WO2003064414A1 - Tricyclic compounds useful as angiotensin ii agonists - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided compounds of formula (I), wherein R1, X1, X2, X3, X4, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Z1, Z2, R2 and R3 have meanings given in the description, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, which compounds are useful as selective agonists of the AT2 receptor, and thus, in particular, in the treatment of inter alia gastrointestinal conditions, such as dyspepsia, IBS and MOF, and cardiovascular disorders.

Description

TRICYCLIC COMPOUNDS USEFUL AS ANGIOTENSIN II AGONISTS

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to novel pharmaceutically-useful compounds, in particular compounds that are angiotensin II (Angll) agonists, more particularly agonists of the Angll type 2 receptor (hereinafter the AT2 receptor), and especially agonists that bind selectively to that receptor. The invention further relates to the use of such compounds as medicaments, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and to synthetic routes to their production.

Background and Prior Art

The endogenous hormone Angll is a linear octapeptide (Asp -Arg -Val - Tyr⁴-Ile⁵-His⁶-Pro⁷-Phe⁸), and is the active component of the renin- angiotensin system (RAS). It is produced by the sequential processing of the pro-hormone angiotensinogen by renin and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE).

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure, body fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. Ang II exerts these physiological actions in many organs including the kidneys, the adrenal glands, the heart, blood vessels, the brain, the gastrointestinal tract and the reproductive organs (de Gasparo et al, Pharmacol. Rev. (2000) 52, 415-472).

Two main classes of Angll receptors have been identified, and designated as the type 1 receptor (hereinafter the ATI receptor) and the AT2 receptor. The ATI receptor is expressed in most organs, and is believed to be responsible for the majority of the biological effects of Angll. The AT2 receptor is more prevalent than the ATI receptor in fetal tissues, the adult ovaries, the adrenal medulla and the pancreas. An equal distribution is reported in the brain and uterus (Ardaillou, J. Am. Soc. Nephrol, 10, S30-39 (1999)).

Several studies in adult individuals appear to demonstrate that, in the modulation of the response following Angll stimulation, activation of the AT2 receptor has opposing effects to those mediated by the ATI receptor.

The AT2 receptor has also been shown to be involved in apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation (see de Gasparo et al, supra). Further, it seems to play a role in blood pressure control. For example, it has been shown in transgenic mice lacking AT2 receptors that their blood pressure was elevated. Furthermore, it has been concluded that the AT2 receptor is involved in exploratory behaviour, pain sensitivity and thermoregulation.

The expression of AT2 receptors has also been shown to increase during pathological circumstances, such as vascular injury, wound healing and heart failure (see de Gasparo et al, supra).

The expected pharmacological effects of agonism of the AT2 receptor are described generally in de Gasparo et al, supra.

More recently, AT2 receptor agonists have been shown to be of potential utility in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disorders of the alimentary tract, such as dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as multiple organ failure (see international patent application WO 99/43339). International patent application WO 00/68226 and US patent number 6,235,766 disclose compounds comprising substituted imidazolyl groups, which groups are attached, via a methylene bridge, to a phenylthiophene moiety, as agonists of angiotensin-(l-7) receptors. International patent application WO 02/072569 discloses similar compounds as agonists of the same receptors. International patent application WO 01/44239 discloses biphenylsulfonamide compounds as combined angiotensin and endothelin receptor antagonists. The use of the compounds as Ang II receptor agonists is neither mentioned nor suggested in any of these documents.

Angll antagonists (which bind to the ATI and/or AT2 receptors) have been disclosed in inter alia European patent application EP 512 675; international patent applications WO 94/27597, WO 94/02142, WO 95/23792 and WO 94/03435; and US patent numbers 5,091,390, 5,177,074, 5,412,097, 5,250,521, 5,260,285, 5,376,666, 5,252,574, 5,312,820, 5,330,987, 5,166,206, 5,932,575, 5,444,068, 5,635,525, 5,541,229, 5,864,043 and 5,240,928. Angll agonists, and particularly AT2 receptor agonists, are not contemplated in any of these documents.

Peptide and non-peptide AT2 receptor agonists, unrelated structurally to those described herein, and potential uses thereof, have been disclosed in, for example, international patent applications WO 00/38676, WO 00/56345, WO 00/09144, WO 99/58140, WO 99/52540, WO 99/46285, WO 99/45945, WO 99/42122, WO 99/40107, WO 99/40106, WO 99/39743, WO 99/26644, WO 98/33813, WO 00/02905 and WO 99/46285; US patent number 5,834,432; and Japanese patent application JP 143695.

US patent number 5,444,067 discloses compounds comprising a 5,7- dimethyl-2-ethylpyridinoimidazolyl group attached, via a methylene bridge, to a phenylthiophene moiety, as Angll agonists. Further, international patent application WO 02/96883 discloses compounds comprising certain monocyclic heterocyclic groups attached, via a methylene bridge, to substituted phenylthiophene and biphenyl moieties. The compounds disclosed therein are indicated as Angll agonists and in particular as selective AT2 receptor agonists.

However, there remains a need for effective and or selective AT2 receptor agonists, which are expected to find utility in inter alia the above- mentioned conditions.

Disclosure of the Invention

According to the invention there is provided compounds of formula I,

wherein

R¹ represents H, C_1-4 alkyl, C_1-4 alkoxy, C_1-4 alkoxy-C_1- -alkyl, C_1-4 alkylamino, di-C_1- alkylamino or halo;

Xi, X₂, X₃ and X₄ represent -CH-, -CF- or -N-, provided that, at any one time, no more than two of X_l5 X₂, X₃ and X may represent -N-;

Yi, Y₂, Y₃ and Y₄ independently represent -CH- or -CF-;

Z_λ represents -CH-, -0-, -S-, -N- or -CH=CH-; Z₂ represents -CH-, -0-, -S- or -N-; provided that:

(a) Z_\ and Z₂ are not the same;

(b) when Z_x represents -CH=CH-, then Z₂ may only represent -CH- or -N-; and

(c) other than in the specific case in which Z_\ represents -CH=CH-, and Z₂ represents -CH-, when one of Z_λ and Z₂ represents -CH-, then the other represents -O- or -S-;

R² represents -S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁴, -S(0)₂N(H)S(0)₂R⁴, -C(0)N(H)S(0)₂R⁴, or, when Z represents -CH=CH-, R² may represent

-N(H)S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁵ or -N(H)C(0)N(H)S(0)₂R⁵;

R³ represents C_1-6 alkyl, Cι_-6 alkoxy or C_1-6 alkoxy-C^-alkyl;

R⁴ represents C_1-6 alkyl, C_1-6 alkoxy, C_1- alkoxy-C_1- -alkyl, C_1-6 alkylamino or di-C_1-6 alkylamino; and R⁵ represents C_1-6 alkyl, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, which compounds and salts are referred to together hereinafter as "the compounds of the invention".

Pharmaceutically-acceptable salts include acid addition salts and base addition salts. Such salts may be formed by conventional means, for example by reaction of a free acid or a free base form of a compound of the invention with one or more equivalents of an appropriate acid or base, optionally in a solvent, or in a medium in which the salt is insoluble, followed by removal of said solvent, or said medium, using standard techniques (e.g. in vacuo or by freeze-drying). Salts may also be prepared by exchanging a counter-ion of a compound of the invention in the form of a salt with another counter-ion, for example using a suitable ion exchange resin. Unless otherwise specified, alkyl groups, and the alkyl parts of alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl and alkylamino groups, as defined herein may be straight-chain or, when there is a sufficient number (i.e. a minimum of two or three, as appropriate) of carbon atoms, be branched-chain, and/or cyclic. Further, when there is a sufficient number (i.e. a minimum of four) of carbon atoms, such groups may also be part cyclic/acyclic. Such alkyl groups, and alkyl parts of alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl and alkylamino groups, may also be saturated or, when there is a sufficient number (i.e. a minimum of two) of carbon atoms, be unsaturated. Unless otherwise specified, such groups may also be substituted by one or more halo, and especially fluoro, atoms.

For the avoidance of doubt, alkoxy groups are attached to the rest of the molecule via the oxygen atom in that group, alkylamino groups are attached to the rest of the molecule via the nitrogen atom of the amino part of that group and alkoxyalkyl groups are attached to the rest of the molecule via the alkyl part of that group.

The term "halo", when used herein, includes fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo.

Preferred ring systems comprising the substituents Y_l5 Y₂, Y₃ and Y₄ include phenyl groups. For the avoidance of doubt, the ring systems in compounds of formula I that comprise the groups Z_\ and Z₂, are aromatic in nature. In some instances, for example in cases where one or more of Z₁ and Z₂ represent -CH- or -N- the skilled person will appreciate that an additional H atom may necessarily be bonded to that CH group or N atom, in order to ensure that the rules of valency are adhered to. Preferred ring systems comprising Z_\ and Z₂ include oxazole groups, thiazole groups, phenyl groups, pyridinyl groups, thiophenyl groups and furanyl groups. In this respect, compounds of the invention may exhibit tautomerism. All tautomeric forms and mixtures thereof are included within the scope of the invention.

Compounds of the invention also contain one or more asymmetric carbon atoms and may therefore exhibit optical and/or diastereoisomerism. Diastereoisomers may be separated using conventional techniques, e.g. chromatography or fractional crystallisation. The various stereoisomers may be isolated by separation of a racemic or other mixture of the compounds using conventional, e.g. fractional crystallisation or HPLC, techniques. Alternatively the desired optical isomers may be made by reaction of the appropriate optically active starting materials under conditions which will not cause racemisation or epimerisation, or by derivatisation, for example with a homochiral acid followed by separation of the diastereomeric derivatives by conventional means (e.g. HPLC, chromatography over silica). All stereoisomers are included within the scope of the invention.

Preferred rings comprising the groups X_1} X₂, X₃ and X₄, which may be fused to the imidazolo ring in compounds of the invention include benzene, pyridine, pyrazine, pyridazine and pyrimidine rings, so forming benzoimidazolyl, imidazopyridinyl, imidazopyrazinyl, imidazopyridazinyl and imidazopyrimidinyl groups, respectively.

Preferred compounds of the invention include those in which:

R¹ represents H or C_1-3 alkyl, such as ethyl;

Xi, X₂, X₃ and X either all represent -CH-, or one of X_1} X₂, X₃ and X₄ represents -N- and the others all represent -CH-;

Yi, Y₂, Y₃ and Y₄ all represent -CH-; Z_! represents -S- or -CH=CH-; Z₂ represents -CH-;

R² represents -C(0)N(H)S(0)₂R⁴ or, more preferably, -S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁴;

R represents A -butyl or, particularly, iso-butyl;

R represents «-butyl, n-butoxymethyl, wo-butoxy and especially, /z-butoxy.

When R² represents -C(0)N(H)S(0)₂R⁴, preferred values of R⁴ include n- butyl. When R² represents -S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁴, preferred values of R⁴ include n-butoxymethyl, wo-butoxy and especially, n-butoxy.

Preferably, X_l3 X₂, X₃ and either all represent -CH-, or X_l5 X₂ and X₃ all represent -CH-and X₄ represents -N-.

Preferred ring systems comprising the substituents X_l5 X₂, X₃ and X thus include benzoimidazol-1-yl groups and imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-3-yl groups.

When the ring system comprising the substituents X_1? X₂, X₃ and X is a benzoimidazol-1-yl group, preferred values of R¹ include Cι_-3 alkyl, such as ethyl.

More preferred compounds of the invention include the compounds of the examples described hereinafter.

Compounds of formula I may be made in accordance with techniques well known to those skilled in the art, for example as described hereinafter.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a process for the preparation of a compound of formula I, which process comprises: (i) for compounds of formula I in which R² represents -S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁴ or -S(0)₂N(H)S(0)₂R⁴, and R⁴ is as hereinbefore defined, reaction of a compound of formula II,

wherein R¹, Xi, X₂, X₃, X₄, Yi, Y₂, Y3, Y4, Z\, Z₂ and R³ are as hereinbefore defined with a compound of formula III,

R⁴GL III

wherein G represents C(O) or S(0)₂ (as appropriate), L¹ represents a suitable leaving group, such as halo (e.g. chloro or bromo) and R⁴ is as hereinbefore defined, for example at around room temperature or above (e.g. up to 60-70°C) in the presence of a suitable base (e.g. pyrollidinopyridine, pyridine, triethylamine, tributylamine, trimethylamine, dimethylaminopyridine, di-wo-propylamine, 1 ,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec- 7-ene, sodium hydroxide, or mixtures thereof) and an appropriate solvent (e.g. pyridine, dichloromethane, chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, trifluoromethylbenzene or triethylamine). Preferred base/solvent systems for compounds of formula III in which G is C(O) include pyrollidinopyridine/pyridine, pyrollidinopyridine/triethylamine, dimethylaminopyridine/pyridine or dimethylaminopyridine/triethylamine. Preferred base/solvent systems for compounds of formula III in which G is S(0)₂ include NaOH/THF;

(ii) for compounds of formula I in which R² represents -S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁴ and R⁴ represents Cι_-6 alkoxy-C_1-6-alkyl, coupling of a compound of formula

II as hereinbefore defined with a compound of formula IV,

R^4aC0₂H IV

wherein R^4a represents C_1-6 alkoxy-Cι_-6-alkyl, for example under similar conditions to those described under process step (i) above, in the presence of a suitable coupling reagent (e.g. l,l '-carbonyl-diimidazole, N,N'- dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, N,N'-disuccinimidyl carbonate, benzotriazole- 1- yloxytris(dimethylamino)phosphoniumhexafluorophosphate, 2-( 1 H- benzotriazole- 1 -yl)- 1,1,3 ,3-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate, benzotriazole- 1 -yl-oxy-tris-pyrrolidino-phosphonium hexafluorophosphate, bromo-tris-pyrrolidinophosponium hexafluorophosphate or 2-(lH- benzotriazole- 1 -yl)- 1 , 1 ,3 ,3-tetramethyluronium tetrafluorocarbonate), a suitable base (as mentioned in process step (i) above) and an appropriate solvent (as mentioned in process step (i) above);

(iii) for compounds of formula I in which R² represents -C(0)N(H)S(0)₂R⁴ and R⁴ is as hereinbefore defined, coupling of a compound of formula V,

1 ^ wherein R , X_1} X₂, X₃, X₄, Y Y₂, Y₃, Y₄, Z , Z₂ and R are as hereinbefore defined with a compound of formula VI,

R⁴S(0)₂NH₂ VI

wherein R⁴ is as hereinbefore defined, for example in the presence of a suitable coupling reagent (such as those described in process step (ii) hereinbefore), and under similar reaction conditions to those described hereinbefore for preparation of compounds of formula I in which R⁴ represents Cι_-6 alkoxy-C_1-6-alkyl;

(iv) for compounds of formula I in which R² represents -C(0)N(H)S(0)₂R⁴ and R is as hereinbefore defined, coupling of a compound of formula VII,

wherein R¹, X_1? X₂, X₃, X₄, Yi, Y₂, Y₃, Y₄, Zi, Z₂ and R³ are as hereinbefore defined with a compound of formula VIII,

R⁴S(0)₂C1 VIII

wherein R⁴ is as hereinbefore defined, for example at around 50°C in the presence of a suitable base (e.g. sodium hydride) and an appropriate organic solvent (e.g. THF);

(v) for compounds of formula I in which R represents -N(H)S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁵ and R⁵ is as hereinbefore defined, reaction of a compound of formula IX,

wherein R¹, Xi, X₂, X₃, X , Y Y₂, Y₃, Y₄, Z_l5 Z₂ and R³ are as hereinbefore defined with a compound of formula X,

R⁵C(0)N(H)S(0)₂C1 X

wherein R is as hereinbefore defined, for example at or around room temperature in the presence of a suitable base (e.g. sodium hydroxide or triethylamine) and a suitable organic solvent (e.g. benzene or dichlorome thane);

(vi) for compounds of formula I in which R represents -N(H)C(0)N(H)S(0)₂R⁵ and R⁵ is as hereinbefore defined, reaction of a compound of formula IX as hereinbefore defined with a compound of formula XI,

R⁵S(0)₂N(H)C(0)OR^x XI

wherein R^x represents Cι_-2 alkyl and R⁵ is as hereinbefore defined, for example at or around room temperature in the presence of a suitable organic solvent (e.g. dichloromethane);

(vii) for compounds of formula I in which R represents -N(H)C(0)N(H)S(0)₂R⁵ and R⁵ is as hereinbefore defined, reaction of a compound of formula IX as hereinbefore defined with an isocyanate compound of formula XII,

R⁵S(0)₂NCO XII wherein R is as hereinbefore defined, for example at or around room temperature in the presence of a suitable organic solvent (e.g. dichloromethane) ;

(viii) for compounds of formula I in which R² represents -S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁴ and R⁴ represents C_1-6 alkylamino, reaction of a compound of formula II as hereinbefore defined with an isocyanate compound of formula XIII,

R^4bNCO XIII

wherein R^4b is C_1-6 alkyl, for example at or around room temperature in the presence of a suitable base (e.g. sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide) and an appropriate organic solvent (e.g. acetone or acetonitrile); or

(ix) for compounds of formula I in which R represents -S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁴ and R⁴ represents di-C_1-6 alkylamino, reaction of a corresponding compound of formula I in which R represents -S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁴ and R⁴ represents Cι_-6 alkoxy with an amine of formula Xllla,

R^4cN(H)R^4d Xllla

wherein R^4c and R^4d independently represent C_1-6 alkyl, for example at above room temperature (e.g. at between 70°C and 100°C) in the presence of an appropriate organic solvent (e.g. toluene).

Compounds of formula II may be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula XIV,

•2 ι "\ wherein R , Z and Z are as hereinbefore defined, or a N-protected derivative thereof, with a compound of formula XV,

wherein L represents a suitable leaving group, such as trimethylsulphonate, or halo, such as iodo or bromo, and R¹, X_1} X₂, X₃, }, Y], Y₂, Y₃ and Y₄ are as hereinbefore defined, for example in the presence of an appropriate coupling catalyst system (e.g. a palladium catalyst, such as Pd(PPh₃)₄ or Pd(OAc)₂/ligand (wherein the ligand may be, for example, PPh₃, P(o-Tol)₃ or l,l'-bis(diphenylphosphino) ferrocene)) and a suitable base (e.g. sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, cesium carbonate, cesium fluoride, triethylamine or di-wø-propylethylamine), as well as a suitable solvent system (e.g. toluene, ethanol, dimethoxymethane, dimethylformamide, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, water, dioxane or mixtures thereof). This reaction may be carried out at above room temperature (e.g. at the reflux temperature of the solvent system that is employed). If a protected version of a compound of formula XIV is employed, this reaction may be followed by deprotection of the S0₂NH- group under standard conditions, for example as described hereinafter. Compounds of formula II may alternatively be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula XVI,

wherein R¹, X_l5 X₂, X₃ and X₄ are as hereinbefore defined with a compound of formula XVII,

wherein Y_l5 Y₂, Y₃, Y₄, Z Z₂, R and L are as hereinbefore defined (L , in particular, may represent bromo), or a N-protected derivative thereof, for example at around or below room temperature in the presence of a suitable base (e.g. potassium hydroxide, potassium tert-butoxide, triethylamine or di-wo-propylethylamine) and an appropriate organic solvent (e.g. DMSO, DMF, THF or CH₂C1₂). If a protected version of a compound of formula XVII is employed, this reaction may be followed by deprotection of the S0₂NH-group under standard conditions, for example as described hereinafter. Additionally, compounds of formula II in which Z_\ is - CH=CH- and Z₂ is -CH- may be prepared in this way, for example according, or analogously, to processes described in inter alia US patent number 5,312,820. Further, compounds of formula II in which Z_x is -S- and Z₂ is -CH- may be prepared in this way for example according, or analogously, to processes described in inter alia UK patent application GB 2281298.

Compounds of formula V may be prepared by oxidation of a compound of formula XVIII,

XVIII

1 \ wherein R , X_b X₂, X₃, X₄, Y Y₂, Y₃, Y₄, Z_ls Z₂ and R are as hereinbefore defined, for example under standard oxidation conditions in the presence of a suitable oxidising agent, such as potassium permanganate or chromium (VI) oxide.

Compounds of formulae VII and IX may be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula XV as hereinbefore defined with (in the case of a compound of formula VII) a compound of formula XIX,

or (in the case of a compound of formula IX) a compound of formula XX,

wherein, in both cases, Z_ls Z₂ and R are as hereinbefore defined, or a N- protected derivative of either compound, for example under similar conditions to those described hereinbefore for preparation of compounds of formula II (first process). If protected versions of compounds of formula XIX and XX are employed, these reactions may be followed by deprotection of the NH-group under standard conditions (e.g. acid hydrolysis).

Compounds of formula XV may be prepared by standard techniques, for example by way of reaction of a compound of formula XVI as hereinbefore defined with a compound of formula XXI,

1 wherein Yi, Y₂, Y₃, Y₄, L and L are as hereinbefore defined, for example under similar conditions to those described hereinbefore in respect of preparation of compounds of formula II (second process). Compounds of formula XVII are known in the art. For example, they may be prepared according, or analogously, to processes described in inter alia US patent number 5,312,820, UK patent application GB 2281298, and/or by reaction of a compound of formula XIV as hereinbefore defined with a compound of formula XXII,

wherein Y Y₂, Y₃, Y₄ and L are as hereinbefore defined, for example under similar conditions to those described hereinbefore in respect of preparation of compounds of formula II (first process), followed by conversion of the OH group in the resultant intermediate to an appropriate leaving group, L¹ (e.g., in the case where L is bromo, conversion may be carried out by reaction with CBr , for example at or around room temperature in the presence of a base (e.g. triphenylphosphine) and a suitable organic solvent (e.g. DMF)).

Compounds of formula XVIII may be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula XV as hereinbefore defined with a compound of formula XXIII,

XXIII

wherein Z_1} Z₂ and R are as hereinbefore defined, or a protected (at the aldehyde part) derivative thereof, for example under similar conditions to those described hereinbefore for preparation of compounds of formula II (first process). If a protected version of a compound of formula XXIII is employed, this reaction may be followed by deprotection of the CHO-group under standard conditions (e.g. acid hydrolysis).

Compounds of formulae XIV, XIX, XX and XXIII and protected derivatives thereof may be prepared by reaction of a corresponding compound of formula XXIV,

wherein R^y represents -S(0)₂NH₂, -C(0)NH₂, -NH₂ or -CHO (as appropriate) and R , Z_\ and Z₂ are as hereinbefore defined, or an appropriate protected derivative thereof, with a reagent system that will enable the introduction of -B(OH)₂ into the appropriate ring system. Suitable reagent systems include trialkylborates (e.g. tri-ωo-propylborate). Such reactions may be carried out, for example, at low temperature (e.g. between -100°C and 0°C, e.g. between -80°C (such as -78°C) and -10°C (such as -20°C)) in the presence of a suitable base (e.g. H-butyl lithium) and an appropriate organic solvent (e.g. THF), followed by acid hydrolysis (e.g. in the presence of dilute HC1).

Compounds of formula XXIV are available using known techniques. For example: (a) Compounds of formula XXIV in which R^y represents -S(0)₂NH₂, -C(0)NH₂ or -CHO, and protected derivatives thereof, may be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula XXV,

wherein R^ya represents -S(0)₂NH₂, -C(0)NH₂ or -CHO and Z_x and Z₂ are as hereinbefore defined, or a protected derivative thereof, with a compound of formula XXVI,

R³L³ XXVI

wherein L represents a suitable leaving group (such as toluenesulphonate, benzenesulphonate, methanesulphonate or halo, such as bromo or iodo) and R is as hereinbefore defined, for example at below room temperature (e.g. between around -35°C and around -85°C), in the presence of a suitable base (e.g. n-butyl lithium) and an appropriate solvent (e.g. THF).

(b) Compounds of formula XXIV in which R^y is -S(0)₂NH₂ and N- protected derivatives thereof, may be prepared by reaction of an appropriate compound of formula XXVII,

XXVII

wherein R³, Zj and Z₂ are as hereinbefore defined with an appropriate reagent for introduction of a -S(0)₂NH₂ group into the appropriate ring system (for example chlorosulphonic acid, or thionyl chloride in the presence of a suitable strong base (e.g. butyl lithium)), followed by reaction of the resultant intermediate with ammonia, or a protected derivative thereof (e.g. rert-butylamine), under conditions that are well known to those skilled in the art.

(c) Certain protected derivatives (e.g. alkyl, such as C_1-6 alkyl, for example tert-butyl, protected derivatives) of compounds of formula

XXIV in which R^y represents -C(0)NH₂ may be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula XXVII as hereinbefore defined, with a compound of formula XXVIII,

R^zN=C=0 XXVIII

wherein R^z represents an appropriate protecting group, such as an alkyl group, including C_1-6 alkyl, e.g. tert-butyl for example at around 0°C, in the presence of a suitable base (e.g. n-butyl lithium) and an appropriate solvent (e.g. THF).

(d) Certain protected derivatives (e.g. alkyl, such as C_1-6 alkyl, for example tert-butyl, protected derivatives) of compounds of formula XXIV in which R^y represents -C(0)NH₂ may also be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula XXIX,

wherein R³, Z and Z₂ are as hereinbefore defined with a protected (e.g. an (e.g. C_1-6) alkyl, such as tert-butyl-protected) derivative of ammonia (e.g. tert-butylamine) under standard coupling conditions (see, for example, those described hereinbefore for preparation of compounds of formula I (process step (iii))). Compounds of formula XXIX are known in the art or may be prepared by way of standard techniques, for example oxidation of a corresponding compound of formula XXIV in which R^y is -CHO e.g. under those conditions described hereinbefore for preparation of compounds of formula V.

(e) Compounds of formula XXIV in which R^y is -CHO, Z_\ represents -CH=CH- and Z₂ represents -CH-, and protected derivatives thereof, may be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula XXVII in which Z_! represents -CH=CH- and Z₂ represents -CH- with an appropriate reagent system for the introduction of an aldehyde group into the benzene ring (e.g. TiCl₄/CHCl₃, SnCl₄/CH₂Cl₂ or 1,3,5,7- azaadamantane/TFA) under standard reaction conditions, followed by (if appropriate) protection of the resultant benzaldehyde under standard conditions.

(f) Compounds of formula XXIV in which R^y is -NH₂, Z_\ represents -CH=CH- and Z₂ represents -CH-, and N-protected derivatives thereof, may be prepared by nitration of a compound of formula XXVII in which Z_\ represents -CH-CH- and Z₂ represents -CH-, followed by reduction of the resultant nitrobenzene and (if appropriate) protection of the resultant aminobenzene, all of which steps may be carried out under standard conditions. Compounds of formulae III, IV, VI, VIII, X, XI, XII, XIII, XVI, XXI, XXII, XXV, XXVI, XXVII and XXVIII are either commercially available, are known in the literature, or may be obtained either by analogy with the processes described herein, or by conventional synthetic procedures, in accordance with standard techniques, from readily available starting materials using appropriate reagents and reaction conditions.

Compounds of the invention may be isolated from their reaction mixtures using conventional techniques.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, in the processes described above and hereinafter, the functional groups of intermediate compounds may need to be protected by protecting groups.

Functional groups that it is desirable to protect include sulphonamido, amido, amino and aldehyde. Suitable protecting groups for sulphonamido, amido and amino include tert-butyloxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, 2- trimethylsilylethoxycarbonyl (Teoc) or tert-butyl. Suitable protecting groups for aldehyde include alcohols, such as methanol or ethanol, and diols, such as 1,3-propanediol or, preferably, 1,2-ethanediol (so forming a cyclic acetal).

The protection and deprotection of functional groups may take place before or after a reaction in the above-mentioned schemes.

Protecting groups may be removed in accordance with techniques that are well known to those skilled in the art and as described hereinafter. For example, protected compounds/intermediates described herein may be converted chemically to unprotected compounds using standard deprotection techniques (e.g. using trifluoroacetic acid, sulfuric acid, toluenesulfonic acid or boron trichloride).

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that, in order to obtain compounds of the invention in an alternative, and, on some occasions, more convenient, manner, the individual process steps mentioned hereinbefore may be performed in a different order, and/or the individual reactions may be performed at a different stage in the overall route (i.e. substituents may be added to and/or chemical transformations performed upon, different intermediates to those mentioned hereinbefore in conjunction with a particular reaction). This may negate, or render necessary, the need for protecting groups.

The type of chemistry involved will dictate the need, and type, of protecting groups as well as the sequence for accomplishing the synthesis.

The use of protecting groups is fully described in "Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry", edited by J W F McOmie, Plenum Press (1973), and "Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis", 3^rd edition, T.W. Greene & P.G.M. Wutz, Wiley-Interscience (1999).

Medical and Pharmaceutical Uses

Compounds of the invention are useful because they possess pharmacological activity. The compounds of the invention are therefore indicated as pharmaceuticals.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is thus provided the compounds of the invention for use as pharmaceuticals. In particular, compounds of the invention are agonists of Angll, more particularly, are agonists of the AT2 receptor, and, especially, are selective agonists of that sub-receptor, for example as may be demonstrated in the tests described below.

The compounds of the invention are thus expected to be useful in those conditions in which endogenous production of Angll is deficient and/or where an increase in the effect of Angll is desired or required.

The compounds of the invention are further expected to be useful in those conditions where AT2 receptors are expressed and their stimulation is desired or required.

The compounds of the invention are further indicated in the treatment of conditions characterised by vasoconstriction, increased cell growth and/or differentiation, increased cardiac contractility, increased cardiovascular hypertrophy, and/or increased fluid and electrolyte retention.

The compounds of the invention are further indicated in the treatment of stress-related disorders, and/or in the improvement of microcirculation and/or mucosa-protective mechanisms.

Thus, compounds of the invention are expected to be useful in the treatment of disorders, which may be characterised as indicated above, and which are of, for example, the gastrointestinal tract, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory tract, the kidneys, the eyes, the female reproductive (ovulation) system and the central nervous system (CNS).

Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that may be mentioned include oesophagitis, Barrett's oesophagus, gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, dyspepsia (including non-ulcer dyspepsia), gastro-oesophageal reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, hepatic disorders (such as hepatitis), gall bladder disease, multiple organ failure (MOF) and sepsis. Other gastrointestinal disorders that may be mentioned include xerostomia, gastritis, gastroparesis, hyperacidity, disorders of the bilary tract, coelicia, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diarrhoea, constipation, colic, dysphagia, vomiting, nausea, indigestion and Sjδgren's syndrome.

Disorders of the respiratory tract that may be mentioned include inflammatory disorders, such as asthma, obstructive lung diseases (such as chronic obstructive lung disease), pneumonitis, pulmonary hypertension and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Disorders of the kidneys that may be mentioned include renal failure, nephritis and renal hypertension.

Disorders of the eyes that may be mentioned include diabetic retinopathy, premature retinopathy and retinal microvascularisation.

Disorders of the female reproductive system that may be mentioned include ovulatory dysfunction.

Cardiovascular disorders that may be mentioned include hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac failure, artherosclerosis, arterial thrombosis, venous thrombosis, endothelial dysfunction, endothelial lesions, post- balloon dilatation stenosis, angiogenesis, diabetic complications, microvascular dysfunction, angina, cardiac arrhythmias, claudicatio intermittens, preeclampsia, myocardial infarction, reinfarction, ischaemic lesions, erectile dysfunction and neointima proliferation. Disorders of the CNS that may be mentioned include cognitive dysfunctions, dysfunctions of food intake (hunger/satiety) and thirst, stroke, cerebral bleeding, cerebral embolus and cerebral infarction.

Compounds of the invention may also be useful in the modulation of growth metabolism and proliferation, for example in the treatment of hypertrophic disorders, prostate hyperplasia, autoimmune disorders, psoriasis, obesity, neuronal regeneration, the healing of ulcers, inhibition of adipose tissue hyperplasia, stem cell differentiation and proliferation, cancer (e.g. in the gastrointestinal tract, lung cancer, etc), apoptosis, tumours (generally) and hypertrophy, diabetes, neuronal lesions and organ rejection.

The compounds of the invention are indicated both in the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of the above conditions.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of treatment of a condition in which endogenous production of Angll is deficient, and/or a condition where an increase in the effect of Angll is desired or required, and/or a condition where AT2 receptors are expressed and their stimulation is desired or required, which method comprises administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention to a person suffering from, or susceptible to, such a condition.

The compounds of the invention will normally be administered orally, intravenously, subcutaneously, buccally, rectally, dermally, nasally, tracheally, bronchially, by any other parenteral route or via inhalation, in a pharmaceutically acceptable dosage form. When the condition to be treated is multiple organ failure, preferred routes of administration are parenteral (e.g. by injection). Otherwise, the preferred route of administration for compounds of the invention is oral.

The compounds of the invention may be administered alone, but are preferably administered by way of known pharmaceutical formulations, including tablets, capsules or elixirs for oral administration, suppositories for rectal administration, sterile solutions or suspensions for parenteral or intramuscular administration, and the like.

Such formulations may be prepared in accordance with standard and/or accepted pharmaceutical practice.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is thus provided a pharmaceutical formulation including a compound of the invention, in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier.

Compounds of the invention may also be administered in combination with other AT2 agonists that are known in the art, as well as in combination with ATI receptor antagonists that are known in the art, such as losartan, or in combination with an inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE).

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a combination product comprising: (A) a compound of the invention; and

(B) an ATI receptor antagonist, or an ACE inhibitor, wherein each of components (A) and (B) is formulated in admixture with a pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier. Such combination products provide for the administration of compound of the invention in conjunction with an ATI receptor antagonist, or an ACE inhibitor, and may thus be presented either as separate formulations, wherein at least one of those formulations comprises compound of the invention, and at least one comprises ATI receptor antagonist, or ACE inhibitor, or may be presented (i.e. formulated) as a combined preparation (i.e. presented as a single formulation including compound of the invention and ATI receptor antagonist or ACE inhibitor).

Thus, there is further provided:

(1) a pharmaceutical formulation including a compound of the invention and an ATI receptor antagonist, or an ACE inhibitor, in admixture with a pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier; and

(2) a kit of parts comprising components:

(a) a pharmaceutical formulation including a compound of the invention, in admixture with a pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier; and (b) a pharmaceutical formulation including an ATI receptor antagonist, or an ACE inhibitor, in admixture with a pharmaceutically- acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier, which components (a) and (b) are each provided in a form that is suitable for administration in conjunction with the other.

Depending upon the disorder and patient to be treated and the route of administration, the compounds of the invention may be administered at varying doses. Although doses will vary from patient to patient, suitable daily doses are in the range of about 1 to 1000 mg per patient, administered in single or multiple doses. More preferred daily doses are in the range 2.5 to 250 mg per patient.

Individual doses of compounds of the invention may be in the range 1 to 100 mg.

In any event, the physician, or the skilled person, will be able to determine the actual dosage which will be most suitable for an individual patient, which is likely to vary with the condition that is to be treated, as well as the age, weight, sex and response of the particular patient to be treated. The above-mentioned dosages are exemplary of the average case; there can, of course, be individual instances where higher or lower dosage ranges are merited, and such are within the scope of this invention.

Compounds of the invention have the advantage that they bind selectively to, and exhibit agonist activity at, the AT2 receptor. By compounds which "bind selectively" to the AT2 receptor, we include that the affinity ratio for the relevant compound (AT2:AT1) is at least 5: 1, preferably at least 10: 1 and more preferably at least 20: 1.

The compounds of the invention may also have the advantage that they may be more efficacious than, be less toxic than, be longer acting than, be more potent than, produce fewer side effects than, be more easily absorbed than, and/or have a better pharmacokinetic profile (e.g. higher oral bioavailability and/or lower clearance) than, and/or have other useful pharmacological, physical, or chemical properties over, compounds known in the prior art. Biological Tests

The following test procedures may be employed.

Test A Receptor Binding Assay using Rat Liver Membrane AT^ Receptor

Rat liver membranes were prepared according to the method of Dudley et al (Mol. Pharmacol. (1990) 38, 370). Binding of [¹²⁵I]Ang II to membranes was conducted in a final volume of 0.5 mL containing 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.4), 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM EDTA, 0.025% bacitracin, 0.2% BSA (bovine serum albumin), liver homogenate corresponding to 5 mg of

1 S the original tissue weight, [ I]Ang II (70 000 cpm, 0.03 nM) and variable concentrations of test substance. Samples were incubated at 25°C for 1 h, and binding was terminated by filtration through Whatman GF/B glass-fiber filter sheets using a Brandel cell harvester. The filters were washed with 4 x 2 mL of Tris-HCl (pH 7.4) and transferred to tubes. The radioactivity was measured in a gamma counter. The characteristics of the Ang II binding ATj receptor were determined by using six different concentrations (0.03-5

19^ nmol/L) of the labeled [ I] Angll. Non-specific binding was determined in the presence of 1 μM Ang II. The specific binding was determined by

19^ — subtracting the non-specific binding from the total bound [ IJAngll. The dissociation constant (K_d = 1.7 ± 0.1 nM, [L] = 0.057 nM) was determined by Scatchard analysis of data obtained with Ang II by using GraFit (Erithacus Software, UK). The binding data were best fitted with a one-site fit. All experiments were performed at least in triplicate.

Test B

Receptor Binding Assay using Porcine Myometrial Membrane AT_? Receptor

Myometrial membranes were prepared from porcine uteri according to the method by Nielsen et al (Clin. Exp. Pharm. Phys. (1997) 24, 309). Any possible interference that may be exhibited by binding of compound to AT_! receptors was blocked by addition of 1 μM of a selective ATI inhibitor. Binding of [ I]Ang II to membranes was conducted in a final volume of 0.5 mL containing 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.4), 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM EDTA, 0.025% bacitracin, 0.2% BSA, homogenate corresponding to 10 mg of the original tissue weight, [ I] Ang II (70 000 cpm, 0.03 nM) and variable concentrations of test substance. Samples were incubated at 25°C for 1 h, and binding was terminated by filtration through Whatman GF/B glass-fiber filter sheets using a Brandel cell harvester. The filters were washed with 3 x 3 mL of Tris-HCl (pH 7.4) and transferred to tubes. The radioactivity was measured using a gamma counter. The characteristics of the Ang II binding AT₂ receptor was determined by using

19^ six different concentrations (0.03-5 nmol/L) of the labeled [ IJAng II. Non-specific binding was determined in the presence of 1 μM Ang II. The specific binding was determined by subtracting the non-specific binding from the total bound [¹²⁵I]Ang II. The dissociation constant (K_d = 0.7 ± 0.1 nM, [L] = 0.057 nM) was determined by Scatchard analysis of data obtained with Ang II by using GraFit (Erithacus Software, UK). The binding data were best fitted with a one-site fit. All experiments were performed at least in triplicate .

Test C

Duodenal Mucosal Alkaline Secretion Assay

Compounds were exposed to the duodenal mucosa in barbiturate- anaesthetised rats prepared for in situ titration of duodenal mucosal alkaline secretion, according to the methodology described by Flemstrδm et al in Am. J. Physiol. (1982) 243, G348.

The invention is illustrated by way of the following examples. Example 1

N-Butyloxycarbonyl-3-(4-benzoimidazol-l-ylmethylphenylV5-^o-butyl- thiophene-2-sulfonamide

(a) N-tert-Butylthiophene-2-sulfonamide

Thiophene-2-sulfonyl chloride (15 g, 0.082 mol) was dissolved in CHC1₃ (200 mL) under Ν₂ atmosphere and then cooled to 0°C. tert-Butylamine (25.9 mL, 0.246 mol) dissolved in CHC1₃ (50 mL) was then added dropwise to the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h at room temperature and then at reflux for 10 min. Toluene (700 mL) was added and the organic phase was washed with water (3 x 50 mL), dried, and concentrated in vacuo. The sub-title product was used without further purification in the next step. 1H NMR δ(CDCl₃): 7.60(1H, dd, J=1.3, 3.8 Hz), 7.53(1H, dd, J-1.3, 5.0 Hz), 7.02(1H, dd, J=5.0, 3.8 Hz), 5.13(1H, m), 1.24 (9H, m) ¹³C NMR δ(CDCl₃): 145.0, 131.7, 131.2, 127.0, 55.1, 29.9

(b) 5- θ-Butyl-N-fert-butylthiophene-2-sulfonamide N-tert-Butylthiophene-2-sulfonamide (10 g, 0.046 mol, see step (a) above) was dissolved in THF (85 mL) under Ν₂ and then cooled to -78°C. «-BuLi (1.6 M, 76.9 mL, 0.12 mol) was added via a syringe. The reaction mixture was stirred at -78°C for 30 min. and then at -40°C for 2 h. Iodo-2- methylpropane (10.5 mL, 0.09 mol) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The reaction was quenched with NH₄C1 (aq.) and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phase was washed with brine and dried and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was purified on column chromatography (hexanes: EtOAc (10: 1)) to give the sub-title compound in 55% yield (7.0 g, 0.025 mol). 1H NMR δ(CDCl₃): 7.43(1H, d, J- 3.6 Hz), 6.67(1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 4.83(1H, m), 2.67(2H, d, J=7 Hz), 1.88 (1H, m), 1.26(9H, m), 0.93(6H, J=6.6 Hz). ¹³C NMR δ(CDCl₃): 145.0, 131.7, 131.2, 127.0, 55.1, 29.9

(c) 5-z^'so-Butyl-2-⁽N-tert-butylaminosulfonyl thiophene-3-boronic acid

5- sø-Butyl-N-fe^butylthiophene-2-sulfonamide (10.6 g, 0.039 mol, see step (b) above) was dissolved in THF (165 mL) under Ν₂ and then cooled to -78°C. τz-BuLi (1.6 M, 60.19 mL, 0.096 mol) was added via a syringe. The reaction mixture was stirred at -20°C for 4 h. The tri-wo-propylborate (13.3 mL, 0.058 mol) was then added via a syringe and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The reaction was quenched with 2 M HC1 (20 mL). The organic phase was separated and the water phase was extracted with EtOAc (3 x 100 mL). The combined organic phase was washed with brine, dried and concentrated in vacuo. The product may be used without further purification. MS(ESI⁺) m/z: 236.8

(d 1 -(4-Bromobenzyl )- 7H-benzoimidazole

Dimethylsulphoxide (20 mL, dried over 4A molecular sieves) was added to potassium hydroxide (2.24 g, 0.04 mol, crushed pellets) and the mixture was stirred for 5 min. Benzimidazole (1.18 g, 0.01 mol) was then added and the mixture was stirred for a further 2 hours. 4-Bromobenzyl bromide (5.0 g, 0.02 mol) was added, the mixture was cooled briefly and stirred for a further hour before water (20 mL) was added. The mixture was extracted with ether (3 x 100 mL) and each extract was washed with water (3 x 50 mL). The combined ether layers were dried over CaCl₂ and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel with CΗ₂Cl₂:Et₂0 (1:2) as eluent, yielding the sub-title product (2.36 g, yield: 82%). 1H NMR δ(CDCl₃): 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.84 (m, 1H), 7.44 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.24-7.33 (m, 2H), 7.06 (d, J= 8.3 Hz, 2H), 5.32 (s, 2H) MS (ESI⁺) m/z: 287

(e) 3-(4-Benzoimidazole-l-ylmethylphenyl)-5-t^' O-butyl-N-tgrt-butylthio- phene-2-sulfonamide

5-wo-Butyl-2-(Ν-tert-butylaminosulfonyl)thiophene-3-boronic acid (88.8 mg, 0.278 mmol, see step (c) above), l-(4-bromobenzyl)-7H- benzoimidazole (53.2 mg, 0.185 mmol, see step (d) above), toluene (10 mL), ethanol (0.65 mL), NaOΗ (l.OM, 0.74 mL, 0.74 mmol) and Pd(PPh₃)₄ (6.4 mg, 0.0055 mmol) were mixed together under N₂. The mixture was warmed to reflux for 3 hours, diluted with EtOAc (20 mL), washed with water and brine, and dried over MgS0 . The solvent was removed and the residue was separated by column chromatography with hexane: acetone (2:1) as an eluent to give 84.9 mg of the sub-title compound (yield: 95.3%). 1H NMR δ(CDCl₃): 8.26 (d, J =6.9 Ηz, 1Η), 7.89 (d, J =8.6 Ηz, 2Η), 7.60- 7.20 (m, 6H), 6.70 (s, 1H), 5.55 (s, 2H), 4.12 (s, 1H), 2.67 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.90 (m, 1H), 0.94 (brs, 15H) ¹³C NMR δ(CDCl₃): 148.6, 142.9, 142.1, 132.1, 132.0, 129.8, 129.1, 128.8, 128.5, 128.4, 127.3, 122.9, 120.0, 110.4, 110.2, 54.6, 49.2, 48.9, 39.2, 30.5, 29.5, 22.2

MS (ESI⁺) m/z: 482.1

Anal. Calcd. for C₂₆H₃₁N₃0₂S₂: C, 64.83; H, 6.49; N, 8.72. Found: C, 64.9; H, 6.5; N, 8.5

(f) 3-(4-Benzoimidazole-l-ylmethylphenyl -5-^o-butylthiophene-2-sulfon- amide

Trifluoroacetic acid (2 mL) was added to 3-(4-benzoimidazole-l- ylmemylphenyl)-5- so-butyl-N-tert-butylthiophene-2-sulfonamide (64 mg, 0.133 mmol, see step (e) above) and one drop (ca 0.05 mL) of anisol was added to the mixture. The reaction mixture was stirred under a N₂ atmosphere for 30 hours and then evaporated and co-evaporated with acetonitrile until TLC showed sufficient purity. The crude product was used directly in the next step without further purification. IR (neat, cm^"1) v 3130, 3060, 2966, 1677, 1549, 1452

1H NMR δ(CD₃OD): 8.33 (s, IH), 7.55-7.16 (m, 8H), 6.65 (s, IH), 5.40 (s, 2H), 2.51 (d, J =6.7 Hz, 2H,), 1.77 (m, IH), 1.13 (d, J =9.7 Hz, 2H), 0.82 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 6H)

¹³C NMR δ(CDCl₃, CD₃OD): 148.8, 144.4 138.0, 137.0, 136.2, 130.9 130.8, 128.3, 124.9, 124.3, 119.5, 112.2, 39.8, 31.8, 29.5, 22.5 MS (ESI⁺) m/z: 426.0

(g) N-Butyloxycarbonyl-3-(4-benzoimidazol-l-ylmethylphenyl -5-t5^,o- butylthiophene-2-sulfonamide The crude product from step (f) above was dissolved in pyridine (2 mL, dried over 4A molecular sieves), and pyrrolidinopyridine (32.6 mg, 0.220 mmol) and butyl chloroformate (301.3 μL, 2.07 mmol) were added to the mixture. The mixture was stirred overnight under a Ν₂ atmosphere at room temperature. Evaporation and co-evaporation with acetonitrile to remove the solvents, followed by purification by column chromatography using MeOH in chloroform (1:30) as eluent gave the desired title compound (78.8 mg, 0.150 mmol) in 69% yield (from 3-(4-benzoimidazole-l- ylmethylphenyl)-5-wo-butyl-N-tert-butylthio-phene-2-sulfonamide). IR (neat, cm^"1) v 3033, 2944, 2872, 1734, 1606 1H ΝMR δ(CD₃OD + CDC1₃): 8.21 (s, IH), 7.40-7.15 (m, 8H), 6.70 (s, IH), 5.41 (s, 2H), 3.80 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.59 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.81 (m, IH), 1.30 (m, 2H), 1.08 (m, 2H), 0.85 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 6H), 0.70 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H) ¹³C NMR δ(CD₃OD + CDC1₃): 153.7, 151.8, 146.3, 144.9, 137.7, 135.6, 130.8, 128.4, 124.6, 123.9, 120.1, 112.5, 67.1, 40.0, 31.9, 31.8, 22.5, 20.0, 14.0

MS (ESI⁺) m/z: 526.0 Anal. Calcd for C₂₇H₃₁N₃0₄S₂: C, 61.7; H, 5.94; N, 7.99. Found: C, 61.5; H, 6.2; N, 7.8

Example 2

N-Butyloxycarbonyl-3-(^'4-imidazo[4,5-b1pyridin-3-ylmethylphenyl -5- O- butylthiophene-2-sulfonamide

(ay3-(4-Bromobenzyl>3H-imidazo[4,5-b1pyridine

Dimethylsulphoxide (20 mL, dried over 4A molecular sieves) was added to potassium hydroxide (2.24 g, 0.04 mol, crushed pellets) and the mixture was stirred for 5 min. 3H-Imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (1.0 g, 0.084 mol) was then added and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours. 4-Bromobenzyl bromide (3.25 g, 0.013 mol) was added and the mixture was cooled briefly and stirred for a further hour before water (20 mL) was added. The mixture was extracted with ether (3 x 100 mL) and each extract was washed with water (3 x 50 mL). The combined ether layers were dried over CaCl₂ and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel with CΗ₂Cl₂:Et₂0 (1 :2) as eluent to yield the sub-title compound (1.275 g, yield: 53%). 1H ΝMR δ(CDCl₃): 8.42 (d, J- 4.6 Hz, IH), 8.08 (m, 2H), 7.46 (d, J- 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.29-7.16 (m, 3H), 5.43 (s, 2H) MS (ESI⁺) m/z: 288 (b) 3-(^'4-Imidazo 4,5-b]pyridin-3-ylmethylphenylV5- i^,o-butyl-N-tert-butyl- thiophene-2-sulfonamide

5-wo-Butyl-2-(Ν-tert-butylaminosulfonyl)thiophene-3-boronic acid (151.0 mg, 0.473 mmol, see Example 1(c) above), 3-(4-bromobenzyl)-5H- imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (90.0 mg, 0.314 mmol, see step (a) above), toluene (15 mL), ethanol (1.3 mL), NaOΗ (l .OM, 1.3 mL, 1.3 mmol) and Pd(PPh₃)₄ (10.9 mg, 0.009 mmol) were mixed together under N₂. The mixture was warmed to reflux for 3 hours, diluted with EtOAc (20 mL), washed with water and brine, and dried over MgS0₄. The solvent was removed and the residue was separated by column chromatography with hexane: acetone (2: 1) as an eluent to give 115.8 mg of the sub-title compound (yield: 76%). IR (neat, cm^"1) v 3095, 2954, 2872, 1695, 1601, 1501 1H NMR δ(CDCl₃): 8.40-8.05 (m, 4Η), 7.52-7.18 (m, 4H), 6.63 (s, IH), 5.49 (s, 2H), 4.04 (s, IH), 2.56 (d, J= 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.82 (m, 2H), 0.89 (brs, 15H)

¹³C NMR δ(CDCl₃): 148.6, 145.2, 145.1, 143.5, 143.3, 135.8, 129.7, 129.1, 128.8, 128.5, 127.9, 127.7 119.1, 54.6, 47.4, 47.1, 39.2, 30.5, 29.4, 22.1 MS (ESI⁺) m/z: 483.1 Anal. Calcd. for C₂₅H₃oN₄0₂S₂: C, 62.2; H, 6.3; N, 11.6. Found: C, 62.7; H, 6.0; N, 11.4

(c) 3-(4-Imidazo 4,5-b1pyridin-3-ylmethylphenyl -5-;,sO-butylthiophene-2- sulfonamide

Trifluoroacetic acid (2 mL) was added to 3-(4-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-3- ylmethylphenyl)-5-wo-butyl-N-tert-butylthiophene-2-sulfonamide (64 mg, 0.133 mmol, see step (b) above) and one drop (ca 0.05 mL) of anisol was added to the mixture. The reaction mixture was stirred under a Ν₂ atmosphere for 30 hours and then evaporated and co-evaporated with acetonitrile until TLC showed sufficient purity. The crude product was used directly in the next step without further purification. IR (neat, cm^"1) v 3130, 3060, 2966, 1677, 1549, 1452 1H NMR δ(CD₃OD): 8.33 (s, IH), 7.55-7.16 (m, 8H), 6.65 (s, IH), 5.40 (s, 2H), 2.51 (d, J =6.7 Hz, 2H), 1.77 (m, IH), 1.13 (d, J=9.7 Hz, 2H), 0.82 (d, J =6.6 Hz, 6H) ¹³C NMR δ(CDCl₃, CD₃OD): 148.8, 144.4 138.0, 137.0, 136.2, 130.9 130.8, 128.3, 124.9, 124.3, 119.5, 47.1, 39.1, 30.5, 22.2 MS (ESf) m/z: 426.0

(d) N-Butyloxycarbonyl-3-(^'4-imidazo[^"4,5-b1pyridin-3-ylmethylphenylV5- <^,j^,o-butylthiophene-2-sulfonamide

The crude product from step (c) above was dissolved in pyridine (1.6 mL, dried over 4A molecular sieves), and pyrrolidinopyridine (52.1 mg, 0.35 mmol) and butyl chloroformate (447.3 μL, 3.49 mmol) were added to the mixture. The mixture was stirred overnight under a Ν₂ atmosphere at room temperature. Evaporation and co-evaporation with acetonitrile to remove the solvents and purification by column chromatography using acetone in hexene (2:3) as eluent yielded the desired product (147.9 mg, 0.281 mmol) in 80% yield (from 3-(4-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-3-ylmethylphenyl)-5-z^".yo- butyl-N-tert-butylthiophene-2-sulfonamide). IR (neat, cm^"1) v 3033, 2960, 2871, 1734, 1605, 1503

1H ΝMR δ(CD₃OD + CDC1₃): 8.38 (d, J= 5.4 Hz, 2H), 8.06 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 7.66 (s, IH), 7.42-7.32 (m, 5H), 6.75 (s, IH), 5.56 (s, 2H), 3.92 (t, J =6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.68 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.93 (m, IH), 1.40 (m, 2H), 1.15 (m, 2H), 0.93 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 6H), 0.80 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H) ¹³C ΝMR δ(CD₃OD + CDC1₃): 150.6, 150.1, 144.7, 144.0, 143.7, 135.5, 133.8, 133.4, 131.0, 128.8, 128.6, 126.6, 126.7, 118.1, 65.2, 38.1, 29.7, 29.6, 20.8, 17.8, 12.1 MS (ESI⁺) m/z: 527.1 Anal. Calcd for C₂₆H₃oN₄0₄S₂: C, 59.3; H, 5.7; N, 10.64. Found: C, 59.1; H, 5.9; N, 10.4

Example 3 N-Butyloxycarbonyl-3-[4-(2-ethylbenzoimidazol-l-ylmethyl)phenyl]-5-^o- butylthiophene-2-sulfonamide

(a) 1 -( -Bromobenzyl)-2-ethyl- lH-benzoimidazole

Dimethylsulphoxide (20 mL, dried over 4A molecular sieves) was added to potassium hydroxide (2.24 g, 0.04 mol, crushed pellets) and the mixture was stirred for 5 min. 2-Ethyl-lH-benzoimidazole (1.1 g, 0.0075 mol) was then added and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours. 4-Bromobenzyl bromide (3.25 g, 0.013 mol) was added and the mixture was cooled briefly and stirred for a further hour before water (20 mL) was added. The mixture was extracted with ether (3 x 100 mL) and each extract was washed with water (3 x 50 mL). The combined ether layers were dried over CaCl₂ and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel with hexane as eluent yielding the sub-title compound (2.30 g, yield: 97%). 1H ΝMR δ(CDCl₃): 7.80 (d, J= 6.9 Ηz, 1Η), 7.43 (d, J = 8.6 Ηz, 2Η), 7.25-

7.20 (m, 3H), 6.90 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 5.29 (s, 2H), 2.87 (q, J = 7.6 Hz,

2H), 1.43 (t, J= 7.6 Hz, 3H)

¹³C ΝMR δ(CDCl₃): 156.1, 134.8, 132.2, 127.8, 122.6, 121.9, 119.2, 109.3,

46.3, 20.8, 11.7 MS (ESI⁺) m/z 315

Anal. Calcd. for C₁₆H₁₅BrΝ₂: C, 61.0; H, 4.8; N, 8.9. Found: C, 60.8; H,

4.8; N, 8.9 (b) 3-r4-(2-Ethylbenzoimidazol-l-ylmethvπphenyll-5- 5θ-butyl-N-tgrt- butylthiophene-2-sulfonamide

5-wo-Butyl-2-(Ν-tert-butylaminosulfonyl)thiophene-3-boronic acid (151.0 mg, 0.473 mmol, see Example 1(c) above), l-(4-bromobenzyl)-2-ethyl-lH- benzoimidazole (131.4 mg, 0.417 mmol, see step (a) above), toluene (15 mL), ethanol (1.5 mL), NaOΗ (l.OM, 1.67 mL, 1.67 mmol) and Pd(PPh₃)₄ (14.5 mg, 0.012 mmol) were mixed together under N₂. The mixture was warmed to reflux for 3 hours, diluted with EtOAc (20 mL), washed with water and brine, and dried over MgS0 . The solvent was removed and the residue was separated by column chromatography with hexane: acetone (4: 1) as an eluent to give 114.8 mg of the sub-title compound (yield: 54 %). IR (neat, cm^"1) v 3056, 2980, 2868, 1675, 1614, 1513 1H NMR δ(CDCl₃): 7.84 (d, J = 7.4 Ηz, 1Η), 7.58 (d, J - 8.23 Ηz, 2Η), 7.60-7.20 (m, 6H), 6.71 (s, IH), 5.40 (s, 2H), 4.06 (s, IH), 2.95 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.67 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.90 (m, IH), 1.47 (t, J - 7.4 Hz, 3H), 0.98 (brs, 15H)

¹³C NMR δ(CDCl₃): 155.9, 148.6, 142.3, 134.8, 129.7, 129.1, 128.8, 126.4, 126.1, 122.8, 119.1, 109.5, 54.6, 47.0, 39.2, 30.5, 29.4, 22.1, 20.8, 11.8 MS (ESI⁺) m/z: 510.1 Anal. Calcd. for C₂₈H₃₅N₃0₂S₂: C, 66.0; H, 6.9; N, 8.2. Found: C, 65.8; H, 7.2; N, 8.1

(c) 3-[^"4-(2-Ethylbenzoimidazol-l-ylmethyl phenyl1-5-z θ-butylthiophene-2- sulfonamide Trifluoroacetic acid (2 mL) was added to 3-[4-(2-ethyl-benzoimidazol-l- ylmethyl)phenyl]-5-wo-butyl-N-tert-butylthiophene-2-sulfonamide (64 mg, 0.133 mmol, see step (b) above) and one drop (ca 0.05 mL) of anisol was added to the mixture. The reaction mixture was stirred under a Ν₂ atmosphere for 30 hours and then evaporated and co-evaporated with acetonitrile until TLC showed sufficient purity. The crude product was used directly in the next step without further purification. IR (neat, cm^"1) v 3332, 3062, 2963, 1664, 1559, 1465 1H NMR δ(CD₃OD): 7.84-7.13 (m, 9H), 6.69 (s, IH), 5.61 (s, 2H), 2.55 (m, 2H), 2.00 (brs, 2H), 1.60 (m, IH), 1.36 (m, 2H), 1.11 (t, J =7.4 Hz, 3H), 0.83 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 6H)

¹³C NMR δ(CDCl₃, CD₃OD): δ 157.5, 152.7, 151.6, 137.2, 135.8, 134.9, 130.2 129.2, 126.3, 124.7, 123.7, 118.6, 111.1, 53.7, 47.7, 39.1, 31.7, 31.5, 30.5, 29.2, 22.2, 11.9 MS (ESI⁺) m/z: 454.0

(d) N-Butyloxycarbonyl-3-[4-(2-ethylbenzoimidazol-l-ylmethyl phenyl]-5- O-butylthiophene-2-sulfonamide

The crude product from step (c) above was dissolved in pyridine (2 mL, dried over 4A molecular sieve), and pyrrolidinopyridine (47.7 mg, 0.32 mmol) and butyl chloro formate (409.0 μL, 3.22 mmol) were added to the mixture. The mixture was stirred overnight under a Ν₂ atmosphere at room temperature. Evaporation and co-evaporation with acetonitrile to remove the solvents and purification by column chromatography using CHCl₃:MeOH (30: 1) as eluent yielded the desired product (47.6 mg, 0.085 mmol) in 27% yield (from 3-[4-(2-ethylbenzoimidazol-l-ylmethyl)phenyl]-

5- 5O-butyl-N-tert-butylthiophene-2-sulfonamide).

IR (neat, cm^"1) v 2954, 2880, 1751, 1467

1H ΝMR (CD₃OD + CDC1₃) δ 7.61 (m, IH), 7.39 (d, J= 8.26 Hz, 2H), 7.29 (m, IH), 7.21 (m, 2H), 7.05 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.73 (s, IH), 5.46 (s, 2H),

3.89 (t, J= 6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.88 (q, J- 7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.65 (d, J= 6.91 Hz, 2H),

2.09 (s, IH), 1.86 (m, IH), 1.36 (m, 5H), 1.19 (m, 2H), 0.95 (ά, J = 6.6 Hz,

6H), 0.83 (t, J= 7.2 Hz, 3H) ¹³C NMR ( CD₃OD + CDC1₃) δ 157.5, 152.7, 151.6, 137.2, 135.8, 134.9, 130.6, 130.4, 127.0, 123.9, 123.7, 118.6,111.1, 66.9, 47.0, 39.8, 31.5, 31.4, 22.5, 21.3, 19.6, 13.9, 11.9 MS (ESI⁺) m/z: 554.1 Anal. Calcd for C₂₉H₃₅N₃0₄S₂: C, 62.9; H, 6.4; N, 7.6. Found: C, 63.1; H, 6.8; N, 7.1.

Example 4

Title compounds of the Examples were tested in Tests A and B above and were found to exhibit an affinity for AT2 receptors of less than Ki = 50 nM and an affinity to ATI receptors of Ki = 500 nM (e.g. Ki = 1 μM) or greater.

Example 5

Title compounds of the Examples are tested in Test C above and are found to stimulate markedly mucosal alkahsation. This effect is blocked by co- administration of the selective AT2 receptor antagonist PD 123319 (Sigma Chemical Company).

Claims

Claims

A compound of formula I,

wherein

R¹ represents H, C_1-4 alkyl, C_1-4 alkoxy, C_1-4 alkoxy-C_1-4-alkyl, C_1-4 alkylamino, di-Cj_-4 alkylamino or halo; Xi, X₂, X₃ and X₄ represent -CH-, -CF- or -N-, provided that, at any one time, no more than two of Xi, X₂, X₃ and X₄ may represent -N-;

Yi, Y₂, Y₃ and Y independently represent -CH- or -CF-;

Zj represents -CH-, -0-, -S-, -N- or -CH=CH-;

Z₂ represents -CH-, -0-, -S- or -N-; provided that:

(a) Zi and Z₂ are not the same;

(b) when Zi represents -CH=CH-, then Z₂ may only represent -CH- or -N-; and

(c) other than in the specific case in which Zi represents -CH=CH-, and Z₂ represents -CH-, when one of Zi and Z₂ represents -CH-, then the other represents -O- or -S-; R² represents -S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁴, -S(0)₂N(H)S(0)₂R⁴, -C(0)N(H)S(0)₂R⁴, or, when Z_\ represents -CH=CH-, R may represent -N(H)S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁵ or -N(H)C(0)N(H)S(0)₂R⁵; R represents C_1-6 alkyl, C_1-6 alkoxy or Cι_-6 alkoxy-C_1-6-alkyl; R⁴ represents C_1-6 alkyl, C_1-6 alkoxy, C_1-6

C_1-6 alkylamino or di-Cι_-6 alkylamino; and R⁵ represents C_1-6 alkyl, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

2. A compound as claimed in Claim 1, wherein X_l5 X₂, X₃ and X₄ all represent -CH-.

3. A compound as claimed in Claim 1, wherein one of Xj, X₂, X₃ and X₄ represents -N- and the others all represent -CH-.

4. A compound as claimed in Claim 3, wherein X represents -N-.

5. A compound as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein R¹ represents H or C_1-3 alkyl.

6. A compound as claimed in Claim 5 wherein R¹ represents ethyl.

7. A compound as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein Yi, Y₂, Y₃ and Y₄ all represent -CH-.

8. A compound as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein Zi represents -S- or -CH=CH-.

9. A compound as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein Z₂ represents -CH-.

10. A compound as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein R represents « -butyl or wσ-butyl.

11. A compound as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when R² represents -S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁴, -S(0)₂N(H)S(0)₂R⁴ or -C(0)N(H)S(0)₂R⁴, R⁴ represents n-butyl, «-butoxymethyl, wo-butoxy or n- butoxy.

12. A compound as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein R² represents -C(0)N(H)S(0)₂R⁴ or -S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁴.

13. A compound as claimed in Claim 12 wherein, when R represents -C(0)N(H)S(0)₂R⁴, then R⁴ represents n-butyl.

14. A compound as claimed in Claim 12 wherein, when R represents -S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁴, then R⁴ represents «-butoxymethyl, wo-butoxy or n- butoxy.

15. A pharmaceutical formulation including a compound as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier.

16. A compound as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use as a pharmaceutical.

17. A compound as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the treatment of a condition in which selective agonism of the AT2 receptor is desired and/or required.

18. A compound as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the treatment of a condition in which endogenous production of Angll is deficient.

19. A compound as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the treatment of a condition in which an increase in the effect of Angll is desired or required.

20. A compound as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the treatment of a condition where AT2 receptors are expressed and their stimulation is desired or required.

21. The use of a compound as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a condition in which selective agonism of the AT2 receptor is desired and/or required.

22. The use of a compound as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a condition in which endogenous production of Angll is deficient.

23. The use of a compound as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a condition in which an increase in the effect of Angll is desired or required.

24. The use of a compound as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a condition where AT2 receptors are expressed and their stimulation is desired or required.

25. The use as claimed in any one of Claims 21 to 24, wherein the condition is of the gastrointestinal tract, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory tract, the kidneys, the eyes, the female reproductive (ovulation) system, or the central nervous system.

26. The use as claimed in Claim 25, wherein the condition is oesophagitis, Barrett's oesophagus, a gastric ulcer, a duodenal ulcer, dyspepsia (including non-ulcer dyspepsia), gastro-oesophageal reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, hepatic disorders (including hepatitis), gall bladder disease, multiple organ failure, sepsis, xerostomia, gastritis, gastroparesis, hyperacidity, a disorder of the bilary tract, coelicia, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diarrhoea, constipation, colic, dysphagia, vomiting, nausea, indigestion, Sjδgren's syndrome, inflammatory disorders, asthma, an obstructive lung disease (including chronic obstructive lung disease), pneumonitis, pulmonary hypertension, adult respiratory distress syndrome, renal failure, nephritis, renal hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, premature retinopathy, retinal microvascularisation, ovulatory dysfunction, hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac failure, artherosclerosis, arterial thrombosis, venous thrombosis, endothelial dysfunction, endothelial lesions, post baloon dilatation stenosis, angiogenesis, diabetic complications, microvascular dysfunction, angina, cardiac arrhythmias, claudicatio intermittens, preeclampsia, myocardial infarction, reinfarction, ischaemic lesions, erectile dysfunction, neointima proliferation, cognitive dysfunctions, dysfunctions of food intake (hunger/satiety), thirst, stroke, cerebral bleeding, cerebral embolus, cerebral infarction, hypertrophic disorders, prostate hyperplasia, autoimmune disorders, psoriasis, obesity, neuronal regeneration, an ulcer, adipose tissue hyperplasia, stem cell differentiation and proliferation, cancer, apoptosis, tumours, hypertrophy diabetes, neuronal lesions or organ rejection.

27. The use as claimed in Claim 26, wherein the condition is non-ulcer dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple organ failure, hypertension or cardiac failure.

28. A method of treatment of a condition in which selective agonism of the AT2 receptor is desired and/or required, which method comprises administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a compound as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a person suffering from, or susceptible to, such a condition.

29. A pharmaceutical formulation including a compound as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and an ATI receptor antagonist, in admixture with a pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier.

30. A kit of parts comprising components:

(a) a pharmaceutical formulation including a compound as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in admixture with a pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier; and

(b) a pharmaceutical formulation including an ATI receptor antagonist, in admixture with a pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier, which components (a) and (b) are each provided in a form that is suitable for administration in conjunction with the other.

31. A pharmaceutical formulation including a compound as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, in admixture with a pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier.

32. A kit of parts comprising components:

(a) a pharmaceutical formulation including a compound as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in admixture with a pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier; and

(b) a pharmaceutical formulation including an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, in admixture with a pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier, which components (a) and (b) are each provided in a form that is suitable for administration in conjunction with the other.

33. A process for the preparation of a compound as defined in Claim 1, which comprises:

(i) for compounds of formula I in which R² represents -S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁴ or -S(0)₂N(H)S(0)₂R⁴, and R⁴ is as defined in Claim 1, reaction of a compound of formula II,

wherein R¹, X_l5 X₂, X₃, X , Y Y₂, Y₃, Y₄, Zi, Z₂ and R³ are as defined in Claim 1 with a compound of formula III,

R⁴GL ^J III wherein G represents C(O) or S(0)₂ (as appropriate), L¹ represents a suitable leaving group and R⁴ is as defined in Claim 1 ; (ii) for compounds of formula I in which R² represents -S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁴ and R⁴ represents C_1-6 alkoxy-Cι_-6-alkyl, coupling of a compound of formula II as defined above with a compound of formula IV,

R^4aC0₂H IV wherein R^4a represents _-6 alkoxy-Cι_-6-alkyl;

(iii) for compounds of formula I in which R² represents -C(0)N(H)S(0)₂R⁴ and R⁴ is as defined in Claim 1, coupling of a compound of formula V,

1 "λ wherein R , X_1} X₂, X₃, X₄, Y_1} Y₂, Y₃, Y₄, Zi, Z₂ and R are as defined in

Claim 1 with a compound of formula VI, R⁴S(0)₂NH₂ VI wherein R is as defined in Claim 1 ;

(iv) f oorr compounds of formula I in which R² represents -C(0)N(H)S(0)₂R⁴ and R⁴ is as defined in Claim 1, coupling of a compound of formula VII,

wherein R , X_1; X₂, X₃, X₄, Yi, Y₂, Y₃, Y₄, Z_l3 Z₂ and R are as defined in Claim 1 with a compound of formula VIII,

R⁴S(0)₂C1 VIII wherein R , 4 i •s as defined in Claim 1; (v) for compounds of formula I in which R represents - -NN((HH))SS((00))₂₂NN((HH))CC((00))RR⁵⁵ and R⁵ is as defined in Claim 1, reaction of a compound of formula IX,

1 ^ wherein R , Xi, X₂, X₃, X₄, Y_1} Y₂, Y₃, Y₄, Z Z₂ and R are as defined in Claim 1 with a compound of formula X,

R⁵C(0)N(H)S(0)₂C1 X wherein R⁵ is as defined in Claim 1 ;

(vi) for compounds of formula I in which R² represents -N(H)C(0)N(H)S(0)₂R⁵ and R⁵ is as defined in Claim 1, reaction of a compound of formula IX as defined above with a compound of formula XI, R⁵S(0)₂N(H)C(0)OR^x XI wherein R^x represents C_1-2 alkyl and R⁵ is as defined in Claim 1; (vii) for compounds of formula I in which R represents -N(H)C(0)N(H)S(0)₂R⁵ and R⁵ is as defined in Claim 1, reaction of a compound of formula IX as defined above with a compound of formula XII, R⁵S(0)₂NCO XII wherein R⁵ is as defined in Claim 1 ;

(viii) for compounds of formula I in which R represents -S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁴ and R⁴ represents _-6 alkylamino, reaction of a compound of formula II as defined above with a compound of formula XIII, R^4bNCO XIII wherein R^4b is C_1-6 alkyl; or

(ix) for compounds of formula I in which R represents -S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁴ and R⁴ represents di-C_1-6 alkylamino, reaction of a corresponding compound of formula I in which R represents -S(0)₂N(H)C(0)R⁴ and R⁴ represents C_1-6 alkoxy with a compound of formula Xllla,

R^4cN(H)R^4d Xllla wherein R^4c and R^4d independently represent C_1- alkyl.

34. A compound of formula II as defined in Claim 33 or a protected derivative thereof.

35. A compound of formula V as defined in Claim 33 or a protected derivative thereof.

36. A compound of formula VII as defined in Claim 33 or a protected derivative thereof.

37. A compound of formula IX as defined in Claim 33 or a protected derivative thereof.