-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with
C^e-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, het- eroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
Ci-e-alkyl, C2.6-alkenyl or C2.6-alkynyl, which are optionally substituted with
C,.6-alkoxy,
Figure imgf000013_0001
hydroxy, cyano, halogen, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, carboxy, C,_6-alkoxycarbonyl,
C3.8-cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, which are optionally substituted with
C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or
-CO-NR9R10,
aryl optionally substituted with halogen, cyano, nitro, C^-alkyl, C.,_6-alkoxy, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoro- methoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aryloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or -CO-NR9R10,
-CO-NR9R10,
wherein R9 and R10 independently are
hydrogen,
C^-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3.8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C,_6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with
C,_6-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C^-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with
C3.8-cycloalkyl, C.,_6-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C-.e-alkylan.ino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
R9and R10, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally contain- ing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C^e-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, d C^-alky^amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
R3 and R4, together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, and/or R5 and R6 together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino; m, n, p and q independently are 0, 1 or 2;
X is a valence bond, -CH2-, -C(=O)-, -C(=S)-, -S(=0)-, -S(=0)2-, -C(=N-CN)-, -C(=CH-N02)-, -C[=C(CN)2]-, -C(=CH-CN)-, -C(=NR11)- or -C(=N-S(=0)2R11a)-,
wherein R1 is
hydrogen,
C,_6-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3.8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
Figure imgf000015_0001
di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with
C^-alkyl, C,_6-alkoxy, C^e-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C|.6-alkylsu-fonyl optionally substituted with
C3-8-cycloalkyl, C^-alkoxy, C,_6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
R11a is C^-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3.8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C,_6-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with
Figure imgf000016_0001
hydroxy, amino, CLg-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
Y is a valence bond, -O- or -N(R12)-,
wherein R12 is
hydrogen,
C,.6-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3.8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
C,_6-alkyl, C,.6-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with C,.6-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, d'^C^e-alky^amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C^e-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with
C3.8-cycloalkyl, C^-alkoxy, C ^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
A is a valence bond, C,.8-alkylene, C2.8-alkenylene, C2.8-alkynylene, C3_8-cyclo- alkylene or phenylene, or
when Y is -N(R12)-, A, together with R12 and the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, may form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring system optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C^-alkyl,
Figure imgf000017_0001
di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aryl-C^-alkyl, heteroaryl-C^-alkyl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or het- eroarylamino; and
Z is -R13, -OR13, -SR13, -NR13R14, -CHR13R14, -CR13R14R15 or =CR13R14,
wherein R13, R14 and R15 independently are
hydrogen,
C^-alkyl, C2.6-alkenyl or C2.6-alkynyl, which are optionally substituted with aryl, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, C,_6-alkyl- sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, heteroaryl or C3.8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
Figure imgf000018_0001
kyl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C^-alkylsulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, het- eroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethoxy or trifluoromethyl,
aryl, C3.15-cycloalkyl, C3.15-cycloalkenyl, C3.15-cycloalkynyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted with aryl-C^-alkyl, heteroaryl-C,_6-alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C^-alkyl- sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, C,_6-alkyl, C,.6-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, C3.8-cycloalkanecarbonyl, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluorometh- oxy or trifluoromethyl, where
R13and R14 or R13, R14 and R15, when they do not represent hydrogen, may be joined by one or more bridging linkers such as a valence bond, C^-alkylene, C^-alkenylene, -0-, -S-, -N(R16)-, -C(=O)-, -S(=0 , -S(=0)2-, -C(R16R17)-, phenylene, biphenylene, -O-C^-alkylene, -S-C^-alkylene, -N(R16)-C1^-alkylene,
-N=C1^-alkylene, -O-C^-alkenylene, -S-C^-alkenylene or -N(R16)-C2^-alke- nylene, to form a mono-, bi- or polycyclic ring system,
wherein R16 and R17 independently are
hydrogen,
C^-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, het- eroarylamino or C3.8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkyl- amino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with
C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C,_6-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C,.6-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with
C3.8-cycloalkyl, C,_6-alkoxy, C.,_6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkyl- amino, di(C.,_6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
R16and R17, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C^-alkyl,
Figure imgf000019_0001
di(C1^-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
with the provisos that
when X is -CS-, R1 = R2 = R5 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , the group -Y-A-Z must not start with the radical -NH-; when the group -X-Y-A-Z starts with the radical -CH2-, R1 = R2= R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be carboxy or aminocarbonyl;
when X is -CO-, the group -Y-A-Z starts with the radical -NH-, R1 = R2 = R6 = hydro- gen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , the remainder of the group -Y-A-Z must not be hydrogen, unsubstituted or C^-alkoxy substituted phenyl, unsubstituted C3.8-cycloalkyl or unsubstituted C^-alkyl;
when X is -CO-, Y is -0-, A is -CH2-, Z is phenyl, R1 = R2 = R3 = R4 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be carboxy, aminocarbonyl or 4-phenyl- piperazin-1 -ylcarbonyl;
when X is -CO-, Y is -0-, A is -CH2-, Z is phenyl, R1 = R3 = R4 = R6 = hydrogen, R2 = butyl, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be methoxycarbonyl;
when X is -CO-, Y is -0-, A is -CH2-, Z is phenyl, R1 = R2 = R4 = R5 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R3 must not be hydrogen, ethyl, isopropyl or phenyl;
when X is -CO-, Y is -O-, A is a valence bond, Z is ferf-butyl, R = R2 = R3 = R4 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be carboxy;
when X is -CO-, Y is -0-, A is a valence bond, Z is fert-butyl, R1 = R2 = R4 = R5 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R3 must not be 4-cyanophenyl;
when X is -CO-, the group -Y-A-Z starts with the radical -O-, R = R2 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be carboxy, aminocarbonyl or hydrogen;
when -X is -CO-, the group -Y-A-Z starts with the radical -CH<, R1 = R2 = R3= R4 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be hydroxymethyl, C^-alkoxy- carbonyl or carboxy; and when X is -CO-, the group -Y-A-Z is 4-methoxyphenyl, R = R2 = R3 = R4 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be carboxy;
as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mix- tures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
Preferably, R1 = R2 = hydrogen.
In a preferred embodiment m = n = p = 0, and q = 1.
In another preferred embodiment n = p = 0, and m = q = 1.
Preferably, X is a valence bond, -C(=0)-, -S(=0)2-, -C(=N-CN)-, -C(=CH-N02)- or -C(=N-S(=0)2R11a)-, wherein R11a is as defined for formula I above.
More preferably, X is preferably -C(=0)-.
Preferably, A is a valence bond,
Figure imgf000021_0001
C2.8-alkenylene or C2.8-alkynylene.
More preferably, A is a valence bond or
Figure imgf000021_0002
such as methylene, ethylene or propylene.
Preferably, Z is -R13, -NR13R14, -CHR13R14or -CR13R14R15, wherein R13, R14 and R15 are as defined for formula I above.
In a preferred embodiment Z is -R13, wherein R13 is as defined for formula I above.
Of these Z is preferably C^-alkyl, aryl, C3.15-cycloalkyl, C3.15-cycloalkenyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted as defined for formula I above. More preferably, Z is C^-alkyl, phenyl, naphthyl, thienyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, oxazolyl, indanyl, isoquinolyl, benzoyl or tetrahydronaphthyl, which are optionally substituted for formula I above.
Even more preferably, Z is phenyl or cyclohexyl, which are optionally substituted as defined for formula I above.
Z may be unsubstituted or substituted with one to three substituents selected from C,.6-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, halogen, phenyl, di(C1^-alkyl)amino, C3.8-cyclopropane- carbonyl, trifluoromethoxy and trifluoromethyl.
In another preferred embodiment Z is -NR13R14, in which R13 and R14are both phenyl, which phenyl groups are joined with a C^-alkylene group to form a tricyclic ring system, such as 10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl.
In yet another preferred embodiment Z is -CHR13R14, in which R13 is C^-alkyl or phenyl and R14 is phenyl, or R13 and R14 are both C^-alkyl, which are joined with C,. alkylene linkers to form a polycarbocyclic ring system, such as bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2- yi-
In a further preferred embodiment Z is -CR13R14R15, in which R13, R14 and R 5 are
Figure imgf000022_0001
linkers to form a polycarbocyclic ring system, such as adamantyl.
Preferably, R3 and R4 are independently
hydrogen;
Cs-a-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C,_6-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, d C^-alkylamino), halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoro- methoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C^-alkyl optionally substituted with
C3.8-cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino which are optionally substituted with
C,.6-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C,_6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C,_6-alkylamino, di(C1. 6-alkylamino), halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl optionally substituted with halogen, cyano, nitro, C^-alkyl, C,_6-alkoxy, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aryloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or -CO-NR9R10, wherein R9 and R10 are as defined in claim 1 , or
R3and R4, together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, form a C3-8-cycloalkyl ring optionally substituted with C,_6-alkyl, C,_6-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, d^C^e-alkylamino), halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino.
More preferably, R3and R4 are both hydrogen or are both C^-alky!, or R3and R4, together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, form a C3.8-cycloalkyl ring, or one of R3and R4 is hydrogen while the other is C3.8-cycloalkyl substituted C1 6-alkyl.
Preferably, R5and R6 are both hydrogen.
In a preferred embodiment R3, R4, R5and R6 are hydrogen. In a preferred embodiment m = n = p = 0, and q = 1 , or n = p = 0, and m = q = 1 ; RI = R2 = hydrogen; R3, R4, R5 and R6 are hydrogen; X is -C(=0)-; Y is -N(R12)-, wherein R 2 and A, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring system optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkylamino), halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aryl-C^-alkyl, heteroaryl-C,_6-alkyl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino; and Z is -R13, wherein R13 is hydrogen.
In another preferred embodiment m = n = p = 0, and q = 1 , or n = p = 0, and m = q = 1 ; RI = R2 = hydrogen; R3, R4, R5 and R6 are hydrogen; X is -C(=N-CN)-, -C(=CH- N02)- or -C(=N-S(=0)2R11a)-, wherein R11a is C^-alkyl or phenyl substituted with C^- alkyl; Y is -NH-; A is C,.8-alkylene; and Z is -R13, wherein R13 is C^-alkyl, aryl, C3.15- cycloalkyl, C3.15-cycloalkenyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted as defined for formula I above.
In yet another preferred embodiment m = n = p = 0, and q = 1 , or n = p = 0, and m = q = 1 ; R1 = R2 = hydrogen; R3, R4, R5 and R6 are hydrogen; X is -S(=0)2-; Y is a va- lence bond; A is a valence bond or
Figure imgf000024_0001
and Z is -R 3, wherein R13 is C,_6- alkyl, aryl, C3.15-cycloalkyl, C3.15-cycloalkenyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted as defined for formula I above.
In still another preferred embodiment m = n = p = 0, and q = 1 , or n = p = 0, and m = q = 1 ; R1 = R2 = hydrogen; R3, R4, R5 and R6 are hydrogen; X is -C(=0)-; Y is -N(R12)-, wherein R12 is hydrogen or C^-alkyl; A is a valence bond or C^-alkylene; and Z is - R13, wherein R13 is C^-alkyl, aryl, C3.15-cycloalkyl, C3.15-cycloalkenyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted as defined for formula I above.
In a further preferred embodiment m = n = p = 0, and q = 1 , or n = p = 0, and m = q = 1 ; R1 = R2 = hydrogen; R3, R4, R5 and R6 are hydrogen; X is -C(=0)-; Y is -0-; A is a valence bond or C.,_8-alkylene; and Z is -R13, wherein R13 is C^-alkyl, aryl, C3.15-cyclo- alkyl, C3.15-cycloalkenyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted as defined for formula I above.
In yet a further preferred embodiment m = n = p = 0, and q = 1 , or n = p = 0, and m = q = 1 ; R1 = R2 = hydrogen; R3, R4, R5 and R6 are hydrogen; X is -C(=0)-; Y is a valence bond; A is a valence bond or C^-alkylene; and Z is -R 3, wherein R13 is C^-alkyl, aryl, C3.15-cycloalkyl, C3.15-cycloalkenyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted as defined for formula I above.
More preferably, Z is C,_6-alkyl, phenyl, naphthyl, thienyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, oxazolyl, indanyl, isoquinolyl, benzoyl or tetrahydronaphthyl, which are optionally substituted as defined for formula I above.
Even more preferably, Z is phenyl or cyclohexyl which are optionally substituted as defined for formula I above.
Z may be unsubstituted or substituted with one to three substituents selected from C,.6-alkyl, C-.g-alkoxy, halogen, phenyl, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, C^-cyclopropane- carbonyl, trifluoromethoxy and trifluoromethyl.
Specific examples of the above-preferred embodiments of the present invention are the following compounds:
Figure imgf000025_0001
wherein R3 R4 A Z
H H methylene cyclohexyl
H H ethylene 4-fluorobenzoyl
H H bond cyclohexyl
H H pentylene benzoyl
H H ethylene cyclohexyl
H H pentylene phenyl
H H butylene cyclohexyl
H H bond methyl
H H methylene diphenylmethyl
H H ethylene 10,11-dihydro-5H- dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl
CH3 CH3 ethylene cyclohexyl
H 4-isopropylp enyl ethylene 4-fluorophenyl
CH3 CH2CH3 ethylene cyclohexyl spiro- -(CH2)3- ethylene cyclohexyl
H H bond 3,4-dihydro-1 H-isoquinolin-2 yi
H H methylene terf-butyl
H H ethynylene phenyl
H H ethenylene 4-ferf-butylphenyl
H H methylene bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl
H H bond 4-pentylphenyl
H H bond 4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl
H H bond 4-trifl uoromethy I phenyl
H H bond 4-isobutylphenyl
H H bond 4-chlorophenyl
as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
Specific examples of the above-preferred embodiments of the present invention are the following compounds:
Figure imgf000027_0001
wherein
R3 A Z
H -(CH2)2- 2-thienyl
H bond 3,5-dimethyl-1 ,2-oxazol-4-yl
H -CH(CH3)- 1-naphthyl
H bond 2-phenylcyclopropyl
H bond 1 -(4-bromophenyl)ethyl
H bond 2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl
H ethylene phenyl
H bond 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl
H bond 3-cyanophenyl
H bond 4-cyanophenyl
H bond n-octyl
H methylene 2,4-dichlorophenyl
2-cyclohexylethyl bond ethyl
2-cyclohexylethyl methylene 2,4-dichlorophenyl
as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
Specific examples of the above-preferred embodiments of the present invention are the following compounds:
Figure imgf000028_0001
wherein
R3 A
Figure imgf000028_0002
H -CH2- f
H -CH2- ~o
H -CH2-
XN°"'
Figure imgf000028_0003
H -CH, CH3 CH.,
Figure imgf000029_0001
H -CH2- iJ H -(CH2)2- fc // H -(CH2)2-
// \\
H -CH, CH3 T OCH,
Figure imgf000029_0002
Figure imgf000030_0001
as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
In a further aspect the invention relates to novel, substituted imidazoles of the general formula I"
Figure imgf000030_0002
wherein
R1 is hydrogen or a functional group which can be converted to hydrogen in vivo;
R2 is hydrogen, C,_6-alkyl, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, hydroxy or -NR7R8,
wherein R7 and R8 independently are
hydrogen, C,.6-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3.8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
C,.6-alkyl, C.,_6-alkoxy, C^-alky- io, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C,_6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C^-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with C3.8-cycloalkyl, C,_6-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
R7and R8, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C.,_6-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
R3, R4, R5 and R6 independently are
hydrogen, carboxy, C^-alkoxycarbonyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, halogen,
C3.8-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^e-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C^-alkyl, C2.6-alkenyl or C^-alkynyl, which are optionally substituted with
C,_6-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, cyano, halogen, trifluoromethyl, carboxy, C^-alkoxycarbonyl,
C3.8-cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, which are optionally substituted with
C g-alkyl, C.,_6-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or -CO-NR9R10,
aryl optionally substituted with halogen, cyano, nitro, C^-alkyl, C,.6-alkoxy, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aryloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or -CO-NR9R10,
-CO-NR9R10,
wherein R9 and R10 independently are
hydrogen,
C^-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3.8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
Figure imgf000032_0001
hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with
C,_6-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C^-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with
C3.8-cycloalkyl, C^-alkoxy, C,_6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
R9 and R10, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring op- tionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C,_6-alkyl, C,.6-alkoxy, C,.6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
R3and R4, together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, and/or R5 and R6 together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring optionally substituted with C,_6-alkyl,
Figure imgf000033_0001
hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
m, n, p and q independently are 0, 1 or 2;
X is a valence bond, -CH2-, -C(=0)-, -C(=S)-, -S(=0)-, -S(=O)2-, -C(=N-CN)-, -C(=CH-N02)-, -C[=C(CN)2]-, -C(=CH-CN)- or -C(=NR11)-, wherein R is
hydrogen,
C^-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3.8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
C^-alkyl, C,_6-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C^-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with C3.8-cycloalkyl, C^-alkoxy, C,.6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
Y is a valence bond, -O- or -N(R12)-,
wherein R12 is
hydrogen,
optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3.8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, aryl- amino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with
C,.6-alkyl,
Figure imgf000035_0001
hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C|_6-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with
C-3-s-cycloalkyl, c-Ng-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
A is a valence bond, C^-alkylene, C2.8-alkenylene, C2.8-alkynylene, C3.8-cyclo- alkylene or phenylene, or
when Y is -N(R12)-, A, together with R12 and the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, may form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring system optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aryl-C^-alkyl, heteroaryl-C^-alkyl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino; and
Z is -R13, -OR13, -SR13, -NR13R14, -CHR13R14, -CR 3R14R15 or =CR13R14,
wherein R13, R14 and R15 independently are hydrogen,
C^-alkyl, C2.6-alkenyl or C2.6-alkynyl, which are optionally substituted with aryl, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, C^-alkyl- sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, heteroaryl or C3_8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, aryl-C,_6-alkyl, hetero- aryl-C1_6-alkyl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl,
Figure imgf000036_0001
sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano or trifluoromethyl,
aryl, C3.15-cycloalkyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted with
Figure imgf000036_0002
aryl, heteroaryl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C,_6-alkyl- sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, C,.β-alkyl, C,.6-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano or trifluoromethyl, where
R13and R14 or R 3, R14 and R15, when they do not represent hydrogen, may be joined by one or more bridging linkers such as a valence bond, C^-alkylene, C^-alkenylene, -0-, -S-, -N(R16)-, -C(=O)-, -S(=0)-, -S(=O)2-, -C(R16R17)-, phenylene, biphenylene, -O-C^-alkylene, -S-C^-alkylene, -N(R16)-C1^-alkylene, -N^^-alkylene, -O-C^-alkenylene, -S-C^-alkenylene or -N(R16)-CM-al- kenylene, to form a mono-, bi- or polycyclic ring system,
wherein R16 and R17 independently are
hydrogen, C,_6-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3.8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
Figure imgf000037_0001
hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with C,_6-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^e-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C,.6-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with C3.8-cycloalkyl, C^-alkoxy, C,.6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
R16 and R17, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C^-alkyl,
Figure imgf000037_0002
hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroaryl- amino;
with the provisos that
when X is -CS-, R1 = R2 = R5 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , the group -Y-A-Z must not start with the radical -NH-; when the group -X-Y-A-Z starts with the radical -CH2-, R = R2= R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be carboxy or aminocarbonyl;
when X is -CO-, the group -Y-A-Z starts with the radical -NH-, R = R2 = R6 = hydro- gen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , the remainder of the group -Y-A-Z must not be hydrogen, unsubstituted or C^-alkoxy substituted phenyl, unsubstituted C3.8-cycloalkyl or unsubstituted C1.6-alkyl;
when X is -CO-, Y is -O-, A is -CH2-, Z is phenyl, R1 = R2 = R3 = R4 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be carboxy, aminocarbonyl or 4-phenyl- piperazin-1 -ylcarbonyl;
when X is -CO-, Y is -0-, A is -CH2-, Z is phenyl, R1 = R3 = R4 = R6 = hydrogen, R2 = butyl, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be methoxycarbonyl;
when X is -CO-, Y is -0-, A is -CH2-, Z is phenyl, R1 = R2 = R4 = R5 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R3 must not be hydrogen, ethyl, isopropyl or phenyl;
when X is -CO-, Y is -0-, A is a valence bond, Z is terf-butyl, R1 = R2 = R3 = R4 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be carboxy;
when X is -CO-, Y is -0-, A is a valence bond, Z is terf-butyl, R1 = R2 = R4 = R5 = R6 : hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R3 must not be 4-cyanophenyl;
when X is -CO-, the group -Y-A-Z starts with the radical -O-, R1 = R2 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be carboxy, aminocarbonyl or hydrogen;
when -X is -CO-, the group -Y-A-Z starts with the radical -CH<, R1 = R2 = R3= R4 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be hydroxymethyl, C^-alkoxy- carbonyl or carboxy; and when X is -CO-, the group -Y-A-Z is 4-methoxyphenyl, R1 = R2 = R3= R4 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be carboxy;
as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mix- tures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
In a further aspect the invention relates to novel, substituted imidazoles of the general formula I'"
Figure imgf000039_0001
wherein
R1 is hydrogen or a functional group which can be converted to hydrogen in vivo;
R2 is hydrogen, C^-alkyl, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, hydroxy or -NR7R8
wherein R7 and R8 independently are
hydrogen;
optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3.8-cycloalkyl which are optionally substituted with C,.6-alkyl, C,..6-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino; aryl optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C,_6-alkoxy, C,_6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
heteroaryl optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C,.6-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
aroyl optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
heteroaroyl optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
arylsulfonyl optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
heteroarylsulfonyl optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C,.6-alkoxy, C,.6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino; or
Figure imgf000040_0001
hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino; or
R7and R8, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring optionally sub- stituted with C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
R3, R4, R5 and R6 independently are
hydrogen; carboxy; C^-alkoxycarbonyl; -CO-NR7R8 wherein R7 and R8 are as defined above; cyano; or halogen;
C3.8-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
C,.6-alkyl optionally substituted with C^-alkoxy; C^-alkylthio; hydroxy; cyano; halogen; trifluoromethyl; carboxy;
Figure imgf000041_0001
or -CO-NR7R8 wherein R7 and R8 are as defined above; or C3.8-cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino which are optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C,_6-alkoxy, C,.6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
C2.6-alkenyl optionally substituted with
C^-alkoxy; C^-alkylthio; hydroxy; cyano; halogen; trifluoromethyl; carboxy; C^-alkoxycarbonyl; or -CO-NR7R8 wherein R7 and R8 are as defined above; or C3.8-cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino which are optionally substituted with C,_6-alkyl, C^-alkoxy,
Figure imgf000041_0002
hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
C2.6-alkynyl optionally substituted with C^-alkoxy; C^-alkylthio; hydroxy; cyano; halogen; trifluoromethyl; carboxy; C^-alkoxycarbonyl; or -CO-NR7R8 wherein R7 and R8 are as defined above; or C3.8-cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino which are optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C,_6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino; or
aryl optionally substituted with halogen, cyano, nitro, C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aryloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or -CO-NR7R8 wherein R7 and R8 are as defined above; or
R3and R4, together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, and/or R5 and R6 together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring optionally substi- tuted with C.,_6-alkyl, C|_6-alkoxy, C.,.6-alkylt-hio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
m, n, p and q independently are 0, 1 or 2;
X is a valence bond, -CH2-, -C(=0)-, -C(=S)-, -S(=0)-, -S(=0)2-, -C(=N-CN)-, -C(=CH-N02)-, -C[=C(CN)2]-, -C(=CH-CN)-, or -C(=NR7)- wherein R7 is as defined above;
Y is a valence bond, -O- or -N(R7)- wherein R7 is as defined above;
A is a valence bond, C^-alkylene, C2_g-alkenylene, C2.8-alkynylene, C3.8-cycloalkylene or phenylene; or
when Y is -N(R7)-, A may together with R7 form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring optionally substituted with C,_6-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino; and
Z is -R9, -OR9, -SR9, -NR9R10, -CHR9R10 or =CR9R10
wherein R )9 a --.«nd.-. D R10 independently are
hydrogen;
C^-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, C^-alkylsulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, heteroaryl or C3.8-cycloalkyl which are optionally substituted with
Figure imgf000043_0001
heteroaryl-CLg-alkyl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C|_6-alkyl- sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano or trifluoromethyl;
C2.6-alkenyl optionally substituted with aryl, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, C^-alkylsulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryl- oxy, acylamino, heteroaryl or C3.8-cycloalkyl which are optionally substituted with
Figure imgf000043_0002
nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C^-alkyl- sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano or trifluoromethyl;
C2.6-alkynyl optionally substituted with aryl, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, C,..6-alkylsu-fonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, heteroaryl or C3.8-cycloalkyl which are optionally substituted with C,.6-alkyl, C,_6-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, aryl-C^-alkyl, heteroaryl-C^-alkyl, nitro, aryl- amino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C.,_6-alkyl- sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano or trifluoromethyl;
aryl optionally substituted with aryl-C^-alkyl, heteroaryl-C^-alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C^-alkylsulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino,
Figure imgf000044_0001
hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano or trifluoromethyl;
C3.15-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with
Figure imgf000044_0002
heteroaryl-C.,_6-alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C,..6-alkylsulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, C,.6-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C,.6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano or trifluoromethyl;
aroyl optionally substituted with aryl-C^-alkyl, heteroaryl-C.,_6-alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C g-alkylsulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, C,_6-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano or trifluoro- methyl; or
heteroaryl optionally substituted with aryl-C^-alkyl, heteroaryl-C^-alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C^-alkylsulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, C1_6-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano or trifluoromethyl; or
R9and R10 are joined by one or more bridging linkers such as a valence bond, C^-alkylene, C^-alkenylene, -0-, -S-, -N(R7)-, -C(=0)-, -S(=0)-, -S(=0)2-, -C(R7R8)-, phenylene, biphenylene, -O-C^-alkylene, -S-C^-alkylene, -N(R7)-C1^-alkylene, -N=C1^-alkylene, -0-C2_4-alkenylene, -S-C^-alkenylene, or -N(R7)-C2^-alkenylene, to form a mono-, bi- or polycyclic ring system; or
when Y is -N(R7)-, R9 or R10 may together with R7 form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring optionally substituted with aryl-C^-alkyl, heteroaryl-C^-alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C.,.6-alkylsulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, C,.6-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C.,_6-alky-thio, hydroxy, amino, halogen, cyano or trifluoromethyl;
with the provisos that
when X is -CS-, R1 = R2 = R5 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , the group -Y- A-Z must not start with the radical -NH-;
when the group -X-Y-A-Z starts with the radical -CH2-, R1 = R2= R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be carboxy or aminocarbonyl;
when X is -CO-, the group -Y-A-Z starts with the radical -NH-, R1 = R2 = R6 = hydro- gen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , the remainder of the group -Y-A-Z must not be hydrogen, unsubstituted or C,.6-alkoxy substituted phenyl, unsubstituted C3.8-cycloalkyl or unsubstituted C^-alkyl;
when X is -CO-, the group -Y-A-Z starts with the radical -0-, R1 = R2 = R6 = hydro- gen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be carboxy, aminocarbonyl or hydrogen;
when -X is -CO-, the group -Y-A-Z starts with the radical -CH<, R = R2 = R3 = R4 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be hydroxymethyl,
Figure imgf000045_0001
alkoxycarbonyl or carboxy; and when X is -CO-, the group -Y-A-Z is 4-methoxyphenyl, R1 = R2 = R3= R4 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be carboxy;
and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or any optical isomer thereof or mix- ture of optical isomers, including a racemic mixture, or any tautomeric form.
Preferred embodiments thereof are as disclosed above for formula I.
The compounds of the present invention may have one or more asymmetric centres and it is intended that any optical isomers, as separated, pure or partially purified optical isomers or racemic mixtures thereof are included in the scope of the invention.
Furthermore, when a double bond or a fully or partially saturated ring system is present in the molecule geometric isomers may be formed. It is intended that any geo- metric isomers, as separated, pure or partially purified geometric isomers or mixtures thereof are included within the scope of the invention. Likewise, molecules having a bond with restricted rotation may form geometric isomers. These are also intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.
Furthermore, the compounds of the present invention may exist in different tautomeric forms and it is intended that any tautomeric forms, which the compounds are able to form, are included within the scope of the present invention.
The present invention also encompasses pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the present compounds. Such salts include pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts, pharmaceutically acceptable metal salts, ammonium and alkylated ammonium salts. Acid addition salts include salts of inorganic acids as well as organic acids. Representative examples of suitable inorganic acids include hydrochloric, hydro- bromic, hydroiodic, phosphoric, sulfuric acids and the like. Representative examples of suitable organic acids include formic, acetic, trichloroacetic, trifluoroacetic, propionic, benzoic, cinnamic, citric, fumaric, glycolic, lactic, maleic, malic, malonic, mandelic, oxalic, picric, pyruvic, salicylic, succinic, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, tartaric acids and the like. Further examples of pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic acid addition salts include the pharmaceutically acceptable salts listed in J. Pharm. Sci. 1977, 66, 2, which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of metal salts include lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium salts and the like. Examples of ammonium and alkylated ammonium salts include ammonium, methylammonium, dimethylammonium, trimethylammonium, ethylammonium, hydroxyethylammonium, diethylammonium, butylammonium, tetramethylammonium salts and the like.
Also intended as pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts are the hydrates, which the present compounds, are able to form.
The acid addition salts may be obtained as the direct products of compound synthe- sis. In the alternative, the free base may be dissolved in a suitable solvent containing the appropriate acid, and the salt isolated by evaporating the solvent or otherwise separating the salt and solvent.
The compounds of the present invention may form solvates with standard low mo- lecular weight solvents using methods known to the skilled artisan. Such solvates are also contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.
The invention also encompasses prodrugs of the present compounds, which on administration undergo chemical conversion by metabolic processes before becoming active pharmacological substances. In general, such prodrugs will be functional derivatives of the compounds, which are readily convertible in vivo into the present compounds. Conventional procedures for the selection and preparation of suitable prodrug derivatives are described, for example, in "Design of Prodrugs", ed. H. Bundgaard, Elsevier, 1985.
The invention also encompasses active metabolites of the present compounds. The compounds of the present invention interact with the histamine H3 receptor and may thus be used for the treatment of a wide range of conditions and disorders in which histamine H3 receptor interactions are beneficial.
Accordingly, in another aspect the present invention relates to a compound of the general formula I as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use as a medicament.
The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising, as an active ingredient, at least one compound of the formula I as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents.
Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a compound of the general formula I'
R4 R3
Figure imgf000048_0001
wherein
R1 is hydrogen or a functional group.which can be converted to hydrogen in vivo; R2 is hydrogen, C,_6-alkyl, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxy or -NR7R8,
wherein R7 and R8 independently are
hydrogen,
optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroaryl- amino or C3.8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
Figure imgf000049_0001
di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with
C^-alkyl, C,_6-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C,.6-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with
C3-8-cycloalkyl, C^-alkoxy, C,.6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
R7and R8, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally contain- ing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C.,.6-alkoxy, C,.6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
R3, R4, R5 and R6 independently are
hydrogen, carboxy, C.,.6-alkoxycarbonyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, halogen,
C3.8-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with C,.6-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C.,_6-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C^-alkyl, C2.6-alkenyl or C2.6-alkynyl, which are optionally substituted with C^-alkoxy, C.,_6-alkylthio, hydroxy, cyano, halogen, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, carboxy, C^-alkoxycarbonyl,
C3.8-cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, which are optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C.,.6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or -CO-NR9R10,
aryl optionally substituted with halogen, cyano, nitro, C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aryloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or -CO-NR9R10,
-CO-NR9R10, wherein R9 and R10 independently are
hydrogen,
C^-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3.8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
Figure imgf000051_0001
di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with
Figure imgf000051_0002
hydroxy, amino, CLe-alkylamino, di(C1^-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C^-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with C3.8-cycloalkyl, C^-alkoxy, C,_6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
R9 and R 0, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a
3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C,_6-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C,_6-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or R3and R4, together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, and/or R5 and R6 together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring optionally substituted with C g-alkyl,
Figure imgf000052_0001
hydroxy, amino,
Figure imgf000052_0002
di(C.,_6-alkyl)aiT.ino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
m, n, p and q independently are 0, 1 or 2;
X is a valence bond, -CH2-, -C(=0)-, -C(=S)-, -S(=0)-, -S(=0)2-, -C(=N-CN)-, -C(=CH-N02)-, -C[=C(CN)2]-, -C(=CH-CN)-, -C(=NR11)- or -C(=N-S(=0)2R11a)-,
wherein R11 is
hydrogen,
C^-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroaryl- amino or C3.8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with
Figure imgf000052_0003
di(C.,_6-alkyl)aιτιino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, C,_6-aIkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with
C3.8-cycloalkyl,
Figure imgf000053_0001
di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
R 1a is
optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroaryl- amino or C3.8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
Figure imgf000053_0002
hydroxy, amino,
Figure imgf000053_0003
di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with
C,.6-alkyl,
Figure imgf000053_0004
hydroxy, amino, C|.6-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
Y is a valence bond, -O- or -N(R12)-,
wherein R12 is
hydrogen,
C,.6-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroaryl- amino or C3.8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
Figure imgf000054_0001
hydroxy, amino,
Figure imgf000054_0002
di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with
Figure imgf000054_0003
hydroxy, amino, C,_6-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
Figure imgf000054_0004
optionally substituted with
C3.8-cycloalkyl,
Figure imgf000054_0005
di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
A is a valence bond,
Figure imgf000054_0006
C2„8-alkenylene, C2.8-alkynylene, C3.8-cyclo- alkylene or phenylene, or
when Y is -N(R12)-, A, together with R12 and the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, may form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring system optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C1_6-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aryl-C^-alkyl,
Figure imgf000054_0007
aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino; and
Z is -R13, -OR13, -SR13, -NR13R14, -CHR13R14, -CR13R14R15 or =CR13R14,
wherein R13, R14 and R15 independently are hydrogen,
C,..6-alkyl, C2.6-alkenyl or C2.6-alkynyl, which are optionally substituted with aryl, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, C.,_6-alkyl- sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, heteroaryl or C3.8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
Figure imgf000055_0001
kyl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C^-alkylsulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethoxy or trifluoromethyl,
aryl, C3.15-cycioalkyl,
Figure imgf000055_0002
C3.15-cycloalkynyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted with aryl-C^-alkyl, heteroaryl-C^-alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C^-alkyl- sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, C,_6-alkyl,
Figure imgf000055_0003
C3.8-cycloalkanecarbonyl, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethoxy or trifluoromethyl, where
R13and R14 or R13, R14 and R15, when they do not represent hydrogen, may be joined by one or more bridging linkers such as a valence bond, C^-alkylene,
C^-alkenylene, -0-, -S-, -N(R16)-, -C(=0)-, -S(=0)-, -S(=0)2-, -C(R16R17)-, phenylene, biphenylene, -O-C^-alkylene, -S-C^-alkylene, -N(R16)-C1^-alkylene, -N=C1^-alkylene, -O-C^-alkenylene, -S-C^-alkenylene or -N(R16)-C2^-alke- nylene, to form a mono-, bi- or polycyclic ring system,
wherein R and R17 independently are hydrogen,
optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3.8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C,.6-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C,.6-alkyl- amino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsul- fonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with
Figure imgf000056_0001
di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
Figure imgf000056_0002
optionally substituted with C3.8-cycloalkyl, C.,_6-alkoxy,
Figure imgf000056_0003
amino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
R16 and R17, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C,.6-alkyl, C,_6-alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C^-alkylamino, di(C1.6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino; as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders and diseases related to the histamine H3 receptor.
In still another aspect, the invention relates to a method for the treatment of disorders related to the histamine H3 receptor the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of the formula I' as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.
More particularly, the present compounds may possess histamine H3 receptor antagonistic activity and would accordingly be useful in the treatment of a wide range of conditions and disorders in which a histamine H3 receptor blockade is beneficial.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the reduction of weight.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of overweight or obesity.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the suppression of appetite or satiety induction.
In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and/or treatment of disorders and diseases related to overweight or obesity such as atheroscle- rosis, hypertension, IGT (impaired glucose tolerance), diabetes, especially Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus)), dyslipidaemia, coronary heart disease, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis and various types of cancer such as endometrial, breast, prostate and colon cancers.
In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and/or treatment of eating disorders such as bulimia and binge eating.
In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of IGT.
In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of Type 2 diabetes.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the delaying or prevention of the progression from IGT to Type 2 diabetes.
In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the delaying or prevention of the progression from non-insulin requiring Type 2 diabetes to insulin requiring Type 2 diabetes.
The compounds of the present invention may also be used for the treatment of airway disorders such as asthma, as anti-diarrhoeals and for the modulation of gastric acid secretion. Furthermore, the compounds of the present invention may be used for the treatment of diseases associated with the regulation of sleep and wakefulness and for the treatment of narcolepsy and attention deficit disorders.
Moreover, the compounds of the invention may be used as stimulants or as sedatives.
The present compounds may also be used for the treatment of conditions associated with epilepsy. Additionally, the present compounds may be used for the treatment of motion sickness and vertigo. Furthermore, they may be useful as regulators of hypo- thalamo-hypophyseal secretion, antidepressants, modulators of cerebral circulation, and in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.
Further, the compounds of the present invention may be used for the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
The present novel compounds may also interact with the vanilloid receptors, the serotonin receptors, and the adrenergic receptors and may be useful for the treatment of diseases associated with these receptors. Hence, the compounds of the present invention may be vanilloid receptor agonists, and thus be useful for the treatment of obesity by enhancement of the metabolic rate and energy expenditure. Further, by virtue of their interaction with the vanilloid receptor the compounds of the present invention may be useful for the treatment of pain or neurogenic inflammation or inflammatory painful conditions.
In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases and disorders related to the vanilloid receptor, such as for the treatment and/or prevention of pain, neurogenic inflammation or obesity. Furthermore, the present compounds may interact with the 5-HT3 receptor (sero- tonin-3-receptor) and may accordingly be useful as antiemetics, in particular the chemotherapy-induced emesis. Further potential applications of 5-HT3 antagonists include treatment of central nervous system disorders such as anxiety, schizophre- nia, drug abuse and withdrawal symptoms, and pathological and age-associated amnesia.
In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or preven- tion of diseases and disorders related to the serotonin-3 receptor (5-HT3), such as for the treatment of emesis.
Furthermore, the present compounds may interact with the adrenergic alpha-2 receptor and thus be useful for the treatment of hypertension and of conditions associ- ated with overexpression or hypersensitization of the adrenergic alpha-2 receptor, especially obesity, withdrawal symptoms to an adrenergic alpha-2 agonist, neurological disorders (especially orthostatic hypotension), multiple system atrophy, diabetes mellitus, benign prostatic hyperplasia or drug induced sensitization of the adrenergic alpha-2 receptor. Moreover, the compounds of the present invention, by virtue of their interaction with the alpha-2 receptor, may be useful as sedatives and hypnotics (sleep inducing agents) or as stimulants.
In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or preven- tion of diseases and disorders related to the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor, such as for use as a sleep inducing agent.
The present compounds may be administered in combination with one or more further pharmacologically active substances eg selected from antiobesity agents, antidiabet- ics, antihypertensive agents, agents for the treatment and/or prevention of complica- tions resulting from or associated with diabetes and agents for the treatment and/or prevention of complications and disorders resulting from or associated with obesity.
Thus, in a further aspect of the invention the present compounds may be adminis- tered in combination with one or more antiobesity agents or appetite regulating agents.
Such agents may be selected from the group consisting of CART (cocaine amphetamine regulated transcript) agonists, NPY (neuropeptide Y) antagonists, MC4 (melanocortin 4) agonists, orexin antagonists, TNF (tumor necrosis factor) agonists, CRF (corticotropin releasing factor) agonists, CRF BP (corticotropin releasing factor binding protein) antagonists, urocortin agonists, β3 agonists, MSH (melanocyte- stimulating hormone) agonists, MCH (melanocyte-concentrating hormone) antagonists, CCK (cholecystokinin) agonists, serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, serotonin and noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitors, mixed serotonin and noradrenergic compounds, 5HT (serotonin) agonists, bombesin agonists, galanin antagonists, growth hormone, growth hormone releasing compounds, TRH (thyreotropin releasing hormone) agonists, UCP 2 or 3 (uncoupling protein 2 or 3) modulators, leptin agonists, DA agonists (bromocriptin, doprexin), lipase/amylase inhibitors, PPAR (peroxisome proliferator- activated receptor) modulators, RXR (retinoid X receptor) modulators or TR β agonists.
In one embodiment of the invention the antiobesity agent is leptin.
In another embodiment the antiobesity agent is dexamphetamine or amphetamine.
In another embodiment the antiobesity agent is fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine.
In still another embodiment the antiobesity agent is sibutramine.
In a further embodiment the antiobesity agent is orlistat. In another embodiment the antiobesity agent is mazindol or phentermine.
Suitable antidiabetics comprise insulin, GLP-1 (glucagon like peptide-1 ) derivatives such as those disclosed in WO 98/08871 to Novo Nordisk A/S, which is incorporated herein by reference as well as orally active hypoglycaemic agents.
The orally active hypoglycaemic agents preferably comprise sulphonylureas, bigua- nides, meglitinides, oxadiazolidinediones, thiazolidinediones, glucosidase inhibitors, glucagon antagonists such as those disclosed in WO 99/01423 to Novo Nordisk A/S and Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., GLP-1 agonists, potassium channel openers such as those disclosed in WO 97/26265 and WO 99/03861 to Novo Nordisk A/S which are incorporated herein by reference, insulin sensitizers, DPP-IV (dipeptidyl peptidase-IV) inhibitors, inhibitors of hepatic enzymes involved in stimulation of glu- coneogenesis and/or glycogenolysis, glucose uptake modulators, compounds modifying the lipid metabolism such as antihyperlipidemic agents and antilipidemic agents, compounds lowering food intake, PPAR and RXR agonists and agents acting on the ATP-dependent potassium channel of the β-cells.
In one embodiment of the invention the present compounds are administered in combination with insulin.
In a further embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with a sulphonylurea eg tolbutamide, glibenclamide, glipizide or glicazide.
In another embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with a biguanide eg metformin.
In yet another embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with a meglitinide eg repaglinide. In still another embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with a thiazolidinedione eg troglitazone, ciglitazone, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone or the compounds disclosed in WO 97/41097 to Dr. Reddy's Research Foundation.
Furthermore, the present compounds may be administered in combination with the insulin sensitizers disclosed in WO 99/19313 to Dr. Reddy's Research Foundation.
In a further embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with an α-glucosidase inhibitor eg miglitol or acarbose.
In another embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with an agent acting on the ATP-dependent potassium channel of the β-cells eg tolbu- tamide, glibenclamide, glipizide, glicazide or repaglinide.
Furthermore, the present compounds may be administered in combination with na- teglinide.
In still another embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with an antihyperlipidemic agent or antilipidemic agent eg cholestyramine, colestipol, clofibrate, gemfibrozil, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, probucol or dextrothyrox- ine.
In a further embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with more than one of the above-mentioned compounds eg in combination with a sulphonylurea and metformin, a sulphonylurea and acarbose, repaglinide and met- formin, insulin and a sulphonylurea, insulin and metformin, insulin and troglitazone, insulin and lovastatin, etc.
Furthermore, the present compounds may be administered in combination with one or more antihypertensive agents. Examples of antihypertensive agents are β- blockers such as alprenolol, atenolol, timolol, pindolol, propranolol and metoprolol, ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors such as benazepril, captopril, enala- pril, fosinopril, lisinopril, quinapril and ramipril, calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, felodipine, nicardipine, isradipine, nimodipine, diltiazem and verapamil, and α-blockers such as doxazosin, urapidil, prazosin and terazosin. Further refer- ence can be made to Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 19th Edition, Gennaro, Ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, PA, 1995.
It should be understood that any suitable combination of the compounds according to the invention with one or more of the above-mentioned compounds and optionally one or more further pharmacologically active substances are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS
The compounds of the invention may be administered alone or in combination with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients, in either single or multiple doses. The pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention may be formulated with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents as well as any other known adjuvants and excipients in accordance with conventional techniques such as those disclosed in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 19th Edition, Gennaro, Ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, PA, 1995.
The pharmaceutical compositions may be specifically formulated for administration by any suitable route such as the oral, rectal, nasal, pulmonary, topical (including buccal and sublingual), transdermal, intracisternal, intraperitoneal, vaginal and par- enteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, intrathecal, intravenous and in- tradermal) route, the oral route being preferred. It will be appreciated that the preferred route will depend on the general condition and age of the subject to be treated, the nature of the condition to be treated and the active ingredient chosen.
Pharmaceutical compositions for oral administration include solid dosage forms such as capsules, tablets, dragees, pills, lozenges, powders and granules. Where appro- priate, they can be prepared with coatings such as enteric coatings or they can be formulated so as to provide controlled release of the active ingredient such as sustained or prolonged release according to methods well-known in the art.
Liquid dosage forms for oral administration include solutions, emulsions, suspensions, syrups and elixirs.
Pharmaceutical compositions for parenteral administration include sterile aqueous and non-aqueous injectable solutions, dispersions, suspensions or emulsions as well as sterile powders to be reconstituted in sterile injectable solutions or dispersions prior to use. Depot injectable formulations are also contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.
Other suitable administration forms include suppositories, sprays, ointments, cremes, gels, inhalants, dermal patches, implants etc.
A typical oral dosage is in the range of from about 0.001 to about 100 mg/kg body weight per day, preferably from about 0.01 to about 50 mg/kg body weight per day, and more preferred from about 0.05 to about 10 mg/kg body weight per day adminis- tered in one or more dosages such as 1 to 3 dosages. The exact dosage will depend upon the frequency and mode of administration, the sex, age, weight and general condition of the subject treated, the nature and severity of the condition treated and any concomitant diseases to be treated and other factors evident to those skilled in the art.
The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form by methods known to those skilled in the art. A typical unit dosage form for oral administration one or more times per day such as 1 to 3 times per day may contain of from 0.05 to about 1000 mg, preferably from about 0.1 to about 500 mg, and more preferred from about 0.5 mg to about 200 mg. For parenteral routes, such as intravenous, intrathecal, intramuscular and similar administration, typically doses are in the order of about half the dose employed for oral administration.
The compounds of this invention are generally utilized as the free substance or as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. One example is an acid addition salt of a compound having the utility of a free base. When a compound according to the invention contains a free base such salts are prepared in a conventional manner by treating a solution or suspension of a free base of the compound according to the invention with a chemical equivalent of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid, for example, inorganic and organic acids. Representative examples are mentioned above. Physiologically acceptable salts of a compound with a hydroxy group include the anion of said compound in combination with a suitable cation such as sodium or ammonium ion.
For parenteral administration, solutions of the present compounds in sterile aqueous solution, aqueous propylene glycol or sesame or peanut oil may be employed. Such aqueous solutions should be suitable buffered if necessary and the liquid diluent first rendered isotonic with sufficient saline or glucose. The aqueous solutions are particularly suitable for intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous and intraperitoneal admini- stration. The sterile aqueous media employed are all readily available by standard techniques known to those skilled in the art.
Suitable pharmaceutical carriers include inert solid diluents or fillers, sterile aqueous solution and various organic solvents. Examples of solid carriers are lactose, terra alba, sucrose, cyclodextrin, talc, gelatine, agar, pectin, acacia, magnesium stearate, stearic acid or lower alkyl ethers of cellulose. Examples of liquid carriers are syrup, peanut oil, olive oil, phospholipids, fatty acids, fatty acid amines, polyoxyethylene or water. Similarly, the carrier or diluent may include any sustained release material known in the art, such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate, alone or mixed with a wax. The pharmaceutical compositions formed by combining the compounds according to the invention and the pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are then readily administered in a variety of dosage forms suitable for the disclosed routes of administration. The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form by methods known in the art of pharmacy.
Formulations of the present invention suitable for oral administration may be presented as discrete units such as capsules or tablets, each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient, and which may include a suitable excipient. These formulations may be in the form of powder or granules, as a solution or suspension in an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid, or as an oil-in-water or water-in-oil liquid emulsion.
If a solid carrier is used for oral administration, the preparation may be tabletted, placed in a hard gelatine capsule in powder or pellet form or it can be in the form of a troche or lozenge. The amount of solid carrier will vary widely but will usually be from about 25 mg to about 1 g. If a liquid carrier is used, the preparation may be in the form of a syrup, emulsion, soft gelatine capsule or sterile injectable liquid such as an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid suspension or solution.
A typical tablet, which may be prepared by conventional tabletting techniques, may contain:
Core:
Active compound (as free compound or salt thereof) 5.0 mg
Lactosum Ph. Eur. 67.8 mg
Cellulose, microcryst. (Avicel) 31.4 mg Amberlite 1.0 mg
Magnesii stearas Ph. Eur. q.s. Coating:
HPMC approx. 9 mg
Mywacett 9-40 T* approx. 0.9 mg
*Acylated monoglyceride used as plasticizer for film coating.
If desired, the pharmaceutical composition of the invention may comprise the compound of the formula I' in combination with further pharmacologically active sub- stances.
The preparation of the compounds of this invention can be realized in many different ways. The preparation of imidazoles of the formula III has been described in the literature (see e.g. F. B. Stocker et al., J. Org. Chem. 1966, 31, 2380; idem, ibid. 1990, 55, 3370; T. Vitali et al., II Farmaco 1967, 22, 821 ; idem, ibid. 1965, 20, 634; S.
Frankel, K. Zeimer, Biochemische Zeitschrift 1920, 770, 238; G. Arcari et al., Fr. Pat. 1976, 2 337 726; DE 2700012, 1977, Chem. Abstr., 87, 201535).
Compounds of the formula la, wherein R1 and R2 are hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 can be prepared as outlined below:
Figure imgf000069_0001
III la
More specifically, different types of compounds of the formula la of this invention can be prepared by the methods 1 ) to 4) sketched below:
Figure imgf000069_0002
LG = leaving group For instance, compounds of the formula lb can be synthesized from 4,5,6,7-tetra- hydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridines III by treating the latter with suitable activated derivatives of carboxylic acids, such as acyl imidazoles, anhydrides, acid chlorides or active esters, or any of the derivatives commonly used for the preparation of carboxamides, under appropriate conditions.
Compounds of the formula Ic can be prepared by treating 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro- imidazo[4,5-c]pyridines III with isocyanates Z-A-NCO or with synthetic equivalents thereof, such as carbamoyl chlorides Z-A-N(R12)-CO-CI under suitable conditions.
Compounds of the formula Id can be synthesized by treating 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro- imidazo[4,5-c]pyridines III with haloformates Z-A-O-CO-CI or with synthetic equivalents thereof such as activated carbonates (e.g. 4-nitrophenyl carbonates) under suitable conditions.
Finally, compounds of the formula le can be prepared by treating 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro- imidazo[4,5-c]pyridines III with isothiocyanates Z-A-NCS or with synthetic equivalents thereof, such as thiocarbamoyl chlorides Z-A-N(R12)-CS-CI under suitable conditions.
The starting materials are either known compounds or compounds, which may be prepared in analogy with the preparation of similar known compounds.
The present invention is further illustrated by the following representative examples, which are, however, not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
EXAMPLES
In the examples the following terms are intended to have the following, general meanings:
DCM: dichloromethane, methylenechloride DMF: Λ/,Λ/-dimethyl formamide DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide
EDC: Λ/-ethyl-Λ/'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride
HOBt: Λ/-hydroxybenzotriazole, 1 -hydroxybenzotriazole
NMP: Λ/-methylpyrrolidone
NMR spectra were recorded on Bruker 300 MHz and 400 MHz instruments. HPLC-MS was performed on a Perkin Elmer instrument (API 100).
HPLC-systems from Merck-Hitachi (Hibar™ RT 250-4, Lichrosorb™ RP 18, 5.0 μm, 4.0 x 250 mm, gradient elution, 20% to 80% acetonitrile in water within 30 min, 1.0 mL/min, detection at 254 nm) and Waters (Symmetry™, C-ι8, 3.5 μm, 3.0 x 150 mm, gradient elution, 5% to 90% acetonitrile in water within 15 min, 1.0 mL/min, detection at 214 nm) were used.
Furthermore, where stated the following HPLC method hδ was used:
The reverse phase analysis was performed using UV detections at 214, 254, 276 and 301 nm on a 218TP54 4.6 mm x 150 mm C-18 silica column, which was eluted at 1 mL/min at 42 °C. The column was equilibrated with 5% acetonitrile, 85% water and 10% of a solution of 0.5% trifluoroacetic acid in water and eluted by a linear gradient from 5% acetonitrile, 85% water and 10% of a solution of 0.5% trifluoroacetic acid to 90% acetonitrile and 10% of a solution of 0.5% trifluoroacetic acid over 15 min.
Where stated the following general procedures were used:
General Procedure A:
Figure imgf000071_0001
III lb To a solution of the dihydrochloride of the amine II (10.0 mmol) in water (5 mL) an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (12 N, 4.2 mL, 50.4 mmol), methanol (35 mL) and the carbonyl compound R3R4CO (25.0 mmol) were added. The resulting mixture was refluxed overnight, water (15 mL) was added, methanol was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was diluted with water to a volume of approximately 25 mL. The resulting mixture was washed with ether (2 x 50 mL, removal of excess ketone) and then, while stirring vigorously, the acyl halide (Z-A-Y-CO-CI, 11.5 mmol) was added portionwise. After stirring for 10 min the mixture was extracted with DCM (2 x 100 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with water (25 mL), dried (MgS0 ) and concentrated. The remaining oil was redissolved in ethyl acetate (100 mL) and a solution of oxalic acid (0.45 g, 5.0 mmol) in ethyl acetate (25 mL) was added. After stirring for 30 min the precipitate was filtered off and dried under reduced pressure. Alternatively, the crude product lb could be purified by column chromatography (silica gel, gradient elution with heptane/ethyl acetate/methanol).
General Procedure B:
A mixture of the dihydrochloride of the amine II (95 mmol), water (200 mL), and the carbonyl compound R3R4CO (133 mmol) was refluxed until no more amine II could be detected (HPLC). The mixture was then concentrated to dryness and the crude product III was purified by recrystallization.
The purified amine III was then acylated as in general procedure A or by any other, conventional method.
General Procedure C:
Figure imgf000073_0001
VI ,f
i: Z-A-COOH, carbonylimidazol, CH3CN, 75 °C
To 0.3 mmol of the corresponding acid in CH3CN (1 mL) was added 0.31 mmol N,N- carbonyldiimidazol in portions. The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min. at room temperature and for 2 h at 75 °C. Then, it was cooled to room temperature and 0.25 mmol of VI were added. The reaction mixture was heated for 2-5 h at 75 °C, cooled to room temperature and evaporated to dryness. The residue was chromatographed on Si02 with CH2CI2/MeOH (10:1 to 4:1 ) to yield a compound of the general formula If as a white amorphous solid.
General Procedure D:
c o z
Figure imgf000073_0003
Figure imgf000073_0002
VI ,g
ii: Z-A-OH, phosgene solution (1 M in toluene), THF
To a solution of 0.3 mmol of the corresponding alcohol Z-A-OH in THF (1 mL) was added at 4 °C 0.16 mL phosgene solution (1.9 M in toluene). The reaction mixture was stirred for 3 h at room temperature and evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in CH3CN (0.3 mL) and added to a solution of 0.25 mmol VI in CH3CN (1 mL) at room temperature and stirred for 24 h at room temperature to 50°C. The reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness and the residue chromatographed on Si02 with CH2CI2/MeOH (10:1 to 4:1 ) to yield a compound of the general formula lg as a white amorphous solid.
General Procedure E:
Figure imgf000074_0001
VI ig
Z-A-NH2, triphosgene, Hϋnig's base, CH3CN
To a solution of 0.3 mmol amine or aniline Z-A-NH2 in CH3CN (1 mL) was added at 4 °C 0.11 mmol triphosgene and 0.9 mmol Hϋnig's base to yield a clear solution, which was stirred for 30 min. at room temperature and for 2 h at 75 °C. Building block VI (0.25 mmol) was added at room temperature and the reaction mixture stirred for 24 h at 25-50 °C, cooled to room temperature and evaporated to dryness. The residue was chromatographed on Si02 with CH2CI2/MeOH (10:1 to 4:1 ) to yield a compound of the general formula Ig as a white amorphous solid.
The key building blocks VI used in the above General Procedures C, D and E were synthesized as shown in Scheme 1. The synthesis of the non-commmercial building blocks used is described in Scheme 2. Scheme 1
Figure imgf000075_0001
IV VI
i: Br2, HBr-AcOH, AcOH ii: formamidine x AcOH, EtOH, 80 °C; then aq. NaHCO3 and extraction with CHCI3 and chromatography with CH2CI2/MeOH (9:1 ) iii: Pd/C, EtOH
Synthesis of 4,5,7,8-tetrahydro-1H,6H-imidazo[4,5-α]azepine VI from 1-benzyl- hexahydroazepin-4-one hydrochloride IV
Step (i): 1-Benzyl-5 bromohexahydroazepin-4-one hydrobromide V
175 g of (0.732 mol) 1-benzylhexahydroazepin-4-one hydrochloride IV are dissolved in 500 mL acetic acid. Upon addition of 100 mL of a saturated solution (30%) of hy- drobromic acid in acetic acid, 37 mL (0.732 mol) of bromine are added dropwise at room temperature and with efficient stirring, whereby the brown colour of bromine disappears.
After completion of the addition the reaction mixture is concentrated on a rotavapor at a bath temperature of 35°C.
The resulting oily residue is triturated with ether and the ether layer decanted. Then 250 mL of ethyl acetate are added. The mixture is stirred and heated on a steam bath until crystallization occurs. After cooling the ethyl acetate is removed by decan- tation and heated a second time with fresh ethyl acetate. Thereafter the crystalline material is collected by filtration and dried in vacuo. Yield: 217.8 g (82%), m.p. 148-150°C. Step (ii): 6-Benzyl-4,5,7,8-tetrahydro-1 H,6H-imidazo[4,5-d]azepine
A solution of sodium ethanolate is prepared by dissolving 1.4 g (60 mmol) of sodium in 150 mL of dry ethanol. Then 4.8 g (60 mmol) of formamidine hydrochloride and 7.3 g (20 mmol) of 1-benzyl-5-bromohexahydroazepin-4-one hydrobromide as well as 80 mL chloroform are added successively. After keeping at reflux for about 8 hours the mixture is cooled and treated with a solution of 40 mmol of sodium hydroxide in dry methanol. The reaction mixture is concentrated on a rotavapor and the residue purified by column chromatography on silicagel with chloroform/methanol 9:1 as eluent.
Upon evaporation of the respective fractions the product is triturated with ethyl ether and collected by filtration. Yield: 1.1 g (24.4%).
Step (iii): 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydro-1H,6H-imidazo[4,5-(- jazepine
25.4 mmol of 6-benzyl-4,5N,8-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5- ]azepine are dissolved in 180 ml ethanol and upon addition of 1.5 g palladium on charcoal treated with hydrogen at a pressure of 5 bar.
After removal of the catalyst the filtrate is evaporated on a rotavapor and the residue crystallized from acetonitrile. Yield of 4,5N,8-tetrahydro-1H,6H-imidazo[4,5-αf]azepine = 59.3%.
The synthesis of the non-commercial building blocks 1-7 are described in Scheme 2.
Scheme 2
Figure imgf000077_0001
Figure imgf000077_0002
Figure imgf000077_0004
Figure imgf000077_0005
Figure imgf000077_0003
i: MeLi (1.6 M in Et20, 1.1 equiv.), THF, 0 °C; then tertiary BuLi (1.5 M in pentane, 2.2 eqiuv.), -78 °C, 1 h; then Weinreb amide of cyclopropane carboxylic acid, 0 °C ii: 4 N HCI in dioxane To a stirred solution of a commercially available bromide (10 mmol) in THF (40 mL) was added at 4 °C MeLi solution (6.9 ml, 1.1 equiv., 1.6 M in Et20). The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min. at 4 °C, cooled to -78 °C followed by addition of tertiary BuLi solution (14.7 mL, 2.2 equiv., 1.5 M in pentane). The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h at -78 °C followed by addition of the Weinreb amide of cyclopropane carboxylic acid (15.0 mmol). The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to 0 °C overnight and poured onto ice, 0.5 N HCI solution and EtOAc. The organic layer was washed with saturated brine, dried (MgS0 ) and evaporated and the residue chromatographed on Si02.
Building blocks:
1 : 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6): £ 10.32 (br. s, 1 H); 7.91 (d, J= 8.8, 2H); 6.84 (d, J= 8.8, 2H); 2.77 (m, 1 H); 0.96-0.93 (m, 4H).
2: 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-de): 7.99 (d, J= 8.2, 2H); 7.46 (d, J= 8.4, 2H); 5.35 (t, J= 5.7, 1 H); 4.57 (d, J= 5.7, 2H); 2.87 (m, 1 H); 1.03-1.00 (m, 4H).
3: H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): £7.94 (d, J= 8.3, 2H); 7.32 (d, J= 8.4, 2H); 3.87 (t, J= 6.6, 2H); 2.92 (t, J= 6.6, 2H); 2.65 (m, 2H); 1.27-1.19 (m, 2 H); 1.05-0.99 (m, 2H).
4: H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-ck): £8.18 (br. s, 3H); 7.85 (d, J= 8.8, 2H); 6.82 (d, J= 8.8, 2H); 2.74 (m, 1 H); 0.92-0.88 (m, 4H).
5: 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-cf6): £8.56 (br. s, 3 H); 8.06 (d, J= 8.4, 2H); 7.64 (d, J= 8.6, 2H); 4.10 (s, 2H); 2.90 (m, 1 H); 1.06-1.01 (m, 4H).
6: 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): £8.22 (d, J= 8.6, 2H); 8.09 (d, J= 8.4, 2H); 2.69 (m, 1 H); 1.30 (m, 2H); 1.12 (m, 2H).
7: could not be obtained in pure form. Example 1 : 5-(3-Cyclohexylpropanoyl)-4,4-dimethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]- pyridine oxalic acid salt
Figure imgf000079_0001
Following the General Procedure A using histamine dihydrochloride (1.84 g, 10.0 mmol), acetone (4.0 mL) and 3-cyclohexylpropanoyl chloride (2.0 g, 11.5 mmol) 0.80 g (21 %) of the title amide was obtained as oxalic acid salt.
HPLC (214 nm): elution at 18.59 min. LC-MS: Calcd. for MH+: 290; found: 290.
H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-c/6, two rotamers, 6:4): £0.80-0.95 (m, 2H), 1.05-1.28 (m, 4H), 1.35-1.76 (m, 13H), 2.38 (m, 1.2H), 2.64 (t, J = 5 Hz, 1.2H), 2.89 (t, J = 5 Hz, 0.8H), 3.01 (t, J = 7 Hz, 0.8H), 3.54 (t, J = 5 Hz, 0.8H), 3.58 (t, J = 5 Hz, 1.2H), 8.25 (s, 0.6H), 8.34 (s, 0.4H).
Example 2: 5-(5-Cyclohexylpentanoyl)-4,5,6N-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine
Figure imgf000079_0002
To a solution of 5-cyclohexylpentanoic acid (0.94 g, 5.10 mmol) in DCM (4 mL) car- bonyldiimidazole (0.83 g, 5.12 mmol) was added. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h and then added to a solution of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro- imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (5.10 mmol) in DCM (4 mL). After 2.5 h DCM (50 mL) was added and the mixture was washed with water (3 x 15 mL). The organic layer was then dried (MgS0 ) and concentrated. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, ethyl acetate/methanol 9:1 ) whereby 0.35 g (24%) of the title amide was obtained as an oil.
HPLC (214 nm): elution at 20.74 min. LC-MS: Calcd. for MH+: 290; found: 290.
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6, two rotamers, 1 :1 ): (50.70-0.80 (m, 2H), 1.05-1.34 (m, 8H), 1.43-1.52 (m, 2H), 1.55-1.71 (m, 5H), 2.36 (m, 2H), 2.52 (t, J = 5 Hz, 1 H), 2.62 (t, J = 5 Hz, 1 H), 3.68 (t, J = 5 Hz, 1 H), 3.74 (t, J = 5 Hz, 1 H), 4.41 (s, 2H), 7.47 (s, 0.5H), 7.49 (s, 0.5H), 11.85 (s, br, 1 H).
Example 3: 5-(6-Phenylhexanoyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine
Figure imgf000080_0001
To a solution of carbonyldiimidazole (0.83 g, 5.12 mmol) in DCM (8 mL) 6-phenyl- hexanoic acid (0.98 g, 5.10 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 h, and then a solution of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]- pyridine (5.10 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) and DCM (1 mL) was added. After stirring for four days DCM (100 mL) was added and the mixture was washed with water (15 mL) and dried (MgS04). Concentration and column chromatography (silica gel, ethyl acetate/methanol 9:1 ) gave 0.80 g (53%) of the title amide as an oil.
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6, two rotamers, 1 :1 ): £ 1.22-1.38 (m, 2H), 1.46-1.64 (m, 4H), 2.38 (m, 2H), 2.45-2.68 (m, 6H), 3.68 (t, J = 5 Hz, 1 H), 3.72 (t, J = 5 Hz, 1 H), 4.41 (s, 2H), 7.14-7.29 (m, 5H), 7.48 (s, 0.5H), 7.50 (s, 0.5H), 11.90 (s, br, 1 H). Example 4: 5-(3-Cyclohexylpropanoyl)-4,5,6N-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine
Figure imgf000081_0001
To a solution of carbonyldiimidazole (0.83 g, 5.12 mmol) in DCM (8 mL) 3-cyclohexyl- propionic acid (0.80 g, 5.10 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 h, and then a solution of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]- pyridine (5.10 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) and DCM (1 mL) was added. After stirring for four days DCM (100 mL) was added and the mixture was washed with water (15 mL) and dried (MgS0 ). Concentration and column chromatography (silica gel, ethyl ace- tate/methanol 9:1 ) gave 0.66 g (50%) of the title amide as an oil.
H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-of6, two rotamers, 1 :1 ): £0.80-0.95 (m, 2H), 1.05-1.30 (m, 4H), 1.90 (m, 2H), 1.56-1.75 (m, 5H), 2.39 (m, 2H), 2.52 (t, J = 5 Hz, 1 H), 2.61 (t, J = 5 Hz, 1 H), 3.69 (t, J = 5 Hz, 1 H), 3.72 (t, J = 5 Hz, 1 H), 4.42 (s, 2H), 7.51 (s, 0.5H), 7.53 (s, 0.5H), 11.90 (s, br, 1 H).
Example 5: 5-[3-(4-Fluorophenyl)propanoyl]-4-(4-isopropylphenyl)-4,5,6N-tetra- hydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine
Figure imgf000081_0002
A mixture of histamine dihydrochloride (1.85 g, 10.0 mmol), water (10 mL), potassium hydroxide (1.72 g, 30.0 mmol), ethanol (25 mL) and 4-isopropylbenzaldehyde (1.62 g, 10.91 mmol) was heated to reflux for 1.5 h. Ethanol was evaporated and the residue was diluted with water (40 mL). Extraction (5 x 25 mL DCM), washing of the combined extracts (2 x 50 mL brine) and drying (MgS04) yielded 2.29 g (87%) of crude 4-(4-isopropylphenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine, which was used for the next synthetic step without further purification. This amine (0.48 g, 1.99 mmol) was dissolved in DCM (5 mL) and added to a 30 min old mixture of 3-(4-fluoro- phenyl)propionic acid (0.31 g, 1.84 mmol), HOBt (0.27 g, 1.20 mmol) and EDC (0.42 g, 2.19 mmol) in DCM (10 mL). After 18 h the mixture was washed with water (50 mL), dried (MgS0 ) and concentrated. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, gradient elution with DCM/methanol). 0.24 g (33%) of the title amide was obtained.
HPLC (214 nm): elution at 10.21 min. LC-MS: Calcd. for MH+: 392; found: 392.
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-cf6): 51.18 (d, J = 7 Hz, 6H), 2.50-2.94 (m, 7H), 3.05 (m, 1H), 3.95 (m, 1 H), 6.48 (s, br, 0.7H), 6.67 (s, br, 0.3H), 6.99-7.35 (m, 8H), 7.55 (s, 1 H), 11.90 (s, 1 H).
Example 6: 5-(3,3-Diphenylpropanoyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine
Figure imgf000082_0001
To a suspension of 3,3-diphenylpropionic acid (14 mg, 0.06 mmol) and HOBt (9 mg, 0.07 mmol) in ethyl acetate (1.5 mL) a solution of EDC (12 mg, 0.06 mmol) in ethyl acetate (0.5 mL) was added. The resulting mixture was shaken for 20 min at room temperature and then 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine dihydrochloride (12 mg, 0.06 mmol) and triethylamine (0.02 mL) were added. After shaking for 16 h the mixture was washed with brine (2 x 2 mL), and the organic phase was concentrated. 12 mg (60%) of the title amide was obtained.
HPLC (214 nm): elution at 8.71 min. LC-MS: Calcd. for MH+: 332; found: 332.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3, two rotamers, 1 :1): £2.55 (m, 2H), 3.15 (t, J = 7 Hz, 2H), 3.61 (t, J = 5 Hz, 1 H), 3.80 (t, J = 5 Hz, 1 H), 4.41 (s, 1 H), 4.57 (s, 1 H), 4.67 (m, 1 H), 7.06-7.30 (m, 10H), 7.39 (s, 0.5H), 7.43 (s, 0.5H).
Example 7: 5-(3-Cyclohexylpropanoyl)-4-ethyl-4-methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo- [4,5-c]pyridine oxalic acid salt
Figure imgf000083_0001
From histamine dihydrochloride (1.85 g, 10.0 mmol), 2-butanone (1.80 g, 25.0 mmol) and 3-cyclohexylpropanoyl chloride (2.0 g, 11.5 mmol) 0.60 g (15%) of the title ox- alate was obtained using the General Procedure A.
HPLC (214 nm): elution at 19.54 min. LC-MS: Calcd. for MH+: 304; found: 304.
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6, two rotamers, 2:1 ): £0.39 (t, J = 7 Hz, 2H), 0.79-0.93 (m, 2H), 0.95 (t, J = 7 Hz, 1 H), 1.05-1.29 (m, 4H), 1.39 (m, 2H), 1.49 (s, 1 H), 1.59 (s, 2H), 1.60-2.10 (m, 7H), 2.15-2.50 (m, 1 H), 2.60-2.99 (m, 3H), 3.28-3.49 (m, 1.3H), 3.88 (m, 0.7H), 7.69 (s, 0.3H), 8.39 (s, 0.7H). Example 8: 5-[3-(10,11-Dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)propanoyl]-4, 5,6,7- tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine
Figure imgf000084_0001
Iminodibenzyl (50.0 g, 0.256 mol) was dissolved in DMF (700 mL), sodium hydride (12.3 g, 0.306 mol, 60% dispersion in oil) was slowly added in portions and the mixture was stirred at 50 °C for 2 h. Ethyl 3-bromopropionate (100 mL, 0.77 mol) was slowly added dropwise and the mixture was heated at reflux temperature overnight. The mixture was cooled and evaporated. The residue was suspended in DCM (150 mL), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The resulting residue was purified in portions by column chromatography (silica gel, DCM) to give 5.1 g (7%) of 3-(10,11- dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yi)propionic acid ethyl ester.
TLC: Rf = 0.69 (silica gel, DCM).
3-(10,11-Dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)propionic acid ethyl ester (1.41 g, 4.77 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (30 mL) and a solution of sodium hydroxide (0.75 g, 18.8 mmol) in water (5 mL) was added. The mixture was stirred for 3.5 h. 1 N Hydro- chloric acid (17 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with DCM (2 x 25 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (50 mL), dried (MgS0 ) and the solvent was evaporated to give 1.18 g (92%) of 3-(10,11-dihydro-5H- dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)propionic acid.
Carbonyldiimidazole (0.33 g, 2.1 mmol) was dissolved in DCM (5 mL) and 3-(10,11- dihydro-5/-/-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-1-propionic acid (0.56 g, 2.1 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 h under a nitrogen atmosphere. Simultaneously, sodium methoxide (0.8 mL of a 30% solution in water, 4.4 mmol) was added to a solution of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine dihydrochloride (0.43 g, 2.2 mmol) in methanol (5 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 h under a nitrogen atmosphere. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was stripped with DCM (6 mL). The above solution of the activated carboxylic acid was added to the residue and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water (10 mL) was added followed by DCM (50 mL) and the phases were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with DCM (20 mL) and the combined organic phases were dried (MgS04). After evaporation of the solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, 150 mL, methanol/ ethyl acetate 1 :5). Evaporation of the solvent afforded 0.41 g (52%) of the title compound as a solid.
TLC: Rf = 0.28 (silica gel, methanol/ethyl acetate 1 :5). LC-MS: Calcd. for MH+: 373; found: 373.
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6, two rotamers, 1 :1 ): £2.49 (m, 1 H), 2.60-2.72 (m, 3H), 3.07 (d, 4H), 3.47 (t, 1 H), 3.86 (t, 1 H), 4.08-4.20 (m, 2H), 4.22 (s, 1 H), 4.62 (s, 1 H), 6.90 (m, 2H), 7.01-7.16 (m, 6H), 7.40 (s, 0.5H), 7.45 (s, 0.5H).
Example 9: 5-(3-Cyclohexylpropanoyl)-4,5,6J-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-4- spirocyclobutane oxalic acid salt
Figure imgf000085_0001
From histamine dihydrochloride (1.85 g, 10.0 mmol), cyclobutanone (1.75 g, 25.0 mmol) and 3-cyclohexylpropanoyl chloride (2.0 g, 11.5 mmol), 0.70 g (18%) of the title oxalate was obtained (General Procedure A).
HPLC (214 nm): elution at 19.40 min. LC-MS: Calcd. for MH+: 302; found: 302. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): £0.75-0.95 (m, 2H), 1.04-1.28 (m, 4H), 1.35 (q, J = 7 Hz, 2H), 1.50-2.70 (m, 11 H), 3.63 (t, J = 5 Hz, 2H), 8.22 (s, br, 1 H).
Example 10: Parallel Synthesis of Ureas
To each reactor of an array of 12 reactors, each containing a solution of 4, 5,6,7- tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine dihydrochloride (0.07 mmol) in DMF (0.5 mL, containing 5% triethylamine) a solution of one isocyanate (0.9 equivalents) selected from 12 different isocyanates in 1 ,2-dichloroethane (0.2 mL) was added. The resulting mixtures were shaken overnight at room temperature. Concentration under reduced pressure gave the corresponding ureas. Using this methodology the following ureas were prepared:
Figure imgf000086_0001
Example Z-A- MH+ MH+ (calcd) (found)
10-001 2-(2-thienyl)ethyl 277 277
10-002 3,5-dimethyl-1 ,2-oxazol-4-yl 262 262
10-003 1-(1-naphthyl)ethyl 321
10-004 (2-phenylcyclopropyl) 283 283
10-005 1 -(4-bromophenyl)ethyl 350
10-006 2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl 311 311
10-007 2-phenylethyl 271 271
10-008 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl 311 311
10-009 3-cyanophenyl 268 268
10-010 4-cyanophenyl 268 268
10-011 n-octyl 279 279 Example 11 : 5-(2,4-Dichlorobenzylaminocarbonyl)-4,5,6N-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5- yridine
Figure imgf000087_0001
To a mixture of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine dihydrochloride (0.50 g, 2.55 mmol), ethanol (10 mL) and triethylamine (1.10 mL, 7.89 mmol), 2,4-dichlorobenzyl isocyanate (0.52 g, 2.57 mmol) was added. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h and then concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was distributed between water (20 mL) and ethyl acetate (75 mL). The organic phase was washed with water (10 mL) and brine (10 mL), dried (MgS0 ) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was triturated in diethylether (50 mL) and the crude product was filtered off. Recrystallization from acetone (25 mL) gave 0.30 g (37%) of the title urea as a colourless solid.
HPLC (214 nm): elution at 7.97 min. LC-MS: Calcd. for MH+: 325; found: 325.
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): £2.56 (s, br, 2H), 3.65 (t, J = 6 Hz, 2H), 4.29 (d, J = 6 Hz, 2H), 4.34 (s, 2H), 7.20 (s, br, 1 H), 7.29 (d, J = 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.39 (dd, J = 8, 1 Hz, 1 H), 7.47 (s, 1 H), 7.56 (d, J = 1 Hz, 1 H), 11.79 (s, br, 1 H).
Example 12: 4-(2-Cyclohexylethyl)-5-(ethylaminocarbonyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro- imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine
Figure imgf000088_0001
To a solution of histamine dihydrochloride (1.84 g, 10.0 mmol) in water (5 mL) methanol (40 mL) was added. To this stirred mixture an aqueous 12 N sodium hydroxide solution (4.2 mL, 50.4 mmol) and 3-(cyclohexyl)propionaldehyde (3.5 g, 25 mmol) were added. The resulting mixture was heated at reflux temperature for 20 h. Concentrated hydrochloric acid was added until pH 1 and the mixture was diluted with water (100 mL). The mixture was washed with diethyl ether (3 x 25 mL) and the aqueous solution was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was suspended in methanol (150 mL) and the suspension was filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give a residue which was treated with warm ethanol (75 mL). The resulting mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to a volume of approximately 10 mL. Acetone (50 mL) was added and the mixture was left for crystallization. The solid was isolated by filtration and dried under reduced pressure to give 2.4 g of a solid which was dissolved in water (10 mL). While stirring, an aqueous 1 N sodium hydroxide solution was added un- til pH 11-12. The resulting mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (200 mL), the extracts were dried (MgS0 ) and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. This afforded 1.25 g of 4-(2-cyclohexylethyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine.
To a solution of the above amine (0.45 g, 1.9 mmol) in ethanol (10 mL), triethylamine (0.2 g, 1.9 mmol) and ethyl isocyanate (0.14 g, 1.9 mmol) were added. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and then concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, elution with ethyl acetate/methanol 9:1 ). This afforded 0.14 g (24% calculated from the amine) of the title compound as a solid.
M.p. 210-212 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): £0.85 (m, 2H), 1.00 (t, 3H), 1.05- 1.45 (m, 6H), 1.50-1.75 (m, 7H), 2.35 (m, 1 H), 2.55 (m, 1 H), 3.03 (m, 3H), 4.10 (m, br, 1 H), 4.85 (m, br, 1 H), 6.38 (s, br, 1 H), 7.40 (s, 1 H), 11.68 (s, br, 1 H).
Example 13: 4-(2-Cyclohexylethyl)-5-(2,4-dichlorobenzylaminocarbonyl)-4, 5,6,7- tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine
Figure imgf000089_0001
To a solution of 4-(2-cyclohexylethyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (0.47 g, 2.0 mmol, prepared as described in Example 13) in ethanol (10 mL), triethylamine (0.28 ml, 2.0 mmol) and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl isocyanate (0.41 g, 2.0 mmol) were added dropwise. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and then concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was re-evaporated with acetone and then dissolved in acetone (15 mL) and left for crystallization. The solid was iso- lated by filtration, washed with acetone and dried. This afforded 0.60 g (69%) of the title compound as a solid.
M.p. 185-187 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): £0.85 (m, 2H), 1.05-1.45 (m, 6H), 1.52-1.70 (m, 7H), 2.42 (m, 1 H), 2.60 (m, 1 H), 3.09 (m, 1 H), 4.18 (m, br, 1 H), 4.28 (m, 2H), 4.96 (m, br, 1H), 7.10 (t, br, 1 H), 7.28 (d, 1 H), 7.38 (dd, 1 H), 7.43 (s, 1 H), 7.55 (d, 1 H), 11.75 (s. br, 1 H). Example 14: Parallel Synthesis of Carboxamides
Figure imgf000090_0001
To each reactor in an array of six, a suspension of HOBt (7.4 mg, 55 μmol) in a mixture of acetonitrile, 1 ,2-dichloroethane, NMP and DMSO (250 μL) was added. Then a suspension of EDC (11.5 mg, 60 μmol) in a mixture of acetonitrile, 1 ,2-dichloroethane, NMP and DMSO (250 μL) was added to each reactor. To each reactor a carboxylic acid (50 μmol, Z-A-Y- as listed below) dissolved in 1 ,2-dichloroethane (3 mL) was added and the array was shaken for 15 min. To each reactor 4,5,6,7-tetra- hydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (60 μmol, prepared according to General Procedure B) dissolved in a mixture of acetonitrile (250 μL) and triethylamine (210 μL, 300 μmol) was added and the array was shaken overnight. 1 ,2-Dichloroethane (1 mL) was added to each reactor and the array was shaken for 2 h. A 0.3 N hydrochloric acid solution (500 μL) was added to each reactor and the array was shaken for 2 h. The lower phase of each reactor was isolated with a pipette and concentrated under reduced pressure. This afforded the following six amides, identified by their MH+ (LC- MS):
Example Z-A-Y- MH+ MH+
(calcd) (found)
Figure imgf000090_0002
Figure imgf000091_0001
Example 15: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 4-terf-butyl- benzyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000092_0001
To a solution of 4-terf-butylbenzyl alcohol (1.97 g, 12 mmol) in DCM (30 mL) was added pyridine (1.3 mL) and then a solution of 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (1.57 g, 7.8 mmol) in DCM (20 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h, concentrated under reduced pressure, and to the residue was added a mixture of of 4,5,6, 7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (1.5 g, 7 mmol), methanol (3.3 mL), DMF (30 mL), and diisopropylethylamine (4.1 mL). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was distributed between water and ethyl acetate, phases were separated, and the organic layer was washed with water, dried (MgS0 ), and filtered. A solution of oxalic acid (0.63 g) in ethyl acetate was added to the filtrate and the mixture was allowed to stand for 24 h. Filtration yielded the title compound as colourless solid.
1H ΝMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £ 1.28 (s, 9H), 2.65 (m, 2H), 3.69 (t, J = 5 Hz, 2H), 4.46 (s, 2H), 5.08 (s, 2H), 7.31 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H), 7.39 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H), 8.13 (m, 1 H).
(C18H23Ν3θ2, C2H204); calcd. 59.54C 6.25H 10.42N; found 59.66C 6.28H 10.35N.
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1/-/-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 4-(te/ϊ-butyl)benzyl alcohol.
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £ 1.28 (s, 9H), 2.65 (m, 2H), 3.69 (t, J = 5 Hz, 2H), 4.46 (s, 2H), 5.08 (s, 2H), 7.31 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H), 7.39 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H), 8.13 (m, 1 H).
(C18H23N3θ2, C2H204); calcd. 59.54C 6.25H 10.42N; found 59.66C 6.28H 10.35N. Using the same procedure as described for the above example the following compounds were prepared:
Example 16: 1 ,4,6,7-Tetrahydro-lmidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid benzyl ester
Figure imgf000093_0001
Example 17: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 2,3- dimethylbenzyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000093_0002
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2,3-dimethylbenzyl alcohol.
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £2.19 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.63 (m, 2H), 3.70 (t, J = 6 Hz, 2H), 4.46 (s, 2H), 5.12 (s, 2H), 7.04-7.18 (m, 3H), 8.15 (s, br, 1 H). Example 18: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 2-phenyl- butyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000094_0001
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-phenyl-1-butanol oxalate.
M.p. 154-156 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £ 0.76 (t, J = 7 Hz, 3H), 1.53-1.66 (m, 1 H), 1.70-1.80 (m, 1 H), 2.40-2.63 (m, 2H), 2.82 (m, 1 H), 3.48-3.65 (m, 2H), 4.11-4.22 (m, 2H), 4.25^.40 (m, 2H), 7.18-7.34 (m, 5H), 8.09 (s, 1 H).
Calcd. 58.60C 5.95H 10.79N; found 58.89C 5.93H 10.63N.
Example 19: 4,5,6, 7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 3-methoxy- benzyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000094_0002
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-phenyl-1-butanol oxalate.
M.p. 163-165 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £ 2.65 (t, J = 5 Hz, 2H), 3.69-3.75 (m, 5H), 4.48 (m, 2H), 5.09 (s, 2H), 6.87-6.95 (m, 3H), 7.29 (t, J = 8 Hz, 1 H), 8.12 (s, 1 H). (C15H17N303, C2H204); calcd. 54.11C 5.08H 11.14N; found 53.90C 5.04H 11.09N.
Example 20: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid cyclopentyl- methyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000095_0001
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-1 H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and cyclopentylmethanol.
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £ 1.22 (m, 2H), 1.45-1.61 (m, 4H), 1.62-1.75 (m, 2H), 2.16 (sept, J = 7 Hz, 1 H), 2.63 (m, 2H), 3.68 (t, J = 5 Hz, 2H), 3.92 (d, J = 7 Hz, 2H), 4.44 (s, 2H), 8.16 (s, 1 H).
Example 21 : 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 3-methyl- benzyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000095_0002
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 3-methylbenzyl alcohol. M.p. 169-171 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £ 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.65 (m, 2H), 3.70 (m, 2H), 4.47 (s, 2H), 5.08 (s, 2H), 7.11-7.19 (m, 3H), 7.26 (t, J = 8 Hz, 1 H), 8.15 (s, 1 H).
(C15Hι7N302, C2H204); calcd. 56.51 C 5.30H 11.63N; found 56.74C 5.29H 11.63N.
Example 22: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 2-methyl- benzyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000096_0001
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1 H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-methylbenzyl alcohol.
M.p. 158-160 °C. 1H ΝMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 52.31 (s, 3H), 2.64 (s, 2H), 3.69 (t, J = 5 Hz, 2H), 4.46 (s, 2H), 5.12 (s, 2H), 7.15-7.26 (m, 3H), 7.31 (d, J = 8 Hz, 1 H), 8.14 (s, 1 H).
Calcd. 56.51 C 5.30H 11.63Ν; found 56.38C 5.27H 11.43N.
Example 23: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 2-(2-meth- oxyphenyl)ethyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000096_0002
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1 -ethanol.
M.p. 165-167 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £ 2.53-2.63 (m, 2H), 2.88 (t, J = 5 Hz, 2H), 3.61 (s, br, 2H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 4.19 (t, J = 7Hz, 2H), 4.39 (s, br, 2H), 6.85 (s, br, 1 H), 6.95 (d, J = 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.10-7.24 (m, 2H), 8.15 (s, 1 H).
Calcd. 55.24C 5.41 H 10.74N; found 55.39C 5.39H 10.62N.
Example 24: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 2-(3-methyl- phenyl)ethyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000097_0001
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1 H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-(3-methylphenyl)-1 -ethanol.
M.p. 155-157 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £ 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.52-2.65 (m, 2H), 2.85 (t, J = 5 Hz, 2H), 3.63 (s, br, 2H), 4.21 (t, J = 5 Hz, 2H), 4.40 (s, 2H), 7.02 (m, 3H), 7.18 (s, br, 1 H), 8.16 (s, 1 H).
(C16H19N3θ2, C2H204); calcd. 57.59C 5.64H 11.19N; found 57.33C 5.64H 11.13N. Example 25: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid adamantan- 1-ylmethyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000098_0001
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 1 -adamantylmethanol.
M.p. 212-214 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £ 1.51 (s, 6H), 1.58-1.72 (m, 6H), 1.94 (s, br, 3H), 2.64 (s, br, 2H), 3.63-3.73 (m, 4H), 4.44 (m, 2H), 8.13 (s, br, 1 H).
Example 26: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 3,4- dimethylbenzyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000098_0002
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 3,4-dimethylbenzyl alcohol.
M.p. 193-195 °C. 1H ΝMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £2.20 (s, 6H), 2.62 (m, 2H), 3.69 (m, 2H), 4.45 (s, 2H), 5.03 (s, 2H), 7.05-7.14 (m, 3H), 8.12 (s, br, 1 H).
Calcd. 57.59C 5.64H 11.19Ν; found 57.76C 5.60H 10.90N. Example 27: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid cyclohex-3- enylmethyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000099_0001
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1/-/-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and cyclohexen-4-ylmethanol.
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £ 1.26 (m, 1 H), 1.70-1.80 (m, 2H), 1.82-1.92 (m, 1 H), 1.98-2.10 (m, 3H), 2.63 (t, J = 5 Hz, 2H), 3.68 (t, J = 5 Hz, 2H), 3.94 (d, J = 7 Hz, 2H), 4.43 (s, br, 2H), 5.65 (m, 2H), 8.10 (s, br, 1 H).
Example 28: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 2,4-di- methylbenzyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000099_0002
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2,4-dimethylbenzylalcohol.
M.p. 176-178 °C. 1H ΝMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £ 2.26 (s, 6H), 2.62 (m, 2H), 3.68 (m, 2H), 4.43 (s, 2H), 5.08 (s, 2H), 6.98 (d, J = 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.02 (s, 1 H), 7.19 (d, J = 8 Hz, 1 H), 8.09 (s, br, 1 H).
(C16H19Ν3θ2, C2H204); calcd. 57.59C 5.64H 11.19N; found 57.51C 5.63H 11.19N. Example 29: 4,5,6, 7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 2-(2-methyl- phenyl)ethyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000100_0001
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-(2-methylphenyl)ethanol.
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £2.29 (s, 3H), 2.59 (s, br, 2H), 2.91 (m, 2H), 3.63 (s, br, 2H), 4.21 (t, J = 5 Hz, 2H), 4.41 (s, 2H), 7.06-7.20 (m, 4H), 8.15 (s, 1 H).
(C16H19N3θ2, C2H204); calcd. 57.59C 5.64H 11.19N; found 57.44C 5.63H 11.16N.
Example 30: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid naphthalen- 1-ylmethyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000100_0002
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 1 -naphthylmethanol.
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £2.52-2.68 (m, 2H), 3.69 (m, 2H), 4.43 (m, 2H), 5.58 (s, 2H), 7.46-7.62 (m, 4H), 7.92-8.00 (m, 2H), 8.05-8.15 (m, 2H). Example 31 : 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 4-isopropyl- benzyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000101_0001
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6N-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 4-isopropylbenzyl alcohol.
M.p. 166-168 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £ 1.19 (d, J = 7 Hz, 6H), 2.64 (m, 2H), 2.89 (sept, J = 7 Hz, 1 H), 3.70 (t, J = 5 Hz, 2H), 4.46 (s, br, 2H), 5.07 (s, 2H), 7.23 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H), 7.29 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H), 8.18 (s, br, 1 H).
(C17H23N302, C2H204); calcd. 58.60C 5.95H 10.79N; found 58.71 C 5.97H 10.76N.
Example 32: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid naphthalen- 2-ylmethyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000101_0002
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1/-/-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-naphthylmethanol.
M.p. 189-191 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £2.67 (m, 2H), 3.64 (m, 2H), 4.43- 4.60 (m, 2H), 5.79 (s, 2H), 7.52-7.56 (m, 3H), 7.89-8.95 (m, 4H), 8.18 (s, br, 1 H).
Calcd. 60.45C 4.82H 10.57N; found 60.33C 4.82H 10.53N. Example 33: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 2- methylbiphenyl-3-ylmethyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000102_0001
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-methylbiphenyl-3-ylmethanol.
M.p. 151-153 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £2.18 (s, 3H), 2.68 (m, 2H), 3.71 (m, 2H), 4.48 (s, br, 2H), 5.19 (s, 2H), 7.18-7.48 (m, 8H), 8.16 (s, br, 1 H).
(C23H23N3θ6,2/3 H20); calcd. 61.46C 5.46H 9.35N; found 61.62C 5.42H 8.94N.
Example 34: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 4-ethyl- benzyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000102_0002
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 4-ethylbenzyl alcohol.
M.p. 171-173 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £ 1.17 (t, J = 7 Hz, 3H), 2.55-2.68 (m, 4H), 3.69 (t, J = 5 Hz, 2H), 4.45 (s, br, 2H), 5.08 (s, 2H), 7.20 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H), 7.29 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H), 8.11 (s, br, 1 H).
(C16H19N302, C2H204); calcd. 57.59C 5.64H 11.19N; found 57.48C 5.61 H 11.20N. Example 35: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid thiophen-2- ylmethyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000103_0001
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-1 H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-thienylmethanol.
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £2.63 (s, br, 2H), 3.68 (s, br, 2H), 4.43 (s, 2H), 5.28 (s, 2H), 7.01 (m, 1 H), 7.17 (d, J = 3 Hz, 1 H), 7.54 (d, J = 5 Hz, 1 H), 8.10 (m, 1 H).
Example 36: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 2-thiophen- 2-ylethyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000103_0002
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-(2-thienyl)-1 -ethanol.
M.p. 173-175 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £ 2.62 (s, br, 2H), 3.13 (t, J = 7 Hz, 2H), 3.68 (t, J = 5 Hz, 2H), 4.21 (t, J = 7 Hz, 2H), 4.43 (s, br, 2H), 6.89-6.99 (m, 2H), 7.34 (s, br, 1 H), 8.11 (s, br, 1 H).
(Cι3H15N3θ2S); calcd. 49.04C 4.66H 11.44N; found 49.12C 4.62H 11.43N. Example 37: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 2-thiophen- 3-ylethyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000104_0001
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-(3-thienyl)-1 -ethanol.
M.p. 193-194 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £2.59 (s, br, 2H), 2.93 (t, J = 7 Hz, 2H), 3.63 (s, br, 2H), 4.21 (t, J = 7 Hz, 2H), 4.40 (s, 2H), 7.03 (s, br, 1 H), 7.24 (s, br, 1 H), 7.46 (s, br, 1 H), 8.08 (s, br, 1 H).
(C13H15N3θ2S); calcd. 49.04C 4.66H 11.44N; found 49.12C 4.61 H 11.40N.
Example 38: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 4-methoxy- 2,3-dimethylbenzyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000104_0002
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2,3-dimethyl-4-methoxybenzyl alcohol.
M.p. 161-162 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £2.09 (s, 3H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 2.62 (s, br, 2H), 3.65 (s, br, 2H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 4.42 (s, br, 2H), 5.08 (s, 2H), 6.78 (d, J = 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.15 (d, J = 8 Hz, 1 H), 8.18 (s, br, 1 H). Example 39: 4-Trifluoromethyl-4,5,6N-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid benzyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000105_0001
The compound was prepared from 4-trifluoromethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H- imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and benzyl alcohol.
M.p. 169-171 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £2.65-2.81 (m, 2H), 2.99 (s, br, 2H), 4.42 (q, J = 8 Hz, 1 H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 7.36-7.45 (m, 3H), 7.51 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H), 8.21 (s, 1 H). 1 H).
Example 40: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 2-cyclohexylethyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000105_0002
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-cyclohexyl-1 -ethanol.
M.p. 174-176 °C.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £ 0.83-0.95 (m, 2H), 1.05-1.26 (m, 3H), 1.32 (m, 1 H), 1.48 (q, J = 7 Hz, 2H), 1.55-1.71 (m, 5H), 2.64 (m, 2H), 3.67 (t, J = 5 Hz, 2H), 4.06 (t, J = 7 Hz, 2H), 4.44 (s, 2H), 8.22 (s, br, 1 H).
(C15H23N3θ2); calcd. 55.58C 6.86H 11.40N; found 55.70C 6.90H 11.32N. Example 41 : 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid cyclohexyl- methyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000106_0001
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and cyclohexylmethanol.
M.p. 176-178 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £ 0.89-1.03 (m, 2H), 1.06-1.29 (m, 3H), 1.55-1.72 (m, 6H), 2.65 (m, 2H), 3.68 (m, 2H), 3.86 (d, J = 7 Hz, 2H), 4.44 (s, br, 2H), 8.20 (s, br, 1 H).
(C14H2ιN302, C2H204) calcd. 54.38C 6.56H 11.89N; found 54.56C 6.64H 11.77N.
Example 42: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 2-chloro- benzyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000106_0002
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-chlorobenzyl alcohol.
M.p. 173-175 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £2.65 (m, 2H), 3.71 (s, br, 2H), 4.48 (m, 2H), 5.19 (s, 2H), 7.38 (m, 2H), 7.50 (m, 2H), 8.09 (s, br, 1 H).
(C14H14CIN302, C2H204); calcd. 50.34C 4.22H 11.01 N; found 50.21 C 4.19H 10.81 N. Example 43: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 2-trifluoro- methyl benzyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000107_0001
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 2-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl alcohol.
M.p. 152-156 °C (EtOAc). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £ 2.67 (m, 2H), 3.71 (m, 2H), 4.48 (s, br, 2H), 5.28 (s, 2H), 7.58 (t, J = 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.65-7.81 (m, 3H), 8.14 (m, 1 H).
(Cι5H14F302, C2H204); calcd. 49.16C 3.88H 10.12N; found 49.21 C 3.86H 10.11 N.
Example 44: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid 1-phenyl- ethyl ester oxalate
Figure imgf000107_0002
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 1-phenylethanol.
M.p. 162 °C (decomposes; EtOAc/MeOH).1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) £ 1.49 (d, J = 7 Hz, 3H), 2.62 (s, br, 2H), 3.62-3.80 (m, 2H), 4.38-4.60 (m, 2H), 5.74 (q, J = 7 Hz, 1 H), 7.25-7.40 (m, 5H), 8.06 (s, br, 1 H).
Calcd. 56.51 C 5.30H 11.63N; found 56.46C 5.28H 11.48N. Example 45: (4-Benzylpiperidin-1 -yl)-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-5-yl)- methanone oxalate
Figure imgf000108_0001
The compound was prepared from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and 4-benzylpiperidine according to the following, general procedure for the preparation of ureas:
A solution of 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (1.04 g, 5.2 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) was dropwise added to a solution of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (1.0 g, 4.7 mmol) in methanol (14 mL) and triethylamine (1.9 mL). The resulting mixture was stirred at 20 °C for 1 h, concentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue was distributed between DCM (40 mL) and water (40 mL). After separation of phases the aqueous phase was extracted with DCM (1 x 40 mL), and the combined organic phases were dried (MgS04) and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in DMF (20 mL), 4-benzylpiperidine (1.65 mL, 9.39 mmol) was added, and the resulting mixture was stirred at 80 °C for 17 h. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue was redissolved in ethyl acetate. After washing with water the organic phase was dried (MgS04) and filtered. To the filtrate was added a solution of oxalic acid (0.44 g, 4.9 mmol) in ethyl acetate, and the resulting precipitate is filtered off. The resulting solid was distributed between an aqueous solution of Na- HC03 and ethyl acetate, and the organic layer was purified by column chromatography. The purified compound was again precipitated as oxalate from ethyl acetate to yield 0.58 g (30%) of the title oxalate as colorless solid, which does not melt but decomposes upon heating.
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £ 1.06-1.20 (m, 2H), 1.52-1.60 (m, 2H), 1.61-1.75 (m, 1 H), 2.52 (m, 2H), 2.65-2.78 (m, 4H), 3.42 (t, J = 5 Hz, 2H), 3.55-3.63 (m, 2H), 4.23 (s, 2H), 7.16-7.31 (m, 5H), 8.40 (s, 1 H). Anal, calcd. for C19H24N40, 1.5 C2H204 (459.49): 57.51 C 5.92H 12.19N; found: 57.67C 6.20H 12.25N.
Example 46: 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid Λ/-methyl-Λ/- benzylamide oxalate
Figure imgf000109_0001
The compound was prepared in the same way as disclosed for example 45 from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and benzylmethylamine.
M.p. 164-166 °C (EtOAc/MeOH). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £2.71 (m, 5H), 3.49 (t, J = 5 Hz, 2H), 4.23 (s, 2H), 4.36 (s, 2H), 7.23-7.39 (m, 5H), 8.19 (s, 1 H).
Calcd. 56.66C 5.59H 15.55N; found 56.75C 5.61 H 15.35N.
Example 47: (3,4-Dihydro-1 H-isoquinolin-2-yl)(4,5,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]- pyridin-5-yl)methanone
Figure imgf000109_0002
The compound was prepared in the same way as disclosed for example 45 from 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and benzylmethylamine .
M.p. 102-104 °C (EtOAc). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) £2.66 (s, br, 2H), 2.84 (t, J = 5 Hz, 2H), 3.46 (m, 4H), 4.21 (s, br, 2H), 4.39 (s, 2H), 7.16 (s, 4H), 7.47 (s, 1 H), 11.80 (s, 1 H). Example 48: 3,3-Dimethyl-1-(1 ,4,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-5-yl)-butan-1- one
Figure imgf000110_0001
At 0 °C, EDC (0.45 g, 2.4 mmol) was added to a solution of tert-butylacetic acid (0.30 mL, 2.3 mmol), and 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole (0.32 g, 2.4 mmol) in dichloromethane (30 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 20 min at 0 °C. 4,5,6,7-tetra- hydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine dihydrochloride (0.50 g, 2.4 mmol) was added. Ethyldi- isopropylamine (0.40 mL, 2.4 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 16 h at room temperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (100 mL) and washed with 10% aqueous sodium hydrogen sulfate solution (100 mL). A 1 N solution of sodium hydroxide was added to the aqueous solution until pH 12 was obtained. It was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 100 mL). These organic extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate. The solvent was removed in vacuo. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica (40 g), using dichloro- methane/methanol/25% aqueous ammonia (100:10:1 ) as eluent to give 125 mg of the title compound.
1H NMR (CDCI3, 2 rotamers): δ 1.03 and 1.10 (both s, together 9 H); 2.35 and 2.40 (both s, together 2 H); 2.68 and 2.78 (both t, together 2 H); 3.80 and 3.95 (both t, together 2 H); 4.55 and 4.70 (both s, together 2 H); 7.53 (s, 1 H).
For biological testing it was transferred into its acetate salt by lyophilization with 0.5 M acetic acid (40 mL). Example 49: 3-Phenyl-1-(1 ,4,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-5-yl)propynone
Figure imgf000111_0001
1-Hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole (0.32 g, 2.4 mmol) was added to a solution of phenyl- propiolic acid (0.34 g, 2.4 mmol) in dichloromethane (30 mL). The solution was cooled to 0 °C. EDC (0.45 g, 2.4 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 20 min. 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine dihycrochloride (0.50 g, 2.3 mmol) was added. Ethyldiisopropylamine (0.40 mL, 2.3 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 16 h at room temperature. It was diluted with ethyl acetate (100 mL) and washed with 10% aqueous sodium hydrogensulfate solution (100 mL). The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 60 mL): It was added a 1 N sodium hydroxide solution until pH 12 was obtained. It was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 90 mL). These extracts were combined and dried over magne- sium sulfate. The solvent was removed in vacuo. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica (40 g), using dichloromethane/methanol/25% aqueous ammonia (100:10:1 ) as eluent, to give 50 mg of the title compound.
1H NMR (CDCI3, 2 rotamers): £ 2.75 and 2.85 (both t, together 2 H); 4.03 and 4.15 (both t, together 2 H); 4.75 and 4.92 (both s, together 1 H); 7.10 - 7.70 (m, 6 H).
The title compound was transferred into its oxalate salt by dissolving in ethyl acetate (20 mL) and addition of a solution of oxalic acid in ethyl acetate (20 mL). The precipitation was collected and washed with ethyl acetate (10 mL). It was dried in vacuo.
HPLC : Rt = 6.922 min (Method h8).
LC-MS calcd. for MH+: 252 found: 252. Example 50: 2E-3-(4-tert-Butylphenyl)-1-(1 ,4,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-5- yl)propenone
Figure imgf000112_0001
At 0 °C, EDC (0.45 g, 2.4 mmol) was added to a solution of 3-(4-fert-butylphenyl)- acrylic acid (0.48 g, 2.4 mmol) and 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole (0.32 g, 2.4 mmol) in dichloromethane (30 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 20 min at 0 °C. 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine dihydrochloride (0.50 g, 2.3 mmol) was added. Ethyldiisopropylamine (0.40 mL, 2.3 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 16 h at room temperature. It was diluted with ethyl acetate (100 mL) and washed with a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate (100 mL). The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 60 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over magnesium sulfate. The solvent was re- moved in vacuo. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica (40 g), using dichloromethane/methanol/25% aqueous ammonia (100:10:1 ) as eluent, to give 119 mg of the title compound.
Η NMR (CDCI3): £ 1.32 (s, 9 H); 2.75 (br, 2 H); 3.95 (br, 2 H); 4.75 (br, 2 H); 6.95 (d, 1 H); 7.35 - 7.55 (m, 5 H); 7.65 (d, 1 H).
For biological testing, the title compound was transferred into its oxalate salt: The title compound was dissolved in ethyl acetate (15 mL). A solution of oxalic acid (58 mg, 0.64 mmol) in ethyl acetate (15 mL) was added. The precipitation was collected, washed with ethyl acetate (10 mL) and dried in vacuo.
HPLC: Rt 9.55 min (Method h8). LC-MS: calcd. for MH+: 310; found 310.
Example 51 : 2-Bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl-1-(1 ,4,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-5- yl)ethanone
Figure imgf000113_0001
At 0 °C, EDC (0.45 g, 2.4 mmol) was added to a solution of 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzo- triazole (0.32 g, 2.4 mmol) and 2-norbornaneacetic acid (0.338 mL, 2.4 mmol) in di- chloromethane (30 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 20 min at 0 °C. 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine dihycrochloride (0.50 g, 2.3 mmol) was added. Ethyldiisopropylamine (0.40 mL, 2.3 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 16 h at room temperature. It was diluted with ethyl acetate (100 mL) and washed with a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate (100 mL). The aqueous solution was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 60 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over magnesium sulfate. The solvent was removed in vacuo. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica (40 g), using dichloromethane/methanol/25% aqueous ammonia (100:10:1) as eluent, to give 120 mg of the title compound.
1H NMR (CDCI3, 2 rotamers): £ 1.00 - 2.50 (m, 13 H); 2.65 and 2.75 (both t, together 2 H); 3.75 and 3.90 (both t, together 2 H); 4.55 and 4.65 (both s, together 2 H); 7.53 (s, 1 H).
For biological testing, the title compound was transferred into its oxalate salt: The title compound was dissolved in ethyl acetate (15 mL). A solution of oxalic acid (42 mg, 0.47 mmol) in ethyl acetate (15 mL) was added. The precipitation was collected, washed with ethyl acetate (10 mL) and dried in vacuo. HPLC: Rt = 7.59 min (Method h8).
LC-MS: calcd. for MH+: 260; found 260.
C15H2ιN30 • C2H204 (349.39) calcd: 58.44C 6.64H 12.03N; found: 58.72C 6.70H 11.99N.
Example 52: 4-Pentylphenyl-(1 ,4,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-5-yl)methanone hydrochloride
Figure imgf000114_0001
To a solution of 4-pentylbenzoic acid (0.77 g, 4 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added carbonyl diimidazole (0.65 g, 4 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (0.81 g, 3.8 mmol) and triethylamine (1.6 mL) were added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight.
The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, and water (50 mL) and ethyl acetate (50 mL) were added to the residue. The organic phase was washed with water twice, with brine, dried (MgS04), and mixed with a solution of oxalic acid (0.35 g) in ethyl acetate (20 mL). The mixture was kept at room temperature overnight, filtered, and the resulting solid was dried under reduced pressure. 1.08 g (73%) of the colourless oxalate were obtained.
The oxalate was dissolved in water (50 mL) and sodium hydroxide (2 mL, 4N in water) was added. The free base was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 100 mL), and after drying (MgS04) and concentration it was redissolved in hydrochloric acid (1 N in water). Concentration and precipitation from acetone yielded 0.45 g (36%) of the title compound as colourless solid.
M.p. 180-183 °C. 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-de): £ 0.88 (t, J = 7 Hz, 3H), 1.22-1.40 (m, 4H), 1.59 (quintt, J = 7 Hz, 2H), 2.62 (t, J = 7 Hz, 2H), 2.78 (m, 2H), 3.1-4.1 (m, 4H), 7.30 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H), 7.39 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H), 8.95 (s, 1 H), 14.65 (s, br, 1 H).
Example 53: 4-Trifluoromethoxypheny!-(1 ,4,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-5-yl)- methanone hydrochloride
Figure imgf000115_0001
The compound was prepared in the same way as example 52 from 4-trifluoro- methoxybenzoic acid and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine.
M.p. 239-242 °C. 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-de): £ 2.80 (m, 2H), 3.0-4.8 (m, 4H), 7.48 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H), 7.65 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H), 8.98 (s, 1 H), 14.75 (s, br, 1 H).
Example 54: 4-Trifluoromethylphenyl-(1 ,4,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-5- yl)methanone oxalate
Figure imgf000115_0002
The compound was prepared in the same way as example 52 from 4-trifluoro- methylbenzoic acid and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine.
M.p. 201-203 °C. 1H NMR (mixture of rotamers, 400 MHz, DMSO-de): 2.66-2.80 (m, 2H), 3.54 (s, br, 1.5H), 3.96 (s, br, 0.5H), 4.38 (s, br, 0.5H), 4.69 (s, 1.5H), 7.68 (m, 2H), 7.85 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H), 8.02 (s, br, 0.25H), 8.20 (s, 0.75H).
Example 55: 4-lsobutylphenyl-(1 ,4,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-5- yl)methanone oxalate
Figure imgf000116_0001
The compound was prepared in the same way as example 52 from 4-isobutylbenzoic acid and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine.
M.p. 185-186 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-de) £ 0.88 (d, J = 7 Hz, 6H), 1.88 (sept, J = 7 Hz, 1 H), 2.50 (d, J = 7Hz, 2H), 2.71 (s, br, 2H), 3.55-3.99 (m, 2H), 4.38-4.65 (m, 2H), 7.25 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H), 7.38 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H), 7.98-8.21 (m, 1 H).
Example 56: 4-Chlorophenyl-(1 ,4,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-5- yl)methanone oxalate
Figure imgf000116_0002
The compound was prepared in the same way as example 52 from 4-chlorobenzoic acid and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine. M.p. 228-230 °C. 1H NMR (mixture of rotamers, 400 MHz, DMSO-de): £ 2.72 (s, br, 2H), 3.56 (s, br, 1.5H), 3.93 (s, br, 0.5H), 4.42 (s, br, 0.5H), 4.64 (s, 1.5H), 7.48 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H), 7.53 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H), 8.02 (s, br, 0.25H), 8.18 (s, 0.75H).
Furthermore, the following preferred compounds according to the invention may be prepared according to the general procedures set forth in the foregoing description:
Figure imgf000118_0001
Figure imgf000118_0002
Figure imgf000119_0001
Figure imgf000120_0001
Figure imgf000121_0001
Figure imgf000122_0001
Figure imgf000123_0001
Figure imgf000124_0001
Figure imgf000125_0001
The following examples were prepared according to General Procedure C, D or E. The molecular weights of the examples were all confirmed by MS:
Figure imgf000126_0001
Figure imgf000127_0001
Figure imgf000128_0001
Figure imgf000129_0001
143 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 75 305.4 carboxylic acid (3-cyclohexylpropyl) ester
Figure imgf000130_0001
144 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 75 257.3 carboxylic acid phenyl ester
Figure imgf000130_0002
145 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 95 271.3 carboxylic acid benzyl ester
Figure imgf000130_0003
146 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 97 285.3 carboxylic acid (2-phenylethyl) ester
Figure imgf000130_0004
147 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4 , 5-d]azepine-6- 94 299.4 carboxylic acid 3-phenylpropyl ester
Figure imgf000131_0001
148 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 92 313.4 carboxylic acid 4-ferf-butylphenyl ester
Figure imgf000131_0002
149 4,5N,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-djazepine-6- 91 327.4 carboxylic acid 4-terf-butylphenylmethyl ester
Figure imgf000131_0003
150 4,5,7, 8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 95 341.5 carboxylic acid 4-terf-butylphenylethyl ester
Figure imgf000131_0004
Figure imgf000132_0001
154 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 86 297.4 carboxylic acid indan-5-yl ester
Figure imgf000133_0001
155 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 90 262.4 carboxylic acid cyclohexyl amide
Figure imgf000133_0002
156 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 90 276.4 carboxylic acid cyclohexylmethyl amide
Figure imgf000133_0003
157 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 92 290.4 carboxylic acid 2-cyclohexylethyl amide
Figure imgf000133_0004
158 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 99 256.3 carboxylic acid anilide
Figure imgf000134_0001
159 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 90 270.3 carboxylic acid benzylamide
Figure imgf000134_0002
160 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 90 284.4 carboxylic acid 2-phenylethylamide
Figure imgf000134_0003
161 4,5N,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-djazepine-6- 90 298.4 carboxylic acid 3-phenylpropylamide
Figure imgf000134_0004
162 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 98 312.4 carboxylic acid 4-f erf-butyl phenyl amide
Figure imgf000135_0001
163 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 90 324.4 carboxylic acid 4-cyclopropanoylphenyl amide
Figure imgf000135_0002
164 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 90 338.4 carboxylic acid (4-cyclopropanoylphenyl)methyl amide
Figure imgf000135_0003
165 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4 , 5-d]azepine-6- 98 296.4 carboxylic acid indan-5-yl amide
Figure imgf000135_0004
166 2-Thienyl(4,5,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]aze- 90 247.3 pin-6-yl)methanone
167 ( 90 261.3 d]azepin-6-yl)methanone
Figure imgf000136_0002
168 2-Naphthyl(4,5N,8-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]aze- 90 291.4 pin-6-yl)methanone
Figure imgf000136_0003
169 (1 ,2,3,4-Tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)(4,5,7,8- 90 295.4 tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepin-6-yl)methanone
Figure imgf000136_0004
170 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 91 290.8 carboxylic acid 4-chlorophenyl amide
Figure imgf000136_0005
171 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 97 304.8 carboxylic acid 4-chlorobenzyl amide
Figure imgf000137_0001
172 4,5,7,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 76 299.4 carboxylic acid 4-dimethylaminophenyl amide
Figure imgf000137_0002
173 4,5N,8-Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]azepine-6- 98 296.4 carboxylic acid trans-2-phenylcyclopropyl amide
Figure imgf000137_0003
PHARMACOLOGICAL METHODS
The ability of the compounds to interact with the histamine H3 receptor was deter- mined by the following in vitro binding assays.
Binding assay I
Rat cerebral cortex was homogenized in ice cold K-Hepes, 5 mM MgCI2 pH 7.1 buffer. After two differential centrifugations the last pellet was resuspended in fresh Hepes buffer containing 1 mg/mL bacitracin. Aliquots of the membrane suspension (400 mg/mL) were incubated for 60 min at 25°C with 30 pM [125l]-iodoproxifan, a known histamine H3 receptor antagonist, and the test compound at various concentrations. The incubation was stopped by dilution with ice-cold medium, followed by rapid filtration through Whatman GF/B filters pretreated for 1 h with 0.5% polyethyle- neimine. The radioactivity retained on the filters was counted using a Cobra II auto gamma counter. The radioactivity of the filters was indirectly proportional to the bind- ing affinity of the tested compound. The results were analyzed by nonlinear regression analysis.
Binding assay II The H3-receptor agonist ligand R-α-methyl[3H]histamine was incubated with isolated rat cortex cell-membranes at 25 °C for 1 h, followed by a filtration of the incubate through Whatman GF/B filters. Radioactivity retained on the filters was measured using a beta counter.
Male Wistar rats (150-200 g) were decapitated and cerebral cortex was quickly dissected out and frozen immediately on dry ice. Tissue was kept at -80 °C until membrane preparation. During the membrane preparation the tissue was kept on ice all the time. Rat cerebral cortex was homogenized in 10 volumes (w/w) ice-cold Hepes buffer (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM MgCI2 pH 7.1 (KOH) + 1 mg/mL bacitracin) using a Ul- tra-Turrax homogenizer for 30 seconds. The homogenate was centrifuged at 140 g in 10 min. The supernatant was transferred to a new test tube and centrifuged for 30 min at 23 000 g. Pellet was resuspended in 5-10 mL Hepes buffer, homogenized and centrifuged for 10 min at 23 000 g. This short centrifugation step is repeated twice. After the last centrifugation the pellet was resuspended in 2-4 mL Hepes buffer and the protein concentration was determined. The membranes were diluted to a protein concentration of 5 mg/mL using Hepes buffer, aliquoted and stored at -80 °C until use
50 μL test-compound, 100 μL membrane (200 μg/mL), 300 μL. Hepes buffer and 50 μL R-α-methyl[3H]histamine (1 nM) were mixed in a test tube. The compounds to be tested were dissolved in DMSO and further diluted in H2O to the desired concentrations. Radioligand and membranes were diluted in Hepes buffer + 1 mg/mL bacitracin. The mixture was incubated for 60 min at 25 °C. Incubation was terminated by adding 5 mL ice-cold 0.9 % NaCl, followed by rapid filtration through Whatman GF/B filters pre-treated for 1 h with 0.5 % polyethyleneimine. The filters were washed with 2 x 5 mL ice-cold NaCl. To each filter a 3 mL scintillation cocktail was added and the radioactivity retained was measured with a Packard Tri-Carb beta counter. IC5o values were calculated by non-linear regression analysis of binding curves (6 points minimum) using the windows program GraphPad Prism, GraphPad software, USA.
When tested, the present compounds of the formula (I) generally showed a high binding affinity to the histamine H3 receptor.
Preferably, the compounds according to the invention have an IC50 value as deter- mined by one or both of the assays of less than 1 μM, more preferred of less than 500 nM and even more preferred of less than 100 nM.
The ability of the present compounds to reduce weight was determined using the in vivo open cage Schedule-fed rat model.
The open cage Schedule-fed rat model
Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats of an age of about Vλ to 2 months and a weight of about 250 g were habituated to the presence of food (Altromin pelleted rat chow) in their home cage only during three hours in the morning from 9 to12 a.m. all days a week. Water was present ad libitum. As the consumption of food stabilised after 7 to 9 days, the animals were ready for use.
The animals were tested twice a week. During the test sessions, the test compound was administered intraperitoneally 30 minutes before the start of the sessions. One group of 9 animals was administered the test compound at a dose of 15 mg/kg and another group of 11 animals was administered the test compound at a dose of 30 mg/kg. A control group of 11 animals was administered the vehicle consisting of NaCl 0.9% and Chremophor 5%. Food and water intake were monitored at 1 , 2 and 3 h post administration. 138
During the test period the animals were weighed weekly and if necessary extra food was given in order to ensure that the weight gain was 3 to 5 g per week corresponding to the normal weight gain for SD male rats at this age.
Any side effects could rapidly be discovered (barrel-rolling, bushy fur etc.) since the animals were kept in transparent plastic cages to enable continuous monitoring.

Claims

1. A compound of the general formula I
Figure imgf000141_0001
wherein
R1 is hydrogen or a functional group, which can be converted to hydrogen in vivo;
R2 is hydrogen, Cι-6-alkyl, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxy
Figure imgf000141_0002
wherein R7 and R8 independently are
hydrogen,
C-ι-6-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3-8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
C-ι-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, Ci-β-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with C-ι-6-alkyl, C-ι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C-ι-6-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with
C3-8-cycloalkyl, d-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
R7 and R8, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with Cι-6-alkyl, C-ι-6-alkoxy, C-ι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C-ι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
R3, R4, R5 and R6 independently are
hydrogen, carboxy, C-ι-6-alkoxycarbonyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, halogen,
C3-8-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with
C-ι-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, C-i-β-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C-ι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C-ι-6-alkyl, C2-6-alkenyl or C2.6-alkynyl, which are optionally substituted with
C-ι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, cyano, halogen, trifluoromethyl, trifluoro- methoxy, carboxy, Ci-β-alkoxycarbonyl, 141
C3-8-cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, which are optionally substituted with
C-ι-6-alkyl, C-ι-6-alkoxy, C-ι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C-i-β-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or
-CO-NR9R10,
aryl optionally substituted with halogen, cyano, nitro, Cι-6-alkyl, C-ι-6-alkoxy, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoro- methoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aryloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or -CO-NR9R10,
-CO-NR9R10,
wherein R9 and R10 independently are
hydrogen,
C-ι-6-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3-8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
C-ι-6-alkyl, C-ι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or het- eroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with
C-ι-6-alkyl, C-ι-6-alkoxy, C-ι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C-i-β-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, C-ι-6-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with
C3-8-cycloalkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
R9 and R10, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C-ι-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
R3 and R4, together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, and/or R5 and R6 together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring optionally substituted with C-ι-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
m, n, p and q independently are 0, 1 or 2;
X is a valence bond, -CH2-, -C(=0)-, -C(=S)-, -S(=0)-, -S(=0)2-, -C(=N-CN)-, -C(=CH-N02)-, -C[=C(CN)2]-, -C(=CH-CN)-, -C(=NR11)- or -C(=N-S(=0)2R1 a)-,
wherein R11 is
hydrogen,
C-ι-6-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3-8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
C-ι-6-alkyl, C-ι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with C-ι-6-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, C-ι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
Ci-6-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with C3-8-cycloalkyl, C-ι-6-alkoxy, C-ι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(C-ι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
R 1a is
C-ι-6-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3-8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
C-ι-6-alkyl, C-ι-6-alkoxy, Ci-β-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C-ι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with C-ι-6-alkyl, C-ι-6-alkoxy, C-.-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
Y is a valence bond, -O- or -N(R12)-,
wherein R 12 is
hydrogen,
C-ι-6-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3-8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
C-ι-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with
C-ι-6-alkyl, C-ι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C-ι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C-ι-6-alkylsuϊfonyl optionally substituted with
C3-8-cycloalkyl, C-i-β-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
A is a valence bond, C-i-s-alkylene, C2-8-alkenylene, C2-8-alkynylene, C3-8-cyclo- alkylene or phenylene, or when Y is -N(R12)-, A, together with R12 and the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, may form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring system optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C^-alkyl, C-ι-6-alkoxy, C-ι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aryl-C-ι-6-alkyl, heteroaryl-C-ι-6-alkyl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino; and
Z is -R13, -OR13, -SR13, -NR13R14, -CHR13R14, -CR13R14R15 or =CR13R14,
wherein R13, R14 and R15 independently are
hydrogen,
Cι-6-alkyl, C2-6-alkenyl or C2-6-alkynyl, which are optionally substituted with aryl, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, C-i-β-alkyl- sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, heteroaryl or C3-8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with C-ι-6-alkyl, C-ι-6-alkoxy, C-ι-6-alkylthio, aryl-Cι-6-alkyl, heteroaryl-Ci-β-al- kyl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, C-ι-6-alkylsulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethoxy or trifluoro- methyl,
aryl, C3-ι5-cycloalkyl, C3-i5-cycloalkenyl, C3-i5-cycloalkynyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted with aryl-Cι-6-alkyl, heteroaryl-C-ι-6-alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, nitro, arylamino, het- eroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, Cι-6-alkyl- sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, C-ι-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, C3-8-cycloalkanecarbonyl, hydroxy, amino, C-ι-6-alkylamino, di(C1-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethoxy or trifluoromethyl, where
R13 and R14 or R13, R14 and R15, when they do not represent hydrogen, may be joined by one or more bridging linkers such as a valence bond, C-ι-4-alkylene, C2.4-alkenylene, -0-, -S-, -N(R16)-, -C(=O)-, -S(=0)-, -S(=O)2-, -C(R16R17)-, phenylene, biphenylene, -O-Cι- -alkylene, -S-C- -alkylene, -N(R 6)-Cι- -alkylene, -N=Cι-4-alkylene, -O-C2- -alkenylene, -S-C2- -alkenylene or -N(R16)-C2- -alkenylene, to form a mono-, bi- or polycyclic ring system,
wherein R16 and R17 independently are
hydrogen,
C-ι-6-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3-8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with C-i-6-alkyl, C-ι-6-alkoxy, d-β-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkyl- amino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with C-ι-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, d-β-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C-ι-6-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with
C3-8-cycloalkyl, C-ι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, C-ι-6-alkyl- amino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoro- methoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
R16 and R 7, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with C-ι-6-alkyl, C-ι-6-alkoxy, C-ι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, het- eroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
with the provisos that
when X is -CS-, R1 = R2 = R5 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , the group -Y-A-Z must not start with the radical -NH-;
when the group -X- Y-A-Z starts with the radical -CH2-, R1 = R2 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be carboxy or aminocarbonyl;
when X is -CO-, the group -Y-A-Z starts with the radical -NH-, R1 = R2 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , the remainder of the group -Y-A-Z must not be hydrogen, unsubstituted or d-β-alkoxy substituted phenyl, unsubstituted C3-8-cycloalkyl or unsubstituted Cι-6-alkyl;
when X is -CO-, Y is -0-, A is -CH2-, Z is phenyl, R1 = R2 = R3 = R4 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be carboxy, aminocarbonyl or 4-phenyl- piperazin-1 -ylcarbonyl;
when X is -CO-, Y is -0-, A is -CH2-, Z is phenyl, R1 = R3 = R4 = R6 = hydrogen, R2 = butyl, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be methoxycarbonyl; when X is -CO-, Y is -O-, A is -CH2-, Z is phenyl, R1 = R2 = R4 = R5 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R3 must not be hydrogen, ethyl, isopropyl or phenyl;
when X is -CO-, Y is -0-, A is a valence bond, Z is terf-butyl, R1 = R2 = R3 = R4 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be carboxy;
when X is -CO-, Y is -0-, A is a valence bond, Z is fert-butyl, R1 = R2 = R4 = R5 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R3 must not be 4-cyanophenyl;
when X is -CO-, the group -Y-A-Z starts with the radical -O-, R1 = R2 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be carboxy, aminocarbonyl or hydrogen;
when -X is -CO-, the group -Y-A-Z starts with the radical -CH<, R1 = R2 = R3 = R4 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be hydroxymethyl, d-β-alkoxy- carbonyl or carboxy; and
when X is -CO-, the group -Y-A-Z is 4-methoxyphenyl, R1 = R2 = R3 = R4 = R6 = hydrogen, m = n = p = 0 and q = 1 , R5 must not be carboxy;
as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
2. A compound according to claim 1 , wherein R1 = R2 = hydrogen.
3. A compound according to claim 1 or 2, wherein m = n = p = 0; and q = 1.
4. A compound according to claim 1 or 2, wherein n = p = 0; and m = q = 1.
5. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein X is a valence bond, -C(=0)-, -S(=0)2-, -C(=N-CN)-, -C(=CH-N02)- or -C(=N-S(=0)2R11a)-, wherein
R1 a is as defined in claim 1.
6. A compound according to claim 5, wherein X is -C(=O)-.
7. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein A is a valence bond, d-8-alkylene, C2-8-alkenylene or C2-8-alkynylene.
8. A compound according to claim 7, wherein A is a valence bond or d-s-alkylene.
9. A compound according to claim 8, wherein A is a valence bond, methylene, ethylene or propylene.
10. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Z is -R13, -NR13R14, -CHR13R14 or -CR13R14R15, wherein R13, R14 and R15 are as defined in claim 1.
11. A compound according to claim 10, wherein Z is -R13, wherein R13 is as defined in claim 1.
12. A compound according to claim 11 , wherein Z is d-6-alkyl, aryl, C3-i5-cycloalkyl, C3-i5-cycloalkenyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted as defined in claim 1.
13. A compound according to claim 12, wherein Z is d-6-alkyl, phenyl, naphthyl, thienyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, oxazolyl, indanyl, isoquinolyl, benzoyl or tetrahydronaphthyl which are optionally substituted as defined in claim 1.
14. A compound according to claim 17, wherein Z is phenyl or cyclohexyl which are optionally substituted as defined in claim 1.
15. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 14, wherein Z is unsubstituted or substituted with one to three substituents selected from d-6-alkyl,
C-ι-6-alkoxy, halogen, phenyl, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, C3-8-cyclopropanecarbonyl, trifluoromethoxy and trifluoromethyl.
16. A compound according to claim 10, wherein Z is -NR 3R14, in which R13 and R14 are both phenyl, which phenyl groups are joined with a Cι--v-alkylene group to form a tricyclic ring system.
17. A compound according to claim 10, wherein Z is -CHR13R14, in which R13 is d-6-alkyl or phenyl and R 4 is phenyl, or R13 and R14 are both d-6-alkyl which are joined with Cι- -alkylene linkers to form a polycarbocyclic ring system.
18. A compound according to claim 10, wherein Z is -CR13R14R15, in which R13, R14 and R15 are d-β-alkyl which are joined with Cι-4-alkylene linkers to form a polycarbocyclic ring system.
19. A compound according to claim 18, wherein Z is adamantyl.
20. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein R3 and R4 independently are
hydrogen;
C3-8-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with d-6-alkyl, d-6-alkoxy, d-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkylamino), halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
Cι-6-alkyl optionally substituted with
C3-8-cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino which are optionally substituted with
Ci-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkylamino), halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, aryl optionally substituted with halogen, cyano, nitro, Cι-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aryloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or -CO-NR9R10, wherein R9 and R10 are as defined in claim 1 , or
R3 and R4, together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, form a C3-8-cycloalkyl ring optionally substituted with Cι-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(d-6-alkylamino), halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino.
21. A compound according to claim 20, wherein R3 and R4 are both hydrogen or are both C-ι-6-alkyl, or R3 and R4, together with the carbon atom to which they are con- nected, form a C3-8-cycloalkyl ring, or one of R3 and R4 is hydrogen while the other is C3-8-cycloalkyl substituted Ci-6-alkyl.
22. A compound according to any one of the claims 1 to 21 , wherein R5 and R6 are both hydrogen.
23. A compound according to any one of the claims 1 to 22, wherein R 3 , D R4 , D R5 a , nd R6 are hydrogen.
24. A compound according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein R1 = R2 = hydro- gen; R3, R4, R5 and R6 are hydrogen; X is -C(=0)-; Y is -N(R12)-, wherein R12 and A, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring system optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with Cι-6-alkyl, d-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkyrthio, hydroxy, amino, d-6-alkylamino, di(d-6-alkylamino), halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aryl-C-ι-6-alkyl, heteroaryl-Cι-6-alkyl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino; and Z is -R13, wherein R13 is hydrogen. 152
25. A compound according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein R1 = R2 = hydrogen; R3, R4, R5 and R6 are hydrogen; X is -C(=N-CN)-, -C(=CH-N02)- or -C(=N-S(=0)2R11a)-, wherein R11a is d-6-alkyl or phenyl substituted with d-6-alkyl; Y is -NH-; A is d-s-alkylene; and Z is -R13, wherein R13 is Cι-6-alkyl, aryl, C3-ι5-cyclo- alkyl, C3-i5-cycloalkenyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted as defined in claim 1.
26. A compound according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein R1 = R2 = hydrogen; R3, R4, R5 and R6 are hydrogen; X is -S(=O)2-; Y is a valence bond; A is a valence bond or Ci-s-alkylene; and Z is -R13, wherein R13 is d-6-alkyl, aryl, C3-ι5-cyclo- alkyl, C3-ι5-cycloalkenyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted as defined in claim 1.
27. A compound according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein R1 = R2 = hydrogen; R3, R4, R5 and R6 are hydrogen; X is -C(=0)-; Y is -N(R12)-, wherein R12 is hydrogen or C-ι-6-alkyl; A is a valence bond or d-8-alkylene; and Z is -R13, wherein R13 is d-6-alkyl, aryl, C3--ι5-cycloalkyl, C3-ι5-cycloalkenyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted as defined in claim 1.
28. A compound according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein R1 = R2 = hydrogen; R3, R4, R5 and R6 are hydrogen; X is -C(=0)-; Y is -0-; A is a valence bond or d-8-alkylene; and Z is -R13, wherein R13 is d-6-alkyl, aryl, C3-i5-cycloalkyl, C3-15- cycloalkenyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted as defined in claim 1.
29. A compound according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein R1 = R2 = hydrogen; R3, R4, R5 and R6 are hydrogen; X is -C(=0)-; Y is a valence bond; A is a va- lence bond or Ci-s-alkylene; and Z is -R13, wherein R13 is Ci-β-alkyl, aryl, C3-i5-cyclo- alkyl, C3-ι5-cycloalkenyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted as defined in claim 1.
30. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims 25 to 29, wherein Z is d-6-alkyl, phenyl, naphthyl, thienyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, oxazolyl, indanyl, isoquinolyl, benzoyl or tetrahydronaphthyl which are optionally substituted as defined in claim 1.
31. A compound according to claim 30, wherein Z is phenyl or cyclohexyl, which are optionally substituted as defined in claim 1.
32. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims 25 to 31 , wherein Z is unsubstituted or substituted with one to three substituents selected from d-6-alkyl, d-6-alkoxy, halogen, phenyl, di(d-6-alkyl)amino, C3-8-cyclopropanecarbonyl, trifluoromethoxy and trifluoromethyl.
33. A compound according to any one of the claims 1 to 32 for use as a medicament.
34. A pharmaceutical composition comprising, as an active ingredient, at least one compound according to any one of the claims 1 to 32 together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents.
35. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 34 in unit dosage form, comprising from about 0.05 mg to about 1000 mg, preferably from about 0.1 mg to about 500 mg and especially preferred from about 0.5 mg to about 200 mg of the compound according to any one of the claims 1 to 32.
36. Use of a compound of the general formula I'
R4 R3
R1 (CH2 2)/m (CH2)n \
N
FT ^ N — X \
N Y — t- '
(CH2 2)/,q (CH2)p
K K
wherein
R1 is hydrogen or a functional group, which can be converted to hydrogen in vivo;
R is hydrogen, d-6-alkyl, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxy or -NR7R8,
wherein R7 and R8 independently are
hydrogen,
d-6-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3-8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with d-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, d-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, d-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with d-e-alkyl, d-β-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Ci-β-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
Cι-6-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with
C3-8-cycloalkyl, Cι-6-aikoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, d-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
R7 and R8, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with Cι-6-alkyl, d-β-alkoxy, C-ι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
R3, R4, R5 and R6 independently are
hydrogen, carboxy, d-6-alkoxycarbonyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, halogen,
C3-8-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with
Cι-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, d-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, d-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
d-6-alkyl, C2-6-alkenyl or C2-6-alkynyl, which are optionally substituted with d-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, cyano, halogen, trifluoromethyl, trifluoro- methoxy, carboxy, Ci-β-alkoxycarbonyl, 156
C3-8-cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, which are optionally substituted with d-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or
-CO-NR9R10,
aryl optionally substituted with halogen, cyano, nitro, Cι-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoro- methoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aryloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or -CO-NR9R10,
-CO-NR9R10,
wherein R9 and R10 independently are
hydrogen,
C-ι-6-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3-8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with d-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(d-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or het- eroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with d-6-alkyl, d-β-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, d-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, d-6-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with
C -8-cycloalkyl, d-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
R9 and R10, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with d-6-alkyl, Ci-β-alkoxy, d-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-a!kylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
R3 and R4, together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, and/or R5 and R6 together with the carbon atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring optionally substituted with C-ι-6-alkyl, d-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, d-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
m, n, p and q independently are 0, 1 or 2;
X is a valence bond, -CH2-, -C(=0)-, -C(=S)-, -S(=0)-, -S(=0)2-, -C(=N-CN)-, -C(=CH-N02)-, -C[=C(CN)2]-, -C(=CH-CN)-, -C(=NR11)- or -C(=N-S(=0)2R11a)-,
wherein R11 is
hydrogen,
Ci-6-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3-8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
Cι-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(d-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with C-ι-6-alkyl, d-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
Cι-6-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with C3-8-cycloalkyl, d-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, d-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
R >111ιaa is
d-6-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3-8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
C-i-6-alkyl, d-β-alkoxy, Ci-β-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, d-β-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with d-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, d-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, d-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
Y is a valence bond, -O- or -N(R12)-,
wherein R12 is
hydrogen,
d-6-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3-8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with
C-ι-6-alkyl, d-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with d-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, d-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-aikyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
d-6-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with
C3-8-cycloalkyl, d-6-alkoxy, d-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, d-6-alkylamino, di(Ci-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
A is a valence bond, d-8-alkylene, C2-8-alkenylene, C2-8-alkynylene, C3-8-cyclo- alkylene or phenylene, or when Y is -N(R12)-, A, together with R12 and the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, may form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring system optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with Cι-6-alkyl, d-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aryl-Cι-6-alkyl, heteroaryl-Cι-6-alkyl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino; and
Z is -R13, -OR13, -SR13, -NR13R14, -CHR13R14, -CR13R14R15 or =CR13R14,
wherein R13, R14 and R15 independently are
hydrogen,
Cι-6-alkyl, C2-6-alkenyl or C2-6-alkynyl, which are optionally substituted with aryl, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, Cι-6-alkyl- sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, heteroaryl or C3-8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with d-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, d-6-alkylthio, aryl-Cι-6-alkyl, heteroaryl-d-6-al- kyl, nitro, arylamino, heteroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, Cι.6-alkylsulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, hydroxy, amino, d-β-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethoxy or trifluoro- methyl,
aryl, C3-i5-cycloalkyl, C3-i5-cycloalkenyl, C3-i5-cycloalkynyl, aroyl or heteroaryl, which are optionally substituted with aryl-Ci-6-alkyl, heteroaryl-Cι-6-alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, nitro, arylamino, het- eroarylamino, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, d-β-alkyl- sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aryloxy, acylamino, d-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, C3-8-cycloalkanecarbonyl, hydroxy, amino, d-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethoxy or trifluoromethyl, where
R13 and R14 or R13, R14 and R15, when they do not represent hydrogen, may be joined by one or more bridging linkers such as a valence bond, Ci-4-alkylene, C2-4-alkenylene, -0-, -S-, -N(R16)-, -C(=0)-, -S(=0)-, -S(=O)2-, -C(R16R17)-, phenylene, biphenylene, -O-d-4-alkylene, -S-C- -alkylene, -N(R16)-Cι-4-alkylene, -N=Cι-4-alkylene, -0-C2-4-alkenylene, -S-C2-4-alkenylene or -N(R16)-C2-4-alkenylene, to form a mono-, bi- or polycyclic ring system,
wherein R16 and R17 independently are
hydrogen,
C-ι-6-alkyl optionally substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino, heteroarylamino or C3-8-cycloalkyl, which are optionally substituted with d-6-alkyl, d-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, d-6-alkyl- amino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl or heteroarylsulfonyl, which are optionally substituted with d-e-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino,
C-ι-6-alkylsulfonyl optionally substituted with
C3-8-cycioalkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, d-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, d-6-alkyl- amino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoro- methoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino, or
R16 and R17, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, form a 3 to 8 membered, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or more further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and optionally substituted with Cι-6-alkyl, Cι-6-alkoxy, Cι-6-alkylthio, hydroxy, amino, Cι-6-alkylamino, di(Cι-6-alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, het- eroaroyl, arylsulfonyl, arylamino or heteroarylamino;
as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders and diseases related to the histamine H3 receptor.
37. Use of a compound as defined in claim 36 for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders and diseases, in which an inhibition of the histamine H3 receptor has a beneficial effect.
38. Use of a compound as defined in claim 36 for the preparation of a medicament having H3 antagonistic action.
39. Use of a compound as defined in claim 36 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the reduction of weight.
40. Use of a compound as defined in claim 36 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of overweight or obesity.
41. Use of a compound as defined in claim 36 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the suppression of appetite or satiety induction.
42. Use of a compound as defined in claim 36 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and/or treatment of disorders and diseases related to overweight or obesity.
43. Use of a compound as defined in claim 36 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and/or treatment of eating disorders such as bulimia and binge eating.
44. Use of a compound as defined in claim 36 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of IGT.
45. Use of a compound as defined in claim 36 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of Type 2 diabetes.
46. Use of a compound as defined in claim 36 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the delaying or prevention of the progression from IGT to Type 2 diabetes.
47. Use of a compound as defined in claim 36 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the delaying or prevention of the progression from non-insulin requiring Type 2 diabetes to insulin requiring Type 2 diabetes.
48. Use of a compound as defined in claim 36 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases and disorders related to the serotonin-3 receptor (5-HT3), such as for use in the treatment of emesis.
49. Use of a compound as defined in claim 36 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases and disorders related to the vanilloid receptor, such as for use in the treatment of pain, neurogenic inflamma- tion or obesity.
50. Use of a compound as defined in claim 36 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases and disorders related to the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor, such as for use as a sleep inducing agent.
51. A method for the treatment of treatment and/or prevention of disorders or diseases related to the H3 histamine receptor the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound according to claim 36 or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.
52. The method according to claim 51 , wherein the effective amount of the compound is in the range of from about 0.05 mg to about 2000 mg, preferably from about 0.1 mg to about 1000 mg and especially preferred from about 0.5 mg to about 500 mg per day.
PCT/DK2000/000179 1999-04-16 2000-04-13 Substituted imidazoles, their preparation and use WO2000063208A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2000612298A JP2002542245A (en) 1999-04-16 2000-04-13 Substituted imidazoles, their manufacture and use
AU39569/00A AU3956900A (en) 1999-04-16 2000-04-13 Substituted imidazoles, their preparation and use
EP00918714A EP1173438A1 (en) 1999-04-16 2000-04-13 Substituted imidazoles, their preparation and use

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DKPA199900508 1999-04-16
DKPA199900508 1999-04-16
DKPA199901345 1999-09-22
DKPA199901345 1999-09-22
DKPA200000042 2000-01-12
DKPA200000042 2000-01-12

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000063208A1 true WO2000063208A1 (en) 2000-10-26
WO2000063208B1 WO2000063208B1 (en) 2000-12-14

Family

ID=27220736

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/DK2000/000179 WO2000063208A1 (en) 1999-04-16 2000-04-13 Substituted imidazoles, their preparation and use

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1173438A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2002542245A (en)
AU (1) AU3956900A (en)
WO (1) WO2000063208A1 (en)

Cited By (92)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001068651A1 (en) * 2000-03-17 2001-09-20 Novo Nordisk A/S Condensed imidazoles as histamine h3 receptor ligands
WO2002038153A1 (en) * 2000-11-09 2002-05-16 Biovitrum Ab New use of 4, 5, 6, 7-tetrahydroimidazo-[4,5-c]pyridine derivatives
WO2003051841A2 (en) * 2001-12-14 2003-06-26 Novo Nordisk A/S Compounds and uses thereof for decreasing activity of hormone-sensitive lipase
WO2003055482A1 (en) 2001-12-21 2003-07-10 Novo Nordisk A/S Amide derivatives as gk activators
US6610721B2 (en) 2000-03-17 2003-08-26 Novo Nordisk A/S Imidazo heterocyclic compounds
US6624185B2 (en) 2001-08-31 2003-09-23 Aventis Pharma Deutschland Gmbh Diarylcycloalkyl derivatives, processes for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals
WO2004002481A1 (en) 2002-06-27 2004-01-08 Novo Nordisk A/S Aryl carbonyl derivatives as therapeutic agents
WO2004072025A2 (en) 2003-02-14 2004-08-26 Aventis Pharma Deutschland Gmbh Substituted n-arylheterocycles, method for production and use thereof as medicaments
WO2004075815A2 (en) 2003-02-27 2004-09-10 Aventis Pharma Deutschland Gmbh Diarylcycloalkyl derivatives, method for their production and their use as medicaments
WO2005030797A2 (en) 2003-09-30 2005-04-07 Novo Nordisk A/S Melanocortin receptor agonists
US6884812B2 (en) 2001-08-31 2005-04-26 Aventis Pharma Deutschland Gmbh Diarylcycloalkyl derivatives, processes for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals
US7008957B2 (en) 2003-07-25 2006-03-07 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Bicyclic cyanoheterocycles, process for their preparation and their use as medicaments
US7049341B2 (en) 2002-06-07 2006-05-23 Aventis Pharma Deutschland Gmbh N-benzoylureidocinnamic acid derivatives, processes for preparing them and their use
WO2006058923A1 (en) 2004-12-03 2006-06-08 Novo Nordisk A/S Heteroaromatic glucokinase activators
US7094794B2 (en) 2003-07-28 2006-08-22 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Substituted thiazole-benzoisothiazole dioxide derivatives, process for their preparation and their use
US7094800B2 (en) 2003-07-25 2006-08-22 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Cyanopyrrolidides, process for their preparation and their use as medicaments
WO2006097691A1 (en) 2005-03-14 2006-09-21 Glaxo Group Limited Fused thiazole derivatives having affinity for the histamine h3 receptor
US7138414B2 (en) 2002-07-12 2006-11-21 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Heterocyclically substituted benzoylureas, process for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals
US7145012B2 (en) 2003-04-23 2006-12-05 Pfizer Inc. Cannabinoid receptor ligands and uses thereof
US7148246B2 (en) 2003-02-27 2006-12-12 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Cycloalkyl derivatives having bioisosteric carboxylic acid groups, processes for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals
WO2006131231A1 (en) 2005-06-09 2006-12-14 Sanofi-Aventis Azolopyridine-2-on derivatives as lipase and phospholipase inhibitors
WO2007006814A1 (en) 2005-07-14 2007-01-18 Novo Nordisk A/S Urea glucokinase activators
US7179792B2 (en) 2001-08-22 2007-02-20 Sanofi-Aventis Deulschland Gmbh Combination product of a 1,4-benzothiepine 1,1-dioxide compound with at least one other active ingredient and the use of the product
US7179941B2 (en) 2003-01-23 2007-02-20 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Carbonylamino-substituted acyl phenyl urea derivatives, process for their preparation and their use
US7196114B2 (en) 2003-02-17 2007-03-27 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Substituted 3-(benzoylureido) thiophene derivatives, processes for preparing them and their use
US7208504B2 (en) 2002-10-12 2007-04-24 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Bicyclic inhibitors of hormone sensitive lipase
US7220876B2 (en) 2003-02-27 2007-05-22 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Arylcycloalkyl derivatives having branched side chains, processes for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals
US7223796B2 (en) 2002-04-11 2007-05-29 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Acyl-4-carboxyphenylurea derivatives, processes for preparing them and their use
DE102005062987A1 (en) * 2005-12-28 2007-07-05 Grünenthal GmbH New substituted propiolic acid amides, useful for treatment and prevention of e.g. pain, anxiety and panic attacks, are inhibitors of the mGluR5 receptor
US7241787B2 (en) 2004-01-25 2007-07-10 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Substituted N-cycloexylimidazolinones, process for their preparation and their use as medicaments
US7259177B2 (en) 2003-02-27 2007-08-21 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Cycloalkylmethoxy-substituted acetic acid derivatives, processes for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals
US7262220B2 (en) 2002-07-11 2007-08-28 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Urea- and urethane-substituted acylureas, process for their preparation and their use
US7288528B2 (en) 2002-12-12 2007-10-30 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Aromatic fluoroglycoside derivatives, medicaments containing these compounds, and the use thereof
WO2007147478A1 (en) 2006-06-23 2007-12-27 Merck Patent Gmbh 3 -amino-imidazo[1, 2-a]pyridine derivatives as sglt inhibitors
WO2008017381A1 (en) 2006-08-08 2008-02-14 Sanofi-Aventis Arylaminoaryl-alkyl-substituted imidazolidine-2,4-diones, processes for preparing them, medicaments comprising these compounds, and their use
US7378440B2 (en) 2003-08-01 2008-05-27 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Substituted benzoylureido-o-benzoylamides, process for their preparation and their use
US7399777B2 (en) 2001-08-31 2008-07-15 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Diarylcycloalkyl derivatives, processes for their preparation and their use as pharmceuticals
WO2008084044A1 (en) 2007-01-11 2008-07-17 Novo Nordisk A/S Urea glucokinase activators
US7402674B2 (en) 2004-01-31 2008-07-22 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh, 7-Phenylamino-4-quinolone-3-carboxylic acid derivatives, process for their preparation and their use as medicaments
DE102007002260A1 (en) 2007-01-16 2008-07-31 Sanofi-Aventis Use of substituted pyranonic acid derivatives for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome
DE102007008420A1 (en) 2007-02-21 2008-08-28 Merck Patent Gmbh benzimidazole derivatives
EP1998620A2 (en) * 2006-03-10 2008-12-10 Neurogen Corporation Piperazinyl oxoalkyl tetrahydroisoquinolines and related analogues
US7470706B2 (en) 2004-01-31 2008-12-30 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Cycloalkyl-substituted 7-amino-4-quinolone-3-carboxylic acid derivatives, process for their preparation and their use as medicaments
WO2009021740A2 (en) 2007-08-15 2009-02-19 Sanofis-Aventis Substituted tetrahydronaphthalenes, process for the preparation thereof and the use thereof as medicaments
US7498341B2 (en) 2004-01-31 2009-03-03 Sanofi Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Heterocyclically substituted 7-amino-4-quinolone-3-carboxylic acid derivatives, process for their preparation and their use as medicaments
US7501440B2 (en) 2003-03-07 2009-03-10 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Substituted benzoylureidopyridylpiperidine-and-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid derivatives, processes for preparing them and their use
WO2009049731A1 (en) 2007-10-11 2009-04-23 Merck Patent Gmbh Imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine derivatives for treating diseases such as diabetes
US7528155B2 (en) 2004-02-02 2009-05-05 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Indazole derivatives as inhibitors of hormone sensitive lipase
EP2083006A1 (en) 2004-04-01 2009-07-29 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH Oxadiazolones, processes for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals
DE102008017590A1 (en) 2008-04-07 2009-10-08 Merck Patent Gmbh Glucopyranosidderivate
WO2010003624A2 (en) 2008-07-09 2010-01-14 Sanofi-Aventis Heterocyclic compounds, processes for their preparation, medicaments comprising these compounds, and the use thereof
WO2010068601A1 (en) 2008-12-08 2010-06-17 Sanofi-Aventis A crystalline heteroaromatic fluoroglycoside hydrate, processes for making, methods of use and pharmaceutical compositions thereof
WO2010071822A1 (en) * 2008-12-19 2010-06-24 Schering Corporation Piperidine and piperazine derivatives and methods of use thereof
US7781459B2 (en) 2002-10-04 2010-08-24 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Carboxyalkoxy-substituted acyl-carboxyphenylurea derivatives and their use as medicaments
US7838528B2 (en) 2004-08-06 2010-11-23 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Substituted bicyclic 8-pyrrolidinoxanthines, methods for their production, pharmaceutical formulations and their use
US7879864B2 (en) 2004-08-14 2011-02-01 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Substituted 8-aminoalkoxy-xanthine compounds and compositions useful in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and diabetes
US7888343B2 (en) 2004-08-06 2011-02-15 Sanofi-A Ventis Deutschland GmbH Substituted, bicyclic 8-pyrrolidinoxanthines, and methods for their use as inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase
WO2011023754A1 (en) 2009-08-26 2011-03-03 Sanofi-Aventis Novel crystalline heteroaromatic fluoroglycoside hydrates, pharmaceuticals comprising these compounds and their use
EP2298337A2 (en) 2003-12-09 2011-03-23 Novo Nordisk A/S Regulation of food preference using GLP-1 agonists
WO2011039338A2 (en) 2009-10-02 2011-04-07 Sanofi-Aventis Use of compounds with sglt-1/sglt-2 inhibitor activity for producing medicaments for treatment of bone diseases
EP2316446A1 (en) 2004-06-11 2011-05-04 Novo Nordisk A/S Counteracting drug-induced obesity using GLP-1 agonists
WO2011104379A1 (en) 2010-02-26 2011-09-01 Novo Nordisk A/S Peptides for treatment of obesity
WO2011104378A1 (en) 2010-02-26 2011-09-01 Novo Nordisk A/S Peptides for treatment of obesity
WO2011117415A1 (en) 2010-03-26 2011-09-29 Novo Nordisk A/S Novel glucagon analogues
US8048901B2 (en) 2003-02-27 2011-11-01 Aventis Pharma Deutschland Gmbh 1,3-substituted cycloalkyl derivatives having acidic, mostly heterocyclic groups, processes for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals
EP2383271A1 (en) 2006-03-13 2011-11-02 Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Aminoquinolones as GSK-3 Inhibitors
EP2444397A1 (en) 2004-01-06 2012-04-25 Novo Nordisk A/S Heteroaryl-ureas and their use as glucokinase activators
US8236810B2 (en) 2004-08-03 2012-08-07 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Substituted 8-aminoalkylthioxanthines, and their use as inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV
WO2012120055A1 (en) 2011-03-08 2012-09-13 Sanofi Di- and tri-substituted oxathiazine derivates, method for the production thereof, use thereof as medicine and drug containing said derivatives and use thereof
WO2012120056A1 (en) 2011-03-08 2012-09-13 Sanofi Tetrasubstituted oxathiazine derivatives, method for producing them, their use as medicine and drug containing said derivatives and the use thereof
WO2012120053A1 (en) 2011-03-08 2012-09-13 Sanofi Branched oxathiazine derivatives, method for the production thereof, use thereof as medicine and drug containing said derivatives and use thereof
WO2012120051A1 (en) 2011-03-08 2012-09-13 Sanofi Benzyl-oxathiazine derivates substituted with adamantane or noradamantane, medicaments containing said compounds and use thereof
WO2012120054A1 (en) 2011-03-08 2012-09-13 Sanofi Di- and tri-substituted oxathiazine derivates, method for the production thereof, use thereof as medicine and drug containing said derivatives and use thereof
WO2012120058A1 (en) 2011-03-08 2012-09-13 Sanofi Oxathiazine derivatives which are substituted with benzyl or heteromethylene groups, method for producing them, their use as medicine and drug containing said derivatives and the use thereof
WO2012120057A1 (en) 2011-03-08 2012-09-13 Sanofi Novel substituted phenyl-oxathiazine derivatives, method for producing them, drugs containing said compounds and the use thereof
WO2012120050A1 (en) 2011-03-08 2012-09-13 Sanofi Novel substituted phenyl-oxathiazine derivatives, method for producing them, drugs containing said compounds and the use thereof
WO2012120052A1 (en) 2011-03-08 2012-09-13 Sanofi Oxathiazine derivatives substituted with carbocycles or heterocycles, method for producing same, drugs containing said compounds, and use thereof
WO2012130866A1 (en) 2011-03-28 2012-10-04 Novo Nordisk A/S Novel glucagon analogues
WO2013014567A1 (en) 2011-07-27 2013-01-31 Pfizer Limited Indazoles
US8389514B2 (en) 2007-09-11 2013-03-05 Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Cyanoaminoquinolones and tetrazoloaminoquinolones as GSK-3 inhibitors
US8476261B2 (en) 2007-09-12 2013-07-02 Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Spirocyclic aminoquinolones as GSK-3 inhibitors
US8541368B2 (en) 2011-09-23 2013-09-24 Novo Nordisk A/S Glucagon analogues
US8829041B2 (en) 2006-06-23 2014-09-09 Abbvie Inc. Cyclopropyl amine derivatives
US8853390B2 (en) 2010-09-16 2014-10-07 Abbvie Inc. Processes for preparing 1,2-substituted cyclopropyl derivatives
US9108948B2 (en) 2006-06-23 2015-08-18 Abbvie Inc. Cyclopropyl amine derivatives
US9186353B2 (en) 2009-04-27 2015-11-17 Abbvie Inc. Treatment of osteoarthritis pain
US9474790B2 (en) 2013-04-18 2016-10-25 Novo Nordisk A/S Stable, protracted GLP-1/glucagon receptor co-agonists for medical use
WO2018100159A1 (en) * 2016-12-02 2018-06-07 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Bacterial glutaminyl cyclases and inhibitors thereof for use in the treatment of periodontitis
WO2018167194A1 (en) 2017-03-15 2018-09-20 Novo Nordisk A/S Bicyclic compounds capable of binding to melanocortin 4 receptor
WO2019219714A1 (en) 2018-05-15 2019-11-21 Novo Nordisk A/S Compounds capable of binding to melanocortin 4 receptor
US10570184B2 (en) 2014-06-04 2020-02-25 Novo Nordisk A/S GLP-1/glucagon receptor co-agonists for medical use
WO2020053414A1 (en) 2018-09-14 2020-03-19 Novo Nordisk A/S Bicyclic compounds capable of acting as melanocortin 4 receptor agonists

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB0513886D0 (en) * 2005-07-06 2005-08-10 Glaxo Group Ltd Novel compounds
GB201507031D0 (en) * 2015-04-24 2015-06-10 Proximagen Ltd New pharmaceutical salt forms

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
MICHAEL KRAUSE ET AL.: "Synthesis, X-ray crystallography and pharmacokinetics of novel azomethine prodrugs of (R)-alfa-methylhistamine: Highly potent and selective histamine H3 receptor agonists", J. MED. CHEM., vol. 38, 1995, pages 4070 - 4079, XP000941763 *

Cited By (116)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6610721B2 (en) 2000-03-17 2003-08-26 Novo Nordisk A/S Imidazo heterocyclic compounds
WO2001068651A1 (en) * 2000-03-17 2001-09-20 Novo Nordisk A/S Condensed imidazoles as histamine h3 receptor ligands
WO2002038153A1 (en) * 2000-11-09 2002-05-16 Biovitrum Ab New use of 4, 5, 6, 7-tetrahydroimidazo-[4,5-c]pyridine derivatives
US7179792B2 (en) 2001-08-22 2007-02-20 Sanofi-Aventis Deulschland Gmbh Combination product of a 1,4-benzothiepine 1,1-dioxide compound with at least one other active ingredient and the use of the product
US6884812B2 (en) 2001-08-31 2005-04-26 Aventis Pharma Deutschland Gmbh Diarylcycloalkyl derivatives, processes for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals
US7399777B2 (en) 2001-08-31 2008-07-15 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Diarylcycloalkyl derivatives, processes for their preparation and their use as pharmceuticals
US6624185B2 (en) 2001-08-31 2003-09-23 Aventis Pharma Deutschland Gmbh Diarylcycloalkyl derivatives, processes for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals
WO2003051842A3 (en) * 2001-12-14 2004-06-03 Novo Nordisk As Compositions decreasing activity of hormone-sensitive lipase
US7067517B2 (en) 2001-12-14 2006-06-27 Nero Nordisk A/S Use of compounds for decreasing activity of hormone-sensitive lipase
WO2003051841A3 (en) * 2001-12-14 2004-06-24 Novo Nordisk As Compounds and uses thereof for decreasing activity of hormone-sensitive lipase
US7279470B2 (en) 2001-12-14 2007-10-09 Novo Nordisk A/S Compounds and uses thereof for decreasing activity of hormone-sensitive lipase
WO2003051841A2 (en) * 2001-12-14 2003-06-26 Novo Nordisk A/S Compounds and uses thereof for decreasing activity of hormone-sensitive lipase
WO2003051842A2 (en) * 2001-12-14 2003-06-26 Novo Nordisk A/S Compositions decreasing activity of hormone-sensitive lipase
EP2305648A1 (en) 2001-12-21 2011-04-06 Novo Nordisk A/S Amide derivatives useful as glucokinase activators
WO2003055482A1 (en) 2001-12-21 2003-07-10 Novo Nordisk A/S Amide derivatives as gk activators
US7223796B2 (en) 2002-04-11 2007-05-29 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Acyl-4-carboxyphenylurea derivatives, processes for preparing them and their use
US7049341B2 (en) 2002-06-07 2006-05-23 Aventis Pharma Deutschland Gmbh N-benzoylureidocinnamic acid derivatives, processes for preparing them and their use
WO2004002481A1 (en) 2002-06-27 2004-01-08 Novo Nordisk A/S Aryl carbonyl derivatives as therapeutic agents
EP2471533A1 (en) 2002-06-27 2012-07-04 Novo Nordisk A/S Aryl carbonyl derivatives as therapeutic agents
US8247452B2 (en) 2002-07-11 2012-08-21 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Urea- and urethane-substituted acylureas, process for their preparation and their use
US7262220B2 (en) 2002-07-11 2007-08-28 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Urea- and urethane-substituted acylureas, process for their preparation and their use
US7138414B2 (en) 2002-07-12 2006-11-21 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Heterocyclically substituted benzoylureas, process for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals
US7781459B2 (en) 2002-10-04 2010-08-24 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Carboxyalkoxy-substituted acyl-carboxyphenylurea derivatives and their use as medicaments
US7208504B2 (en) 2002-10-12 2007-04-24 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Bicyclic inhibitors of hormone sensitive lipase
US7288528B2 (en) 2002-12-12 2007-10-30 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Aromatic fluoroglycoside derivatives, medicaments containing these compounds, and the use thereof
US7179941B2 (en) 2003-01-23 2007-02-20 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Carbonylamino-substituted acyl phenyl urea derivatives, process for their preparation and their use
WO2004072025A2 (en) 2003-02-14 2004-08-26 Aventis Pharma Deutschland Gmbh Substituted n-arylheterocycles, method for production and use thereof as medicaments
US7196114B2 (en) 2003-02-17 2007-03-27 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Substituted 3-(benzoylureido) thiophene derivatives, processes for preparing them and their use
US8048901B2 (en) 2003-02-27 2011-11-01 Aventis Pharma Deutschland Gmbh 1,3-substituted cycloalkyl derivatives having acidic, mostly heterocyclic groups, processes for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals
US7160911B2 (en) 2003-02-27 2007-01-09 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Diarylcycloalkyl derivatives, process for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals
US7220876B2 (en) 2003-02-27 2007-05-22 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Arylcycloalkyl derivatives having branched side chains, processes for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals
WO2004075815A2 (en) 2003-02-27 2004-09-10 Aventis Pharma Deutschland Gmbh Diarylcycloalkyl derivatives, method for their production and their use as medicaments
US7148246B2 (en) 2003-02-27 2006-12-12 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Cycloalkyl derivatives having bioisosteric carboxylic acid groups, processes for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals
US7259177B2 (en) 2003-02-27 2007-08-21 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Cycloalkylmethoxy-substituted acetic acid derivatives, processes for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals
US7365084B2 (en) 2003-02-27 2008-04-29 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Cycloalkyl-substituted amino acid derivatives, processes for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals
US7501440B2 (en) 2003-03-07 2009-03-10 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Substituted benzoylureidopyridylpiperidine-and-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid derivatives, processes for preparing them and their use
US7145012B2 (en) 2003-04-23 2006-12-05 Pfizer Inc. Cannabinoid receptor ligands and uses thereof
US7008957B2 (en) 2003-07-25 2006-03-07 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Bicyclic cyanoheterocycles, process for their preparation and their use as medicaments
US7094800B2 (en) 2003-07-25 2006-08-22 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Cyanopyrrolidides, process for their preparation and their use as medicaments
US7094794B2 (en) 2003-07-28 2006-08-22 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Substituted thiazole-benzoisothiazole dioxide derivatives, process for their preparation and their use
US7378440B2 (en) 2003-08-01 2008-05-27 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Substituted benzoylureido-o-benzoylamides, process for their preparation and their use
WO2005030797A2 (en) 2003-09-30 2005-04-07 Novo Nordisk A/S Melanocortin receptor agonists
EP2298337A2 (en) 2003-12-09 2011-03-23 Novo Nordisk A/S Regulation of food preference using GLP-1 agonists
EP2444397A1 (en) 2004-01-06 2012-04-25 Novo Nordisk A/S Heteroaryl-ureas and their use as glucokinase activators
US7241787B2 (en) 2004-01-25 2007-07-10 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Substituted N-cycloexylimidazolinones, process for their preparation and their use as medicaments
US7498341B2 (en) 2004-01-31 2009-03-03 Sanofi Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Heterocyclically substituted 7-amino-4-quinolone-3-carboxylic acid derivatives, process for their preparation and their use as medicaments
US7402674B2 (en) 2004-01-31 2008-07-22 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh, 7-Phenylamino-4-quinolone-3-carboxylic acid derivatives, process for their preparation and their use as medicaments
US7470706B2 (en) 2004-01-31 2008-12-30 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Cycloalkyl-substituted 7-amino-4-quinolone-3-carboxylic acid derivatives, process for their preparation and their use as medicaments
US7528155B2 (en) 2004-02-02 2009-05-05 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Indazole derivatives as inhibitors of hormone sensitive lipase
EP2083006A1 (en) 2004-04-01 2009-07-29 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH Oxadiazolones, processes for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals
EP2316446A1 (en) 2004-06-11 2011-05-04 Novo Nordisk A/S Counteracting drug-induced obesity using GLP-1 agonists
US8236810B2 (en) 2004-08-03 2012-08-07 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Substituted 8-aminoalkylthioxanthines, and their use as inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV
US7888343B2 (en) 2004-08-06 2011-02-15 Sanofi-A Ventis Deutschland GmbH Substituted, bicyclic 8-pyrrolidinoxanthines, and methods for their use as inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase
US7838528B2 (en) 2004-08-06 2010-11-23 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Substituted bicyclic 8-pyrrolidinoxanthines, methods for their production, pharmaceutical formulations and their use
US7879864B2 (en) 2004-08-14 2011-02-01 Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh Substituted 8-aminoalkoxy-xanthine compounds and compositions useful in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and diabetes
WO2006058923A1 (en) 2004-12-03 2006-06-08 Novo Nordisk A/S Heteroaromatic glucokinase activators
WO2006097691A1 (en) 2005-03-14 2006-09-21 Glaxo Group Limited Fused thiazole derivatives having affinity for the histamine h3 receptor
WO2006131231A1 (en) 2005-06-09 2006-12-14 Sanofi-Aventis Azolopyridine-2-on derivatives as lipase and phospholipase inhibitors
WO2007006814A1 (en) 2005-07-14 2007-01-18 Novo Nordisk A/S Urea glucokinase activators
EP2377856A1 (en) 2005-07-14 2011-10-19 Novo Nordisk A/S Urea glucokinase activators
JP2009522219A (en) * 2005-12-28 2009-06-11 グリュネンタール・ゲゼルシャフト・ミト・ベシュレンクテル・ハフツング Substituted propiolic amides and their use in the manufacture of medicaments
DE102005062987A1 (en) * 2005-12-28 2007-07-05 Grünenthal GmbH New substituted propiolic acid amides, useful for treatment and prevention of e.g. pain, anxiety and panic attacks, are inhibitors of the mGluR5 receptor
WO2007079957A1 (en) * 2005-12-28 2007-07-19 Grünenthal GmbH Substituted propiolic acid amides and their use for producing drugs
EP1998620A2 (en) * 2006-03-10 2008-12-10 Neurogen Corporation Piperazinyl oxoalkyl tetrahydroisoquinolines and related analogues
US7795262B2 (en) 2006-03-10 2010-09-14 Neurogen Corporation Piperazinyl oxoalkyl tetrahydroisoquinolines and related analogues
EP1998620A4 (en) * 2006-03-10 2009-09-02 Neurogen Corp Piperazinyl oxoalkyl tetrahydroisoquinolines and related analogues
EP2383271A1 (en) 2006-03-13 2011-11-02 Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Aminoquinolones as GSK-3 Inhibitors
WO2007147478A1 (en) 2006-06-23 2007-12-27 Merck Patent Gmbh 3 -amino-imidazo[1, 2-a]pyridine derivatives as sglt inhibitors
US8829041B2 (en) 2006-06-23 2014-09-09 Abbvie Inc. Cyclopropyl amine derivatives
US9108948B2 (en) 2006-06-23 2015-08-18 Abbvie Inc. Cyclopropyl amine derivatives
WO2008017381A1 (en) 2006-08-08 2008-02-14 Sanofi-Aventis Arylaminoaryl-alkyl-substituted imidazolidine-2,4-diones, processes for preparing them, medicaments comprising these compounds, and their use
WO2008084044A1 (en) 2007-01-11 2008-07-17 Novo Nordisk A/S Urea glucokinase activators
DE102007002260A1 (en) 2007-01-16 2008-07-31 Sanofi-Aventis Use of substituted pyranonic acid derivatives for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome
US8748483B2 (en) 2007-01-16 2014-06-10 Sanofi Use of substituted pyranone acid derivatives for the treatment of metabolic syndrome
DE102007008420A1 (en) 2007-02-21 2008-08-28 Merck Patent Gmbh benzimidazole derivatives
WO2009021740A2 (en) 2007-08-15 2009-02-19 Sanofis-Aventis Substituted tetrahydronaphthalenes, process for the preparation thereof and the use thereof as medicaments
US8389514B2 (en) 2007-09-11 2013-03-05 Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Cyanoaminoquinolones and tetrazoloaminoquinolones as GSK-3 inhibitors
US8901112B2 (en) 2007-09-12 2014-12-02 Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Spirocyclic aminoquinolones as GSK-3 inhibitors
US8476261B2 (en) 2007-09-12 2013-07-02 Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Spirocyclic aminoquinolones as GSK-3 inhibitors
WO2009049731A1 (en) 2007-10-11 2009-04-23 Merck Patent Gmbh Imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine derivatives for treating diseases such as diabetes
DE102007048716A1 (en) 2007-10-11 2009-04-23 Merck Patent Gmbh Imidazo [1,2-a] pyrimidine derivatives
WO2009124638A1 (en) 2008-04-07 2009-10-15 Merck Patent Gmbh Glucopyranoside derivatives
DE102008017590A1 (en) 2008-04-07 2009-10-08 Merck Patent Gmbh Glucopyranosidderivate
WO2010003624A2 (en) 2008-07-09 2010-01-14 Sanofi-Aventis Heterocyclic compounds, processes for their preparation, medicaments comprising these compounds, and the use thereof
WO2010068601A1 (en) 2008-12-08 2010-06-17 Sanofi-Aventis A crystalline heteroaromatic fluoroglycoside hydrate, processes for making, methods of use and pharmaceutical compositions thereof
WO2010071822A1 (en) * 2008-12-19 2010-06-24 Schering Corporation Piperidine and piperazine derivatives and methods of use thereof
US9186353B2 (en) 2009-04-27 2015-11-17 Abbvie Inc. Treatment of osteoarthritis pain
WO2011023754A1 (en) 2009-08-26 2011-03-03 Sanofi-Aventis Novel crystalline heteroaromatic fluoroglycoside hydrates, pharmaceuticals comprising these compounds and their use
WO2011039338A2 (en) 2009-10-02 2011-04-07 Sanofi-Aventis Use of compounds with sglt-1/sglt-2 inhibitor activity for producing medicaments for treatment of bone diseases
WO2011104378A1 (en) 2010-02-26 2011-09-01 Novo Nordisk A/S Peptides for treatment of obesity
WO2011104379A1 (en) 2010-02-26 2011-09-01 Novo Nordisk A/S Peptides for treatment of obesity
WO2011117415A1 (en) 2010-03-26 2011-09-29 Novo Nordisk A/S Novel glucagon analogues
WO2011117416A1 (en) 2010-03-26 2011-09-29 Novo Nordisk A/S Novel glucagon analogues
US8853390B2 (en) 2010-09-16 2014-10-07 Abbvie Inc. Processes for preparing 1,2-substituted cyclopropyl derivatives
WO2012120051A1 (en) 2011-03-08 2012-09-13 Sanofi Benzyl-oxathiazine derivates substituted with adamantane or noradamantane, medicaments containing said compounds and use thereof
WO2012120052A1 (en) 2011-03-08 2012-09-13 Sanofi Oxathiazine derivatives substituted with carbocycles or heterocycles, method for producing same, drugs containing said compounds, and use thereof
WO2012120050A1 (en) 2011-03-08 2012-09-13 Sanofi Novel substituted phenyl-oxathiazine derivatives, method for producing them, drugs containing said compounds and the use thereof
WO2012120053A1 (en) 2011-03-08 2012-09-13 Sanofi Branched oxathiazine derivatives, method for the production thereof, use thereof as medicine and drug containing said derivatives and use thereof
WO2012120056A1 (en) 2011-03-08 2012-09-13 Sanofi Tetrasubstituted oxathiazine derivatives, method for producing them, their use as medicine and drug containing said derivatives and the use thereof
WO2012120057A1 (en) 2011-03-08 2012-09-13 Sanofi Novel substituted phenyl-oxathiazine derivatives, method for producing them, drugs containing said compounds and the use thereof
WO2012120055A1 (en) 2011-03-08 2012-09-13 Sanofi Di- and tri-substituted oxathiazine derivates, method for the production thereof, use thereof as medicine and drug containing said derivatives and use thereof
WO2012120058A1 (en) 2011-03-08 2012-09-13 Sanofi Oxathiazine derivatives which are substituted with benzyl or heteromethylene groups, method for producing them, their use as medicine and drug containing said derivatives and the use thereof
WO2012120054A1 (en) 2011-03-08 2012-09-13 Sanofi Di- and tri-substituted oxathiazine derivates, method for the production thereof, use thereof as medicine and drug containing said derivatives and use thereof
WO2012130866A1 (en) 2011-03-28 2012-10-04 Novo Nordisk A/S Novel glucagon analogues
WO2013014567A1 (en) 2011-07-27 2013-01-31 Pfizer Limited Indazoles
US8541368B2 (en) 2011-09-23 2013-09-24 Novo Nordisk A/S Glucagon analogues
US9486505B2 (en) 2011-09-23 2016-11-08 Novo Nordisk A/S Glucagon analogues
US9474790B2 (en) 2013-04-18 2016-10-25 Novo Nordisk A/S Stable, protracted GLP-1/glucagon receptor co-agonists for medical use
US9751927B2 (en) 2013-04-18 2017-09-05 Novo Nordisk A/S Stable, protracted GLP-1/glucagon receptor co-agonists for medical use
US10570184B2 (en) 2014-06-04 2020-02-25 Novo Nordisk A/S GLP-1/glucagon receptor co-agonists for medical use
WO2018100159A1 (en) * 2016-12-02 2018-06-07 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Bacterial glutaminyl cyclases and inhibitors thereof for use in the treatment of periodontitis
CN110139929A (en) * 2016-12-02 2019-08-16 德国弗劳恩霍夫应用研究促进协会 The cyclization enzyme of bacterium glutamine and its inhibitor for treating periodontitis
US11186572B2 (en) 2016-12-02 2021-11-30 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Zur Forderung Der Angewandten Forschung E.V. Bacterial glutaminyl cyclases and inhibitors thereof for use in the treatment of periodontitis
WO2018167194A1 (en) 2017-03-15 2018-09-20 Novo Nordisk A/S Bicyclic compounds capable of binding to melanocortin 4 receptor
WO2019219714A1 (en) 2018-05-15 2019-11-21 Novo Nordisk A/S Compounds capable of binding to melanocortin 4 receptor
WO2020053414A1 (en) 2018-09-14 2020-03-19 Novo Nordisk A/S Bicyclic compounds capable of acting as melanocortin 4 receptor agonists

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3956900A (en) 2000-11-02
EP1173438A1 (en) 2002-01-23
JP2002542245A (en) 2002-12-10
WO2000063208B1 (en) 2000-12-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2000063208A1 (en) Substituted imidazoles, their preparation and use
DE69007429T2 (en) Isoindolone derivatives, their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing them.
US6437147B1 (en) Imidazole compounds
JP7191826B2 (en) tricyclic RHO kinase inhibitor
DK3116859T3 (en) HIS UNKNOWN RELATIONSHIPS OF HISTONDEACETYLASE-6 INHIBITORS AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS INCLUDING THESE
US5017573A (en) Indazole-3-carboxylic acid derivatives
WO2000064884A1 (en) Piperidyl-imidazole derivatives, their preparations and therapeutic uses
KR20060095865A (en) Bicyclic [3.1.0] derivatives as glycine transporter inhibitors
EP1147092A1 (en) Substituted imidazoles, their preparation and use
DE60218436T2 (en) PHENYL ALANOENAMIDE DERIVATIVES WITH A CYCLOBUTEN GROUP FOR USE AS INTEGRININ HIBITORS
EP3600289A1 (en) 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 7 modulators and their use as therapeutic agents
US5670522A (en) Dopamine receptor subtype ligands
WO2018015818A2 (en) Therapeutic inhibitory compounds
AU781837B2 (en) 3-azabicyclo (3.1.0) hexane derivatives having opioid receptor affinity
KR20100052507A (en) Novel heterocyclic compounds as mglu5 antagonists
AU2008320718A1 (en) Indol-2-one derivatives disubstituted in the 3-position, preparation thereof and therapeutic use thereof
SK141998A3 (en) Piperidines and pyrrolidines
EP1268484A1 (en) Condensed imidazoles as histamine h3 receptor ligands
RU2162470C2 (en) 2,7-substituted derivatives of octahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine, method of treatment, pharmaceutical composition, and intermediates
DE602004009211T2 (en) INDAZOL-3-ONE AND ANALOGUE AND DERIVATIVES THAT MODULATE THE FUNCTION OF THE VANILLOID-1 RECEPTOR (VR1)
US6908926B1 (en) Substituted imidazoles, their preparation and use
SK286977B6 (en) Morpholine derivates, method for the production thereof and pharmaceutical preparations containing said derivates
US5166341A (en) 6-amino-1,4-hexahydro-1H-diazepine derivatives
EP1220845B1 (en) Aryl-sulfonamide substituted benzimidazol derivatives and use of said as tryptase inhibitors
DE19945787A1 (en) New 2-(amidino- or aminomethyl-phenethyl)-5-sulfonylamino-benzimidazoles, are tryptase inhibitors useful e.g. for treating inflammatory or allergic disease such as asthma, urticaria or arthritis

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

B Later publication of amended claims
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2000918714

Country of ref document: EP

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

Ref document number: 2000 612298

Kind code of ref document: A

Format of ref document f/p: F

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2000918714

Country of ref document: EP

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: 2000918714

Country of ref document: EP