WO2001079177A1 - Composes diaza cycliques pour le traitement de troubles neurodegeneratifs - Google Patents

Composes diaza cycliques pour le traitement de troubles neurodegeneratifs Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001079177A1
WO2001079177A1 PCT/US2001/012322 US0112322W WO0179177A1 WO 2001079177 A1 WO2001079177 A1 WO 2001079177A1 US 0112322 W US0112322 W US 0112322W WO 0179177 A1 WO0179177 A1 WO 0179177A1
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group
aryl
heteroaryl
carbocycle
heterocycle
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PCT/US2001/012322
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English (en)
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Yong-Qian Wu
Wei Huang
Gregory S. Hamilton
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Gpi Nil Holdings, Inc.
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Priority claimed from US09/551,618 external-priority patent/US6417189B1/en
Application filed by Gpi Nil Holdings, Inc. filed Critical Gpi Nil Holdings, Inc.
Priority to AU2001255406A priority Critical patent/AU2001255406A1/en
Publication of WO2001079177A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001079177A1/fr

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
    • C07D401/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with only one nitrogen atom
    • C07D401/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with only one nitrogen atom containing two hetero rings
    • C07D401/06—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with only one nitrogen atom containing two hetero rings linked by a carbon chain containing only aliphatic carbon atoms
    • 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
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
    • C07D231/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing 1,2-diazole or hydrogenated 1,2-diazole rings
    • C07D231/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing 1,2-diazole or hydrogenated 1,2-diazole rings not condensed with other rings
    • C07D231/04—Heterocyclic compounds containing 1,2-diazole or hydrogenated 1,2-diazole rings not condensed with other rings having no double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
    • C07D237/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing 1,2-diazine or hydrogenated 1,2-diazine rings
    • C07D237/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing 1,2-diazine or hydrogenated 1,2-diazine rings not condensed with other rings
    • C07D237/04—Heterocyclic compounds containing 1,2-diazine or hydrogenated 1,2-diazine rings not condensed with other rings having less than three double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
    • C07D401/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with only one nitrogen atom
    • C07D401/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with only one nitrogen atom containing two hetero rings
    • C07D401/12—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with only one nitrogen atom containing two hetero rings linked by a chain containing hetero atoms as chain links
    • 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 generally to N-substituted cyclic aza compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and their preparation and use for preventing and/or treating neurological disorders; for treating alopecia and promoting hair growth; for treating vision disorders and/or improving vision; for treating memory impairment and/or enhancing memory performance; and for preventing or treating hearing loss in an animal.
  • FK506 has been shown to stimulate nerve regeneration following facial nerve injury and results in functional recovery in animals with sciatic nerve lesions.
  • neurotrophic factors effecting specific neuronal populations in the central nervous system have been identified. For example, it has been hypothesized that Alzheimer's disease results from a decrease or loss of nerve growth factor (NGF) . It has thus been proposed to treat Alzheimer's patients with exogenous nerve growth factor or other neurotrophic proteins such as brain derived nerve factor (BDNF) , glial derived nerve factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, and neurotropin-3 to increase the survival of degenerating neuronal populations.
  • BDNF brain derived nerve factor
  • glial derived nerve factor glial derived nerve factor
  • ciliary neurotrophic factor ciliary neurotrophic factor
  • neurotropin-3 neurotropin-3
  • immunosuppressant drugs with neurotrophic activity are relatively small and display excellent bioavailability and specificity.
  • immunosuppressants exhibit a number of potentially serious side effects including nephrotoxicity, such as impairment of glomerular filtration and irreversible interstitial fibrosis (Kopp et al., 1991, J. Am . Soc . Nephrol . 1:162); neurological deficits, such as involuntary tremors, or non-specific cerebral angina such as non-localized headaches (De Groen et al., 1987, N. Engl . J. Med . 317:861); and vascular hypertension with complications resulting therefrom (Kahan et al., 1989 N. Engl . J. Med. 321: 1725).
  • Hair loss occurs in a variety of situations. These situations include male pattern alopecia, alopecia senilis, alopecia areata, diseases accompanied by basic skin lesions or tumors, and systematic disorders such as nutritional disorders and internal secretion disorders.
  • the mechanisms causing hair loss are very complicated, but in some instances can be attributed to aging, genetic disposition, the activation of male hormones, the loss of blood supply to hair follicles, and scalp abnormalities.
  • the immunosuppressant drugs FK506, rapamycin and cyclosporin are well known as potent T-cell specific immunosuppressants, and are effective against graft rejection after organ transplantation. It has been reported that topical, but not oral, application of FK506 (Yamamoto et al., J. Invest . Derma tol . , 1994, 102, 160-164; Jiang et al., J. Invest . Derma tol . 1995, 104, 523-525) and cyclosporin (Iwabuchi et al., J. Derma tol . Sci . 1995, 9, 64-69) stimulates hair growth in a dose-dependent manner.
  • alopecia areata One form of hair loss, alopecia areata, is known to be associated with autoimmune activities; hence, topically administered immunomodulatory compounds are ' expected to demonstrate efficacy for treating that type of hair loss.
  • the hair growth stimulating effects of FK506 have been the subject of an international patent filing covering FK506 and structures related thereto for hair growth stimulation (Honbo et al., EP 0 423 714 A2).
  • Honbo et al. discloses the use of relatively large tricyclic compounds, known for their immunosuppressive effects, as hair revitalizing agents.
  • immunosuppressive compounds by definition suppress the immune system and also exhibit other toxic side effects. Accordingly, there is a need for non- im unosuppressive, small molecule compounds which are useful as hair revitalizing compounds.
  • the visual system is composed of the eyes, ocular adnexa and the visual pathways. Dysfunction of the visual system may lead to permanent or temporary visual impairment, i.e. a deviation from normal in one or more functions of the eye. Visual impairment manifests itself in various ways and includes a broad range of visual dysfunctions and disturbances.
  • these dysfunctions and disturbances include partial or total loss of vision, the need for correction of visual acuity for objects near and far, loss of visual field, impaired ocular motility without diplopia (double vision) , impaired or skewed color perception, limited adaptation to light and dark, diminished accommodation, metamorphopsic distortion, impaired binocular vision, paresis of accommodation, iridoplegia, entropion, ectropion, epiphora, lagophthalmos, and scarring. See Physicians ' Desk Reference
  • the visual system may be adversely affected by various ophthalmologic disorders, diseases, ' injuries, and complications, including, without limitation, genetic disorders; disorders associated with aging or degenerative diseases; disorders correlating to physical injury to the eye, head, or other parts of the body resulting from external forces; disorders resulting from • environmental factors; disorders resulting from a broad range of diseases; and combinations of any of the above.
  • the visual system is a- complex system composed of numerous components. Visual impairment can involve the entire visual system, any one component, or any combination of components, depending upon the precise nature of the circumstances.
  • the eye is composed of a lens, which is suspended in the zonules of Zinn and is focused by the ciliary body.
  • the ciliary body also secretes aqueous humor, which fills the posterior chamber, passes through the pupil into the anterior chamber, then .drains primarily via the canal of Schlemm.
  • the iris regulates the quantity of light entering the eye by adjusting the size of its central opening, the pupil.
  • a visual image is focused onto the retina, the fovea centralis being the retinal area of sharpest visual acuity.
  • the conjunctiva is the mucus membrane which lines the eyelids and the eyeball, and ends abruptly at the limbus conjunctivae, the edge of the conjunctiva overlapping the cornea.
  • the cornea is the clear, transparent anterior portion of the fibrous coat of the eye; it is important in light refraction and is covered with an epithelium that differs in many respects from the conjunctival epithelium.
  • the retina is the innermost, light sensitive portion, of the eye, containing two types of photoreceptors, cones, which are responsible for color vision in brighter light, and rods, which are essential • for vision in dim light but do not perceive colors.
  • light After light passes through the cornea, lens system, and the vitreous humor, it enters the retina from the inside; that is, it passes through the ganglion cell ' s and nerve fibers, the inner and outer plexiform layers, the inner and outer nuclear layers, and the internal and external limiting membranes before it finally reaches the layer of photoreceptors located near the outside of the retina, just inside the outermost pigment epithelium layer.
  • the cells of the pigment epithelium layer act as an anatomical barrier to liquids and substances located outside of the eye, forming the "blood-retina" barrier, and provide nourishment, oxygen, a source of functionally useful substances like .vitamin A, and phagocytosis of decomposition products to photoreceptor cells. There is no anatomical connection between the pigment epithelium and the photoreceptor layer, permitting separation of the layers in some pathological situations.
  • rods or cones When rods or cones are excited by light, signals are transmitted through successive neurons in the retina itself, into the optic nerve fibers, and ultimately to- the cerebral cortex. Both rods and cones contain molecules that decompose on exposure to light and, in the process, excite the nerve fibers leading from the eye.
  • the molecule in rods is rhodopsin.
  • the three light-sensitive molecules . in cones, collectively called iodopsin have compositions only slightly different ' from that of rhodopsin and are maximally excited by ' red, blue, or green light, respectively.
  • rods nor cones generate action potentials. Rather, the light-induced membrane hyperpolarization generated in the outer, photosensitive segment of a rod or cone cell is transmitted from the outer segment through the inner segment to the synaptic body by direct conduction of the electrical voltage itself, a process called electrotonic conduction. At the synaptic body, the membrane potential controls the release of an unknown transmitter molecule. In low light, rod and cone cell membranes are depolarized and the rate of transmitter release is greatest. Light-induced hyperpolarization causes a marked decrease in the release of transmitter molecules.
  • the transmitters released, by rod and cone cells induce signals in the bipolar neurons and horizontal cells.
  • the signals in both these cells are also transmitted by electrotonic conduction and not by action potential.
  • the rod bipolar neurons connect with as many, as 50 rod cells, while the dwarf and diffuse bipolar cells connect with one or several cone cells.
  • a depolarizing bipolar cell is stimulated when its connecting rods or cones are exposed to light. The release of transmitter molecules inhibits the depolarizing bipolar cell. Therefore, in the dark, when the rods and cones are secreting large quantities of transmitter molecules, the depolarizing bipolar cells are inhibited. In the light, the decrease in release of transmitter molecules from the rods ' and cones reduces the inhibition of the bipolar cell, allowing it to r become excited. In .this manner, both positive and negative signals can be transmitted through different bipolar cells from the rods and cones to the amacrine and ganglion cells..
  • horizontal cells project horizontally in the retina, where they may synapse with rods, cones, other horizontal cells, or a combination of cells types.
  • the function of horizontal cells is unclear, although some mechanism in the convergence of photoreceptor signaling, has been postulated.
  • bipolar cells connect with ganglion cells, which are of two primary types.
  • A-type ganglion cells predominately connect with rod bipolar cells
  • B-type ganglion "cells predominately connect with dwarf and diffuse bipolar cells. It appears that A-type ganglion cells are sensitive to contrast, light intensity, and perception of movement, while B-type ganglion cells appear more concerned with color vision and visual acuity.
  • Amacrine cells horizontally synapse with several to many other cells, in this case bipolar cells, ganglion cells, and other Amacrine cells.
  • the function of Amacrine cells is also unclear.
  • the axons of ganglion cells carry signals into the nerve fiber layer of the eye, where the axons converge into fibers which " further converge at the optic disc, where they exit the eye as the optic nerve.
  • the ganglion cells transmit their signals through the optic nerve fibers to the brain in the form of action potentials. These cells, even when unstimulated, transmit continuous nerve impulses at an average, baseline rate of about 5 per second.
  • the visual signal is superimposed onto this baseline level of ganglion cell stimulation. It can be either an excitatory signal, with the number of impulses increasing above the baseline rate, or an inhibitory signal, with the number of nerve impulses decreasing below the baseline rate.
  • the eye As part of the central nervous system, the eye is in some ways an extension of the brain; as such, it has a limited capacity for regeneration. This limited regeneration capacity further complicates the challenging task of improving vision, resolving dysfunction of the visual system, and/or treating or preventing .ophthalmologic disorders.
  • Many disorders of the eye such as retinal photic injury, retinal ischemia-induced eye injury, age-related macular degeneration, free radical- induced eye diseases, as well as numerous other disorders, are considered to be entirely untreatable.
  • Other ophthalmologic disorders e.g., disorders causing permanent visual impairment, are corrected only by the use of ophthalmic devices and/or surgery, with varying degrees of success.
  • the immunosuppressant drugs FK506, rapamycin, and cyclosporin are well known as potent T-cell specific immunosuppressants, and are effective against autoimmunity, transplant or graft rejection, inflammation, allergic responses, other autoimmune or immune-mediated diseases, and infectious diseases. It has been disclosed that application of Cyclosporin, FK-506, Rapamycin, Buspirone, Spiperone, and/or their derivatives are effective in treating some ophthalmologic disorders of these types.
  • Several ophthalmologic disorders or vision problems are known to be associated with autoimmune and immunologically-mediated activities; hence, immunomodulatory compounds are expected to demonstrate efficacy for treating those types of ophthalmologic disorders or vision problems.
  • the immunosuppressive compounds disclosed in the prior art suppress the immune system, by definition, and also exhibit other toxic side effects. Accordingly, there is ' a need for non-immunosuppressant, small molecule compounds, and compositions and methods for use of such compounds, that are useful in improving vision; preventing, treating, and/or
  • non- immunosuppressive compounds disclosing methods of use for permitting or promoting wound healing (whether from injury or surgery) ; controlling intraocular pressure (often resulting from glaucoma) ; controlling neurodegenerative eye disorders, including damage or injury to retinal neurons, damage or injury to retinal ganglion cells, and macular degeneration; stimulating neurite outgrowth; preventing or reducing oxidative damage caused by free radicals; and treating impaired oxygen and nutrient supply, as well as impaired waste product removal, resulting from low blood flow.
  • non- immunosuppressive substances fall into- one of two general categories: naturally occurring molecules, such as proteins, glycoproteins, peptides, hormones, and growth factors; and synthetic molecules.
  • GDNF glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,667,968 discloses the use of a variety of neurotrophic proteins, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3 or neurotrophin-4, acidic or basic fibroblast growth factors, interleukin, tumor necrosis factor- ⁇ , insulin-like growth factor-2 and other growth factors. Wong et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,632,984, discloses the use of interferons, especially interferon -2a, for treating the symptoms of macular degeneration by reducing hemorrhage and limiting neovascularization. Finally, Wallace et al., U.S. Patent No.
  • NVF lung-derived neurotrophic factor
  • a key characteristic of factors derived from specific cell lines is their localization to specific cell lines or tissues; systemic treatment with these molecules would run a substantial risk of unintended, and potentially dangerous, effects in cell lines where the genes encoding these molecules are inactive.
  • hormones and growth factors often activate a large number of genes in many cell lines; again, non-localized application of these molecules would run a substantial risk of provoking an inappropriate, and potentially dangerous, response.
  • synthetic molecules most of the patented compounds are immunosuppressive- and disclose uses in treating inflammatory, autoimmune, and allergic responses, as discussed, above. A few others -are non-immunosuppressive and claim the ability to treat cellular degeneration, and in some cases promote cellular regeneration, most often in the context of their antioxidant properties.
  • Tso et al. U.S. Patent No. 5,527,533, discloses the use of astaxanthin, a _carotenoid antioxidant, for preventing or reducing photoreceptor damage resulting from the presence of free radicals.
  • Babcock et al. U.S. Patent No. 5,252,319, discloses the use of antioxidant aminosteroids for treating eye disease and injury, by increasing resistance to oxidative damage.
  • Freeman U.S. Patent No. 5,468,752 discloses the use of the antiviral phosphonylmethoxyalkylcytosines to reduce abnormally increased intraocular pressure.
  • Naturally occurring hormones, growth factors, cytokines, and signaling molecules are generally multifunctional and activate many genes in diverse cell lines.
  • the present compounds do not, thus avoiding the unexpected, and potentially dangerous, side effects of systemic use.
  • the present compounds also avoid the potential unexpected side effects of introducing cell line-specific molecules into other cell lines where they do not naturally occur.
  • the .epithelial hair cells in the organ of Corti of the inner ear transduce sound into neural activity, which is transmitted along the cochlear division of the eighth cranial nerve.
  • This nerve consists of fibers from three types of neurons (Spoendllin, H. H., in Friedmann, I. Ballantyne, J., eds .
  • each inner hair cell is innervated by about 20 fibers, each.of which synapses on only one cell.
  • each outer hair cell is innervated by approximately six fibers, and each fiber branches to supply approximately 10 cells.
  • the fibers divide into: 1) an inner spiral group,, which arises primarily ipsilaterally and synapses with the afferent neurons to the inner hair cells, and 2) a more numerous outer radial group, which arises mainly contralaterally and synapses directly with outer hair cells.
  • each cochlear nerve- fiber exhibits a tuning curve covering , a different range of frequencies from its neighboring fiber (Evans, E.F. in Beagley H.A. ed. , "Auditory investigation: The Scientific and Technological basis", New York, Oxford University Pressm (1979)).
  • complex sounds are broken down into component frequencies (frequency resolution) by the filters of the inner ear.
  • the auditory apparatus can be subdivided into the external and middle ear, inner ear and auditory nerve and central auditory pathways. Auditory information in humans is transduced from a mechanical signal to a neurally conducted electrical impulse by the action of approximately 15,000 epithelial cells (hair cells) and 30,000
  • Hearing loss can be on the level of conductivity, sensorineural and central level.
  • Conductive hearing loss is caused by lesions involving the external or middle ear, resulting in the destruction of the normal pathway of airborne sound amplified by the tympanic membrane and the ossicles to the inner ear fluids.
  • Sensorineural hearing loss is due to lesions of the central auditory pathways. These consist of the cochlear and dorsal olivary nucleus complex, inferior colliculi, medial geniculate bodies, auditory cortex in the temporal lobes and interconnecting afferent and efferent fiber tracts (Adams R.D. and Maurice, V., eds., in "Principles of Neurology", (1989) , McGraw-Hill Information Services Company, pp. 226-246) .
  • a variety of tumors can produce either a conductive hearing loss, or a sensorineural hearing loss, by invading- the inner ear or auditory nerve (Houck, J.R., et al. , Otolaryn ⁇ ol. Head Neck Surg. (1992), 106: 92-7 ) .
  • a variety of degenerative disorders of unknown cause can produce sensorineural hearing loss. Meniere's syndrome (Nadol, J.B., ed.
  • the present invention provides such a method.
  • the present invention is directed to novel N-substituted cyclic aza compounds, and their preparation and use for treating neurodegenerative disorders, for treating alopecia and related hair loss disorders, for treating vision disorders and/or improving vision, for treating memory impairment and/or enhancing memory performance, and for treating sensorineural hearing loss.
  • Preferred compounds include N-diketo cyclic aza derivative compounds, N-sulfonyl cyclic aza derivative compounds, tertiary N-aminocarbonyl cyclic aza compounds, and secondary N-aminocarbonyl cyclic aza compounds, wherein the diketo, sulfonyl, or aminocarbonyl group is attached to one of the nitrogen atoms (the ' 1-nitrogen) of the central aza heterocyclic ring, with an additional substituent substituted onto the 2-nitrogen of the central aza heterocyclic ring.
  • These novel classes of aza derivative compounds contain .the additional feature of a 5-7 membered aza heterocyclic ring in the central structure.
  • These compounds stimulate neuronal regeneration and outgrowth and as such are useful for treating neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. These compounds also promote hair growth and as such are useful for treating hair loss disorders. These compounds also are useful for treating vision disorders, improving vision, treating memory impairment, enhancing memory performance, or treating hearing loss.
  • a preferred feature of the compounds of the present invention is that they do not exert any significant immunosuppressive activity and/or are non-immunosuppressive as defined herein.
  • n is 1-3 ;
  • R x is selected from the group consisting of -CR 3 , -COOR 3 , -COR 3 , -COOH,. -SO 3 H, -S0 2 HNR 3 ,-P0 2 (R 3 ) 2 , -CN, -P0 3 (R 3 ) 2 , -OR 3 , - SR 3 , -NHCOR 3 , -N(R 3 ) 2 , -CON(R 3 ) 2 , -C0NH(0)R 3 , -CONHNHS0 2 R 3 , - COHNS0 2 R 3 , -CONR 3 CN,
  • R x group is eith ted or additionally substituted with R 3 ;
  • R 2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C ⁇ - C 9 straight or branched chain alkyl, C 2 -C 9 straight or branched chain alkenyl, C 2 -C 9 straight or branched chain alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocycle, or heterocycle, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocycle, or heterocycle is unsubstituted on substituted with one or more substituents selected from R 3 ;
  • R 3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C x - C 9 alkyl, C 2 -C 9 straight or branched .chain alkenyl, C 2 -C 9 straight or branched chain alkynyl, C ⁇ Cg alkoxy, C 2 -C 9 alkenyloxy, aryloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, hydroxy, carboxy, C x - C 9 thioalkyl, C
  • haloalkyl -trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocycle, and heterocycle, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, aryloxy, thioalkyl, thioalkenyl, alkylamino, alkenylamino, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocycle, or heterocycle group is optionally substituted with a hydroxy, carboxy, carbonyl, cyano, nitro, imino, sulfonyl, thiocarbonyl, sulfhydryl, halo, haloalkyl, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocycle, or heterocycle group;
  • X is 0 or S.
  • n is 1-3;
  • Ri is selected from the group consisting of -CR 3 , -COOR 3 , -COR 3 , -COOH, -S0 3 H, -S0 2 HNR 3 ,-P0 2 (R 3 ) 2 , -CN, -P0 3 (R 3 ) 2 , -OR 3 , - SR 3 , -NHCOR 3 , -N(R 3 ) : , -CON(R 3 )v, -C0NH(0)R 3 , -CONHNHS0 2 R 3 , COHNS0 2 R 3 , -CONR 3 CN,
  • R L group is either unsubstituted or additionally substituted with R 3 ;
  • R 2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C x - C 9 straight or branched chain alkyl, C 2 -C 9 straight or branched chain alkenyl, C 2 -C 9 straight or branched chain alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocycle, or heterocycle, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, -alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocycle, or heterocycle is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents selected from R 3 ; and
  • R 3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C x - C 9 alkyl, C 2 -C 9 straight or branched chain alkenyl, C 2 -C 9 straight or branched chain alkynyl, Cj-Cg alkoxy, C 2 -C 9 alkenyloxy, aryloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, hydroxy, carboxy, C x - C 9 thioalkyl, .
  • C 2 -C 9 thioalkenyl C ⁇ Cg alkylamino, C 2 -C 9 alkenylamino, cyano, nitro, imino, sulfonyl, thiocarbonyl, sulfhydryl, halo, haloalkyl, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocycle, and heterocycle, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, aryloxy, thioalkyl, thioalkenyl, alkylamino, alkenylamino, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocycle, or heterocycle group is optionally .
  • n is 1-3 ;
  • R ] _ is selected from the group consisting of -CR 3 , -COOR 3 , -COR 3 , -COOH, -S0 3 H, -S0 2 HNR 3 ,-P0 2 (R 3 ) 2 , -CN, -P0 3 (R 3 ) 2 , -OR 3 , - SR 3 , -NHCOR 3 , -N(R 3 ) 2 , -CON(R 3 ) 2 , -CONH(0)R 3 , -CONHNHS0 2 R 3 , - COHNS0 2 R 3 , -CONR 3 CN,
  • R x group is either unsubstituted or additionally substituted with R 3 ;
  • R and R 2 are independently C ⁇ Cg alkyl, C 2 -C 9 alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocycle, or heterocycle, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocycle, or heterocycle is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent (s) selected from R 3 ; and
  • R 3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C x - C 9 alkyl, C 2 -C 9 straight or branched chain alkenyl, C 2 -C 9 straight or branched chain alkynyl, Ci-Cg alkoxy, C 2 -C 9 alkenyloxy, aryloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, hydroxy, carboxy, C x - C 9 thioalkyl, C 2 -C 9 thioalkenyl, C x -C 9 alkylamino, C 2 -C 9 alkenylamino, cyano, nitro, imino, sulfonyl, thiocarbonyl, sulfhydryl, halo, haloalkyl, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocycle, and heterocycle, wherein said alkyl, 'alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, aryloxy
  • Yet another preferred embodiment, of this invention is a compound of formula IV: •
  • R 2 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or solvate thereof, wherein: n is 1-3; R ⁇ is selected from the group consisting of -CR 3 , -COOR 3/
  • R x group is either unsubstituted. or additionally substituted with R 3 ;
  • R 2 is Ci-Cg alkyl, C 2 -C 9 alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocycle, or heterocycle, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocycle, or heterocycle is substituted with one or more substituent (s) selected from R 3 ; and
  • R 3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C x - C 9 alkyl, C 2 -C 9 straight or branched chain alkenyl, C 2 -C 9 straight or branched chain alkynyl,- C x -C 9 alkoxy, C 2 -C 9 alkenyloxy, aryloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, hydroxy, carboxy, C ⁇ C 9 thioalkyl, C 2 -C 9 thioalkenyl, alkylamino, C 2 -C 9 alkenylamino, cyano, nitro, imino, sulfonyl, thiocarbonyl, sulfhydryl, halo, haloalkyl, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocycle, and heterocycle, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, aryloxy, thioalkyl,
  • Another preferred embodiment is a pharmaceutical composition, comprising-:
  • a neurotrophic factor different from the present inventive compounds may also be administered or otherwise included in the composition.
  • Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a method of treating a neurological disorder in an animal, comprising administering to the animal an effective amount of the compound of formulae I, II, III, or IV to stimulate growth of damaged peripheral nerves or to promote neuronal regeneration.
  • Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a method of stimulating growth of damaged peripheral nerves, comprising administering to a damaged peripheral nerve an effective amount of the compound of formulae I, II, III, or IV to stimulate or promote growth of the damaged peripheral nerve.
  • Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a method of promoting neuronal regeneration and growth in animals, comprising administering to an animal an effective amount of the compound of formulae I, II, III, or IV to promote neuronal regeneration.
  • Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a ' method of preventing neurodegeneration in animals, comprising administering to an animal an effective amount of the compound -of formulae I, II, III, or IV to prevent neurodegeneration.
  • Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a method for treating alopecia or promoting hair growth in an animal,' comprising administering to -an animal an effective amount of the compound of formulae I, II, III, or IV.
  • Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a method for treating a vision disorder, improving vision, treating memory impairment, enhancing memory performance, or treating
  • the present invention further contemplates the compound (s) of the invention for use in treatment of a disease.
  • the present invention contemplates the compound(s) of the invention ' for use in treatment of the disorders enumerated herein.
  • the present invention further contemplates the compound (s) of the invention for use in the preparation of a medicament or pharmaceutical composition.
  • the invention contemplates the compound (s) of the invention for use in the preparation of a medicament or pharmaceutical composition for treatment of the disorders enumerated herein.
  • the invention also provides for the use of compound (s) of the invention for treating a disease.
  • the invention provides for the use of compound (s) of the invention for treating the disorders enumerated herein.
  • the invention also provides for the use of compound (s) of the invention in the manufacture of a medicament or pharmaceutical composition.
  • the invention provides for the use of compound (s) of the invention in the manufacture of a medicament or pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of the disorders enumerated herein.
  • Such pharmaceutical compositions include, as appropriate to the specific disorder, topical, systemic, oral, or injectable formulations.
  • the compound (s) of the invention may be administered with an effective amount of a second therapeutic agent for the treatment of - the enumerated disorders.
  • a variety of pharmaceutical formulations and different delivery techniques are described in ' further detail below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • Alkyl refers to a straight- chain or branched-chain hydrocarbon radical containing a ⁇ designated number of carbon atoms.
  • C 1 -C 9 alkyl is a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain containing 1 to 9 carbon atoms.
  • examples of such radicals include methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, n- hexyl, and the like, unless otherwise indicated.
  • alkenyl refers to a straight- chain or branched-chain hydrocarbon radical having one more double bonds, preferably 1-2 double bonds and more preferably one double bond, and containing a designated number of carbon atoms.
  • C 2 -C 9 alkenyl is a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain containing- 2 to 9 carbon atoms having at least one double bond, and includes but is not limited to ethenyl, propenyl, - iso-propenyl, butenyl, 2-methylpropenyl, iso-butenyl, tert-butenyl, 1, 4-butadienyl, n-pentenyl, n- hexenyl, and the ' like, unless otherwise indicated.
  • Alkynyl refers to a straight- chain or branched-chain hydrocarbon radical having one or more triple bonds, preferably 1-2' triple bonds and more preferably one triple bond, and containing a designated number of carbon atoms.
  • C 2 -C 9 alkynyl is a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain containing 2 to 9 carbon atoms having at least one triple bond, and includes but is not limited to ethynyl, propynyl (propargyl) , butynyl, and the like, unless otherwise indicated.
  • Alkanoyl alone or in combination, means a radical of the type "R-C(O)-" wherein "R” is an alkyl radical as, defined above and "-C(O)-” is a carbonyl radical.
  • alkanoyl radicals include without limitation acetyl, trifluoroacetyl, hydroxyacetyl, propanoyl, butyryl, pentanoyl, and the like.
  • Alkoxy refers to a radical of the type "-OR” wherein "R” is alkyl radical as defined above and "0" is an oxygen atom.
  • R is a branched or unbranched saturated hydrocarbon chain containing 1 to 9 carbon atoms.
  • alkoxy radicals include without limitation methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, • isopropoxy, n- butoxy, iso-butoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy, and the like, unless otherwise indicated.
  • R or “R n ", where n is a number, is used to designate various alkyl (and other) substituents. As indicated throughout, these R groups are independently selected " . Thus, for example, the fact that R x may be a branched alkyl in one. context does not require that R x be the same branched alkyl, and does not prohibit that R ⁇ be, for example, a straight chain alkenyl, in another context in the same molecule. It is . intended that all “R n " are selected independently of all other "R n ", whether -or not. the term
  • Aryl or “aromatic” refers to an aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic moiety having one or more closed rings which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, .amino, azido, nitro, cyano, haloalkyl-, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclo, alkanoylamino , amido, amidino, ⁇ alkoxycarbonylamino, N-alkyla ⁇ dino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, N-alkylamido, N,N-dialkylamido, aralkoxycarbonylamino, alkylthio, alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, and the like.
  • any substituents attached to an aryl moiety in the compounds of the present invention may be configured in the ortho-, meta-, or para- orientations, with the para- orientation being preferred.
  • preferred aryl radicals include, without limitation, phenyl, p-tolyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 4- (tert- butoxy) phenyl, ' 3-methyl-4-methoxyphenyl, 4-CF 3 -phenyl, - 4- fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 3-nitrophenyl, 3-aminophenyl, 3- acetamidophenyl , 4-acet amidophenyl , 2-methyl-3- acetamidophenyl, 2-methyl-3-aminophenyl, 2-amino-3- methylphenyl, 2, 4-dimethyl-3-aminophenyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl, 3- methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl, 4- (4-methoxyphenyl) phenyl, naphthyl,
  • Ar or “Ar n”, where n is a number, is used to designate various cyclic (and other) substituents. As indicated throughout, these Ar groups are independently selected. Thus, for example, the fact that Ar 2 may be phenyl in one context does not require that Ar 2 be phenyl, nor prohibit that Ar 2 be, for example, pyridyl, in another context in the same molecule. It is intended that all “Ar n " are selected independently of all other “Ar n ", whether or not the term “independently selected” is used or is inadvertently omitted.
  • Bridged ring or “bridged ring moiety”, alone or in combination, refers to a carbocyclic or heterocyclic moiety where two or more atoms are shared between two or more ring structures, where any such shared atom is C, N, S, or other heteroatom arranged in a chemically reasonable substitution pattern and which is optionally substituted as defined herein with respect to the definition of aryl.
  • a "bridged” compound also refers to a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring structure where one atom at any position of a primary ring is bonded to a second atom on the primary ring through either a chemical bond or atom(s) other than a bond which do not comprise a part of the primary ring structure.
  • the first and second atom may or may not be adjacent to one another in the primary ring. Illustrated below are specific nonlimiting examples of bridged ring structures contemplated by the present invention:
  • Heteroaryl alona or in combination, refers to an aromatic heterocyclic moiety having one or more closed rings with one or more heteroatoms (for example, sulfur, nitrogen or oxygen) in at least one of the rings and which is optionally substituted as defined herein with respect to the definition of aryl.
  • heteroatoms for example, sulfur, nitrogen or oxygen
  • Examples include, without limitation, pyrrole, thiophene, pyridine and isoxazole.
  • Carbocycle or “carbocyclic”, alone or in combination, refers to a saturated or partially saturated- hydrocarbon, - cyclic moiety having one or more closed rings that is/are alicyclic, aromatic, fused and/or bridged, and which is optionally substituted as defined herein with respect to the definition of aryl.
  • Heterocycle or “heterocyclic”, alone or in combination, refers to a saturated or partially.
  • heterocycle is intended to include sulfone and sulfoxide derivatives of sulfur ring members- and N-oxides of tertiary nitrogen ring members,. and benzofused ring systems.
  • Examples of preferred carbocyclic and heterocyclic moieties include, without limitation, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, phenyl, benzyl, naphthyl, indenyl, azulenyl, fluorenyl, anthracenyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, indolinyl, benzofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, • indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzthiazolyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, pyridyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyly pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, purinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, quinolizinyl, furyl, thiophenyl, imidazolyl, • -oxy
  • heterocyclic moieties may exist in several isomeric forms, all of which are encompassed by the present invention.
  • a 1, 3, 5-triazine moiety is isomeric to a 1,2,4- triazine. group.
  • Such positional isomers are to be considered within the scope of the present invention.
  • the heterocyclic or heteroaryl groups can be bonded to other moieties in the compounds of the present- invention. The point (s) of attachment to these ' other moieties is not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention.
  • a pyridyl moiety may be bound to other groups, through the 2-, 3-, or 4-position of the pyridyl group. All such configurations are to be construed as within the scope of the present invention.
  • .heterocyclic or heteroaryl moieties included in the scope of the present invention may. include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Derivative refers to a substance produced from another substance either directly or by modification or partial substitution.
  • a “derivative” of a compound is a compound obtainable from the original compound by a simple chemical process.
  • Activated derivative of a compound means a reactive form of the original compound which renders the compound active in a desired chemical reaction, in which the original compound is only moderately reactive or non-reactive. Activation is achieved by formation of a derivative or a chemical grouping within the molecule with a higher free energy content than that of the original compound, which renders the activated form more susceptible to react with another reagent.
  • One skilled in the art would be able to identify various activated derivatives useful in preparing the present inventive compounds.
  • Particularly preferred activated derivatives can include, for example, halo, a lower acyloxy group, a carbodiimide group such as l-ethyl-3- (3- dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDAC) , an isobutyrate group, an amino acid anhydride protected amino acid, N- carboxyanhydrides (NCA's), a triazole, a mixed anhydride (see, for example, G. E. Krejcarek - and K. L. Tucker, Biochem.,
  • “Therapeutically effective amount” refers to the amount required to effect a desired therapeutic activity as defined herein, such as stimulation of neuronal regeneration, treating neurological disorders, treating alopecia and related hair loss disorders, treating vision ' disorders and/or improving vision, treating memory impairment and/or enhancing memory performance, and treating sensorineural-hearing loss.
  • a therapeutically effective amount can be determined according to assays known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as the MPTP assay, described herein below.
  • Halo refers to at least one fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo moiety.
  • isosteres refer to elements, molecules, or ions having different molecular formulae but exhibiting similar or identical physical properties.
  • tetrazole is an isostere of carboxylic acid because it mimics the properties of carboxylic acid even though they both have very different molecular formulae.
  • Tetrazole is one of many possible isosteric replacements for carboxylic acid.
  • carboxylic ester isosteres mimic the properties of an ester even though they have very different molecular formulae.
  • isosteric compounds should be somorphic and able to co-crystallize.
  • the term “isosteres” encompass “bi ⁇ isosteres” .
  • Bioisosteres are isosteres which, in addition to their physical similarities, share some common biological properties. Typically, bioisosteres interact with the same recognition site or produce . broadly similar biological effects.
  • Carboxylic acid isosteres and “carboxylic ester isosteres” include without limitation direct, derivatives such as hydroxamic acids, acyl-cyanamides and acylsulfonamides; planar acidic heterocycles such as tetrazoles, mercaptoazoles, sulfinylazoles, sulfonylazoles, isoxazoles, isothiazoles, hydroxythiadiazoles and hydroxychromes; ' and nonplanar sulfur- or phosphorus-derived acidic functions such as phosphinates, phosphonates, phosphonamides, sulphonates, sulphonamides, and
  • carboxylic acid isosteres can include 5-7 embered carbocycles or heterocycles containing any combination of CH 2 , 0, S, or N in any chemically stable oxidation state, where any of the atoms of said ring structure are optionally substituted in one or more positions.
  • the present, invention contemplates that when chemical substituent (s) are added to a carboxylic acid or ester isostere, the inventive compound retains the properties of a carboxylic acid or ester isostere.
  • Protecting group generally refers to groups well known in the art which are used to prevent selected reactive groups, such as carboxy, amino, hydroxy, mercapto and the like, from undergoing undesired reactions, such as nucleophilic, electrophilic, oxidation, ⁇ reduction, and the like. Preferred protecting groups are indicated herein where appropriate. Examples of amino protecting groups include, but are not
  • ⁇ limited to, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, cycloalkenylalkyl and substituted cycloalkenyl alkyl, allyl, substituted allyl, acyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl, ⁇ silyl, and the like.
  • a mixture of protecting groups can be used to protect the same amino group, such as a primary amino group can be protected b both an aralkyl group and an aralkoxycarbonyl group.
  • Amino protecting groups can also form a heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen to which they are attached, for example, 1,2- bis (methylene) benzene, phthalimidyl, succinimidyl, maleimidyl, and the like and where these heterocyclic groups can further include adjoining aryl and cycloalkyl mono-, di-, or tri- substituted.
  • Amino groups may also be protected against undesired reactions, such as oxidation, through the formation of an addition salt, such as hydrochloride, toluenesulfonic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, and the like. Many of the amino protecting groups are also suitable for protecting carboxy, hydroxy, and mercapto groups. Alkyl groups are also suitable groups for protecting hydroxy and mercapto groups.
  • Low molecular weight, small molecule compounds include, without limitation, molecules which are smaller in size, molecular weight, or both in relation to the compounds Rapamycin, Cyclosporin, and FK506.
  • such compounds have a molecular weight no more than about 800 daltons; more preferably, no more than about 650 daltons; most preferably, no more than about 500 daltons; even more preferably, no more than about 450 daltons; more preferably, no more than about 400 daltons; more preferably, no more than about 350 daltons, and more preferably, no more than about 300 daltons.
  • “Pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” refers to any carrier, diluent, excipient, suspending agent, lubricating agent, adjuvant, vehicle, delivery system, emulsifier, disintegrant, absorbent, preservative, surfactant, colorant, flavorant, or sweetener.
  • the compounds of the present invention may be administered orally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally, buccally, vaginally, or via an implanted reservoir in dosage formulations containing conventional non-toxic pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers, adjuvants, and vehicles.
  • parenteral as used herein includes subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intrathecal, intraventricular, intrasternal, and intracranial injection or infusion techniques.
  • “Pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to an organic or inorganic salt of the inventive compounds which possesses the desired pharmacological activity and which is neither biologically nor otherwise undesirable. Such salts can be acid or basic addition salts, depending on the nature of the inventive compound to be used.
  • a salt may be formed by treatment of the inventive compound with a basic compound, particularly an inorganic base.
  • Preferred inorganic salts are those formed with alkali and alkaline earth metals such as lithium, sodium, potassium, barium and calcium.
  • Preferred organic base salts include, for example, ammonium, dibenzylammonium, benzylammonium, ' 2- hydroxyethylammonium, bis ( 2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium, phenylethylbenzylamme, dibenzyl-ethyleriediamine, and the like salts.
  • salts of acidic moieties may include, for example, those salts formed with procaine, quinine and N- methylglucosamine, plus salts formed with basic amino acids such as glycine, ornithine, histidine, phenylglycine, lysine and arginine.
  • suitable base salts, esters, or solvates include magnesium salts; salts with organic bases, such as dicyclohexylamine salts; and N-methyl-D-glucamine .
  • An especially preferred salt is a sodium or potassium salt of an inventive compound. Free acids can be additionally preferred.
  • a salt is formed by the treatment of the desired inventive compound with an acidic compound, particularly an inorganic acid.
  • Preferred inorganic salts of this type may include, for example, the hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, sulfuric, phosphoric or the like salts.
  • Preferred organic salts of this type may include, for example, salts formed with formic, acetic, succinic, citric, lactic, maleic, fumaric, palmitic, cholic, pamoic, mucic, d- glutamic, d-camphoric, glutaric, glycolic, phthalic, tartaric, lauric, stearic, salicyclic, methanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, para-toluehesulfonic, sorbic, puric, benzoic, cinnamic and the like organic acids.
  • Suitable acids are adipate, alginate, aspartate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, butyrate, camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, 2- hydroxyethanesulfonate, methanesulfonate, naphthylate, 2- naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, oxalate, thiocyanate, tosylate and undecanoate.
  • An especially preferred salt of this type is a hydrochloride or sulfate salt of the desired inventive compound.
  • the basic nitrogen-containing groups can be quarternized with such agents as: 1) lower alkyl halides, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl chloride, bromides and iodides; 2) dialkyl sulfates like dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl and diamyl sulfates; 3) long chain alkyls such as decyl, lauryl, myristyl and stearyl substituted with one or more halide such as chlorid'e, bromide and iodide; and 4) aralkyl halides like benzyl and phenethyl bromide and others. Free bases can be additionally preferred.
  • “Isomers” refer to compounds' having the same number and kind of atoms (same molecular formula), and hence the same molecular weight, but differing in
  • Stepoisomers refer to isomers that differ only in the arrangement of the atoms in space.
  • “Diastereoisomers” are stereoisomers which are ' not mirror images of each other.
  • Optical isomers refer to either of two kinds of stereoisomers. One kind is represented by mirror-image structures called enantiomers, which result from the presence of one or more asymmetric carbon atoms in the compound
  • Enantiomers refer to a pair of stereoisomers that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.
  • Racemic mixture refers to a -mixture containing equal parts of individual enantiomers.
  • Non-racemic mixture is a mixture containing unequal parts of individual enantiomers or stereoisomers .
  • W or Y is H 2 , or similar designations, is meant to denote that two hydrogen atoms are attached to the noted carbon and that the bonds to each hydrogen are single bonds.
  • Alopecia refers to deficient hair growth and partial or complete loss of hair, including without limitation androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness), toxic alopecia, alopecia senilis-, alopecia areata, alopecia pelada and trichotillomania .
  • Alopecia results when the pilar cycle is disturbed. The most frequent phenomenon is a shortening of the hair growth or anagen phase due to cessation of cell proliferation. This results in an early onset of the catagen phase, and consequently a large number of hairs in the telogen phase during which the follicles are detached from the dermal papillae, and the hairs fall out.
  • Alopecia has a number of etiologies, including genetic factors, aging, local and systemic diseases, febrile conditions, mental stresses, hormonal problems, and secondary effects of drugs.
  • Animal refers to a living organism having sensation and the power of voluntary movement, and which requires for its existence oxygen and organic food. Examples include, without limitation, an animal such as a member of the human, equine, porcine, bovine, murine, canine, or feline species. A preferred animal is mammal ⁇ . In the case of a human, an "animal” may also be referred to as a "patient”.
  • Disease refers to any deviation from or interruption of the normal structure or function of any part, organ, or system
  • “Disorder” refers to any derangement or abnormality of function; a morbid physical or mental state. Dorland' s Illustrated Medical Dictionary, (W.B. Saunders Co. 27th ed. 1988) . “Enhancing memory performance” refers to improving or increasing the mental faculty by ' hich to register, retain or recall past experiences, knowledge, ideas, sensations, thoughts, or impressions.
  • Eye refers to the anatomical structure responsible for vision in humans and other animals, and encompasses the following anatomical structures, without limitation: lens, vitreous body, ciliary body, posterior chamber, anterior chamber, pupil, cornea, iris, canal of Schlemm, zonules of Zinn, limbus, conjunctiva, choroid, retina, central vessels of the retina, optic nerve, fovea centralis, macula lutea, and sclera.
  • Memory impairment refers to a diminished mental registration, retention or recall " of past experiences, knowledge, ideas, sensations, thoughts or impressions .
  • Memory impairment may affect short and long-term information retention, facility with spatial relationships, memory (rehearsal) strategies, and verbal retrieval and production.
  • Common causes of memory impairment are age, severe head trauma, brain anoxia or ischemia, alcoholic-nutritional diseases, drug intoxications and neurodegenerative diseases.
  • memory impairment is a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and senile dementia of the Alzheimer type.
  • Memory impairment also occurs with other kinds of dementia such as multi-infarct dementia, a senile dementia caused by cerebrovascular deficiency, and the Lewy-body variant of Alzheimer's disease with or without association with Parkinson's disease.
  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rare dementia with which memory impairment is associated. It is a spongiform encephalopathy caused by the prion protein; it may be transmitted from other sufferers or may arise from gene mutations. Loss of memory is also a common feature of brain-damaged patients.
  • Brain damage may occur, for example, after a classical stroke or as a result of an anaesthetic accident, head trauma, hypoglycemia, carbon monoxide poisoning, ' lithium intoxication, vitamin (B 1A thiamine and B 12 ) deficiency, or excessive alcohol use.
  • Korsakoff 's amnesic psychosis is a rare disorder characterized by profound memory loss and confabulation, whereby the patient invents stories to conceal his or her memory loss. It is frequently associated with excessive alcohol intake. Memory impairment may furthermore be age-associated; the ability to recall information such as names, places and words seems to decrease with increasing age. Transient memory loss may also occur in patients, suffering from a major depressive disorder, .after electro-convulsive therapy.
  • Neopsic factors or “neopsics” refers to compounds useful in treating vision loss, preventing vision degeneration, or promoting vision regeneration.
  • Neopsis refers to the process of treating vision loss, preventing vision degeneration, or promoting vision regeneration.
  • Neurotrophic includes without limitation the ability to stimulate neuronal regeneration or growth, and/or the ability to prevent or treat neurodegeneration.
  • Assays for determining the neurotrophic abilities of a compound are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific, non-limiting examples of well known assays include MPTP and chick DRG assays.
  • neurotrophic compounds exhibit an MPTP Assay value which is greater than about 3% recovery of TH- stained dopaminergic neurons; more preferably, greater than about 10% recovery of TH-stained dopaminergic neurons; more preferably, greater than about 20% recovery of TH-stained dopaminergic neurons; more preferably, greater than about 35% recovery of TH-stained dopaminergic neurons; most preferably, greater than about 50% recovery of TH-stained dopaminergic neurons .
  • Non-immunosuppressive refers to the inability of the compounds of the present invention to trigger an immune response when compared to a control such as FK506 or cyclosporin A.
  • Assays for determining immunosuppression are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific, non-limiting examples of well known assays include PMA and OKT3 wherein mitogens are used to stimulate proliferation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBC) and the compounds are evaluated on their ability to inhibit such proliferation.
  • Optological refers to anything about or concerning the eye, without limitation, and is used interchangeably with “ocular”, ophthalmic", “opthalmologic”, and other such terms, without limitation.
  • Palm cycle refers to the life cycle of hair follicles, and includes three phases: (1) the anagen phase, the period of active hair growth which, insofar as scalp hair is concerned, lasts about three to five years;
  • ⁇ is concerned, lasts about one to two weeks;
  • telogen phase hair is uniform in diameter with a slightly bulbous, non-pigmented root.
  • anagen phase hair has a large colored bulb at its root.
  • “Promoting hair growth” refers to maintaining, inducing, stimulating, accelerating, or revitalizing the germination of hair.
  • “Promoting vision regeneration” refers to maintaining, improving, stimulating or accelerating recovery of, or revitalizing one or more components of the visual system in a manner which improves or enhances vision, either in the presence or absence of any ophthalmologic disorder, disease, or injury.
  • Preventing neurodegeneration includes the ability to inhibit or prevent neurodegeneration in patients . newly diagnosed as having ' a neurodegenerative disease, or at risk of developing a new degenerative disease and for inhibiting or preventing further neurodegeneration in patients who are already suffering from or have symptoms of a neurodegenerative disease when the compounds are given concurrently.
  • Preventing vision degeneration includes the ability to prevent degeneration of vision in patients newly diagnosed as having a degenerative disease affecting vision, o ' r at risk of .developing a new degenerative disease affecting vision, and for preventing further degeneration of vision in patients who are already suffering from or have symptoms of a degenerative disease affecting vision.
  • Treating refers to: (i) preventing a disease, disorder, or condition from occurring in an animal which may be predisposed to the disease, disorder, and/or condition but has not yet been diagnosed as having it;
  • Treating alopecia refers to: (i) preventing alopecia in an animal which may be predisposed to alopecia; and/or
  • Terminal hair is coarse, pigmented, long hair in which the bulb of the hair follicle is seated deep in the dermis.
  • Vellus hair is fine, thin, non-pigmented short hair in which the hair bulb is located superficially in the dermis. As alopecia progresses, the hairs change from the terminal to the vellus type.
  • “Treating memory impairment” refers to:
  • Vision refers to the ability of humans and other animals to process images, and is used interchangeably with
  • Vision disorder refers to any disorder that affects or involves vision, including without limitation visual impairment, orbital disorders, disorders of the lacrimal apparatus, disorders of the eyelids, disorders of the conjunctiva, disorders of the cornea, cataracts, disorders of the uveal tract, disorders of the optic nerve or visual pathways, free radical induced eye disorders and diseases, immunologically-mediated eye disorders and diseases, eye injuries, and symptoms and complications of eye disease, eye disorder, or eye injury.
  • Visual impairment refers to any dysfunction in vision including, without limitation, disturbances or diminution in vision (e.g., binocular, central, peripheral, scotopic) , visual acuity for objects near and for, visual field, ocular motility, color perception, adaptation to light and dark, accommodation, refraction, and lacrimation. See Physicians ' Desk Reference (PDR) for Ophthalmology, 16th Edi tion, 6: 41 (1988) .
  • PDR Physicians ' Desk Reference
  • Visual system includes the eyes, the extraocular muscles which control eye position in the bony orbit (eye socket) , the optic and other nerves that connect the eyes to the brain, and those areas of the brain that are in neural communication with the eyes .
  • the present invention relates to the surprising discovery that the inventive N-substituted cyclic aza derivative compounds are neurotrophic, are able to treat alopecia, are able to treat vision and memory disorders, and are able to treat sensorineural hearing loss. Accordingly, a novel class of cyclic aza derivative compounds is provided. These compounds may be polycyclic. Preferably, the compounds are low molecular weight, small molecule, neurotrophic, and/or N, N ' -disubstituted. A preferred feature of the compounds of the present invention is that they do not exert any significant immunosuppressive activity.
  • the neurotrophic compounds of this invention can be periodically administered to a patient undergoing treatment for neurological disorders or for other reasons in- which it is desirable to stimulate neuronal regeneration and growth, such as in various peripheral neuropathies and neurological disorders relating to neurodegeneration.
  • the compounds of this invention can also be administered to mammals other than humans for treatment of various mammalian neurological disorders .
  • the compound of the present invention is an N-diketo cyclic aza derivative compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or solvate thereof.
  • the compound of the present invention is an N-sulfonyl cyclic aza derivative compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or solvate thereof.
  • the compound of the present invention is a tertiary N-aminocarbonyl cyclic aza compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or solvate thereof.
  • the compound of the present invention is a secondary N-aminocarbonyl cyclic aza compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or solvate thereof.
  • Possible substituents of any alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocycle or heterocycle group of the compounds of the present invention include, without limitation, C ⁇ Cg straight or branched chain alkyl, C 2 -C 9 straight or branched chain alkenyl, Ci-Cg alkoxy, C 2 -C 9 alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, C 3 -C 8 cycloalkyl, C 5 -C 7 cycloalkenyl, hydroxy, carboxy, carbonyl, amino, amido, cyano, isocyano, nitro, nitroso, nitrilo, isonitrilo, imino, azo, diazo, sulfonyl, sulfoxy, thio, thiocarbonyl, thiocyano, formanilido, thioformamido, sulfhydryl-, halo, haloalkyi, trifluor
  • Tables I, II, and III Specific embodiments of the present inventive compounds . are presented below in Tables I, II, and III.
  • the present invention contemplates employing the compounds of Tables I, II, and III for use in compositions and methods to treat alopecia and promote hair growth in an animal, for use in compositions and methods to treat a vision disorder, improve vision, treat memory impairment, and enhance memory performance, and for use in compositions and methods to treat a sensorineural hearing loss in an animal, and all the other uses suggested in this specification.
  • Preferred compounds of TABLE IV are named as follows : 4-phenyl-l-n-butyl 1- ( cyclohexyl ) carbamoyl-2- pyridazinecarboxylate, and
  • cyclic aza- derivative compounds within the scope of the present invention are those compounds which may possess immunosuppressive, non-immunosuppressive, or other activities as long as they also are useful in treating a disease.
  • other cyclic aza derivative compounds falling within the scope of the present invention are useful for preventing and/or treating neurological disorders, including physically damaged nerves and neurodegenerative diseases; in treating alopecia and promoting hair growth; in treating vision disorders and/or improving vision; in treating memory impairment and/or enhancing memory performance; and/or in treating sensorineural hearing loss.
  • the compounds of this invention may possess at least one asymmetric center and thus can be produced as mixtures of stereoisomers or as individual R- and S-stereoisomers .
  • the individual enantiomers may be obtained by using an optically active starting material, by resolving a racemic or non- racemic mixture of an intermediate at some appropriate stage of the synthesis, or by resolving a compound of the present invention. It is understood that the individual R- and S- stereoisomers as well as mixtures (racemic and non-racemic) of stereoisomers are encompassed by this invention.
  • the present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising:
  • the compound is present in an effective amount for effecting a neuronal activity.
  • the present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising:
  • the present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising: •
  • the present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (i) an effective amount of a compound of the present invention, as defined above, for treating a vision disorder, improving vision, treating memory impairment, or enhancing memory performance in an animal ; and
  • the present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (i) an effective amount of a compound of the present invention, as defined above, ' for treating sensorineural hearing loss in an animal; and
  • novel compounds of the present invention can be administered in pharmaceutical compositions additionally containing other neurotrophic agents such as neurotrophic growth factor, brain derived growth factor, glial derived growth factor, cilial neurotrophic factor, insulin growth factor and active truncated derivatives thereof, acidic fibroblast growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factors, neurotropin-3 and neurotropin 4/5.
  • neurotrophic agents such as neurotrophic growth factor, brain derived growth factor, glial derived growth factor, cilial neurotrophic factor, insulin growth factor and active truncated derivatives thereof, acidic fibroblast growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factors, neurotropin-3 and neurotropin 4/5.
  • the dosage level of other neurotrophic drugs will depend upon the factors stated elsewhere herein and the neurotrophic effectiveness of the drug combination.
  • the present invention further relates to the use of any of the compounds of the present invention, as defined above, and' other compounds not specifically mentioned or described herein, in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a disease.
  • the compounds are used in the preparation of a medicament for treating any of the diseases enumerated herein.
  • the present invention also relates to the use of any of the compounds of the present invention, as defined above, and other compounds not specifically mentioned or described herein, for the treatment of a disease.
  • the compounds are used for treating any of the diseases enumerated herein.
  • the present invention also relates to methods of using any the compounds of the present invention, as defined above, and other compounds not specifically mentioned or described herein, for treating any of the diseases enumerated herein.
  • novel compounds of the present invention possess an excellent degree of neurotrophic activity. Accordingly, the present invention further relates to a method for effecting a neuronal activity in a mammal, comprising administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of the present invention, as defined above.
  • the neuronal activity that is effected by the inventive method may be selected from the group consisting of stimulation of damaged neurons, promotion of neuronal regeneration, prevention of neurodegeneration, and treatment of a neurological disorder.
  • neurological disorders that are treatable by the methods of the present invention include without limitation: trigeminal neuralgia; glossopharyngeal neuralgia;
  • Bell's Palsy myasthenia gravis; muscular dystrophy; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; progressive muscular atrophy; progressive bulbar inherited muscular atrophy; herniated, ruptured or prolapsed invertebrate disk syndromes; cervical spondylosis; plexus disorders; thoracic outlet destruction syndromes; peripheral neuropathies such as those caused by lead, dapsone, ticks, porphyria, or Guillain-Barre syndrome; multiple sclerosis; stroke and ischemia associated with stroke; neural paropathy; other neurodegenerative diseases; motor neuron diseases; sciatic crush; sciatica; sciatic nerve damage; peripheral neuropathy, particularly neuropathy associated with diabetes; spinal cord injuries; facial nerve crush; Alzheimer's disease; Huntington's disease; and Parkinson's disease.
  • the .inventive method is particularly useful for treating a neurological disorder selected from the group consisting of peripheral neuropathy caused by physical injury or disease state, physical damage to the brain, physical damage to the spinal cord, stroke associated with brain damage, demyelinating disease and neurological disorder relating to neurodegeneration.
  • neurological disorders relating to neurodegeneration include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's ' disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) .
  • ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • the present invention further relates to a method for treating alopecia or promoting hair growth in a mammal, comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of a compound of the present invention, as defined above.
  • the inventive method is particularly useful for treating male pattern alopecia, alopecia senilis, alopecia areata, alopecia resulting from skin lesions or tumors, alopecia resulting from cancer therapy such as chemotherapy and radiation, and alopecia resulting from systematic disorders such as nutritional disorders and internal secretion disorders .
  • the present invention further relates to a method for treating a vision disorder, promoting vision regeneration, or improving vision in a mammal, comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of a compound of the present invention, as defined above.
  • inventive methods are particularly useful for treating various eye disorders including, but not limited to visual disorders, diseases, injuries, and complications, genetic disorders; disorders associated with aging or degenerative vision diseases; vision disorders correlating to physical injury to the eye, head, or other parts of the body resulting from external forces; disorders resulting from environmental factors; disorders resulting from a broad range of diseases; and combinations of any of the above.
  • compositions and methods of the present invention are. useful for improving vision, or correcting, treating, or preventing visual (ocular) impairment or dysfunction of the visual system, including permanent and temporary visual impairment, without limitation.
  • the present invention is also useful in preventing and treating ophthalmologic diseases and disorders, treating damaged and injured eyes, and preventing and treating diseases, disorders, and injuries which result in vision deficiency, vision loss, or reduced capacity to see or process images, and the symptoms and complications resulting from same.
  • the eye diseases and disorders which may be treated or prevented by the compositions and methods of the present invention are not limited with regard to the cause of said diseases or disorders. Accordingly, said compositions and methods are applicable whether the disease or disorder is caused by genetic or environmental factors, as well as any other influences.
  • compositions and methods of the present invention are particularly useful for eye problems or vision loss or deficiency associated with all of the following, without limitation: aging, cellular or physiological degeneration, central nervous system or neurological disorder, vascular defects, muscular defects, and exposure to adverse environmental conditions or substances.
  • compositions and methods of the present invention are particularly useful in correcting, treating, or improving visual impairment, without limitation.
  • Visual impairment in varying degrees occurs in the presence of a deviation from normal in one or more functions of the eye, including (1) visual acuity for objects at distance and near; (2) visual fields; and (3) ocular motility without diplopia.
  • PDR Physicians ' Desk Reference
  • Vision is imperfect without the coordinated function of. all three. Id.
  • compositions and methods of use are also useful in correcting, treating, or improving other ocular functions including, without limitation, color perception, adaptation to light and dark, accommodation, metamorphopsia, and binocular vision.
  • the compositions and methods of use are particularly useful in treating, correcting, or preventing ocular disturbances including, without limitation, paresis of accommodation, iridoplegia, entropion, ectropion, epiphora, lagophthalmos, scarring, vitreous opacities, non-reactive pupil, light scattering disturbances of the cornea or other media, and permanent deformities of the orbit.
  • the compositions and methods of use of the present invention are also highly useful in improving vision and treating vision loss.
  • Vision loss ranging from slight loss to absolute loss may be treated or prevented using said compositions and methods of use. Vision may be improved by the treatment of eye disorders, diseases, and injuries using the compositions and methods of the invention. However, improvements in vision using the compositions and methods of use are not so limited, and may occur in the absence of any such disorder, disease, or injury.
  • the present invention further relates to a method for treating memory impairment or enhancing memory performance in a mammal, comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of a compound, of the present invention, as defined above .
  • the present invention further relates to a method for treating a sensorineural hearing loss in a mammal, comprising administering to the mammal an affective amount of the compound of the present invention, as defined above.
  • an inventive compound will protect hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons from traumatic damage, for example damage caused by noise trauma, acute or chronic treatment with cisplatin and aminoglycoside antibiotics of from damage resulting from a lack of neurotrophic factors resulting from interruption of transport of the factors from the axon to the cell body.
  • Such treatment is expected to allow hair cells and/or auditory neurons to tolerate intermittent insults from either environmental noise trauma or treatment with ototoxins, and to slow down, prevent or reverse the progressive degeneration of the auditory neurons and hair cells which is responsible for hearing loss in pathological conditions such as presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) , inherited sensorineural degeneration, and post-idiopathic hearing losses and to preserve the functional integrity of the inner ear.
  • Such treatment will also support the auditory neurons for better and longer performance of cochlear implants.
  • a preferred method involves removal of a protecting group, such as removal of a benzyloxycarbonyl group by hydrogenolysis utilizing palladium on carbon in a suitable solvent system such as an alcohol, acetic acid, and the like or mixtures thereof.
  • a t-butoxycarbonyl protecting group can be removed utilizing an inorganic or organic acid, such as HC1 or trifluoroacetic acid, in a suitable solvent system, such as dioxane or methylene chloride.
  • the resulting amino salt can be readily neutralized to yield the free amine.
  • Carboxy protecting group such as methyl, ethyl, benzyl, tert-butyl, 4-methoxyphenylmethyl and the like, can be removed under hydrolysis and hydrogenolysis conditions well known to those skilled in the art.
  • the product and intermediates may be isolated or purified using one or more standard purification techniques, including, for example, one or more of simple solvent evaporation, recrystallization, distillation, sublimation, filtration, chromatography, including thin-layer chromatography, HPLC (e.g. reverse phase HPLC), column chromatography, flash chromatography, radial chromatography, trituration, and the like.
  • the process of scheme I further contemplates activated derivatives of any of the compounds embodied therein, as well as the removal of a protecting group from the product.
  • activated derivatives can include, for example, halo, a lower acyloxy group, a carbodiimide group such as l-ethyl-3- (3- dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDAC) , an isobutyrate group, an amino acid anhydride protected amino acid, N- carboxyanhydrides (NCA's), a triazole, a mixed anhydride (see, for example,- G. E.
  • the process of scheme II further contemplates activated derivatives of any of the compounds embodied therein, as well as the removal of a protecting group from the product.
  • activated derivatives can include, for example, halo, a lower acyloxy group, a ' carbodiimide group such as l-ethyl-3- (3- dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDAC) , an isobutyrate group, an amino acid anhydride protected amino acid, N- carboxyanhydrides (NCA's), a triazole, a mixed anhydride (see, for example, G. E.
  • the compounds will generally be administered to a patient in the form of a pharmaceutical formulation.
  • a pharmaceutical formulation preferably includes, in addition to the active agent, a physiologically acceptable carrier and/or diluent.
  • the compounds may be administered by any means known to an ordinarily skilled artisan.
  • the compounds may be administered orally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally, buccally, vaginally, directly into the middle or inner ear, or via an implanted reservoir in dosage formulations containing conventional hon-toxic pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles.
  • parenteral as used herein includes subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intrathecal, intraventricular, intrasternal, intracranial, intracerebral, intraosseous, infusion, transdermal, and transpulmonary injection or infusion routes.
  • the compounds of the present invention may be provided in any suitable dosage form known in the art.
  • the compositions may be incorporated into tablets, powders, granules, beads, chewable iozenges, capsules, . liquids, . aqueous suspensions or solutions, or similar dosage forms, using conventional equipment and techniques known in the art. Tablet dosage forms are preferred. Tablets may contain carriers such as lactose and corn . ' starch, and/or lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate. Capsules may contain diluents including lactose and dried corn starch. Aqueous suspensions may contain emulsifying and suspending agents combined with the active ingredient.
  • the compounds may also be blended with conventional excipients such as binders, including gelatin, pregelatinized starch, and the like; lubricants, such as hydrogenated vegetable oil, stearic acid, and the like; diluents, such as lactose, mannose, and sucrose; disintegrants, such as carboxymethylcellulose and sodium starch glycolate; suspending agents, such as povidone, polyvinyl alcohol, and the like; absorbants, such as silicon dioxide; preservatives, such as methylparaben, propylparaben, and sodium benzoate; surfactants, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, polysorbate 80, and the like; colorants such as F.D.& C. dyes and lakes; flavorants; and sweeteners.
  • binders including gelatin, pregelatinized starch, and the like
  • lubricants such as hydrogenated vegetable oil, stearic acid, and the like
  • diluents such as lactose, mannose
  • compositions and methods of the invention also may utilize controlled release technology.
  • inventive compounds may be incorporated into a hydrophobic polymer matrix for controlled release over a period of days.
  • transdermal delivery systems particularly preferred are transdermal delivery systems.
  • polymqrs commonly employed for this purpose include nondegradable ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and degradable lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymers which may be used externally or internally.
  • Certain hydrogels such as poly (hydroxyethylmethacrylate) or poly (vinylalcohol) also may be useful, but for shorter release cycles then the other polymer releases systems, such as those mentioned above.
  • the compounds of the present invention may be administered in the form of sterile injectable preparations, for example, as sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspensions. These suspensions may be formulated according to techniques known in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents.
  • the sterile injectable preparations may also be sterile injectable solutions or suspensions in non-toxic parenterally-acceptable diluents or solvents, for example, as solutions in 1, 3-butanediol .
  • acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution.
  • sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as solvents or suspending mediums.
  • any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic ono- or di-glycerides .
  • Fatty acids such as oleic acid and its glyceride derivatives, including olive oil and castor oil, especially in their polyoxyethylated versions, are useful in the preparation of injectables.
  • These oil solutions or suspensions may also contain long-chain alcohol diluents or dispersants.
  • compositions of this invention may also be administered rectally in the form of suppositories.
  • These compositions can be prepared by mixing the drug with a suitable non-irritating excipient which is solid at room temperature, but liquid at rectal temperature and, .therefore, will melt in the rectum to release the drug.
  • suitable non-irritating excipient include cocoa butter, beeswax and polyethylene glycols.
  • the compounds of this invention may also be administered topically, especially when the conditions addressed for treatment involve areas or organs readily accessible by topical application, including neurological disorders of the eye, the skin, or the lower intestinal tract.
  • Suitable topical formulations are readily prepared for each of these areas.
  • the compounds can be formulated as micronized suspensions in isotonic, pH adjusted sterile saline, or, preferably, as solutions in isotonic, pH adjusted sterile saline, either with or without a preservative such as benzylalkonium chloride.
  • the compounds may be formulated in an ointment such as petrolatum.
  • the compounds can be formulated in a suitable ointment containing the compound suspended or dissolved in, for example, a mixture with one or more of the following: mineral oil, liquid petrolatum, white petrolatum, propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene compound, emulsifying wax and water.
  • a suitable ointment containing the compound suspended or dissolved in, for example, a mixture with one or more of the following: mineral oil, liquid petrolatum, white petrolatum, propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene compound, emulsifying wax and water.
  • compounds can be formulated in J a suitable lotion or cream containing the active compound suspended or dissolved in, for example, a mixture of one or more of the following: mineral oil, sorbitan monostearate, polysorbate 60, cetyl esters wax, cetearyl alcohol, 2-octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol and water.
  • Topical application for the lower intestinal tract an be effected in a rectal suppository formulation (see below) or in a suitable enema formulation.
  • the compounds should readily penetrate the blood- brain barrier when peripherally administered.
  • Compounds which cannot penetrate the blood-brain barrier can be effectively administered by an intraventricular route or other appropriate delivery system suitable for administration to the brain.
  • the compounds and compositions of the present invention may be administered by a single dose, multiple discrete doses or continuous infusion.
  • the compounds are well suited to continuous infusion.
  • Pump means particularly subcutaneous pump means, are preferred for continuous infusion.
  • the specific dose level for any particular patient will vary depending upon a variety of factors, including the activity and the possible toxicity of the specific compound employed; the age, body weight, general health, sex and diet of the patient; the time of administration; the rate of excretion; drug combination; the severity of the particular disease being treated; and the form of administration.
  • the proper dose levels are well known in the art.
  • the specific dose may be calculated according to considerations of body weight, body surface area or organ size. Further refinement of the calculations necessary to determine the appropriate dosage for treatment involving each of the above mentioned formulations is routinely made by those of ordinary skill in the art and is within the ambit of tasks routinely performed, especially in light of the dosage information and assays disclosed herein. Appropriate dosages may be determined using established assays in conjunction with appropriate dose-response data. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the dosage used in localized formulations of the invention normally will be smaller as compared to that used in a systemic injection or oral administration. - ADMINISTRATION REGIMEN
  • any administration regimen well known to an ordinarily skilled artisan for regulating the timing and sequence of drug delivery can be used and repeated as necessary to effect treatment.
  • Such regimen may include pretreatment and/or co- administration with additional therapeutic agents.
  • compositions of the present invention may be used alone or in combination with one or more additional agent (s) for simultaneous, separate or sequential use.
  • the additional agent (s) may be any therapeutic agent (s) known to an ordinarily skilled artisan, including without limitation: one or more compound (s) of the present invention; and one or more neurotrophic factor (s) selected from the group consisting of neurotrophic growth factor, brain derived growth factor, glial derived growth factor, cilial neutrophic factor, insulin growth factor, acidic fibroblast growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, neurotropin-3, neurotropin-4 and neurotropin-5; one or more neopsic factors.
  • the compounds of the present invention can be co- administered with one or more therapeutic agents either (i) together in a single formulation, or (ii) separately in individual formulations designed for optimal release rates of their respective active agent.
  • Each formulation may contain from about 0.01% to about 99.99% by weight, preferably from about 3.5% to about 60% by weight, of a compound of the
  • present invention as well as one or more pharmaceutical excipients, such as wetting, emulsifying and pH buffering agents.
  • K ⁇ Test Inhibition of the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (rotamase) activity of the inventive compounds can be evaluated by known methods described in the literature (Harding et al., Na ture, 1989, 341:758-760; Holt et al. J. Am . Chem . Soc , 115:9923- 9938). These values are obtained as apparent K ' s and are presented for representative compounds in Table V.
  • the cis- trans isomerization of an alanine-proline bond in a- model substrate, N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-p-nitroanilide is monitored spectrophotometrically in a chymotrypsin-coupled assay, which releases para-nitroanilide from the trans form of the substrate.
  • the inhibition of this reaction caused by the addition of different concentrations of inhibitor is determined, and the data is analyzed as a change in first- order rate constant as a function of inhibitor concentration to yield the apparent K x values.
  • a plastic cuvette are added 950 mL of ice cold assay buffer (25 mM HEPES, pH 7.8, 100 mM NaCl), 10.
  • FKBP FKBP
  • 25 mL of chymotrypsin 50 mg/ml in 1 mM HC1
  • 10 mL of test compound at various concentrations in dimethyl sulfoxide.
  • the reaction is initiated by the addition of 5 mL of substrate (succinyl-Ala-Phe-Pro-Phe-para-nitroanilide, 5 mg/mL in 2.35 mM LiCl in trifluoroethanol) .
  • MPTP Model of Parkinson's Disease The neurotrophic and neuroregenerative effects of the inventive compounds were demonstrated in an animal model of neurodegenerative disease.
  • MPTP lesioning of dopaminergic neurons in mice was used as an animal model of Parkinson's Disease.
  • Four week old male CD1 white mice were dosed i.p. with 30 mg/kg of MPTP for 5 days.
  • Test compounds (4 or 10 mg/kg) or vehicle, were administered s.c. along with the MPTP for 5 days, as well as for an additional 5 days following cessation of MPTP treatment.
  • the animals were sacrificed and the striata were dissected and homogenized.
  • a patient is suffering from a disease, disorder or condition described above.
  • the patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound of the present invention. It is expected that after such treatment, the patient would not suffer any significant injury due to, would be protected from further injury due to, or would recover from the disease, disorder or condition.
  • the invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in ⁇ many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

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Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à des composés aza cycliques N-substitués, à des compositions pharmaceutiques contenant ces composés, et à des procédés d'utilisation de telles compositions dans le but d'agir sur des activités neuronales.
PCT/US2001/012322 2000-04-17 2001-04-17 Composes diaza cycliques pour le traitement de troubles neurodegeneratifs WO2001079177A1 (fr)

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