WO2006027366A1

WO2006027366A1 - 2-substituted-1-deaza purine derivatives with adenosine receptor modulating activity

Info

Publication number: WO2006027366A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/054405
Authority: WO
Inventors: Melle Koch; Jacobus A.J. Den Hartog; Martinus J. Wanner; Gerrit-Jan Koomen
Original assignee: Solvay Pharmaceuticals B.V.
Priority date: 2004-09-09
Filing date: 2005-09-07
Publication date: 2006-03-16
Also published as: AR050860A1; TW200616624A; EP1791841A1; CA2579303A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to 2-substituted-1 -deaza purine derivatives as adenosine receptor modulating agents, to methods for the preparation of these compounds and to novel intermediates useful for the synthesis of sai d purine derivatives. The compounds have the general formula (1) wherein the symbols have the meanings given in the specification.

Description

2-SUBSTITUTED-1 -DEAZA PURINE DERIVATIVES WITH ADENOSINE RECEPTOR MODULATING ACTIVITY

The present invention relates to 2-substituted-1-deaza purine derivatives as adenosine receptor modulating agents, to methods for the preparation of these compounds and to novel intermediates useful for the synthesis of said purine derivatives. The invention also relates to the use of a compound disclosed herein for the manufacture of a medicament giving a beneficial effect. A beneficial effect is disclosed herein or apparent to a person skilled in the art from the specification and general knowledge in the art. The invention also relates to the use of a compound of the invention for the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a disease or condition. More particularly, the invention relates to a new use for the treatment of a disease or condition disclosed herein or apparent to a person skilled in the art from the specification and general knowledge in the art. In embodiments of the invention specific compounds disclosed herein are used for the manufacture of a medicament useful in the treatment of disorders in which adenosine receptors are involved, or that can be treated via manipulation of those receptors.

At present, four types of adenosine receptors have been identified and designated A₁, A_2A, A_2B and A₃ respectively. All four belong to the super -family of seven trans¬ membrane G-protein coupled receptors. Adenosine receptors are ubiquitous and involved in a great variety of biological processes. Thus, duri ng the past decades the therapeutic potential of adenosine receptor ligands has resulted in a substantial research interest.

1-Deaza adenosines are known from EP 0 354 180 A, and were also descri -bed by J.E. Francis et al. (Canadian J. Chem. 70, 1288-1295, 1992) and MJ. Wanner et al. (Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 2000, 10, 2141 -2144). These compounds were shown to have affinity for adenosine receptors, notably for the adenosine A₂ receptor subtype, on which they are agonists. The 1 -deaza adenosines described in the documents cited above all contain the 9-β-D-ribofuranosyl substituent characteristic for the natural ligand adenosine. However, highly hydrophilic moieties like ribose have a negative impact on the bioavailability of compounds beari ng such substituents. The goal of the present invention was to develop 1 -deazapurines without a ribose moiety, but with adenosine receptor modulating activity

Surprisingly it was found that compounds of the general formula (1 ):

wherein

Ri represents oxa-3-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-en-3-yl, 4-hydroxy-cyclohexyl- NH-, optionally substituted arylalkyl(Ci_-3)amines, cycloalkyl(C_3-8)alkyl-

(Ci_-3)amines, arylalkyl(Ci_-3)hydrazines or cycloalkyl(C_3-8)alkyl-

(Ci_-3)hydrazines - R₂ represents amino, NH-alkyl(Ci_-3) or N-dialkyl(Ci_-3) optionally substituted arylalkyl(Ci_-3)amines or cycloalkyl(C_3-8)alkyl-(Ci_-3)amines, - R₃ represents hydrogen, alkyl(Ci_-3) or arylalkyl(Ci_-3) and tautomers, stereoisomers, prodrugs and salts thereof,

are new and are adenosine receptor modulators

Throughout this specification the generally accepted atom numbering system of the purine skeleton is used:

The invention relates to racemates, mixtures of diastereomers as well as the individual stereoisomers of the compounds having formula (1). The invention also relates to the E isomer, Z isomer and E/Z mixtures of compounds having formula (1). In the description of the substituents the abbreviation 'alkyl(d_₃)' means 'methyl, ethyl, n -propyl or isopropyl'. Optionally substituted' means that a group may or may not be further substituted by one or more groups selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, hydroxyl, alkyloxy, alkenyloxy, aryloxy, acyloxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, thio, alkylthio, arylthio, cyano, oxo, nitro, acyl, amido, alkylamido, dialkylamido, carboxyl, or two optional substituents may together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form a 5- or 6-membered aromatic or non -aromatic ring containing 0, 1 or 2 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen or sulphur. Within the context of the explanation of 'optionally substituted', 'alkyl' means d-₃-alkyl, 'alkenyl' means Ci-₃-alkenyl, 'alkynyl' means Ci_-3-alkynyl, 'acyl' means Ci_-3-acyl and 'aryl' means furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, 1 ,3,5-triazynyl, phenyl, indazolyl, indolyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, benzi[b]furanyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzimidazolyl, benzthiazolyl, purinyl , quinolynyl, isochinolyl, chinolyl, phtalazinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, 1 ,8-naphthyridinyl, pteridinyl, naphthyl or azulenyl, preferably phenyl, pyridyl of naphthyl. Optional substituents may themselves bear additional optional substituents. Preferred optional substituents include Ci_-3 alkyl such as for example methyl, ethyl, and trifluoromethyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, hydroxyl, Ci_-3 alkyloxy such as for example methoxy, ethoxy and trifluoromethoxy, and amino.

Prodrugs of the compounds mentioned above are in the scope of the present invention.

Prodrugs are therapeutic agents which are inactive per se but are transformed into one or more active metabolites. Prodrugs are bioreversible derivatives of drug molecules used to overcome some barriers to the utility of the parent drug molecule.

These barriers include, but are not limited to, solubility, permeability, stability, presystemic metabolism and targeting limitations (Medicinal Chemistry: Principles and Practice, 1994, ISBN 0-85186-494-5, Ed.: F. D. King, p. 215; J. Stella, "Prodrugs as therapeutics", Expert Opin. Ther. Patents, 14(3), 277-280, 2004; P. Ettmayer et al., "Lessons learned from marketed and investigational prodrugs", J.Med.Chem., 47,

2393-2404, 2004).

Pro-drugs, i.e. compounds which when administered to humans by any known route, are metabolised to compounds having formula (1), belong to the invention. In particular this relates to compounds with primary or secondary amino or hydroxy groups. Such compounds can be reacted with organic acids to yield compounds having formula (1) wherein an additional group is present which is easily removed after administration, for instance, but not limited to amidine, enamine, a Mannich base, a hydroxyl -methylene derivative, an O-(acyloxymethylene carbamate) derivative, carbamate, ester, amide or enaminone.

The invention particularly relates to compounds of the general formula (1) in which :

Ri represents oxa-3-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-en-3-yl, 4-hydroxy-cyclohexyl- NH-, Ph-CH₂-CH=N-NH-, Ph-CH=N-NH-, 4-methoxy-Ph-CH=N-NH-, 2,4-dimethoxy-Ph-CH=N-NH-, cyclohexyl-CH₂-N=N- or cyclohexyl-CH=N-NH-,

- R₂ represents amino and R₃ represents methyl and tautomers, stereoisomers and salts thereof.

GENERALASPECTSOFSYNTHESES

The synthesis of compounds having formula (I) is outlined in Scheme 1 . Modification and functionalization of the 2-position of the regular (1 -aza)-purine ringsystem has received much attention. Substitution of purine-2-halides with amines proceeds often sluggish and requires high temperatures. The functionalisation of the 2 -position in 1 - deazapurines is even more difficult because it is a very deactivated system. An effective alternative is to start with 6-NO₂- or 6 -Cl -substituted 1 -deaza-purines. The synthesis of these starting materials is described by Cristalli et al. (J. Med. Chem. 1987, 30, 1686-1688) for X = NO₂, and by ltoh et al (J. Heterocyclic Chem. 1982, 19, 513-517) for X = Cl.

Scheme 1. (a) BoC₂O; (b) TBAN/TFAA; (c) MeOH reflux (d) NaN₃; (e) substitution (f) H₂/ Pd/C (g) H₂ Pd/C, MeOH; (h)NalO₄ oxidation; (ι) functionalisation of 2-posιtιon; (j) substitution 6-NH₂, leading to R₂

After BOC-protection selective nitration on the 2 -position can be accomplished in an analogous way to the nitration of 9-ribose containing 1 -deazapurines published by Deghati, Bieraugel, Wanner and Koomen (Mild and regioselective nitration of 1- deazapurine nucleosides using TBAN/TFAA. Tetrahedron Letters 2000, 41, 569- 573). After a subsequent multi-step introduction sequence of a 2-nitroso moiety, the nitroso group can be further modified using Diels -Alder, ene reactions, addition reactions, Mills coupling, and condensation reactions. Additional information about the potential further modifications for analogous 2 -nitrosoadenosines was published by Wanner and Koomen (Synthesis and properties of 2-nitrosoadenosine. Journal of the Chemical Society-Perkin Transactions 1, 2001, 1908-1915). The selection of the particular synthetic procedures depends on factors known to those skilled in the art such as the compatibility of functional groups with the reagents used, the possibility to use protecting groups, catalysts, activating and coupling reagents and the ultimate structural features present in the final compound being prepared.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be obtained using standard procedures well known in the art, for example by mixing a compound of the presen t invention with a suitable acid, for instance an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric acid, or with an organic acid.

The compounds of the invention of the general formula (1), as well as the salts thereof, have adenosine receptor modulating activity. They are useful in the treatment of disorders in which adenosine receptors are involved, or that can be treated via manipulation of those receptors. For instance in: acute and chronic pain, inflammatory diseases including, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, asthma and psoriasis; gastro-intestinal disorders such as ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease) and ulcerative colitis; allergic responses such as eczema, atopic dermatitis and rhinitis; cardio-vascular disorders such as myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, hypertension, thrombosis, anaemia, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris, cutaneous diseases such as urticaria, lupus erythematosus and pruritus; opthalmological disorders like glaucoma; respiratory disorders including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis and cystic fibrosis; central nervous system disorders including various forms of epilepsy, stroke, depression, sleep apnoea; disorders characterized by impairment of cognition and memory such as Alzheimer's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, neurorehabilitation (post -traumatic brain lesions); acute brain or spinal cord injury; diabetes, osteoporosis, diseases of the immune system, various carcinomas and leukemia, bacterial and viral infections.

PHARMACEUTICALPREPARATIONS

The compounds of the invention can be brought into forms suitable for administration by means of usual processes using auxiliary substances such as liquid or solid carrier material. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may be administered enterally, orally, parenterally (intramuscularly or intravenously), rectally or locally (topically). They can be administered in the form of solutions, powders, tablets, capsules (including microcapsules), ointments (creams or gel ) or suppositories. Suitable excipients for such formulations are the pharmaceutically customary liquid or solid fillers and extenders, solvents, emulsifiers, lubricants, flavorings, colorings and/or buffer substances. Frequently used auxiliary substances which may be mentioned are magnesium carbonate, titanium dioxide, lactose, mannitol and other sugars or sugar alcohols, talc, lactoprotein, gelatin, starch, cellulose and its derivatives, animal and vegetable oils such as fish liver oil, sunflower, groundnut or sesame oil, polyethylene glycol and solvents such as, for example, sterile water and mono- or polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol.

Compounds of the present invention are generally administered as pharmaceutical compositions which are important and novel embodiments of the invention because of the presence of the compounds, more particularly specific compounds disclosed herein. Types of pharmaceutical compositions that may be used include but are not limited to tablets, chewable tablets, capsules, sol utions, parenteral solutions, suppositories, suspensions, and other types disclosed herein or apparent to a person skilled in the art from the specification and general knowledge in the art. The invention also includes the preparation or manufacture of sai d pharmaceutical compositions.

In embodiments of the invention, a pharmaceutical pack or kit is provided comprising one or more containers filled with one or more of the ingredients of a pharmaceutical composition of the invention. Associated with such con tainer(s) can be various written materials such as instructions for use, or a notice in the form prescribed by a governmental agency regulating the manufacture, use or sale of pharmaceuticals products, which notice reflects approval by the agency of manufacture, use, or sale for human or veterinary administration.

PHARMACOLOGICAL METHODS

In vitro affinity for human adenosine-Ai receptors

Affinity of the compounds for human adenosine^ receptors was determined using the receptor binding assay described by A. Townsend -Nicholson and P.R. Schofield (Biol. Chem., 269, 2373, 1994), using human recombinant receptors expressed in CHO cells, and [³H]DPCPX as radioligand. In vitro affinity for human adenosine-A2A receptors

Affinity of the compounds for human adenosine-A₂A receptors was determined using the receptor binding assay described by D. R. Luthin et al. (Mol. Pharmacol. ,47, 307, 1995), using human recombinant receptors expressed in HEK-293 cells, and [³H]CGS 21680 as radioligand.

In vitro affinity for human adenosine-A₂B receptors

Affinity of the compounds for human adenosine-A_2B receptors was determined using the receptor binding assay described by J. H. Stehle et al. (MoI. Endocrinol., 6, 384, 1992), using human recombinant receptors expressed in HEK-293 cells, and [³H]MRS 1754 as radioligand.

In vitro affinity for human adenosine-A₃ receptors

Affinity of the compounds for human adenosine-A₃ receptors was determined using the receptor binding assay described by CA. Salvatore et al.: "Molecular cloning and characterization of the human A₃ adenosine receptor", Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 90, 10365-10369, 1993. Briefly, membrane preparations were obtained from human recombinant (HEK 293) cells in which the human adenosine-A₃ receptor was stably expressed. Membranes were incubated at 22⁰C for 90 minutes with [¹²⁵I]-AB-MECA in the absence or presence of testcompounds in a concentration range from 10 μM down to 0.1 nM, diluted in a suitable buffer. Separation of bound radioactivity from free was done by filtration through Packard GF/B glass fiber filters with several washings with ice-cold buffer using a Packard cell harvester. Bound radioactivity was measured with a scintillation counter (Topcount, Packard) using a liquid scintillation cocktail (Microscint 0, Packard). Measured radioactivity was plotted against the concentration of the displacing test compound and displacement curves were calculated by four-parameter logistic regression, resulting in IC₅₀ values, i.e. that concentration of displacing compound by which 50% of the radioligand is displaced. Affinity pK| values were calculated by correcting the IC₅₀ values for radioligand concentration and its affinity for the human adenosine-A₃ receptor according to the Cheng-Prusoff equation:

pKi = -log (IC₅₀ / (1+ S/K_d) ) in which the IC₅₀ is as described above, S is the concentration [ ¹²⁵I]-AB-MECA used in the assay expressed in mol/l (typically 0.1 nM), and K_d is the equilibrium dissociation constant of [¹²⁵I]-AB-MECA for human adenosine-A₃ receptor s (0.22 nM).

The compounds of the invention have affinity for at least one of the adenosine receptors in one of the binding assays described above. These properties make them useful in the treatment of disorders in which adenosine receptors are involved, or that can be treated via manipulation of these receptors.

According to the procedures described above the compounds of the invention can be prepared. The examples are intended to further illustrate the invention in more detail, and therefore are not deemed to restrict the scope of the invention in any way.

DOSE

The affinity of the compounds of the invention for adenosine A₃ receptors was determined as described above. From the binding affinity measured for a given compound of formula (1), one can estimate a theoretical lowest effective dose. At a concentration of the compound equal to twice the measured Kj-value, nearly 100% of the adenosine A₃ receptors likely will be occupied by the compound. Converting that concentration to mg of compound per kg of patient yields a theoretical lowest effective dose, assuming ideal bioavailability. Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and other considerations may alter the dose actually administered to a higher or lower value. The dosage expediently administered is 0.001 - 1000 mg/kg, preferably 0.1 -100 mg/kg of patient's bodyweight.

TREATMENT

The term "treatment" as used herein refers to any treatment of a human condition or disease and includes: (1) preventing the disease or condition from occurring in a subject which may be predisposed to the disease but has not yet been diagnosed as having it, (2) inhibiting the disease or condition, i.e., arresting its development, (3) relieving the disease or condition, i.e., causing regression of the condition, or (4) relieving the conditions caused by the disease, i.e., stopping the symptoms of the disease. EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE 1 : MATERIALS AND METHODS

All reactions involving moisture sensitive compounds were carried out under a dry nitrogen atmosphere. Dichloromethane (phosphorous pentoxide and calciumhydride), tetrahydrofuran (sodium/benzophenone ketyl) and light petroleum (60-80) were distilled freshly prior to use. All other commercially available chemicals were used without further purification. Reactions were monitored by using thi n-layer chromatography (TLC) on silica coated plastic sheets (Merck silica gel 60 F254) with the indicated eluent. The compounds were visualised by UV light (254 nm) or 1 ₂. Flash chromatography refers to purification using the indicated eluent and Acros silica gel (0.030-0.075 mm). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra (¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR, APT) were determined in the indicated solvent using a Bruker ARX 400 ( ¹H: 400 MHz, ¹³C: 100 MHz) at 300 K, unless indicated otherwise. ¹⁹F NMR and ¹³C NMR experiments were carried out on a Varian Inova 500 spectrometer operating at 11.74 T (499.9 MHz for ¹H; 125.7 MHz for ¹³C; 50.7 Mhz, 470.4 MHz for ¹⁹F) using a 5 mm SW probe. The spectra were determined in deuterated chloroform or dichloromethane obtained from Cambridge Isotope Laboratories Ltd. Chemical shifts (δ) are given in ppm downfield from tetramethylsilane (1 H, 13C) or CCI3F ( ¹⁹F). Coupling constants J are given in Hz. Peakshapes in the NMR spectra are indicated with the symbols 'q' (quartet), 'dq' (double quartet), 't' (triplet), 'dt' (double triplet), 'd' (doublet), 'dd' (double doublet), 's' (singlet), 'bs' (broad singlet) and 'm' (multiplet). NH and OH signals were identified after mixing the sample with a drop of D ₂O. Melting points were measured with a Bϋchi B -545 Melting Point apparatus. Mass spectra and accurate mass measurements were performed using a JEOL JMS - SX/SX 102 A Tandem Mass Spectrometer using Fast Atom Bombardement (FAB). A resolving power of 10,000 (10% valley definition) for high resolution FAB mass spectrometry was used. Extinction coefficients were determined with a HP 8453 UV- Vis spectrophotometer. Analytical HPLC was performed on a C18 column (Inertsil ODS-3, particle size 3 mm; 4.6mm 50mm) using the following elution gradient: linear gradient of 5 % to 95 % aqueous CH₃CN containing 0.04 % HCO₂H over 5 min, then 95 % aqueous CH₃CN containing 0.04 % HCO₂H for 2 min at 2.0 ml min^"1. Products were detected at λ = 254 nm. EXAMPLE 2: SYNTHESES OF INTERMEDIATES

Intermediate A: 6-Chloro-9-Boc-1-deazapurine

To a solution of 6-chloro-1-deazapurine (10 g, 65.1 mmol , J. Heterocyclic Chem. 1982, 19, 513-517) and BOC₂O (19.8 g, 91.2 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (100 ml) was added dimethylaminopyridine (0.5 g, 5 mass%) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. The reaction was quenched by adding silica and the mixture was filtered over hyflo. Evaporating the solvent yielded the crude product. Trituration with petroleum ether followed by treatment with ether yielded the product as a white solid (6.29 g, 76%), mp: 183.5°C decomposition

¹H NMR (d ₆-DMSO) δ 8.89 (s, 1 H, H-8), 8.47-8.46 (d, J 5.3 , 1 H, H-2), 7.62-7.61 (1 H, d, J 5.3, H-1), 1.66 ( s, 9H t-Bu).

Intermediate B: 2-nitro-6-chloro-9-Boc-1-deazapurine

A solution of 6-chloro-9-Boc-1-deazapurine (1 g, 3.94 mmol, intermediate A) and tetrabutyl-ammoniumnitrate (1.8 g, 5.91 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (12 ml) was stirred in an ice bath. TFAA (835 μl_, 5.91 mmol) was added dropwise. After 1.5 h the reaction was complete and MeOH (20 ml) was added.The mixture was concentrated and cooled to give yellow crystals. The crude product was washed with 3x3 ml cold MeOH. Drying in vacuo at 50 ⁰C afforded the product (0.916 g, 78%) as yellow needles, mp: 288.2-290°C decomposition ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 9.22 (s, 1 H, H-8), 8.58 (s, 1 H, H-1), 1.68 (s, 9H, t-Bu).

Intermediate C: 2-nitro-6-chloro-1-deazapurine

2-nitro-6-chloro-9-Boc-1-deazapurine (1.0 g, 3.35 mmol , intermediate B) in MeOH (20 ml) was stirred at 70⁰C. After 2 h the product started to p recipitate. After 15 h the suspension was cooled at 0⁰C for 30 min and filtered. The precipitate was washed with cold MeOH and dried in vacuo at 50 °C to furnish the product (0.5 g, 76%) as a yellow solid, mp: 294.5°C ¹H NMR(de-DMSO) δ 14.20 (bs, 1 H, H-9), 8.92 (s, 1H, H-8), 8.41 (d, 1 H, H-1).

Intermediate D: 6-nitro-9-Boc-1 -deazapurine

To a solution of 6-nitro-1-deazapurine (5 g, 30 mmol, J. Med. Chem., 1987, 30, 1686 - 1688) and BOC₂O (10 g, 46 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (100 ml) was added dimethylaminopyridine (0.250 g, 5 mass%) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 h. The reaction was diluted with PE and quenc hed by adding silica and the mixture was filtered over hyflo. Evaporating the solvent yielded the crude product. Crystallization with EA/PE afforded the product (2.28 g, 72 %) as light yellow needles, mp: 223-226°C

¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) 8 9.11 (s, 1 H, H-8), 8.81 (d, J 5.3 , 1 H, H-2), 8.10 (d J 5.3, 1 H, H-1), 1.67 ( s, 9H t-Bu).

Intermediate E: 2,6-dinitro-1 -deazapurine

A solution of 6-nitro-9-Boc-1-deazapurine (4 g, 15 mmol, intermediate D) and tetrabutylammoniumnitrate (0.92 g, 23 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (5 ml) was stirred at -18°C. TFAA (430 μl_, 18 mmol) was added dropwise. After 1.5 h the nitration reaction was complete and MeOH (20 ml) was added.The solution was refluxed for 15h while the product precipitates. Cooling and filtering and drying the suspension furnished the pure product (2.28g, 72%) as light yellow crystals, mp: 294°C ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 14.45(bs, 1 H, H-9), 9.16(s, 1 H, H-8), 8.81 (d, 1 H, H-1).

Intermediate F: 2-nitro-6-azido-1-deazapurine

First possible route: a suspension of 2-nitro-6-chloro-1-deazapurine (12 mmol, intermediate C) and NaN₃ (2.5 g, 37 mmol) in dry DMF (25 ml) was stirred and warmed to 60⁰C. After 60 h the reaction was cooled to room temperature and water was added slowly (100 ml). The product precipitated and was filtered. Washing with water and ether, followed by drying in vacuo at 50 °C furnished the product (2.12g, 82%) as a solid.

Alternative route: a suspension of 2,6-dinitro-1-deazapurine (2.5 g, 12 mmol , intermediate E) and NaN₃ (2.4 g, 37 mmol) in dry DMF (20 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 3h. After completion, water was added slowly (100 ml). The product precipitated and was filtered. Washing with water and ether, followed by drying in vacuo at 50⁰C furnished the product (2.22g, 90%) as a off white solid, mp: 220-224 °C decomposition ¹H NMR(d₆-DMSO) δ 14.02 (bs, 1H, H-9), 8.78 (s, 1 H, H-8), 7.81 (s, 1 H, 1 -H). Intermediate G: 2-nitro-6-azido-9-methyl-1-deazapurine

To a suspension of 2-nitro-6-azido-1-deazapurine (6 g, 29.2 mmol, Intermediate F) and K₂CO₃ (8.09 g, 58.5 mmol) in dry DMF (150 ml) was added MeI (3.65 ml, 58.5 mmol). After 1 h the reaction was complete and water (300 ml) was added slowly. The product precipitated and the suspension was cooled in an ice -bath. The crude product was washed with water and ether and dried in vacuo at 50 °C to yield 5.61 g (88%) of the desired product as a white solid, mp: 171.7°C decomposition ¹H NMR (de-DMSO) δ 8.77 (s, 1 H H-8), 7.80 (s, 1 H, H-1), 3.92 (s, 3H, CH₃).

Intermediate H: 2-nitro-6-amino-9-Me-1-deazapurine

To a solution of 2-nitro-6-azido-9-methyl-1-deazapurine (1 g, 4.5 mmol, Intermediate

G) was added Pd/C 10 % (0.200 g, 20 mol%). The solution was stirred at room temperature under a H₂ atmosphere. After 1h the reaction was complete. Flash chromatography (EA) of the crude reaction mixture afforded the pure product as a red solid (0.775 g. 88 %). mp: 260 - 264°C

¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 8.35 (s, 1 H H-8), 7.36 (s, 1H, H-1), 7.15 (bs, 2H, NH₂), 3.79

(s, 3H, CH₃).

Intermediate I: 2-hydroxylamino-6-amino-9-methyl-1-deazapurine

A suspension of 2-nitro-6-azido-9-methyl-1-deazapurine (1 g, 45.6 mmol, Intermediate H) and 10% Pt/C (0.2 g, 20% m) in EA (200 ml) was refluxed under a H₂ athmosphere. After 18h the reaction was filtered over Hyflo (EA/MeOH). The filtrate was used immediately for the oxidation reaction to the nitroso derivative. ¹H NMR (d e-DMSO) δ 8.34 (s, 1 H, H-8), 7.36 (s, 1 H, H-1), 7.14 (bs, 2H, NH₂), 3.80 (s, 3H, CH₃).

Intermediate J: 2-nitroso-6-amino-9-methyl-1 -deazapurine

The crude mixture of 2-hydroxylamino-6-amino-9-methyl-1-deazapurine (intermediate I) was cooled to 0⁰C. An ice-cold solution of NaIO₄ (1.95 g, 9.13 mmol) in H₂O (50 ml) was added slowly. After 1h the reaction was complete and the organic layer was separated from the water layer. The aqueous layer was extracted with EA + 5% MeOH and dried with Na₂SO₄. The yellow solution was concentrated and triturated with cold MeOH to yield 0.53 g (65%) of the desired product as a red solid, mp: 220⁰C. ¹H NMR (de-DMSO) δ 8.46 (s,1H, H-8), 7.37 (s,1 H, H-1), 7.00 (bs, 2H, NH₂), 3.92 (s, 3H, CH₃)

EXAMPLE 3: SYNTHESES OF SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS

Compound 1 : 2-(2-oxa-3-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-en-3-yl)-6-amino-9-methyl- 1-deazapurine

To a suspension of 2-nitroso-6-amino-9-methyl-1-deazapurine (0.1 g, 0.56 mmol , intermediate J) in MeOH (15 ml) was added slowly 1 ,3-cyclohexadiene (105 μl , 1.13 mmol). After 30 m the reaction was complete and the mixture was concentrated and triturated in cold MeOH. The product was washed with cold MeOH and dried at 50 °C in vacuo to yield 101.9 mg (75 %) of the desired product as a white solid, mp: 169.9°C.

¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 7.82 (s, 1 H, H-8), 6.52 (t, 1 H, CH), 6.30 (t, 1H, CH) , 6.12 (bs, 2H, NH₂), 5.99 (s, 1 H, H-1), 5.21 (t, 1H, CH), 4.70 (t, 1H, CH), 3.63 (s, 3H, CH ₃), 2.08 (q, 2H, CH₂), 1.55 (q, 2H, CH₂), 1.33 (q, 2H, CH₂); m/z 258.1355 (M⁺ + H. Ci₃Hi₆N₅O requires m/z 258.1277)

Compound 2: 2-(c/s-4-hydroxycyclohexylamino)-6-amino-9-methyl- 1 -deazapurine

A suspension of 2-(2-oxa-3-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-en-3-yl)-6-amino-9-methyl-1- deazapurine (50 mg, 0.194 mmol, compound 1 ) and 10% Pd/C in MeOH (4 ml) was stirred under 1 atm hydrogen for 1.5 h at 70 ⁰C. Filtration, evaporation and stirring in cold MeOH afforded the pure 2-(c/s-4-hydroxycyclohexylamino)-6-amino-9-methyl-1- deazapurine (23,8 mg, 47 %) as white solid.

¹H NMR (de-DMSO) δ 7.62 (s, 1H, 8-H), 5.72 (s, 2H, NH₂), 5.69-5.67 (m, 1 H, NH), 5.57 (s, 1h, 1 -H), 4.34 (s, 1 H, OH), 3.69 (s, 2H), 3.57 (s, 3H, CH ₃), 1.63 (m, 6H, cyclo), 1.53-151 (m, 2H, cyclo) m/z 262.1668 (M⁺ + H. Ci₃Hi₉N₅O requires m/z 262.1590)

Compound 3:2-(2-phenylethyl-hydrazone)-6-amino-9-methyl-1 -deazapurine

A mixture of 2-nitroso-6-amino-9-methyl-1 -deazapurine (0.1 g, 0.565 mmol), 2- phenylethylamine (858 μl, 0.677 mmol) and acetic acid CH₃COOH (64.6 μl, 1.13 mmol) was stirred in MeOH. After 3 h the suspension had dissolved. The yellow solution was concentrated and diluted with PE and purified by flash chromatography (EA/MeOH/NH₄OH 88.5:10:1.5). The product was triturated with cold methanol and dried in vacuo to yield 55.4 mg (35%) of the desired product as a yellow solid, mp: 182.1⁰C ¹H NMR (d e-DMSO) δ 10.07 (s, 1 H, NH), 7.73 (s, 1H, 8-H), 7.37-7.32 (3H, m, CH/Ph), 7.27-7.25-7.23 (m, 3H, Ph), 6.28 (s, 1 H, 1 -H), 6.1 (bs, 2H, NH₂), 3.60 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.56-3.54 (d, 2H, CH₂) m/z 281.1515 (M⁺ + H. Ci₃H₁₉N₅O requires m/z 281.1436)

Compound 4: 2-benzylhydrazone-6-amino-9-methyl-1-deazapurine

Condensation of 2-nitroso-6-amino-9-methyl-1-deazapurine (0.1 g, 0.565 mmol), benzylamine (740 μl , 6.77 mmol) and acetic acid CH₃COOH (64.6 μl, 1.13 mmol) was performed as described for compound 3. Flash chromatography (EA/MeOH/NH₄OH 88.5:10:1.5). The product was triturated with cold methanol and dried in vacuo to yield 52.6 mg (35%) of the desired product as a yellow solid, mp: 231.7-232.8⁰C;

¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 10.68 (s, 1 H, NH), 7.95 (s, 1 H, 8-H), 7.77 (s, 1H, CH), 7.64- 7.62 (d, 2H, o-Ph), 7.41 (t, 2H, m-Ph), 7.31 (t, 1 H, p-Ph), 6.46 (s, 1 H, 1 -H), 6.17 (bs, 2H, NH₂) m/z 267.1358 (M⁺ + H. Ci₃Hi₉N₅O requires m/z 267.1280)

Compound 5: 2-(4-methoxy-2-benzylhydrazon)-6-amino-9-methyl-

1-deazapurine

Condensation of 2-nitroso-6-amino-9-methyl-1-deazapurine (0.1 g, 0.565 mmol), 4- methoxy-benzylamine (369 μl, 2.82 mmol) and acetic acid CH₃COOH (64.6 μl, 1.13 mmol) was performed as described for compound 3. Flash chromatography (EA/MeOH/NH₄OH 94.5:5:0.5). The product was triturated with cold methanol and dried in vacuo to yield 58.5 mg (35%) of the desired product as a yellow solid.

¹H NMR (de-DMSO) δ 10.39 (s, 1 H, NH), 7.91 (s, 1 H, 8-H), 7.75 (s, 1 H, CH), 7.56 (d, J 8.53 Hz, 2H, m-Ph), 6.98 (d, J 8.52 Hz, 2H, o-Ph), 6.42 (s, 1 H, 1 -H), 6.13 (bs, 2H, NH₂), 3.80 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.64 (s, 3H, CH₃) m/z 297.1464. (M⁺ + H. Ci₃Hi₉N₅O requires m/z 297.3271 Compound 6: 2-(2,4-dimethoxy-2-benzylhydrazon)-6-amino- 9-methyl-1 -deazapurine

Condensation of 2-nitroso-6-amino-9-methyl-1 -deazapurine (0.075 g, 0.423 mmol), 2,4-dimethoxy-benzylamine (318 μl , 2.12 mmol) and acetic acid CH ₃COOH (48.4 μl, 0.847 mmol) was performed as described for compound 3. Flash chromatography (EA/MeOH/NH₄OH 94.5:5:0.5). The product was triturated with cold methanol and ether and dried in vacuo to yield 48.3 mg (35%) of the desired product as a off white solid. ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 10.38 (s, 1 H, NH), 8.17 (s, 1 H, 8-H), 7.78-7.75 (s, 2H, CH and 1 -H), 6.61 -6.6 (m, 2H, Ph), 6.40 (s, 1 H, Ph), 6.11 (bs, 2H, NH ₂), 3.85 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.82 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.63 (s, 3H, CH₃) m/z 327.1569 (M⁺ + H. Ci₃Hi₉N₅O requires m/z 327.3531

Compound 7: 2-cyclohexylmethylazo-6-amino-9-methyl-1 -deazapurine

Condensation of 2-nitroso-6-amino-9-methyl-1-deazapurine (0.1 g, 0.565 mmol), cyclohexylmethylamine (367 μl , 2.82 mmol) and acetic acid CH₃COOH (64.6 μl, 1.13 mmol) was performed as described for compound 3. Flash chromatography (EA/MeOH/NH₄OH 94.5:5:0.5). The product was triturated with ether and dried in vacuo to yield 72.6 mg (48%) of the desired product as a bright yellow solid. ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 9.81 (s, 1 H, NH), 7.71 (1 H, s, 8-H), 7.17 (d J 5.31 Hz, 1 H, CH), 6.22 (s, 1 H, 1 -H), 6.04 (s, 2H, NH₂), 3.6 (s, 3H, CH₃), 2.18-2.17 (m, 1 H, cyclohexyl), 1.8-1.76-1.71 (m, 5H, 5x CH) 1.29-1.18 (m, 5H, CH) m/z 273.1828 (M⁺ + H. Ci₃Hi₉N₅O requires m/z 273.1749

Compound 8: 2-(cyclohexylmethyl-hydrazone)-6-amino-9-methyl -1-deaza -purine

2-cyclohexylmethylazo-6-amino-9-methyl-1-deazapurine (0.03 g , 0.111 mmol, compound 7) was dissolved in EtOH (5 ml) and a catalytic amount of N(Et)₃. The mixture was refluxed overnight. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo, triturated with cold ether and MeOH and filtered producing 8 mg (27%) of the desired product as a yellow solid. ¹H NMR (de-DMSO) δ 9.81 (s, 1 H, NH), 7.71 (s, 1 H, 8-H), 7.16 (d, J 4.91 Hz, 1 H, CH), 6.22 (s, 1 H, 1 -H), 6.04 (s, 2H, NH₂), 3.6 (s, 3H, CH₃) Table I: Structural variations of compounds 1 - 8

EXAMPLE 4: FORMULATION OF COMP. 7 USED IN ANIMAL STUDIES

For oral (p.o.) administration : to the desired quantity (0.5-5 mg) of the solid compound 7 in a glass tube, some glass beads were added and the solid was milled by vortexing for 2 minutes. After addition of 1 ml of a solution of 1% methylcellulose in water and 2% (v/v) of Poloxamer 188 (Lutrol F68), the compound was suspended by vortexing for 10 minutes. The pH was adjusted to 7 with a few drops of aqueous NaOH (0.1N). Remaining particles in the suspension were further suspended by using an ultrasonic bath.

For intraperitoneal (Lp.) administration : to the desired quantity (0.5-15 mg) of the solid compound 7 in a glass tube, some glass beads were added and the solid was milled by vortexing for 2 minutes. After addition of 1 ml of a solution of 1% methylcellulose and 5% mannitol in water, the compound was suspended by vortexing for 10 minutes. Finally the pH was adjusted to 7. EXAMPLE 5: PHARMACOLOGICAL TESTRESULTS

Adenosine receptor affinity data obtained according to the protocols given above are shown in the table below.

Table II: In vitro adenosine receptor affinity of compounds 1 - 8

Claims

1. Compounds of the general formula (1):

5 (1 ) ^R3 wherein:

Ri represents 2-oxa-3-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-en-3-yl, 4-hydroxy- cyclohexyl-NH-, optionally substituted arylalky^d-^amines, cycloalkyl (C_3-8)alkyl-(Ci_-3)amines, arylalkyl(Ci_-3) hydrazines or cycloalkyl(C_3-8)alkyl 10 (Ci_-3)hydrazines

- R₂ represents amino, NH-alkyl(Ci_-3) or N-dialkyl(Ci_-3) optionally substituted arylalkyl(Ci_-3)amines or cycloalkyl(C_3-8)alkyl-(Ci_-3)amines,

- R₃ represents hydrogen, alkyl (Ci_-3) or arylalkyl (Ci_-3) and tautomers, stereoisomers and salts thereof

15

2. Compounds as claimed in claim 1 of general formula ( 1 ) in which

Ri represents oxa-3-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-en-3-yl, 4-hydroxy-cyclohexyl- NH-, Ph-CH₂-CH=N-NH-, Ph-CH=N-NH-, 4-methoxy-Ph-CH=N-NH-, 2,4-dimethoxy-Ph-CH=N-NH-, cyclohexyl-CH₂-N=N- or 20 cyclohexyl-CH=N-NH-,

- R₂ represents amino

- R₃ represents methyl and tautomers, stereoisomers and salts thereof.

25 3. The compound according to claim 1 which is:

2-(2-oxa-3-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-en-3-yl)-6-amino-9-methyl-1-deazapurine 2-(c/s-4-hydroxycyclohexylamino)-6-amino-9-methyl-1-deazapurine

OU

2-(2-phenylethyl-hydrazone)-6-amino-9-methyl-1-deazapurine 2-benzylhydrazone-6-amino-9-methyl-1-deazapurine 35 2-(4-methoxy-2-benzylhydrazon)-6-amino-9-methyl-1 -deazapurine

2-(2,4-dimethoxy-2-benzylhydrazon)-6-amino-9-methyl-1-deazapurine 2-cyclohexylmethylazo-6-amino-9-methyl-1-deazapurine 2-(cyclohexylmethyl-hydrazone)-6-amino-9-methyl-1-deaza-purine

4. A pharmaceutical composition comprising, in addition to a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or at least one pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substance, a pharmacologically active amount of at least one compound of one of the claims 1 -3, or a salt thereof, as an active ingredient.

5. A method of preparing pharmaceutical compositions as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that a compound of one of the claims 1 -3 is brought into a form suitable for administration.

6. A compound as claimed in any of the claims 1 -3, or a salt thereof, for use as a medicament

7. Use of a compound as claimed in any of the claims 1-2 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of acute and chronic pain, inflammatory diseases including, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, asthma and psoriasis; gastro-intestinal disorders such as ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis; allergic responses such as eczema, atopic dermatitis and rhinitis; cardio-vascular disorders such as myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, hypertension, thrombosis, anaemia, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris, cutaneous diseases such as urticaria, lupus erythematosus and pruritus; opthalmological disorders like glaucoma; respiratory disorders including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis and cystic fibrosis; central nervous system disorders including various forms of epilepsy, stroke, depression, sleep apnoea; disorders characterized by impairment of cognition and memory such as Alzheimer's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, neurorehabilitation (post -traumatic brain lesions); acute brain or spinal cord injury; diabetes, osteoporosis, diseases of the immune system, various carcinomas and leukemia, bacterial and viral infections.