WO2009140101A2 - Imidazopyridine compounds useful as mmp-13 inhibitors - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are compounds and compositions of the formula I as described herein which are inhibitors of MMP-13. Also disclosed are methods of using and making compounds of the formula I.

Description

Imidazopyridine Compounds Useful as MMP- 13 Inhibitors

APPLICATION DATA

This application claims benefit to US provisional application serial no. 61/052,360 filed May 12, 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to MMP- 13 metalloprotease inhibiting compounds.

2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases. MMPs function to degrade extracellular matrix proteins and are involved in the cleavage of cell surface receptors, growth factors, cell-adhesion molecules, cytokines and chemokines, as well as other MMPs and unrelated proteases. MMPs are also thought to play a major role on cellular processes such as proliferation, migration (adhesion/dispersion), differentiation, angiogenesis, apoptosis and host defense. (Hu J et al. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2007 6:480-498; Ramnath N and Creaven PJ Curr Oncol Rep. 2004 6:96-102). MMPs are therefore targets for therapeutic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, peridontitis, atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, multiple sclerosis and tumor metastasis.

The mammalian MMP family includes more than 20 members that share common structural attributes: a propeptide domain, a catalytic domain and a C-terminal hemopexin-like domain (except for MMP-7 and MMP-26). The function of MMPs in health and disease is regulated in multiple ways. MMPs are secreted as inactive proproteins which are activated when the propepetide domain is cleaved by extracellular proteinases or destabilized by protein-protein interactions. The activity of MMPs is also regulated by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) which bind to the catalytic site of MMPs. The production of MMPs is also regulated at the level of transcription by specific signals that are temporally limited and spatially confined. (Parks WC et al 2004, Nat Rev Immunol. 2004 4:617-629). The collagenase subset of the matrix metalloproteinase family, comprising MMP- 1 (collagenase 1), MMP-8 (collagenase 2), MMP-13 (collagenase 3) and more recently MMP- 14, catalyzes the initial cleavage of collagen types I, II, III, V and X (Parks WC et al 2004, Nat Rev Immunol. 2004 4:617-629). MMP-13 cleaves type II collagen more efficiently than types I and III and is capable of cleaving multiple extracellular matrix proteins in addition to fibrillar collagens (Leeman MF et al 2003 Crit. Rev. Biochem. MoI. Biol. 37: 149-166). MMP-13 is the most proficient catalyst of collagen type II degradation, the committed step in articular cartilage degradation and progressive joint damage associated with RA and osteoarthritis

(OA). In the case of collagen type II (90-95% of articular cartilage), the triple helix is cleaved at position G775/L776 at least an order of magnitude faster by MMP-13 than by MMP-I and MMP-8 ( Billinghurst,R.C. et α/.1997 / Clin Invest 99, 1534- 1545). Cleavage of collagen type II triple helix at position G775/L776 by MMP-13 triggers the initial unfolding of the molecule, rendering it susceptible to catalytic degradation by additional members of the MMP family. The superior catalytic efficiency of MMP-13 for collagen type II degradation, coupled with induced expression of MMP-13 in synovial fibroblasts and chondrocytes associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) pathology, is consistent with MMP-13 being responsible for catalyzing the committed step in cartilage degradation associated with RA and OA (Mitchell,P.G. et al. 1996 J Clin Invest 97, 761-768; Moore,B.A. et al, 2000 Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1502, 307-318).

Furthermore, transient adenoviral expression of MMP-13 in mouse knee chondrocytes and synoviocytes induces a transient arthritic condition, including recruitment of inflammatory cells, and up-regulation of inflammatory cytokine mRNA (oronen,K. et al. 2004. Ann Rheum. Dis 63, 656-664). Transgenic mice with a constitutively active form of human MMP-13 in cartilage exhibit augmented cleavage of type II collagen and leading to an osteoarthritic-like phenotype with marked cartilage degradation and synovial hyperplasia (Neuhold,L.A. et al 2001 / Clin Invest 107, 35-44). These in vivo validation studies further support the role of MMP-13 in RA and OA pathogenesis. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been found that compounds of the present invention are inhibitors of MMP- 13.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide compounds and compositions of the formula I as described herein below which are inhibitors of MMP-13.

It is a further object of the invention to provide methods of using and making compounds of the formula I which are inhibitors of MMP-13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the broadest generic embodiment, there is provided a compound of the formula (I):

L is chosen from -CH₂-, CH₂CH₂,

Ari is chosen from carbocycle, heteroaryl and heterocycle wherein Aη is optionally substituted by one to three R₂;

Ar₂ is chosen from carbocycle, heteroaryl and heterocycle wherein Ar₂ is optionally substituted by one to three R₃; R₁ is chosen from hydrogen Ci_-5 alkyl, Ci_-5 alkoxy, hydroxyl and halogen;

R₂ is chosen from carbocycle, heteroaryl, heterocycle, HCO₂-(CH₂)_n-, N-hydroxy- benzamidine, cyano. Ci_-3 alkoxycarbonyl-(CH₂)_n-, Ci_-5 alkoxy, -C(O)NR₄R₅, - NR₄R₅, -S(O)_1nNR₄R₅, oxo, hydroxyCi_₅ alkyl,

R₅-S(O)_1nNR₄-, Ci-5 acyl, Ci_-5 acylamino, Ci_-5 alkyl, hydroxyl, nitro and halogen each R₂ where possible is optionally partially or fully halogenated;

R₃ is chosen from carbocycle, heteroaryl, heterocycle, Ci_-5 alkyl, Ci_-5 alkoxy, Ci_-5 acyl, Ci_₅ acylamino, amino, cyano, hydroxyl and halogen, each R₃ where possible is optionally partially or fully halogenated;

each R₄ and R₅ is independently chosen from hydrogen, Ci_₅ acyl, Ci_₅ alkyl, Ci_₅ alkoxy, hydroxyl, carbocycle-(CH₂)_n-, heteroaryl- (CH₂)_n- and heterocycle-(CH₂)_n-;

each m, n is independently 0-2;

or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In another embodiment, there is provided a compound of the formula (I) according the embodiment described immediately above, and wherein

L is chosen from -CH₂-

Ar₁ is chosen from phenyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopropyl, azatidinyl, furanyl, pyranyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzimidazolyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dioxanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, oxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolidinone, imidazolyl, thienyl, thiadiazolyl, thiomorpholinyl, 1,1-dioxo-lλ - thiomorpholinyl, morpholinyl, pyridinyl, pyridinone, 1-oxy-pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, purinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinazolinyl, indazolyl, indolyl, indolinone, isoindolyl, benzofuranyl, benzopyranyl and benzodioxolyl, wherein Ar₁ is optionally substituted by one to three R₂; Ar₂ is chosen from phenyl, azatidinyl, furanyl, pyranyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzimidazolyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dioxanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolidinone, imidazolyl, thienyl, thiadiazolyl, thiomorpholinyl, 1,1-dioxo-lλ - thiomorpholinyl, morpholinyl, pyridinyl, pyridinone, 1-oxy-pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, purinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinazolinyl, indazolyl, indolyl, indolinone, isoindolyl, benzofuranyl, benzopyranyl, 3oxobenzoxazinyl and benzodioxolyl, wherein Ar₂ is optionally substituted by one to three R₃;

Ri is chosen from hydrogen, Ci_₅ alkoxy, and Ci_₅ alkyl;

R₂ is chosen from phenyl, tetrazolyl, 5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-[l,2,4]oxadiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolidinone, imidazolyl, thienyl, thiadiazolyl, HCO₂-(CH₂)_n-, hydroxycarbamimidoyl, cyano. Ci_-3 alkoxycarbonyl-(CH₂)_n-, Ci_-5 alkoxy, -

C(O)NR₄R₅, - NR₄R₅, -S(O)H₁NR₄R₅, oxo, hydroxyCi_₅ alkyl, each R₂ where possible is optionally partially or fully halogenated;

R₃ is chosen from heterocycle, Ci_₅ alkyl, Ci_₅ alkoxy optionally partially or fully halogenated and halogen;

each R₄ and R₅ is independently chosen from hydrogen, Cl-5 acyl and Ci_-5 alkyl;

each m is independently 1 or 2.

In another embodiment, there is provided a compound of the formula (I) according the embodiment described immediately above, and wherein

L iS -CH₂-; Ar₁ is chosen from phenyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopropyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzimidazolyl, dioxanyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolidinone, imidazolyl, thienyl, furanyl, thiadiazolyl, morpholinyl, pyridinyl, pyridinone, 1-oxy-pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinazolinyl, indazolyl, indolyl, indolinone, isoindolyl, benzofuranyl, benzopyranyl and benzodioxolyl, wherein Ar₁ is optionally substituted by one to three R₂;

Ar₂ is chosen from phenyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzimidazolyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dioxanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolidinone, imidazolyl, thienyl, thiadiazolyl, morpholinyl, pyridinyl, pyridinone, 1-oxy-pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, purinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinazolinyl, indazolyl, indolyl, indolinone, isoindolyl, benzofuranyl, benzopyranyl and benzodioxolyl, wherein Ar₂ is optionally substituted by one to three R₃;

R₁ is hydrogen, methoxy or methyl;

R₂ is chosen from phenyl, tetrazolyl, 5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-[l,2,4]oxadiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, thiadiazolyl, HCO₂-(CH₂)_n-, hydroxycarbamimidoyl, cyano, Ci_-3 alkoxycarbonyl- (CHa)_n-, Cj_5 alkoxy, -C(O)NR₄R₅, - NR₄R₅, -S(O)_1nNR₄R₅, oxo, hydroxyC_1-5 alkyl, each R₂ where possible is optionally partially or fully halogenated;

R₃ is chosen from thiomorpholinyl, morpholinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, C₁^ alkyl C₁-_S alkoxy optionally partially or fully halogenated and halogen;

each R₄ and R₅ is independently chosen from hydrogen, Cl-3 acyl and Ci_-3 alkyl;

each m is 2. In another embodiment, there is provided a compound of the formula (I) according the embodiment described immediately above, and wherein

Ar₁ is chosen from phenyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, cyclohexyl, pyridinyl, pyridinone, 1-oxy-pyridinyl, indolinone, furanyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiazolyl, isoxazolyl, and benzodioxolyl, wherein Ar₁ is optionally substituted by one to three R₂;

Ar₂ is chosen from phenyl, pyridinyl, thienyl and benzodioxolyl, wherein Ar₂ is optionally substituted by one to three R₃;

R₂ is chosen from phenyl, tetrazolyl, 5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-[l,2,4]oxadiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, thiadiazolyl, HCO₂-(CH₂)_n-, hydroxycarbamimidoyl, cyano. Ci_-3 alkoxycarbonyl- (CH₂V, Ci_₅ alkoxy, -C(O)NR₄R₅, - NR₄R₅, -S(O)₂NR₄R₅, oxo, hydroxyCi_₅ alkyl, each R₂ where possible is optionally partially or fully halogenated;

R₃ is chosen from morpholinyl, Ci_₃ alkyl, Ci_₅ alkoxy optionally partially or fully halogenated and halogen;

each R₄ and R₅ is hydrogen or Ci_-3 acyl.

In another embodiment, there is provided a compound of the formula (I) according the embodiment described immediately above, and wherein

R₂ is chosen from phenyl, tetrazolyl, 5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-[l,2,4]oxadiazolyl, HCO₂-, HCO₂-CH₂-, hydroxycarbamimidoyl, cyano, Ci_₃ alkoxycarbonyl, Ci_₃ alkoxycarbonyl-CHz-, Ci_5 alkoxy, -C(O)NH₂, -NH₂, -S(O)₂NH₂, oxo, hydroxyCi_₃ alkyl, halogen each R₂ where possible is optionally partially or fully halogenated;

R₃ is chosen from morpholinyl, CF₃, CH₃, OCH₃, 0-CHF₂, Cl and F.

In another embodiment, there is provided a compound of the formula (I) according the embodiment described immediately above, and wherein

Ari is chosen from

Ar? is chosen from

In another embodiment, the invention provides compounds in Table I which can be made in view of the general schemes, examples and methods known in the art.

Table I

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylamide) 5 - [4- ( 1 H-tetrazol- 5 -yl) -benzylamide]

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylamide) 5-[4-(5-oxo-4,5-dihydro- [l,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl)-benzylamide]

4-({ [2-(4-Fluoro-3-methyl- benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo [1,2- a]pyridine-5-carbonyl]-amino}-methyl)- benzoic acid

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 5-(4-cyano-benzylamide) 2-(4- fluoro-3-methyl-benzylamide)

[4-({ [2-(4-Fluoro-3-methyl- benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo [1,2- a]pyridine-5-carbonyl]-amino}-methyl)- phenyl] -acetic acid methyl ester

4- [( { 2- [(Pyridin-4-ylmethyl)- carbamoyl]-imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-5- carbonyl}-amino)-methyl]-benzoic acid

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 5-[(benzo[l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)- amide] 2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl- benzylamide)

4-({ [2-(4-Fluoro-3-methyl- benzylcarbamoyl)-8-methyl-imidazo[l,2- a]pyridine-5-carbonyl] -amino } -methyl)- benzoic acid

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 5-(3-carbamoyl-benzylamide) 2-(4- fluoro-3-methyl-benzylamide)

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylamide) 5-[(2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-lH-indol-5- ylmethyl)-amide]

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylamide) 5-(4-sulfamoyl-benzylamide)

4-({ [2-(4-Fluoro-benzylcarbamoyl)- imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-5-carbonyl]- amino}-methyl)-benzoic acid

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylamide) 5-[(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-amide]

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylamide) 5-[(lH-indol-5-ylmethyl)-amide]

2-(4-Fluoro-3-methyl-benzylcarbamoyl)- imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylamide) 5-[(3-pyridin-4-yl-prop-2-ynyl)-amide]

4-({ [2-(4-Fluoro-benzylcarbamoyl)- imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-5-carbonyl]- amino} -methyl) -benzoic acid

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 5-(3-cyano-benzylamide) 2-(4- fluoro-3-methyl-benzylamide)

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid bis-[(benzo[l,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)- amide]

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylamide) 5-[(furan-3-ylmethyl)-amide]

5-(3-Pyridin-4-yl-pyrrolidine-l- carbonyl)-imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2- carboxylic acid 4-fluoro-3-methyl- benzylamide

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 5-[(2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3- ylmethyl)-amide] 2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl- benzylamide)

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylamide) 5-[(l-methyl-lH-pyrrol-2-ylmethyl)- amide]

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylamide) 5-[(5-methyl-furan-2-ylmethyl)-amide],

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylamide) 5-[(tniazol-2-ylmethyl)-amide]

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylamide) 5-[(5-methyl-isoxazol-3-ylmethyl)- amide]

or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The following are preferred MMP- 13 inhibitors: Table II

In all the compounds disclosed hereinabove in this application, in the event the nomenclature is in conflict with the structure, it shall be understood that the compound is defined by the structure.

The invention also relates to pharmaceutical preparations, containing as active substance one or more compounds of the invention, or the pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof, optionally combined with conventional excipients and/or carriers.

Compounds of the invention also include their isotopically-labelled forms. An isotopically-labelled form of an active agent of a combination of the present invention is identical to said active agent but for the fact that one or more atoms of said active agent have been replaced by an atom or atoms having an atomic mass or mass number different from the atomic mass or mass number of said atom which is usually found in nature. Examples of isotopes which are readily available commercially and which can be incorporated into an active agent of a combination of the present invention in accordance with well established procedures, include isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous, fluorine and chlorine, e.g., ²H, ³H, ¹³C, ¹⁴C, ¹⁵N, ¹⁸0, ¹⁷0, ³¹P, ³²P, ³⁵S, ¹⁸F, and ³⁶Cl, respectively. An active agent of a combination of the present invention, a prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of either which contains one or more of the above- mentioned isotopes and/or other isotopes of other atoms is contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.

The invention includes the use of any compounds of described above containing one or more asymmetric carbon atoms may occur as racemates and racemic mixtures, single enantiomers, diastereomeric mixtures and individual diastereomers. Isomers shall be defined as being enantiomers and diastereomers. All such isomeric forms of these compounds are expressly included in the present invention. Each stereogenic carbon may be in the R or S configuration, or a combination of configurations.

Some of the compounds of the invention can exist in more than one tautomeric form. The invention includes methods using all such tautomers.

All terms as used herein in this specification, unless otherwise stated, shall be understood in their ordinary meaning as known in the art. For example, "Ci- ₄alkoxy" is a Ci^alkyl with a terminal oxygen, such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy. All alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups shall be understood as being branched or unbranched where structurally possible and unless otherwise specified. Other more specific definitions are as follows:

Carbocycles include hydrocarbon rings containing from three to twelve carbon atoms. These carbocycles may be either aromatic or non-aromatic ring systems. The non-aromatic ring systems may be mono- or polyunsaturated. Preferred carbocycles include but are not limited to cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptanyl, cycloheptenyl, phenyl, indanyl, indenyl, benzocyclobutanyl, dihydronaphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, naphthyl, decahydronaphthyl, benzocycloheptanyl and benzocycloheptenyl. Certain terms for cycloalkyl such as cyclobutanyl and cyclobutyl shall be used interchangeably.

The term "heterocycle" refers to a stable nonaromatic 4-8 membered (but preferably, 5 or 6 membered) monocyclic or nonaromatic 8-11 membered bicyclic or spirocyclic heterocycle radical which may be either saturated or unsaturated. Each heterocycle consists of carbon atoms and one or more, preferably from 1 to 4 heteroatoms chosen from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. The heterocycle may be attached by any atom of the cycle, which results in the creation of a stable structure.

The term "heteroaryl" shall be understood to mean an aromatic 5-8 membered monocyclic or 8-11 membered bicyclic ring containing 1-4 heteroatoms such as N,0 and S.

Unless otherwise stated, heterocycles and heteroaryl include but are not limited to, for example azatidinyl, furanyl, pyranyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzimidazolyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dioxanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolidinone, imidazolyl, thienyl, thiadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiomorpholinyl, 1,1-dioxo-lλ⁶- thiomorpholinyl, morpholinyl, pyridinyl, pyridinone, 1-oxy-pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, purinyl, quinolinyl, dihydro-2H-quinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinazolinyl, indazolyl, indolyl, indolinone, isoindolyl, benzofuranyl, benzopyranyl and benzodioxolyl. The term "heteroatom" as used herein shall be understood to mean atoms other than carbon such as O, N, S and P.

In all alkyl groups or carbon chains one or more carbon atoms can be optionally replaced by heteroatoms: O, S or N, it shall be understood that if N is not substituted then it is NH, it shall also be understood that the heteroatoms may replace either terminal carbon atoms or internal carbon atoms within a branched or unbranched carbon chain. Such groups can be substituted as herein above described by groups such as oxo to result in definitions such as but not limited to: alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, amido and thioxo.

The term "aryl" as used herein shall be understood to mean aromatic carbocycle or heteroaryl as defined herein. Each aryl or heteroaryl unless otherwise specified includes it's partially or fully hydrogenated derivative. For example, quinolinyl may include decahydroquinolinyl and tetrahydroquinolinyl, naphthyl may include its hydrogenated derivatives such as tetrahydranaphthyl. Other partially or fully hydrogenated derivatives of the aryl and heteroaryl compounds described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, "nitrogen" and "sulfur" include any oxidized form of nitrogen and sulfur and the quaternized form of any basic nitrogen. . For example, for an -S-Ci_-6 alkyl radical, unless otherwise specified, this shall be understood to include -S(O)- Ci_6 alkyl and -S(O)₂-C_1-6 alkyl.

The term "alkyl" refers to a saturated aliphatic radical containing from one to ten carbon atoms or a mono- or polyunsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon radical containing from two to twelve carbon atoms. The mono- or polyunsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon radical containing at least one double or triple bond, respectively. "Alkyl" refers to both branched and unbranched alkyl groups. It should be understood that any combination term using an "alk" or "alkyl" prefix refers to analogs according to the above definition of "alkyl". For example, terms such as "alkoxy", "alkythio" refer to alkyl groups linked to a second group via an oxygen or sulfur atom. "Alkanoyl" (or acyl) refers to an alkyl group linked to a carbonyl group (C=O).

The term "halogen" as used in the present specification shall be understood to mean bromine, chlorine, fluorine or iodine, preferably fluorine. The definitions

"halogenated", "partially or fully halogenated"; partially or fully fluorinated; "substituted by one or more halogen atoms", includes for example, mono, di or tri halo derivatives on one or more carbon atoms. For alkyl, a nonlimiting example would be -CH₂CHF₂, -CF₃ etc.

Each alkyl (or any term using an "alk" or "alkyl" prefix), carbocycle, heterocycle or heteroaryl, or the analogs thereof, described herein shall be understood to be optionally partially or fully halogenated.

The compounds of the invention are only those which are contemplated to be

'chemically stable' as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, a compound which would have a 'dangling valency', or a 'carbanion' are not compounds contemplated by the inventive methods disclosed herein.

The invention includes pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives of compounds of formula (I). A "pharmaceutically acceptable derivative" refers to any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester, or any other compound which, upon administration to a patient, is capable of providing (directly or indirectly) a compound useful for the invention, or a pharmacologically active metabolite or pharmacologically active residue thereof. A pharmacologically active metabolite shall be understood to mean any compound of the invention capable of being metabolized enzymatically or chemically. This includes, for example, hydroxylated or oxidized derivative compounds of the invention.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include those derived from pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic and organic acids and bases. Examples of suitable acids include hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, nitric, perchloric, fumaric, maleic, phosphoric, glycolic, lactic, salicylic, succinic, toluene -p-sulfuric, tartaric, acetic, citric, methanesulfonic, formic, benzoic, malonic, naphthalene-2-sulfuric and benzenesulfonic acids. Other acids, such as oxalic acid, while not themselves pharmaceutically acceptable, may be employed in the preparation of salts useful as intermediates in obtaining the compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts. Salts derived from appropriate bases include alkali metal (e.g., sodium), alkaline earth metal (e.g., magnesium), ammonium and N-(C1-C4 alkyl)4+ salts.

In addition, within the scope of the invention is use of prodrugs of compounds of the invention. Prodrugs include those compounds that, upon simple chemical transformation, are modified to produce compounds of the invention. Simple chemical transformations include hydrolysis, oxidation and reduction. Specifically, when a prodrug is administered to a patient, the prodrug may be transformed into a compound disclosed hereinabove, thereby imparting the desired pharmacological effect.

The compounds of formula I may be made using the general synthetic methods described below, which also constitute part of the invention.

GENERAL SYNTHETIC METHODS

The invention also provides processes for making compounds of Formula (I). In all schemes, unless specified otherwise, R_1, Ar_1, Ar₂ and L in the Formulas below shall have the meaning of Ri₁ Ar^ Ar₂ and L in Formula (I) of the invention described herein above.

Optimum reaction conditions and reaction times may vary depending on the particular reactants used. Unless otherwise specified, solvents, temperatures, pressures, and other reaction conditions may be readily selected by one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific procedures are provided in the Synthetic Examples section. Typically, reaction progress may be monitored by thin layer chromatography (TLC), if desired, and intermediates and products may be purified by chromatography on silica gel, HPLC, and/or by recrystallization.

The examples which follow are illustrative and, as recognized by one skilled in the art, particular reagents or conditions could be modified as needed for individual compounds without undue experimentation. Starting materials and intermediates used, in the schemes below, are either commercially available or easily prepared from commercially available materials by methods known in the literature or by those skilled in the art.

Compounds of the Formula (I) may be prepared according to scheme 1

2

ALK

Vl

Scheme 1

As illustrated in scheme 1, reaction of an appropriately substituted pyridyl amine of Formula(II), wherein ALK is an alkyl group such as methyl or ethyl and X is Cl or Br, with a keto-acid of Formula (III), in a suitable solvent, at a suitable temperature, provides an imidazopyridine compound of Formula (IV). Reaction of the imidazopyridine of Formula (IV) with an amine of Formula (V) under standard reaction conditions for coupling, provides an amide of Formula (VI). Hydrolysis of the compound of Formula (VI) under standard conditions provides the corresponding acid of Formula (VII). Reaction of the acid (VII) with an amine of Formula (VIII) under standard reaction conditions for coupling, provides a compound of Formula (I).

Depending on the substrates and using standard methods, either of the amide bonds in the compound of Formula (I) may be formed first. Standard peptide coupling reactions known in the art (see for example M.

Bodanszky, 1984, The Practice of Peptide Synthesis, Springer- Verlag) may be employed in these syntheses. An example of suitable coupling conditions is treatment of a solution of the carboxylic acid in a suitable solvent such as DMF with EDC, HOBT, and a base such as diisopropylethylamine, followed by the desired amine.

Further modification of the initial product of Formula (I) by methods known to one skilled in the art and illustrated in the examples below, provides additional compounds of this invention.

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 5-methyl ester: Methyl 6-aminopicolinate (1 eq.) is combined with bromopyruvic acid (5.2 eq.) in acetonitrile (0.6 M). The clear, colorless solution is heated to reflux for 12 h and then cooled to room temperature. The resulting solid is collected and dried to provide a tan solid, m/z 301 (M+H)⁺.

1 2

6-Amino-5/3-bromo-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester:

To a stirred solution of methyl 6-aminopicolinate (1 eq.) in CHCI₃ (0.5 M) is added bromine (1 eq. ). The reaction is stirred for 12 h at room temperature. Afterwards, the reaction mixture is washed with saturated sodium thiosulfate and water. The organic phase is washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated to dryness. The crude product was purified on silicagel (Gradient: 0 - 75% EtOAc in hexane) to provide 1 and 2 as a white solids, m/z 232 (M+H)⁺.

8-Bromo-imidazo[l,2-α]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 5-methyl ester: ό-amino-S-bromo-pyridine^-carboxylic acid methyl ester (1 eq.) is dissolved in acetonitrile (0.2 M). To this solution is added 3 -bromopyruvic acid (1.1 eq.). The reaction is stirred at 85 ⁰C in a sealed tube for 12 h and then cooled to room temperature. The resulting solid is collected and washed with acetonitrile to provide a yellow brown solid, m/z 379 (M+H)⁺.

8-Bromo-2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo[l,2-α]pyridine-5- carboxylic acid methyl ester:

To a suspension of 8-bromo-imidazo[l,2-α]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 5- methyl ester (1 eq.) in DMF (0.2 M) is added sequentially, iPr₂NEt (1.2 eq.), HATU (2 eq.) and 4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylamine (1.5 eq.). The reaction is stirred at room temperature for 6 h. The solution is poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase is washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated to dryness. The reaction mixture is then dissolved in acetonitrile and purified by mass triggered preparatory HPLC to provide a white solid, m/z 421 (M+H) ⁺.

2-(4-Fluoro-3-methyl-benzylcarbamoyl)-8-methyl-imidazo[l,2-α]pyridine-5- carboxylic acid methyl ester:

8-bromo-2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo[l,2-α]pyridine-5- carboxylic acid methyl ester (1 eq.), Pd₂(dba)₃ (5 mol%) and P(oTol)₃ (10 mol%) are suspended in DMF (1 M). The reaction mixture is stirred and purged with Ar for 15 min, followed by the addition of tetramethyltin (2 eq.). The reaction mixture is heated at 100 ⁰C for 2 h and then cooled to room temperature. The reaction mixture is filtered and then purified by mass triggered preparatory HPLC to provide a colorless solid, m/z 356 (M+H)⁺.

Imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 2-tert-butyl ester 5-methyl ester: To a suspension of the imdazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 5- methyl ester (1 eq.) in toluene (0.5 M) is added N,N-dimethyl formamide di-tert- butyl acetal (10 eq.) to a pressure flask.. The flask is sealed and heated at 80 ⁰C for 12 h. After this time, an additional 10 eq. of N,N-dimethyl formamide di-tert-butyl acetal is added to the reaction mixture, sealed and heated at 80⁰C for an additional 1 h. The organic phase is washed with brine, dried with MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated to dryness to provide a tan solid . m/z 276 (M+H) ⁺.

6-Bromo-imidazo[l,2-α]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 5-methyl ester: ό-amino-S-bromo-pyridine^-carboxylic acid methyl ester (1 eq.) is dissolved in acetonitrile (0.2 M). To this solution is added 3-bromopyruvic acid (1.1 eq.). The reaction is stirred at 85 ⁰C in a sealed tube for 12 h and then cooled to room temperature. The resulting solid is collected and washed with acetonitrile to provide a yellow brown solid, m/z 301 (M+H)⁺.

6-Bromo-2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo[l,2-α]pyridine-5- carboxylic acid methyl ester:

To a suspension of 6-bromo-imidazo[l,2-α]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 5- methyl ester (1 eq.) in DMF (0.2 M) is added sequentially, iPr₂NEt (1.2 eq.), HATU (2.0 eq.) and 4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylamine (1.5 eq.). The reaction is stirred at room temperature for 3 h. The solution is poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase is washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated to dryness. The residue is purified by preparatory HPLC to provide a yellow solid, m/z 421 (M+H) ⁺.

6-Bromo-2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo[l,2-α]pyridine-5- carboxylic acid:

2N NaOH (2 eq.) is added to a solution of 6-Bromo-2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl- benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid methyl ester (1 eq.) in THF : MeOH (1:1; 0.1 M). After 2 h, the pH is adjusted to 5 using concentrated HCl. The solid is filtered, washed with water and dried under vacuum to provide a white solid, m/z 407 (M+H) ⁺.

4-({[6-Bromo-2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine- 5-carbonyl]-amino}-methyl)-benzoic acid methyl ester:

To a stirred solution of 6-Bromo-2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylcarbamoyl)- imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid (1 eq.) and the hydrochloride of 4- aminomethyl-benzoic acid methyl ester in DMF (0.2 M) is added HATU (2.0 eq.) and iPr₂NEt (5.0 eq). The solution is stirred at room temperature for 6 h. EtOAc is added and the organic phase is washed with brine, dried with Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated to dryness. The crude is purified by preparatory HPLC to provide a white solid, m/z 554 (M+H) ⁺.

4-({[6-methoxy-2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo[l,2- a]pyridine-5-carbonyl]-amino}-methyl)-benzoic acid methyl ester:

To a solution of 4-({ [6-Bromo-2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylcarbamoyl)- imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-5-carbonyl]-amino}-methyl)-benzoic acid methyl ester in MeOH is added MeOK followed by CuI. The reaction is stirred at 65°C for 1 h, cooled to room temperature, and quenched with IN HCl. The solvent is evaporated and the residue is dissolved in EtOAc. The organic phase is washed with IN ammonium hydroxide and brine. The solvent is evaporated and the crude product was purified by preparatory HPLC to give a white solid, m/z 505 (M+H) ⁺.

4-({[6-methoxy-2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo[l,2- a]pyridine-5-carbonyl]-amino}-methyl)-benzoic acid:

2N NaOH (2.0 eq.) is added to a solution of 4-({[6-methoxy-2-(4-fluoro-3- methyl-benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-5-carbonyl]-amino} -methyl)- benzoic acid methyl ester (1 eq.) in THF : MeOH (1: 1; 0.1 M). After 2 h, the pH is adjusted to 5 using concentrated HCl. The solvent is evaporated and the residue is dissolved with EtOAc. The organic phase is washed with H₂O, brine and dried over Na₂SO₄. The solvent is filtrated and evaporated to give a white solid, m/z 491 (M+H) ⁺.

Representative Amide Couplings:

2-(4-Fluoro-3-methyl-benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo[l,2-α]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid methyl ester:

To a suspension of the imdazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 5- methyl ester (1 eq.) in DMF (0.5 M) is added sequentially, Et₃N (2 eq.), TBTU (1.1 eq.) and 4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylamine (1.1 eq.). After 4 h, the organic phase is washed with brine, dried with Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated to dryness. The crude material is purified on a silica gel column on a Biotage® purification system using a gradient of 20-100% EtOAc in hexanes to afford a white solid, m/z 342 (M+H) ⁺.

2-(4-Fluoro-3-methyl-benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo[l,2-α]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid:

LiOH (2.5 eq.) is added to a solution of 2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl- benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid methyl ester (1 eq.) in

THF:H₂0 (2:1; 0.1 M). After 2 h, the pH is adjusted to 2 using concentrated HCl.

The solid is filtered, washed with water and dried in a vacuum oven at 40 ⁰C for 12 h to provide a light yellow solid, m/z 328 (M+H) ⁺.

Imidazo[l,2-α]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 5-(4-cyano-benzylamide) 2-(4- fluoro-3-methyl-benzylamide) :

To a stirred solution of the 2-(4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzylcarbamoyl)- imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid (1 eq.) and 4-cyano-benzylamine (1.1 eq.) in DMF (0.5 M) is added TBTU (1.6 eq.) and Et₃N (4.2 eq.) The solution is stirred at room temperature for 12 h. An additional equivalent of 4-cyano-benzylamine, TBTU and 4 equivalents of Et₃N are added and stirring is continued for and additional 3.5 h. The organic phase is washed with brine, dried with Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated to dryness. The crude material is purified on a silica gel column on a Biotage® purification system using a gradient of 20-100% EtOAc in hexanes to afford a white solid, m/z 442 (M+H) ⁺.

5-(4-Methoxycarbonyl-benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo[l,2-α]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester:

To a stirred solution of imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid 2-tert- butyl ester (1 eq.) in DMF (0.4 M) is added methyl-4-(aminomethyl)benzoate hydrochloride (1.2 eq.), TBTU (1.5 eq.), and NMM (3 eq.). The solution is stirred at room temperature for 12 h. CH₂CI₂ is added and the organic phase is washed with brine, dried with MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated to dryness. The crude is purified on a silica gel column on a Biotage® purification system using a gradient of 0- 10% MeOH in CH₂Cl₂ to provide a yellow oil. m/z 410 (M+H) ⁺.

5-(4-Methoxycarbonyl-benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo[l,2-α]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid:

To a stirred solution 5-(4-Methoxycarbonyl-benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo[l,2- α]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid tert-buty\ ester (1 eq.) in CH₂Cl₂ (0.5 M) is added trifluoracetic acid (1.2 eq.). The solution is stirred at room temperature for 12 h. The reaction is then concentrated to dryness and diluted with CH₂Cl₂, then re- concentrated to dryness again. This was repeated several times until a white solid resulted . m/z 354 (M+H) ⁺.

4-({[2-(3-Methoxy-benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-5-carbonyl]- amino}-methyl)-benzoic acid methyl ester: To a stirred solution of the 5-(4-methoxycarbonyl-benzylcarbamoyl)- imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (1 eq.) and 3-methoxy-benzylamine (1.0 eq.) in DMF (0.5 M) is added HATU (1 eq.) and 4-methylmorpholine (4 eq.) The solution is stirred at room temperature for 12 h. The reaction mixture is then dissolved in 10% water/DMSO and purified by mass triggered preparatory HPLC to provide an off white solid, m/z 473 (M+H) ⁺.

4-({[2-(3-Methoxy-benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo[l,2-α]pyridine-5-carbonyl]- amino}-methyl)-benzoic acid:

4-({[2-(3-methoxy-benzylcarbamoyl)-imidazo[l,2-a]pyridine-5-carbonyl]- amino}-methyl)-benzoic acid methyl ester (1 eq.) is dissolved in THF:water (2:1; 0.5 M). To this is added LiOH (5 eq.). The solution is stirred at room temperature for 12 h. The reaction is concentrated in vacuo, dissolved in water and the pH is adjusted to 3 using IN HCl. The filtrate is collected to provide an off-white solid, m/z 459 (M+H) ⁺.

Assessment of Biological Properties

The biological properties of the compounds of the formula I can be assessed using the assays described below in addition to other art recognized assays.

The EnzoLyte™ 520 Generic MMP Assay Kit (AnaSpec Inc.) can detect the activity of several MMPs including MMP-I, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 13, and 14. This kit uses a 5-FAM/QXL™520 fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) peptide as an MMP substrate. In the intact FRET peptide, the fluorescence of 5 -FAM is quenched by QXL™520. Upon cleavage into two separate fragments by MMPs, the fluorescence of 5 -FAM is recovered, and can be monitored at excitation/emission wavelengths = 490 nm/520 nm. The assays are performed in a convenient 96-well or 384- well microplate format.

Preferred compounds will have an IC50 of < 50OnM.

Therapeutic Use

As can be demonstrated by the assays described above, the compounds of the invention are useful in inhibiting MMP- 13. Compounds of formula 1 are therefore useful in the treatment of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, peridontitis, atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, multiple sclerosis and tumor metastasis. They can be used in patients as drugs, particularly in the form of pharmaceutical compositions as set forth herein. As mentioned previously, MMP- 13 are thought to play a major role on extracellular matrix degradation and cellular processes such as proliferation, migration (adhesion/dispersion), differentiation, angiogenesis, apoptosis and host defense, compounds of formula 1 are therefore also useful in the treatment of the following diseases: contact dermatitis, bone resorption diseases, reperfusion injury, asthma, Guillain- Barre syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, graft versus host disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, toxic shock syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, acute and chronic pain as well as symptoms of inflammation and cardiovascular disease, stroke, myocardial infarction, alone or following thrombolytic therapy, thermal injury, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multiple organ injury secondary to trauma, acute glomerulonephritis, dermatoses with acute inflammatory components, acute purulent meningitis or other central nervous system disorders, syndromes associated with hemodialysis, leukopherisis, granulocyte transfusion associated syndromes, and necrotizing entrerocolitis, complications including restenosis following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, traumatic arthritis, sepsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure.

As disclosed in the Background of the Invention, the compounds of the invention will be useful for treating tumor metastasis. These diseases include but are not limited to solid tumors, such as cancers of the breast, respiratory tract, brain, reproductive organs, digestive tract, urinary tract, eye, liver, skin, head and neck, thyroid, parathyroid and their distant metastases. Those disorders also include lymphomas, sarcomas, and leukemias.

Examples of breast cancer include, but are not limited to invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ, and lobular carcinoma in situ.

Examples of cancers of the respiratory tract include, but are not limited to small-cell and non- small-cell lung carcinoma, as well as bronchial adenoma and pleuropulmonary blastoma and mesothelioma .

Examples of brain cancers include, but are not limited to brain stem, optic and hypophtalmic glioma, cerebella and cerebral astrocytoma, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, as well as pituitary,neuroectodermal and pineal tumor.

Examples of peripheral nervous system tumors include, but are not limited to neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroblastoma, and peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Examples of tumors of the endocrine and exocrine system include, but are not limited to thyroid carcinoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, and carcinoid tumors.

Tumors of the male reproductive organs include, but are not limited to prostate and testicular cancer.

Tumors of the female reproductive organs include, but are not limited to endometrial, cervical, ovarian, vaginal, and vulvar cancer, as well as sarcoma of the uterus.

Tumors of the digestive tract include, but are not limited to anal, colon, colorectal, esophageal, gallblader, gastric, pancreatic, rectal, small-intestine, and salivary gland cancers.

Tumors of the urinary tract include, but are not limited to bladder, penile, kidney, renal pelvis, ureter, and urethral cancers.

Eye cancers include, but are not limited to intraocular melanoma and retinoblastoma.

Examples of liver cancers include, but are not limited to hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cell carcinomas with or without fibrolamellar variant), hepatoblastoma, cholangiocarcinoma (intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma), and mixed hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma.

Skin cancers include, but are not limited to squamous cell carcinoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, malignant melanoma, Merkel cell skin cancer, and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Head-and-neck cancers include, but are not limited to laryngeal/ hypopharyngeal/nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal cancer, and lip and oral cavity cancer. Lymphomas include, but are not limited to AIDS-related lymphoma, non- Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkins lymphoma, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and lymphoma of the central nervous system.

Sarcomas include, but are not limited to sarcoma of the soft tissue, osteosarcoma, Ewings sarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, lymphosarcoma, angiosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma. Leukemias include, but are not limited to acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and hairy cell leukemia.

Plasma cell dyscrasias include, but are not limited to multiple myeloma, and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.

Besides being useful for human treatment, these compounds are also useful for veterinary treatment of companion animals, exotic animals and farm animals, including mammals, rodents, and the like.

For treatment of the above-described diseases and conditions, a therapeutically effective dose will generally be in the range from about 0.01 mg to about 100 mg/kg of body weight per dosage of a compound of the invention; preferably, from about 0.1 mg to about 20 mg/kg of body weight per dosage. For example, for administration to a 70 kg person, the dosage range would be from about 0.7 mg to about 7000 mg per dosage of a compound of the invention, preferably from about 7.0 mg to about 1400 mg per dosage. Some degree of routine dose optimization may be required to determine an optimal dosing level and pattern. The active ingredient may be administered from 1 to 6 times a day.

General Administration and Pharmaceutical Compositions When used as pharmaceuticals, the compounds of the invention are typically administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition. Such compositions can be prepared using procedures well known in the pharmaceutical art and comprise at least one compound of the invention. The compounds of the invention may also be administered alone or in combination with adjuvants that enhance stability of the compounds of the invention, facilitate administration of pharmaceutical compositions containing them in certain embodiments, provide increased dissolution or dispersion, increased inhibitory activity, provide adjunct therapy, and the like. The compounds according to the invention may be used on their own or in conjunction with other active substances according to the invention, optionally also in conjunction with other pharmacologically active substances. In general, the compounds of this invention are administered in a therapeutically or pharmaceutically effective amount, but may be administered in lower amounts for diagnostic or other purposes.

Administration of the compounds of the invention, in pure form or in an appropriate pharmaceutical composition, can be carried out using any of the accepted modes of administration of pharmaceutical compositions. Thus, administration can be, for example, orally, buccally (e.g., sublingually), nasally, parenterally, topically, transdermally, vaginally, or rectally, in the form of solid, semi-solid, lyophilized powder, or liquid dosage forms, such as, for example, tablets, suppositories, pills, soft elastic and hard gelatin capsules, powders, solutions, suspensions, or aerosols, or the like, preferably in unit dosage forms suitable for simple administration of precise dosages. The pharmaceutical compositions will generally include a conventional pharmaceutical carrier or excipient and a compound of the invention as the/an active agent, and, in addition, may include other medicinal agents, pharmaceutical agents, carriers, adjuvants, diluents, vehicles, or combinations thereof. Such pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, carriers, or additives as well as methods of making pharmaceutical compositions for various modes or administration are well-known to those of skill in the art.

As one of skill in the art would expect, the forms of the compounds of the invention utilized in a particular pharmaceutical formulation will be selected (e.g., salts) that possess suitable physical characteristics (e.g., water solubility) that is required for the formulation to be efficacious.

Claims

Claims

1. A compound of the formula (I):

L is chosen from -CH₂-, CH₂CH₂,

Ar₁ is chosen from carbocycle, heteroaryl and heterocycle wherein Ar₁ is optionally substituted by one to three R₂;

Ar₂ is chosen from carbocycle, heteroaryl and heterocycle wherein Ar₂ is optionally substituted by one to three R₃;

R₁ is chosen from hydrogen C₁-_S alkyl, C₁-_S alkoxy, hydroxyl and halogen;

R₂ is chosen from carbocycle, heteroaryl, heterocycle, HCO₂-(CH₂)_n-, N-hydroxy- benzamidine, cyano. C₁-_S alkoxycarbonyl-(CH₂)_n-, C₁-_S alkoxy, -C(O)NR₄R₅, - NR₄R₅, -S(O)_1nNR₄R₅, oxo, hydroxyCi-s alkyl,

R₅-S(O)_1nNR₄-, Ci_₅ acyl, C₁-_S acylamino, C₁-_S alkyl, hydroxyl, nitro and halogen each R₂ where possible is optionally partially or fully halogenated;

R₃ is chosen from carbocycle, heteroaryl, heterocycle, C₁-_S alkyl, C₁-_S alkoxy, C₁-_S acyl, C₁-_S acylamino, amino, cyano, hydroxyl and halogen, each R₃ where possible is optionally partially or fully halogenated;

each R₄ and R₅ is independently chosen from hydrogen, Q_-5 acyl, C₁-_S alkyl, C₁-_S alkoxy, hydroxyl, carbocycle-(CH₂)_n-, heteroaryl- (CH₂)_n- and heterocycle-(CH₂)_n-; each m, n is independently 0-2;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

2. The compound according to claim 1 and wherein

L is chosen from -CH₂-

Ar₁ is chosen from phenyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopropyl, azatidinyl, furanyl, pyranyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzimidazolyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dioxanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, oxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolidinone, imidazolyl, thienyl, thiadiazolyl, thiomorpholinyl, 1,1-dioxo-lλ - thiomorpholinyl, morpholinyl, pyridinyl, pyridinone, 1-oxy-pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, purinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinazolinyl, indazolyl, indolyl, indolinone, isoindolyl, benzofuranyl, benzopyranyl and benzodioxolyl, wherein Ari is optionally substituted by one to three R₂;

Ar₂ is chosen from phenyl, azatidinyl, furanyl, pyranyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzimidazolyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dioxanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolidinone, imidazolyl, thienyl, thiadiazolyl, thiomorpholinyl, 1,1-dioxo-lλ - thiomorpholinyl, morpholinyl, pyridinyl, pyridinone, 1-oxy-pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, purinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinazolinyl, indazolyl, indolyl, indolinone, isoindolyl, benzofuranyl, benzopyranyl, 3oxobenzoxazinyl and benzodioxolyl, wherein Ar₂ is optionally substituted by one to three R₃;

R₁ is chosen from hydrogen, Q_-5 alkoxy, and Q_-5 alkyl;

R₂ is chosen from phenyl, tetrazolyl, 5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-[l,2,4]oxadiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolidinone, imidazolyl, thienyl, thiadiazolyl, HCO₂-(CH₂)_n-, hydroxycarbamimidoyl, cyano. Ci_3 alkoxycarbonyl-(CH2)_n-, Ci_5 alkoxy, - C(O)NR₄R₅, - NR₄R₅, -S(O)H₁NR₄R₅, oxo, hydroxyCi_₅ alkyl, each R₂ where possible is optionally partially or fully halogenated;

R₃ is chosen from heterocycle, Ci_-5 alkyl, Ci_-5 alkoxy optionally partially or fully halogenated and halogen;

each R₄ and R₅ is independently chosen from hydrogen, Cl-5 acyl and Ci_-5 alkyl;

each m is independently 1 or 2.

3. The compound according to claim 2 and wherein

L iS -CH₂-;

Ar₁ is chosen from phenyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopropyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzimidazolyl, dioxanyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolidinone, imidazolyl, thienyl, furanyl, thiadiazolyl, morpholinyl, pyridinyl, pyridinone, 1-oxy-pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinazolinyl, indazolyl, indolyl, indolinone, isoindolyl, benzofuranyl, benzopyranyl and benzodioxolyl, wherein Ar₁ is optionally substituted by one to three R₂;

Ar₂ is chosen from phenyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzimidazolyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dioxanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolidinone, imidazolyl, thienyl, thiadiazolyl, morpholinyl, pyridinyl, pyridinone, 1-oxy-pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, purinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinazolinyl, indazolyl, indolyl, indolinone, isoindolyl, benzofuranyl, benzopyranyl and benzodioxolyl, wherein Ar₂ is optionally substituted by one to three R₃;

Ri is hydrogen, methoxy or methyl;

R₂ is chosen from phenyl, tetrazolyl, 5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-[l,2,4]oxadiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, thiadiazolyl, HCO₂-(CH₂)_n-, hydroxycarbamimidoyl, cyano, Ci_₃ alkoxycarbonyl- (CH₂J_n-, Ci_₅ alkoxy, -C(O)NR₄R₅, - NR₄R₅, -S(O)_1nNR₄R₅, oxo, hydroxyC_1-5 alkyl, each R₂ where possible is optionally partially or fully halogenated;

R₃ is chosen from thiomorpholinyl, morpholinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, Ci_-4 alkyl Ci_₅ alkoxy optionally partially or fully halogenated and halogen;

each R₄ and R₅ is independently chosen from hydrogen, Cl-3 acyl and Ci_₃ alkyl;

each m is 2.

4. The compound according to claim 3 and wherein

Ari is chosen from phenyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, cyclohexyl, pyridinyl, pyridinone, 1-oxy-pyridinyl, indolinone, furanyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiazolyl, isoxazolyl, and benzodioxolyl, wherein Ari is optionally substituted by one to three R₂;

Ar₂ is chosen from phenyl, pyridinyl, thienyl and benzodioxolyl, wherein Ar₂ is optionally substituted by one to three R₃;

R₂ is chosen from phenyl, tetrazolyl, 5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-[l,2,4]oxadiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, thiadiazolyl, HCO₂-(CH₂)_n-, hydroxycarbamimidoyl, cyano. Ci_-3 alkoxycarbonyl- (CH₂V, Ci_₅ alkoxy, -C(O)NR₄R₅, - NR₄R₅, -S(O)₂NR₄R₅, oxo, hydroxyCi_₅ alkyl, each R₂ where possible is optionally partially or fully halogenated; Ra is chosen from morpholinyl, Ci_₃ alkyl, Ci_₅ alkoxy optionally partially or fully halogenated and halogen;

each R₄ and R₅ is hydrogen or Ci_₃ acyl.

5. The compound according to claim 4 and wherein

R₂ is chosen from phenyl, tetrazolyl, 5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-[l,2,4]oxadiazolyl, HCO₂-, HCO₂-CH₂-, hydroxycarbamimidoyl, cyano, Ci_-3 alkoxycarbonyl, Ci_-3 alkoxycarbonyl-CH₂-, Ci_5 alkoxy, -C(O)NH₂, -NH₂, -S(O)₂NH₂, oxo, hydroxyCi_₃ alkyl, halogen each R₂ where possible is optionally partially or fully halogenated;

R₃ is chosen from morpholinyl, CF₃, CH₃, OCH₃, 0-CHF₂, Cl and F.

6. The compound according to claim 5 and wherein

Ari is chosen from

Ar₂ is chosen from

7. A compound chosen from

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

8. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound according to claim 1 and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and/or carriers.

9. A method of treating rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, peridontitis, atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, multiple sclerosis or tumor metastasis comprising administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound according to claim 1.