WO2014163643A1 - Gga and gga derivatives compositions thereof and methods for treating neurodegenerative diseases including paralysis including them - Google Patents

Gga and gga derivatives compositions thereof and methods for treating neurodegenerative diseases including paralysis including them Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014163643A1
WO2014163643A1 PCT/US2013/035333 US2013035333W WO2014163643A1 WO 2014163643 A1 WO2014163643 A1 WO 2014163643A1 US 2013035333 W US2013035333 W US 2013035333W WO 2014163643 A1 WO2014163643 A1 WO 2014163643A1
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Prior art keywords
gga
alkyl
optionally substituted
cycloalkyi
heterocyclyl
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PCT/US2013/035333
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French (fr)
Inventor
Hiroaki Serizawa
Ankush Argade
Akash DATWANI
Natalie SPENCER
Yonghua PAN
Florian ERMINI
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Coyote Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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Priority to PCT/US2013/035333 priority Critical patent/WO2014163643A1/en
Priority to PCT/US2014/026263 priority patent/WO2014151697A1/en
Publication of WO2014163643A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014163643A1/en

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07C—ACYCLIC OR CARBOCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
    • C07C45/00—Preparation of compounds having >C = O groups bound only to carbon or hydrogen atoms; Preparation of chelates of such compounds
    • C07C45/61—Preparation of compounds having >C = O groups bound only to carbon or hydrogen atoms; Preparation of chelates of such compounds by reactions not involving the formation of >C = O groups
    • C07C45/65—Preparation of compounds having >C = O groups bound only to carbon or hydrogen atoms; Preparation of chelates of such compounds by reactions not involving the formation of >C = O groups by splitting-off hydrogen atoms or functional groups; by hydrogenolysis of functional groups
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K47/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient
    • A61K47/06—Organic compounds, e.g. natural or synthetic hydrocarbons, polyolefins, mineral oil, petrolatum or ozokerite
    • A61K47/22—Heterocyclic compounds, e.g. ascorbic acid, tocopherol or pyrrolidones
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K47/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient
    • A61K47/30—Macromolecular organic or inorganic compounds, e.g. inorganic polyphosphates
    • A61K47/36—Polysaccharides; Derivatives thereof, e.g. gums, starch, alginate, dextrin, hyaluronic acid, chitosan, inulin, agar or pectin
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K47/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient
    • A61K47/30—Macromolecular organic or inorganic compounds, e.g. inorganic polyphosphates
    • A61K47/36—Polysaccharides; Derivatives thereof, e.g. gums, starch, alginate, dextrin, hyaluronic acid, chitosan, inulin, agar or pectin
    • A61K47/38—Cellulose; Derivatives thereof
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/0087—Galenical forms not covered by A61K9/02 - A61K9/7023
    • A61K9/0095—Drinks; Beverages; Syrups; Compositions for reconstitution thereof, e.g. powders or tablets to be dispersed in a glass of water; Veterinary drenches
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P25/00—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
    • A61P25/28—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system for treating neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system, e.g. nootropic agents, cognition enhancers, drugs for treating Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A50/00—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE in human health protection, e.g. against extreme weather
    • Y02A50/30—Against vector-borne diseases, e.g. mosquito-borne, fly-borne, tick-borne or waterborne diseases whose impact is exacerbated by climate change

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to GGA derivatives, methods for inhibiting neural death and increasing neural activity with the compound geranylgeranyl acetone (GGA) or a GGA derivative, and compositions used for these indications.
  • GGA geranylgeranyl acetone
  • the invention also relates to cis and trans isomers of geranylgeranyl acetone, and mixtures of various GGA isomers and their therapeutic uses.
  • Geranylgeranyl acetone is an acyclic isoprenoid compound with a retinoid skeleton that has been shown to induce expression of heat shock proteins in various tissue types.
  • GGA is a known anti-ulcer drug used commercially and in clinical situations.
  • GGA has also been shown to exert cytoprotective effects on a variety of organs, such as the eye, brain, and heart (See for example Ishii Y., et al., I nvest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2003; 44:1982-92; Tanito M, et al., J Neurosci 2005; 25:2396-404; Fujiki M, et al., J
  • Neurodegeneration is often the result of increased age, sporadic mutations, disease, and/or protein aggregation in neural cells. Neurodegenerative diseases are often characterized by a progressive neurodegeneration of tissues of the nervous system and a loss of functionality of the neurons themselves. One commonality seen in most
  • Protein aggregation is facilitated by partial unfolding or denaturation of cellular proteins. This may be due to mutations in the sequence of the DNA, transcriptional misincorporation, modifications to the RNA, and modifications or oxidative stress to the protein.
  • protein aggregates contribute to disease progression.
  • aggregates of two non-disease proteins were formed in vitro and added to the medium of cultured cells. Addition of granular- structured, protein aggregates significantly reduced the cell viability of both the fibroblastic cell line (NIH-3T3) and neural cell line (PC12). However, addition of more organized fibrillar protein aggregates did not compromise the cell viability. (Bucciantini et al. (2002) Nature 14:507-510.)
  • Protein aggregates can be extracellular (i.e. in the space between neural cells), intracellular such as intranuclear (i.e. in the nucleus of the cell), or in the cytoplasm.
  • AD Alzheimer's disease
  • ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • ALS amyloid precursor protein
  • APP amyloid precursor protein
  • ⁇ and ⁇ secretases two aspartyl proteases
  • ALS is also a progressive neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by loss of functionality of motor neurons. The progressive degeneration of motor neurons results in loss of ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement. ALS is a devastating disease, in which the last stage is complete paralysis. The complete molecular mechanism of disease progression in ALS is not yet clear, but mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Sod) gene, Sodl, have been linked to the degeneration of motor neurons.
  • Sod Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase
  • TARDBP TARDBP siRNA
  • Rho family proteins TDP-43 and Rho family proteins negatively affect protein aggregate formation in neural cells.
  • the Rho family proteins are responsible for regulating cell movement, cell survival, cell growth, transcription, and motility of cells (Iguchi et al. (2009) J. Bio Chem. Vol. 284 no. 33 pp. 22059-22066).
  • Therapies that prevent reduction in the amount and/or activity of TDP-43 or Rho family proteins may have a neuroprotective effect on cells.
  • provied herein are GGA derivatives, such as those of Formulas (I) -(V) and sub-formulas thereof, compositions, preferably pharmaceutical formulations, thereof, processes of their syntheses, and their use in improving neural disorders or reducing the negative effects of neural disorders.
  • this invention also arises, in part, out of the surprising result that low doses of 5- tra ns GGA were efficacious in vivo.
  • This invention also arises, in part, out of the discovery that 5-trans GGA was substantially and suitably distributed to the brain when administered in vivo.
  • this invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of 5E, 9E, 13E geranylgeranyl acetone or a GGA derivative, and optionally at least one pharmaceutical excipient, wherein the effective amount is from about 1 mg/kg/day to about 12 mg/kg/day.
  • the effective amount is from about 1 mg/kg/day to about 5 mg/kg/day or from about 6 mg/kg/day to about 12 mg/kg/day.
  • the effective amount is about 3 mg/kg/day, about 6 mg/kg/day, or about 12 mg/kg/day.
  • this invention provides a method for modulating the expression of a heat shock protein or mRNA in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a compound or a composition provided and/or utilized herein. In one embodiment, this invention provides a method for increasing the expression of a heat shock protein or mRNA in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a compound or a composition provided and/or utilized herein. In another embodiment, this invention provides a method for decreasing the expression of a heat shock protein or mRNA in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a compound or a composition provided and/or utilized herein.
  • this invention provides a method for increasing the expression of a heat shock protein or mRNA in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound or a composition provided and/or utilized herein.
  • the heat shock protein is selected from the group consisting of HSP60, HSP70, HSP90 or HSP27.
  • the heat shock protein is HSP70.
  • the mRNA of HSP70 is increased by at least 4%.
  • the mRNA of HSP70 is increased by at least 15%.
  • the HSP or prererably the HSP 70 is upregulated in the brain, the spinal chord, or the eyeball.
  • this invention provides a method for modulating the prenylation of G-protein a cell comprising contacting the cell with a compound or a composition provided and/or utilized herein.
  • This aspect comprises contacting a cell with a compound or a composition provided and/or utilized herein and determining the occurance of an increase or an inhibition of prenylation of G-protein a cell.
  • this invention provides a method for increasing the the prenylation of G-protein a cell comprising contacting the cell with a compound or a composition provided and/or utilized herein.
  • this invention provides a method for decreasing the the prenylation of G-protein a cell comprising contacting the cell with a compound or a composition provided and/or utilized herein.
  • this invention provides a method for assaying a compound suitable for any of the methods disclosed herein.
  • this invention relates to pharmaceutical uses of geranylgeranyl acetone (GGA) and GGA derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions of isomers of GGA.
  • this invention relates to a 5-trans isomer compound of formula VI :
  • VI is at least 80% in the 5E, 9E, 13E configuration.
  • this invention provides a compound, which is synthetic 5E, 9E, 13E geranylgeranyl acetone.
  • the synthetic 5E, 9E, 13E geranylgeranyl acetone is free of 5Z, 9E, 13E geranylgeranyl acetone.
  • this invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising synthetic GGA or synthetic 5E, 9E, 13E GGA, and at least one pharmaceutical excipient.
  • Another aspect of this invention relates to a synthetic 5-cis isomer compound of formula VII :
  • VII is at least 80% in the 5Z, 9E, 13E configuration, or a ketal thereof of formula XII:
  • each R 70 independently is Ci-C 6 alkyl, or two R 70 groups together with the oxygen atoms they are attached to form a 5 or 6 membered ring, which ring is optionally substituted with 1-3, preferably 1-2, Ci-C 6 alkyl groups.
  • the two R 70 groups are the same.
  • R 70 is, methyl, ethyl, or propyl.
  • the cyclic ring is:
  • this invention provides a composition for increasing the expression and/or release of one or more neurotransmitters from a neuron at risk of developing pathogenic protein aggregates associated with AD or ALS, said composition comprising a protein aggregate inhibiting amount of GGA, a GGA derivative, or an isomer or a mixture of isomers thereof.
  • this invention provides a composition for increasing the expression and/or release of one or more neurotransmitters from a neuron at risk of developing extracellular pathogenic protein aggregates, said composition comprising an extracellular protein aggregate inhibiting amount of GGA, a GGA derivative, or an isomer or a mixture of isomers thereof.
  • this invention relates to a method for inhibiting or reducing the cell death of neurons susceptible to neuronal cell death, which method comprises contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative.
  • neurostimulation consists of increasing the expression and/or release of one or more neurotransmitters from a neuron.
  • the neurostimulation consists of enhancing synapse formation of a neuron, or, alternatively, enhancing electrical excitability.
  • the neurostimulation includes modulating the activity of G proteins in neurons.
  • the activation of G proteins is enhanced by GGA or a GGA derivative.
  • this invention provides methods for neuroprotection of neurons at risk of neural damage or death by contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA.
  • neurons at risk of neural toxicity or death include those affected by, or those in the pathogenesis of, Alzheimer's Disease or ALS.
  • neuroprotection is affected by contacting the neurons at risk of neural damage or death with an effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative.
  • Yet another aspect of this invention relates to neuroprotective methods such as methods for protecting neurons at risk of neurotoxicity wherein the method comprises contacting cells comprising the neurons at risk of neurotoxicity with an effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative.
  • GGA may be antagonistic to the neurotoxicity of the ⁇ -amyloid peptide or oligomers or polymers thereof.
  • Yet another neuroprotective aspect is a method for protecting neurons from neurodegeneration arising from ALS.
  • this invention relates to a method for inhibiting the death of neurons due to formation of or further formation of pathogenic protein aggregates either between, outside or inside neurons, wherein said method comprises contacting said neurons at risk of developing said pathogenic protein aggregates with a protein aggregate inhibiting amount of GGA or a GGA derivative provided that said pathogenic protein aggregates are not related to SBMA.
  • this invention relates to a method for inhibiting neural death and increasing neural activity in a mammal suffering from a neural disease, wherein the etiology of said neural disease comprises formation of protein aggregates which are pathogenic to neurons which method comprises administering to said mammal an amount of GGA or a GGA derivative which will inhibit further pathogenic protein aggregation provided that said pathogenic protein aggregation is not intranuclear.
  • Another aspect of this invention relates to a method for inhibiting neural death and increasing neural activity in a mammal suffering from a neural disease, wherein the etiology of said neural disease comprises formation of protein aggregates which are pathogenic to neurons which method comprises administering to said mammal an amount of GGA or a GGA derivative which will inhibit further pathogenic protein aggregation provided that said pathogenic protein aggregation is not related to SBMA.
  • Yet another aspect of this invention relates to methods for prolonging the survival of a subject with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), including administering a
  • GGA is a 5-trans isomer of GGA or a GGA derivative.
  • the treatment of the neuron or the neural disease improves ambulatoty competence, motor performance, or partial paralysis of one or more limbs in a mammal.
  • partial paralysis refers to minimal or partial limb movement.
  • a method of increasing ambulatory competence in a mammal exhibiting deficient ambulatory competence comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative to the mammal in need thereof.
  • deficient ambulatory competence refers to a deficiency that is due at least in part to neural deficiency arising from a neural disease or injury. That is to say that deficient ambulatory competence is different from complete ambulatory competence or incompetence due to a broken leg, etc.
  • a method of increasing motor performance in a mammal exhibiting deficient motor performance comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative to the mammal in need thereof.
  • increasing motor performance refers to an increase in arm, leg and hand movement, where the decreased motor performance requiring improvement will be due at least in part to neural deficiency arising from disease or injury.
  • a method of reducing the progressive degeneration of motor function, or improving motor function in a mammal in need thereof comprising administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative, wherein the progressive degeneration of motor function or a worsening motor function requiring improvement is caused at least in part by oxidative neuronal damage.
  • the GGA used according to this invention is 5-trans GGA or substantially pure 5-trans GGA which is optionally free of cis GGA or is essentially free of cis
  • the effective amount of GGA is from about 1 mg/kg/day to about 12 mg/kg/day, or from about 1 mg/kg/day to about 5 mg/kg/day, or from about 6 mg/kg/day to about 12 mg/kg/day, or preferably, about 3 mg/kg/day, about 6 mg/kg/day, or about 12 mg/kg/day.
  • FIG. 1 shows the time course of body weights of test animals.
  • FIG. 2 shows imputed clinical scores of in vivo tests.
  • FIG. 3 shows imputed neuroscores of in vivo tests.
  • FIG. 4A illustrates the protection of cells by CNS-102 and CNS-101 in the presence of GGTI.
  • FIG. 4B illustrates the protection of cells by CNS-102 and CNS-103 in the presence of GGTI .
  • FIG. 4C illustrates neurite outgrowth ratio for CNS-102/CNS-101 versus Logio concentration.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates concentration dependence of neuroprotection by CNS-102.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates survival plot for drug treatment groups in SOD1 mice.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates comparative neurological motor function outcomes of SOD1 mice.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates localized expression of HSP 70 at site of kainic acid induced neurodegeneration induced by CNS-102 (arrows).
  • compositions and methods when used to define compositions and methods, shall mean excluding other elements of any essential significance to the combination for the stated purpose. Thus, a composition consisting essentially of the elements as defined herein would not exclude other materials or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. "Consisting of” shall mean excluding more than trace elements of other ingredients and substantial method steps. Embodiments defined by each of these transition terms are within the scope of this invention.
  • neuroprotective refers to reduced toxicity of neurons as measured in vitro in assays where neurons susceptible to degradation are protected against degradation as compared to control. Neuroprotective effects may also be evaluated in vivo by counting neurons in histology sections.
  • neuroneuron refers to all electrically excitable cells that make up the central and peripheral nervous system.
  • the neurons may be cells within the body of an animal or cells cultured outside the body of an animal.
  • the term “neuron” or “neurons” also refers to established or primary tissue culture cell lines that are derived from neural cells from a mammal or tissue culture cell lines that are made to differentiate into neurons.
  • Neuroon or “neurons” also refers to any of the above types of cells that have also been modified to express a particular protein either extrachromosomally or intrachromosomally.
  • Neuroon or “neurons” also refers to transformed neurons such as neuroblastoma cells and support cells within the brain such as glia.
  • protein aggregates refers to a collection of proteins that may be partially or entirely mis-folded.
  • the protein aggregates may be soluble or insoluble and may be inside the cell or outside the cell in the space between cells. Protein aggregates inside the cell can be intranuclear in which they are inside the nucleus or cytoplasm in which they are in the space outside of the nucleus but still within the cell membrane.
  • the protein aggregates described in this invention are granular protein aggregates.
  • protein aggregate inhibiting amount refers to an amount of GGA that inhibits the formation of protein aggregates at least partially or entirely. Unless specified, the inhibition could be directed to protein aggregates inside the cell or outside the cell.
  • intranuclear or “intranuclearly” refers to the space inside the nuclear compartment of an animal cell.
  • cytoplasm refers to the space outside of the nucleus but within the outer cell wall of an animal cell.
  • pathogenic protein aggregate refers to protein aggregates that are associated with disease conditions. These disease conditions include but are not limited to the death of a cell or the partial or complete loss of the neuronal signaling among two or more cells. Pathogenic protein aggregates can be located inside of a cell, for example, pathogenic intracellular protein aggregates or outside of a cell, for example, pathogenic extracellular protein aggregates.
  • SBMA spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy.
  • Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy is a disease caused by pathogenic androgen receptor protein accumulation intranuclearly.
  • ALS refers to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease.
  • AD Alzheimer's disease
  • neurotransmitter refers to chemicals which transmit signals from a neuron to a target cell.
  • neurotransmitters include but are not limited to: amino acids such as glutamate, aspartate, serine, ⁇ -aminobutyric acid, and glycine; monoamines such as dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, histamine, serotonin, and melatonin; and other molecules such as acetycholine, adenosine, anadamide, and nitric oxide.
  • syne refers to junctions between neurons. These junctions allow for the passage of chemical signals from one cell to another.
  • G protein refers to a family of proteins involved in transmitting chemical signals outside the cell and causing changes inside of the cell.
  • the Rho family of G proteins is small G protein, which are involved in regulating actin cytoskeletal dynamics, cell movement, motility, transcription, cell survival, and cell growth.
  • RHOA, RAC1, and CDC42 are the most studied proteins of the Rho family. Active G proteins are localized to the cellular membrane where they exert their maximal biological effectiveness.
  • treatment means any treatment of a disease or condition in a patient, including one or more of:
  • axon refers to projections of neurons that conduct signals to other cells through synapses.
  • axon growth refers to the extension of the axon projection via the growth cone at the tip of the axon.
  • neural disease refers to diseases that compromise the cell viability of neurons.
  • Neural diseases in which the etiology of said neural disease comprises formation of protein aggregates which are pathogenic to neurons provided that the protein aggregates are not related to the disease SBMA and are not intranuclear include but are not limited to ALS, AD, Parkinson's Disease, multiple sclerosis, and prion diseases such as Kuru,
  • Neural diseases can be recapitulated in vitro in tissue culture cells.
  • AD can be modeled in vitro by adding pre-aggregated ⁇ -amyloid peptide to the cells.
  • ALS can be modeled by depleting an ALS disease-related protein, TDP-43.
  • Neural disease can also be modeled in vitro by creating protein aggregates through providing toxic stress to the cell. One way this can be achieved is by mixing dopamine with neurons such as neuroblastoma cells.
  • An effective amount of GGA is the amount of GGA required to produce a protective effect in vitro or in vivo. In some embodiments the effective amount in vitro is about from 0.1 nM to about 1 mM.
  • the effective amount in vitro is from about 0.1 nM to about 0.5 nM or from about 0.5 nM to about 1.0 nM or from about 1.0 nM to about 5.0 nM or from about 5.0 nM to about 10 nM or from about 10 nM to about 50 nM or from about 50 nM to about 100 nM or from about 100 nM to about 500 nM or from about 500 nM to about 1 mM.
  • the effective amount for an effect in vivo is about 0.1 mg to about 100 mg, or preferably, from about 1 mg to about 50 mg, or more preferably, from about 1 mg to about 25 mg per kg/day.
  • the effective amount in vivo is from about 10 mg/kg/day to about 100 mg/kg/day, about 20 mg/kg/day to about 90 mg/kg/day, about 30 mg/kg/day to about 80 mg/kg/day, about 40 mg/kg/day to about 70 mg/kg/day, or about 50 mg/kg/day to about 60 mg/kg/day. . In some embodiments, the effective amount in vivo is from about 1 mg/kg/day to about 5 mg/kg/day, In some embodiments, the effective amount in vivo is from about 6 mg/kg/day to about 12 mg/kg/day, In one embodiment, the effective amount in vivo is about 3 mg/kg/day.
  • the effective amount in vivo is about 6 mg/kg/day. In another embodiment, the effective amount in vivo is about 12 mg/kg/day. In still some other embodiments, the effective amount in vivo is from about 100 mg/kg/day to about 1000 mg/kg/day.
  • Routes of administration refers to the method for administering GGA to a mammal. Administration can be achieved by a variety of methods. These include but are not limited to subcutaneous, intravenous, transdermal, sublingual, or intraperitoneal injection or oral administration.
  • halogenating is defined as converting a hydroxy group to a halo group.
  • halo or “halo group” refers to fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo.
  • Geranylgeranyl acetone refers to a compound of the formula :
  • compositions comprising the compound are mixtures of geometrical isomers of the com pound.
  • the 5-trans isomer of eranylgeranyl acetone refers to a compound of the formula
  • the 5-cis isomer of geranylgeranyl acetone refers to a compound of the formula
  • C m -C n such as Ci-Ci 0 , Ci-C 6 , or Ci-C 4 when used before a group refers to that group containing m to n carbon atoms.
  • alkoxy refers to -O-alkyl.
  • alkyl refers to monovalent saturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl groups having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms (i.e., Ci-Ci 0 alkyl) or 1 to 6 carbon atoms (i.e., Ci-C 6 alkyl), or 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
  • This term includes, by way of example, linear and branched hydrocarbyl groups such as methyl (CH 3 -), ethyl (CH 3 CH 2 -), n-propyl (CH3CH2CH2-), isopropyl ((CH 3 ) 2 CH-), n-butyl (CH3CH2CH2CH2-), isobutyl ((CH 3 ) 2 CHCH 2 -), sec-butyl ((CH 3 )(CH 3 CH 2 )CH-), i-butyl ((CH 3 ) 3 C-), n-pentyl (CH 3 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 -), and neopentyl ((CH 3 ) 3 CCH 2 -).
  • alkyl refers to substituted or unsubstituted, straight chain or branched alkyl groups with Ci-Ci 2 , Ci-C 6 and preferably C C 4 carbon atoms.
  • aryl refers to a monovalent, aromatic mono- or bicyclic ring having 6-10 ring carbon atoms. Examples of aryl include phenyl and naphthyl. The condensed ring may or may not be aromatic provided that the point of attachment is at an aromatic carbon atom.
  • an aryl group [0081] In some embodiments, the term “aryl” refers to a 6 to 10 membered, preferably 6 membered aryl group. An aryl group may be substituted with 1-5, preferably 1-3, halo, alkyl, and/or -O-alkyl groups.
  • -C0 2 H ester refers to an ester formed between the -C0 2 H group and an alcohol, preferably an aliphatic alcohol.
  • Co-crystal or as sometimes referred to herein "co-precipitate” refers to a solid, preferably a crystalline solid, comprising GGA or a GGA derivative, and urea or thiourea, more preferably, where, the GGA or the GGA derivative reside within the urea or thiourea lattice, such as in channels formed by urea or thiourea.
  • Complexed refers to GGA or a GGA derivative bound by certain quantifiable intermolecular forces, non-limiting examples of which include hydrogen bonding and Van- Der Waals' interactions, and also by entropic effects.
  • chiral moiety refers to a moiety that is chiral. Such a moiety can possess one or more asymmetric centers. Preferably, the chiral moiety is enantiomerically enriched, and more preferably a single enantiomer.
  • Non limiting examples of chiral moieties include chiral carboxylic acids, chiral amines, chiral amino acids, such as the naturally occurring amino acids, chiral alcohols including chiral steroids, and the likes.
  • cycloalkyl refers to a monovalent, preferably saturated, hydrocarbyl mono-, bi-, or tricyclic ring having 3-12 ring carbon atoms. While cycloalkyl, refers preferably to saturated hydrocarbyl rings, as used herein, it also includes rings containing 1- 2 carbon-carbon double bonds. Nonlimiting examples of cycloalkyl include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, adamentyl, and the like. The condensed rings may or may not be non-aromatic hydrocarbyl rings provided that the point of attachment is at a cycloalkyl carbon atom. For example, and without limitation, the following is a cycloalkyl group:
  • heteroaryl refers to a monovalent, aromatic mono-, bi-, or tricyclic ring having 2-14 ring carbon atoms and 1-6 ring heteroatoms selected preferably from N, 0, S, and P and oxidized forms of N, S, and P, provided that the ring contains at least 5 ring atoms.
  • heteroaryl include furan, imidazole, oxadiazole, oxazole, pyridine,
  • heterocyclyl refers to a non-aromatic, mono-, bi-, or tricyclic ring containing 2-10 ring carbon atoms and 1-6 ring heteroatoms selected preferably from N, O, S, and P and oxidized forms of N, S, and P, provided that the ring contains at least 3 ring atoms.
  • heterocyclyl preferably refers to saturated ring systems, it also includes ring systems containing 1-3 double bonds, provided that they ring is non-aromatic.
  • Nonlimiting examples of heterocyclyl include, azalactones, oxazoline, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, and tetrahydropyranyl.
  • the condensed rings may or may not contain a non-aromatic heteroatom containing ring provided that the point of attachment is a heterocyclyl group.
  • the following is a heterocyclyl group:
  • hydrolyzing refers to breaking an R H -0-CO-, R H -0-CS-, or an R H -0-S0 2 - moiety to an R H -OH, preferably by adding water across the broken bond.
  • a hydrolyzing is performed using various methods well known to the skilled artisan, non limiting examples of which include acidic and basic hydrolysis.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable refers to safe and non-toxic for in vivo, preferably, human administration.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable salt refers to a salt that is
  • salt refers to an ionic compound formed between an acid and a base.
  • salts include, without limitation, alkai metal, alkaline earth metal, and ammonium salts.
  • ammonium salts include, salts containing protonated nitrogen bases and alkylated nitrogen bases.
  • Exemplary, and non-limiting cations useful in pharmaceutically acceptable salts include Na, K, Rb, Cs, NH 4 , Ca, Ba, imidazolium, and ammonium cations based on naturally occurring amino acids.
  • salts include, without limitation, salts of organic acids, such as caroboxylic acids and sulfonic acids, and mineral acids, such as hydrogen halides, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and the likes.
  • organic acids such as caroboxylic acids and sulfonic acids
  • mineral acids such as hydrogen halides, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and the likes.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable salts include oxalate, maleate, acetate, propionate, succinate, tartrate, chloride, sulfate, bisalfate, mono-, di-, and tribasic phosphate, mesylate, tosylate, and the likes.
  • substantially pure trans isomer refers to a trans isomer that is by molar amount 95%, preferably 96%, more preferably 99%, and still more preferably 99.5% or more a trans isomer with the rest being the corresponding cis isomer.
  • This invention relates to compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of isomers of geranylgeranyl acetone.
  • this invention relates to a synthetic 5-trans isomer compound of formula VI:
  • VI is at least 80% in the 5E, 9E, 13E configuration.
  • the invention provides for a compound of formula VI wherein VI is at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99%, or at least 99.5%, or at least 99.9% in the 5E, 9E, 13E configuration.
  • the invention for the compound of formula VI does not contain any of the cis-isomer of GGA.
  • Another aspect of this invention relates to a synthetic 5-cis isomer compound of formula VII :
  • the invention provides for a compound of formula VII wherein VII is at least 80% in the 5E, 9E, 13E configuration, or alternatively, at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99%, or at least 99.5%, or at least 99.9% in the 5E, 9E, 13E configuration.
  • the compound of formula VII does not contain any of the trans-isomer of GGA.
  • the configuration of compounds can be determined by methods known to those skilled in the art such as chiroptical spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
  • the data contained in the examples herewith demonstrate at low concentrations the trans-isomer of GGA is pharmacologically active and shows a dose-dependent relationship. In contrast, the cis-isomer of GGA does not demonstrate a dose dependent relationship and is deemed to be at best of minimal activity.
  • GGA derivatives useful in this invention include those described in PCT publication no. WO 2012/031028 and PCT application no. PCT/US2012/027147, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. These and other GGA derivatives provided and/or utilized herein are structurally shown below. [0102] In one aspect, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized herein is of Formula I :
  • ⁇ refers to a mixture of cis and trans isomers at the corresponding position wherein at least 80% and, preferably, no more than 95% of the compound of Formula (I) is present as a trans isomer.
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of Formula (l-A):
  • n 1 is 1. In another embodiment, n 1 is 2. [0105] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of Formula (l-B):
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of Formula l-C:
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of Formula (I-D I-E), or (l-F):
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of Formula (l-G), (l-H), or (l-l):
  • R 6 is C 6 -Ci 0 aryl, such as naphthyl. In another preferred embodiment, R 6 is a heteroaryl, such as quinolinyl.
  • GGA derivative provided and/or utilized in this invention is of Formula (II):
  • each R 1 and R 2 are independently Ci-C 6 alkyl, or R 1 and R 2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a C 5 -C 7 cycloalkyi ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C 6 alkyl groups; each of R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 independently are hydrogen or Ci-C 6 alkyl; Q 3 is -OH, -NR 22 R 23 -X-CO-NR 24 R 25 , -X-CS-NR 24 R 25 , or -X-S0 2 -NR 24 R 25 ; X is -0-, -S-, -NR 26 -, or -CR 27 R 28 ; each R 22 and R 23 independently is hydrogen; C C 6 alkyl, optionally substituted with Ci-C 6 alkoxy; and C 3 -Ci 0 cycloalkyi; each R 24 and R 25 independently is hydrogen,
  • R 26 is hydrogen or together with R 24 or R 25 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C 6 alkyl groups; and each R 27 and R 28 independently are hydrogen, C C 6 alkyl, -COR 81 or -C0 2 R 81 , or R 27 together with R 24 or R 25 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered heterocyclyl ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C 6 alkyl groups.
  • the compound of Formula (II) includes optical isomers such as enantiomers and diastereomers.
  • an ester refers preferably to a phenyl or a C C 6 alkyl ester, which phenyl or alkyl group is optionally substituted with a amino group.
  • C is -N R 22 R 23 -X-CO-NR 24 R 25 , -X-CS-N R 24 R 25 , or -X-S0 2 - N R 24 R 25 .
  • 0 3 is -X-CO-NR 24 R 25 , -X-CS-NR 24 R 25 , or -X-S0 2 -N R 24 R 25 .
  • Q3 is -NR 22 R 23 .
  • Q3 is -OH.
  • the compound of Formula (II) is of formula :
  • R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , and 3 ⁇ 4 are defined as in any aspect or embodiment herein.
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula : wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 4 , R 5 , and Q. 3 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
  • the compound of Formula (II) is of formula :
  • R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , and Q3 are defined as in any aspect or embodiment herein.
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula : wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 4 , R 5 , m, n, X, R 24 and R 25 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula : wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 4 , R 5 , m, n, and R 24 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here. [0118] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of form
  • R is defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula :
  • R is defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
  • R is defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
  • R is defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
  • R and R are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
  • R is defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
  • R and R are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
  • n is 0. In another embodiment, m is 1. In another embodiment, n is 2.
  • m+n is 1.
  • I n another embodiment, m+n is 2.
  • m+n is 3.
  • R 1 and R 2 are independently Ci-C 6 alkyl.
  • I n another embodiment, R 1 and R 2 independently are methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl.
  • R 1 and R 2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a C 5 -C 7 cycloalkyi ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C 6 alkyl groups.
  • R 1 and R 2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a ring that is:
  • R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 are independently Ci-C 6 alkyl.
  • one of R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 are alkyl, and the rest are hydrogen.
  • two of R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 are alkyl, and the rest are hydrogen.
  • R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 are hydrogen.
  • R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 are methyl.
  • Q3 is -X-CO-NR 24 R 25 .
  • Q3 is -X-CS-NR 24 R 25 .
  • 3 ⁇ 4 is -X-S0 2 -NR 24 R 25 .
  • Q 3 is -OCONHR 24 -OCONR 24 R 25 , -NHCONHR 24 -NHCONR 24 R 25 , -OCSNHR 24 -OCSNR 24 R 25 , - NHCSNHR 24 or -NHCSNR 24 R 25 .
  • X is -0-. I n another embodiment, X is -NR 26 -. In another embodiment, X is or -CR 27 R 28 .
  • one of R 24 and R 25 is hydrogen. I n another embodiment, one or both of R 24 and R 25 are Ci-C 6 alkyl. In another embodiment, one or both of R 24 and R 25 are Ci-C 6 alkyl, optionally substituted with an R 20 group, wherein R 20 is -C0 2 H or an ester thereof, Ci-C 6 alkyl, C 3 -Ci 0 cycloalkyi, C 3 -C 8 heterocyclyl, C 6 -Ci 0 aryl, or C 2 -Ci 0 heteroaryl. In another embodiment, one or both of R 24 and R 25 are C3-C1 0 cycloalkyi.
  • R 24 and R 25 are C 3 -Ci 0 cycloalkyi substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups. In another embodiment, one or both of R 24 and R 25 are C 3 -C 8 heterocyclyl. In another embodiment, one or both of R 24 and R 25 are C 6 -Ci 0 aryl. In another embodiment, one or both of R 24 and R 25 are C 2 -Ci 0 heteroaryl. In another embodiment, R 24 and R 25 together with the nitrogen atom they are attached to form a 5-7 membered heterocycle. [0134] In another embodiment, R 20 is -C0 2 H or an ester thereof. In another embodiment, R 20 is Ci-C 6 alkyl.
  • R 20 is C 3 -Ci 0 cycloalkyi. In another embodiment, R 20 is C 3 -C 8 heterocyclyl. In another embodiment, R 20 is C 6 -Ci 0 aryl. In another embodiment, R 20 is or C 2 -Cio heteroaryl.
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula (II):
  • Q 3 is -X-CO-NR 24 R 25 or -X-S0 2 -NR 24 R 25 ;
  • X is -0-, -NR 26 -, or -CR 27 R 28 ;
  • R 26 is hydrogen or together with R 24 or R 25 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C 6 alkyl groups; each R 27 and R 28 independently are hydrogen, C C 6 alkyl, -COR 81 or -C0 2 R 81 , or R 27 together with R 24 or R 25 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered cycloalkyi or heterocyclyl ring optionally substituted with 1-3 C C 6 alkyl groups; each R and R independently is hydrogen,
  • Ci-C 6 alkyl optionally substituted with -C0 2 H or an ester thereof, C 3 -Ci 0 preferably C 3 -C 8 cycloalkyi, C 3 -C 8 heterocyclyl, C 6 -Ci 0 aryl, or C 2 -Ci 0 heteroaryl,
  • each cycloalkyi, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C 6 alkyl groups, or R 24 and R 25 together with the nitrogen atom they are attached to form a 5-7 membered heterocycle.
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized herein is of Formula
  • each R 1 and R 2 are independently Ci-C 6 alkyl, or R 1 and R 2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a C 5 -C 7 cycloalkyi ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C 6 alkyl groups; each of R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 independently are hydrogen or Ci-C 6 alkyl; Q4 is selected from the group consisting of: when X 1 is bonded via a single bond, X 1 is -0-, -NR 31 -, or -CR 32 R 33 -, and when X 1 is bonded via a double bond, X 1 is -CR 32 -;
  • Y 1 is hydrogen, -OH or -O-R 10
  • Y 2 is -OH, -OR 11 or -N HR 12
  • R 30 is Ci-C 6 alkyl optionally substituted with 1-3 alkoxy or 1-5 halo group, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, C3-C1 0 cycloalkyi, C 6 -Ci 0 aryl, C 3 -C 8 heterocyclyl, or C 2 -Ci 0 heteroaryl, wherein each cycloalkyi or heterocyclyl is optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C 6 alkyl groups, or wherein each aryl or heteroaryl is independently substituted with 1-3 C C 6 alkyl or nitro groups, or R 30 is -N R 34 R 35 ;
  • R 31 is hydrogen or together with R 30 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7
  • each R 32 and R 33 independently are hydrogen, C C 6 alkyl, -COR 81 or -C0 2 R 81 , or R 32 together with R 30 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered cycloalkyi or heterocyclyl ring optionally substituted with oxo or 1-3 Ci-C 6 alkyl groups;
  • R 10 is Ci-C 6 alkyl
  • R 11 and R 12 are independently C C 6 alkyl, C 3 -Ci 0 cycloalkyi, -C0 2 R 15 , or -CON(R 15 ) 2 , or R 10 and R 11 together with the intervening carbon atom and oxygen atoms form a heterocycle optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C 6 alkyl groups;
  • R ld is C ! -C 6 alkyl or C3-C 0 cycloalkyi optionally substituted with 1-3 C -C6 alkyl groups;
  • R 14 is hydrogen, C 3 -C 8 heterocyclyl, or Ci-C 6 alkyl optionally substituted with a -C0 2 H or an ester thereof or a C 6 -Ci 0 aryl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, C3-C1 0 cycloalkyi, or a C 3 -C 8 heterocyclyl, wherein each cycloalkyi, heterocyclyl, or aryl, is optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups; each R 15 independently are hydrogen, C3-C1 0 cycloalkyi, Ci-C 6 alkyl optionally substituted with 1-3 substituents selected from the group consisting of -C0 2 H or an ester thereof, aryl, or C 3 -C 8 heterocyclyl, or two R 15 groups together with the nitrogen atom they are bonded to form a 5-7 membered heterocycle;
  • R 16 is hydrogen or Ci-C 6 alkyl
  • R 17 is hydrogen, Ci-C 6 alkyl substituted with 1-3 hydroxy groups, -CHO, or is C0 2 H or an ester thereof; each R 34 and R 35 independently is hydrogen, C C 6 alkyl, optionally substituted with - C0 2 H or an ester thereof, C 3 -Ci 0 cycloalkyi, C 3 -C 8 heterocyclyl, C 6 -Ci 0 aryl, or C 2 -Ci 0
  • heteroaryl or is C 3 -Ci 0 cycloalkyi, C 3 -C 8 heterocyclyl, C 6 -Ci 0 aryl, or C 2 -Ci 0 heteroaryl, wherein each cycloalkyi, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups, or R 34 and R 35 together with the nitrogen atom they are attached to form a 5-7 membered heterocycle; and each R 81 independently is Ci-C 6 alkyl.
  • n is 0. In another embodiment, m is 1. In another embodiment, n is 0. In another embodiment, n is 1. In another embodiment, n is 2.
  • the compound of Formula (III) is of formula:
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
  • R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 30 , X 1 , Y 1 , and Y 2 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
  • R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 30 , X 1 , and Y 2 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
  • R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 30 and X 1 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment herein.
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula: wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 4 , R 5 , and Q4 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment herein.
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula: wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 4 , R 5 , m, n, X 1 , and R 30 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here. [0145] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
  • R 1 , R 2 , R 4 , R 5 , m, n, and R 34 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula: wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 4 , R 5 , R 30 , m, n, and R 15 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
  • each R 1 and R 2 are Ci-C 6 alkyl. In another embodiment, each R 1 and R 2 are methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl. In another embodiment, R 1 and R 2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a 5-6 membered ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C 6 alkyl groups. In another embodiment, R 1 and R 2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a ring that is: [0148] In another embodiment, R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 are Ci-C 6 alkyl. In another embodiment, one of R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 are alkyl, and the rest are hydrogen.
  • R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 are alkyl, and the rest are hydrogen. In another embodiment, R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 are hydrogen. In another embodiment, R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 are methyl.
  • X 1 is O. In another embodiment, X 1 is -NR 31 . In another embodiment, R 31 is hydrogen. In another embodiment, R 31 together with R 30 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered ring optionally substituted with 1-3 C C 6 alkyl groups. In another embodiment, X 1 is -CR 32 R 33 -. In another embodiment, X 1 is -CR 32 -. In another embodiment, each R 32 and R 33 independently are hydrogen, Ci-C 6 alkyl, -COR 81 , or - C0 2 R 81 . In another embodiment, R 32 is hydrogen, and R 33 is hydrogen, Ci-C 6 alkyl, -COR 81 , or -C0 2 R 81 .
  • R 33 is hydrogen. In another embodiment, R 33 C C 6 alkyl. In another embodiment, R 33 is methyl. In another embodiment, R 33 is -C0 2 R 81 . In another embodiment, R 33 is -COR 81 .
  • R 32 together with R 30 and the intervening atoms form a 5- 7 membered ring.
  • R 30 which is "Q4” has the structure:
  • R 33 is hydrogen, Ci-C 6 alkyl, or -C0 2 R 81 and n is 1, 2, or 3.
  • R 33 is hydrogen or Ci-C 6 alkyl. In one embodiment, R 33 is hydrogen. In another embodiment, R 33 is Ci-C 6 alkyl.
  • R 30 is Ci-C 6 alkyl.
  • R 30 is methyl, ethyl, butyl, isopropyl, or tertiary butyl.
  • R 30 is Ci-C 6 alkyl substituted with 1-3 alkoxy or 1-5 halo group.
  • R 30 is alkyl substituted with an alkoxy group.
  • R 30 is alkyl substituted with 1-5, preferably, 1-3, halo, preferably fluoro, groups.
  • R 30 is NR 34 R 35 .
  • R 35 is H.
  • R 34 is Ci-C 6 alkyl, optionally substituted with a group selected from the group consisting of -C0 2 H or an ester thereof, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C 3 -C 8 heterocyclyl, C 6 - Cio aryl, or C 2 -Cio heteroaryl.
  • R 34 is C3-C 0 cycloalkyl, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C 6 -Ci 0 aryl, or C 2 -Ci 0 heteroaryl.
  • R 34 is C3-C10 cycloalkyl.
  • R 30 is C 2 -C 6 alkenyl or C 2 -C 6 alkynyl.
  • R 30 is C3-C10 cycloalkyl. In another embodiment, R 30 is C3-C10 cycloalkyl substituted with 1-3 Ci-C 6 alkyl groups. In another embodiment, R 30 is cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, or adamentyl. In another embodiment, R 30 is C 6 -Ci 0 aryl or C 2 -Cio heteroaryl. In another embodiment, R 30 is a 5-7 membered heteroaryl containing at least 1 oxygen atom.
  • R 30 is C 6 -Ci 0 aryl, C 3 -C 8 heterocyclyl, or C 2 - C10 heteroaryl, wherein each aryl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with 1- 3 Ci-C 6 alkyl groups.
  • Y 2 is -O-R 11 .
  • 3 ⁇ 4 is -CR 33 COR 30 .
  • R 30 is Ci-C 6 alkyl optionally substituted with an alkoxy group.
  • R 30 is C 3 -C 8 cycloalkyl.
  • R 33 is hydrogen.
  • R 33 is Ci-C 6 alkyl.
  • R 33 is C0 2 R 81 .
  • R 33 is COR 81 .
  • Cu is -CH 2 -CH(0-CONHR 15 )-R 30 .
  • R 15 is C 3 -C 8 cycloalkyl.
  • R 15 is Ci-C 6 alkyl optionally substituted with 1-3 substiteunts selected from the group consisting of -C0 2 H or an ester thereof, aryl, or C 3 - C 8 heterocyclyl.
  • R 30 is Ci-C 6 alkyl.
  • C is -O-CO-NHR 34 .
  • R 34 is Ci-C 6 alkyl, optionally substituted with -C0 2 H or an ester thereof, C 3 -C 8 cycloalkyl, C 3 -C 8 heterocyclyl, C 2 -Ci 0 aryl, or C 2 -Ci 0 heteroaryl.
  • R 34 is C 3 -C 8 cycloalkyl, C 3 -C 8 heterocyclyl, C 2 -Ci 0 aryl, or C 2 -Ci 0 heteroaryl.
  • R 14 is hydrogen.
  • R 14 is Ci-C 6 alkyl optionally substituted with a -C0 2 H or an ester thereof or a C 6 -Ci 0 aryl optionally
  • R 14 is C 2 -C 6 alkenyl. In another embodiment, R 14 is C 2 -C 6 alkynyl In another embodiment, R 14 is C 3 -C 6 cycloalkyl optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups. In another embodiment, R 14 is C 3 -C 8 heterocyclyl optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups.
  • R 16 is hydrogen.
  • R 17 is C0 2 H or an ester thereof.
  • R 17 is Ci-C 6 alkyl substituted with 1-3 hydroxy groups.
  • R 17 is Ci-C 3 alkyl substituted with 1 hydroxy group.
  • R 17 is -CH 2 OH.
  • R 10 and R 11 together with the intervening carbon atom and oxygen atoms form a heteroycle of formula:
  • q is 1. In another embodiment, q is 2. In another embodiment, p is 0. In another embodiment, p is 1. In another embodiment, p is 2. In another embodiment, p is 3. [0163] In one aspect, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized herein is of Formula (IV):
  • each R 1 and R 2 are independently Ci-C 6 alkyl, or R 1 and R 2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a C 5 -C 7 cycloalkyl ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C 6 alkyl groups; each of R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 independently are hydrogen or Ci-C 6 alkyl, or R 5 and Q5 together with the intervening carbon atoms form a 6 membered aryl ring, or a 5-8 membered cycloalkenyl ring, or a 5-14 membered heteroaryl or heterocycle, wherein each aryl, cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl, or heterocycle, ring is optionally substituted with 1-2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, oxo, -N(R 40)
  • the compound of Formula (IV) includes tautomers and optical isomers such as enantiomers and diastereomers.
  • an ester refers preferably to a phenyl or a Ci-C 6 alkyi ester, which phenyl or alkyi group is optionally substituted with a amino group.
  • an amide refers preferably to a moiety of formula -CON(R 40 ) 2 , wherein R 40 is defined as above.
  • Q. 6 is selected from a group consisting of oxazole, oxadiazole, oxazoline, azalactone, imidazole, diazole, triazole, and thiazole, wherein each heteroaryl or heterocycle is optionally substituted as disclosed above.
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula IV-A:
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula IV-B:
  • R 1 , R 2 , R 4 , R 5 , and Q. 5 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
  • Q5 is selected from the group consisting of:
  • R is Ci-C 6 alkyl, C 6 -Ci 0 aryl, C 3 -C 8 heteroaryl, C 3 -C 8 heteroaryl, C 3 -Ci 0 cycloalkyi
  • the alkyl group is optionally substituted with 1-3 C 6 -Ci 0 aryl, C 3 -C 8 heteroaryl, C 3 -C 8 heteroaryl, C 3 -Ci 0 cycloalkyi groups
  • the aryl, heteroaryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyi groups are optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C 6 alkyl, Ci-C 6 alkoxy, halo, preferqably chloro or fluoro, C 6 -Cio aryl, C 3 -C 8 heteroaryl, C 3 -C 8 heteroaryl, C 3 -Ci 0 cycloalkyi group.
  • Q5 is phenyl, optionally substituted as described herein.
  • Q5 is benzimidazole, benzindazole, and such other 5-6 fused 9- membered bicyclic heteroaryl or heterocycle.
  • Q. 5 is quinoline, isoquinoline, and such other 6-6 fused 10 membered heteroaryl or heterocycle.
  • Q5 is benzodiazepine or a derivative thereof, such as, a benzodiazepinone.
  • benzodiazepine and derivatives thereof are well known to the skilled artisan.
  • n is 0. In another embodiment, m is 1.
  • n is 0. In another embodiment, n is 1. In another embodiment, n is 2.
  • m+n is 1. In another embodiment, m+n is 2. In another embodiment, m+n is 3.
  • R 1 and R 2 are independently Ci-C 6 alkyl. In another embodiment, R 1 and R 2 independently are methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl. [0173] In another embodiment, R 1 and R 2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a C5-C7 cycloalkyi ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C 6 alkyl groups. In another embodiment, R 1 and R 2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a ring that is:
  • R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 are independently Ci-C 6 alkyl.
  • one of R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 are alkyl, and the rest are hydrogen.
  • two of R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 are alkyl, and the rest are hydrogen.
  • R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 are hydrogen.
  • R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 are methyl.
  • this invention provides a compound selected from the group consisting of:
  • GGA derivatives provided and/or utilized herein are of formula (V):
  • X 2 when X 2 is bonded via a single bond, X 2 is -0-, -NR 52 -, or -CR 53 R 54 -, and when X 2 is bonded via a double bond, X 2 is -CR 53 -;
  • Y 11 is hydrogen, -OH or -OR 55 ;
  • R 51 is Ci-C 6 alkyl, Ci-C 6 alkyl substituted with 1-3 alkoxy or 1-5 halo groups, C 2 - C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, C 3 -Ci 0 cycloalkyi, C 3 -C 8 heterocyclyl, C 6 -Ci 0 aryl, C 2 -Ci 0 heteroaryl, or -NR 65 R 66 , wherein each cycloalkyi or heterocyclyl is optionally substituted with 1-3 C C 6 alkyl groups, and wherein each aryl or heteroaryl is optionally substituted independently with 1-3 nitro and Ci- C 6 alkyl groups;
  • R 52 is hydrogen or together with R 51 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C 6 alkyl groups; each R 53 and R 54 independently are hydrogen, C C 6 alkyl, -COR 81 , -C0 2 R 81 , or -CONHR 82 , or R 53 together with R 51 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered cycloalkyi or heterocyclyl ring optionally substituted with 1-3 C C 6 alkyl groups;
  • R 55 is C Ce alkyl; each R 56 and R 57 independently are Ci-C 6 alkyl, C 3 -Ci 0 cycloalkyi, -C0 2 R 62 , or -CON(R 62 ) 2 ; or R 55 and R 56 together with the intervening carbon atom and oxygen atoms form a heterocycle optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C 6 alkyl groups;
  • R 58 is: C3-C1 0 cycloalkyi, Ci-C 6 alkyl optionally substituted with -OH, C0 2 H or an ester thereof, or C 3 -Ci 0 cycloalkyi,
  • R bU is Ci-C 6 alkyl or C3-C10 cycloalkyi optionally substitued with 1-3 C1-C6 alkyl groups, or is:
  • R is hydrogen, C 3 -C 8 heterocyclyl, or Ci-C 6 alkyl optionally substituted with a
  • each R 62 independently are hydrogen, C 3 -Ci 0 cycloalkyi, Ci-C 6 alkyl optionally substituted with 1-3 substiteunts selected from the group consisting of -C0 2 H or an ester thereof, aryl, C 3 -C 8 heterocyclyl, or two R 62 groups together with the nitrogen atom they are bonded to form a 5-7 membered heterocycle;
  • R 63 is hydrogen or Ci-C 6 alkyl
  • R 64 is hydrogen, Ci-C 6 alkyl substituted with 1-3 hydroxy groups, -CHO, or is C0 2 H or an ester thereof; one or both of R and R independently are hydrogen, C C 6 alkyl, optionally substituted with -C0 2 H or an ester thereof, C 3 -Ci 0 cycloalkyi, C 3 -C 8 heterocyclyl, C 2 -
  • R and R 66 are defined as above, then the other one is
  • R B1 is Ci-C 6 alkyl
  • R M is not -CONHR , l is -0-CO-NR SB R ;
  • the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized are of formula:
  • the compounds provided herein excludes the compound of formula:
  • L is 0, 1, 2, or 3, and R is C0 2 H or an ester thereof, or is -CH 2 OH, or is a Ci-C 6 alkyl ester of -CH 2 OH.
  • examples of compounds provided and/or utilized by this invention include certain compounds tabulated below.
  • Compound ID numbers in Table 1 refer to synthetic schemes in Example 7.
  • examples of compounds provided and/or utilized by this invention include certain compounds tabulated below.
  • this invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and an effective amount of the trans-isomer compound of GGA according to this invention.
  • compositions can be formulated for different routes of
  • compositions suitable for oral delivery will probably be used most frequently, other routes that may be used include intravenous, intraarterial, pulmonary, rectal, nasal, vaginal, lingual, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intracutaneous, transdermal, intracranial, and subcutaneous routes.
  • Other dosage forms include tablets, capsules, pills, powders, aerosols, suppositories, parenterals, and oral liquids, including suspensions, solutions and emulsions. Sustained release dosage forms may also be used, for example, in a transdermal patch form. All dosage forms may be prepared using methods that are standard in the art (see e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 16 th ed., A. Oslo editor, Easton Pa. 1980).
  • compositions are comprised of in general, GGA or a trans-isomer compound of GGA or a mixture thereof in combination with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
  • Acceptable excipients are non-toxic, aid administration, and do not adversely affect the therapeutic benefit of the compound of this invention.
  • excipients may be any solid, liquid, semi-solid or, in the case of an aerosol composition, gaseous excipient that is generally available to one of skill in the art.
  • Pharmaceutical compositions in accordance with the invention are prepared by conventional means using methods known in the art.
  • compositions disclosed herein may be used in conjunction with any of the vehicles and excipients commonly employed in pharmaceutical preparations, e.g., talc, gum arabic, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, cocoa butter, aqueous or non-aqueous solvents, oils, paraffin derivatives, glycols, etc. Coloring and flavoring agents may also be added to preparations, particularly to those for oral administration. Solutions can be prepared using water or physiologically compatible organic solvents such as ethanol, 1,2- propylene glycol, polyglycols, dimethylsulfoxide, fatty alcohols, triglycerides, partial esters of glycerin and the like.
  • Solid pharmaceutical excipients include starch, cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, talc, glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin, malt, rice, flour, chalk, silica gel, magnesium stearate, sodium stearate, glycerol monostearate, sodium chloride, dried skim milk and the like.
  • Liquid and semisolid excipients may be selected from glycerol, propylene glycol, water, ethanol and various oils, including those of petroleum, animal, vegetable or synthetic origin, e.g., peanut oil, soybean oil, mineral oil, sesame oil, etc.
  • the concentration of the excipient is one that can readily be determined to be effective by those skilled in the art, and can vary depending on the particular excipient used.
  • the total concentration of the excipients in the solution can be from about 0.001% to about 90% or from about 0.001% to about 10%.
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of formula I and a-tocopherol.
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of formula I, a-tocopherol, and hydroxypropyl cellulose.
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of formula I, a- tocopherol, and gum arabic.
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of formula I, and gum arabic.
  • the concentration by weight can be from about 0.001% to about 1% or from about 0.001% to about 0.005%, or from about 0.005% to about 0.01%, or from about 0.01% to about 0.015%, or from about 0.015% to about 0.03%, or from about 0.03% to about 0.05%, or from about 0.05% to about 0.07%, or from about 0.07% to about 0.1%, or from about 0.1% to about 0.15%, or from about 0.15% to about 0.3%, or from about 0.3% to about 0.5%, or from about 0.5% to about 1% by weight.
  • the concentration of a- tocopherol is about 0.001% by weight, or alternatively about 0.005%, or about 0.008%, or about 0.01%, or about 0.02%, or about 0.03%, or about 0.04%, or about 0.05% by weight.
  • the concentration by weight can be from about 0.1% to about 30% or from about 1% to about 20%, or from about 1% to about 5%, or from about 1% to about 10%, or from about 2% to about 4%, or from about 5% to about 10%, or from about 10% to about 15%, or from about 15% to about 20%, or from about 20% to about 25%, or from about 25% to about 30% by weight.
  • the concentration of hydroxypropyl cellulose is about 1% by weight, or alternatively about 2%, or about 3%, or about 4%, or about 5%, or about 6%, or about 7%, or about 8%, or about 10%, or about 15% by weight.
  • the concentration by weight can be from about 0.5% to about 50% or from about 1% to about 20%, or from about 1% to about 10%, or from about 3% to about 6%, or from about 5% to about 10%, or from about 4% to about 6% by weight.
  • the concentration of hydroxypropyl cellulose is about 1% by weight, or alternatively about 2%, or about 3%, or about 4%, or about 5%, or about 6%, or about 7%, or about 8%, or about 10%, or about 15% by weight.
  • the concentration of GGA, or the trans-geranylgeranyl acetone isomer can be from about 1 to about 99% by weight in the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein.
  • the concentration of the trans-geranylgeranyl acetone isomer can be from about 1 to about 75%, or alternatively, from about 1 to about 40%, or alternatively, from about 1 to about 30%, or alternatively, from about 1 to about 25%, or alternatively, from about 1 to about 20%, or alternatively, from about 2 to about 20%, or alternatively, from about 1 to about 10%, or alternatively, from about 10 to about 20%, or alternatively, from about 10 to about 15% by weight in the pharmaceutical composition.
  • the concentration of geranylgeranyl acetone in the pharmaceutical composition is about 5% by weight, or alternatively, about 10%, or about 20%, or about 1%, or about 2%, or about 3%, or about 4%, or about 6%, or about 7%, or about 8%, or about 9%, or about 11%, or about 12%, or about 14%, or about 16%, or about 18%, or about 22%, or about 25%, or about 26%, or about 28%, or about 30%, or about 32%, or about 34%, or about 36%, or about 38%, or about 40%, or about 42%, or about 44%, or about 46%, or about 48%, or about 50%, or about 52%, or about 54%, or about 56%, or about 58%, or about 60%, or about 64%, or about 68%, or about 72%, or about 76%, or about 80% by weight.
  • this invention provides sustained release formulations such as drug depots or patches comprising an effective amount of GGA.
  • the patch further comprises gum Arabic or hydroxypropyl cellulose separately or in combination, in the presence of alpha-tocopherol.
  • the hydroxypropyl cellulose has an average MW of from 10,000 to 100,000.
  • the hydroxypropyl cellulose has an average MW of from 5,000 to 50,000.
  • the patch contains, in various embodiments, an amount of GGA, preferably the 5E, 9E, 13E isomer of it, which is sufficient to maintain a therapeutically effective amount GGA in the plasma for about 12 hours.
  • the GGA comprises at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% of the 5E, 9E, 13E isomer of GGA.
  • this invention provides an enteric formulation of GGA or a GGA derivative. It is contemplated that the administration of an effective amount of these enteric formulations improves pharmaceutical activities such as an enhanced activity, improved serum half-life, and/or lower toxicity with reduced adverse side effects relative to the administration of a conventional, i.e., non-enteric formulation comprising the comparable amount of GGA or a GGA derivative.
  • the enteric formulation is a solid-dosage form.
  • the enteric formulation comprises one or more an enteric polymer and enteric coating as suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
  • the enteric formulation contains an effective amount of GGA or the GGA derivative.
  • solid dosage forms may further include, in certain embodiments, granules, pellets, beads, spheroids, a minitablet, a microtablet, granules in a capsule, pellets in a capsule, microtablets in a capsule, and minitablets in a capsule, each of which may be enteric coated.
  • the enteric formulations provide herein are useful for treating or alleviating the negative effects of various neurological diseases and disorders described herein and inflammatory bowel disease, chronic liver disease, a disorder selected from liver injury, preferably acute liver injury, acute liver failure, cardiac ischemia, myocardial infarction, repurfusion injury and heart transplants, or a related disorder or condition.
  • the compositions of the present invention may be prepared using conventional methods and materials known in the pharmaceutical arts.
  • enteric polymers and coatings useful in this invention are described herein.
  • Enteric polymers used to coat pharmaceutical dosage forms include cellulose, vinyl, and acrylic derivatives. Enteric polymeric materials are primarily weak acids containing acidic functional groups, which are capable of ionization at elevated pH.
  • the enteric coating coats a core of a dosage form disclosed herein and controls the location in the digestive tract where the active agent contained in the dosage form's core is released and absorbed.
  • the enteric coating is in the form of one or more components selected from the group including polymers, fatty acids, waxes, shellac, plastics, and plant fibers.
  • the enteric coating comprises one or more of the following: acrylates and acrylate copolymers, including methacrylic acid/methacrylic acid methylester copolymer and methacrylic acid/ethyl acrylate copolymer; cellulose esters, including cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate trimellitate, and cellulose acetate succinate; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate; polyvinyl derivatives, including polyvinyl acetate phthalate; and carboxymethyl ethyl cellulose.
  • acrylates and acrylate copolymers including methacrylic acid/methacrylic acid methylester copolymer and methacrylic acid/ethyl acrylate copolymer
  • cellulose esters including cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate trimellitate, and cellulose acetate succinate
  • hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate hydroxypropy
  • the enteric coating includes one or more components sold under trade names, for example EMCOAT 120 N, MARCOAT 125, AQUACOAT CPD ® , SEPIFILM ® , AQUACOAT ® ECD, METOLOSE ® , SURETERIC ® , AND
  • the enteric coating may comprise colorants.
  • the enteric coating comprises a EUDRAGIT ® polymer and a colorant, and is sold under the trade name ACRYL-EZE ORANGE ® .
  • the enteric coating may further comprise a plasticizer.
  • the plasticizer will influence, i.e., increase or decrease, the rate of dissolution of the enteric coating.
  • the plasticizer may be lipophilic. In other embodiments, the plasticizer may be hydrophilic.
  • the plasticizer comprises one or more of the group including cetanol, triacetin, citric acid esters such as triethyl citrate, phthalic acid esters such as diethyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate, dibutyl succinate, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and oils and glycerides such as fractional coconut oil.
  • Exemplary and nonlimiting coating formulations include excipients as illustrated below: %
  • Antifoam M less than 1 Acetyl Triethyl Citrate 2
  • this invention provides a composition comprising a GGA derivative provided herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
  • co-administration When administered with another agent, the co- administration can be in any manner in which the pharmacological effects of both are manifest in the patient at the same time.
  • co-administration does not require that a single pharmaceutical composition, the same dosage form, or even the same route of administration be used for administration of both the compound of this invention and the other agent or that the two agents be administered at precisely the same time.
  • co-administration will be accomplished most conveniently by the same dosage form and the same route of administration, at substantially the same time. Obviously, such
  • a compound of this invention can be used as an adjunct to conventional drug therapy.
  • This invention provides methods for using GGA, preferably trans-GGA, still more preferably synthetic trans-GGA, or an isomer of each thereof for inhibiting neural death and increasing neural activity.
  • GGA geranylgeranyl acetone
  • the pharmaceutical compositions and/or compounds described above are useful in the methods described herein.
  • axon growth of neurons there are methods for increasing the axon growth of neurons by contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA.
  • Neural diseases can result in an impairment of signaling between neurons. This can in part be due to a reduction in the growth of axonal projections.
  • Contacting neurons with GGA enhances axonal growth. It is contemplated that GGA will restore axonal grown in neurons afflicted with a neural disease.
  • the pre-contacted neurons exhibit a reduction in the axon growth ability.
  • the GGA is the 5-trans isomer of GGA.
  • Methods include the use of GGA and the 5-trans isomer of GGA.
  • the 5-tra ns isomer of GGA has been shown to be more efficacious than the mixture of GGA, which contains both the 5-trans and 5-cis isomeric forms of GGA. Without being limited to a particular theory, it is believed that the 5-cis isomer of GGA has inhibitory properties. These inhibitory properties of the 5-cis isomer of GGA result in an attenuation of the effects exerted by the isomeric mixture and compositions of 5-tra ns GGA.
  • One embodiment of this invention is directed to a method for inhibiting the cell death of neurons susceptible to neuronal cell death, which method comprises contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA.
  • Neurons susceptible to neuronal cell death include those that have the characteristics of a neurodegenerative disease and/or those that have undergone injury or toxic stress.
  • One method of creating toxic stress to a cell is by mixing dopamine with neurons such as neuroblastoma cells.
  • Another source of toxic stress is oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can occur from neuronal disease or injury. It is contemplated that contacting neurons with GGA will inhibit their death as measured by a MTT assay or other techniques commonly known to one skilled in the art.
  • axons refers to both axons and dendrites.
  • Neural diseases can result in an impairment of signaling between neurons. This can in part be due to a reduction in the growth of axonal and/or dendritic projections. It is contemplated that contacting neurons with GGA will enhance neurite growth. It is further contemplated that GGA will restore neurite grown in neurons afflicted with a neural disease. In a related embodiment, the pre-contacted neurons exhibit a reduction in the neurite growth ability. In yet another embodiment, the GGA is the 5-trans isomer of GGA.
  • One embodiment of this invention is directed to a method for increasing the expression and/or release of one or more neurotransmitters from a neuron by contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA. It is contemplated that contacting neurons with an effective amount of GGA will increase the expression level of one or more neurotransmitters. It is also contemplated that contacting neurons with GGA will increase the release of one or more neurotransmitters from neurons.
  • the release of one or more neurotransmitters refers to the exocytotic process by which secretory vesicles containing one or more neurotransmitters are fused to cell membrane, which directs the neurotransmitters out of the neuron.
  • neurotra nsmitters will lead to enhanced signaling in neurons, in which levels of expression or release of neurotransmitters are otherwise reduced due to the disease.
  • the increase in their expression and release can be measured by molecular techniques commonly known to one skilled in the art.
  • One embodiment of this invention is directed to a method for inducing syna pse formation of a neuron by contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA.
  • a syna pse is a junction between two neurons. Synapses are essential to neural function and permit transmission of signals from one neuron to the next. Thus, an increase in the neural syna pses will lead to an increase in the signaling between two or more neurons. It is contemplated that contacting the neurons with an effective amount of GGA will increase syna pse formation in neurons that otherwise experience reduced synapse formation as a result of neural disease.
  • Another embodiment of this invention is directed to a method for increasing electrical excitability of a neuron by contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA.
  • Electrical excitation is one mode of communication among two or more neurons. It is contemplated that contacting neurons with an effective amount of GGA will increase the electrical excitability of neurons in which electrical excitability and other modes of neural communication are otherwise impaired due to neural disease. Electrical excitability can be measured by electrophysiological methods commonly known to one skilled in the art.
  • the administration of GGA enhances communication between neurons and accordingly provides for a method of inhibiting the loss of cognitive abilities in a mammal that is at risk of dementia or suffering from incipient or partial dementia while retaining some cognitive skills.
  • Incipient or partial dementia in a mammal is one in which the mammal still exhibits some cognitive skills, but the skills are being lost and/or diminished over time.
  • Method comprises administering an effective amount of GGA to said patient.
  • this invention is directed to a method for inhibiting the death of neurons due to formation of or further formation of pathogenic protein aggregates between, outside or inside neurons, wherein said method comprises contacting said neurons at risk of developing said pathogenic protein aggregates with an amount of GGA inhibitory to protein aggregate formation, provided that said pathogenic protein aggregates are not related to SBMA.
  • the pathogenic protein aggregates form between or outside of the neurons.
  • the pathogenic protein aggregates form inside said neurons.
  • the pathogenic protein aggregates are a result of toxic stress to the cell.
  • One method of creating toxic stress to a cell is by mixing dopamine with neurons such as neuroblastoma cells. It is contemplated that contacting neurons with GGA will inhibit their death as measured by a MTT assay or other techniques commonly known to one skilled in the art.
  • Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for protecting neurons from pathogenic extracellular protein aggregates which method comprises contacting said neurons and/or said pathogenic protein aggregates with an amount of GGA that inhibits further pathogenic protein aggregation.
  • contacting said neurons and/or said pathogenic protein aggregates with an effective amount of GGA alters the pathogenic protein aggregates into a non-pathogenic form.
  • contacting the neurons and/or the pathogenic protein aggregates with GGA will solubilize at least a portion of the pathogenic protein aggregates residing between, outside, or inside of the cells. It is further contemplated that contacting the neurons and/or the pathogenic protein aggregates with GGA will alter the pathogenic protein aggregates in such a way that they are nonpathogenic.
  • a non-pathogenic form of the protein aggregate is one that does not contribute to the death or loss of functionality of the neuron.
  • assays known to one skilled in the art for measuring the protection of neurons either in cell culture or in a mammal.
  • One example is a measure of increased cell viability by a MTT assay.
  • Another example is by immunostaining neurons in vitro or in vivo for cell death-indicating molecules such as, for example, caspases or propidium iodide.
  • in yet another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for protecting neurons from pathogenic intracellular protein aggregates which method comprises contacting said neurons with an amount of GGA which will inhibit further pathogenic protein aggregation provided that said protein aggregation is not related to SBMA.
  • This method is not intended to inhibit or reduce, negative effects of neural diseases in which the pathogenic protein aggregates are intranuclear or diseases in which the protein aggregation is related to SBMA.
  • SBMA is a disease caused by pathogenic androgen receptor protein accumulation. It is distinct from the neural diseases mentioned in this application since the pathogenic protein aggregates of SBMA contain polyglutamines and are formed
  • One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of modulating the activity of G proteins in neurons which method comprises contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA. It is contemplated that contacting neurons with GGA will alter the sub-cellular localization, thus changing the activities of the G protein in the cell. In one embodiment of the invention, contacting neurons with GGA will enhance the activity of G proteins in neurons. It is contemplated that contacting GGA with neurons will increase the expression level of G proteins. It is also contemplated that contacting GGA with neurons will enhance the activity of G proteins by changing their sub-cellular localization to the cell membranes where they must be to exert their biological activities.
  • One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of modulating or enhancing the activity of G proteins in neurons at risk of death which method comprises contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA.
  • Neurons may be at risk of death as a result of genetic changes related to ALS.
  • One such genetic mutation is a depletion of the TDP-43 protein. It is contemplated that neurons with depleted TDP-43 or other genetic mutations associated with ALS will have an increase or change in the activity of G proteins after being contacted with GGA. It is further contemplated that GGA will result in an increase in the activity of G proteins in these cells by changing their sub-cellular localization to the cell membranes where they must be to exert their biological activities.
  • Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for inhibiting the neurotoxicity of ⁇ -amyloid peptide by contacting the ⁇ -amyloid peptide with an effective amount of GGA.
  • the ⁇ -amyloid peptide is between or outside of neurons.
  • the ⁇ -amyloid peptide is part of the ⁇ -amyloid plaque. It is contemplated that contacting neurons with GGA will result in solubilizing at least a portion of the ⁇ -amyloid peptide, thus decreasing its neurotoxicity. It is further contemplated that GGA will decrease the toxicity of the ⁇ - amyloid peptide by altering it in such a way that it is no longer toxic to the cell.
  • HSPs heat shock proteins
  • MTT assay MTT assay
  • MTS assay MTT assay
  • the modulation of protein aggregation can be visualized by immunostaining or histological staining techniques commonly known to one skilled in the art.
  • One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for inhibiting neural death and increasing neural activity in a mammal suffering from neural diseases, wherein the etiology of said neural diseases comprises formation of protein aggregates which are pathogenic to neurons, and which method comprises administering to said mammal an amount of GGA which will inhibit further pathogenic protein aggregation.
  • This method is not intended to inhibit neural death and increase neural activity in neural diseases in which the pathogenic protein aggregates are intranuclear or diseases in which the protein aggregation is related to SBMA.
  • Neural diseases such as AD and ALS disease have the common characteristic of protein aggregates either inside neural cells in cytoplasm or in the extracellular space between two or more neural cells.
  • This invention relates to a method for using the compound GGA to inhibit the formation of the protein aggregates or alter the pathogenic protein aggregates into a non-pathogenic form. It is contemplated that this will attenuate some of the symptoms associated with these neural diseases.
  • the mammal is a human afflicted with a neural disease.
  • the negative effect of the neural disease being inhibited or reduced is ALS.
  • ALS is characterized by a loss of functionality of motor neurons. This results in the inability to control muscle movements.
  • ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that does not typically show intranuclear protein aggregates. It is contemplated that GGA will prevent or inhibit the formation of extracellular or intracellular protein aggregates that are cytoplasm, not intranuclear and not related to SBMA. It is also contemplated that GGA will alter the pathogenic protein aggregates into a form that is non-pathogenic. Methods for diagnosing ALS are commonly known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, there are numerous patents that describe methods for diagnosing ALS. These include US 5851783 and US 7356521 both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
  • AD is a neurodegenerative disease that does not typically show intranuclear protein aggregates. It is contemplated that GGA will prevent or inhibit the formation of extracellular or intracellular protein aggregates. It is also contemplated that GGA will alter the pathogenic protein aggregates into a form that is non-pathogenic.
  • the mammal is a laboratory research mammal such as a mouse.
  • the neural disease is ALS.
  • One such mouse model for ALS is a transgenic mouse with a Sodl mutant gene. It is contemplated that GGA will enhance the motor skills and body weights when administered to a mouse with a mutant Sodl gene. It is further contemplated that administering GGA to this mouse will increase the survival rate of Sodl mutant mice. Motor skills can be measured by standard techniques known to one skilled in the art. Sodl mutant mice provide an accepted mouse model for modeling ALS in humans. Accordingly, method aspects of this disclosure relate to a method for prolonging the survival or reducing mortality of a subject with ALS, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of GGA.
  • the GGA is a 5-trans isomer of GGA.
  • the neural disease is AD.
  • a transgenic mouse model for AD is a mouse that overexpresses the APP (Amyloid beta Precursor Protein). It is contemplated that administering GGA to a transgenic AD mouse will improve the learning and memory skills of said mouse. It is further contemplated that GGA will decrease the amount and/or size of ⁇ -amyloid peptide and/or plaque found inside, between, or outside of neurons. The ⁇ -amyloid peptide or plaque can be visualized in histology sections by immunostaining or other staining techniques.
  • administering GGA to a mammal alters the pathogenic protein aggregate present into a non-pathogenic form.
  • administering GGA to a mammal will prevent pathogenic protein aggregates from forming.
  • Another aspect of this invention relates to a method for reducing seizures in a mammal in need thereof, which method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of GGA, thereby reducing seizures.
  • the reduction of seizures refers to reducing the occurrence and/or severity of seizures.
  • the seizure is epileptic seizure.
  • the methods of this invention prevent neural death during epileptic seizures.
  • the severity of the seizure can be measured by one skilled in the art.
  • the GGA refers to the compounds and/or
  • the trans isomer may exhibit a more efficacious result compared to the mixture or the cis isomer. It is also contemplated that the inhibitory effects of the cis isomer allow it to be used to attenuate the effects of the mixture or the trans isomer in the above-described methods. Therefore, in one
  • the GGA used is the trans isomer of GGA.
  • the GGA used is the cis isomer of GGA.
  • the method comprises contacting the neuron with an effective amount of the 5-cis isomer to attenuate the effect of the mixture or 5-trans isomer.
  • the methods described herein relate to administering GGA or the isomeric compounds or compositions of GGA in vitro. In other aspects the
  • the in vivo administration is in vivo.
  • the in vivo administration is to a mammal.
  • Mammals include but are not limited to humans and common laboratory research animals such as, for example, mice, rats, dogs, pigs, cats, and rabbits.
  • This invention provides a synthetic method comprising one or more of the following steps:
  • R 74 0 2 F ⁇ C(3 ⁇ 4R 75 XII wherein R 74 , R 75 , R 8 5 and each R 8 6 independently are alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, under olefination conditions to selectively provide a compound of formula XIII:
  • Compound VIII is combined with at least an equimolar amount of a halogenating agent typically in an inert solvent.
  • an "inert solvent” is a solvent that does not react under the reaction conditions in which it is employed as a solvent.
  • the reaction is typically run at a temperature of about 0°C to 20 °C for a period of time sufficient to effect substantial completion of the reaction.
  • Suitable solvents include, by way of example only, diethyl ether, acetonitrile, and the like.
  • Suitable halogenating agents include PBr 3 or PPh 3 /CBr 4 .
  • Compound IX is combined with at least an equimolar amount of an alkyl acetoacetate, in the presence of a base and an inert solvent.
  • the reaction is typically run initially at 0°C, and then warmed up to room temperature for a period of time sufficient to effect substantial completion of the reaction.
  • Suitable solvents include, by way of example only, various alcohols, such as ethanol, dioxane, and mixtures thereof.
  • Suitable bases include, by way of example only, alkali metal alkoxides, such as sodium ethoxide.
  • Compound X is reacted with at least an equimolar amount, preferably, an excess of aqueous alkali.
  • the reaction is typically run at about 40 to 80 °C and preferably about 80°C for a period of time sufficient to effect substantial completion of the reaction.
  • Suitable solvents include, by way of examples only, alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, and the like.
  • Compound XI is combined with at least an equimolar amount, preferably, an excess of a compound of formula XII, and at least an equimolar amount, preferably, an excess of base, in an inert solvent.
  • the reaction is typically run, initially at about -30°C for about 1-2 hours, and at room temperature for a period of time sufficient to effect substantial completion of the reaction.
  • Suitable solvents include, by way of examples only
  • Suitable bases include, by way of example only, alkali metal hydrides, such as sodium hydride, or potassium hexamethyldisilazide (KHMDS), or potassium tertiary butoxide ('BuOK).
  • alkali metal hydrides such as sodium hydride, or potassium hexamethyldisilazide (KHMDS), or potassium tertiary butoxide ('BuOK).
  • Compound XIII is combined with a reducing agent in an inert solvent.
  • the reaction is typically run at about 0°C for about 15 minutes, and at room temperature for a period of time sufficient to effect substantial completion of the reaction.
  • Suitable reducing agents include, without limitation, LiAIH 4 .
  • Suitable solvents include, by way of examples only diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, and the like.
  • the resulting product can be recovered under conventional conditions such as precipitation, filtration, chromatography, and the like or, alternatively, used in the next step of the reaction without purification and/or isolation.
  • the method further comprises repeating steps (i), (ii), and (iii) sequentially with compound of formula XIII to provide the compound of formula Vl-B, wherein m is 2.
  • the method or procedure further comprises repeating steps (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), and (v), sequentially, 1-3 times.
  • R alkyl is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl
  • this invention provides a
  • this invention provides a method comprising reacting a ketal compound of formula XVII:
  • each R 70 independently is Ci-C 6 alkyl, or two R 70 groups together with the oxygen atoms they are attached to form a 5 or 6 membered ring, which ring is optionally substituted with 1-3, preferably 1-2, Ci-C 6 alkyl groups, under hydrolysis conditions to provide a compound of formula II.
  • the ketal is combined with at least a catalytic amount, such as, 1-20 mole% of an aqueous acid, preferably, an aqueous mineral acid in an inert solvent.
  • a catalytic amount such as, 1-20 mole% of an aqueous acid, preferably, an aqueous mineral acid in an inert solvent.
  • the reaction is typically run about 25°C to about 80°C, for a period of time sufficient to effect substantial completion of the reaction.
  • Suitable acids include, without limitation, HCI, H 2 S0 4 , and the like.
  • Suitable solvents include alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, tetrahydrofuran, and the like.
  • this invention provides a method comprising reacting a compound of formula XVI :
  • this invention provides a method comprising reacting a compound of formula XVI-C:
  • the methods further employ routine steps of separation or purification to isolate the compounds, following methods such as chromatography, distillation, or crystallization.
  • GGA derivatives [0247] Certain methods for making GGA or certain GGA derivatives provided and/or utilized herein are described in PCT publication no. WO 2012/031028 and PCT application no. PCT/US2012/027147, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other GGA derivatives can be prepared by appropriate substitution of reagents and starting materials, as will be well known to the skilled artisan upon reading this disclosure.
  • the reactions are preferably carried out in a suitable inert solvent that will be apparent to the skilled artisan upon reading this disclosure, for a sufficient period of time to ensure substantial completion of the reaction as observed by thin layer chromatography, 1 H-NM R, etc. If needed to speed up the reaction, the reaction mixture can be heated, as is well known to the skilled artisan.
  • the final and the intermediate compounds are purified, if necessary, by various art known methods such as crystallization, precipitation, column chromatography, and the likes, as will be apparent to the skilled artisan upon reading this disclosure.
  • a base such as an alkoxide
  • Keto compound (vi) is converted, following a Wittig Horner reaction with compound (vii), to the conjugated ester (viii).
  • Compound (viii) is reduced, for example with LiAIH 4 , to provide alcohol (ix).
  • a compound of Formula (III), where n is 2 is synthesized by repeating the reaction sequence of alkylation with a beta-keto ester, hydrolysis, decarboxylation, Wittig-Horner olefination, and LiAIH 4 reduction.
  • R 13 in the schemes below may also correspond to R 58 as defined herein.
  • R 14 in the schemes below may also correspond to R 59 as defined herein.
  • R 15 in the schemes below may also correspond to R 60 as defined herein.
  • R 18 in the schemes below may also correspond to R 24 , R 34 and R 63 as defined herein.
  • R 19 in the schemes below may also correspond to R 25 , R 35 and R 64 as defined herein.
  • L is a leaving group as known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
  • R E is alkyl
  • Compound (ix) with alcohol functionality is an intermediate useful for preparing the compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention.
  • Compound (x), where L is an R s S0 2 - group is made by reacting compound (ix) with R s S0 2 CI in the presence of a base.
  • the transformation of compound (iii) to compound (x) illustrates methods of adding isoprene derivatives to a compound, which methods are suitable to make compound (iii) from compound (i).
  • Intermediate (ix) containing various R 1 -R 5 substituents are prepared according to this scheme as exemplified herein below.
  • the transformation of compound (iii) to compound (x) illustrates methods of adding isoprene derivatives to a compound, which methods are suitable to make compound (iii) from compound (i).
  • m is 0 or 1 and R 1 -R 5 are as defined herein, and are preferably alkyl, or more preferably methyl.
  • Intermediate (ixa), prepared according to the scheme herein above, is converted to amino intermediate (ixb) via the corresponding bromide.
  • Intermediates (ixa) and (ixb) are converted to the compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention by reacting with suitable isocyanates or carbamoyl chlorides, which are prepared by art known methods.
  • ketal s Certain compounds provided and/or utilized herein are obtained by reacting compound (x) with the anion Q(-), which can be generated by reacting the compound Q.H with a base.
  • bases include hydroxide, hydride, amides, alkoxides, and the like.
  • Various compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention, wherein the carbonyl group is converted to an imine, a hydrazone, an alkoxyimine, an enolcarbamate, a ketal, and the like, are prepared following well known methods.
  • the metallation is performed, by reacting the ketone with a base such as dimsyl anion, a hindered amide base such as diisopropyla mide, or hexamethyldisilazide, along with the corresponding metal cation, M.
  • a base such as dimsyl anion, a hindered amide base such as diisopropyla mide, or hexamethyldisilazide
  • the amino carbonyl chloride or the isocyanate is prepared, for example, by reacting the amine (R 14 ) 2 NH with phosgene or an equivalent reagent well known to the skilled artisan.
  • the beta keto ester is hydrolyzed while ensuring that the reaction conditions do not lead to decarboxylation.
  • the acid is activated with various acid activating agent well known to the skilled artisan such as carbonyl diimodazole, or 0-Benzotriazole-N,N,N',N'- tetramethyl-uronium-hexafluoro-phosphate (HBTU) and reacted with the amine.
  • acid activating agent well known to the skilled artisan such as carbonyl diimodazole, or 0-Benzotriazole-N,N,N',N'- tetramethyl-uronium-hexafluoro-phosphate (HBTU)
  • R E is alkyl
  • Compound (viii) is hydrolyzed to the carboxylic acid (x), which is then converted to the acid chloride (xi).
  • Compound (xi) is reacted with a suitable nucleophile such as a hydrazide, a hydroxylamine, an amino alcohol, or an amino acid, and the intermediate dehydrated to provide a compound of Formula (IV).
  • a suitable nucleophile such as a hydrazide, a hydroxylamine, an amino alcohol, or an amino acid
  • the intermediate dehydrated to provide a compound of Formula (IV).
  • the allylic alcohol (ix) is oxidized to the aldehyde (xi), which is then reacted with a cyanohydrin or
  • GGA derivatives provided and/or utilized in this invention can also be synthesized employing art known methods and those disclosed here by alkene-aryl, alkene-heteroaryl, or alkene-akene couplings such as Heck, Stille, or Suzuki coupling. Such methods can use (vi) to prepare intermediate (xii) that can undergo Heck, Stille, or Suzuki coupling under conditions well known to the skilled artisan to provide compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention.
  • L is a leaving group and Q. 5 are as defined herein, Ar is a preferably an aryl group such as phenyl, the base employed is an alkoxide such as tertiarybutoxide, a hydride, or an alkyl lithium such as n-butyl lithium.
  • the metallation is performed, by reacting the ketone with a base such as dimsyl anion, a hindered amide base such as diisopropylamide, or hexamethyldisilazide, along with the corresponding metal cation, M.
  • a base such as dimsyl anion, a hindered amide base such as diisopropylamide, or hexamethyldisilazide
  • the amino carbonyl chloride or the isocyanate is prepared, for example, by reacting the amine R 13 R 14 NH with phosgene or an equivalent reagent well known to the skilled artisan.
  • the beta keto ester is hydrolyzed while ensuring that the reaction conditions do not lead to decarboxylation.
  • the acid is activated with various acid activating agent well known to the skilled artisan such as carbonyl diimodazole, or O-Benzotriazole- ⁇ , ⁇ , ⁇ ', ⁇ '- tetramethyl-uronium-hexafluoro-phosphate (HBTU) and reacted with the amine.
  • acid activating agent well known to the skilled artisan
  • HBTU O-Benzotriazole- ⁇ , ⁇ , ⁇ ', ⁇ '- tetramethyl-uronium-hexafluoro-phosphate
  • R is a memantine or a riluzole residue.
  • GGA is a known anti-ulcer drug used commercially and in clinical situations. GGA has also been shown to exert cytoprotective effects on a variety of organs, such as the eye, brain, and heart (See for example Ishii Y., et al., Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2003; 44:1982-92; Tanito M, et al., J Neurosci 2005; 25:2396-404; Fujiki M, et al., J Neurotrauma 2006;
  • the concentration of GGA required to exert a cytoprotective effect is an excessive amount of more than 600 mg per kg per day (Katsuno et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2003, 100,2409-2414).
  • the trans-isomer of GGA has been shown to be more efficacious at lower concentrations than a composition containing from 1:2 to 1:3 cis:trans mixture of GGA, and a composition of the cis-isomer of GGA alone. Therefore, the trans- isomer of GGA is useful for exerting cytoprotective effects on cells at a lower concentration than the cis-isomer or the 1:2 to 1:3 mixture of cis and trans isomers.
  • increasing amounts of the cis-isomer was found to antagonize the activity of the trans- isomer, as exemplified below.
  • the isomeric mixture of GGA and/or compositions containing the 5-trans isomer of GGA can be used to inhibit neural death and increase neural activity in a mammal suffering from a neural disease, wherein the etiology of said neural disease comprises formation of protein aggregates which are pathogenic to neurons which method comprises administering to said mammal an amount of GGA which will inhibit neural death and increase neural activity, or impede the progression of the neural disease.
  • this method is not intended to inhibit or reduce the negative effect of a neural disease in which the pathogenic protein aggregates are intranuclear or diseases in which the protein aggregation is related to SBMA.
  • Negative effects of neural diseases that are inhibited or reduced by GGA and the 5- trans isomer of GGA according to this invention include but are not limited to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, prion diseases such as Kuru, Creutzfeltdt- Jakob disease, Fatal familial insomnia, and Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or damage to the spinal cord.
  • GGA and the 5-trans isomer of GGA are also contemplated to prevent neural death during epileptic seizure.
  • certain GGA derivatives provided herein are useful as synthetic intermediates in the synthetsis and/or manufacture of other GGA derivatives.
  • the isolated cis- and trans-compounds described herein are also useful in assays which access a compound having putative cytoprotective effects.
  • the cis-isomer of GGA will behave as baseline or negative control and the trans- isomer as a positive control.
  • the putative compound is tested in the assay described variously herein and its activity correlated against the cis- and trans-isomers.
  • Compounds exhibiting activity similar to or exceeding that of the trans-isomer would be considered to be active compounds.
  • Compounds providing activity similar to the cis-isomer would be considered to be inactive compounds. Accordingly, the cis-isomer finds utility as a negative control in the assay.
  • LAH lithium aluminum hydride
  • GGA geranylgeranyl acetone
  • HPC hydroxypropyl cellulose
  • p-TsOH p-toluenesulfonic acid
  • Ph 3 P Triphenylphosphine
  • LC-MS Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
  • KHMDA potassium hexamethylenediamine
  • TBDMS tert-butyldimethyl silyl
  • Kp Ratio of AUCbra/n to AUC pfasma
  • Vcap 4000
  • the starting materials for the reactions described below are generally known compounds or can be prepared by known procedures or obvious modifications thereof.
  • many of the starting materials are available from commercial suppliers such as Aldrich Chemical Co. (Milwaukee, Wis., USA), Bachem (Torrance, Calif., USA), Emka-Chemce or Sigma (St. Louis, Mo., USA).
  • Others may be prepared by procedures, or obvious modifications thereof, described in standard reference texts such as Fieser and Fieser's Reagents for Organic Synthesis, Volumes 1 15 (John Wiley and Sons, 1991), Rodd's Chemistry of Carbon Compounds, Volumes 1 5 and Supplemental (Elsevier Science
  • the 2E,6E-farnesyl alcohol 3 (where the geometry at C2 and C6 positions is already fixed as trans- or E) was designed and used as a commercially available starting material for the synthesis of 5E,9E,13E-geranylgeranyl acetone 1.
  • the alcohol function of 2E, 6E-farnesyl alcohol 3 was converted to the corresponding bromide 4 by the treatment of phosphorus tribromide (PBr 3 ) in ethyl ether (EE) or with Ph 3 P and CBr 4 in acetonitrile (ACN) at 0°C.
  • the resulting bromide was then reacted with carbanion (derived from the reaction of ethyl acetoacetate 5 and sodium ethoxide) to yield the desired 5E,9E-farnesyl ketoester 6.
  • carbanion derived from the reaction of ethyl acetoacetate 5 and sodium ethoxide
  • the homologated ketoester 6 after hydrolysis and decarboxylation using aqueous 5N KOH yielded the expected 5E,9E-farnesyl acetone 7.
  • a one pot conversion of bromide 4 to the corresponding farnesyl acetone 7 can be possible without isolating intermediate ketoester 6.
  • the resulting 2Z-conjugated ester 12 was converted into the corresponding 2Z- alcohol 13 by means of a lithium aluminum hydride (LAH) treatment.
  • the 2Z-alcohol 13 was transformed into the corresponding 2Z,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl bromide 14 by using phosphorus tribromide (PBr 3 ) treatment in ethyl ether (EE) or with Ph 3 P and CBr 4 acetonitrile (ACN) at 0°C, and then reacted with carbanion (derived from ethyl acetoacetate 5 and sodium ethoxide) at 0°C afforded the desired 2Z,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl ketoester 15, a precursor needed for 5Z,9E,13E-geranylgeranyl acetone 2.
  • Example 3 5Z,9E,13E-Geranylgeranyl Acetone Synthesis [0286] Alternative synthesis of S-cis Isomer: 5Z,9E,13E-Geranylgeranyl acetone 2: The alternative synthesis of 5Z,9E,13E-geranylgeranyl acetone 2 can be achieved as shown in the scheme-3.
  • methylphosponrane bromide 17 under a basic conditions followed by treatment with formaldehyde (monomeric) can afford the 2Z,6E10E-geranylgeranyl alcohol 13 with cis (Z)- orientation at C2 (Ref.: Wiemer et al., Organic Letters, 2005, 7(22), 4803-4806).
  • the conversion of bromide 14 to the ketoester 15 followed by hydrolysis and decarboxylation can afford the desired 5-cis (Z)-isomer; 5Z,9E,13E-geranygeranyl acetone (2).
  • the other synthon namely the ylide 21 can be synthesized from a commercially available starting material, ethyl levulinate 16, a sugar industry by-product.
  • the ketalization of ethyl levulinate 16 using conventional conditions can yield the desired 2-oxo-ketal 17, which then can be reduced using LAH in THF at 0 °C to the corresponding alcohol 18.
  • the alcohol 18 then can be treated with Ph 3 Br in diethyl ether at 0 °C to obtain the bromide 19, which then after treatment with Ph 3 P can yield the phosphonium bromide salt 20.
  • the bromide salt 20 upon treatment with mild alkali (IN NaOH) can furnish the desired ylide 21, required to complete the synthesis of 5Z-GGA 2.
  • mild alkali IN NaOH
  • the reaction of 5E,9E-farnesyl acetone 7 with the ylide 21 in DCM at RT can afford the desired 5Z-oxoketal 22 (Ref.: Ernest et al, Tetrahedron Lett. 1982, 23(2), 167-170).
  • the protected oxo-function from 22 can be removed by means of a mild acid treatment to yield the expected 5Z,9E,13E-GGA 2.
  • the 5E, 9E, 13E-geranyl geranyl acetone (1) can be prepared by reacting 6E-10E- geranyl linalool (23) with diketene (24) catalyzed by DMAP in ethyl ether to give the ester 25.
  • the ester 25 in the Carroll rearrangement using AI(OiPr) 3 at elevated temperature can afford the desired 5E, 9E, 13E-geranyl geranyl acetone (1).
  • the GGA (1) can be prepared by treating geranyl linalool (23) with the Meldrum's acid 26 in the Carroll rearrangement using AI(OiPr) 3 at 160 °C.
  • the conversion of alcohol function of 28 by using Ph 3 P and CBr 4 in acetonitrile can afford the corresponding bromide 29, which then can be used to make a phosphonium bromide salt 30 by treatment with Ph 3 P at elevated temperature.
  • the bromide salt 30 upon treatment with KHMDS in THF can afford the ylide 31, which then can be reacted in-situ with ketone 7 in a key step to establish cis geometry with the newly created double bond at C2 position and obtain the 2Z-TBDMS ether 32 (ref: Still et al, J. Org.
  • esters (2g-k) were prepared as a mixture of trans and cis isomers.
  • Ethoxycarbonyl ethyl- The interaction of alcohol 1 (0.145g, 0.5 mmol) with ethoxycarbonyl ethyl isocyanate (0.197 mL, 0.75 mmol) afforded the carbamate 7m. Yield: 0.093g (43%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 434.3 (M+H).
  • Morpholinyl-2'-ethyl- The reaction of alcohol 1 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with morpholinyl-2- ethyl thioisocyanate (0.063 mL, 0.6 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate 10m.
  • triphenylphosphine (0.196g, 0.75 mmol) and N-methylcyclohexylamine (0.065 mL, 0.5 mmol) in anhydrous THF (1 mL).
  • the reaction was cooled to 0 °C and to it was added DIAD (0.151 g, 0.75 mmol) drop wise and the resulting reaction was stirred at room temperature for overnight ( ⁇ 16h). After quenching it with H 2 0 (5 mL), it was extracted with DCM (2 x 10 mL), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the solvent was removed under a reduced pressure.
  • Cyclohexylmethyl The reaction of alcohol 19 with cyclohexylmethyl isocyanate afforded the expected carbamate 20h. Yield: 0.037g (47%); TLC Rf: 0.40 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 404.60 (M+H).
  • butylcarbamothioate Similar to the preparation of 38a, the reaction of alcohol 1 with pentyl isothiocyanate afforded the desired compound lOe in 60% yield (135 mg) as a viscous oil. Column (EtOAc/ Hexane); TLC Rf: 0.70 (10% EtOAc/ hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 406.1 (M+H).
  • PK parameters were obtained from CNS-101 IV dosing and oral formulation PK studies.
  • PK Parameters were calculated from noncompartmental analysis (NCA) model using WinNonlin software and the linear/log trapezoidal method.
  • NCA noncompartmental analysis
  • Tmax (min) Time to reach Cmax (directly taken from analytical data).
  • Terminal Half-Life (ti/ 2 ) ln(2)/lz. Calculated using Lambda_z method to find best fit. If necessary, the concentration-time points were manually selected for use in the calculation. Bolded-italicized concentrations indicate points used for calculation.
  • Example 8 GGA formulation using 5% Gum Arabic with 0.008% a-tocopherol
  • Table 3 Using 5% Gum Arabic with 0.008% a-tocopherol
  • Rat primary motor neurons were isolated from embryonic spinal cords in accordance with the method of Henderson et al.; J Cohen and G P Wilkin (ed.), Neural Cell Culture, (1995) p69-81 which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Briefly, spinal cords were dissected from day 15 embryo (E15) and incubated in a trypsin solution, and followed by DNase treatment to release spinal cord cells from tissue fragments. The cell suspension was centrifuged to remove tissue fragments. Then motor neurons were enriched by density gradient centrifugation.
  • Motor neurons were cultured in serum-free neurobasal medium containing insulin, forskolin, 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine, neurotrophic factors, Bovine serum albumin, selenium, transferrin, putrescine, progesterone and B27 supplement in tissue culture plate coated with poly-ornithine and laminin.
  • Example 14 5-Trans isomer of GGA (CNS-102) is more efficacious in vitro than the isomer mixture of GGA (CNS-101). Rat primary motor neurons were prepared and cultured as described in Example 13.
  • CNS-102 herein also referred to as 5-trans isomer of GGA
  • CNS-103 herein also referred to as 5-cis isomer of GGA
  • the EC 50 is a measure of the effectiveness of a compound, and corresponds to the concentration at which the drug exhibits half its maximum effect.
  • CNS-103 9.49 nM (8-12 nM)* * values in parenthesis indicate a reasonable range expected for the EC 50
  • Example 15 A large quantity of GGA isomer mixture (CNS-101) inhibited viability of neuroblastoma cells.
  • Example 16 A large quantity of GGA isomer mixture (CNS-101) and cis-isomer (CNS-103) inhibited viability of neuroblastoma cells.
  • Mouse Neuro2A neuroblastoma cells were cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS for 24 hrs. The cells were treated with various concentrations of CNS-101, CNS- 102, and CNS-103 as indicated for 48 hrs. Then differentiation was induced by retinoic acid in DMEM supplemented with 2% FBS. The cell culture was incubated with a Geranylgeranyl Transferase inhibitor, GGTI-298. After 24 hrs incubation, cells with neurites were counted. A large quantity of GGA isomer mixture (CNS-101) and the cis-isomer (CNS-103) can inhibit viability of neuroblastoma cells. These results are depicted in the table below:
  • Example 17 Effects of the GGA isomer mixture (CNS-101) on cells experiencing oxidative stress.
  • Example 18 Effects of the GGA isomer mixture (CNS-101), the trans-isomer (CNS-102) and the cis-isomer (CNS-103), and an inhibitor of a G-protein (GGTI-298), on the viability of cells.
  • Neuro2A cells were cultured with CNS-101, CNS-102, or CNS-103 in the presence or absence of an inhibitor against a G-protein (GGTI-298). After differentiation was induced, cells that extended neurites were counted. These results are depicted in the table below:
  • Example 19 The GGA isomer mixture (CNS-101) activated neurite outgrowth of neuroblastoma cells.
  • Example 20 The GGA isomer mixture (CNS-101) and the trans-isomer (CNS-102) alleviated neurodegeneration induced by Kainic acid.
  • CNS-101 or CNS-102 were orally dosed to Sprague-Dawley rats, and Kainic acid was injected. Seizure behaviors were observed and scored (Ref. RJ. Racine, Modification of seizure activity by electrical stimulation: II. Motor seizure, Electroencephalogr. Clin.

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Abstract

This invention relates to geranylgeranyl acetone (GGA) derivatives and the use of GGA, its isomers, and GGA derivatives in methods for inhibiting neural death, increasing neural activity, increasing axon growth and cell viability, and increasing the survival rate of subjects administered the GGA or GGA derivatives.

Description

GGA AND GGA DERIVATIVES COMPOSITIONS THEREOF AND METHODS FOR TREATING NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES INCLUDING PARALYSIS INCLUDING THEM
Field of the Invention [0001] This invention relates generally to GGA derivatives, methods for inhibiting neural death and increasing neural activity with the compound geranylgeranyl acetone (GGA) or a GGA derivative, and compositions used for these indications. The invention also relates to cis and trans isomers of geranylgeranyl acetone, and mixtures of various GGA isomers and their therapeutic uses. State of the Art
[0002] Geranylgeranyl acetone is an acyclic isoprenoid compound with a retinoid skeleton that has been shown to induce expression of heat shock proteins in various tissue types. GGA is a known anti-ulcer drug used commercially and in clinical situations.
[0003] GGA has also been shown to exert cytoprotective effects on a variety of organs, such as the eye, brain, and heart (See for example Ishii Y., et al., I nvest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2003; 44:1982-92; Tanito M, et al., J Neurosci 2005; 25:2396-404; Fujiki M, et al., J
Neurotrauma 2006; 23:1164-78; Yasuda H, et al., Brain Res 2005; 1032:176-82; Ooie T, et al., Circulation 2001; 104:1837-43; and Suzuki S, et al., Kidney I nt 2005; 67:2210-20). The effects and cytoprotective benefits of GGA in these settings is less understood as is the relationship of isomers of GGA to these cytoprotective benefits. Of particular interest, is the effect of GGA on extranuclear neurodegeneration both on an intracellular or extracellular basis.
[0004] Neurodegeneration is often the result of increased age, sporadic mutations, disease, and/or protein aggregation in neural cells. Neurodegenerative diseases are often characterized by a progressive neurodegeneration of tissues of the nervous system and a loss of functionality of the neurons themselves. One commonality seen in most
neurodegenerative diseases is the accumulation of protein aggregates intracellularly or in the extracellular space between neurons. [0005] Protein aggregation is facilitated by partial unfolding or denaturation of cellular proteins. This may be due to mutations in the sequence of the DNA, transcriptional misincorporation, modifications to the RNA, and modifications or oxidative stress to the protein. There is an increasing amount of evidence to suggest that protein aggregates contribute to disease progression. In one study, aggregates of two non-disease proteins were formed in vitro and added to the medium of cultured cells. Addition of granular- structured, protein aggregates significantly reduced the cell viability of both the fibroblastic cell line (NIH-3T3) and neural cell line (PC12). However, addition of more organized fibrillar protein aggregates did not compromise the cell viability. (Bucciantini et al. (2002) Nature 14:507-510.)
[0006] Protein aggregates can be extracellular (i.e. in the space between neural cells), intracellular such as intranuclear (i.e. in the nucleus of the cell), or in the cytoplasm.
Extracellular and/or cytoplasm protein aggregates are a pathological characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). AD is a progressive brain disease that destroys memory and cognitive function. AD has been linked to the
aggregation of the β-amyloid peptide. The β-amyloid peptide is derived from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) that has been processed by two aspartyl proteases called β and γ secretases. Similar to AD, ALS is also a progressive neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by loss of functionality of motor neurons. The progressive degeneration of motor neurons results in loss of ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement. ALS is a devastating disease, in which the last stage is complete paralysis. The complete molecular mechanism of disease progression in ALS is not yet clear, but mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Sod) gene, Sodl, have been linked to the degeneration of motor neurons. The disease symptoms of ALS and AD may differ, but the presence of cytotoxic aggregate proteins in both diseases suggests a common mechanism in
pathogenicity. (Ross & Poirier. (2004) Nat Med. ppS10-S17; Irvine et al. (2008) Mol Med. 14(7-8):451-464; Wang et al. (2008) PLoS One Vol. 6, Issue 7, ppl508-1526. Iguchi et al. (2009) J. Bio Chem. Vol. 284 no. 33 pp. 22059-22066; Bruijn (1998) Science Vol. 281: 1851- 1854.) [0007] Recently, it was also found that depletion of the TDP-43 protein (TAR DNA binding protein or TARDBP) in Neuro-2a cells causes protein aggregation similar to what is observed in ALS. In fact, point mutations in TARDBP have been linked to familial and sporadic ALS. TDP-43 depletion by TARDBP siRNA in Neuro-2a cells also causes inhibition of the biological activity of the Rho family of small G proteins. Therefore, TDP-43 and Rho family proteins negatively affect protein aggregate formation in neural cells. The Rho family proteins are responsible for regulating cell movement, cell survival, cell growth, transcription, and motility of cells (Iguchi et al. (2009) J. Bio Chem. Vol. 284 no. 33 pp. 22059-22066).
Therapies that prevent reduction in the amount and/or activity of TDP-43 or Rho family proteins may have a neuroprotective effect on cells.
[0008] There is a need for more effective therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as AD and ALS. Research suggests that therapies targeting cellular mechanisms that control protein aggregation are likely to reduce the loss of functionality and viability of neurons in these diseases, thus, alleviating the symptoms. Therapies that enhance a small G protein activity may also be useful in inhibiting neural death and increasing neural activity in ALS. This application relates to the use of geranylgeranyl acetone (GGA) to inhibit or alter the formation of protein aggregates and modulate the activity of small G proteins in neural cells.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In various aspects, provied herein are GGA derivatives, such as those of Formulas (I) -(V) and sub-formulas thereof, compositions, preferably pharmaceutical formulations, thereof, processes of their syntheses, and their use in improving neural disorders or reducing the negative effects of neural disorders.
[0010] This invention also arises, in part, out of the surprising result that low doses of 5- tra ns GGA were efficacious in vivo. This invention also arises, in part, out of the discovery that 5-trans GGA was substantially and suitably distributed to the brain when administered in vivo. [0011] In one aspect, this invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of 5E, 9E, 13E geranylgeranyl acetone or a GGA derivative, and optionally at least one pharmaceutical excipient, wherein the effective amount is from about 1 mg/kg/day to about 12 mg/kg/day. I n another embodiment the effective amount is from about 1 mg/kg/day to about 5 mg/kg/day or from about 6 mg/kg/day to about 12 mg/kg/day. Preferably, the effective amount is about 3 mg/kg/day, about 6 mg/kg/day, or about 12 mg/kg/day.
[0012] In another aspect, this invention provides a method for modulating the expression of a heat shock protein or mRNA in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a compound or a composition provided and/or utilized herein. In one embodiment, this invention provides a method for increasing the expression of a heat shock protein or mRNA in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a compound or a composition provided and/or utilized herein. In another embodiment, this invention provides a method for decreasing the expression of a heat shock protein or mRNA in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a compound or a composition provided and/or utilized herein. In another aspect, this invention provides a method for increasing the expression of a heat shock protein or mRNA in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound or a composition provided and/or utilized herein. In one embodiment, the heat shock protein is selected from the group consisting of HSP60, HSP70, HSP90 or HSP27. In another embodiment, the heat shock protein is HSP70. In another embodiment, the mRNA of HSP70 is increased by at least 4%. In another embodiment, the mRNA of HSP70 is increased by at least 15%. In another embodiment, the HSP or prererably the HSP 70 is upregulated in the brain, the spinal chord, or the eyeball.
[0013] In another aspect, this invention provides a method for modulating the prenylation of G-protein a cell comprising contacting the cell with a compound or a composition provided and/or utilized herein. This aspect comprises contacting a cell with a compound or a composition provided and/or utilized herein and determining the occurance of an increase or an inhibition of prenylation of G-protein a cell. In one embodiment, this invention provides a method for increasing the the prenylation of G-protein a cell comprising contacting the cell with a compound or a composition provided and/or utilized herein. In another embodiment, this invention provides a method for decreasing the the prenylation of G-protein a cell comprising contacting the cell with a compound or a composition provided and/or utilized herein.
[0014] In another aspect, this invention provides a method for assaying a compound suitable for any of the methods disclosed herein. [0015] In certain aspects, this invention relates to pharmaceutical uses of geranylgeranyl acetone (GGA) and GGA derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions of isomers of
geranylgeranyl acetone, preferably synthetic geranylgeranyl acetone, and GGA derivatives, and methods of using such compounds and pharmaceutical compositions. In certain aspects, this invention relates to a 5-trans isomer compound of formula VI :
Figure imgf000006_0001
wherein VI is at least 80% in the 5E, 9E, 13E configuration. In one embodiment, this invention provides a compound, which is synthetic 5E, 9E, 13E geranylgeranyl acetone. In another embodiment, the synthetic 5E, 9E, 13E geranylgeranyl acetone is free of 5Z, 9E, 13E geranylgeranyl acetone. In another aspect, this invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising synthetic GGA or synthetic 5E, 9E, 13E GGA, and at least one pharmaceutical excipient.
[0016] Another aspect of this invention relates to a synthetic 5-cis isomer compound of formula VII :
Figure imgf000006_0002
wherein VII is at least 80% in the 5Z, 9E, 13E configuration, or a ketal thereof of formula XII:
Figure imgf000006_0003
XVII wherein each R70 independently is Ci-C6 alkyl, or two R70 groups together with the oxygen atoms they are attached to form a 5 or 6 membered ring, which ring is optionally substituted with 1-3, preferably 1-2, Ci-C6 alkyl groups. Preferably, the two R70 groups are the same. In one embodiment, R70 is, methyl, ethyl, or propyl. In another embodiment, the cyclic ring is:
Figure imgf000007_0001
[0017] In another aspect, this invention provides a composition for increasing the expression and/or release of one or more neurotransmitters from a neuron at risk of developing pathogenic protein aggregates associated with AD or ALS, said composition comprising a protein aggregate inhibiting amount of GGA, a GGA derivative, or an isomer or a mixture of isomers thereof.
[0018] In another aspect, this invention provides a composition for increasing the expression and/or release of one or more neurotransmitters from a neuron at risk of developing extracellular pathogenic protein aggregates, said composition comprising an extracellular protein aggregate inhibiting amount of GGA, a GGA derivative, or an isomer or a mixture of isomers thereof.
[0019] In another of its method aspects, there is provided a method for increasing the axon growth of neurons by contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative. [0020] In another aspect, this invention relates to a method for inhibiting or reducing the cell death of neurons susceptible to neuronal cell death, which method comprises contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative.
[0021] In yet another of its method aspects, there is provided a method for increasing the neurite growth of neurons by contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA a GGA derivative.
[0022] Other aspects of this invention relate to methods for neurostimulation by contacting neurons with an effecting amount of GGA or a GGA derivative. In one embodiment neurostimulation consists of increasing the expression and/or release of one or more neurotransmitters from a neuron. In another embodiment the neurostimulation consists of enhancing synapse formation of a neuron, or, alternatively, enhancing electrical excitability. In yet another embodiment, the neurostimulation includes modulating the activity of G proteins in neurons. In a related embodiment, the activation of G proteins is enhanced by GGA or a GGA derivative. [0023] In another embodiment, this invention provides methods for neuroprotection of neurons at risk of neural damage or death by contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA. In one particular embodiment, neurons at risk of neural toxicity or death include those affected by, or those in the pathogenesis of, Alzheimer's Disease or ALS. In each case, neuroprotection is affected by contacting the neurons at risk of neural damage or death with an effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative.
[0024] Yet another aspect of this invention relates to neuroprotective methods such as methods for protecting neurons at risk of neurotoxicity wherein the method comprises contacting cells comprising the neurons at risk of neurotoxicity with an effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative. Without being limited to a particular theory, it is contemplated that GGA may be antagonistic to the neurotoxicity of the β-amyloid peptide or oligomers or polymers thereof.
[0025] Yet another neuroprotective aspect is a method for protecting neurons from neurodegeneration arising from ALS. [0026] In another aspect, this invention relates to a method for inhibiting the death of neurons due to formation of or further formation of pathogenic protein aggregates either between, outside or inside neurons, wherein said method comprises contacting said neurons at risk of developing said pathogenic protein aggregates with a protein aggregate inhibiting amount of GGA or a GGA derivative provided that said pathogenic protein aggregates are not related to SBMA.
[0027] In yet another aspect, this invention relates to a method for inhibiting neural death and increasing neural activity in a mammal suffering from a neural disease, wherein the etiology of said neural disease comprises formation of protein aggregates which are pathogenic to neurons which method comprises administering to said mammal an amount of GGA or a GGA derivative which will inhibit further pathogenic protein aggregation provided that said pathogenic protein aggregation is not intranuclear.
[0028] Another aspect of this invention relates to a method for inhibiting neural death and increasing neural activity in a mammal suffering from a neural disease, wherein the etiology of said neural disease comprises formation of protein aggregates which are pathogenic to neurons which method comprises administering to said mammal an amount of GGA or a GGA derivative which will inhibit further pathogenic protein aggregation provided that said pathogenic protein aggregation is not related to SBMA.
[0029] Yet another aspect of this invention relates to methods for prolonging the survival of a subject with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), including administering a
therapeutically effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative. Another aspect of this invention relates to methods for reducing mortality of a subject with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative. In some embodiments of the foregoing aspects, the GGA is a 5-trans isomer of GGA or a GGA derivative. [0030] In one embodiment, the treatment of the neuron or the neural disease improves ambulatoty competence, motor performance, or partial paralysis of one or more limbs in a mammal. As used herein, partial paralysis refers to minimal or partial limb movement.
[0031] In another aspect, provided herein is a method of increasing ambulatory competence in a mammal exhibiting deficient ambulatory competence, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative to the mammal in need thereof. As used herein, deficient ambulatory competence refers to a deficiency that is due at least in part to neural deficiency arising from a neural disease or injury. That is to say that deficient ambulatory competence is different from complete ambulatory competence or incompetence due to a broken leg, etc. [0032] In another aspect, provided herein is a method of increasing motor performance in a mammal exhibiting deficient motor performance, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative to the mammal in need thereof. As used herein, increasing motor performance refers to an increase in arm, leg and hand movement, where the decreased motor performance requiring improvement will be due at least in part to neural deficiency arising from disease or injury.
[0033] In another aspect, provided herein is a method of reducing the progressive degeneration of motor function, or improving motor function in a mammal in need thereof, comprising administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative, wherein the progressive degeneration of motor function or a worsening motor function requiring improvement is caused at least in part by oxidative neuronal damage.
[0034] In one embodiment, the GGA used according to this invention is 5-trans GGA or substantially pure 5-trans GGA which is optionally free of cis GGA or is essentially free of cis
GGA.
[0035] In other embodiments the effective amount of GGA is from about 1 mg/kg/day to about 12 mg/kg/day, or from about 1 mg/kg/day to about 5 mg/kg/day, or from about 6 mg/kg/day to about 12 mg/kg/day, or preferably, about 3 mg/kg/day, about 6 mg/kg/day, or about 12 mg/kg/day.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1 shows the time course of body weights of test animals. [0037] FIG. 2 shows imputed clinical scores of in vivo tests. [0038] FIG. 3 shows imputed neuroscores of in vivo tests.
[0039] FIG. 4A illustrates the protection of cells by CNS-102 and CNS-101 in the presence of GGTI.
[0040] FIG. 4B illustrates the protection of cells by CNS-102 and CNS-103 in the presence of GGTI .
[0041] FIG. 4C illustrates neurite outgrowth ratio for CNS-102/CNS-101 versus Logio concentration. [0042] FIG. 5 illustrates concentration dependence of neuroprotection by CNS-102.
[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates survival plot for drug treatment groups in SOD1 mice.
[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates comparative neurological motor function outcomes of SOD1 mice.
[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates localized expression of HSP 70 at site of kainic acid induced neurodegeneration induced by CNS-102 (arrows). DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments described. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.
[0047] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "an excipient" includes a plurality of excipients.
1. Definitions
[0048] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. As used herein the following terms have the following meanings. [0049] As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is intended to mean that the compositions and methods include the recited elements, but not excluding others.
"Consisting essentially of" when used to define compositions and methods, shall mean excluding other elements of any essential significance to the combination for the stated purpose. Thus, a composition consisting essentially of the elements as defined herein would not exclude other materials or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. "Consisting of" shall mean excluding more than trace elements of other ingredients and substantial method steps. Embodiments defined by each of these transition terms are within the scope of this invention.
[0050] The term "neuroprotective" refers to reduced toxicity of neurons as measured in vitro in assays where neurons susceptible to degradation are protected against degradation as compared to control. Neuroprotective effects may also be evaluated in vivo by counting neurons in histology sections.
[0051] The term "neuron" or "neurons" refers to all electrically excitable cells that make up the central and peripheral nervous system. The neurons may be cells within the body of an animal or cells cultured outside the body of an animal. The term "neuron" or "neurons" also refers to established or primary tissue culture cell lines that are derived from neural cells from a mammal or tissue culture cell lines that are made to differentiate into neurons. "Neuron" or "neurons" also refers to any of the above types of cells that have also been modified to express a particular protein either extrachromosomally or intrachromosomally. "Neuron" or "neurons" also refers to transformed neurons such as neuroblastoma cells and support cells within the brain such as glia.
[0052] The term "protein aggregates" refers to a collection of proteins that may be partially or entirely mis-folded. The protein aggregates may be soluble or insoluble and may be inside the cell or outside the cell in the space between cells. Protein aggregates inside the cell can be intranuclear in which they are inside the nucleus or cytoplasm in which they are in the space outside of the nucleus but still within the cell membrane. The protein aggregates described in this invention are granular protein aggregates.
[0053] As used herein, the term "protein aggregate inhibiting amount" refers to an amount of GGA that inhibits the formation of protein aggregates at least partially or entirely. Unless specified, the inhibition could be directed to protein aggregates inside the cell or outside the cell.
[0054] As used herein, the term "intranuclear" or "intranuclearly" refers to the space inside the nuclear compartment of an animal cell. [0055] The term "cytoplasm" refers to the space outside of the nucleus but within the outer cell wall of an animal cell.
[0056] As used herein, the term "pathogenic protein aggregate" refers to protein aggregates that are associated with disease conditions. These disease conditions include but are not limited to the death of a cell or the partial or complete loss of the neuronal signaling among two or more cells. Pathogenic protein aggregates can be located inside of a cell, for example, pathogenic intracellular protein aggregates or outside of a cell, for example, pathogenic extracellular protein aggregates.
[0057] As used herein, the term "SBMA" refers to the disease spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy. Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy is a disease caused by pathogenic androgen receptor protein accumulation intranuclearly.
[0058] As used herein, the term "ALS" refers to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease.
[0059] As used herein, the term "AD" refers to Alzheimer's disease.
[0060] The term "neurotransmitter" refers to chemicals which transmit signals from a neuron to a target cell. Examples of neurotransmitters include but are not limited to: amino acids such as glutamate, aspartate, serine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and glycine; monoamines such as dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, histamine, serotonin, and melatonin; and other molecules such as acetycholine, adenosine, anadamide, and nitric oxide.
[0061] The term "synapse" refers to junctions between neurons. These junctions allow for the passage of chemical signals from one cell to another.
[0062] The term "G protein" refers to a family of proteins involved in transmitting chemical signals outside the cell and causing changes inside of the cell. The Rho family of G proteins is small G protein, which are involved in regulating actin cytoskeletal dynamics, cell movement, motility, transcription, cell survival, and cell growth. RHOA, RAC1, and CDC42 are the most studied proteins of the Rho family. Active G proteins are localized to the cellular membrane where they exert their maximal biological effectiveness.
[0063] As used herein, the term "treatment" or "treating" means any treatment of a disease or condition in a patient, including one or more of:
• preventing or protecting against the disease or condition, that is, causing the clinical symptoms not to develop, for example, in a subject at risk of suffering from such a disease or condition, thereby substantially averting onset of the disease or condition;
• inhibiting the disease or condition, that is, arresting or suppressing the development of clinical symptoms; and/or
• relieving the disease or condition that is, causing the regression of clinical symptoms. [0064] The term "axon" refers to projections of neurons that conduct signals to other cells through synapses. The term "axon growth" refers to the extension of the axon projection via the growth cone at the tip of the axon.
[0065] The term "neural disease" refers to diseases that compromise the cell viability of neurons. Neural diseases in which the etiology of said neural disease comprises formation of protein aggregates which are pathogenic to neurons provided that the protein aggregates are not related to the disease SBMA and are not intranuclear, include but are not limited to ALS, AD, Parkinson's Disease, multiple sclerosis, and prion diseases such as Kuru,
Creutzfeltdt-Jakob disease, Fatal familial insomnia, and Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome. These neural diseases are also different from SBMA in that they do not contain polyglutamine repeats. Neural diseases can be recapitulated in vitro in tissue culture cells. For example, AD can be modeled in vitro by adding pre-aggregated β-amyloid peptide to the cells. ALS can be modeled by depleting an ALS disease-related protein, TDP-43. Neural disease can also be modeled in vitro by creating protein aggregates through providing toxic stress to the cell. One way this can be achieved is by mixing dopamine with neurons such as neuroblastoma cells. These neural diseases can also be recapitulated in vivo in mouse models. A transgenic mouse that expresses a mutant Sodl protein has similar pathology to humans with ALS. Similarly, a transgenic mouse that overexpresses APP has similar pathology to humans with AD. [0066] An effective amount of GGA is the amount of GGA required to produce a protective effect in vitro or in vivo. In some embodiments the effective amount in vitro is about from 0.1 nM to about 1 mM. In some embodiments the effective amount in vitro is from about 0.1 nM to about 0.5 nM or from about 0.5 nM to about 1.0 nM or from about 1.0 nM to about 5.0 nM or from about 5.0 nM to about 10 nM or from about 10 nM to about 50 nM or from about 50 nM to about 100 nM or from about 100 nM to about 500 nM or from about 500 nM to about 1 mM. In some embodiments, the effective amount for an effect in vivo is about 0.1 mg to about 100 mg, or preferably, from about 1 mg to about 50 mg, or more preferably, from about 1 mg to about 25 mg per kg/day. In some other embodiments, the effective amount in vivo is from about 10 mg/kg/day to about 100 mg/kg/day, about 20 mg/kg/day to about 90 mg/kg/day, about 30 mg/kg/day to about 80 mg/kg/day, about 40 mg/kg/day to about 70 mg/kg/day, or about 50 mg/kg/day to about 60 mg/kg/day. . In some embodiments, the effective amount in vivo is from about 1 mg/kg/day to about 5 mg/kg/day, In some embodiments, the effective amount in vivo is from about 6 mg/kg/day to about 12 mg/kg/day, In one embodiment, the effective amount in vivo is about 3 mg/kg/day. In another embodiment, the effective amount in vivo is about 6 mg/kg/day. In another embodiment, the effective amount in vivo is about 12 mg/kg/day. In still some other embodiments, the effective amount in vivo is from about 100 mg/kg/day to about 1000 mg/kg/day.
[0067] Routes of administration refers to the method for administering GGA to a mammal. Administration can be achieved by a variety of methods. These include but are not limited to subcutaneous, intravenous, transdermal, sublingual, or intraperitoneal injection or oral administration.
[0068] The term "about" when used before a numerical designation, e.g., temperature, time, amount, and concentration, including range, indicates approximations which may vary by ( + ) or ( - ) 10 %, 5 %, or 1 %.
[0069] The term "halogenating" is defined as converting a hydroxy group to a halo group. The term "halo" or "halo group" refers to fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo.
[0070] The term "stereoselective^" is defined as providing over 90% of the E isomer for the newly formed double bond. [0071] "Geometrical isomer"" or "geometrical isomers" refer to compounds that differ in the geometry of one or more olefinic centers. "E" or "(E)" refers to the trans orientation and "Z" or "(Z)" refers to the cis orientation.
[0072] Geranylgeranyl acetone (GGA) refers to a compound of the formula :
Figure imgf000015_0001
wherein compositions comprising the compound are mixtures of geometrical isomers of the com pound.
[0073] The 5-trans isomer of eranylgeranyl acetone refers to a compound of the formula
Figure imgf000015_0002
wherein the number 5 carbon atom is in the 5-trans (5E) configuration.
[0074] The 5-cis isomer of geranylgeranyl acetone refers to a compound of the formula
Figure imgf000015_0003
wherein the number 5 carbon atom is in the 5-cis (5Z) configuration.
[0075] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations. Each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
[0076] As used herein, Cm-Cn, such as Ci-Ci0, Ci-C6, or Ci-C4 when used before a group refers to that group containing m to n carbon atoms.
[0077] The term "about" when used before a numerical designation, e.g., temperature, time, amount, and concentration, including range, indicates approximations which may vary by ( + ) or ( - ) 10 %, 5 % or 1 %.
[0078] The term "alkoxy" refers to -O-alkyl. [0079] The term "alkyl" refers to monovalent saturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl groups having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms (i.e., Ci-Ci0 alkyl) or 1 to 6 carbon atoms (i.e., Ci-C6 alkyl), or 1 to 4 carbon atoms. This term includes, by way of example, linear and branched hydrocarbyl groups such as methyl (CH3-), ethyl (CH3CH2-), n-propyl (CH3CH2CH2-), isopropyl ((CH3)2CH-), n-butyl (CH3CH2CH2CH2-), isobutyl ((CH3)2CHCH2-), sec-butyl ((CH3)(CH3CH2)CH-), i-butyl ((CH3)3C-), n-pentyl (CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2-), and neopentyl ((CH3)3CCH2-). In some embodiments, the term "alkyl" refers to substituted or unsubstituted, straight chain or branched alkyl groups with Ci-Ci2, Ci-C6 and preferably C C4 carbon atoms.
[0080] The term "aryl" refers to a monovalent, aromatic mono- or bicyclic ring having 6-10 ring carbon atoms. Examples of aryl include phenyl and naphthyl. The condensed ring may or may not be aromatic provided that the point of attachment is at an aromatic carbon atom. For example, and without limitation, the following is an aryl group:
Figure imgf000016_0001
[0081] In some embodiments, the term "aryl" refers to a 6 to 10 membered, preferably 6 membered aryl group. An aryl group may be substituted with 1-5, preferably 1-3, halo, alkyl, and/or -O-alkyl groups.
[0082] The term "-C02H ester" refers to an ester formed between the -C02H group and an alcohol, preferably an aliphatic alcohol. A preferred example included -C02RE, wherein RE is alkyl or aryl group optionally substituted with an amino group.
[0083] "Co-crystal," or as sometimes referred to herein "co-precipitate" refers to a solid, preferably a crystalline solid, comprising GGA or a GGA derivative, and urea or thiourea, more preferably, where, the GGA or the GGA derivative reside within the urea or thiourea lattice, such as in channels formed by urea or thiourea.
[0084] "Complexed" refers to GGA or a GGA derivative bound by certain quantifiable intermolecular forces, non-limiting examples of which include hydrogen bonding and Van- Der Waals' interactions, and also by entropic effects.
[0085] The term "chiral moiety" refers to a moiety that is chiral. Such a moiety can possess one or more asymmetric centers. Preferably, the chiral moiety is enantiomerically enriched, and more preferably a single enantiomer. Non limiting examples of chiral moieties include chiral carboxylic acids, chiral amines, chiral amino acids, such as the naturally occurring amino acids, chiral alcohols including chiral steroids, and the likes.
[0086] The term "cycloalkyl" refers to a monovalent, preferably saturated, hydrocarbyl mono-, bi-, or tricyclic ring having 3-12 ring carbon atoms. While cycloalkyl, refers preferably to saturated hydrocarbyl rings, as used herein, it also includes rings containing 1- 2 carbon-carbon double bonds. Nonlimiting examples of cycloalkyl include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, adamentyl, and the like. The condensed rings may or may not be non-aromatic hydrocarbyl rings provided that the point of attachment is at a cycloalkyl carbon atom. For example, and without limitation, the following is a cycloalkyl group:
Figure imgf000017_0001
[0087] The term "halo" refers to F, CI, Br, and/or I. [0088] The term "heteroaryl" refers to a monovalent, aromatic mono-, bi-, or tricyclic ring having 2-14 ring carbon atoms and 1-6 ring heteroatoms selected preferably from N, 0, S, and P and oxidized forms of N, S, and P, provided that the ring contains at least 5 ring atoms. Nonlimiting examples of heteroaryl include furan, imidazole, oxadiazole, oxazole, pyridine,
[0089] quinoline, and the like. The condensed rings may or may not be a heteroatom containing aromatic ring provided that the point of attachment is a heteroaryl atom. For example, and without limitation, the following is a heteroaryl group:
Figure imgf000018_0001
[0090] The term "heterocyclyl" or heterocycle refers to a non-aromatic, mono-, bi-, or tricyclic ring containing 2-10 ring carbon atoms and 1-6 ring heteroatoms selected preferably from N, O, S, and P and oxidized forms of N, S, and P, provided that the ring contains at least 3 ring atoms. While heterocyclyl preferably refers to saturated ring systems, it also includes ring systems containing 1-3 double bonds, provided that they ring is non-aromatic. Nonlimiting examples of heterocyclyl include, azalactones, oxazoline, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, and tetrahydropyranyl. The condensed rings may or may not contain a non-aromatic heteroatom containing ring provided that the point of attachment is a heterocyclyl group. For example, and without limitation, the following is a heterocyclyl group:
Figure imgf000018_0002
[0091] The term "hydrolyzing" refers to breaking an RH-0-CO-, RH-0-CS-, or an RH-0-S02- moiety to an RH-OH, preferably by adding water across the broken bond. A hydrolyzing is performed using various methods well known to the skilled artisan, non limiting examples of which include acidic and basic hydrolysis.
[0092] The term "oxo" refers to a C=0 group, and to a substitution of 2 geminal hydrogen atoms with a C=0 group. [0093] The term "pharmaceutically acceptable" refers to safe and non-toxic for in vivo, preferably, human administration.
[0094] The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salt" refers to a salt that is
pharmaceutically acceptable. [0095] The term "salt" refers to an ionic compound formed between an acid and a base. When the compound provided herein contains an acidic functionality, such salts include, without limitation, alkai metal, alkaline earth metal, and ammonium salts. As used herein, ammonium salts include, salts containing protonated nitrogen bases and alkylated nitrogen bases. Exemplary, and non-limiting cations useful in pharmaceutically acceptable salts include Na, K, Rb, Cs, NH4, Ca, Ba, imidazolium, and ammonium cations based on naturally occurring amino acids. When the compounds provided and/or utilized herein contain basic functinaly, such salts include, without limitation, salts of organic acids, such as caroboxylic acids and sulfonic acids, and mineral acids, such as hydrogen halides, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and the likes. Exemplary and non-limiting anions useful in
pharmaceutically acceptable salts include oxalate, maleate, acetate, propionate, succinate, tartrate, chloride, sulfate, bisalfate, mono-, di-, and tribasic phosphate, mesylate, tosylate, and the likes.
The term "substantially pure trans isomer" refers to a trans isomer that is by molar amount 95%, preferably 96%, more preferably 99%, and still more preferably 99.5% or more a trans isomer with the rest being the corresponding cis isomer.
[0096] "Trans" in the context of GGA and GGA derivatives refer to the GGA scaffold as illustrated below:
Figure imgf000019_0001
wherein R1-R5 is defined herein and q is 0-2. As shown, each double bond is in a trans or E configuration. In contrast, a cis form of GGA or a GGA derivative will contain one or more of these bonds in a cis or Z configuration. 2. Compounds GGA
[0097] This invention relates to compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of isomers of geranylgeranyl acetone. In certain aspects, this invention relates to a synthetic 5-trans isomer compound of formula VI:
Figure imgf000020_0001
wherein VI is at least 80% in the 5E, 9E, 13E configuration. In some embodiments, the invention provides for a compound of formula VI wherein VI is at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99%, or at least 99.5%, or at least 99.9% in the 5E, 9E, 13E configuration. In some embodiments the invention for the compound of formula VI does not contain any of the cis-isomer of GGA.
[0098] Another aspect of this invention relates to a synthetic 5-cis isomer compound of formula VII :
Figure imgf000020_0002
VII wherein VII is at least 75% in the 5Z, 9E, 13E configuration. In certain embodiments, the invention provides for a compound of formula VII wherein VII is at least 80% in the 5E, 9E, 13E configuration, or alternatively, at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%, or at least 96%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99%, or at least 99.5%, or at least 99.9% in the 5E, 9E, 13E configuration. In some embodiments of the invention, the compound of formula VII does not contain any of the trans-isomer of GGA.
[0099] The configuration of compounds can be determined by methods known to those skilled in the art such as chiroptical spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. [0100] The data contained in the examples herewith demonstrate at low concentrations the trans-isomer of GGA is pharmacologically active and shows a dose-dependent relationship. In contrast, the cis-isomer of GGA does not demonstrate a dose dependent relationship and is deemed to be at best of minimal activity. GGA derivatives
[0101] GGA derivatives useful in this invention include those described in PCT publication no. WO 2012/031028 and PCT application no. PCT/US2012/027147, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. These and other GGA derivatives provided and/or utilized herein are structurally shown below. [0102] In one aspect, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized herein is of Formula I :
Figure imgf000021_0001
or a tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n1 is 1 or 2; each R1 and R2 are independently Ci-C6 alkyl, or R1 and R2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a C5-C7 cycloalkyi ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups; each of R3, R4, and R5 independently are hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl; Q1 is -(C=0)-, -(C=S)-, or -S(02)-; 02 is hydrogen, R6, -O-R6, -N R7R8, or is a chiral moiety; R6 is:
Ci-C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with -C02H or an ester thereof, Ci-C6 alkoxy, oxo, -OH, -CR=CR2, -C≡CR, C3-C10 cycloalkyi, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C6-Ci0 aryl, C2-Ci0 heteroaryl, wherein each R independently is hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl; CO- Ci-C6 alkyl;
C3-C10 cycloalkyi; C3-C8 heterocyclyl; Ce-Cio aryl; or C2-Cio heteroaryl; wherein each cycloalkyi, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups; -CF3, 1-3 halo, preferably, chloro or fluoro, groups; 1-3 nitro groups; 1-3 Ci-C6 alkoxy groups; -CO-phenyl; or -NR18R19, each R18 and R19 independently is hydrogen; Ci-C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with -C02H or an ester thereof, C C6 alkoxy, oxo, -CR=CR2, -CCR, C3-Cio preferably C3-C8 cycloalkyi, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C6-Ci0 aryl, or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl, wherein each R independently is hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl; C3-C10 cycloalkyi; C3-C8 heterocyclyl; C6-Ci0 aryl; or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl; wherein each cycloalkyi, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups, optionally substituted with 1-3 halo, preferably, fluoro, groups, where R18 and R19 together with the nitrogen atom they are attached to form a 5-7 membered heterocycle; each R7 and R8 are independently hydrogen or defined as R6; and
^ refers to a mixture of cis and trans isomers at the corresponding position wherein at least 80% and, preferably, no more than 95% of the compound of Formula (I) is present as a trans isomer.
[0103] In one embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of Formula (l-A):
Figure imgf000022_0001
(l-A) as a substantially pure trans isomer around the 2,3 double bond wherein, n1,R1-R5, Q1, and Q2 are defined as in Formula (I) above.
[0104] In another embodiment, n1 is 1. In another embodiment, n1 is 2. [0105] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of Formula (l-B):
Figure imgf000023_0001
(l-B) as a substantially pure trans isomer around the 2,3 double bond wherein, R1-R5, Q1, and Q2 are defined as in Formula (I) above.
[0106] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of Formula l-C:
Figure imgf000023_0002
wherein Q1 and Q2 are defined as in Formula (I) above.
[0107] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of Formula (I-D I-E), or (l-F):
Figure imgf000023_0003
(l-E) (l-F) wherein R6-R8 are defined as in Formula (I) above.
[0108] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of Formula (l-G), (l-H), or (l-l):
Figure imgf000023_0004
Figure imgf000024_0001
as a substantially pure trans isomer around the 2,3 double bond wherein R6-R8 are defined as in Formula (I) above.
[0109] In a preferred embodiment, R6 is C6-Ci0 aryl, such as naphthyl. In another preferred embodiment, R6 is a heteroaryl, such as quinolinyl.
[0110] In another aspect, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized in this invention is of Formula (II):
Figure imgf000024_0002
(N)
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein m is 0 or 1; n is O, 1, or 2; each R1 and R2 are independently Ci-C6 alkyl, or R1 and R2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a C5-C7 cycloalkyi ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups; each of R3, R4, and R5 independently are hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl; Q3 is -OH, -NR22R23 -X-CO-NR24R25, -X-CS-NR24R25, or -X-S02-NR24R25; X is -0-, -S-, -NR26-, or -CR27R28; each R22 and R23 independently is hydrogen; C C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with Ci-C6 alkoxy; and C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi; each R24 and R25 independently is hydrogen, C C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with -C02H or an ester thereof, Ci-C6 alkoxy, oxo, -OH, -CR=CR2, -OCR, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C6-Ci0 aryl, C2-Ci0 heteroaryl, wherein each R independently is hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl;
C3-C10 cycloalkyi; C3-C8 heterocyclyl;
C6-Ci0 aryl; or
C2-Cio heteroaryl; wherein each cycloalkyi, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroa ryl is optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups; -CF3, 1-3 halo, preferably, chloro or fluoro, groups; 1-3 nitro groups; 1-3 Ci-C6 alkoxy groups; -CO-phenyl; or -N R18R19; each R18 and R19 independently is hydrogen; C C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with -C02H or an ester thereof, Ci-C6 alkoxy, oxo, -CR=CR2, -CCR, C3-Ci0 preferably C3-C8 cycloalkyi, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C6-Ci0 aryl, or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl, wherein each R independently is hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl; C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi; C3-C8 heterocyclyl; C6-Ci0 aryl; or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl; wherein each cycloalkyi, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups, optionally substituted with 1-3 halo, preferably, fluoro, groups, where R18 and R19 together with the nitrogen atom they are attached to form a 5-7 membered heterocycle;
R26 is hydrogen or together with R24 or R25 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups; and each R27 and R28 independently are hydrogen, C C6 alkyl, -COR81 or -C02R81, or R27 together with R24 or R25 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered heterocyclyl ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups.
[0111] As used herein, the compound of Formula (II) includes optical isomers such as enantiomers and diastereomers. As also used herein, an ester refers preferably to a phenyl or a C C6 alkyl ester, which phenyl or alkyl group is optionally substituted with a amino group.
[0112] In one embodiment, C is -N R22R23 -X-CO-NR24R25, -X-CS-N R24R25, or -X-S02- N R24R25. I n another embodiment, 03 is -X-CO-NR24R25, -X-CS-NR24R25, or -X-S02-N R24R25. In another embodiment, Q3 is -NR22R23. In another embodiment, Q3 is -OH. [0113] In one embodiment, the compound of Formula (II) is of formula :
Figure imgf000026_0001
wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and ¾ are defined as in any aspect or embodiment herein. [0114] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula :
Figure imgf000026_0002
wherein R1, R2, R4, R5, and Q.3 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here. [0115] In one embodiment, the compound of Formula (II) is of formula :
Figure imgf000026_0003
wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and Q3 are defined as in any aspect or embodiment herein. [0116] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula :
Figure imgf000026_0004
wherein R1, R2, R4, R5, m, n, X, R24 and R25 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
[0117] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula :
Figure imgf000026_0005
wherein R1, R2, R4, R5, m, n, and R24 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here. [0118] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of form
Figure imgf000026_0006
wherein R is defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
[0119] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula :
Figure imgf000027_0001
wherein R is defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
[0120] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
Figure imgf000027_0002
wherein R is defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
[0121] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
Figure imgf000027_0003
wherein R is defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
[0122] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
Figure imgf000027_0004
wherein R and R are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
[0123] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
Figure imgf000027_0005
wherein R is defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
[0124] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
Figure imgf000027_0006
wherein R and R are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
[0125] In one embodiment, m is 0. In another embodiment, m is 1. [0126] In another embodiment, n is 0. I n another embodiment, n is 1. In another embodiment, n is 2.
[0127] In another embodiment, m+n is 1. I n another embodiment, m+n is 2. In another embodiment, m+n is 3. [0128] In another embodiment, R1 and R2 are independently Ci-C6 alkyl. I n another embodiment, R1 and R2 independently are methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl.
[0129] In another embodiment, R1 and R2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a C5-C7 cycloalkyi ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups. I n another embodiment, R1 and R2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a ring that is:
Figure imgf000028_0001
[0130] In another embodiment, R3, R4, and R5 are independently Ci-C6 alkyl. In another embodiment, one of R3, R4, and R5 are alkyl, and the rest are hydrogen. In another embodiment, two of R3, R4, and R5 are alkyl, and the rest are hydrogen. In another embodiment, R3, R4, and R5 are hydrogen. In another embodiment, R3, R4, and R5 are methyl.
[0131] In another embodiment, Q3 is -X-CO-NR24R25. In another embodiment, Q3 is -X-CS-NR24R25. I n another embodiment, ¾ is -X-S02-NR24R25. I n another embodiment, Q3 is -OCONHR24 -OCONR24R25, -NHCONHR24 -NHCONR24R25 , -OCSNHR24 -OCSNR24R25, - NHCSNHR24 or -NHCSNR24R25.
[0132] In another embodiment, X is -0-. I n another embodiment, X is -NR26-. In another embodiment, X is or -CR27R28.
[0133] In another embodiment, one of R24 and R25 is hydrogen. I n another embodiment, one or both of R24 and R25 are Ci-C6 alkyl. In another embodiment, one or both of R24 and R25 are Ci-C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with an R20 group, wherein R20 is -C02H or an ester thereof, Ci-C6 alkyl, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C6-Ci0 aryl, or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl. In another embodiment, one or both of R24 and R25 are C3-C10 cycloalkyi. I n another embodiment, one or both of R24 and R25 are C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups. In another embodiment, one or both of R24 and R25 are C3-C8 heterocyclyl. In another embodiment, one or both of R24 and R25 are C6-Ci0 aryl. In another embodiment, one or both of R24 and R25 are C2-Ci0 heteroaryl. In another embodiment, R24 and R25 together with the nitrogen atom they are attached to form a 5-7 membered heterocycle. [0134] In another embodiment, R20 is -C02H or an ester thereof. In another embodiment, R20 is Ci-C6 alkyl. In another embodiment, R20 is C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi. In another embodiment, R20 is C3-C8 heterocyclyl. In another embodiment, R20 is C6-Ci0 aryl. In another embodiment, R20 is or C2-Cio heteroaryl.
[0135] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula (II):
Figure imgf000029_0001
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein m is 0 or 1; n is 0, 1, or 2; each R1 and R2 are independently Ci-C6 alkyl, or R1 and R2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a C5-C7 cycloalkyi ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups; each of R3, R4, and R5 independently are hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl;
Q3 is -X-CO-NR24R25 or -X-S02-NR24R25;
X is -0-, -NR26-, or -CR27R28;
R26 is hydrogen or together with R24 or R25 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups; each R27 and R28 independently are hydrogen, C C6 alkyl, -COR81 or -C02R81, or R27 together with R24 or R25 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered cycloalkyi or heterocyclyl ring optionally substituted with 1-3 C C6 alkyl groups; each R and R independently is hydrogen,
Ci-C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with -C02H or an ester thereof, C3-Ci0 preferably C3-C8 cycloalkyi, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C6-Ci0aryl, or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl,
C3-C10 cycloalkyi,
C3-C8 heterocyclyl,
Ce-Cioaryl, or
C2-Cio heteroaryl, wherein each cycloalkyi, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups, or R24 and R25 together with the nitrogen atom they are attached to form a 5-7 membered heterocycle.
[0136] In another embodiment, provided herein are compounds of formula:
Figure imgf000030_0001
m= 0, n = 1, R24 = cydohexyl, and R25 = methyl
m= 1, n = 1, R24 = cydohexyl, and R25 = methyl
m= 1, n =2, R24 = cydohexyl, and R25 = methyl
m= 0, n = 1, R24 = n-pentyl, and R25 = methyl
m= 1, n = 1, R24 = n-pentyl, and R25 = methyl
m= 1, n =2, R24 = n-pentyl, and R25 = methyl
[0137] In another aspect, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized herein is of Formula
Figure imgf000030_0002
(ill) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of each thereof, wherein m is 0 or 1; n is 0, 1, or 2; each R1 and R2 are independently Ci-C6 alkyl, or R1 and R2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a C5-C7 cycloalkyi ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups; each of R3, R4, and R5 independently are hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl; Q4 is selected from the group consisting of:
Figure imgf000031_0001
when X1 is bonded via a single bond, X1 is -0-, -NR31-, or -CR32R33-, and when X1 is bonded via a double bond, X1 is -CR32-;
Y1 is hydrogen, -OH or -O-R10, Y2 is -OH, -OR11 or -N HR12 , or Y1 and Y2 are joined to form an oxo group (=0), an imine group (=N R13), a oxime group (=N-OR14), or a substituted or unsubstitued vinylidene (=CR16R17);
R30 is Ci-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with 1-3 alkoxy or 1-5 halo group, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyi, C6-Ci0 aryl, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl, wherein each cycloalkyi or heterocyclyl is optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups, or wherein each aryl or heteroaryl is independently substituted with 1-3 C C6 alkyl or nitro groups, or R30 is -N R34R35;
R31 is hydrogen or together with R30 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7
membered ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups; each R32 and R33 independently are hydrogen, C C6 alkyl, -COR81 or -C02R81, or R32 together with R30 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered cycloalkyi or heterocyclyl ring optionally substituted with oxo or 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups;
R10 is Ci-C6 alkyl;
R11 and R12 are independently C C6 alkyl, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, -C02R15 , or -CON(R15)2, or R10 and R11 together with the intervening carbon atom and oxygen atoms form a heterocycle optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups; Rld is C!-C6 alkyl or C3-C 0 cycloalkyi optionally substituted with 1-3 C -C6 alkyl groups;
R14 is hydrogen, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, or Ci-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with a -C02H or an ester thereof or a C6-Ci0 aryl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyi, or a C3-C8 heterocyclyl, wherein each cycloalkyi, heterocyclyl, or aryl, is optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups; each R15 independently are hydrogen, C3-C10 cycloalkyi, Ci-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with 1-3 substituents selected from the group consisting of -C02H or an ester thereof, aryl, or C3-C8 heterocyclyl, or two R15 groups together with the nitrogen atom they are bonded to form a 5-7 membered heterocycle;
R16 is hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl;
R17 is hydrogen, Ci-C6 alkyl substituted with 1-3 hydroxy groups, -CHO, or is C02H or an ester thereof; each R34 and R35 independently is hydrogen, C C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with - C02H or an ester thereof, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C6-Ci0 aryl, or C2-Ci0
heteroaryl, or is C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C6-Ci0 aryl, or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl, wherein each cycloalkyi, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups, or R34 and R35 together with the nitrogen atom they are attached to form a 5-7 membered heterocycle; and each R81 independently is Ci-C6 alkyl.
[0138] In one embodiment, m is 0. In another embodiment, m is 1. In another embodiment, n is 0. In another embodiment, n is 1. In another embodiment, n is 2.
[0139] In one embodiment, the compound of Formula (III) is of formula:
Figure imgf000032_0001
wherein Q4, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R30, X1, Y1, and Y2 are defined as in any aspect or embodiment herein.
[0140] In one embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
Figure imgf000033_0001
wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R30, X1, Y1, and Y2 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
[0141] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
Figure imgf000033_0002
wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R30, X1, and Y2 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment
herein.
[0142] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
Figure imgf000033_0003
wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R30 and X1 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment herein. [0143] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
Figure imgf000033_0004
wherein R1, R2, R4, R5, and Q4 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment herein.
[0144] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
Figure imgf000033_0005
wherein R1, R2, R4, R5, m, n, X1, and R30 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here. [0145] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
Figure imgf000033_0006
wherein R1, R2, R4, R5, m, n, and R34 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here. [0146] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula:
Figure imgf000034_0001
wherein R1, R2, R4, R5, R30, m, n, and R15 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here.
[0147] In another embodiment, each R1 and R2 are Ci-C6 alkyl. In another embodiment, each R1 and R2 are methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl. In another embodiment, R1 and R2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a 5-6 membered ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups. In another embodiment, R1 and R2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a ring that is:
Figure imgf000034_0002
[0148] In another embodiment, R3, R4, and R5 are Ci-C6 alkyl. In another embodiment, one of R3, R4, and R5 are alkyl, and the rest are hydrogen. In another embodiment, two of R3, R4, and R5 are alkyl, and the rest are hydrogen. In another embodiment, R3, R4, and R5 are hydrogen. In another embodiment, R3, R4, and R5 are methyl.
[0149] In another embodiment, X1 is O. In another embodiment, X1 is -NR31. In another embodiment, R31 is hydrogen. In another embodiment, R31 together with R30 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered ring optionally substituted with 1-3 C C6 alkyl groups. In another embodiment, X1 is -CR32R33-. In another embodiment, X1 is -CR32-. In another embodiment, each R32 and R33 independently are hydrogen, Ci-C6 alkyl, -COR81, or - C02R81. In another embodiment, R32 is hydrogen, and R33 is hydrogen, Ci-C6 alkyl, -COR81, or -C02R81.
[0150] In another embodiment, R33 is hydrogen. In another embodiment, R33 C C6 alkyl. In another embodiment, R33 is methyl. In another embodiment, R33 is -C02R81. In another embodiment, R33 is -COR81.
[0151] In another embodiment, R32 together with R30 and the intervening atoms form a 5- 7 membered ring. In another embodiment, the moiety: R30 which is "Q4," has the structure:
Figure imgf000035_0001
wherein R33 is hydrogen, Ci-C6 alkyl, or -C02R81 and n is 1, 2, or 3. Within these
embodiments, in certain embodiments, R33 is hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl. In one embodiment, R33 is hydrogen. In another embodiment, R33 is Ci-C6 alkyl.
[0152] In another embodiment, R30 is Ci-C6 alkyl. In another embodiment, R30 is methyl, ethyl, butyl, isopropyl, or tertiary butyl. In another embodiment, R30 is Ci-C6 alkyl substituted with 1-3 alkoxy or 1-5 halo group. In another embodiment, R30 is alkyl substituted with an alkoxy group. In another embodiment, R30 is alkyl substituted with 1-5, preferably, 1-3, halo, preferably fluoro, groups.
[0153] In another embodiment, R30 is NR34R35. In a preferred embodiment, R35 is H. In a preferred embodiment, R34 is Ci-C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with a group selected from the group consisting of -C02H or an ester thereof, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C6- Cio aryl, or C2-Cio heteroaryl. In another preferred embodiment, R34 is C3-C 0 cycloalkyl, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C6-Ci0 aryl, or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl. In a more preferred embodiment, R34 is C3-C10 cycloalkyl.
[0154] In another embodiment, R30 is C2-C6 alkenyl or C2-C6 alkynyl. In another
embodiment, R30 is C3-C10 cycloalkyl. In another embodiment, R30 is C3-C10 cycloalkyl substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups. In another embodiment, R30 is cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, or adamentyl. In another embodiment, R30 is C6-Ci0 aryl or C2-Cio heteroaryl. In another embodiment, R30 is a 5-7 membered heteroaryl containing at least 1 oxygen atom. In another embodiment, R30 is C6-Ci0 aryl, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, or C2- C10 heteroaryl, wherein each aryl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with 1- 3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups.
[0155] In another embodiment, Y2 is -O-R11. In another embodiment, Y1 and Y2 are joined to form =NR13. In another embodiment, Y1 and Y2 are joined to form =NOR14. In another embodiment, Y1 and Y2 are joined to form (=0). In another embodiment, Y1 and Y2 are joined to form =CR16R17.
[0156] In another embodiment, ¾ is -CR33COR30. In another embodiment, R30 is Ci-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with an alkoxy group. In another embodiment, R30 is C3-C8 cycloalkyl. In another embodiment, R33 is hydrogen. In another embodiment, R33 is Ci-C6 alkyl. In another embodiment, R33 is C02R81. In another embodiment, R33 is COR81.
[0157] In another embodiment, Cu is -CH2-CH(0-CONHR15)-R30. In another embodiment, R15 is C3-C8 cycloalkyl. In another embodiment, R15 is Ci-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with 1-3 substiteunts selected from the group consisting of -C02H or an ester thereof, aryl, or C3- C8 heterocyclyl. In a preferred embodiment within these embodiments, R30 is Ci-C6 alkyl.
[0158] In another embodiment, C is -O-CO-NHR34. withing these embodiment, in another embodiment, R34 is Ci-C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with -C02H or an ester thereof, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C2-Ci0 aryl, or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl. In yet another embodiment, R34 is C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C2-Ci0 aryl, or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl. [0159] In another embodiment, R14 is hydrogen. In another embodiment, R14 is Ci-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with a -C02H or an ester thereof or a C6-Ci0 aryl optionally
substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups. In another embodiment, R14 is C2-C6 alkenyl. In another embodiment, R14 is C2-C6 alkynyl In another embodiment, R14 is C3-C6 cycloalkyl optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups. In another embodiment, R14 is C3-C8 heterocyclyl optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups.
[0160] In another embodiment, preferably, R16 is hydrogen. In another embodiment, R17 is C02H or an ester thereof. In another embodiment, R17 is Ci-C6 alkyl substituted with 1-3 hydroxy groups. In another embodiment, R17 is Ci-C3 alkyl substituted with 1 hydroxy group. In another embodiment, R17 is -CH2OH. [0161] In another embodiment, R10 and R11 together with the intervening carbon atom and oxygen atoms form a heteroycle of formula:
Figure imgf000036_0001
wherein q is 0 or 1, p is 0, 1, 2, or 3, and R is Ci-C6 alkyl.
[0162] In another embodiment, q is 1. In another embodiment, q is 2. In another embodiment, p is 0. In another embodiment, p is 1. In another embodiment, p is 2. In another embodiment, p is 3. [0163] In one aspect, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized herein is of Formula (IV):
Figure imgf000037_0001
(iv) or a tautomer thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of each thereof, wherein m is 0 or 1; n is O, 1, or 2; each R1 and R2 are independently Ci-C6 alkyl, or R1 and R2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a C5-C7 cycloalkyl ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups; each of R3, R4, and R5 independently are hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl, or R5 and Q5 together with the intervening carbon atoms form a 6 membered aryl ring, or a 5-8 membered cycloalkenyl ring, or a 5-14 membered heteroaryl or heterocycle, wherein each aryl, cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl, or heterocycle, ring is optionally substituted with 1-2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, oxo, -N(R40)2, and Ci-C6 alkyl group;
Q.5 is -C(=0)H, -CO2H or -CH=CHC02H, or a Ci-C6 alkyl ester or acyl halide thereof, wherein the ester is optionally substituted with -CO-phenyl; a 6-10 membered aryl or a 5-14 membered heteroaryl or heterocycle containing up to 6 ring heteroatoms, wherein the heteroatom is selected from the group consisting of O, N, S, and oxidized forms of N and S, and further wherein the aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl ring is optionally substituted with 1- 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of: hydroxy, oxo, -N(R40)2, Ci-C6 alkoxy group, and C C6 alkyl group, wherein the alkyl group is optionally substituted with 1-3 substituents selected from hydroxy, NH2, C6-Ci0 aryl, -C02H or an ester or an amide thereof, a 5- 9 membered heteroaryl containing up to 3 ring heteroatoms, wherein the heteroaryl is optionally substituted with 1-3 hydroxy, -N(R40)2, and C C6 alkyi group, benzyl, and phenyl optionally substituted with 1-3 substituents selected from the group consisting of Ci-C6 alkyi, Ci-C6 alkoxy, hydroxy, and halo groups; and wherein each R40 independently is hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyi.
[0164] As used herein, the compound of Formula (IV) includes tautomers and optical isomers such as enantiomers and diastereomers. As also used herein, an ester refers preferably to a phenyl or a Ci-C6 alkyi ester, which phenyl or alkyi group is optionally substituted with a amino group. As used herein, an amide refers preferably to a moiety of formula -CON(R40)2, wherein R40 is defined as above.
In some embodiment, Q.6 is selected from a group consisting of oxazole, oxadiazole, oxazoline, azalactone, imidazole, diazole, triazole, and thiazole, wherein each heteroaryl or heterocycle is optionally substituted as disclosed above.
[0165] In one embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula IV-A:
Figure imgf000038_0001
IV-A
[0166] In another embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized is of formula IV-B:
Figure imgf000038_0002
IV-B wherein R1, R2, R4, R5, and Q.5 are defined as in any aspect and embodiment here. er embodiment, Q5 is selected from the group consisting of:
Figure imgf000038_0003
Figure imgf000039_0001
wherein R is Ci-C6 alkyl, C6-Ci0 aryl, C3-C8 heteroaryl, C3-C8 heteroaryl, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, and the alkyl group is optionally substituted with 1-3 C6-Ci0 aryl, C3-C8 heteroaryl, C3-C8 heteroaryl, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi groups, and the aryl, heteroaryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyi groups are optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl, Ci-C6 alkoxy, halo, preferqably chloro or fluoro, C6-Cio aryl, C3-C8 heteroaryl, C3-C8 heteroaryl, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi group.
[0168] In another embodiment, Q5 is phenyl, optionally substituted as described herein. In another embodiment, Q5 is benzimidazole, benzindazole, and such other 5-6 fused 9- membered bicyclic heteroaryl or heterocycle. In another embodiment, Q.5 is quinoline, isoquinoline, and such other 6-6 fused 10 membered heteroaryl or heterocycle. In another embodiment, Q5 is benzodiazepine or a derivative thereof, such as, a benzodiazepinone. Various benzodiazepine and derivatives thereof are well known to the skilled artisan.
[0169] In another embodiment, m is 0. In another embodiment, m is 1.
[0170] In another embodiment, n is 0. In another embodiment, n is 1. In another embodiment, n is 2.
[0171] In another embodiment, m+n is 1. In another embodiment, m+n is 2. In another embodiment, m+n is 3.
[0172] In another embodiment, R1 and R2 are independently Ci-C6 alkyl. In another embodiment, R1 and R2 independently are methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl. [0173] In another embodiment, R1 and R2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a C5-C7 cycloalkyi ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups. In another embodiment, R1 and R2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a ring that is:
Figure imgf000039_0002
[0174] In another embodiment, R3, R4, and R5 are independently Ci-C6 alkyl. In another embodiment, one of R3, R4, and R5 are alkyl, and the rest are hydrogen. In another embodiment, two of R3, R4, and R5 are alkyl, and the rest are hydrogen. In another embodiment, R3, R4, and R5 are hydrogen. In another embodiment, R3, R4, and R5 are methyl.
[0175] In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound selected from the group consisting of:
Figure imgf000040_0001
Figure imgf000040_0002
wherein R is defined as above.
[0176] In another aspect, GGA derivatives provided and/or utilized herein are of formula (V):
Figure imgf000040_0003
(V) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein m is 0 or 1; n is 0, 1, or 2; each R1 and R2 independently are Ci-C6 alkyl, or R1 and R2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a C5-C7 cycloalkyi ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups; each of R3, R4, and R5 independently is hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl; Q.6 is selected from the group consisting of:
Figure imgf000041_0001
when X2 is bonded via a single bond, X2 is -0-, -NR52-, or -CR53R54-, and when X2 is bonded via a double bond, X2 is -CR53-;
Y11 is hydrogen, -OH or -OR55;
Y22 is -OH, -OR56, -NHR57, or -0-CO-NR58R59, or Y11 and Y22 are joined to form an oxo group (=0), an imine group (=NR60), a oxime group (=N-0R61), or a substituted or unsubstituted vinylidene (=CR63R64);
R51 is Ci-C6 alkyl, Ci-C6 alkyl substituted with 1-3 alkoxy or 1-5 halo groups, C2- C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C6-Ci0 aryl, C2-Ci0 heteroaryl, or -NR65R66, wherein each cycloalkyi or heterocyclyl is optionally substituted with 1-3 C C6 alkyl groups, and wherein each aryl or heteroaryl is optionally substituted independently with 1-3 nitro and Ci- C6 alkyl groups;
R52 is hydrogen or together with R51 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups; each R53 and R54 independently are hydrogen, C C6 alkyl, -COR81, -C02R81, or -CONHR82, or R53 together with R51 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered cycloalkyi or heterocyclyl ring optionally substituted with 1-3 C C6 alkyl groups;
R55 is C Ce alkyl; each R56 and R57 independently are Ci-C6 alkyl, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, -C02R62, or -CON(R62)2; or R55 and R56 together with the intervening carbon atom and oxygen atoms form a heterocycle optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups;
R58 is: C3-C10 cycloalkyi, Ci-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with -OH, C02H or an ester thereof, or C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi,
Figure imgf000041_0002
is hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl;
RbU is Ci-C6 alkyl or C3-C10 cycloalkyi optionally substitued with 1-3 C1-C6 alkyl groups, or is:
Figure imgf000042_0001
R is hydrogen, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, or Ci-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with a
-C02H or an ester thereof or a C6-Ci0 aryl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, or a C3-C8 heterocyclyl, wherein each cycloalkyi, heterocyclyl, or aryl, is optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups; each R62 independently are hydrogen, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, Ci-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with 1-3 substiteunts selected from the group consisting of -C02H or an ester thereof, aryl, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, or two R62 groups together with the nitrogen atom they are bonded to form a 5-7 membered heterocycle;
R63 is hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl;
R64 is hydrogen, Ci-C6 alkyl substituted with 1-3 hydroxy groups, -CHO, or is C02H or an ester thereof; one or both of R and R independently are hydrogen, C C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with -C02H or an ester thereof, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C2-
C10 aryl, or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl, or is C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C6-Ci0aryl, or
C2-Cio heteroaryl, wherein each cycloalkyi, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups, or R65 and R66gether with the nitrogen
65 atom they are bonded to form a 5-7 membered heterocycle, and if only one of R and R66 are defined as above, then the other one is
Figure imgf000042_0002
RB1 is Ci-C6 alkyl; and
Figure imgf000043_0001
provided that, when X2 is bonded via a single bond, and R53 or R54 is not
6CK n60 .
-CONHR , Y and Y are joined to form an imine group (=NRbU), and RbU is
Figure imgf000043_0002
or Y" is -O-CO-NR
or provided that, when Q.6 is:
Figure imgf000043_0003
and RM is not -CONHR , l is -0-CO-NRSBR ;
or provided that, when Q6 is -0-CO-NR65R66, then at least one of R65 and R'
Figure imgf000043_0004
In one embodiment, the GGA derivative provided and/or utilized are of formula:
Figure imgf000044_0001
43
Figure imgf000045_0001
VII I: RT2= -OH XIV: R7B= -Ch OH
Figure imgf000045_0002
XI: R72 CH^COCH3 VI : R76= -CH2-CH2-C D-CIH3
[0179] In one embodiment, the compounds provided herein excludes the compound of formula:
Figure imgf000045_0003
wherein L is 0, 1, 2, or 3, and R is C02H or an ester thereof, or is -CH2OH, or is a Ci-C6 alkyl ester of -CH2OH.
[0180] In another embodiment, examples of compounds provided and/or utilized by this invention include certain compounds tabulated below. Compound ID numbers in Table 1 refer to synthetic schemes in Example 7.
Table 1
Figure imgf000045_0004
Figure imgf000046_0001
Figure imgf000047_0001
Figure imgf000048_0001
Figure imgf000049_0001
a
0 Nb c d e f g
1 1 1 o 1
H
h
0 ίίi
H
j
H 0k
H1
Figure imgf000051_0001
Figure imgf000052_0001
Figure imgf000053_0001
Ha b c
0 Nd
0 Ne f g h i
H °j
a b
H
c d e f
H °g
a
^^ ^ ^b c d
Figure imgf000056_0001
Figure imgf000057_0001

Figure imgf000058_0001
Figure imgf000059_0001
[0181] In another embodiment, examples of compounds provided and/or utilized by this invention include certain compounds tabulated below.
Table 2
Figure imgf000059_0002
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
Figure imgf000061_0001
60
Figure imgf000062_0001
Figure imgf000063_0001
Figure imgf000064_0001
Figure imgf000065_0001
Figure imgf000066_0001
124
125
Ο Ν
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
Figure imgf000068_0001
144
145
146
147
3. Pharmaceutical Compositions
[0182] In another aspect, this invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and an effective amount of the trans-isomer compound of GGA according to this invention.
[0183] Pharmaceutical compositions can be formulated for different routes of
administration. Although compositions suitable for oral delivery will probably be used most frequently, other routes that may be used include intravenous, intraarterial, pulmonary, rectal, nasal, vaginal, lingual, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intracutaneous, transdermal, intracranial, and subcutaneous routes. Other dosage forms include tablets, capsules, pills, powders, aerosols, suppositories, parenterals, and oral liquids, including suspensions, solutions and emulsions. Sustained release dosage forms may also be used, for example, in a transdermal patch form. All dosage forms may be prepared using methods that are standard in the art (see e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 16th ed., A. Oslo editor, Easton Pa. 1980).
[0184] The compositions are comprised of in general, GGA or a trans-isomer compound of GGA or a mixture thereof in combination with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. Acceptable excipients are non-toxic, aid administration, and do not adversely affect the therapeutic benefit of the compound of this invention. Such excipients may be any solid, liquid, semi-solid or, in the case of an aerosol composition, gaseous excipient that is generally available to one of skill in the art. Pharmaceutical compositions in accordance with the invention are prepared by conventional means using methods known in the art.
[0185] The compositions disclosed herein may be used in conjunction with any of the vehicles and excipients commonly employed in pharmaceutical preparations, e.g., talc, gum arabic, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, cocoa butter, aqueous or non-aqueous solvents, oils, paraffin derivatives, glycols, etc. Coloring and flavoring agents may also be added to preparations, particularly to those for oral administration. Solutions can be prepared using water or physiologically compatible organic solvents such as ethanol, 1,2- propylene glycol, polyglycols, dimethylsulfoxide, fatty alcohols, triglycerides, partial esters of glycerin and the like.
[0186] Solid pharmaceutical excipients include starch, cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, talc, glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin, malt, rice, flour, chalk, silica gel, magnesium stearate, sodium stearate, glycerol monostearate, sodium chloride, dried skim milk and the like.
Liquid and semisolid excipients may be selected from glycerol, propylene glycol, water, ethanol and various oils, including those of petroleum, animal, vegetable or synthetic origin, e.g., peanut oil, soybean oil, mineral oil, sesame oil, etc.
[0187] The concentration of the excipient is one that can readily be determined to be effective by those skilled in the art, and can vary depending on the particular excipient used. The total concentration of the excipients in the solution can be from about 0.001% to about 90% or from about 0.001% to about 10%.
[0188] In certain embodiments of this invention, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of formula I and a-tocopherol. A related
embodiment provides for a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of formula I, a-tocopherol, and hydroxypropyl cellulose. In another embodiment, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of formula I, a- tocopherol, and gum arabic. In a further embodiment, there is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of formula I, and gum arabic. In a related
embodiment, there is provided the compound of formula I, gum arabic and hydroxypropyl cellulose. [0189] When α-tocopherol is used alone or in combination with other excipients, the concentration by weight can be from about 0.001% to about 1% or from about 0.001% to about 0.005%, or from about 0.005% to about 0.01%, or from about 0.01% to about 0.015%, or from about 0.015% to about 0.03%, or from about 0.03% to about 0.05%, or from about 0.05% to about 0.07%, or from about 0.07% to about 0.1%, or from about 0.1% to about 0.15%, or from about 0.15% to about 0.3%, or from about 0.3% to about 0.5%, or from about 0.5% to about 1% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of a- tocopherol is about 0.001% by weight, or alternatively about 0.005%, or about 0.008%, or about 0.01%, or about 0.02%, or about 0.03%, or about 0.04%, or about 0.05% by weight. [0190] When hydroxypropyl cellulose is used alone or in combination with other excipients, the concentration by weight can be from about 0.1% to about 30% or from about 1% to about 20%, or from about 1% to about 5%, or from about 1% to about 10%, or from about 2% to about 4%, or from about 5% to about 10%, or from about 10% to about 15%, or from about 15% to about 20%, or from about 20% to about 25%, or from about 25% to about 30% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of hydroxypropyl cellulose is about 1% by weight, or alternatively about 2%, or about 3%, or about 4%, or about 5%, or about 6%, or about 7%, or about 8%, or about 10%, or about 15% by weight.
[0191] When gum arabic is used alone or in combination with other excipients, the concentration by weight can be from about 0.5% to about 50% or from about 1% to about 20%, or from about 1% to about 10%, or from about 3% to about 6%, or from about 5% to about 10%, or from about 4% to about 6% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of hydroxypropyl cellulose is about 1% by weight, or alternatively about 2%, or about 3%, or about 4%, or about 5%, or about 6%, or about 7%, or about 8%, or about 10%, or about 15% by weight. [0192] The concentration of GGA, or the trans-geranylgeranyl acetone isomer can be from about 1 to about 99% by weight in the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein. In other embodiments, the concentration of the trans-geranylgeranyl acetone isomer can be from about 1 to about 75%, or alternatively, from about 1 to about 40%, or alternatively, from about 1 to about 30%, or alternatively, from about 1 to about 25%, or alternatively, from about 1 to about 20%, or alternatively, from about 2 to about 20%, or alternatively, from about 1 to about 10%, or alternatively, from about 10 to about 20%, or alternatively, from about 10 to about 15% by weight in the pharmaceutical composition. In certain embodiments, the concentration of geranylgeranyl acetone in the pharmaceutical composition is about 5% by weight, or alternatively, about 10%, or about 20%, or about 1%, or about 2%, or about 3%, or about 4%, or about 6%, or about 7%, or about 8%, or about 9%, or about 11%, or about 12%, or about 14%, or about 16%, or about 18%, or about 22%, or about 25%, or about 26%, or about 28%, or about 30%, or about 32%, or about 34%, or about 36%, or about 38%, or about 40%, or about 42%, or about 44%, or about 46%, or about 48%, or about 50%, or about 52%, or about 54%, or about 56%, or about 58%, or about 60%, or about 64%, or about 68%, or about 72%, or about 76%, or about 80% by weight.
[0193] In one embodiment, this invention provides sustained release formulations such as drug depots or patches comprising an effective amount of GGA. In another embodiment, the patch further comprises gum Arabic or hydroxypropyl cellulose separately or in combination, in the presence of alpha-tocopherol. Preferably, the hydroxypropyl cellulose has an average MW of from 10,000 to 100,000. In a more preferred embodiment, the hydroxypropyl cellulose has an average MW of from 5,000 to 50,000. The patch contains, in various embodiments, an amount of GGA, preferably the 5E, 9E, 13E isomer of it, which is sufficient to maintain a therapeutically effective amount GGA in the plasma for about 12 hours. In one embodiment, the GGA comprises at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% of the 5E, 9E, 13E isomer of GGA.
[0194] In one embodiment, this invention provides an enteric formulation of GGA or a GGA derivative. It is contemplated that the administration of an effective amount of these enteric formulations improves pharmaceutical activities such as an enhanced activity, improved serum half-life, and/or lower toxicity with reduced adverse side effects relative to the administration of a conventional, i.e., non-enteric formulation comprising the comparable amount of GGA or a GGA derivative. In one embodiment, the enteric formulation is a solid-dosage form. In another embodiment, the enteric formulation comprises one or more an enteric polymer and enteric coating as suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. In another embodiment, the enteric formulation contains an effective amount of GGA or the GGA derivative. [0195] In some embodiments, solid dosage forms may further include, in certain embodiments, granules, pellets, beads, spheroids, a minitablet, a microtablet, granules in a capsule, pellets in a capsule, microtablets in a capsule, and minitablets in a capsule, each of which may be enteric coated. [0196] In certain aspects, the enteric formulations provide herein are useful for treating or alleviating the negative effects of various neurological diseases and disorders described herein and inflammatory bowel disease, chronic liver disease, a disorder selected from liver injury, preferably acute liver injury, acute liver failure, cardiac ischemia, myocardial infarction, repurfusion injury and heart transplants, or a related disorder or condition. [0197] The compositions of the present invention may be prepared using conventional methods and materials known in the pharmaceutical arts.
[0198] Certain illustrative and non-limiting enteric polymers and coatings useful in this invention are described herein.
[0199] Enteric polymers used to coat pharmaceutical dosage forms include cellulose, vinyl, and acrylic derivatives. Enteric polymeric materials are primarily weak acids containing acidic functional groups, which are capable of ionization at elevated pH.
[0200] In some embodiments, the enteric coating coats a core of a dosage form disclosed herein and controls the location in the digestive tract where the active agent contained in the dosage form's core is released and absorbed. In certain embodiments, the enteric coating is in the form of one or more components selected from the group including polymers, fatty acids, waxes, shellac, plastics, and plant fibers.
[0201] In certain embodiments, the enteric coating comprises one or more of the following: acrylates and acrylate copolymers, including methacrylic acid/methacrylic acid methylester copolymer and methacrylic acid/ethyl acrylate copolymer; cellulose esters, including cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate trimellitate, and cellulose acetate succinate; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate; polyvinyl derivatives, including polyvinyl acetate phthalate; and carboxymethyl ethyl cellulose. In some specific embodiments, the enteric coating includes one or more components sold under trade names, for example EMCOAT 120 N, MARCOAT 125, AQUACOAT CPD®, SEPIFILM®, AQUACOAT® ECD, METOLOSE®, SURETERIC®, AND
EUDRAGIT®. In certain embodiments, the enteric coating may comprise colorants. In a specific embodiment, the enteric coating comprises a EUDRAGIT® polymer and a colorant, and is sold under the trade name ACRYL-EZE ORANGE®. [0202] In some embodiments, the enteric coating may further comprise a plasticizer. In some embodiments, the plasticizer will influence, i.e., increase or decrease, the rate of dissolution of the enteric coating. In some embodiments, the plasticizer may be lipophilic. In other embodiments, the plasticizer may be hydrophilic.
[0203] In other embodiments, the plasticizer comprises one or more of the group including cetanol, triacetin, citric acid esters such as triethyl citrate, phthalic acid esters such as diethyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate, dibutyl succinate, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and oils and glycerides such as fractional coconut oil.
[0204] Exemplary and nonlimiting coating formulations include excipients as illustrated below: %
Hydroxypropl methyl cellulose E5 5
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose E15 2
Polyethylene Glycol 6000 1
Polyethylene Glycol 4000 1 Titanium Dioxide 6
Purified Water to 100
%
Eudragit L30D 15
Antifoam M less than 1 Acetyl Triethyl Citrate 2
Talc Micronised 3
Pumped Water to 100 [0205] In another aspect, this invention provides a composition comprising a GGA derivative provided herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
[0206] Compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention maybe used alone or in combination with other compounds. When administered with another agent, the co- administration can be in any manner in which the pharmacological effects of both are manifest in the patient at the same time. Thus, co-administration does not require that a single pharmaceutical composition, the same dosage form, or even the same route of administration be used for administration of both the compound of this invention and the other agent or that the two agents be administered at precisely the same time. However, co-administration will be accomplished most conveniently by the same dosage form and the same route of administration, at substantially the same time. Obviously, such
administration most advantageously proceeds by delivering both active ingredients simultaneously in a novel pharmaceutical composition in accordance with the present invention. [0207] In some embodiments, a compound of this invention can be used as an adjunct to conventional drug therapy.
4. Treatment Methods
[0208] This invention provides methods for using GGA, preferably trans-GGA, still more preferably synthetic trans-GGA, or an isomer of each thereof for inhibiting neural death and increasing neural activity. For example, and without limitation, the invention provides methods for impeding the progression of neurodegenerative diseases or injury using the compound geranylgeranyl acetone (GGA). The pharmaceutical compositions and/or compounds described above are useful in the methods described herein.
[0209] In one aspect, there are methods for increasing the axon growth of neurons by contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA. Neural diseases can result in an impairment of signaling between neurons. This can in part be due to a reduction in the growth of axonal projections. Contacting neurons with GGA enhances axonal growth. It is contemplated that GGA will restore axonal grown in neurons afflicted with a neural disease. In a related embodiment, the pre-contacted neurons exhibit a reduction in the axon growth ability. In yet another embodiment, the GGA is the 5-trans isomer of GGA. [0210] Methods include the use of GGA and the 5-trans isomer of GGA. In certain aspects, the 5-tra ns isomer of GGA has been shown to be more efficacious than the mixture of GGA, which contains both the 5-trans and 5-cis isomeric forms of GGA. Without being limited to a particular theory, it is believed that the 5-cis isomer of GGA has inhibitory properties. These inhibitory properties of the 5-cis isomer of GGA result in an attenuation of the effects exerted by the isomeric mixture and compositions of 5-tra ns GGA.
[0211] One embodiment of this invention is directed to a method for inhibiting the cell death of neurons susceptible to neuronal cell death, which method comprises contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA. Neurons susceptible to neuronal cell death include those that have the characteristics of a neurodegenerative disease and/or those that have undergone injury or toxic stress. One method of creating toxic stress to a cell is by mixing dopamine with neurons such as neuroblastoma cells. Another source of toxic stress is oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can occur from neuronal disease or injury. It is contemplated that contacting neurons with GGA will inhibit their death as measured by a MTT assay or other techniques commonly known to one skilled in the art.
[0212] In another aspect, there are methods for increasing the neurite growth of neurons by contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA. The term "neurite" refers to both axons and dendrites. Neural diseases can result in an impairment of signaling between neurons. This can in part be due to a reduction in the growth of axonal and/or dendritic projections. It is contemplated that contacting neurons with GGA will enhance neurite growth. It is further contemplated that GGA will restore neurite grown in neurons afflicted with a neural disease. In a related embodiment, the pre-contacted neurons exhibit a reduction in the neurite growth ability. In yet another embodiment, the GGA is the 5-trans isomer of GGA. [0213] One embodiment of this invention is directed to a method for increasing the expression and/or release of one or more neurotransmitters from a neuron by contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA. It is contemplated that contacting neurons with an effective amount of GGA will increase the expression level of one or more neurotransmitters. It is also contemplated that contacting neurons with GGA will increase the release of one or more neurotransmitters from neurons. The release of one or more neurotransmitters refers to the exocytotic process by which secretory vesicles containing one or more neurotransmitters are fused to cell membrane, which directs the neurotransmitters out of the neuron. It is contemplated that the increase in the expression and/or release of neurotra nsmitters will lead to enhanced signaling in neurons, in which levels of expression or release of neurotransmitters are otherwise reduced due to the disease. The increase in their expression and release can be measured by molecular techniques commonly known to one skilled in the art.
[0214] One embodiment of this invention is directed to a method for inducing syna pse formation of a neuron by contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA. A syna pse is a junction between two neurons. Synapses are essential to neural function and permit transmission of signals from one neuron to the next. Thus, an increase in the neural syna pses will lead to an increase in the signaling between two or more neurons. It is contemplated that contacting the neurons with an effective amount of GGA will increase syna pse formation in neurons that otherwise experience reduced synapse formation as a result of neural disease. [0215] Another embodiment of this invention is directed to a method for increasing electrical excitability of a neuron by contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA. Electrical excitation is one mode of communication among two or more neurons. It is contemplated that contacting neurons with an effective amount of GGA will increase the electrical excitability of neurons in which electrical excitability and other modes of neural communication are otherwise impaired due to neural disease. Electrical excitability can be measured by electrophysiological methods commonly known to one skilled in the art.
[0216] In each of the three previous paragraphs above, the administration of GGA enhances communication between neurons and accordingly provides for a method of inhibiting the loss of cognitive abilities in a mammal that is at risk of dementia or suffering from incipient or partial dementia while retaining some cognitive skills. Incipient or partial dementia in a mammal is one in which the mammal still exhibits some cognitive skills, but the skills are being lost and/or diminished over time. Method comprises administering an effective amount of GGA to said patient.
[0217] In another embodiment, this invention is directed to a method for inhibiting the death of neurons due to formation of or further formation of pathogenic protein aggregates between, outside or inside neurons, wherein said method comprises contacting said neurons at risk of developing said pathogenic protein aggregates with an amount of GGA inhibitory to protein aggregate formation, provided that said pathogenic protein aggregates are not related to SBMA. In one embodiment of this invention, the pathogenic protein aggregates form between or outside of the neurons. In another embodiment of this invention, the pathogenic protein aggregates form inside said neurons. In one embodiment of this invention, the pathogenic protein aggregates are a result of toxic stress to the cell. One method of creating toxic stress to a cell is by mixing dopamine with neurons such as neuroblastoma cells. It is contemplated that contacting neurons with GGA will inhibit their death as measured by a MTT assay or other techniques commonly known to one skilled in the art.
[0218] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for protecting neurons from pathogenic extracellular protein aggregates which method comprises contacting said neurons and/or said pathogenic protein aggregates with an amount of GGA that inhibits further pathogenic protein aggregation. In one embodiment of this invention, contacting said neurons and/or said pathogenic protein aggregates with an effective amount of GGA alters the pathogenic protein aggregates into a non-pathogenic form.
Without being limited to any theory, it is contemplated that contacting the neurons and/or the pathogenic protein aggregates with GGA will solubilize at least a portion of the pathogenic protein aggregates residing between, outside, or inside of the cells. It is further contemplated that contacting the neurons and/or the pathogenic protein aggregates with GGA will alter the pathogenic protein aggregates in such a way that they are nonpathogenic. A non-pathogenic form of the protein aggregate is one that does not contribute to the death or loss of functionality of the neuron. There are many assays known to one skilled in the art for measuring the protection of neurons either in cell culture or in a mammal. One example is a measure of increased cell viability by a MTT assay. Another example is by immunostaining neurons in vitro or in vivo for cell death-indicating molecules such as, for example, caspases or propidium iodide.
[0219] In yet another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for protecting neurons from pathogenic intracellular protein aggregates which method comprises contacting said neurons with an amount of GGA which will inhibit further pathogenic protein aggregation provided that said protein aggregation is not related to SBMA. This method is not intended to inhibit or reduce, negative effects of neural diseases in which the pathogenic protein aggregates are intranuclear or diseases in which the protein aggregation is related to SBMA. SBMA is a disease caused by pathogenic androgen receptor protein accumulation. It is distinct from the neural diseases mentioned in this application since the pathogenic protein aggregates of SBMA contain polyglutamines and are formed
intranuclearly. It is also distinct from the neural diseases described in this application because the protein aggregates are formed from androgen receptor protein accumulation. It is contemplated that contacting neurons with an effective amount of GGA will alter the pathogenic protein aggregate into a non-pathogenic form.
[0220] One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of modulating the activity of G proteins in neurons which method comprises contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA. It is contemplated that contacting neurons with GGA will alter the sub-cellular localization, thus changing the activities of the G protein in the cell. In one embodiment of the invention, contacting neurons with GGA will enhance the activity of G proteins in neurons. It is contemplated that contacting GGA with neurons will increase the expression level of G proteins. It is also contemplated that contacting GGA with neurons will enhance the activity of G proteins by changing their sub-cellular localization to the cell membranes where they must be to exert their biological activities. [0221] One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of modulating or enhancing the activity of G proteins in neurons at risk of death which method comprises contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA. Neurons may be at risk of death as a result of genetic changes related to ALS. One such genetic mutation is a depletion of the TDP-43 protein. It is contemplated that neurons with depleted TDP-43 or other genetic mutations associated with ALS will have an increase or change in the activity of G proteins after being contacted with GGA. It is further contemplated that GGA will result in an increase in the activity of G proteins in these cells by changing their sub-cellular localization to the cell membranes where they must be to exert their biological activities.
[0222] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for inhibiting the neurotoxicity of β-amyloid peptide by contacting the β-amyloid peptide with an effective amount of GGA. In one embodiment of the invention the β-amyloid peptide is between or outside of neurons. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the β-amyloid peptide is part of the β-amyloid plaque. It is contemplated that contacting neurons with GGA will result in solubilizing at least a portion of the β-amyloid peptide, thus decreasing its neurotoxicity. It is further contemplated that GGA will decrease the toxicity of the β- amyloid peptide by altering it in such a way that it is no longer toxic to the cell. It is also believed that GGA will induce the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in the neurons. It is also contemplated that HSPs will be induced in support cells such as glial cells. The induced heat shock proteins in the neurons or glial cells may be transmitted extracellularly and act to dissolve extracellular protein aggregates. Cell viability can be measured by standard assays known to those skilled in the art. One such example of an assay to measure cell viability is a MTT assay. Another example is a MTS assay. The modulation of protein aggregation can be visualized by immunostaining or histological staining techniques commonly known to one skilled in the art.
[0223] One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for inhibiting neural death and increasing neural activity in a mammal suffering from neural diseases, wherein the etiology of said neural diseases comprises formation of protein aggregates which are pathogenic to neurons, and which method comprises administering to said mammal an amount of GGA which will inhibit further pathogenic protein aggregation. This method is not intended to inhibit neural death and increase neural activity in neural diseases in which the pathogenic protein aggregates are intranuclear or diseases in which the protein aggregation is related to SBMA.
[0224] Neural diseases such as AD and ALS disease have the common characteristic of protein aggregates either inside neural cells in cytoplasm or in the extracellular space between two or more neural cells. This invention relates to a method for using the compound GGA to inhibit the formation of the protein aggregates or alter the pathogenic protein aggregates into a non-pathogenic form. It is contemplated that this will attenuate some of the symptoms associated with these neural diseases.
[0225] In one embodiment the mammal is a human afflicted with a neural disease. In one embodiment of this invention, the negative effect of the neural disease being inhibited or reduced is ALS. ALS is characterized by a loss of functionality of motor neurons. This results in the inability to control muscle movements. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that does not typically show intranuclear protein aggregates. It is contemplated that GGA will prevent or inhibit the formation of extracellular or intracellular protein aggregates that are cytoplasm, not intranuclear and not related to SBMA. It is also contemplated that GGA will alter the pathogenic protein aggregates into a form that is non-pathogenic. Methods for diagnosing ALS are commonly known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, there are numerous patents that describe methods for diagnosing ALS. These include US 5851783 and US 7356521 both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0226] In one embodiment of the invention the negative effect of the neural disease being inhibited or reduced is AD. AD is a neurodegenerative disease that does not typically show intranuclear protein aggregates. It is contemplated that GGA will prevent or inhibit the formation of extracellular or intracellular protein aggregates. It is also contemplated that GGA will alter the pathogenic protein aggregates into a form that is non-pathogenic.
Methods for diagnosing AD are commonly known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, there are numerous patents that describe methods for diagnosing AD. These include US 6130048 and US 6391553 both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0227] In another embodiment, the mammal is a laboratory research mammal such as a mouse. In one embodiment of this invention, the neural disease is ALS. One such mouse model for ALS is a transgenic mouse with a Sodl mutant gene. It is contemplated that GGA will enhance the motor skills and body weights when administered to a mouse with a mutant Sodl gene. It is further contemplated that administering GGA to this mouse will increase the survival rate of Sodl mutant mice. Motor skills can be measured by standard techniques known to one skilled in the art. Sodl mutant mice provide an accepted mouse model for modeling ALS in humans. Accordingly, method aspects of this disclosure relate to a method for prolonging the survival or reducing mortality of a subject with ALS, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of GGA. In one embodiment, the GGA is a 5-trans isomer of GGA.
[0228] In yet another embodiment of this invention, the neural disease is AD. One example of a transgenic mouse model for AD is a mouse that overexpresses the APP (Amyloid beta Precursor Protein). It is contemplated that administering GGA to a transgenic AD mouse will improve the learning and memory skills of said mouse. It is further contemplated that GGA will decrease the amount and/or size of β-amyloid peptide and/or plaque found inside, between, or outside of neurons. The β-amyloid peptide or plaque can be visualized in histology sections by immunostaining or other staining techniques.
[0229] In one embodiment of the invention administering GGA to a mammal alters the pathogenic protein aggregate present into a non-pathogenic form. In another embodiment of the invention, administering GGA to a mammal will prevent pathogenic protein aggregates from forming.
[0230] Another aspect of this invention relates to a method for reducing seizures in a mammal in need thereof, which method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of GGA, thereby reducing seizures. The reduction of seizures refers to reducing the occurrence and/or severity of seizures. In one embodiment, the seizure is epileptic seizure. In another embodiment, the methods of this invention prevent neural death during epileptic seizures. The severity of the seizure can be measured by one skilled in the art.
[0231] In methods described herein, the GGA refers to the compounds and/or
pharmaceutical compositions described previously of the cis isomer, the trans isomer or the mixture of GGA. In such methods, it is contemplated that the trans isomer may exhibit a more efficacious result compared to the mixture or the cis isomer. It is also contemplated that the inhibitory effects of the cis isomer allow it to be used to attenuate the effects of the mixture or the trans isomer in the above-described methods. Therefore, in one
embodiment of each method, the GGA used is the trans isomer of GGA. In another embodiment, the GGA used is the cis isomer of GGA. In yet another embodiment, the method comprises contacting the neuron with an effective amount of the 5-cis isomer to attenuate the effect of the mixture or 5-trans isomer.
[0232] In certain aspects, the methods described herein relate to administering GGA or the isomeric compounds or compositions of GGA in vitro. In other aspects the
administration is in vivo. In yet other aspects, the in vivo administration is to a mammal. Mammals include but are not limited to humans and common laboratory research animals such as, for example, mice, rats, dogs, pigs, cats, and rabbits.
5. Synthetic Methods [0233] This invention provides a synthetic method comprising one or more of the following steps:
Figure imgf000083_0001
VIII reacting a compound of formula III under halogenation conditions to provide a pound of formula IX;
Figure imgf000083_0002
IX
(ii) reacting the compound of formula IX with alkyl acetoacetate under alkylation conditions to provide a compound of formula X, where the stereochemistry at sterogenic center can be a racemic, R or S configuration:
Figure imgf000083_0003
X reacting the compound of formula V under hydrolysis and decarboxylation ditions to provide a compound of formula XI :
Figure imgf000083_0004
XI
(iv) reacting the compound of formula XI with a compound of formula XII :
O
(R740)2F^C(¾R75 XII wherein R74, R75, R85 and each R86 independently are alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, under olefination conditions to selectively provide a compound of formula XIII:
Figure imgf000084_0001
XIII
(v) reacting the compound of formula XIII under reduction conditions to provide a compound of formula XIV
Figure imgf000084_0002
XIV
[0234] Compound VIII is combined with at least an equimolar amount of a halogenating agent typically in an inert solvent. As used in this application, an "inert solvent" is a solvent that does not react under the reaction conditions in which it is employed as a solvent. The reaction is typically run at a temperature of about 0°C to 20 °C for a period of time sufficient to effect substantial completion of the reaction. Suitable solvents include, by way of example only, diethyl ether, acetonitrile, and the like. Suitable halogenating agents include PBr3 or PPh3/CBr4. After reaction completion, the resulting product, compound IX, can be recovered under conventional conditions such as extraction, precipitation, filtration, chromatography, and the like or, alternatively, used in the next step of the reaction without purification and/or isolation.
[0235] Compound IX is combined with at least an equimolar amount of an alkyl acetoacetate, in the presence of a base and an inert solvent. The reaction is typically run initially at 0°C, and then warmed up to room temperature for a period of time sufficient to effect substantial completion of the reaction. Suitable solvents include, by way of example only, various alcohols, such as ethanol, dioxane, and mixtures thereof. Suitable bases include, by way of example only, alkali metal alkoxides, such as sodium ethoxide.
[0236] Compound X is reacted with at least an equimolar amount, preferably, an excess of aqueous alkali. The reaction is typically run at about 40 to 80 °C and preferably about 80°C for a period of time sufficient to effect substantial completion of the reaction. Suitable solvents include, by way of examples only, alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, and the like.
[0237] Compound XI is combined with at least an equimolar amount, preferably, an excess of a compound of formula XII, and at least an equimolar amount, preferably, an excess of base, in an inert solvent. The reaction is typically run, initially at about -30°C for about 1-2 hours, and at room temperature for a period of time sufficient to effect substantial completion of the reaction. Suitable solvents include, by way of examples only
tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, and the like. Suitable bases include, by way of example only, alkali metal hydrides, such as sodium hydride, or potassium hexamethyldisilazide (KHMDS), or potassium tertiary butoxide ('BuOK).
[0238] Compound XIII is combined with a reducing agent in an inert solvent. The reaction is typically run at about 0°C for about 15 minutes, and at room temperature for a period of time sufficient to effect substantial completion of the reaction. Suitable reducing agents include, without limitation, LiAIH4. Suitable solvents include, by way of examples only diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, and the like.
[0239] As will be apparent to the skilled artisan, after reaction completion, the resulting product, can be recovered under conventional conditions such as precipitation, filtration, chromatography, and the like or, alternatively, used in the next step of the reaction without purification and/or isolation.
[0240] In some embodiments, the method further comprises repeating steps (i), (ii), and (iii) sequentially with compound of formula XIII to provide the compound of formula Vl-B, wherein m is 2.
Figure imgf000085_0001
Vl-B
In another embodiment, the method or procedure further comprises repeating steps (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), and (v), sequentially, 1-3 times.
[0241] In another of its synthetic method aspects, there is provided a method comprising one or more of the following steps:
(i) reacting a compound of formula Vlll-B:
Figure imgf000085_0002
Vlll-B wherein m is 1-3, under halogenation conditions to provide a compound of formula IXB:
Figure imgf000086_0001
IX-B
(ii) reacting the compound of formula IX-B with alkyl acetoacetates, under alkylating conditions to provide a compound of formula X-B, where the stereochemistry at sterogenic center can be a racemic, R or S configuration:
Figure imgf000086_0002
wherein R alkyl is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl
(iii) reacting a compound of formula X-B under hydrolysis and decarboxylation conditions to provide a compound of formula Xl-B:
Figure imgf000086_0003
XI B
[0242] In another of its synthetic method aspects, this invention provides a
comprising step (i) or step (ii) or steps (i) + (ii) :
(i) reacting a compound of formula XV-C:
Figure imgf000086_0004
XV-C with alkyl acetoacetate under alkylating conditions to provide a compound of formula XVI-C, , where the stereochemistry at sterogenic center can be a racemic, R or S configuration:
Figure imgf000086_0005
XVI-C wherein R3i is as defined herein, and reacting the compound XVI-C obtained under hydrolysis and decarboxylation conditions to provide a compound of formula II:
Figure imgf000087_0001
VII
As will be apparent to the skilled artisan, the various reaction steps leading to compound XI- B or to the 5Z isomer are performed in the manner described hereinabove.
[0243] In another of its synthetic method aspects, this invention provides a method comprising reacting a ketal compound of formula XVII:
Figure imgf000087_0002
XVII wherein each R70 independently is Ci-C6 alkyl, or two R70 groups together with the oxygen atoms they are attached to form a 5 or 6 membered ring, which ring is optionally substituted with 1-3, preferably 1-2, Ci-C6 alkyl groups, under hydrolysis conditions to provide a compound of formula II.
[0244] The ketal is combined with at least a catalytic amount, such as, 1-20 mole% of an aqueous acid, preferably, an aqueous mineral acid in an inert solvent. The reaction is typically run about 25°C to about 80°C, for a period of time sufficient to effect substantial completion of the reaction. Suitable acids include, without limitation, HCI, H2S04, and the like. Suitable solvents include alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, tetrahydrofuran, and the like.
[0245] In another embodiment, this invention provides a method comprising reacting a compound of formula XVI :
Figure imgf000088_0001
XVI under hydrolysis and subsequently decarboxylation conditions to form a compound of formula I:
Figure imgf000088_0002
VI
Alternatively, reacting compound of formula XII with XV followed by in situ hydrolysis and decarboxylation of compound with formula XVI can afford the compound of formula VI.
[0246] In another embodiment, this invention provides a method comprising reacting a compound of formula XVI-C:
Figure imgf000088_0003
XVI-C under hydrolysis and subsequent decarboxylation conditions to form the compound of formula VII
Figure imgf000088_0004
VII
Hydrolysis and decarboxylation conditions useful in these methods will be apparent to the skilled artisan upon reading this disclosure.
It will also be apparent to the skilled artisan that the methods further employ routine steps of separation or purification to isolate the compounds, following methods such as chromatography, distillation, or crystallization.
Synthesis of GGA derivatives [0247] Certain methods for making GGA or certain GGA derivatives provided and/or utilized herein are described in PCT publication no. WO 2012/031028 and PCT application no. PCT/US2012/027147, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other GGA derivatives can be prepared by appropriate substitution of reagents and starting materials, as will be well known to the skilled artisan upon reading this disclosure.
[0248] The reactions are preferably carried out in a suitable inert solvent that will be apparent to the skilled artisan upon reading this disclosure, for a sufficient period of time to ensure substantial completion of the reaction as observed by thin layer chromatography, 1H-NM R, etc. If needed to speed up the reaction, the reaction mixture can be heated, as is well known to the skilled artisan. The final and the intermediate compounds are purified, if necessary, by various art known methods such as crystallization, precipitation, column chromatography, and the likes, as will be apparent to the skilled artisan upon reading this disclosure.
[0249] The compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention are synthesized, e.g., from a compound of formula (ll l-A) :
Figure imgf000089_0001
(ll l-A) wherein n, R1-R5 and are defined as in Formula (I) above, following various well known methods upon substitution of reactants and/or altering reaction conditions as will be apparent to the skilled artisan upon reading this disclosure. The compound of Formula (II I- A) is itself prepared by methods well known to a skilled artisan, for example, and without limitation, those described in PCT Pat. App. Pub. No. WO 2012/031028 and PCT Pat. App. No. PCT/US2012/027147 (each supra). An illustrative and non-limiting method for synthesizing a compound of Formula (l ll-A), where n is 1, is schematically shown below.
Figure imgf000090_0001
[0250] Starting compound (iii), which is synthesized from compound (i) by adding isoprene derivatives as described here, is alkylated with a beta keto ester (iv), in the presence of a base such as an alkoxide, to provide the corresponding beta-ketoester (v). Compound (v) upon alkaline hydrolysis followed by decarboxylation provides ketone (vi). Keto compound (vi) is converted, following a Wittig Horner reaction with compound (vii), to the conjugated ester (viii). Compound (viii) is reduced, for example with LiAIH4, to provide alcohol (ix).
[0251] As will be apparent to the skilled artisan, a compound of Formula (III), where n is 2, is synthesized by repeating the reaction sequence of alkylation with a beta-keto ester, hydrolysis, decarboxylation, Wittig-Horner olefination, and LiAIH4 reduction.
[0252] Certain illustrative and non-limiting synthesis of compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention are schematically shown below. Compounds where Q1 is -(C=S)- or -S02- are synthesized by substituting the carbonyl group of the reactants employed, as will be apparent to the skilled artisan. [0253] R6 in the schemes below may also correspond to R30 and R51 as defined herein. R7 in the schemes below may also correspond to R26, R31 and R52 as defined herein. R8 in the schemes below may also correspond to R27, R32 and R53 as defined herein. R9 in the schemes below may also correspond to R28, R33 and R54 as defined herein. R13 in the schemes below may also correspond to R58 as defined herein. R14 in the schemes below may also correspond to R59 as defined herein. R15 in the schemes below may also correspond to R60 as defined herein. R18 in the schemes below may also correspond to R24, R34 and R63 as defined herein. R19 in the schemes below may also correspond to R25, R35 and R64 as defined herein. L is a leaving group as known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
Figure imgf000091_0001
Figure imgf000091_0002
Figure imgf000091_0003
As shown above, RE is alkyl.
[0254] Compound (ix) with alcohol functionality is an intermediate useful for preparing the compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention. Compound (x), where L is an RsS02- group is made by reacting compound (ix) with RsS02CI in the presence of a base. The transformation of compound (iii) to compound (x) illustrates methods of adding isoprene derivatives to a compound, which methods are suitable to make compound (iii) from compound (i). Intermediate (ix) containing various R1-R5 substituents are prepared according to this scheme as exemplified herein below. The transformation of compound (iii) to compound (x) illustrates methods of adding isoprene derivatives to a compound, which methods are suitable to make compound (iii) from compound (i).
[0255] The intermediates prepared above are converted to the compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention as schematically illustrated below:
Figure imgf000092_0001
Secondary Ureas: Cyclic or Alicyclic
As used herein, for example, and without limitation, m is 0 or 1 and R1-R5 are as defined herein, and are preferably alkyl, or more preferably methyl. Intermediate (ixa), prepared according to the scheme herein above, is converted to amino intermediate (ixb) via the corresponding bromide. Intermediates (ixa) and (ixb) are converted to the compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention by reacting with suitable isocyanates or carbamoyl chlorides, which are prepared by art known methods. The thiocarbamates and thioureas of this invention are prepared according to the methods described above and replacing the isocyanates or the carbamoyl chlorides with isothiocyanates (R18-N=C=S) or thiocarbamoyl chlorides (R18-NH-C(=S)CI or R18R19N-C(=S)CI). These and other compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention are also prepared by art known methods, which may require optional modifications as will be apparent to the skilled artisan upon reading this disclosure. Intermediates for synthesizing compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention containing various R1-R5 substituents are illustrated in the examples section and/or are well known to the skilled artisan.
[0256] Certain GGA derivatives provided and/or utilized herein are synthesized as schematically shown below. imines, hydazones, alkoxyimines enolcarbamates
Figure imgf000093_0001
ketal s [0257] Certain compounds provided and/or utilized herein are obtained by reacting compound (x) with the anion Q(-), which can be generated by reacting the compound Q.H with a base. Suitable nonlimiting examples of bases include hydroxide, hydride, amides, alkoxides, and the like. Various compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention, wherein the carbonyl group is converted to an imine, a hydrazone, an alkoxyimine, an enolcarbamate, a ketal, and the like, are prepared following well known methods.
[0258] Other methods for making the compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention are schematically illustrated below:
Figure imgf000094_0001
(R14)2NC0C1 or R15NCO
Figure imgf000094_0002
The metallation is performed, by reacting the ketone with a base such as dimsyl anion, a hindered amide base such as diisopropyla mide, or hexamethyldisilazide, along with the corresponding metal cation, M. The amino carbonyl chloride or the isocyanate is prepared, for example, by reacting the amine (R14)2NH with phosgene or an equivalent reagent well known to the skilled artisan.
Figure imgf000094_0003
activation of -C02H group;
R82NH2 82
Figure imgf000094_0004
[0259] The beta keto ester is hydrolyzed while ensuring that the reaction conditions do not lead to decarboxylation. The acid is activated with various acid activating agent well known to the skilled artisan such as carbonyl diimodazole, or 0-Benzotriazole-N,N,N',N'- tetramethyl-uronium-hexafluoro-phosphate (HBTU) and reacted with the amine.
Figure imgf000095_0001
R13NH2/dehydrating agent
such as moleculare sieves
Figure imgf000095_0002
[0260] Various other compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention are prepared from the compounds made in the scheme above based on art known methods.
Figure imgf000095_0003
(viii)
As shown above, RE is alkyl.
[0261] The intermediates prepared above are converted to the compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention as schematically illustrated below:
Figure imgf000096_0001
Oxazolines
Figure imgf000096_0002
Heterocycles
Figure imgf000096_0003
[0262] Compound (viii) is hydrolyzed to the carboxylic acid (x), which is then converted to the acid chloride (xi). Compound (xi) is reacted with a suitable nucleophile such as a hydrazide, a hydroxylamine, an amino alcohol, or an amino acid, and the intermediate dehydrated to provide a compound of Formula (IV). Alternatively, the allylic alcohol (ix) is oxidized to the aldehyde (xi), which is then reacted with a cyanohydrin or
cyanotosylmethane to provide further compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention. [0263] GGA derivatives provided and/or utilized in this invention can also be synthesized employing art known methods and those disclosed here by alkene-aryl, alkene-heteroaryl, or alkene-akene couplings such as Heck, Stille, or Suzuki coupling. Such methods can use (vi) to prepare intermediate (xii) that can undergo Heck, Stille, or Suzuki coupling under conditions well known to the skilled artisan to provide compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention.
Wittig olefination
Figure imgf000097_0001
(xii)
[0264] Higher and lower isoprenyl homologs of intermediates (x), (xi), and (xii), which are prepared following the methods disclosed here, can be similarly employed to prepare other compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention.
[0265] Compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention are also prepared as shown below
PAr3 base
Cp-CH2-L ► C^-CH2-PAr3(+)L(-) ^ Q5-CH=PA-3
Figure imgf000097_0002
[0266] L is a leaving group and Q.5 are as defined herein, Ar is a preferably an aryl group such as phenyl, the base employed is an alkoxide such as tertiarybutoxide, a hydride, or an alkyl lithium such as n-butyl lithium. Methods of carrying out the steps shown above are well known to the skilled artisan, as are conditions, reagents, solvents, and/or additives useful for performing the reactions and obtaining the compound of Formula (IV) in the desired stereochemistry.
[0267] Other methods for making the compounds provided and/or utilized in this invention are schematically illustrated below:
Figure imgf000098_0001
[0268] The metallation is performed, by reacting the ketone with a base such as dimsyl anion, a hindered amide base such as diisopropylamide, or hexamethyldisilazide, along with the corresponding metal cation, M. The amino carbonyl chloride or the isocyanate is prepared, for example, by reacting the amine R13R14NH with phosgene or an equivalent reagent well known to the skilled artisan.
Figure imgf000099_0001
activation of -C02H group;
R82NH
Figure imgf000099_0002
[0269] The beta keto ester is hydrolyzed while ensuring that the reaction conditions do not lead to decarboxylation. The acid is activated with various acid activating agent well known to the skilled artisan such as carbonyl diimodazole, or O-Benzotriazole-Ν,Ν,Ν',Ν'- tetramethyl-uronium-hexafluoro-phosphate (HBTU) and reacted with the amine. Certain other methods of preparing the conjugates are shown below.
Figure imgf000099_0003
As shown above, R is a memantine or a riluzole residue.
6. Utility [0270] GGA is a known anti-ulcer drug used commercially and in clinical situations. GGA has also been shown to exert cytoprotective effects on a variety of organs, such as the eye, brain, and heart (See for example Ishii Y., et al., Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2003; 44:1982-92; Tanito M, et al., J Neurosci 2005; 25:2396-404; Fujiki M, et al., J Neurotrauma 2006;
23:1164-78; Yasuda H, et al., Brain Res 2005; 1032:176-82; Ooie T, et al., Circulation 2001; 104:1837-43; and Suzuki S, et al., Kidney Int 2005; 67:2210-20).
[0271] In certain situations, the concentration of GGA required to exert a cytoprotective effect is an excessive amount of more than 600 mg per kg per day (Katsuno et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2003, 100,2409-2414). The trans-isomer of GGA has been shown to be more efficacious at lower concentrations than a composition containing from 1:2 to 1:3 cis:trans mixture of GGA, and a composition of the cis-isomer of GGA alone. Therefore, the trans- isomer of GGA is useful for exerting cytoprotective effects on cells at a lower concentration than the cis-isomer or the 1:2 to 1:3 mixture of cis and trans isomers. Surprisingly, increasing amounts of the cis-isomer was found to antagonize the activity of the trans- isomer, as exemplified below.
[0272] It is contemplated that the isomeric mixture of GGA and/or compositions containing the 5-trans isomer of GGA can be used to inhibit neural death and increase neural activity in a mammal suffering from a neural disease, wherein the etiology of said neural disease comprises formation of protein aggregates which are pathogenic to neurons which method comprises administering to said mammal an amount of GGA which will inhibit neural death and increase neural activity, or impede the progression of the neural disease. As it relates to the isomeric mixture of GGA, this method is not intended to inhibit or reduce the negative effect of a neural disease in which the pathogenic protein aggregates are intranuclear or diseases in which the protein aggregation is related to SBMA. [0273] Negative effects of neural diseases that are inhibited or reduced by GGA and the 5- trans isomer of GGA according to this invention include but are not limited to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, prion diseases such as Kuru, Creutzfeltdt- Jakob disease, Fatal familial insomnia, and Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or damage to the spinal cord. GGA and the 5-trans isomer of GGA are also contemplated to prevent neural death during epileptic seizure. [0274] As will be apparent upon reading this disclosure, certain GGA derivatives provided herein are useful as synthetic intermediates in the synthetsis and/or manufacture of other GGA derivatives.
7. Assays [0275] The isolated cis- and trans-compounds described herein are also useful in assays which access a compound having putative cytoprotective effects. In particular, in such assays, the cis-isomer of GGA will behave as baseline or negative control and the trans- isomer as a positive control. The putative compound is tested in the assay described variously herein and its activity correlated against the cis- and trans-isomers. Compounds exhibiting activity similar to or exceeding that of the trans-isomer would be considered to be active compounds. Compounds providing activity similar to the cis-isomer would be considered to be inactive compounds. Accordingly, the cis-isomer finds utility as a negative control in the assay.
8. Examples of the Invention [0276] The following examples are given for the purpose of illustrating various
embodiments of the invention and are not meant to limit the present invention in any fashion. The present examples, along with the methods described herein are presently representative of preferred embodiments, are exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Changes therein and other uses which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the claims will occur to those skilled in the art.
[0277] In the examples below as well as throughout the application, the following abbreviations have the following meanings. If not defined, the terms have their generally accepted meanings.
°C = degrees Celsius PBr3 = phosphorus tribromide
EE = ethyl ether EtOH = Ethanol NaOEt = sodium ethoxide
Oet = Ethoxide
N = Normal
KOH = potassium hydroxide
aq = aqueous
h = hour(s)
RT = Room temperature
LAH = lithium aluminum hydride
THF = Tetrahydrofuran
min = minute(s)
Et = Ethyl
MeOH = Methanol
NaH = sodium hydride
ON = Overnight
E or (E) = Trans
Z or (Z) = Cis
TLC = thin layer chromatography
GGA = geranylgeranyl acetone
μΐ = Microliter
mL = Milliliter
PK = negative logarithm of the dissociation constant K
HPC = hydroxypropyl cellulose
Dl = Deionized
Mn = number average molar mass Av = Average
p-TsOH = p-toluenesulfonic acid
Ph3P = Triphenylphosphine
Br- = bromide ion
CBr4 = Tetrabromomethane
LC-MS = Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
Rf = retardation factor
PEG-200 polyethylene glycol
KHMDA = potassium hexamethylenediamine
ACN = Acetonitrile
TBDMS = tert-butyldimethyl silyl
Kp = Ratio of AUCbra/n to AUCpfasma
AUC = Area Under the curve
LC-MS Parameters for Analysis System: Agilent 1100 LC-MSD
Parameters:
Sample Concentration: 7.2 mg in 1.44 mL DMSO (5mg/mL). Dilute lOuL to 0.5 mL acetonitrile (lOOug/mL)
HPLC Column: Xterra MS, C18, 50 x 2.1, 3.5 micron
Column Temperature: 40 oC
Mobile Phase A: 0.1% formic acid in water
Mobile Phase B: 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile Flow Rate: 0.3 mL/min
Injection Volume: 5 uL
Gradient LC-MS: time (min) B (%) 0 5
15 100
25 100
25.1 5
30 5 MS Parameters:
Ion Source: Electrospray
Polarity: Positive
Mass Range: 100 - 1000 amu
Fragmentor: 80 Dry Gas: 10 l/mi n
Dry Gas temp: 350 oC
Vcap: 4000
Nebulizer Pressure:3S
Gain: 5 [0278] The starting materials for the reactions described below are generally known compounds or can be prepared by known procedures or obvious modifications thereof. For example, many of the starting materials are available from commercial suppliers such as Aldrich Chemical Co. (Milwaukee, Wis., USA), Bachem (Torrance, Calif., USA), Emka-Chemce or Sigma (St. Louis, Mo., USA). Others may be prepared by procedures, or obvious modifications thereof, described in standard reference texts such as Fieser and Fieser's Reagents for Organic Synthesis, Volumes 1 15 (John Wiley and Sons, 1991), Rodd's Chemistry of Carbon Compounds, Volumes 1 5 and Supplemental (Elsevier Science
Publishers, 1989), Organic Reactions, Volumes 1 40 (John Wiley and Sons, 1991), March's Advanced Organic Chemistry, (John Wiley and Sons, 4.sup.th Edition), and Larock's
Comprehensive Organic Transformations (VCH Publishers Inc., 1989).
Example 1: 5E,9E,13E-Geranylgeranyl Acetone Synthesis
[0279] Synthesis of 5-tra/is-lsomer: 5E,9E,13E-Geranylgeranyl acetone 1: The synthesis of S-trans isomer: 5E,9E,13E-geranylgeranyl acetone 1 can be achieved as per outlined in the scheme-1.
Scheme 1
Figure imgf000105_0001
2E,6E-Famesyi Atcoftai (3) 2E,6E-Farrtesyl Bromide (4)
EtOhPOCH>COOES
Figure imgf000105_0002
then RT for 40
5E,9E-FarnesyS Ketoester (6) i-jE.&E-Fame&yl Acetone (7) h
Figure imgf000105_0003
2E, 6E.10E-Conjtigaie>d Ester (g> 2E. oE.'i OE-Geranylgefany: Atcohoi (9)
Figure imgf000105_0004
5N KOH (so.) 17 ■?3E SE 5E
VleOH. 60 °C. 2-3h -O
r T" ^ 7 "i
5E, 9E 3E-Ge rany!gera w! acetone (1 )
[0280] The 2E,6E-farnesyl alcohol 3 (where the geometry at C2 and C6 positions is already fixed as trans- or E) was designed and used as a commercially available starting material for the synthesis of 5E,9E,13E-geranylgeranyl acetone 1. The alcohol function of 2E, 6E-farnesyl alcohol 3 was converted to the corresponding bromide 4 by the treatment of phosphorus tribromide (PBr3) in ethyl ether (EE) or with Ph3P and CBr4 in acetonitrile (ACN) at 0°C. The resulting bromide was then reacted with carbanion (derived from the reaction of ethyl acetoacetate 5 and sodium ethoxide) to yield the desired 5E,9E-farnesyl ketoester 6. The homologated ketoester 6 after hydrolysis and decarboxylation using aqueous 5N KOH yielded the expected 5E,9E-farnesyl acetone 7. A one pot conversion of bromide 4 to the corresponding farnesyl acetone 7 can be possible without isolating intermediate ketoester 6.
[0281] In order to generate the ίτα/is-orientation of olefin at C2 of conjugated olefin 8 in a key step, the reaction of 5E,9E-farnesyl acetone 7 with carbanion [derived from the reaction of (EtO)2PO-CH2-COOEt and sodium hydride (NaH)] at -30°C was conducted to obtain the desired 2E,6E,10E-conjugated ester 8. The formation of the product 8 with the exclusive trans (E) geometry was observed when the reaction was conducted at -30°C or temperature below -30°C, where all the three olefins are set in a trans (E) orientation (Ref. : Kato et al., J. Org. Chem. 1980, 45, 1126-1130 and Wiemer et al., Organic Letters, 2005, 7(22), 4803- 4806). The minor cis- (Z)-isomer was eliminated/separated from the trans- (E)-isomer 8 by a careful silica gel column chromatographic purification. However, it was also noted that the formation the corresponding c/'s-isomer (Z) was increased when the reaction was conducted at 0°C or at higher temperature. It was also noted that the mixture of cis (2Z)- and trans (2E)- isomer of 8 can be separated by a very careful column chromatographic separation.
[0282] The resulting 2E-conjugated ester 8 was reduced to the corresponding 2E-alcohol 9 by means of a lithium aluminum hydride (LAH) treatment, which was then converted into the corresponding 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl bromide 10 by means of phosphorus tribromide (PBr3) treatment in ethyl ether (EE) or with Ph3P and CBr4 in acetonitrile (ACN) at 0°C. Furthermore, the interaction of carbanion (derived from ethyl acetoacetate 5 and sodium ethoxide) with the bromide 10 at 0°C afforded the desired 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl ketoester 11, a precursor needed for 5E,9E,13E-geranylgeranyl acetone 1. The subsequent ester hydrolysis and decarboxylation of ketoester 11 using aq. 5N KOH at 80°C yielded the requisite 5E,9E,13E-geranylgeranyl acetone 1. TLC Rf: 0.28 (5% Ethyl Acetate in Hexanes); LC Retention time: 16.68 min; MS (m/e): 313 [M - 18 + H]+, 331 [M H]+, 353 [M + K] . Example 2: 5-Z,9E,13E-Geranylgeranyl Acetone Synthesis Scheme 2
Figure imgf000107_0001
RI ..ON
2E,6E-Fernesy! A!coho! (3} 2E,6t-hornesy! Bromide (4)
Figure imgf000107_0002
[0283] The 2E,6E-farnesyl alcohol 3 (where the geometry at C2 and C6 positions is already fixed as trans- or E) was used as a commercially available starting material for the synthesis of 5Z,9E,13E-geranylgeranyl acetone 2. The reaction of farnesyl alcohol 3 with phosphorus tribromide (PBr3) in ethyl ether (EE) or with Ph3P and CBr4 in acetonitrile (ACN) at 0°C afforded the requisite bromide 4 , which was then reacted with carbanion (derived from the reaction of ethyl acetoacetate 5 and sodium ethoxide) to yield the desired 5E,9E-farnesyl ketoester 6. The homologated ketoester 6 after hydrolysis and decarboxylation using aqueous 5N KOH yielded the expected 5E,9E-farnesyl acetone 7, one of the key
intermediate for the synthesis of 5E,9E,13E-geranylgeranyl acetone 1 and 5Z,9E,13E- geranylgeranyl acetone 2.
[0284] With a view to obtain product with c/'s-geometry at C2 with the conjugated olefin 12, the reaction of 5E,9E-farnesyl acetone 7 with carbanion [derived from the reaction of (EtO)2PO-CH2-COOEt and sodium hydride (NaH)] at 0°C was conducted. This reaction afforded a mixture of 2E,6E,10E-conjugated ester 8 and 2Z,6E,10E-conjugated ester 12, from which the C2-cis (Z)- isomer 12 was separated by a repeated and careful silica gel column chromatography (Ref. Kato et al., J. Org. Chem., 1980, 45, 1126-1130). [0285] The resulting 2Z-conjugated ester 12 was converted into the corresponding 2Z- alcohol 13 by means of a lithium aluminum hydride (LAH) treatment. The 2Z-alcohol 13 was transformed into the corresponding 2Z,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl bromide 14 by using phosphorus tribromide (PBr3) treatment in ethyl ether (EE) or with Ph3P and CBr4 acetonitrile (ACN) at 0°C, and then reacted with carbanion (derived from ethyl acetoacetate 5 and sodium ethoxide) at 0°C afforded the desired 2Z,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl ketoester 15, a precursor needed for 5Z,9E,13E-geranylgeranyl acetone 2. The subsequent ester hydrolysis and decarboxylation of ketoester 15 using aq. 5N KOH at 80°C yielded the requisite
5Z,9E,13E-geranylgeranyl acetone 2.
Example 3: 5Z,9E,13E-Geranylgeranyl Acetone Synthesis [0286] Alternative synthesis of S-cis Isomer: 5Z,9E,13E-Geranylgeranyl acetone 2: The alternative synthesis of 5Z,9E,13E-geranylgeranyl acetone 2 can be achieved as shown in the scheme-3.
Scheme 3
14 -Pptvj
-6
ZZ. S , C
n
Figure imgf000109_0001
2Z, βΕ. ΟΕ-Geranylgeran i A!co o! (13}
PBr3, EE, 0 C'C
30-45 minutes
14 10
2Z. SE,10E-Geranylgerany! Bromide (14)
1. Ethyl acetoacetate (5) 2. 5 KOH iaq.l
NaOEt, EfOH, Dioxane eOH, 80 °C, 2-3h
Q -C ... 30 rnin, T ..ON
Figure imgf000109_0002
5∑, 9E,i ; ΪΞ-Geranylgeran . Acetone{2) [0287] The use of 5E,9E-farnesyl acetone 7, as a key intermediate, can be used to generate additional double bond with cis-(Z)-orientation. In one approach, the reaction of 5E,9E- farnesyl acetone 7 with the witting reagent 16 can afford the conjugated ester 12 with cis- (Z)-geometry at C2 position. The subsequent reduction of ester 12 with lithium aluminum hydride (LAH) can generate the corresponding alcohol 13, which then can be converted into the corresponding bromide 14. The conversion of bromide 14 to the ketoester 15 followed by hydrolysis and decarboxylation can afford the desired 5-cis (Z) isomer; 5Z,9E,13E- geranygeranyl acetone (2).
In an alternative approach, the reaction of 5E,9E-farnesyl acetone 7 with triphenyl
methylphosponrane bromide 17 under a basic conditions followed by treatment with formaldehyde (monomeric) can afford the 2Z,6E10E-geranylgeranyl alcohol 13 with cis (Z)- orientation at C2 (Ref.: Wiemer et al., Organic Letters, 2005, 7(22), 4803-4806). The conversion of bromide 14 to the ketoester 15 followed by hydrolysis and decarboxylation can afford the desired 5-cis (Z)-isomer; 5Z,9E,13E-geranygeranyl acetone (2). TLC Rf: 0.32 (5% Ethyl Acetate in Hexanes); LC: Retention time: 17.18 min; MS (m/e): 313 [M - 18 + H]+, 331 [M H, very weak ionization]^ 339 [M - CH2 + Na], 353 [M + K] .
[0288] All the intermediate products were purified by silica gel column chromatography and then used in the next step, except the bromides 4, 10 and 14. Due to the unstable nature of bromides 4, 10 and 14 towards silica gel column chromatography, these bromides were used in the next step without purification. Alternatively, all the intermediate products shown in the schemes 1, 2 and 3 are liquids and therefore can be separated and purified by a distillation process under appropriate levels of vacuum. All the intermediates and final products were characterized by LC-MS for mass along with the Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) for Rf values.
Example 4: 5-Z,9E,13E-Geranylgeranyl Acetone Synthesis
[0289] Alternative synthesis of 5-cis Isomer: 5Z,9E,13E-Geranylgeranyl acetone 2: The alternative synthesis of 5Z,9E,13E-geranylgeranyl acetone 2 can be achieved as shown in the scheme-4
Scheme 4
Figure imgf000111_0001
Figure imgf000111_0002
5Z,9E,13E-2-Oxo-ketal-GGA (22) 5Z,9E,13E-GGA (2)
[0290] The convergent synthesis of 5Z,9E,13E-GGA 2 has been shown in the above scheme and is outlined as follows.
[0291] The 2E,6E-farnesyl alcohol 3 (where the geometry at C2 and C6 positions is already fixed as trans- or E) was used as a commercially available starting material for the synthesis of 5Z,9E,13E-geranylgeranyl acetone 2. The reaction of farnesyl alcohol 3 with phosphorus tribromide (PBr3) in ethyl ether (EE) or with Ph3P and CBr4 in acetonitrile (ACN) at 0 °C afforded the requisite bromide 4 , which was then reacted with carbanion (derived from the reaction of ethyl acetoacetate 5 and sodium ethoxide) to yield the desired 5E,9E-farnesyl ketoester 6. The homologated ketoester 6 after hydrolysis and decarboxylation using aqueous 5N KOH yielded the expected 5E,9E-farnesyl acetone 7, one of the key
intermediate for the synthesis of 5E,9E,13E-geranylgeranyl acetone 1 and 5Z,9E,13E- geranylgeranyl acetone 2. [0292] The other synthon, namely the ylide 21 can be synthesized from a commercially available starting material, ethyl levulinate 16, a sugar industry by-product. The ketalization of ethyl levulinate 16 using conventional conditions (ethylene glycol, p-TsOH, azeotropic reflux) can yield the desired 2-oxo-ketal 17, which then can be reduced using LAH in THF at 0 °C to the corresponding alcohol 18. Furthermore, the alcohol 18 then can be treated with Ph3Br in diethyl ether at 0 °C to obtain the bromide 19, which then after treatment with Ph3P can yield the phosphonium bromide salt 20. The bromide salt 20 upon treatment with mild alkali (IN NaOH) can furnish the desired ylide 21, required to complete the synthesis of 5Z-GGA 2. [0293] With a view to obtain product with c/'s-geometry, the reaction of 5E,9E-farnesyl acetone 7 with the ylide 21 in DCM at RT can afford the desired 5Z-oxoketal 22 (Ref.: Ernest et al, Tetrahedron Lett. 1982, 23(2), 167-170). The protected oxo-function from 22 can be removed by means of a mild acid treatment to yield the expected 5Z,9E,13E-GGA 2.
Example 5: 5E,9E,13E-Geranylgeranyl Acetone Synthesis [0294] Alternative synthesis of S-trans Isomer: 5E,9E,13E-Geranylgeranyl acetone 1: The alternative synthesis of 5E,9E,13E-geranylgeranyl acetone 1 can be achieved as shown in the scheme-5.
Scheme 5:
Figure imgf000112_0001
[0295] The 5E, 9E, 13E-geranyl geranyl acetone (1) can be prepared by reacting 6E-10E- geranyl linalool (23) with diketene (24) catalyzed by DMAP in ethyl ether to give the ester 25. The ester 25 in the Carroll rearrangement using AI(OiPr)3 at elevated temperature can afford the desired 5E, 9E, 13E-geranyl geranyl acetone (1). In another approach, the GGA (1) can be prepared by treating geranyl linalool (23) with the Meldrum's acid 26 in the Carroll rearrangement using AI(OiPr)3 at 160 °C. Similarly, the use of ieri-butyl acetoacetate (27) with geranyl linalool (23) in the Carroll rearrangement can also give the desired 5E, 9E, 13E- geranyl geranyl acetone (1).
Example 6: 5-Z,9E,13E-Geranylgeranyl Acetone Synthesis
[0296] The alternative synthesis of 5Z,9E,13E-geranylgeranyl acetone 2 can be achieved as shown in the scheme-6.
Scheme 6:
Ph3P, CBr4
THF, 0 °C
^^,OTBDMS ^^/OTBDMS
HO Br
Alcohol 28 Bromide 29
Ph3P, C6H6
Figure imgf000113_0001
2Z-TBDMS Ether 32 2Z-Alcohol 13
Figure imgf000113_0002
2Z-Bromidel 14 5Z-Ketoester 15
Figure imgf000113_0003
5Z-Geranylgeranyl acetone 2
[0297] Alternative synthesis of S-cis Isomer: 5Z,9E,13E-Geranylgeranyl acetone 2: The 2E,6E-farnesyl alcohol 3 (where the geometry at C2 and C6 positions is already fixed as trans- or E) was used as a commercially available starting material for the synthesis of 5Z,9E,13E-geranylgeranyl acetone 2. The reaction of farnesyl alcohol 3 with phosphorus tribromide (PBr3) in ethyl ether (EE) or with Ph3P and CBr4 in acetonitrile (ACN) at 0 °C afforded the requisite bromide 4 , which was then reacted with carbanion (derived from the reaction of ethyl acetoacetate 5 and sodium ethoxide) to yield the desired 5E,9E-farnesyl ketoester 6. The homologated ketoester 6 after hydrolysis and decarboxylation using aqueous 5N KOH yielded the expected 5E,9E-farnesyl acetone 7, one of the key
intermediate for the synthesis of 5E,9E,13E-geranylgeranyl acetone 1 and 5Z,9E,13E- geranylgeranyl acetone 2.
[0298] The ylide 31 synthesized from a commercially available mono-TBDMS protected ethylene glycol 28. The conversion of alcohol function of 28 by using Ph3P and CBr4 in acetonitrile can afford the corresponding bromide 29, which then can be used to make a phosphonium bromide salt 30 by treatment with Ph3P at elevated temperature. The bromide salt 30 upon treatment with KHMDS in THF can afford the ylide 31, which then can be reacted in-situ with ketone 7 in a key step to establish cis geometry with the newly created double bond at C2 position and obtain the 2Z-TBDMS ether 32 (ref: Still et al, J. Org. Chem., 1980, 45, 4260-4262 and Donetti et al, Tetrahedron Lett. 1982, 23(21), 2219-2222). The deprotection of TBDMS with aqueous HCI to afford the corresponding alcohol 13 followed by conversion of alcohol to bromide using Ph3P and CBr4 can afford the desired bromide 14. The bromide 14 upon reaction with ethyl acetoacetate can give ketoester 15, which then upon hydrolysis followed by decarboxylation can yield the desired 5-Z-GGA (5- cis) 2. Example 7: The Synthesis of Additional Compounds
[0299] 2E, 6E, 10E-Geranylgeranyl acetate (2a) (R= Methyl): A dry reaction flask equipped with a stir bar and N2 inlet was charged with Geranylgeranyl alcohol 1 (0.087 g, 0.3 mmol), triethyl amine (0.062 mL, 0.45 mmol) and dichloromethane, DCM (1 mL) and cooled to 0 °C. To it was added acetyl chloride (1M solution in DCM, 0.42 mL, 0.042 mmol) drop- wise and the resulting reaction was stirred at room temperature for overnight, ~24h. The reaction was quenched with aqueous NaHC03 solution, extracted with DCM (3 x 20 mL), the DCM extract was washed with water (20 mL), dried over anhydrous Na2S04 and solvent was evaporated under a reduced pressure. The resulting oily residue was purified by a silica gel column chromatography using n-hexanes to 1-2% EtOAC in n-hexanes to afford a colorless liquid of ester 2a. Yield: 0.059 mg (60%); TLC Rf: 0.58 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 333.4 (M+H); Ret. Time: 14.13 minutes. [0300] 2E, 6E, 10E- Geranylgeranyl propionate (2b) (R= Ethyl): Similar to the preparation of ester 2a, the reaction of alcohol 1 with n-propionyl chloride afforded the desired compound 2b in 63% yield (0.065 g) as colorless oil. TLC Rf: 0.57 (10% EtOAc/n-hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 347 (M+H), ret. time: 14.60 min. [0301] 2E, 6E, 10E- Geranylgeranyl iso-butyrate (2c) (R= iso-Propyl): Similar to the preparation of ester 2a, the reaction of alcohol 1 with iso-butyryl chloride afforded the desired compound 2c in 57% yield (0.061 g) as colorless oil. TLC Rf: 0.55 (10% EtOAc/n- hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 361 (M+H), ret. time: 14.14 min.
[0302] 2E, 6E, 10E- Geranylgeranyl cyclopropionate (2d) (R= Cyclopropyl): Similar to the preparation of ester 2a, the reaction of alcohol 1 with cyclopropanecarbonyl chloride gave the desired compound 2d in 54% yield (0.057 g) as colorless oil. TLC Rf: 0.54 (10% EtOAc/n- hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 359 (M+H), ret. time: 14.83 min.
[0303] 2E, 6E, 10E- Geranylgeranyl cyclopentanoate (2e) (R= Cyclopentyl): Similar to the preparation of ester 2a, the reaction of alcohol 1 with cyclopentanecarbonyl chloride gave the compound 2e in 61% yield (0.065 g) as colorless oil. TLC Rf: 0.53 (10% EtOAc/n- hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 290 (M- Cyclopencarbonyl), ret. time: 14.60 min.
[0304] 2E, 6E, 10E- Geranylgeranyl cyclohexanoate (2f ) (R= Cyclohexyl): Similar to the preparation of ester 2a, the reaction of alcohol 9 with cyclohexanecarbonyl chloride gave the compound 2f in 65% yield (0.078 g) as colorless oil. TLC Rf: 0.53 (10% EtOAc/n-hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 401 (M+H), ret. time: 15.98 min.
[0305] The following Esters (2g-k) were prepared as a mixture of trans and cis isomers.
[0306] 2E, 6E, 10E- Geranylgeranyl-3',5'-dinitrobenzoate (2g) (R= 3',5'-Dinitrophenyl):
Similar to the preparation of ester 2a, the reaction of alcohol 9 with 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride gave the desired compound 2g in 60% yield (0.145 g) as colorless oil. TLC Rf: 0.46 (7% EtOAc/n-hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 484.30 (M+).
[0307] 2E, 6E, 10E- Geranylgeranyl-3',4',5'-trimethoxybenzoate (2h) (R= 3',4',5'- trimethoxyphenyl): Similar to the preparation of ester 2a, the reaction of alcohol 1 (l.OOg, 3.44 mmol) with 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl chloride (0.871g, 5.16 mmol) gave the desired compound 2h in 77% yield (1.28 g) as colorless oil.; LCMS: MS (m/z) 471.0 (MH-CH3). [0308] 2E, 6E, 10E- Geranylgeranyl-3',5'-diethoxybenzoate (2i) (R= 3',5'-diethoxyphenyl):
Similar to the preparation of ester 2a, the reaction of alcohol 1 (l.OOg, 3.44 mmol) with 3,5- diethoxybenzoyl chloride (0.861g, 5.16 mmol) gave the desired compound 2i in 73% yield (1.28 g) as colorless oil.; LCMS: MS (m/z) 483.15 (M+H). [0309] 2E, 6E, 10E- Geranylgeranyl-2'ethoxybenzoate (2j) (R= 2'-Ethoxyphenyl): Similar to the preparation of ester 2a, the reaction of alcohol 1 (0.580g, 2 mmol) with 2-ethoxybenzoyl chloride (0.340mL, 3 mmol) gave the desired compound 2i in 78% yield (0.684 g) as colorless oil.; LCMS: MS (m/z) 461.30 (M+H).
[0310] 2E, 6E, 10E- Geranylgeranyl-2',4'-dimethoxybenzoate (2k) (R= 2',4'- Dimethoxyphenyl): Similar to the preparation of ester 2a, the reaction of alcohol 1 (0.580g, 2 mmol) with 2,4-dimethoxybenzoyl chloride (0.576g, 3 mmol) gave the desired compound 2j in 81% yield (0.837 g) as colorless oil.; LCMS: MS (m/z) 477.25 (M+Na).
[0311] 2E, 6E, 10E- Geranylgeranyl-2',4\6'trimethylbenzoate (21) (R= 2',4',6'- Trimethylphenyl): Similar to the preparation of ester 2a, the reaction of alcohol 1 (0.580g, 2 mmol) with 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl chloride (0.365mL, 3 mmol) gave the desired compound 2k in 76% yield (0.664 g) as colorless oil.; LCMS: MS (m/z) 477.90 (M+acetonitrile).
[0312] 2E,6E,10E-Geranylgeranyl methanesulfonate (4a) (R= Methyl-): A dry reaction flask equipped with a stir bar and N2 inlet was charged with geranylgeranyl alcohol 1 (0.087 g, 0.3 mmol), pyridine (0.048 mL, 0.6 mmol) in DCM (2 mL). To it was added,
methanesulfonyl chloride 3a (0.035 mL, 0.45 mmol) and stirred for 48h at room
temperature. The reaction was followed by TLC. After the completion of the reaction, it was quenched with water (10 mL), extracted with DCM (3 x 20 mL) and the combined DCM solution was washed with 2N NaOH solution (20 mL) followed by water (20 mL). The DCM layer upon drying over anhydrous Na2S04 was evaporated and the residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography using n-hexanes the 1-2% EtOAc in n-hexanes to afford the desired sulfonate 4a. Yield: 0.066 g (66%); TLC Rf: 0.54 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 367.10 (M-H).
[0313] The following sulfonates 4b and 4c were prepared according to the procedure used to prepare sulfonate 4a. [0314] 2E, 6E, 10E-Geranylgeranyl benzenesulfonate (4b) (R= Phenyl): The reaction of alcohol 1 with benzenesulfonyl chloride afforded the requisite sulfonate 4b. Yield: 0.087 g (68%); TLC Rf: 0.45 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 471.30 (M + Acetonitrile).
[0315] 2E, 6E, 10E-Geranylgeranyl p-toluenesulfonate (4c) (R= p-Toluene): The reaction of alcohol 1 with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride afforded the requisite sulfonate 4c. Yield: 0.072 g (54%); TLC Rf: 0.42 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 443.50 (M-H).
[0316] 2E, 6E-Farnesyl benzenesulfonate (6a) (R= Phenyl):A dry reaction flask equipped with a stir bar and N2 inlet was charged with 2E,6E-Farnesyl alcohol 5 (0.165 g, 0.75 mmol), pyridine (0.120 mL, 1.5 mmol) in DCM (2 mL). To it was added, benzenesulfonyl chloride 3a (0.087 mL, 1.12 mmol) and stirred for 12h at room temperature. The reaction was followed by TLC. After the completion of the reaction, it was quenched with water (10 mL), extracted with DCM (3 x 20 mL) and the combined DCM solution was washed with 2N NaOH solution (20 mL) followed by water (20 mL). The DCM layer upon drying over anhydrous Na2S04 was evaporated and the residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography using n- hexanes the 1-2% EtOAc in n-hexanes to afford the desired sulfonate 6a. Yield: 0.119 g (44%).
[0317] 2E, 6E-Farnesyl p-toluenesulfonate (6b) (R= p-Toluene): Sulfonate 6b was prepared according to the procedure used to prepare sulfonate 6a. The reaction of alcohol 5 with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride afforded the requisite sulfonate 6b. Yield: 0.107 g (38%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 377.2 (M+H). [0318] Ethyl 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7a) (R= Ethyl-): A dry reaction flask equipped with a stir bar, N2 inlet was charged with alcohol 1 (0.060 g, 0.2 mmol), pyridine (0.032 mL, 0.4 mmol) and DCM (2 mL). After cooling it to 0 °C, ethyl isocyanate was added dropwise and the resulting reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 24 h. The reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of the reaction, it was quenched with H20 (5 mL), acidified, extracted with n-hexanes (3 x 15 mL) and the combined n-hexanes were washed with H20 (10 mL). After drying the organic solution over anhydrous Na2S04, the solvent was evaporated and the resulting residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography using 1-2% EtOAc in n-hexanes to afford the desired carbamate 7a. Yield: 0.039g (54%); TLC Rf: 0.30 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 384 (M + Na); ret. time: 14.39 min. [0319] The following carbamates 7b to 7z were prepared according to the procedure that was used to prepare carbamate 7a.
[0320] sec-Butyryl 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7b) (R= sec-Butyryl-): The reaction of alcohol 1 with sec-butyryl isocyanate afforded carbamate 7b. Yield: 0.039g (54%); TLC Rf: 0.40 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 412 (M + Na); ret. time: 15.79 min.
[0321] iso-Propyl 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7c) (R= iso-Propyl-): The reaction of alcohol 1 with iso-propyl isocyanate gave the desired carbamate 7c. Yield: 0.039g (52%); TLC Rf: 0.32 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 376.40 (M+H); ret. time: 14.34 min.
[0322] n-Pentyl 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7d) (R= n-Pentyl): The reaction of acohol 1 with n-pentyl isocyanate gave the expected carbamate 7d. Yield: 0.054g (67%); TLC Rf: 0.35 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 426 (M+H); ret. time: 16.40 min.
[0323] n-Hexyl 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7e) (R= n-Hexyl-): The reaction of alcohol 1 with n-hexyl isocyanate gave the carbamate 7e. Yield: 0.026g (31%); TLC Rf: 0.29 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 418 (M+H); ret. time: 15.28 min. [0324] Cyclopentyl 2E, 6E, 10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7f) (R= Cyclopentyl-): The reaction of alcohol 1 with cyclopentyl isocyanate gave the desired carbamate 7f. Yield: 0.034g (42%); TLC Rf: 0.32 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 402 (M+H).
[0325] Cyclohexyl 2E, 6E, 10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7g) (R= Cyclohexyl-): The reaction of alcohol 1 with cyclohexyl isocyanate gave the desired carbamate 7g. Yield: 0.043g (51%); TLC Rf: 0.29 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 416.30 (M+H).
[0326] Cyclohexylmethyl 2E, 6E, 10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7h) (R=
Cyclohexylmethyl-): The reaction of alcohol 1 with cyclohexylmethyl isocyanate afforded the expected carbamate 7h. Yield: 0.039g (45%); TLC Rf: 0.23 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 430.40. [0327] Cycloheptyl 2E, 6E, 10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7i) (R= Cycloheptyl-): The interaction of alcohol 1 with cycloheptyl isocyanate afforded the carbamate 7i. Yield: 0.034g (39%); TLC Rf: 0.61 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 430.40 (M+H).
[0328] Methyl 2-(S)-(-)-3-methylbutyrate 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl Carbamate (7j) (R= 2- methyl-(S)-(-)-3-methyl butyrate): The reaction of alcohol 1 with methyl-(S)-(-)-3-methyl isobutyryl isocyanate gave the carbamate 7j. Yield: 0.032g (42%); TLC Rf: 0.19 (10% EtOAc/n- Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 450.30 (M+2H).
[0329] Allyl 2E, 6E, 10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7k) (R= Allyl-): The interaction of alcohol 1 (0.145g, 0.5 mmol) with allyl isocyanate (0.131 mL, 0.75 mmol) afforded the carbamate 71k. Yield: 0.091g (41%); TLC Rf: 0.61 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 374.3 (M+H).
[0330] Benzyl 2E, 6E, 10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (71) (R= Benzyl-): The interaction of alcohol 1 (0.145g, 0.5 mmol) with benzyl isocyanate (0.185 mL, 0.75 mmol) afforded the carbamate 71. Yield: 0.082g (39%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 424.3 (M+H). [0331] Ethoxycarbonyl ethyl 2E, 6E, 10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7m) (R=
Ethoxycarbonyl ethyl-): The interaction of alcohol 1 (0.145g, 0.5 mmol) with ethoxycarbonyl ethyl isocyanate (0.197 mL, 0.75 mmol) afforded the carbamate 7m. Yield: 0.093g (43%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 434.3 (M+H).
[0332] Phenyl 2E, 6E, 10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7n) (R= Phenyl-): The interaction of alcohol 1 with phenyl isocyanate afforded the carbamate 7n. Yield: 0.087 g (56%); TLC Rf: 0.69 (10% EtOAchexanes); XH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): δ 7.40-7.25 (m, 5H), 6.60 (br s, 1H), 5.40 (t, 1H), 5.10 (m, 3H), 4.68 (d, 2H), 2.14-1.92 (m, 12H), 1.75 (s, 3H), 1.68 (s, 3H), 1.60 (s, 9H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 432.5 (M+Na).
[0333] P-Tolyl 2E, 6E, 10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7o) (R= p-Tolyl-): The interaction of alcohol 1 (0.145g, 0.5 mmol) with p-tolyl isocyanate (0.188 mL, 0.75 mmol) afforded the carbamate 7o. Yield: 0.095g (45%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 424.3 (M+H).
[0334] Ethoxycarbonyl methyl 2E, 6E, 10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7p) (R=
ethoxycarbonyl methyl-): The interaction of alcohol 1 (0.145g, 0.5 mmol) with
ethoxycarbonyl methyl isocyanate (0.193g, 0.75 mmol) afforded the carbamate 7p. Yield: 0.077g (37%); LCMS: 436.3 (M+H)
[0335] p-Trifluoromethylphenyl 2E, 6E, 10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7q) (R= p- trifluoromethylphenyl-): The interaction of alcohol 1 with p-trifluoromethylphenyl isocyanate afforded the carbamate 7q. Yield: 0.076 g (42%); TLC Rf: 0.69 (10%
EtOAc/hexanes);^ NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): δ 7.55 (d, 2H), 7.48 (d, 2H), 6.75 (br s, 1H), 5.39 (t, 1H), 5.10 (m, 3H), 4.70 (d, 2H), 2.14-1.98 (m, 12H), 1.75 (s, 3H), 1.68 (s, 3H), 1.60 (s, 9H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 476.1 (M-H).
[0336] The following carbamates (7s-y) were prepared as a mixture of 90:10 (trans:cis) isomers. [0337] l'-Naphthyl 2E, 6E, 10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7r) (R= l'-Naphthyl-): The interaction of alcohol 1 (0.725g, 2.5 mmol) with 1-naphthyl isocyanate (0.430 mL, 3.00 mmol) afforded the carbamate 7r. Yield: 0.906g (79%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 482.20 (M+Na).
[0338] 2'-Naphthyl 2E, 6E, 10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7s) (R= 2'-Naphthyl-): The interaction of alcohol 1 (0.725g, 2.5 mmol) with 2-naphthyl isocyanate (0.430 mL, 3.00 mmol) afforded the carbamate 7s. Yield: 0.946g (93%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 482.30 (M+Na).
[0339] 3',4'-Dimethoxyphenyl 2E, 6E, 10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7t) (R= 3',4'- Dimethoxyphenyl-): The interaction of alcohol 1 (0.725g, 2.5 mmol) with 3,4- dimethoxyphenyl isocyanate (0.446 mL, 3.00 mmol) afforded the carbamate 7t. Yield:
0.914g (78%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 492.30 (M+Na). [0340] p-Benzoyl phenyl 2E, 6E, 10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7u) (R= p-Benzoyl phenyl-): The interaction of alcohol 1 (0.725g, 2.5 mmol) with p-benzoylphenyl isocyanate (0.669 g, 3.00 mmol) afforded the carbamate 7u. Yield: 0.872g (68%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 514.3 (M+H).
[0341] 3\4',5'-Trimethoxyphenyl 2E, 6E, 10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7v) (R= 3',4',5'- Trimethoxyphenyl-): The interaction of alcohol 1 (0.725g, 2.5 mmol) with 3,4,5- trimethoxyphenyl isocyanate (0.537 mL, 3.00 mmol) afforded the carbamate 7v. Yield: 1.08g (87%); MS (m/z): LCMS: MS (m/z): 522.40 (M+Na).
[0342] 2',4'-Dimethoxyphenyl 2E, 6E, 10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7w) (R= 2',4'- Dimethoxyphenyl-): The interaction of alcohol 1 (0.725g, 2.5 mmol) with 2,4- dimethoxyphenyl isocyanate (0.537g, 3.00 mmol) afforded the carbamate 7w. Yield: 0.996g (85%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 492.30 (M+Na).
[0343] 9'H-Fluoren-2'-yl isocyanate 2E, 6E, 10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7x) (R= 9Ή- Fluoren-2'-yl isocyanate-): The interaction of alcohol 1 (0.725g, 2.5 mmol) with 9H-fluoren- 2-yl isocyanate (0.621 mL, 3.00 mmol) afforded the carbamate 7x. Yield: 0.968g (78%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 520.30 (M+Na).
[0344] 3\4',5'-Trichlorophenyl 2E, 6E, 10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7y) (R= 3',4',5'- Trichlorophenyl-): The interaction of alcohol 1 (0.725g, 2.5 mmol) with 3,4,5-trichlorophenyl isocyanate (0.666g, 3.00 mmol) afforded the carbamate 7y. Yield: 0.932g (73%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 534.10 (M+Na).
[0345] 3'-Pyridyl 2E, 6E,10E-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7z): The reaction of alcohol 1 with 3-pyridyl isocyanate afforded carbamate 7z. Yield: 0.112 g (48%); TLC Rf: 0.6 (5% MeOH/ CH2CI2); LCMS: MS (m/z): 411 (M+H).
[0346] 2'-Furanyl methyl 2E, 6E, 10E]-geranylgeranyl carbamate (7aa): The reaction of alcohol 1 with 2-furanylmethyl isocyanate afforded carbamate 7aa. Yield: 0.111 g (45%). LCMS: MS (m/z): 436.2 (M+Na).
[0347] 2E,6E,10E-Geranylgeranyl Memantinyl Carbamate 41 (R= Memantinyl): The reaction of alcohol 9 with memantine N-carbamoyl chloride gave the carbamate 41. Yield: 0.038 g (38%); TLC Rf: 0.47(10% EtOAc/n-hexanes). [0348] iso-Propyl 2E,6E-farnesyl carbamate (8a) (R= isoPropyl-): A dry reaction flask equipped with a stir bar, N2 inlet was charged with alcohol 5 (0.165 g, 0.75 mmol), TEA (0.2 mL, 1.4 mmol) and DCM (2 mL). After cooling it to 0 °C, isopropyl isocyanate (0.137 mL, 1.4 mmol) was added dropwise and the resulting reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 24 h. The reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of the reaction, it was quenched with H20 (5 mL), acidified, extracted with n-hexanes (3 x 15 mL) and the combined n-hexanes were washed with H20 (10 mL). After drying the organic solution over anhydrous Na2S04, the solvent was evaporated and the resulting residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography using 1-2% EtOAc in n-hexanes to afford the desired carbamate 8a. Yield: 0.103g (45%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 330.25 (M+Na). [0349] The following carbamates 8b to 8o were prepared according to the procedure that was used to prepare carbamate 8a.
[0350] n-Pentyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl carbamate (8b) (R= n-Pentyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (0.165g, 0.75 mmol) with n-pentyl isocyanate (0.180g, 1.4 mmol) afforded the carbamate 8b. Yield: 0.080 g (32%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 358.25 (M+Na). [0351] Cyclopentyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl carbamate (8c) (R= Cyclopentyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (0.165g, 0.75 mmol) with cyclopentyl isocyanate (0.158 mL, 1.4 mmol) afforded the carbamate 8c. Yield: 0.094 g (38%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 356.25 (M+Na).
[0352] Cycloheptyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl carbamate (8d) (R= Cycloheptyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (0.165g, 0.75 mmol) with cycloheptyl isocyanate (0.185 mL, 1.4 mmol) afforded the carbamate 8d. Yield: 0.105 g (39%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 384.3 (M+Na).
[0353] Adamantyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl carbamate (8e) (R= Adamentyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (0.165g, 0.75 mmol) with adamantyl isocyanate (0.248g, 1.4 mmol) afforded the carbamate 8e. Yield: 0.094 g (38%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 400.65 (M+H). [0354] Cyclohexyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl carbamate (8f) (R= Cyclohexyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (0.165g, 0.75 mmol) with cyclohexyl isocyanate (0.179 mL, 1.4 mmol) afforded the carbamate 8f. Yield: 0.109 g (42%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 370.20 (M+Na).
[0355] Sec-Butyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl carbamate (8g) (R= sec-Butyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (0.165g, 0.75 mmol) with sec-butyl isocyanate (0.160 mL, 1.4 mmol) afforded the carbamate 8g. Yield: 0.052 g (29%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 344.30 (M+Na).
[0356] Ethyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl carbamate (8h) (R= Ethyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (0.165g, 0.75 mmol) with ethyl isocyanate (0.111 mL, 1.4 mmol) afforded the carbamate 8h. Yield: 0.094 g (44%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 316.25 (M+Na).
[0357] Hexyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl carbamate (8i) (R= Hexyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (0.165g, 0.75 mmol) with hexyl isocyanate (0.203 mL, 1.4 mmol) afforded the carbamate 8i. Yield: 0.063 g (34%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 372.3 (M+Na).
[0358] Allyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl carbamate (8j) (R= Allyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (0.165g, 0.75 mmol) with allyl isocyanate (0.124 mL, 1.4 mmol) afforded the carbamate 8j. Yield: 0.071 g (31%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 328.2 (M+Na). [0359] Carboethoxymethyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl carbamate (8k) (R= Carboethoxymethyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (0.165g, 0.75 mmol) with carboethoxymethyl isocyanate (0.157 mL, 1.4 mmol) afforded the carbamate 8k. Yield: 0.105 g (40%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 374.2 (M+Na).
[0360] p-Tolyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl carbamate (81) (R= p-Tolyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5
(0.165g, 0.75 mmol) with p-tolyl isocyanate (0.158 mL, 1.4 mmol) afforded the carbamate 81. Yield: 0.119 g (33%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 378.20 (M+Na).
[0361] Carboethoxy-2'-ethyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl carbamate (8m) (R= Carboethoxy-2'-ethyl-):
The reaction of alcohol 5 (0.165g, 0.75 mmol) with carboethoxy-2-ethyl isocyanate (0.180 mL, 1.4 mmol) afforded the carbamate 8m. Yield: 0.112 g (35%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 388.20 (M+Na).
[0362] p-Trifluoromethylphenyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl carbamate (8n) (R= p- trifluoromethylphenyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (0.165g, 0.75 mmol) with p- trifluoromethylphenyl isocyanate (0.158 mL, 1.4 mmol) afforded the carbamate 8n. Yield: 0.128 g (31%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 432.2 (M+Na). [0363] Phenyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl carbamate (8o) (R= Phenyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5
(0.165g, 0.75 mmol) with phenyl isocyanate (0.150 mL, 1.4 mmol) afforded the carbamate 8o. Yield: 0.066 g (26%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 364.20 (M+Na).
[0364] Ethyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl thiocarbamate (9a) (R= Ethyl-): A dry reaction flask equipped with a stir bar, N2 inlet was charged with alcohol 5 (0.111 g, 0.5 mmol), pyridine (0.08 mL, 1.0 mmol) and DCM (1 mL). After cooling it to 0 °C, ethyl thioisocyanate (0.065 g, 1.0 mmol) was added dropwise and the resulting reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 24 h. The reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of the reaction, it was quenched with H20 (5 mL), acidified, extracted with n-hexanes (3 x 15 mL) and the combined n-hexanes were washed with H20 (10 mL). After drying the organic solution over anhydrous Na2S04, the solvent was evaporated and the resulting residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography using 1-2% EtOAc in n-hexanes to afford the desired thiocarbamate 9a. : 0.044 g (29%); LCMS: 310.2 (M+H).
[0365] The following carbamates 9b to 9k were prepared according to the procedure that was used to prepare carbamate 9a. [0366] sec-Butyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl thiocarbamate (9b) (R= sec-butyryl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with sec-butyl thioisocyanate (0.086g, 1.0 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate 9b. Yield: 0.045 g (27%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 338.2 (M+H).
[0367] n-Butyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl thiocarbamate (9c) (R= n-Butyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with n-butyl thioisocyanate (0.090g, 1.0 mmol) afforded the
thiocarbamate 9c. Yield: 0.053 g (32%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 338.20 (M+H). [0368] Cyclopropyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl thiocarbamate (9d) (R= Cyclopropyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with cyclopropyl thioisocyanate (0.070g, 1.0 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate 9d. Yield: 0.062 g (39%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 322.25 (M+H).
[0369] n-Hexyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl thiocarbamate (9e) (R= n-Hexyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with n-hexyl thioisocyanate (0.115g, 1.0 mmol) afforded the
thiocarbamate 9e. Yield: 0.069 g (38%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 366.20 (M+H).
[0370] Methoxy-2-ethyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl thiocarbamate (9f) (R= Methoxy-2'-ethyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with methoxy-2-ethyl thioisocyanate (0.087g, 1.0 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate 9f. Yield: 0.030 g (18%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 340.2 (M+H). [0371] exo-Norbornyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl thiocarbamate (9g) (R= exo-Norbornyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with exo-norbornyl thioisocyanate (0.114g, 1.0 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate 9g. Yield: 0.065 g (35%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 375.30 (M+H).
[0372] Phenyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl thiocarbamate (9h) (R= Phenyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with Phenyl thioisocyanate (0.065g, 1.0 mmol) afforded the
thiocarbamate 9h. Yield: 0.073 g (41%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 358.20 (M+H).
[0373] Piperidinyl-2'ethyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl thiocarbamate (i) (R= Piperidinyl-2'ethyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with piperidinyl-2-ethyl thioisocyanate (0.123g, 1.0 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate 9i. Yield: 0.054 g (28%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 393.30 (M+H).
[0374] Morpholinyl-N-2'-ethyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl thiocarbamate (9j) (R= Morpholinyl-N-2- ethyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with morpholinyl-2-ethyl
thioisocyanate (0.065g, 1.0 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate 9j. Yield: 0.061 g (31%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 395.25 (M+H).
[0375] Morpholinyl-N-3'-propyl 2E, 6E-farnesyl thiocarbamate (9k) (R= Morpholinyl-N-3'- propyl-): The reaction of alcohol 5 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with morpholinyl-N-3-propyl thioisocyanate (0.065g, 1.0 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate 9k. Yield: 0.055 g (27%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 395.3 (M+H).
[0376] Methyl 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl thiocarbamate (10a) (R= Methyl-): A dry reaction flask equipped with a stir bar, N2 inlet was charged with alcohol 1 (0.087 g, 0.3 mmol), pyridine (0.48 mL, 0.6 mmol) and DCM (1 mL). After cooling it to 0 °C, methyl thioisocyanate (0.051 mL, 1.0 mmol) was added dropwise and the resulting reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 24 h. The reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of the reaction, it was quenched with H20 (5 mL), acidified, extracted with n-hexanes (3 x 15 mL) and the combined n-hexanes were washed with H20 (10 mL). After drying the organic solution over anhydrous Na2S04, the solvent was evaporated and the resulting residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography using 1-2% EtOAc in n-hexanes to afford the desired thiocarbamate 10a. Yield: 0.030g (28%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 386.4 (M+Na).
[0377] The following carbamates 10b to 10m were prepared according to the procedure that was used to prepare carbamate 10a. [0378] Ethyl 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl thiocarbamate (10b) (R= Ethyl-): The reaction of alcohol 1 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with ethyl thioisocyanate (0.040g, 0.6 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate 10b. Yield: 0.034 g (30%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 378.35 (M+H).
[0379] sec-Butyryl 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl thiocarbamate (10c) (R= sec-Butyryl-): The reaction of alcohol 1 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with sec-butyryl thioisocyanate (0.052g, 0.6 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate 10c. Yield: 0.038 g (32%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 406.3 (M+H).
[0380] Ethoxycarbonylmethyl 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl thiocarbamate (lOd) (R=
Ethoxycarbonylmethyl-): The reaction of alcohol 1 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with
ethoxycarbonylmethyl thioisocyanate (0.039g, 0.6 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate lOd. Yield: 0.027 g (21%); XH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): δ 6.71 (s, 1H), 5.44-5.39 (m, 1H), 5.13-5.08 (m, 3H), 4.98 (s, 1H), 4.95 (m, 1H), 4.33-4.21 (m, 3.6H), 4.04 (d, 0.4H), 2.09-1.97 (m, 12H),
1.73 (s, 3H), 1.68 (s, 3H), 1.60-1.57 (m, 9H), 1.33-1.28 (m, 3H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 436.3 (M+H).
[0381] n-Butyl 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl thiocarbamate (lOe) (R= n-Butyl-): The reaction of alcohol 1 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with butyl thioisocyanate (0.054 mL, 0.6 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate lOe. Yield: 0.043 g (27%); TLC Rf: 0.7 (10% EtOAchexanes); XH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): δ 6.46 (br s, 0.4H), 6.20 (br s, 0.6H), 5.40 (t, 1H), 5.08 (m, 3H), 5.00 (d, 0.8H), 4.93 (s, 1.2H), 3.25 (d, 1.2H), 3.24 (m, 0.8H), 2.12-1.97 (m, 12H), 1.66 (s, 3H), 1.62 (s, 3H), 1.60 (s, 9H), 1.50-1.33 (m, 4H), 0.93 (m, 3H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 406 (M+H).
[0382] Cyclopropyl 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl thiocarbamate (lOf) (R= Cyclopropyl-): The reaction of alcohol 1 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with cyclopropyl thioisocyanate (0.042 mL, 0.6 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate lOf. Yield: 0.036 g (31%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 390.3 (M+H). [0383] Acetyl 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl thiocarbamate (lOg) (R= Acetyl-): The reaction of alcohol 1 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with acetyl thioisocyanate (0.039 mL, 0.6 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate lOg. Yield: 0.019 g (16%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 414.30 (M+Na).
[0384] n-Hexyl 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl thiocarbamate (lOh) (R= n-Hexyl-): The reaction of alcohol 1 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with n-hexyl thioisocyanate (0.069 mL, 0.6 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate lOh. Yield: 0.053 g (41%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 434.3 (M+H).
[0385] Methoxy-2'-ethyl 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl thiocarbamate (lOi) (R= Methoxy- 2'ethyl-): The reaction of alcohol 1 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with methoxy-2-ethyl thioisocyanate (0.048 mL, 0.6 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate lOi. Yield: 0.023 g (19%); XH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): δ 6.84 and 6.59 (m, 1H total), 5.43-5.38 (m 1H), 5.13-5.10 (m, 3H), 5.03-4.94 (m, 2H), 3.77-3.73 (m, 1H), 3.56-3.52 (m, 1H), 3.45 (s, 1H), 3.36 (s, 3H), 2.11-1.98 (m, 12H), 1.73 (s, 3H), 1.68 (s, 3H), 1.60-1.58 (m, 10H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 408.4 (M+H).
[0386] Exo-Norbornyl 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl thiocarbamate (lOj) (R=exo-Norbornyl-):
The reaction of alcohol 1 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with exo-norbornyl thioisocyanate (0.061 mL, 0.6 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate lOj. Yield: 0.038 g (29%); XH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): δ 6.46 and 6.11 (m, 1H total) 5.45-5.36 (m, 1H), 5.11-5.08 (m, 3H), 5.03-5.00 (m, 2H), 4.03- 3.95 (m, 0.6H), 3.65-3.58 (m, 0.4H), 2.35-2.21 (m, 2H), 2.09-1.93 (m, 12H), 1.74-1.60 (m, 6H), 1.57-1.52 (m, 12H), 1.34-1.12 (m, 5H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 444.4 (M+H).
[0387] Phenyl 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl thiocarbamate (10k) (R= n-Phenyl-): The reaction of alcohol 1 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with phenyl thioisocyanate (0.053 mL, 0.6 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate 10k. Yield: 0.047 g (37%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 426.30 (M+H).
[0388] Piperidinyl-2'-ethyl 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl thiocarbamate (101) (R= Piperidinyl- 2'-ethyl-): The reaction of alcohol 1 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with piperidinyl-2'-ethyl
thioisocyanate (0.069 mL, 0.6 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate 101. Yield: 0.026 g (35%); H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): δ 5.45-5.40 (m, 1H), 5.13-5.08 (m, 3H), 5.02-4.95 (m, 2H), 3.72- 3.66 (m, 1.4H), 3.39-3.32 (m, 0.6H), 2.66-2.52 (m, 3H), 2.44-2.34 (m, 1H), 2.12-1.98 (m, 12 H), 1.74-1.43 (m, 21H), 1.26 (m, 3H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 461.5 (M+H).
[0389] Morpholinyl-2'-ethyl 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl thiocarbamate (10m) (R=
Morpholinyl-2'-ethyl-): The reaction of alcohol 1 (O.lllg, 0.5 mmol) with morpholinyl-2- ethyl thioisocyanate (0.063 mL, 0.6 mmol) afforded the thiocarbamate 10m. Yield: 0.040 g (29%); XH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): δ 7.26 and 6.83 (m, IH total), 5.46-5.40 (m, IH), 5.11-5.08 (m, 3H), 5.03-4.95 (m, 2H), 3.72-3.70 (m, 4H), 3.68-3.59 (m, IH), 3.41-3.34 (m, 0.6H), 2.58- 2.53 (m, IH), 2.49-2.41 (m, 4.4H), 2.12-1.98 (m, 13H), 1.74 (s, 3H), 1.68 (s, 3H), 1.60 (s, 9H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 463.6 (M+H). [0390] 2E,6E-Farnesyl-l',4'-oxazole: 5-((lE,5E)-2,6,10-trimethylundeca-l,5,9-trien-l- yljoxazole (12): A dry reaction flask equipped with a stirring bar and N2 inlet was charged with aldehyde 11 (0.110 g, 0.5 mmol) in 1 mL EtOH followed by NaOEt (21% solution in EtOH, 0.404 mL, 1.25 mmol). To this at 0 °C was added TosMIC (0.102g, 0.525 mmol) and the resulting reaction was stirred at Room temperature for 24 h. The reaction mixture was quenched with IN HCI (1 mL), H20 (5 mL), and extracted with DCM (2 x 5 mL). After drying over anhydrous sodium sulfate, the solvent was removed under a reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed over silica gel using n-hexane then 2% EtOAc in n-hexane to yield the desired oxazole 12. Yield: 0.040g (30%). LCMS: MS (m/z): 260.2 (M+H).
[0391] 2E,6E,10E-Geranylgeranyl-l',4'-oxazole: 5-((lE,5Ef9E)-2,6f10,14- tetramethylpentadeca-l,5,9,13-tetraen-l-yl)oxazole (14): A dry reaction flask equipped with a stirring bar and N2 inlet was charged with aldehyde 13 (0.057 g, 0.2 mmol) in 0.5 mL EtOH followed by NaOEt (21% solution in EtOH, 0.161 mL, 0.5 mmol). To this at 0 °C was added TosMIC (0.041g, 0.21 mmol) and the resulting reaction was stirred at Room temperature for 24 h. The reaction mixture was quenched with IN HCI (0.5 mL), extracted with DCM (2 x 3 mL). After drying over anhydrous sodium sulfate, the solvent was removed under a reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed over silica gel using n- hexane then 2% EtOAc in n-hexane to yield the desired oxazole 14. Yield: 19 mg (28%). 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): δ 7.78 (s, IH), 6.92 (s, IH), 6.09 (s, IH), 5.13-5.07 (m, 3H), 2.22-2.20 (m, 4H), 2.08-1.96 (m, 9H), 1.96 (s, 3H), 1.68-1.60 (m, 11H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 328.2 (M+H). [0392] 2E,6E-Farnesyl-5'-methyl-l',3'-oxazole: 5-methyl-2-((lEf5E)-2,6,10- trimethylundeca-l,5,9-trien-l-yl)oxazole (15): A dry reaction flask equipped with a stirring bar and N2 inlet at 0 °C was charged with aldehyde 11 (0.110 g, 0.5 mmol) diethyl ether (EE, lmL), lactonitrile (0.072 mL, 1 mmol) followed by cone. HCI (0.1 mL). The resulting reaction was stirred at room temperature for overnight (~16h). The reaction mixture was quenched with H20 (5 mL), and extracted with EE (2 x 5 mL). After drying over anhydrous sodium sulfate, the solvent was removed under a reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed over silica gel using n-hexane then 2% EtOAc in n-hexane to yield the desired oxazole 15. Yield: 0.064g (47%).
[0393] 2E,6E,10E-Geranylgeranyl-5'-methyl-l',3'-oxazole: 5-methyl-2-((lE,5E,9E)- 2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadeca-l,5,9,13-tetraen-l-yl)oxazole (16):: A dry reaction flask equipped with a stirring bar and N2 inlet at 0 °C was charged with aldehyde 13 (0.144 g, 0.5 mmol) diethyl ether (EE, lmL), lactonitrile (0.072 mL, 1 mmol) followed by cone. HCI (0.1 mL). The resulting reaction was stirred at room temperature for overnight (~16h). The reaction mixture was quenched with H20 (5 mL), and extracted with EE (2 x 5 mL). After drying over anhydrous sodium sulfate, the solvent was removed under a reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed over silica gel using n-hexane then 2% EtOAc in n- hexane to yield the desired oxazole 16. Yield: 0.075g (44%). LCMS: MS (m/z): 364.30
(M+Na).
[0394] N-Cyclohexyl N-Methyl-2E,6E,10E-Geranylgeranyl amine (17a): To a dry reaction flask equipped with stir bar, N2 inlet was placed alcohol 1 (0.145g, 0.5 mmol),
triphenylphosphine (0.196g, 0.75 mmol) and N-methylcyclohexylamine (0.065 mL, 0.5 mmol) in anhydrous THF (1 mL). The reaction was cooled to 0 °C and to it was added DIAD (0.151 g, 0.75 mmol) drop wise and the resulting reaction was stirred at room temperature for overnight (~16h). After quenching it with H20 (5 mL), it was extracted with DCM (2 x 10 mL), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the solvent was removed under a reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel using n-hexane and then 2-5% EtOAc in n-hexane to afford the desired amine 17a, yield: 0.072g (38%). LCMS: MS (m/z): 408.4 (M+Na).
[0395] By employing the procedure that was used to prepare amine 17a, the following amines 17b-e have been prepared. [0396] N-Methyl-N-n-pentyl-2E,6E,10E-Geranylgeranyl amine (17b): The reaction of alcohol 1 with N-methyl-N-n-pentylamine (Rx=Me; R2= n-pentyl) afforded the amine 17b. Yield: 0.076g (41%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 374.50 (M+H).
[0397] N-Heptyl-N-Methyl-2E,6E,10E-Geranylgeranyl amine (17c): The reaction of alcohol 1 with N-n-heptyl-N-methylamine (Ri=Me; R2= n-heptyl) afforded the amine 17c. Yield: 0.072g (36%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 402.4 (M+H). [0398] N-(3'-iso-Propoxypropyl-2E,6E,10E-Geranylgeranyl amine (17d): The reaction of alcohol 1 with 3-isopropoxypropylamine (Ri=H; R2= 3-isopropoxypropyl-) afforded the amine 17d. Yield: 0.056g (29%); LCMS: MS (m/z):390 (M+H).
[0399] N-Adamantyl-2E,6E,10E-Geranylgeranyl amine (17e): The reaction of alcohol 1 with adamentylamine (R1=H; R2= adamentyl) afforded the amine 17e. Yield: 0.071g (31%); LCMS: MS (m/z): 424.4 (M+H).
Alternative synthesis of 17d:
[0400] To a solution of aldehyde 13 (150 mg, 0.523 mmol) in benzene (5 mL) was added 3- isopropoxypropylamine (61 mg, 0.523 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 12 h. Solvent was removed and the residue was taken in MeOH (5 mL) and cooled to 0 °C. Then NaBH4 (40 mg, 1.05 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 15 h. Saturated NaHC03 was added and the reaction mixture was extracted with EtOAc. Dried and solvent was evaporated to give a residue, which was purified by column
chromatography (DCM/ MeOH) to afford amine 17d in 65% (132 mg) yield. TLC Rf: 0.46 (10% MeH/DCM); XH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): δ 5.26 (m, IH), 5.10 (m, 3H), 3.50 (m, 2H), 3.30 (t, 2H), 2.79 (m, 2H), 2.10-1.90 (m, 12H), 1.80 (m, 2H), 1.66 (s, IH), 1.64 (s, IH), 1.59 (s, 9H), 1.14 (d, 6H); LCMS: MS (m/z): 390 (M+H).
[0401] 5E, 9E-Farnesyl 2-acetol (19): A reaction flask with a stir bar and N2 inlet was charged with ketone 18 (1.2g, 5 mmol) and MeOH (10 mL). After cooling the reaction flask to 0 °C, the addition of NaBH4 (0.190 g, 5 mmol) was performed in portions over several minutes and the reaction was stirred for additional hour. The reaction was monitored by TLC. The reaction was quenched with H20 (40 mL) and the product was extracted with EtOAc (3 x 50 mL), dried over anhydrous Na2S04 and solvent was removed under a reduced pressure to obtain the desired alcohol 19. Yield: 1.25g (95%); TLC Rf: 0.24 (10% EtOAc/n- hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 265 (M+H).
[0402] Ethyl 5E,9E-farnesyl prop-2-yl carbamate (20a) (R= Ethyl) : A dry reaction flask equipped with a stir bar, N2 inlet was charged with alcohol 19 (0.052 g, 0.2 mmol), pyridine (0.032 mL, 0.4 mmol) and DCM (2 mL). After cooling it to 0 °C, ethyl isocyanate was added dropwise and the resulting reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 24 h. The reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of the reaction, it was quenched with H20 (5 mL), acidified, extracted with n-hexanes (3 x 15 mL) and the combined n-hexanes were washed with H20 (10 mL). After drying the organic solution over anhydrous Na2S04, the solvent was evaporated and the resulting residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography using 1-2% EtOAc in n-hexanes to afford the desired carbamate 20a. Yield: 0.037g (52%); TLC Rf: 0.23 (5% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 336.40 (M+H).
[0403] The following carbamates 20b to 20j were prepared according to the procedure that was used to prepare carbamate 20a.
[0404] sec-Butyryl 5E, 9E-farnesyl prop-2-yl carbamate (20b) (R= iso-Butyryl): The reaction of alcohol 19 with sec-butyryl isocyanate afforded the expected carbamate 20b. Yield: 0.038g (50%); TLC Rf: 0.43 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 364 (M+H).
[0405] iso-Propyl 5E, 9E-farnesyl prop-2-yl carbamate (20c) (R= iso-Propyl-): The reaction of alcohol 19 with iso-propyl isocyanate afforded the expected carbamate 20c.Yield: 0.036g (48%); TLC Rf: 0.41 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 350.40 (M+H).
[0406] n-Pentyl 5E, 9E-farnesyl prop-2-yl carbamate (20d) (R= n-Pentyl): The reaction of alcohol 19 with n-pentyl isocyanate afforded the expected carbamate 20d. Yield: 0.043g (54%); TLC Rf: 0.40 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 378 (M+H).
[0407] n-Hexyl 5E, 9E-farnesyl prop-2-yl carbamate (20e) (R= n-Hexyl): The reaction of alcohol 19 with n-hexyl isocyanate afforded the expected carbamate 20e. Yield: 0.040g (49%); TLC Rf: 0.41 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 392 (M+H). [0408] Cyclopentyl 5E, 9E-farnesyl prop-2-yl carbamate (20f) (R= Cyclopentyl): The reaction of alcohol 19 with cyclopentyl isocyanate afforded the expected carbamate 20f. Yield: 0.035g (45%); TLC Rf: 0.36 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 376.40 (M+H).
[0409] Cyclohexyl 5E, 9E-farnesyl prop-2-yl carbamate (20g) (R= Cyclohexyl): The reaction of alcohol 19 with cyclohexyl isocyanate afforded the expected carbamate 20g. Yield: 0.040g (54%); TLC Rf: 0.40 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 390.60 (M+H).
[0410] Cyclohexylmethyl 5E, 9E-farnesyl prop-2-yl carbamate (20h) (R=
Cyclohexylmethyl): The reaction of alcohol 19 with cyclohexylmethyl isocyanate afforded the expected carbamate 20h. Yield: 0.037g (47%); TLC Rf: 0.40 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 404.60 (M+H). [0411] Cycloheptyl 5E, 9E-farnesyl prop-2-yl carbamate (20i) (R= Cycloheptyl): The reaction of alcohol 19 with cycloheptyl isocyanate afforded the expected carbamate 20i. Yield: 0.043g (54%); TLC Rf: 0.54 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 404.60 (M+H).
[0412] 5E,9E-farnesyl prop-2-yl Methyl 2-(S)-(-)-3-methylbutyrate Carbamate (20j) (R= Methyl-2-(S)-(-)-3-methylbutyrate): The reaction of alcohol 19 with methyl 2-(S)-(-)-3- methylbutyryl isocyanate afforded the expected carbamate 20j. Yield: 0.41g (49%); TLC Rf: 0.28 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 422.60 (M+H).
[0413] 5E, 9E, 13E Geranylgeranyl aceton-2-ol (22): A reaction flask with a stir bar and N2 inlet was charged with ketone 21 (1.66g, 5 mmol) and MeOH (10 mL). After cooling the reaction flask to 0 °C, the addition of NaBH4 (0.190 g, 5 mmol) was performed in portions over several minutes and the reaction was stirred for additional hour. The reaction was monitored by TLC. The reaction was quenched with H20 (40 mL) and the product was extracted with EtOAc (3 x 50 mL), dried over anhydrous Na2S04 and solvent was removed under a reduced pressure to obtain the desired alcohol 22. Yield: 1.53g (92%); TLC Rf: 0.23 (10% EtOAc/n-hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 335 (M+H).
[0414] 5E, 9E, 13E-Geranylgeranyl-roc-prop-2-yl iso-propyl carbamate (23a) (R= iso- Propyl): A dry reaction flask equipped with a stir bar, N2 inlet was charged with alcohol 22 (0.052 g, 0.2 mmol), pyridine (0.032 mL, 0.4 mmol) and DCM (2 mL). After cooling it to 0 °C, iso-propyl isocyanate (0.49 mL, 0.5 mmol) was added dropwise and the resulting reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 24 h. The reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of the reaction, it was quenched with H20 (5 mL), acidified, extracted with n-hexanes (3 x 15 mL) and the combined n-hexanes were washed with H20 (10 mL). After drying the organic solution over anhydrous Na2S04, the solvent was evaporated and the resulting residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography using 1-2% EtOAc in n-hexanes to afford the desired carbamate 23a. Yield: 0.037g (52%); TLC Rf: 0.23 (5% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 418.40
(M+H), ret time 16.28 min.
[0415] The following carbamates 23b to 23g were prepared according to the procedure that was used to prepare carbamate 23a. [0416] 5E, 9E, 13E-Geranylgeranyl-roc-prop-2-yl n-pentyl carbamate (23b) (R= n-Pentyl): The reaction of alcohol 22 with n-pentyl isocyanate afforded the desired carbamate 23b. Yield: 0.040g (46%); TLC Rf: 0.33 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 446.60 (M+H).
[0417] Cyclopentyl 5E, 9E, 13E-geranylgeranyl-roc-prop-2-yl carbamate (23c) (R= cyclopentyl): The reaction of alcohol 22 with cyclopentyl isocyanate afforded the desired carbamate 23c. Yield: 0.041g (47%); TLC Rf: 0.39 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 444.60 (M+H).
[0418] Cyclohexylmethyl 5E, 9E, 13E-geranylgeranyl-roc-prop-2-yl carbamate (23d) (R= cyclohexylmethyl): The reaction of alcohol 22 with n-cyclohexylmethyl isocyanate afforded the desired carbamate 23d. Yield: 0.045g (48%); TLC Rf: 0.25 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 472.60 (M+H).
[0419] Cycloheptyl 5E, 9E, 13E-geranylgeranyl-roc-prop-2-yl carbamate (23e) (R= cycloheptyl): The reaction of alcohol 22 with cycloheptyl isocyanate afforded the desired carbamate 23e. Yield: 0.048g (51%); TLC Rf: 0.57 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 472.40 (M+H). [0420] 5E, 9E, 13E-Geranylgeranyl-roc-prop-2-yl n-hexyl carbamate (23f) (R= n-Hexyl):
The reaction of alcohol 22 with n-hexyl isocyanate afforded the desired carbamate 23f. Yield: 0.039g (44%); TLC Rf: 0.36 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 460.5 (M+H).
[0421] 5E, 9E, 13E-Geranylgeranyl-roc-prop-2-yl methyl 2-(S)-(-)-3-methylbutyryl carbamate (23g) (R= Methyl 2-(S)-(-)-3-methylbutyrate): The reaction of alcohol 22 with methyl 2-(S)-(-)-3-methylbutyryl isocyanate afforded the desired carbamate 23g. Yield: 0.049g (51%); TLC Rf: 0.37 (10% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 490.60 (M+H).
[0422] 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl aldehyde (13): Alcohol 1 (5.0 g, 17.2 mmol) was stirred in hexane (85 mL) and Mn02 (12.3 g, 13.6 mmol) was added, and the mixture was stirred at rt for 15h. The mixture was filtered, concentrated and purified by a silica gel
chromatography (Ethyl acetate: Petroleum ether = 1: 60) to afford the product 13 (3.5 g, 67%); TLC Rf: 0.58 (3.3% Ethyl acetate/ Petroleum ether).
[0423] 2E,6E,10E-geranylgeranyl carboxylic acid (24): To a solution of compound 13 (4.0 g, 13.9 mmol), KH2P04 (18.9 g, 139 mmol) and 2-methyl-2-butene (9.73 g, 139 mmol) in THF- H20-i-butanol (50mL-25mL-25mL) was added NaCI02 (4.87 g, 69.5 mmol) at 0 °C
portionwise. The mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 30 min and rt for 4h. Saturated NaHS03 solution was added at 0 °C. The mixture was extracted with DCM (100 mL). The organic layer was dried, concentrated and purified by a silica gel chromatography (Petroleum ether / Ethyl acetate = 30:1) to get the product 24 (2.0 g, 47%).
[0424] 2E,6E,10E)-geranylgeranyl carbonyl chloride (25): To a solution of compound 24 (100 mg, 0.309 mmol) in DCM (3 mL) was added oxalyl chloride (43.3 mg, 0.340 mmol) at rt dropwise. DMF (1 drop) was added. The mixture was stirred at rt for 1 h. The mixture was concentrated to give 25, which was used directly for the next step.
[0425] (S)-4-isopropyl-2-((lE,5E,9E)-2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadeca-l,5,9,13-tetraen-l- yl)-4,5-dihydrooxazole (27a): To a solution of compound 26a (27.8 mg, 0.37 mmol) and triethylamine (91.8 mg, 0.91 mmol) in DCM (2 mL) was added acyl chloride 25 (0.309 mmol in 1 mL of DCM) dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 3 h. The mixture was quenched by water and washed by HCI (IN in water), MsCI (35 mg, 0309 mmol) was added to the residue and TEA (94 mg, 0.930 mmol) in DCM (2 mL). After stirring for 12 h, the result mixture was washed by water and extracted by DCM. The organic layer was dried and concentrated to give a residue, which was purified by prep-HPLC to afford the product 27a (20.0 mg, 17%); TLC Rf: 0.32 (20% EtOAc/petroleum ether); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 6.11 (s, 1H), 5.02- 4.99 (m, 3H), 4.86 (m, 1H), 4.60-4.58 (m, 1H), 4.22-4.20 (m, 1H), 2.29-2.25 (m, 2H), 2.12 (m, 5H), 1.98-1.66 (m, 8H), 1.59 (m, 5H), 1.51 (s, 9H), 0.95-0.88 (dd, 6H). LCMS: MS (m/z):
372.45 (M+H); ret. time: 6.77 min. [0426] (S)-4-methyl-2-((lE,5E,9E)-2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadeca-l,5,9,13-tetraen-l-yl)- 4,5-dihydrooxazole (27b): Similar to the preparation of 27a, the reaction of 25 with 26b afforded the desired compound 27b (12 mg, 11%) as oil. TLC Rf: 0.35 (20% EtOAc/petroleum ether); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 5.11-5.08 (m, 2H), 4.33-4.31 (m, 1H), 3.76-3.77 (m, 1H), 2.14-1.94 (m, 12H), 1.72-1.41 (m, 16H), 1.28-1.19 (m, 5H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 344.30 (M+H); ret. time: 5.23 min.
[0427] (S)-4-isobutyl-2-((lE,5E,9E)-2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadeca-l,5,9,13-tetraen-l- yl)-4,5-dihydrooxazole (27c): Similar to the preparation of 17a, the reaction of 25 with 26c afforded the desired compound 27c (7.1 mg, 6 %) as oil. TLC Rf: 0.30 (20% EtOAc/ petroleum ether); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 5.72 (m, 1H), 5.13-5.10 (m, 3H), 4.34-4.30 (m, 2H), 4.20- 4.10 (m, 1H), 3.80 (m, 1H), 2.20-1.98 (m, 11H), 1.86 (s, 2H), 1.80-1.56 (m, 13H), 1.31-1.20 (m, 3H), 0.96-0.92 (m, 6H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 386.3 (M+H); ret. time: 9.07 min.
[0428] (R)-4-methyl-2-((lE,5E,9E)-2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadeca-l,5,9,13-tetraen-l-yl)- 4,5-dihydrooxazole (27d): Similar to the preparation of 7a, the reaction of 25 with 26d afforded the desired compound 27d (5.0mg, 4.7 %) as oil. TLC Rf: 0.31 (20% EtOAc/ petroleum ether); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 5.09 (m, 2H), 4.34-4.32 (m, IH), 3.79-3.75 (m, IH), 2.14-1.93 (m, 12H), 1.72-1.41 (m, 16H), 1.28-1.19 (m, 5H). LCMS: MS (m/z):344.35 (M+H); ret. time: 5.42 min.
[0429] (R)-4-isopropyl-2-((lE,5E,9E)-2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadeca-l,5,9,13-tetraen-l- yl)-4,5-dihydrooxazole (27e): Similar to the preparation of 27a, the reaction of 25 with 26e afforded the desired compound 27e (8.0mg, 7 %) as oil. TLC Rf: 0.35 (20% EtOAc/ petroleum ether); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 5.14-5.09 (m, 3H), 4.25-4.20 (m, IH), 3.95-3.90 (m, 3H), 2.20-1.60 (m, 28 H), 0.99-0.97 (m, 3 H), 0.89-0.87 (m, 3 H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 372.30 (M+H); ret. time: 6.31 min.
[0430] (R)-4-isobutyl-2-((lE,5E,9E)-2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadeca-l,5,9,13-tetraen-l- yl)-4,5-dihydrooxazole (27f): Similar to the preparation of 27a, the reaction of 25 with 26f afforded the desired compound 27f (7 mg, 5.9 %) as oil. TLC Rf: 0.30 (20% EtOAc/ petroleum ether); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 5.14-5.09 (m, 3H), 4.35-4.30 (m, 2H), 4.17-4.15 (m, IH), 3.82-3.78 (m, IH), 2.15-1.60 (m, 28 H), 1.31-1.26 (m, 2H), 0.96-0.92 (m, 6 H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 386.3 (M+H); ret. time: 7.32 min. [0431] (S)-4-benzyl-2-((lE,5E,9E)-2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadeca-l,5,9,13-tetraen-l-yl)- 4,5-dihydrooxazole (27g): Similar to the preparation of 27b, the reaction of 25 with 26a afforded the desired compound 27g (15 mg, 11%) as oil. TLC Rf: 0.34 (20% EtOAc/ petroleum ether); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 7.35-7.20 (m, 5H), 6.23 (s, IH), 5.30-5.02 (m, 3H), 5.09-5.04 (m, 2H), 3.28-3.24 (m, IH), 2.97-2.94 (m, IH), 2.34-2.30 (m, 2H), 2.22-2.16 (m, 2H), 2.13-1.94 (m, 12H), 1.70 (s, 3H), 1.59 (m, 9H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 420.50 (M+H); ret. time: 6.30 min.
[0432] 2-phenyl-5-((lE,5E,9E)-2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadeca-l,5,9,13-tetraen-l-yl)- 1,3,4-oxadiazole (29a): To a solution of compound 28a (56 mg, 0.37 mmol) and
triethylamine (91.8 mg, 0.91 mmol) in DCM (2 mL) was added acyl chloride 25 (0.309 mmol, in 1 mL of DCM) dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 3h. The mixture was quenched with water and washed by HCI (IN in water), TsCI (71 mg, 0.370 mmol) was added to the residue and TEA (113 mg, 1.11 mmol) in DCM (2 mL). After stirring for 12h, the result mixture was washed with water and extracted by DCM. The combined organic layers were dried and concentrated to get a residue, which was purified by prep-HPLC to give the product 29a (10.8 mg, 9%); TLC Rf: 0.42 (20% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 8.03 (d, 2H), 7.51-7.49 (m, 3H), 5.11-5.09 (m, 3H), 4.98 (d, 2H), 3.67 (s, 2H), 2.19-2.17 (m, 4H), 2.07- 2.04 (m, 4H), 1.99-1.96 (m, 4H), 1.67 (s, 3H), 1.61 (s, 3H), 1.59 (s, 3H), 1.58 (s, 3H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 405.40 (M+H); ret. time: 9.06 min.
[0433] 2-((lE,5E,9E)-2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadeca-l,5,9,13-tetraen-l-yl)-5-(p-tolyl)- 1,3,4-oxadiazole (29b): Similar to the preparation of 29a, the reaction of 25 with 28b afforded the desired compound 29b (20.8 mg, 16 %) as oil. TLC Rf: 0.42 (20% EtOAc/ petroleum ether); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 7.92 (d, 2H), 7.29 (d, 2H) 5.11-5.09 (m, 3H), 4.98 (d, 2H), 3.65 (s, 2H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 2.18-2.16 (m, 4H), 2.07-2.04 (m, 4H), 1.99-1.96 (m, 4H), 1.67 (s, 3H), 1.60 (s, 3H), 1.59 (s, 3H), 1.58 (s, 3H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 419.40 (M+H); ret. time: 8.32 min.
[0434] 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-((lE,5E,9E)-2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadeca-l,5,9,13- tetraen-l-yl)-l,3f4-oxadiazole (29c): Similar to the preparation of 29a, the reaction of 25 with 28c afforded the desired compound 29c (12.1 mg, 9 %) as oil. TLC Rf: 0.42 (20% EtOAc/petroleum ether); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 7.93 (d, 2H), 7.08 (d, 2H), 5.11-5.06 (m, 3H), 5.02 (s, 1H), 4.98 (s, 1H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.70 (s, 2H), 2.20-2.15 (m, 4H), 2.06-1.97 (m, 4H), 1.96-1.90 (m, 4H), 1.63 (s 3H), 1.60 (s, 3H), 1.56 (s, 3H), 1.55 (s, 3H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 435.5 (M+H); ret. time: 9.21 min.
[0435] 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-((lE,5E,9E)-2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadeca- 1,5,9,13- tetraen-l-yl)- 1,3,4-oxadiazole (29d): Similar to the preparation of 29a, the reaction of 25 with 28d afforded the desired compound 29d (12.8 mg, 8.9%) as oil. TLC Rf: 0.45(20%
EtOAc/petroleum ether); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 7.59-7.58 (m, 2H), 6.94 (d, 1H), 5.11- 5.09 (m, 3H), 5.00 (s, 1H), 4.96 (s, 1H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.65 (s, 2H), 2.18-2.17 (m, 4H), 2.07-2.04 (m, 4H), 1.99-1.89 (m, 4H), 1.67 (s, 3H), 1.61-1.59 (s, 9H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 465.55 (M+H); ret. time: 6.44 min. [0436] 2-(pyridin-3-yl)-5-((lE,5E,9E)-2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadeca-l,5,9,13-tetraen-l- yl)-l,3,4-oxadiazole (29e): Similar to the preparation of 29a, the reaction of 25 with 28e afforded the desired compound 29e (14 mg, 11%) as oil. TLC Rf: 0.36 (20% EtOAc/ petroleum ether); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 9.27 (s, 1H), 8.81 (s, 1H), 8.50 (d, 1H), 7.62- 7.59 (m, 1H), 5.11-5.09 (m, 3H), 5.03 (s, 1H), 4.98 (s, 1H), 3.70 (s, 2H), 2.21-2.14 (m, 4H), 2.09-2.02 (m, 4H), 2.00-1.94 (m, 4H), 1.67 (s, 3H), 1.64 (s, 3H), 1.59-1.58 (m, 3H), 1.56 (m, 3H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 406.45 (M+H); ret. time: 8.59 min.
[0437] 2-(pyridin-4-yl)-5-((lE,5E,9E)-2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadeca-l,5,9,13-tetraen-l- yl)-l,3,4-oxadiazole (29f): Similar to the preparation of 29a, the reaction of 25 with 28f afforded the desired compound 29f (17 mg, 14%) as oil. TLC Rf: 0.36 (20% EtOAc/ petroleum ether); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 8.85 (m, 2H), 8.04-8.03 (m, 2H), 5.10-5.09 (m, 3H), 5.04 (m, 1H), 4.99 (s, 1H), 3.71 (s, 2H), 2.23-2.18 (m, 4H), 2.06-2.02 (m, 4H), 2.00-1.96 (m, 4H), 1.67 (s, 3H), 1.61-1.59 (m, 9H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 406.45 (M+H); ret. time: 9.09 min.
[0438] (E)-2-oxo-2-phenylethyl 3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienoate (31): To a solution of compound 30 (500 mg, 2.98 mmol) and Cs2C03 (1.8 g, 4.46 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) at rt was added 2-bromo-l-phenyl-ethanone (593 mg, 2.98 mmol) dropwise. After stirring for 7 h, the mixture was quenched with water and extracted with ether (100 mL). The organic layer was dried and concentrated to give a residue (350 mg, 41%). The residue was used directly for the next step. TLC Rf: 0.60 (20% EtOAc in petroleum ether).
[0439] (E)-2-(2,6-dimethylhepta-l,5-dien-l-yl)-4-phenyloxazole (32): A solution of compound 31 (200 mg, 0.699 mmol) and NH4OAc (538 mg, 6.99 mmol) in xylenes (5 mL) in a sealed tube was stirred at 140 °C for 2.5 h. The mixture was diluted with water and extracted by ether (100 mL). The organic layer was dried and concentrated to give a residue, which was purified by prep-TLC to afford the desired product 32 (8 mg, 4%) as a mixture of isomers; TLC Rf: 0.60 (20% EtOAc/petroleum ether); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 7.83-7.82 (m, 1H), 7.77-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.42-7.38 (m, 2H), 7.32-7.26 (m, 1H), 6.18-6.15 (m, 1H), 5.22 (m, 0.23H), 5.14 (m, 0.78 H), 2.76- 2.72 (m), 2.28-2.19 (m, 7H), 1.70-1.58 (m, 6H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 267.4 (M+H); ret. time: 9.48 min.
[0440] (E)-5-(2,6-dimethylhepta-l,5-dien-l-yl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole (35a): A dry reaction flask equipped with a stir bar was charged with compound 30 (150 mg, 0.9 mmol), DCM (5 mL). To the solution was added oxalyl chloride (112 mg, 0.9 mmol) dropwise and the reaction was stirred at rt for 3 h. The mixture was concentrated to get crude compound 33, which was re-dissolved in dioxane (10 mL).
[0441] To above mixture were added compound 34a (123 mg, 0.9 mmol) and magnesium oxide (0.36 g, 9.0 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 80 °C overnight. The reaction was filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure, and the resulting oily residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography using (PE/EtOAc, 5/1) to afford a colorless liquid of compound 35a (50 mg, 21%) as a mixture of isomers; TLC Rf: 0.38 (20% EtOAc/n- Hexanes); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 9.31 (m, IH), 8.71-8.70 (m, IH), 8.36-8.33 (m, IH), 7.40-7.37 (m, IH), 6.29 (s, IH), 5.08 (m, IH), 2.32-2.04 (m,7H), 1.67-1.58 (m, 6H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 270.3 (M+H); ret. time: 3.98 min.
[0442] (E)-5-(2,6-dimethylhepta-l,5-dien-l-yl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole (35b):
Similar to the preparation of 35a, the reaction of 33 with 34b afforded the desired compound 35b (80 mg, 31%) as colorless oil. TLC Rf: 0.30 (20% EtOAc/PE); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 8.12-8.08 (m, 2H), 7.18-7.13 (m, 2H), 6.29 (m, IH), 5.11 (m, IH), 2.34-2.24 (m, 7H), 1.70-1.61 (m, 6H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 287.40 (M+H); ret. time: 8.19 min.
[0443] (E)-5-(2,6-dimethylhepta-l,5-dien-l-yl)-3-phenyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole (35c): Similar to the preparation of 35a, the reaction of 33 with 34c afforded the desired compound 35c (50 mg, 21%) as colorless oil. TLC Rf: 0.32 (20% EtOAc/PE); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 8.13- 8.10 (m, 2H), 7.49-7.46 (m, 3H), 6.30 (br s, IH), 5.12 (m, IH), 2.35-2.25 (m, 7H), 1.70-1.63 (m, 6H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 269.20 (M+H); ret. time: 8.04 min.
[0444] (E)-5-(2,6-dimethylhepta-l,5-dien-l-yl)-3-(pyridin-4-yl)-l,2,4-oxadiazole (35d):
Similar to the preparation of 35a, the reaction of 33 with 34d afforded the desired compound 35c (40 mg, 17%) as colorless oil. TLC Rf: 0.24 (20% EtOAc/PE); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 8.77-8.75 (m, 2H), 7.97-7.95 (m, 2H), 6.31 (s, IH), 5.10 (m, IH), 2.35-2.06 (m, 7H), 1.69-1.62 (m, 6H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 270.05 (M+H); ret. time: 3.42 min.
[0445] (R)-4-isopropyl-2-((lE,5E,9E)-2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadeca-l,5,9,13-tetraen-l- yl)oxazol-5(4H)-one (37a): A dry reaction flask equipped with a stir bar was charged with compound 24 (100 mg, 0.3 mmol), DCM (5 mL). Oxalyl chloride (37 mg, 0.3 mmol) was added dropwise and the resulting reaction was stirred at rt for 3 h. The mixture was concentrated to get compound 25, which was used directly for the next step. To the compound 25 in DCM (10 mL) at -30°C were added compound 36a (44 mg, 0.3 mmol) and DCC (68 mg, 0.3 mmol) in DCM (2 mL) drop-wise. The mixture was stirred at -30 °C for 4 h and quenched with aqueous NaHC03 solution, extracted with DCM (3 x 10 mL). The DCM extract was washed with water (20 mL), dried over anhydrous Na2S04 and solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The resulting oily residue was purified by a silica gel column chromatography using (petroleum ether/EtOAc = 5/1) to afford a colorless liquid of compound 37a (20 mg, 16%); TLC Rf: 0.68 (20% EtOAc/ petroleum ether); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 5.12-5.08 (m, 3H), 3.85-3.80 (m, IH), 3.70-3.65 (m, IH), 2.17-1.87 (m, 12 H), 1.69-1.62 (m, 6 H), 1.34-1.16 (m, 12 H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 386.6 (M+H); ret. time: 8.11 min. [0446] (S)-4-isopropyl-2-((lE,5E,9E)-2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadeca-l,5,9,13-tetraen-l- yl)oxazol-5(4H)-one (37b): Similar to the preparation of 37a, the reaction of 25 with 36b afforded the desired compound 37b (15 mg, 12%) as colorless oil. TLC Rf: 0.34 (20%
EtOAc/n-Hexanes); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 5.12-5.08 (m, 3H), 3.85-3.80 (m, IH), 3.70- 3.65 (m, IH), 2.17-1.87 (m, 12 H), 1.69-1.62 (m, 6 H), 1.34-1.16 (m, 12 H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 386.35 (M+H); ret. time: 7.70 min.
[0447] (R)-4-isobutyl-2-((lE,5E,9E)-2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadeca-l,5,9,13-tetraen-l- yl)oxazol-5(4H)-one (37c): Similar to the preparation of 37a, the reaction of 25 with 36c afforded the desired compound 37c in 11% yield (0.015 g) as colorless oil. TLC Rf: 0.32 (20% EtOAc/n-Hexanes); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 5.10-5.08 (m, 3H), 3.85-3.80 (m, IH), 3.70- 3.65 (m, IH), 2.15-1.60 (m, 28 H), 1.25-1.21 (m, 2H), 0.94-0.90 (m, 6 H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 400.40 (M+H); ret. time: 4.22 min.
[0448] (S)-4-isobutyl-2-((lE,5E,9E)-2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadeca-l,5,9,13-tetraen-l- yl)oxazol-5(4H)-one (37d): Similar to the preparation of 37a, the reaction of 25 with 36d afforded the desired compound 37d (12 mg, 10%) as colorless oil. TLC Rf: 0.32 (20%
EtOAc/n-Hexanes); XH NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ 5.75-5.65 (m, 3H), 5.09-5.07 (m, IH), 4.00- 3.80 (m, IH), 2.15-1.80 (m, 14 H), 1.65-1.50 (m, 6 H), 1.30-1.10 (m, 6 H), 0.95-0.80 (m, 6H). LCMS: MS (m/z): 400.40 (M+H); ret. time: 4.98 min.
[0449] O-((2E,6E,10E)-3,7,ll,15-tetramethylhexadeca-2,6,10,14-tetraen-l-yl) pyridin-3- ylcarbamothioate (38a): To a solution of NaH (60% dispersed in oil, 32 mg, 0.81 mmo) in THF (4 mL) at 0 °C was added alcohol 1 (180 mg, 0.62 mmol) in THF (1 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min at this temperature. Then 3-pyridyl isothiocyanate (169 mg, 124 mmol) in THF (1 mL) was added and stirred at rt. After stirring for 12 h, the reaction mixture was quenched water and extracted with EtOAc (3x). The organic layer was dried and concentrated to get a residue, which was purified by column chromatography (Hexane/ EtOAc) to yield thiocarbamate 38a as a viscous liquid (179 mg, 70%). TLC Rf: 0.23 (20% EtOAc/ hexanes);^ NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): δ 8.55 (d, 1H), 8.40 (d, 1H), 7.95 (m, 1H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 5.49 (t, 1H), 5.11 (m, 3H), 4.70 (d, 2H), 2.16-1.19 (m, 12H), 1.76 (s, 3H), 1.68 (s, 3H), 1.60 (s, 9H); LCMS: MS (m/z): 427 (M+H).
[0450] O-((2E,6E,10E)-3,7,ll,15-tetramethylhexadeca-2,6,10,14-tetraen-l-yl) (furan-2- ylmethyljcarbamothioate (38b): Similar to the preparation of 38a, the reaction of alcohol 1 with 2-furanylmethyl isothiocyanate afforded the desired compound 38b in 23% yield (55 mg) as a viscous oil. Column (EtOAc/ Hexane); TLC Rf: 0.65 (20% EtOAc/hexanes); XH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): δ 7.35 (s 1H), 6.35 (m, 1H), 5.15 (m, 3H), 5.04 (d, 0.4H), 4.95 (d, 0.6H), 4.75 (d, 0.6H), 4.42 (d 0.4H), 2.14-1.94 (m, 12H), 1.73 (s, 3H), 1.68 (s, 3H), 1.60 (s, 9H); LCMS: MS (m/z): 430.2 (M+H).
Alternative synthesis of lOe
[0451] O-((2E,6E,10E)-3,7,ll,15-tetramethylhexadeca-2,6,10,14-tetraen-l-yl)
butylcarbamothioate (lOe): Similar to the preparation of 38a, the reaction of alcohol 1 with pentyl isothiocyanate afforded the desired compound lOe in 60% yield (135 mg) as a viscous oil. Column (EtOAc/ Hexane); TLC Rf: 0.70 (10% EtOAc/ hexanes); LCMS: MS (m/z): 406.1 (M+H).
[0452] (2E,6E,10E)-3,7,ll,15-tetramethylhexadeca-2,6,10,14-tetraen-l-yl pyridin-4- ylcarbamate (39): Similar to the preparation of 38a, the reaction of alcohol 1 with 4-pyridyl isocyanate afforded the desired compound 39 in 3% yield (10 mg) as a viscous oil. Column (DCM/ MeOH); TLC Rf: 0.34 (10% MeOH/DCM); LCMS: MS (m/z): 411 (M+H).
[0453] 2E,6E,10E)-3,7,ll,15-tetramethylhexadeca-2,6,10,14-tetraen-l-yl 4- methylpiperazine-l-carboxylate (40a): To a solution of alcohol 1 (160 mg, 55 mmol) in DCM (3 mL) at 0 °C was added carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) (107 mg, 0.66 mmol) and the reaction was stirred for 1 h. Then N-methylpiperazine (80 mg, 0.72 mmol) and DMAP (68 mg, 0.55 mmol) were added and stirred for 12 h. Solvent was removed and the residue was purified by column chromatography (DCM/ MeOH) to give the carbamate 40a as a viscous oil in 88 % yield (191 mg). TLC Rf: 0.54 (10% MeOH/DCM); XH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): δ 5.34 (t, 3H), 5.08 (m, 3H), 4.59 (d, 2H), 3.49 (m, 4H), 2.35 (m, 4H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.10-1.97 (m, 12H), 1.70 (s, 3H), 1.67 (s, 3H), 1.59 (s, 9H); LCMS: MS (m/z): 417 (M+H). [0454] (2E,6E,10E)-3,7,ll,15-tetramethylhexadeca-2,6,10,14-tetraen-l-yl pyridin-2- ylcarbamate (40b): Similar to the preparation of 40a, the reaction of alcohol 1 with 2- aminopyridine and CDI afforded the desired compound 40b in 40% yield (30 mg) as a viscous solid. Column (DCM/ MeOH); TLC Rf: 0.34 (10% MeOH/DCM); XH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): δ 8.48 (s, 1H), 8.30 d, 1H), 7.95 (m, 1H), 6.65 (s, 1H), 5.40 (t, 1H), 5.11 (m, 3H), 4.70 (d, 2H), 2.16-1.94 (m, 12H), 1.76 (s, 3H), 1.69 (s, 3H), 1.61 (s, 9H); LCMS: MS (m/z): 411 (M+H).
[0455] (2E,6E,10E)-3,7,ll,15-tetramethylhexadeca-2,6,10,14-tetraen-l-yl (3,5- dimethyladamantan-l-yl)carbamate (41): Similar to the preparation of 40a, the reaction of alcohol 1 with memantine and CDI afforded the desired compound 41 as a viscous oil.
Column (DCM/ MeOH); TLC Rf: 0.70 (10% EtOAc/Hexanes).
[0456] O-((2E,6E)-3,7,ll-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-trien-l-yl) methylcarbamothioate (43):
Similar to the preparation of 38a, the reaction of alcohol 5 with methyl thioisocyanate afforded the desired compound 43 in 47% yield (316 mg) as a viscous oil as a mixture of isomers: TLC Rf: 38 (10% EtOAc/hexanes): XH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): δ 6.5 (br s, 0.3H), 6.2 (br s, 0.7H), 5.40-5.39 (m, 1H), 5.09-5.08 (m, 2H), 5.03-5.01 (d, 0.7H), 4.97-4.94 (d, 1.3H),
3.09-3.08 (d, 2H), 2.88-2.86 (d, 1H), 2.12-1.96 (m, 8H), 1.73-1.72 (m, 3H), 1.68 (m, 3H), 1.60 (m, 6H). 13CNMR (75 MHz, CDCI3): δ 143.1, 135.7, 131.6, 124.5, 123.8, 118.9, 118.2, 69.2, 67.6, 39.9, 39.8, 21.1, 30.0, 26.9, 26.4, 26.0, 18.0, 17.0, 16.9, 16.3.
Formulations and Pharmacokinetics (PK) Studies [0457] With a view to administer the geranylgeranyl acetone (GGA) effectively to determine its PK and efficacy, preclinical research formulations, exemplified in Examples 8- 12, 20, 21. 24-28, 31-39, 42 & 45, have been developed. The use of isomeric mixture of 5E- and 5Z- geranylgeranyl acetone (referred as GGA) was employed during the development of preclinical research formulations. It is contemplated that synthesized compositions of 5E- and/or 5Z-GGA can be used in such preclinical research formulations. [0458] In the following examples, Plasma concentrations and PK parameters were obtained from CNS-101 IV dosing and oral formulation PK studies. PK Parameters were calculated from noncompartmental analysis (NCA) model using WinNonlin software and the linear/log trapezoidal method. [0459] Definitions for PK parameters:
Parameters that do not require lz: Tmax (min): Time to reach Cmax (directly taken from analytical data).
Parameters that requires lz: Terminal Half-Life (ti/2) = ln(2)/lz. Calculated using Lambda_z method to find best fit. If necessary, the concentration-time points were manually selected for use in the calculation. Bolded-italicized concentrations indicate points used for calculation.
Bioavailability
AUC (PO) /Dose (PO)
F (%) = Bioavailability = X 100
AUC (PO) /Dose (PO)
Example 8: GGA formulation using 5% Gum Arabic with 0.008% a-tocopherol Table 3: Using 5% Gum Arabic with 0.008% a-tocopherol
Entry Gum Arabic (μί) GGA (μΙ_) GGA (%)*
1. 190 μΙ_ 10 μΙ_ 5%
2. 180 μΙ_ 20 μΙ_ 10%
3. 160 μΙ_ 40 μΙ_ 20%
4. 140 μΙ_ 60 μΙ_ 30%
* The % ratios are based on volumes
[0460] Preparation of 5% Gum Arabic Solution: 1.25 g of Gum Arabic was suspended in Dl water (23.75 mL; until the total volume was 25 mL) and agitated using agitator until all Gum Arabic was miscible in Dl water. To this solution was added a -tocopherol (2 μί, final concentration = 0.008) and agitated to obtain a solution of 5% gum Arabic, which was then used as a stock solution to formulate GGA.
[0461] Preparation of GGA suspension in 5% Gum Arabic Aqueous Solution: To a respective amount of 5% of Gum Arabic solution from the stock, the corresponding amount of GGA was added and the resulting mixture was agitated and sonicated to obtain an aqueous suspension formulation.
[0462] The in-vivo PK studies by using rat species with GGA in 5% Gum Arabic as an aqueous suspension formulation resulted in 37.3% oral bioavailability (%F) with tl/2= 3.43h and Tmax= 7.33h. The in-vivo studies to obtain Kp, which is a ratio of AUQ,ro/n to AUCp/osma, was done in rat species at 4h, 6h, 8h, and lOh time points and found that the GGA has Kp from 0.08 to 0.11.
Example 9: GGA formulation using Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC; Av. Mn= 100,000; High Average Molecular Weight) with 0.008% a-tocopherol Ta ble 4: Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC; Av. M n= 100,000; High Average Molecular Weight) with 0.008% a-tocopherol
Entry 3% HPC (μΐ) GGA (μΙ_) GGA (%)*
1. 475 μΙ_ 25 μΙ_ 5%
2. 450 μΙ_ 50 μΙ_ 10%
3. 425 μΙ_ 75 μΙ_ 15%
4. 400 μΙ_ 100 μΙ_ 20%
* The % ratios are based on volumes
[0463] Preparation of 3% Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Solution: To a mixture of 3g of hydroxypropyl cellulose (Av. Mn= 100,000) and a -tocopherol (8 μί, final concentration = 0.008%) was added Dl water (~97 mL) until the total volume reached 100 mL. The resulting mixture was agitated to obtain a stock solution to form ulate the GGA.
[0464] Preparation of GGA suspension in 3% Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Aqueous Solution:
To a respective amount of 3% of hydroxypropyl cellulose solution from the stock, the corresponding amount of GGA was added and the resulting mixture was agitated to obtain an aqueous suspension formulation.
[0465] The in-vivo PK studies by using rat species with GGA in 3% Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC, Av, M n = 100,000) as an aqueous suspension formulation resulted in 41.8% oral bioavailability (%F) with tl/2= 3.13h and Tmax= 8.66h.
Example 10: GGA formulation using Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC; Av. Mn= 10,262; Low Average Molecular Weight) with 0.008% a-tocopherol
Ta ble 5: Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC; Av. M n= 10,262; Low Average Molecular Weight) with 0.008% a-tocopherol
Entry 3% HPC (μί) GGA (μΙ_) GGA (%)*
1. 475 μί 25 μΙ_ 5%
2. 450 μΙ_ 50 μΙ_ 10%
3. 425 μΙ_ 75 μΙ_ 15%
4. 400 μΙ_ 100 μΙ_ 20% * The % ratios are based on volumes
[0466] Preparation of 3% Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Solution: To a mixture of 3g of hydroxypropyl cellulose (Av. Mn= 10,262) and a -tocopherol (8 μί, final concentration = 0.008%) was added Dl water (~97 mL) until the total volume reached 100 mL. The resulting mixture was agitated to obtain a stock solution to form ulate the GGA.
[0467] Preparation of GGA suspension/solution in 3% Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Solution:
To a respective amount of 3% of hydroxypropyl cellulose solution from the stock, the corresponding amount of GGA was added and the resulting mixture was agitated to obtain an aqueous suspension formulation.. [0468] The in-vivo PK studies by using rat species with GGA in 3% Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC, Av, M n = 10,262) as an aqueous suspension formulation resulted in 35% oral bioavailability (%F) with tl/2= 18.73h and Tmax= 9.33h. Example 11: GGA formulation using 5% Gum Arabic + 3% Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC; Av. Mn= 100,000; High Average Molecular Weight) and with 0.008% a -tocopherol
Ta ble 6: 5% Gum Arabic + 3% Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC; Av. Mn= 100,000; High Average Molecular Weight) and with 0.008% a -tocopherol
5% Gum Arabic
(0.008% a -
Entry 3% HPC GGA (μΙ_) GGA (%)*
tocopherol)
(μί)
1. 460 μΙ_ 15 mg 25 μΙ_ 5%
2. 450 μΙ_ 15 mg 50 μΙ_ 10%
3. 410 μΙ_ 15 mg 75 μΙ_ 15%
4. 385 μΙ_ 15 mg 100 μΙ_ 20% * The % ratios are based on volumes
[0469] A. Preparation of 5% Gum Arabic Solution: 1.25 g of Gum Arabic was suspended in Dl water (23.75 mL; until the total volume was 25 mL) and agitated using agitator until all gum Arabic was miscible in Dl water. To this solution was added a -tocopherol (2 μί, 0.008%) and agitated for a minute to obtain 5% gum Arabic
[0470] Preparation of GGA suspension/solution in 5% Gum Arabic + 3% Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (Av. Mn= 100,000): To a respective amount of 5% of Gum Arabic solution from the stock, the corresponding amount of GGA and hydroxypropyl cellulose (Av. M n= 100,000) were added and the resulting mixture was agitated to obtain an aqueous suspension form ulation..
[0471] The in-vivo PK studies by using rat species with GGA in 5% Gum Arabic + 3% Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (Av. M n= 100,000) as an aqueous suspension formulation resulted in 58% oral bioavailability (%F) with tl/2= 10.2h and Tmax= 5.33h. Example 12: GGA formulation using 5% Gum Arabic + 3% Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC; Av. Mn= 10,262; Low Av. Molecular Weight) and with 0.008% a -tocopherol
Ta ble 7: 5% Gum Arabic + 3% Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC; Av. Mn= 10,262; Low Av.
Molecular Weight) and with 0.008% a -tocopherol
5% Gum Arabic
(0.008% a-
Entry 3% HPC GGA (μΙ_) GGA (%)*
tocopherol)
(μί)
1. 460 μί 15 mg 25 μΙ_ 5%
2. 450 μί 15 mg 50 μΙ_ 10%
3. 410 μΙ_ 15 mg 75 μΙ_ 15%
4. 385 μΙ_ 15 mg 100 μΙ_ 20% * The % ratios are based on volumes
[0472] A. Preparation of 5% Gum Arabic Solution: 1.25 g of Gum Arabic was suspended in Dl water (23.75 mL; until the total volume was 25 mL) and agitated until all gum Arabic was miscible in Dl water. To this solution was added a -tocopherol (2 μί, final concentration = 0.008%) and agitated for a minute to obtain a solution of 5% gum Arabic, which was then used as a stock solution to formulate GGA.
[0473] Preparation of GGA suspension/solution in 5% Gum Arabic + 3% Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (Av. Mn= 100,000): To a respective amount of 5% of Gum Arabic solution from the stock, the corresponding amount of GGA and hydroxypropyl cellulose (Av. M n= 10,262) were added and the resulting mixture was agitated to afford an aqueous suspension.
[0474] The in-vivo PK studies by using rat species with GGA in 5% Gum Arabic + 3% Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (Av. M n= 10, 262) as an aqueous suspension formulation resulted in 36.5% oral bioavailability (%F) with tl/2= 6.73h and Tmax= 13.3h. Example 13: Culturing of primary motor neurons from rats.
[0475] Rat primary motor neurons were isolated from embryonic spinal cords in accordance with the method of Henderson et al.; J Cohen and G P Wilkin (ed.), Neural Cell Culture, (1995) p69-81 which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Briefly, spinal cords were dissected from day 15 embryo (E15) and incubated in a trypsin solution, and followed by DNase treatment to release spinal cord cells from tissue fragments. The cell suspension was centrifuged to remove tissue fragments. Then motor neurons were enriched by density gradient centrifugation.
[0476] Motor neurons were cultured in serum-free neurobasal medium containing insulin, forskolin, 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine, neurotrophic factors, Bovine serum albumin, selenium, transferrin, putrescine, progesterone and B27 supplement in tissue culture plate coated with poly-ornithine and laminin.
Example 14: 5-Trans isomer of GGA (CNS-102) is more efficacious in vitro than the isomer mixture of GGA (CNS-101). Rat primary motor neurons were prepared and cultured as described in Example 13.
Various concentration of CNS-101, which is a mixture of 5-trans and 5-cis isomer (cis:trans ratio = 1:2-1:3). CNS-102 (herein also referred to as 5-trans isomer of GGA), and CNS-103 (herein also referred to as 5-cis isomer of GGA) were added to the culture at the time of plating the cells. The cells extending axons were counted in five different fields for each treatment after 72 hrs. Percentage of positive cells relative to total cells in the same magnification field was calculated and the results were expressed as means +/- standard deviations, n=5. The EC50 is a measure of the effectiveness of a compound, and corresponds to the concentration at which the drug exhibits half its maximum effect. These results are depicted in the table below:
GGA EC50
CNS-101 6.1 nM (4-7 nM)*
CNS-102 0.92 nM (0.5-2.0 nM)*
CNS-103 9.49 nM (8-12 nM)* * values in parenthesis indicate a reasonable range expected for the EC50 Example 15: A large quantity of GGA isomer mixture (CNS-101) inhibited viability of neuroblastoma cells.
[0477] Human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were culture in DM EM/HAM F12
supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) for 24 hrs. The cells were treated with retinoic acid in DM EM/HAM F12 medium supplemented with 5% FBS for 48 hrs. Then the cells were treated with CNS-101 (100 micro molar (μΜ)) or vehicle, dimethyl sulfoxide for 48 hrs. Cell viability was determined using ATP detection assay (Promega). These results are depicted in the table below:
GGA Mean of cell viability SE
(arbitrary units)
100 μΜ CNS-101 1181020 25815
Vehicle 1340600 23409
P<0.001
Example 16: A large quantity of GGA isomer mixture (CNS-101) and cis-isomer (CNS-103) inhibited viability of neuroblastoma cells.
[0478] Mouse Neuro2A neuroblastoma cells were cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS for 24 hrs. The cells were treated with various concentrations of CNS-101, CNS- 102, and CNS-103 as indicated for 48 hrs. Then differentiation was induced by retinoic acid in DMEM supplemented with 2% FBS. The cell culture was incubated with a Geranylgeranyl Transferase inhibitor,, GGTI-298. After 24 hrs incubation, cells with neurites were counted. A large quantity of GGA isomer mixture (CNS-101) and the cis-isomer (CNS-103) can inhibit viability of neuroblastoma cells. These results are depicted in the table below:
GGA Mean of cell numbers SE
(Arbitrary units)
CNS-101 (10 μΜ) 0.551 0.1333
CNS-102 (10 μΜ) 0.738 0.0018 CNS-103 (10 μΜ) 0.195 0.0933
P<0.03
The data in examples 154 and 16 support the conclusion that the cis isomer, CNS-103, can have a deleterious effect on cell viability and that the trans isomer has a positive effect. The two examples taken together suggest that at higher concentrations, the cis isomer can have an inhibitory effect on the trans isomer. .
Example 17: Effects of the GGA isomer mixture (CNS-101) on cells experiencing oxidative stress.
[0479] Human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were culture in DM EM/HAM F12
supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) for 2 days. The cells were treated with retinoic acid in DM EM/HAM F12 medium supplemented with 5% FBS for 48 hrs. Then the cells were treated with various concentrations of CNS101 for 48 hrs. Cells were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (75 micro M) or DMEM/HAM F12(control) for 2 hrs, then cell viability was determined using ATP assay (Promega). These results are depicted in the table below:
GGA Mean of cell viability
CNS-101 (10 μΜ) 6-10%
Vehicle 3-5%
100% of cell viability was evaluated in the absence of hydrogen peroxide and CNS-101.
Example 18: Effects of the GGA isomer mixture (CNS-101), the trans-isomer (CNS-102) and the cis-isomer (CNS-103), and an inhibitor of a G-protein (GGTI-298), on the viability of cells.
[0480] Neuro2A cells were cultured with CNS-101, CNS-102, or CNS-103 in the presence or absence of an inhibitor against a G-protein (GGTI-298). After differentiation was induced, cells that extended neurites were counted. These results are depicted in the table below:
GGA Mean of cell numbers (Arbitrary units)
CNS-101 (0.1-1μΜ) 0.45-0.65
CNS-102 (0.1-1 μΜ) 0.45-0.65
CNS-103 (0.1-1 μΜ) 0.20-0.45
Vehicle 0.0-0.20
Example 19: The GGA isomer mixture (CNS-101) activated neurite outgrowth of neuroblastoma cells.
[0481] Human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were cultured in DMEM/HAM F12
supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) for 24 hrs. The cells were treated with retinoic acid in DMEM/HAM F12 medium supplemented with 5% FBS. Then the cells were treated with various concentrations of CNS-101. Total length of neurites for each treatment was measured. These results are depicted in the table below:
GGA Mean of neurite
outgrowth
CNS-101 (Ο.ΙμΜ) 125%
CNS-101 (ΙμΜ) 166%
CNS-101 (10μΜ) 194%
Vehicle 100%
Data were spread in a range of +/-10% from each mean. Example 20: The GGA isomer mixture (CNS-101) and the trans-isomer (CNS-102) alleviated neurodegeneration induced by Kainic acid.
[0482] CNS-101 or CNS-102 were orally dosed to Sprague-Dawley rats, and Kainic acid was injected. Seizure behaviors were observed and scored (Ref. RJ. Racine, Modification of seizure activity by electrical stimulation: II. Motor seizure, Electroencephalogr. Clin.
NeurophysioL 32 (1972) 281- 294. Modifications were made for the methods). Brain tissues of rats were sectioned on histology slides, and neurons in hippocampus tissues were stained by Nissl. Neurons in dentate gyrus tissues damaged by Kainic acid were quantified. The Memantine composition used in comparison refers to a commercially available NMDA receptor agonist. These results are depicted in the tables below:
GGA Hippocampus dentate
gyrus neurons damaged
(Arbitrary units)
CNS-101 0.725
Vehicle 20.9
Memantine 3.53
P-value to vehicle data P<0.05
GGA Seizure behaviors scores
CNS-102 18.8
Vehicle 34
Memantine 36.2
P-value to vehicle data P<0.11
Example 21: Comparison of the efficacy of CNS-101 and CNS-102 in alleviating neurodegeneration induced by Kainic acid.
[0483] CNS-101, CNS-102 or a vehicle only control were orally dosed to Sprague-Dawley rats, and Kainic ainic acid was injected. Seizure behaviors were observed and scored (Ref. R.J. Racine, Modification of seizure activity by electrical stimulation: Π. Motor seizure, Electroencephalogr. Clin. NeurophysioL 32 (1972) 281™ 294. Modifications were made for the methods). Brain tissues of rats were sectioned on histology slides, and neurons in hippocampus tissues were stained by Nissl. Neurons damaged by Kainic acid and behavior scores were quantified.
[0484] These results indicate that a lower concentration of the trans-isomer of GGA is more efficacious at protecting neurons from neuronal damage than a higher concentration of either the isomer mixture of the cis-isomer of GGA. Furthermore, it is contemplated that such effects of trans-GGA also renders it useful for protecting tissue damage during seizures, ischemic attacks, and neural impairment such as in glaucoma.
GGA Mean of Hippocampus Mean of Seizure
CA3 neurons damaged behaviors scores
(Arbitrary units)
CNS-102 (3 mg/Kg rat) 10.25 27.5
CNS-102 (12 mg/Kg rat) 10.16 22.5
Vehicle 37.67 50.5
P value to vehicle data P<0.085 P<0.165
GGA Mean of Hippocampus Mean of Seizure
CA3 neurons damaged behaviors scores
(Arbitrary units)
CNS-102 (25 mg/Kg rat) 1.97 25.75
Vehicle 9.43 38
P value to vehicle data P<0.142 P<0.025
GGA Mean of Hippocampus Mean of Seizure
CA3 neurons damaged behaviors scores
(Arbitrary units)
CNS-101 (25 mg/Kg rat) 37.38 33.83 Vehicle 38.77 28.5
GGA Mean of Hippocampus
CA3 neurons damaged
(Arbitrary units)
CNS-103 (12 mg/Kg rat) 8.16
CNS-103 (25 mg/Kg rat) 10.64
Vehicle 10.71
Example 22: GGA's effect on the activity of G proteins in a neuron. [0485] Neuroblastoma cells can be obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and cultured according to the suggested culturing techniques of ATCC. The cultured cells will be contacted with an effective amount of GGA. The change in G protein activity will be monitored by a western blot of lysates obtained from subcellular fractionation of cells. Subcellular fractionation can be performed using commercially available kits (from Calbiochem for example) according to the manufacturer's protocol. The western analysis will be performed using subcellular fractions from the membrane and cytoplasmic compartments of cells. The western blot will be performed according to standard molecular biology techniques using antibodies directed to the different G proteins: RHOA, RACl, CDC42, RASD2. It is contemplated that reacting the neuroblastoma cells with an effective amount of GGA will modulate the active, membrane-bound portion of RHOA, RACl, CDC42, and/or RASD2. Interaction of those small G-proteins with gene products involved in protein aggregations will also be tested. Those gene products include Huntington gene product (Htt), sumoylation machinery, etc.
[0486] The same assay will be performed using neuroblastoma cells or other neurons that are depleted for the TDP-43 protein. TDP-43 depleted cells mimic the effects of
neurodegeneration related to ALS. TDP-43 depletion can be accomplished using the siRNA and/or shRNA technologies. It is contemplated that neurons which are susceptible to neurodegeneration by TDP-43 depletion will have a change in the G protein activity after said neurons are contacted with an effective amount of GGA. It is further contemplated that reacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA will increase the active membrane-bound portion of the G proteins.
[0487] The same assay will be performed using neuroblastoma cells or other neurons that are susceptible to neurodegeneration due to inhibition of geranylgeranylation of the G proteins. GGTI-298 is a specific inhibitor of geranylgeranylation and increases neuronal cell death through inhibiting the activation of G proteins by geranylgeranylation. Therefore, GGTI-298 and GGA will both be contacted with tissue cultures of neuroblastoma cells. It is contemplated that neurons which are susceptible to neurodegeneration by GGTI-298 will have a change in the G protein activity after said neurons are contacted with an effective amount of GGA. It is further contemplated that reacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA will increase the active membrane-bound portion of the G proteins. Example 23: GGA's effect on the pathogenicity of protein aggregates in neurons susceptible to neurodegeneration.
[0488] Cultured neuroblastoma cells can be made susceptible to neurodegeneration by mixing the cells with dopamine. The addition of dopamine to the cells will cause pathogenic protein aggregates in the cytoplasm. To test the effect of GGA on neurons susceptible to neurodegeneration, an effective amount of dopamine will be first contacted with the neurons to induce pathogenic protein aggregate formation in the cells. Next, an effective amount of GGA will be contacted with said neurons. The change in the size and/or number of protein aggregates will then be measured using histological staining techniques and/or immunostaining techniques commonly known to one skilled in the art. It is contemplated that contacting GGA with neurons susceptible to neurodegeneration due to dopamine- induced protein aggregation will solubilize at least a portion of the protein aggregate, thus decrease the pathogenicity to the cell. It is further contemplated that contacting GGA with neurons susceptible to neurodegeneration due to dopamine-induced protein aggregation will alter the form of the pathogenic protein aggregate into a non-pathogenic form, thus decrease the pathogenicity to the cell. [0489] Contacting neurons in vitro with β-amyloid peptide aggregates will recapitulate the toxic effects of AD due to β-amyloid peptide aggregates in vivo. To test if GGA reduces the pathogenicity of β-amyloid peptide aggregates in cultured neuroblastoma cells, the β- amyloid peptide aggregates will be added directly to the cell culture medium of the cultured cells. The β-amyloid peptide can be purchased commercially and aggregated in vitro. An effective amount of GGA will then be added to the cell culture to test for a modulation of the pathogenicity to the cells. It is contemplated that contacting GGA with neurons susceptible to neurodegeneration due to β-amyloid peptide aggregation will solubilize at least a portion of the protein aggregate, thus decrease the pathogenicity to the cell. It is further contemplated that contacting GGA with neurons susceptible to neurodegeneration due to β-amyloid peptide aggregation will alter the form of the pathogenic protein aggregate into a non-pathogenic form, thus decrease the pathogenicity. The change in the size and/or number of protein aggregates will then be measured using histological staining techniques and/or immunostaining techniques commonly known to one skilled in the art. Example 24: GGA's effect in vivo in mammals susceptible to neurodegeneration.
[0490] Neurotoxins can be used to recapitulate the effect of AD in mice. To test the effects of administering GGA to a mammal that is susceptible to AD, neurotoxins will be administered systemically or by direct injection into the brain tissues of mice to induce the pathology associated with AD either before, simultaneously, or after the administration of GGA. The GGA may be administered to said mice mixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. These mice will then be monitored for survival rate, neuron and synaptic density in brain tissues, as well as learning, memory, anxiety-related behavior and motor skills. The learning, memory, anxiety-related behavior and motor skills measured by techniques commonly known to one skilled in the art. It is contemplated that treating the animal with an effective amount of GGA will attenuate symptoms associated with the injection of the neurotoxin.
[0491] There are a variety of mouse models available that are engineered to have the same pathology associated with different human diseases. One such mouse model over- expresses the human Amyloid beta Precursor Protein (hAPP) with familial Alzheimer's Disease (FAD) -associated mutations and exhibits a similar pathology to that of human AD. An effective amount of GGA will be administered to mice over-expressing mutant hAPP. The GGA may be administered to said mice mixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. These mice will then be monitored for body weight, plaque formation, soluble forms of β-amyloid, learning, memory, anxiety-related behavior and motor skills. Histology sections of these mice will also be analyzed by staining and immunohistochemical techniques to detect changes in the brain after GGA administration. It is contemplated that treating the animal with an effective amount of GGA will attenuate some of the symptoms associated with AD.
[0492] Mice expressing a Sodl mutant protein exhibit similar pathology to humans with ALS. An effective amount of GGA will be administered to Sodl mutant mice. The GGA may be administered to said mice mixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. These mice will then be monitored for survival rate, body weight, and motor skills. Histology sections of these mice will also be analyzed by histology staining and immunohistochemical techniques to detect changes in the brain, spinal cords, or muscles after GGA
administration. It is contemplated that treating the Sodl mutant mice with an effective amount of GGA will increase the survival rate, body weights, and enhance the motor skills of these mice.
Example 25: Effects of 5-trans isomer of GGA on neurological function and clinical score in Sodl mutant mice. [0493] Wild type and Sodl mutant mice (mice carrying multiple copies of the SOD1 mutant gene) were treated with 12 mg/kg of CNS-102 (5-trans GGA; N=16 Sodl mutant mice and N=10 WT mice), 8 mg/kg of Riluzole (N = 16 Sodl mutant mice), or with vehicle alone (N=16 Sodl mutant mice and N=10 WT mice). Drug or vehicle alone was administered once a day continuously for 62 days, from age 38 days to age 150 days. The percentage survival rate for each of the treated groups was calculated up to 150 days of age, and blood from animals in each group at P100 was analyzed for levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase/serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (ALT/SGPT); aspartate
transaminase/serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (AST/SGOT), albumin, total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrate (BUN), creatinine cholesterol, and glucose, as well as the albumin/globulin ratio. [0494] Effect of CNS-102 on Neurological Function and Clinical Score are described below. I n clinical and neuroscore testing, shown in FIGs. 2 and 3, group A (CNS-102) and B (Riluzole) tended to outperform group D (vehicle). At several timepoints around and after P100, group A significantly outperforms group D in neuroscore testing, suggesting treatment with CNS- 102 might be more effective in delaying onset or progression of symptoms. A similar trend was seen in clinical score testing.
[0495] Animals that did not survive until the terminal date (P150) were assigned their last score before death on subsequent testing days. No significant interaction (p=0.9987) in two- way repeated measure ANOVA analysis is found in the clinical scores test. Interaction between time and treatment is significant (p=0.0012) in neurological score performance. Group A and D differ significantly at timepoint Pill (p<0.05). Values represent means ± SEMs.
[0496] Blood tests were performed on blood samples from animals in each group at P100 to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CNS-102. These results are tabulated below:
Figure imgf000156_0001
Figure imgf000156_0002
TREATMENT/ BUN CREATININE CHOLESTEROL GLUCOSE A/G RATIO GENOTYPE
Riluzole/SOD 31.2 <1 76.6 253.8 1
Vehicle/SOD 29 <1 82 272 1.1
Vehicle/WT 28 <1 85.7 223.8 1
CNS-102/WT 28.8 <1 72.4 207.6 1
[0497] There were no abnormalities in blood and neurology examinations after more than two months of continuous once-daily oral dosing of 12 mg/kg CNS-102. Surprisingly, cholesterol levels were reduced after administration of CNS-102, suggesting that 5-trans GGA may provide benefits other than neuroprotection, such as the reduction of cholesterol levels.
[0498] Thus, the 5-trans-isomer of GGA administered to Sodl mice increases their survival over mice treated with Riluzole and with vehicle alone and has been shown to be safe for continuous daily administration. In addition, these results suggest that daily administration of CNS-102 may reduce cholesterol levels in mice.
Example 26: Effects of 5-trans isomer of GGA's on survival, behavior, and pathology in Sodl mutant mice.
[0499] A study was undertaken to examine the effect of treatment with CNS-102 (a 5-trans isomer of GGA) and/or Riluzole on survival, behavior, and pathology of Sodl transgenic mice.
Materials and Methods
[0500] A total of 84 male mice (64 transgenic Sodl mutant mice; 20 wild type mice) were included in the study. Dosing was administered daily beginning at postnatal day 38 (P38) via a single bolus oral gavage injection. Sodl mutant mice were randomized into experimental groups and administered vehicle, CNS-102 (12 mg/kg), Riluzole (8 mg/kg). Wild type mice were randomized into two experimental groups and either administered vehicle alone or CNS-102 (12 mg/Kg). [0501] Subjects were weighed and tested for Grip Strength, and assigned Clinical and Neurological scores three times a week beginning at P90 and five times a week beginning at P100. The table below summarizes the experimental design of the study.
Figure imgf000158_0001
The grip strength test assesses motor function and control of the fore- and hindpaws. Mice were allowed to grab the bars on the Chatillon DFIS-10 digital force gauge (Largo, FL), while being gently pulled parallel away from the bars by the tail. The maximum force measured prior to release of the subject's paw from the bar was recorded.
[0502] Animals were scored clinically by allowing them to run in an exercise wheel and then scoring their gait using a scoring system adapted from Bruestle et al. (Neuromolecular Med. 2009 ; 11(2): 58-62). Animals were scored using the scoring system tabulated below.
Figure imgf000158_0002
2 Weakness/limpness in two limbs
3 Single limb paralysis
4 Paralysis in two limbs
5 Advanced paralysis or cannot right in 20
seconds
[0503] Animals were scored neurologically using a scoring system adapted from Leitner et al. (Working with ALS mice; The Jackson Laboratories/Prize4Life, Appendix B, 2009). A score of 0 is given to mice that exhibit full extension of hind legs away from lateral midline when suspended by the tail. A score of 0.25 is given to mice that exhibit shaking or slight/partial collapse when suspended by the tail. A score of 0.5 is given to mice that exhibit collapse or partial collapse of leg extension towards the midline (weakness).
Results
[0504] Wildtype groups displayed a steady increase in weight throughout the study, with no noticeable differences between treatment groups E (vehicle) and F (CNS-102). See, FIG. 1. Body weight data for all transgenic groups showed a similar steady growth until P85. After a plateau, body weights begin dropping rapidly around P101. This rapid decline may be used as a marker for the onset of disease.
[0505] There was little to no difference observed between the transgenic groups. A similar pattern was seen in body condition scores. In grip strength testing, there was a rapid decline in strength in all of the transgenic groups between P93 and P107, also corresponding to the onset of disease.
[0506] Blood tests were performed on blood samples from animals in each group to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CNS-102. These results are tabulated below (X indicates incomplete test for analyte): GROUP WBC RBC HGB HCT MCV MCH MCHC NRBC (thousand (Millio (gram/d ί%1 ill3) 1%1 1961 (per ύ ns) 100
WBC)
Group 3.1 7.7 11.9 41.3 53.7 15.4 28.7 0.0 A
Group 3.2 9.2 14.2 48.3 52.3 15.4 29.4 0.0 B
Group 6.1 9.0 13.5 46.0 51.7 15.0 29.1 0.0 D
Group 3.3 9.2 13.9 47.8 52.0 15.1 29.2 0.0 E
Group F 4.7 8.8 13.6 46.0 52.6 15.5 29.5 0.0
Figure imgf000160_0001
GROUP ABSOLUTE ABSOLUTE ABSOLUTE ABSOLUTE ABSOLUTE NEUTROPHIL LYMPHOCYTE MONOCYTE EOSINOPHIL BASOPHIL SEG (per {per mm3] (per mm3) {per mm3] (per mm3] mm3}
Group 1143.0 1864.7 31.0 78 0 A
Group 241.8 2840.2 20.8 47.16666667 0 B
Group 2123.8 3802.7 147.2 59.66666667 0 D
Group 820.5 2318.0 138.3 42.25 0 E
Group F 659.6 3922.4 49.8 61.6 0
Figure imgf000161_0001
GROUP TOTAL DIRECT BUN CREATININE CHOLESTEROL GLUCOSE BILIRUBIN BILIRUBIN (mg/ (mg/dU (mg/dU (mg/dU (mg/dL) (mg/dL) dU
Group 0.0 0.0 26.3 <1 75.0 246.0 A
Group X X 31.2 <1 76.6 253.8 B
Group 0.0 0.0 29.0 <1 82.0 272.0 D
Group X X 28.0 <1 85.7 223.8 E
Group F X X 28.8 <1 72.4 207.6
Figure imgf000162_0001
Example 27: Pharmacokinetics of 5-trans isomer of GGA's in rats.
[0507] Rats were administered a single dose of CNS-102 either intravenously (12 mg/kg) or orally (24 mg/kg), and blood samples were taken to measure the average plasma
concentrations of CNS-102 over time. [0508] The formulation for this study includes the following:
Formulations: (Dose: 24 mg/kg; Study Date: 4-16-2012)
Gum Arabic 5%
Sodium Chloride 1%
Alpha-tocopherol 0.008% CNS-102 0.27%
D. I. H20 93.72%
[0509] The results for a 12mg/kg IV dose of CNS-102 are tabulated below:
Figure imgf000163_0001
Co (ng/mL) 7086.8 17984.5 2360.7 9144.0 8012.4
AUC(O-last) 19934.3 95802.8 229701.4 115146 106212.9
(min*ng/ml) t ½ (min) 78.0 216.0 147.0
AUC(O-inf) 115420.9 302035.6 208728
(min*ng/ml)
Vz (mL/kg) 11699.8 12378.5 12039
Vss (mL/kg) 6051.9 13539.6 9796
BQ.L - Below the quantifiable limit < 250 ng/mL: substituted by zero for AUC calculation. Bolded and italicized concentrations were used for calculation of z (1/min)
[0510] The results for a 24mg/kg oral dose of CNS-102 are tabulated below:
Figure imgf000164_0001
Tmax (min) 480 60 480 340 242
AUC(O-last) 214144 130474 222724 189114 50965
(min*ng/ml)
F (o-last) (%) 93.0 56.7 96.7 82.1 22.1
11/2 (min) 98.4 173.7 36.8 103 69
AUC(o-inf) 234242 157666 222724 204878 41290
(min*ng/ml)
F (o-inf) ( ) 56.1 37.8 53.4 49.1 9.9
BQ.L - Below the quantifiable limit < 250 ng/mL: substituted by zero for AUC
calculation. Bolded and italicized concentrations were used for calculation of z
(1/min)
Example 28: Calculation of total brain to total plasma concentration ratio (Kp) of 5-trans isomer of GGA's in rats.
[0511] The ratio of total brain concentration to total plasma concentration (Kp) for CNS- 102 was calculated. First, the total plasma concentration of CNS-102 (in two different formulations) was calculated as described in Example 27. The total brain concentration of CNS-102 in ng/g for the same animals was also measured.
[0512] AUC(O-last) (min*ng/ml): area under the concentration-time curve from zero up to the last measurable time-point. [0513] Iz (1/min): the first order rate constant associated with the terminal (log-linear) portion of the curve, estimated by linear regression of time vs. log concentration.
[0514] Terminal Half-Life (tl/2) = ln(2)/lz: calculated using Lambda_z method to find best fit. If necessary, the concentration-time points were manually selected for use in the calculation. Bolded-italicized concentrations indicate points used for calculation. [0515] AUC(O-inf) (min*ng/ml): Area under the concentration-time curve from zero up to infinity, based on the last observed concentration. Requires Iz. [0516] Ratio of Total Concentration of Drug in Brain relative to plasma (Kp):
AUCtot .brain
Kp =
AUCtot , plasma
[0517] where AUCtot is the area under the concentration-time curve for total (bound and unbound) concentrations in brain or plasma.
[0518] The ratio data are summarized in the tabulations below (bolded concentrations indicate points used for calculations).
Figure imgf000166_0001
Figure imgf000166_0002
ng/g brain ng/mL plasma
240 431.5 4983.0
360 333.2 3040.6
480 132.7 2131.0
600 0.0 317.4
Terminal Half-Life 141.1 96.5 (tl/2) (min):
AUC(O-last) 123533 1491186 (min*ng/ml):
Kp (0-last): 0.0828
AUC(O-inf) 150531 1535390 (min*ng/ml):
Kp (O-inf): 0.0980
Formulation 1 and Formulation 2 refer to the following: Formulation # 1 (Dose: 0.200 g/Kg)
Gum Arabic 5% Sodium Chloride 1%
Alpha-tocopherol 0.008%
CNS-102 2.25%
D. I. H20 91.75%
Formulation #2 (Dose:0.200 g/Kg)
Gum Arabic: 5%
Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (Mn= 100,000) 3% Sodium Chloride 1%
Alpha-tocopherol 0.008%
CNS-102 2.25%
D. I . H20 88.75%
[0519] The amount of trans GGA used was to ensure that such GGA distributed to the brain is detected. It is contemplated that smaller amounts of GGA such as about 1 mg/kg/day to about 12 mg/kg/day will also be distributed to the brain in accordance with this invention.
Example 29: CNS-102 Induces Heat Shock Protein Expression In Vitro
[0520] Murine neuro2A neuroblastoma cells were treated with various concentrations of CNS-102 (all trans-GGA), CNS-101 (mixture of GGA isomers), and CNS-103 (all c s-GGA) for 48 hours. Differentiation was induced and cells incubated with geranylgeranyl tra nsferase I inhibitor, GGTI-298. Cells were harvested and lysates were prepared and analyzed by western blot for HSP70 and HSP90. Western signals in the absence of the com pounds were normalized as 1.00. The results are tabulated below.
CNS-102-lnduced HSP Expression in Neuro2A Cells
Figure imgf000168_0001
nd = not done
[0521] Both CNS-102 and CNS-101 induce expression of HSP70 at various concentrations, and the GGA cis isomer (CNS-103) failed to induce expression of HSP70. Example 30: Effect of CNS-102 on Neurite Outgrowth
[0522] Murine neuro2A neuroblastoma cells were treated with various concentrations of CNS-101, CNS-102, or CNS-103 for 48 h. Differentiation was induced and cells incubated with geranylgeranyl transferase I inhibitor, GGTI-298. After 24 h digital images were taken and neurite outgrowth was quantified. The comparisons of the neuroprotective effect of these three compounds are shown below.
Performance of CNS-102 and Comparison to CNS-101
[0523] The estimated mean logi0 counts, from five replicate wells for each treatment group were calculated by PROC GLM in SAS assuming a pooled estimate of variation. The anti-log values are given as the estimate of the median values and are tabulated below.
Number of Cells with Neurite Outgrowth when Treated with CNS-101 or CNS-102
Figure imgf000169_0001
[0524] The median count is estimated to be 95.5 in the absence of inhibitor and 21.5 when cells are treated with inhibitor and PBS. This inhibited outcome is 0.225 of the uninhibited count (Relative Performance), and represents 0% protection from the adverse effects of the inhibitor (% Protection). The collected results are graphically plotted in FIG 4A. Increasing concentrations of CNS-102 (light grey ) and CNS-101 (dark grey) results in increases in median counts with a maximum protection of ~40% for CNS-102 and 27% for CNS-101.
[0525] The graph shows that both CNS-102 and the isomer mixture CNS-101, give protection in a range from 10 nM to 10000 nM. The CNS-102 treatment consistently provides more protection than does CNS-101, even at the highest dose, which has reduced counts over the maximum seen at 1000 nM.
Comparison of Performance of CNS-103 and CNS-102
[0526] The estimated mean loglO counts from five replicate wells for each treatment group were calculated by PROC GLM in SAS assuming a pooled estimate of variation. The anti-log values are given as the estimate of the median values and are tabulated below.
Number of Cells with Neurite Outgrowth when Treated with CNS-102 or CNS-103
Figure imgf000170_0001
[0527] The median count is estimated to be 60.3 in the absence of inhibitor, and is 18.5 when cells are treated with inhibitor. This inhibited outcome is 0.307 of the uninhibited count (Relative Performance), and represents 0% protection from the adverse effects of the inhibitor (% Protection). The collected results are graphically plotted in FIG. 4B. The maximum protection is ~36% for CNS-102 (light grey) and ~26% for CNS-103 (dark grey). [0528] The graph shows that both CNS-102 and the all-c/'s isomer, CNS-103, give protection in a range from 10 nM to 10000 nM, with the peak at about 100 nM, and CNS-102 providing greater protection at the optimal concentration of 100 nM
Comparison of the Effect of GGA isomers on Neurite Outgrowth [0529] Differences in mean log(counts) between treatments for each concentration were calculated using PROC GLM in SAS. The p-value given is for the comparison of the estimated difference to zero, the expected difference value for no treatment effect. The anti-log of the differences represent the estimated ratio of counts (relative effect on inhibition) and are tabulated below along with the lower and upper 95% confidence intervals.
Comparison of Ratio of Neurite Outgrowth
Figure imgf000171_0001
[0530] There is insufficient difference between the treatments at all but one concentration for statistical significance at the 0.05 level. There exists, for CNS-102 and CNS-101, a concentration dependent trend in the ratio estimate above a threshold concentration (100 nM, p = 0.06) as graphically shown in FIG 4.C, Rescue Ratio for CNS-102/CNS-101 versus LoglO Concentration. It is notable that the ratio continues the trend at 4.0 log concentration even in the face of significant depression of the total number of cells exhibiting neurite outgrowth at this highest concentration, shown in the previous graphs in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0531] From this it can be concluded that CNS-102 is more effective at protecting neurite outgrowth than is either the GGA mixture or cis GGA. Example 31: Time Course of CNS-102 Induced HSP70 Expression In Vivo
[0532] The time course of protein expression, as measured by western blot for HSP70, was determined in triplicate for hippocampus, and cortex tissue samples taken from each of 5 animals per group at each of four time points (24, 48, 72, and 96 h) after treatment with either PBS or 12 mg/kg CNS-102, administered orally. The average expression for each treatment group is calculated at each time point for each tissue using PROC MIXED in SAS and are tabulated, along with the difference (delta) between treatment averages and a p- value comparing the difference to zero, below.
HSP70 Expression Following Administration of CNS-102 vs PBS
Figure imgf000172_0001
[0533] Expression of HSP70 was observed after CNS-102 administration and the difference between CNS-102 and PBS induced expression (delta, in the table) in both the cortex at 24 h and the hippocampus at 72 h was statistically significant (bolded in the table).
[0534] These results demonstrate that CNS-102 induces expression of HSP70 as measured in the cortex 24 h after administration while in the hippocampus the level of HSP70 was not significant until 72 h after administration. No significant levels of HSP70 were found in the cortex after 24 h, however since no time points before 24 h were taken, it may be that HSP70 is expressed earlier. In the hippocampus the expression appears to peak after 48 h with significant levels measured at 72 hours. [0535] HSP70 expression as measured by Western Blot in rat eyes following a single dose of 12mg/kg CNS-102 is shown in the following table.
HSP70 Expression
(Fold change vs vehicle
control)
Time
(hr) mean ± SD
24 1.47 ± 0.36
48 1.33 ± 0.10
72 1.40 ± 0.11
[0536] CNS-102 at 12 mg/kg or PBS was administered orally to Sprague-Dawley rats and the time course of HSP70 protein expression in tissues, was measured by ELISA . HSP70 protein expression was determined for lung, testicle, spleen, liver, kidney, blood plasma, skin, peripheral blood monocytes, heart, eye, muscle, intestine, and stomach at each of three time points (8h, 17h, 24h) and for cerebral cortex at 24h 48h and 72h.
Example 32: CNS-102 Induces Expression of Selected Heat Shock Proteins In Vivo
[0537] CNS-102 was administered orally to Sprague-Dawley rats at 12 mg/kg and brain tissue was extracted at 12, 24, 48, and 96 h after dosing. Expression of selected HSPs was detected using qRT-PCR with expression of the GAPDH gene used as the control. Results are shown in the table below. To represent the effect of CNS-102 on HSP expression, mean fold change is calculated as CNS-102 treated/PBS treated for each HSP at each time point.
24h 48h 72h 96h mean ± SD mean ± SD mean ± SD mean ± SD
HSP90 1.32 ± 0.95 1.16 ± 0.55 2.59 ± 1.27 1.68 ± 0.72
HSP70 1.18 ± 0.01 1.48 ± 0.02 1.81 ± 0.01 1.58 ± 0.03
HSP60 1.26 ± 0.07 0.89 ± 0.08 1.72 ± 0.07 1.57 ± 0.16
[0538] Gene expression of HSP60 (chaperonin), HSP70, and HSP90 was increased in CNS- 102 treated animals compared to PBS treated animals for up to 96 h post dose with peak effects generally after 48 h post dose.
Example 33: Determination of Time Course of Neuroprotection by CNS-102 in the Kainic Acid Model
[0539] CNS-102 was administered orally to Sprague Dawley rats at 12 mg/kg. After dosing, KA was stereotactically injected into the hippocampus at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 168 hours to induce neuron damage. After 24 h, hippocampus tissue was collected, stained, and imaged. The scans were analyzed by Image J to calculate the fraction of cells having KA-induced damage. Average fraction damaged in the hippocampus from ten animals for each treatment (PBS vs. 12 mg/kg CNS-102) by time (24, 48, 72, 96 and 168 hours) combination was estimated with PROC MIXED in SAS. Comparisons of the CNS-102 treatment groups to the pooled PBS treatment at the different times can be made, giving the results tabulated below.
Time Course of Neuroprotection by CNS-102
Figure imgf000174_0001
[0540] The results of this study demonstrated a statistically significant (p-value of 0.004) efficacy of neuron protection by a single dose of 12 mg/kg of CNS-102. The maximal protection effect by CNS-102 was achieved in this model at the 72 h timepoint. This time frame was incorporated into subsequent concentration dependence studies. Example 34: Concentration Dependence of Neuroprotection by CNS-102 in the Kainic Acid Model
[0541] The fraction of cells damaged in the kainic acid model was determined on 130 rats, each receiving one dose of CNS-102 at either 0, 1, 3, 6, 12 or 24 mg/kg. PBS was used for dosing at 0 mg/kg. The linear model of the logi0 percent damage versus concentration is graphically shown FIG. 5.
[0542] The ANOVA results for the model are tabulated below. The concentration dependence is statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.007.
ANOVA Table for Concentration Dependence of Damage in Kainic Acid Rat Model
Analysis of Variance For L% D
No Selector
1 30 total cases of which 1 1 are missing
Sou rce df Sums of Squares Mean Square F - r a t i o P r o b
Const 1 471 .706 471 .706 982.53 < 0.0001 cnn 1 3.5841 9 3.5841 9 7.4656 0.0073
Error 1 1 7 56.1 708 0.480092
Total 1 1 8 59.7550 [0543] These results demonstrate that neuroprotection by CNS-102 is concentration dependent with increasing protection up to at least 24 mg/kg. This study supports 12 mg/kg as the minimal effective dose.
Example 35: Effect of CNS-102 on Survival in the SODl Mouse Model of ALS
[0544] CNS-102 was administered daily by oral gavage to male SODl and wild type mice at 12 mg/kg beginning on postnatal day (P) 38. Groups of SODl mice were also administered 8 mg/kg riluzole.
[0545] Survival data showed no transgenic animals survived past age P153. Longer survival for subjects in group A (CNS-102) and B (Riluzole) was observed. In all testing, both wild type groups performed better than any transgenic group. There was negligible difference between wildtype animals dosed with vehicle versus CNS-102, suggesting that treatment with CNS-102 does not lead to obvious toxicity or behavioral abnormalities as tested and observed in the study.
[0546] The survival data was analyzed using PROC LIFETEST in SAS. The wild-type treatment groups were removed from the study since all of these animals, save one, survived to the end of the study. The remaining four groups were subjected to the standard survival analysis by the method of Kaplan-Meier, with median estimates tabulated below, and survival shown graphically in FIG. 6.
Median Survival for Drug Treatment Groups in SOD1 Mice
Figure imgf000176_0001
[0547] A survival analysis comparison of the two drugs and the vehicle was conducted using PROC LIFETEST, yielding a p-value of 0.04. This outcome indicated that the data contains evidence of a significant difference between at least two of the three single compound treatment groups A, B, and D. [0548] Parametric regression with PROC LIFEREG in SAS, using the gamma distribution as the model (p=0.0024), was conducted to further elucidate the nature of this difference. Separately comparing each of the two drug treatment groups A and B with the vehicle D, finds that there is significant evidence of differences for both groups. The magnitude of change in median time to death is +9% for the CNS-102 treatment group and +6% for the Riluzole treatment group, respectively, compared to that of the vehicle group as tabulated below. p-Values for Treatment Group Comparisons to Vehicle Group
Figure imgf000177_0001
Example 36: Effect of CNS-102 on Gait Analysis in CatWalk
[0549] CatWalk results showed a severe change in gait during onset and progression of disease. Prior to onset, there was little to no difference between the transgenic and wildtype groups. Transgenic animals tended to rely more on front paws for movement as weakness and paralysis in the hind paws progressed. This began to show around timepoint P100, coinciding with the expected onset of disease. This impairment was seen through changes in front and hind paw step cycle, print area, mean intensity, and base of support. [0550] In general, group A (CNS-102 in transgenic mice) outperformed the Riluzole- transgenic treatment group in CatWalk. This was seen in multiple time points and through several metrics. Group A had a lower run duration, lower % body, and higher regulatory index, suggesting a less-impaired gait. There is very little difference between wildtype groups E (vehicle) and F (CNS-102). See, FIG. 7. [0551] Three motor function outcomes (stride length, run duration, and swing speed) were compared for CNS-102 and vehicle by the Bootstrap method. Prior to P120, there were only small differences between treatment group averages. By P120, the progression of the disease had both increased the measured differences between CNS-102 and vehicle and removed significant but unequal fractions of each treatment group. The p-value for each difference in CNS-102-minus-vehicle averages is tabulated below.
Bootstrap Comparison of Averages at P120
Figure imgf000177_0002
[0552] A minus-one jackknife procedure demonstrated that no single animal unduly influenced the construction of the reference distribution, thereby validating these p-values. Clearly, the fact that all three metrics show significantly better outcomes compared to PBS, indicates that CNS-102 not only prolongs survival but also slows the symptomatic progression of the disease.
Figure imgf000178_0001
CNS-102-vehicle/P124(+/-)3: P (bootstrap comparison method)= 0.0077
Figure imgf000178_0002
CNS-102-vehicle/P124(+/-)3: P (bootstrap comparison method)= 0.0062.
Figure imgf000178_0003
P-124 (+/-) 3 SE 6.5373 0.80179 2.96443 3.87162
CNS-102-vehicle/P124(+/-)3: P (bootstrap comparison method)= 0.0206
Example 37: Effect of CNS-102 on Blood Chemistry and Hematology
[0553] Blood and serum samples from days P70 and P100 were collected on three animals from each of the six treatment groups. Hematology measures were white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and platelets. Chemistry values were alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, total protein, gamma globulin, blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, and glucose. No analyses were conducted on any samples collected after P100. [0554] Each outcome was fit to a linear discrete model with the age of the animal included as a covariate. None of these outcomes in either hematology or chemistry showed statistical significant differences between any of the 6 treatment groups, except for glucose. In this case, the observed difference resides in the mouse strain (SOD1 vs. wild type), not in the treatment groups A-D, or E-F. [0555] In conclusion, there are no statistically significant treatment differences. There is a genotype difference in the glucose outcome. Time is a significant factor in several of the observed outcomes (red blood cell count, platelets, and hematocrit) across all treatments in the SOD1 animals, attributable to the progression of the disease state.
Example 38: Determination of Neuroprotection by CNS-102 in the presence of GGA cis- isomer (CNS-103) in the Kainic Acid Model
[0556] GGA trans isomer (CNS-102) was administered orally to Sprague Dawley rats at 24 mg/kg. In parallel experiments, a mixture of GGA cis- and trans isomer (10:90) was administered orally to Sprague Dawley rats at 26.66 mg/kg. An amount of GGA trans isomer that contained in the mixture was equivalent to 24mg/Kg. After dosing, KA was
stereotactically injected into the hippocampus at 72 hours to induce neuron damage. After 24 h, hippocampus tissue was collected, stained, and imaged. The scans were analyzed by Image J to calculate the fraction of cells having KA-induced damage. GGA Mean of SE
Hippocampus CA3
neurons damaged
(Arbitrary units)
CNS-102 (24 mg/Kg rat) 19.8182 1.9756
GGA cis- and trans mixture 23.2589 2.2362
(10:90)
[0557] In the presence of the GGA cis-isomer, neuroprotective effects of the GGA trans isomer were diminished demonstrating that the cis isomer inhibits the neuroprotective activity of trans isomer.
Example 39: Efficacy of compounds in alleviating neurodegeneration induced by Kainic acid.
[0558] The indicated compounds or vehicle control were orally dosed to Sprague-Dawley rats, and Kainic acid was injected. After dosing, KA was stereotactically injected into the hippocampus at 72 hours to induce neuron damage. After 24 h, hippocampus tissue was collected, stained, and imaged. The scans were analyzed by Image J to calculate the fraction of cells having KA-induced damage. Neurons damaged by Kainic acid (mean of hippocampus CA3 neurons damaged) were quantified. These results are depicted in the following table:
Atty. Dkt. No. 394306-211
Effect of GGA derivatives on kainic acid induced neurogeneration. Compound ID numbers in table refer to structures in Table 1 and Table 2.
Mean of Hippocampus CA3 Neurons Damaged
Compound ID Vehicle lmg/kg 2mg/kg 3mg/kg 12mg/kg 20mg/kg
7e 22% 18%
7j 21% 13%
8b 23% 20%
lOd 15% 14%
lOf 18% 16%
lOi 26% 22%
101 17% 14%
14 14% 13%
27a 14% 11%
180
4813-9413-7107.1
Example 40: The effect of CNS102 on prenylation of Rapl in Neuro2A cells
[0559] Mouse neuroblastoma Neuro2A cells were cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS for 24 hrs. The cells were treated with 102GGA derivative compounds for 24 hrs first before GGTase inhibitor GGTI-298 was added to the culture medium for additional 24 hr incubation. At the end of 48 hr treatments, whole cell lysates were prepared from both controlcontrols (GGTI only) and the GGA compounds together with GGTI treated cell populations for western blotting analysis using antibodies specific for the un-prenylated or total level of Rapl. Both un-prenylated and total Rapl protein bands were quantified using Image J and normalized to their respective loading control GAPDH. The results for control and each compound treatment were calculated as the ratio of normalized un-prenylated Rapl to total Rapl, and averaged from two biological repeats of one experiment. The final results were presented as a percentage of the control treatments (GGTI only) from the same batch experiment. The data shown in the chart were averaged from two repeats of one experiment and presented as the ratio of normalized un-prenylated Rapl to total Rapl. Compound ID numbers in table refer to structures in Table 1 and Table 2. unprenylated/total RAP1 (%)
Compound ID ΙΟΟηΜ
2f 65 2i 92 7e 64
7j 63 7m 54
7q 48 7s 89 7w 77
7y 68
8b 55 i 59d 62e 56f 40i 83 j 911 164m 100
96d 67h 58j 59a 96g 129 b 49d 128
71 725 647 778 671 612 1035 50 unprenylated/total
RAP1 (%)
Compound ID ΙΟΟηΜ CNS-102 59 CNS-101 75 CNS-103 96
Compared to control, CNS102 treatment at 100 nM appears to slightly increase the prenylation of Rapl in Neuro2A cells (student's t-test, P = 0.08).
Example 41: The effect of CNS-102 on activity of Rho GTPase in Neuro2A cells [0560] Mouse neuroblastoma Neuro2A cells were cultured in DM EM supplemented with 10% FBS for 24 hrs. The cells were then treated with GGA derivatives or the vehicle DMSO for 48 hrs before harvesting. Cell lysates were quantified and subjected either to active RhoA assay using G-LISA RhoA activation Assay Biochem Kit (Cytoskeleton Inc), or to tota l RhoA assay using Total RhoA ELISA Kit (Cytoskeleton Inc). The results were calculated as ratio of active RhoA to total RhoA and averaged from 3 biological repeats of one experiment with background subtraction. The data was presented as percentage of DMSO treatments.
[0561] Compound ID numbers in table refer to structures in Table 1 and Table 2.
% Relative
Compound ID
RhoGTPase Activity 2Ϊ 105.0 7q 83.5 7s 86.9 7w 94.4 7y 94.4 8b 125.0 8f 104.6
8g 111.3
8j 105.6
8m 111.4
8o 82.1
10b 86.2 lOe 89.7
20j 85.9
27b 89.0
29b 96.1
37a 106.8
43 102.7
105 85.1
135 93.2
% Relative
CNS-102
RhoGTPase Activity ΙΟηΜ 103.6 ΙΟΟηΜ 120.1
Example 42: Stereotactic injections of Kainic acid into rat hippocampus tissues led to increased damages in neurons. [0562] Stereotactic injections of Kainic acid into rat hippocampus tissues led to increased damages in neurons. However, when GGA trans isomer (CNS-102) was dosed before the KA injection, neurons were protected. Under this condition, neurons and HSP70 expression was stained by immunohistochemistry techniques. HSP70 expression was induced in a very specific area only that KA was injected. The induced area was not stained by HSP70 antibody when KA was not injected, but CNS-102 was dosed. Therefore these data suggest that HSP70 induction by dosing CNS-102 which protects neurons really depends on neuron damages or stressors. Furthermore, interestingly, the induced area did not match with neurons. Therefore, the data suggest that glial cells play an important role in the HSP70 induction, but not neurons.
[0563] HSP70 induction by dosing CNS-102 in the absence of the KA injection was limited in western blot experiments using hippocampus lysates. 120% or 130% of HSP70 expression could be seen by comparing those of vehicle dosing control experiments. But by
stereotactically injecting KA in hippocampus tissues, a strong induction of HSP70 was seen very clearly, and the induction was very localized in the injection site only. The results are shown in FIG. 8.
[0564] Without being limited to a particular theory, it is believed that one or more of the following may be occurring: 1. The stabilization will raise a minimal amount of HSP70 induction. But when a stressor or toxin that include SOD1 mutants of ALS, tau aggregations of Alzheimer disease, A-b aggregations, etc attacks neurons or glia cells, HSP70 is strongly induced in a specific area only.
2. CNS-102 will be a facilitator that optimally induces HSP70 in cells or neurons damaged by those stressors only.
Example 43: The effect of GGA derivatives on HSP70 levels in Neuro 2a cells as measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
[0565] Mouse neuroblastoma 2a cells were cultured in DMEM with 10% FBS for 24 hrs. Cells were treated with various concentrations of GGA derivatives for 48 hrs followed by incubation with geranylgeranyl transferase I inhibitor, GGTI-298. After 24 hrs cells were harvested and lysates were prepared and analyzed by ELISA for HSP70. ELISA signals in the absence of the compounds were normalized as 1.00 and are presented in the table below. Compound ID numbers in table refer to structures in Table 1 and Table 2.
Figure imgf000186_0001
ID
2g 0.91
2h 0.94
2i 1.08
2j 0.95
2k 0.88
21 1.05
6a 1.11
6b 1.18aa 1.05
7k 1.20
71 1.10 m 0.89
n 1.20
o 1.15 p 1.00 q 1.01
7r 0.89
7s 1.10
7t 1.07
u 1.03
7v 1.13 w 1.14
7x 1.00 y 1.13
7z 0.96
a 1.33 b 1.38
8c 1.46 d 1.33 e 1.09
8f 1.29 g 1.17 1.51 h 0.86
8i 0.97
8j 1.13 1.31 k 0.99
81 1.03 m 1.05 n 1.02 o 0.99 a 0.94 b 0.99
9c 0.96 d 1.05 0.95 k 1.13 0.970a 1.170b 1.06 1.34 c 1.53d 1.36e 1.09
f 1.57g 1.60h 1.58i 1.04 1.08j 1.06 1.08k 1.11
1 1.16 1.37m 1.06
1.01
0.96
1.08
0.89a 1.09 1.22b 1.08c 1.01d 1.01
e 1.06a 0.91
a 1.21
b 1.13
c 0.96 e 0.97
f 0.91
a 1.02
b 1.16 1.22c 0.95d 1.04 1.37e 1.11f 0.91g 1.11a 1.22b 1.11 1.17c 1.06d 1.12e 1.10f 1.01
0.96a 1.08b 0.95c 1.04d 1.05a 1.04 1.10b 0.89c 0.99
d 1.04 a 0.79
b 1.04
1.15
a 0.99
b 0.92
1.25
0.95
0.89
0.98
0.90
1.11
0.90
1.07
1.03
0.99
1.08
0.75
1.03
1.00
0.98
1.02
1.12
0.95
0.92 93 0.87
100 1.14
102 1.04
104 0.90
109 1.12
111 1.10
113 1.01
117 1.08
135 1.07
146 1.13
147 0.94
Example 44 : Screening for GGA derivative compounds that can rescue amyloid-beta oligomer induced cytotoxicity in Neuro 2A cells
[0566] Preparation of amyloid-beta oligomer (A-beta (O)): Synthetic wild type A-beta (1- 42) was purchased from American Peptide, and first dissolved with hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP), then dried in the blowing tissue culture hood overnight to form a film in the eppendorf tube. The A-beta peptide film was first resuspended with DMSO to a concentration of 5mM, further diluted with DMEM containing N2 supplement (Invitrogen) to achieve a concentration of ΙΟΟμΜ, and then sonicated in room temperature water bath for 10 minutes. The ΙΟΟμΜ peptide solution was then incubated at 4 °C for 24hr and thoroughly vortexed before applied to cells.
[0567] Mouse neuroblastoma Neuro2A cells were plated in 96-well plates and cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS for 24hr. Before treatment, cells were washed once with DMEM (containing N2 supplement), then treated with 24hr - aged A-beta (O) only, or A-beta (O) together with GGA derivatives or with the vehicle DMSO for 48hr. At the end of incubation, cells were harvested and subjected to viability assay using CellTiter-Glo Luminescent Cell Viability Assay Kit (Promega). The data for each treatment was calculated as average of 4 replicates and normalized to that of A-beta (0) treated only. Compound ID numbers in table refer to structures in Table 1 and Table 2.
% viability
Compound ID
vs. untreated
2i 89%
7q 103%
7s 95%
7w 111%
7y 110%
8b 100%
8f 86%
8g 107%
8j 102%
8m 99%
8o 106%
10b 93% lOe 100%
20j 88%
27b 92%
29b 106%
37a 98%
43 103%
105 88%
135 91% Compound % viability
Conformation
luM vs. untreated
101 (cis/trans) 126%
102 (all trans) 140%
103 (all cis) 128%
[0568] From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. [0569] Throughout the description of this invention, reference is made to various patent applications and publications, each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A compound of Formula (I), (II), (III), (IV) or (V):
Figure imgf000195_0001
(V)
or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein
n1 is 1 or 2;
n is 0, 1 or 2;
m is 0 or 1;
Q1 is -(C=0)-, -(C=S)-, or -S(02)-;
Q.2 is hydrogen, R6, -O-R6, -NR7R8, or is a chiral moiety;
Q3 is -OH, -NR22R23 -X-CO-NR24R25, -X-CS-NR24R25, or -X-S02-NR24R25; Q4 is selected from the group consisting of:
Figure imgf000196_0001
Q.5 is -C(=0)H, -CO2H or an ester or acyl halide thereof, wherein the ester is optionally substituted with -CO-phenyl; a 6-10 membered aryl or a 5-14 membered heteroaryl or heterocycle containing up to 6 ring heteroatoms, wherein the heteroatom is selected from the group consisting of 0, N, S, and oxidized forms of N and S, and further wherein the aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl ring is optionally substituted with 1-3 substituents selected from the group consisting of: hydroxy, oxo, -N(R40)2, Ci-C6 alkoxy group, and Ci-C6 alkyl group, wherein the alkyl group is optionally substituted with 1-3 substituents selected from hydroxy, NH2, -C02H or an ester or an amide thereof, a 5- 9 membered heteroaryl containing up to 3 ring heteroatoms, wherein the heteroaryl is optionally substituted with 1-3 hydroxy, -N(R40)2, and C C6 alkyl group, benzyl, and phenyl optionally substituted with 1-3 substituents selected from the group consisting of Ci-C6 alkyl, Ci-C6 alkoxy, hydroxy, and halo groups; and when Q.5 is present:
R5 and Q5 together with the intervening carbon atoms form a 6 membered aryl ring, or a 5-8 membered cycloalkenyl ring, or a 5-14 membered heteroaryl or heterocycle, wherein each aryl, cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl, or heterocycle, ring is optionally substituted with 1-2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, oxo, -N(R40)2, and Ci-Ce alkyl;
Q.6 is selected from the group consisting of:
Figure imgf000196_0002
X is -0-, -S-, -NR -, or -CR /R ; when X1 is bonded via a single bond, X1 is -0-, -NR31-, or -CR32R33-, and when X1 is bonded via a double bond, X1 is -CR32-; when X2 is bonded via a single bond, X2 is -0-, -NR52-, or -CR53R54-, and when X2 is bonded via a double bond, X2 is -CR53-;
Y1 is hydrogen, -OH or -0-R10,
Y2 is -OH, -OR11 or -N HR12 , or Y1 and Y2 are joined to form an oxo group (=0), an imine group (=N R13), a oxime group (=N-0R14), or a substituted or unsubstitued vinylidene (=CR16R17);
Y11 is hydrogen, -OH or -OR55;
Y22 is -OH, -OR56, -NHR57, or -0-CO-N R58R59, or Y11 and Y22 are joined to form an oxo group (=0), an imine group (=N R60), a oxime group (=N-0R61), or a substituted or unsubstituted vinylidene (=CR63R64); each R1 and R2 are independently Ci-C6 alkyl, or R1 and R2 together with the carbon atom they are attached to form a C5-C7 cycloalkyi ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups; each of R3, R4, and R5 independently are hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl; R6 is:
Ci-C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with -C02H or an ester thereof, Ci-C6 alkoxy, oxo, - OH, -CR=CR2, -C CR, C3-Cio cycloalkyi, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C6-Ci0 aryl, C2-Ci0heteroaryl, wherein each R independently is hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl;
CO- Ci-C6 alkyl;
C3-C10 cycloalkyi;
C3-C8 heterocyclyl;
C6-Ci0 aryl; or
C2-Ci0 heteroaryl; wherein each cycloalkyi, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups; -CF3, 1-3 halo, preferably, chloro or fluoro, groups; 1-3 nitro groups; 1- 3 Ci-C6 alkoxy groups; -CO-phenyl; or -N R18R19; each R7 and R8 are independently hydrogen or defined as R6;
R10 is C Ce alkyl;
R11 and R12 are independently C C6 alkyl, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, -C02R15 , or -CON (R15)2, or R10 and R11 together with the intervening carbon atom and oxygen atoms form a heterocycle optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups;
R13 is Ci-C6 alkyl or C3-C10 cycloalkyi optionally substituted with 1-3 C1-C6 alkyl groups;
R14 is hydrogen, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, or Ci-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with a -C02H or an ester thereof or a C6-Ci0 aryl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, or a C3-C8 heterocyclyl, wherein each cycloalkyi, heterocyclyl, or aryl, is optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups; each R15 independently are hydrogen, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, Ci-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with 1-3 substituents selected from the group consisting of -C02H or an ester thereof, aryl, or C3-C8 heterocyclyl, or two R15 groups together with the nitrogen atom they are bonded to form a 5-7 membered heterocycle;
R16 is hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl;
R17 is hydrogen, Ci-C6 alkyl substituted with 1-3 hydroxy groups, -CHO, or is C02H or an ester thereof; each R18 and R19 independently is hydrogen; C C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with - C02H or an ester thereof, Ci-C6 alkoxy, oxo, -CR=CR2, -CCR, C3-Ci0 preferably C3-C8 cycloalkyi, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C6-Ci0 aryl, or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl, wherein each R independently is hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl; C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi; C3-C8 heterocyclyl; C6-Ci0 aryl; or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl; wherein each cycloalkyi, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups, optionally substituted with 1-3 halo, preferably, fluoro, groups, or where R18 and R19 together with the nitrogen atom they are attached to form a 5-7 membered heterocycle; each R22 and R23 independently is hydrogen; C C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with Ci-C6 alkoxy; and C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi; each R24 and R25 independently is hydrogen; C C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with - C02H or an ester thereof, Ci-C6 alkoxy, oxo, -CR=CR2, -CCR, C3-Ci0 preferably C3-C8 cycloalkyi, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C6-Ci0 aryl, or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl, wherein each R independently is hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl; C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi; C3-C8 heterocyclyl; C6-Ci0 aryl; or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl; wherein each cycloalkyi, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups, optionally substituted with 1-3 halo, preferably, fluoro, groups, or R24 and R25 together with the nitrogen atom they are attached to form a 5-7 membered heterocycle;
R26 is hydrogen or together with R24 or R25 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups; each R27 and R28 independently are hydrogen, C C6 alkyl, -COR81 or -C02R81, or R27 together with R24 or R25 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered heterocyclyl ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups;
R30 is Ci-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with 1-3 alkoxy or 1-5 halo group, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, C6-Ci0 aryl, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl, wherein each cycloalkyi or heterocyclyl is optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups, or wherein each aryl or heteroaryl is independently substituted with 1-3 C C6 alkyl or nitro groups, or R30 is -NR34R35;
R31 is hydrogen or together with R30 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7
membered ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups; each R32 and R33 independently are hydrogen, C C6 alkyl, -COR81 or -C02R81, or R32 together with R30 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered cycloalkyi or heterocyclyl ring optionally substituted with oxo or 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups; each R34 and R35 independently is hydrogen, C C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with - C02H or an ester thereof, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C6-Ci0 aryl, or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl, or is C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C6-Ci0 aryl, or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl, wherein each cycloalkyi, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups, or R34 and R35 together with the nitrogen atom they are attached to form a 5-7 membered heterocycle; each R independently is hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl;
R51 is Ci-C6 alkyl, Ci-C6 alkyl substituted with 1-3 alkoxy or 1-5 halo groups, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C6-Ci0 aryl, C2-Ci0 heteroaryl, or - N R65R66, whe rein each cycloalkyi or heterocyclyl is optionally substituted with 1-3 C C6 alkyl groups, and wherein each aryl or heteroaryl is optionally substituted independently with 1-3 nitro and Ci- C6 alkyl groups;
R52 is hydrogen or together with R51 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7
membered ring optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups; each R53 and R54 independently are hydrogen, C C6 alkyl, -COR81, -C02R81, or - CON H R82, or R53 together with R51 and the intervening atoms form a 5-7 membered cycloalkyi or heterocyclyl ring optionally substituted with 1-3 C C6 alkyl groups;
R55 is C Ce alkyl; each R56 and R57 independently are Ci-C6 alkyl, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, -C02R62, or - CON (R62)2; or R55 and R56 together with the intervening carbon atom and oxygen atoms form a heterocycle optionally substituted with 1-3 Ci-C6 alkyl groups;
R58 is: C3-Cio cycloalkyi, Ci-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with -OH, C02H or an ester thereof, or C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi,
Figure imgf000200_0001
R is hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl;
R50 is Ci-C6 alkyl or C3-C10 cycloalkyi optionally substitued with 1-3 C1-C6 alkyl groups, or is:
Figure imgf000200_0002
R is hydrogen, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, or Ci-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with a -C02H or an ester thereof or a C6-Ci0 aryl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, or a C3-C8 heterocyclyl, wherein each cycloalkyi, heterocyclyl, or aryl, is optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups; each R62 independently are hydrogen, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, Ci-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with 1-3 substiteunts selected from the group consisting of -C02H or an ester thereof, aryl, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, or two R62 groups together with the nitrogen atom they are bonded to form a 5-7 membered heterocycle;
R63 is hydrogen or Ci-C6 alkyl;
R64 is hydrogen, Ci-C6 alkyl substituted with 1-3 hydroxy groups, -CHO, or is C02H or an ester thereof; one or both of R65 and R66 independently are hydrogen, C C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with -C02H or an ester thereof, C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C2-Ci0 aryl, or C2-Cio heteroaryl, or is C3-Ci0 cycloalkyi, C3-C8 heterocyclyl, C6-Ci0aryl, or C2-Ci0 heteroaryl, wherein each cycloalkyi, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with 1-3 alkyl groups, or R65 and R66 gether with the nitrogen atom they are bonded to form a 5-7 membered heterocycle, and if only one of R65 and R66 are defined as above, then the other one is
Figure imgf000201_0001
R is Ci-C6 alkyl; and
Figure imgf000201_0002
provided that, when X2 is bonded via a single bond, and R53 or R54 is not
CONHR82, Y11 and Y22 are joined to form an imine group (=NR60), and R60 is:
Figure imgf000202_0001
or Y" is -O-CO-NR or provided that, when ε is: x Y22
V
,51 and RM is not -CONHR , is -0-CO-NRSBR ; or provided that, when 06 is -0-CO-NR65R66, then at least one of R65 and R66 is:
Figure imgf000202_0002
The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound has a Formula selected from the consisting of:
Figure imgf000202_0003
Figure imgf000203_0001
202
Figure imgf000204_0001
203
Figure imgf000205_0001
R2 R4 R5
and wherein the variables are efined as in claim 1.
3. A novel compound of Table 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
4. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of any one of claims 1-3 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
5. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a sufficient amount of 5E, 9E, 13E geranylgeranyl acetone or a GGA derivative of any one of claims 1-3, and optionally at least one pharmaceutical excipient, wherein the sufficient amount is an amount which provides for a dosing of about 1 mg/kg/day to about 12 mg/kg/day to the patient.
6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 5, wherein the 5E, 9E, 13E geranylgeranyl acetone is synthetic 5E, 9E, 13E geranylgeranyl acetone.
7. A composition for increasing the expression and/or release of one or more neurotransmitters from a neuron at risk of developing pathogenic protein aggregates associated with AD or ALS, said composition comprising a protein aggregate inhibiting amount of GGA or a GGA derivative.
8. A composition for increasing the expression and/or release of one or more neurotransmitters from a neuron at risk of developing extracellular pathogenic protein aggregates, said composition comprising an extracellular protein aggregate inhibiting amount of GGA or a GGA derivative.
9. A method for:
(i) neuroprotection of neurons at risk of neural damage or death,
(ii) increasing the axon growth of a neuron, (iii) inhibiting the cell death of a neuron susceptible to neuronal cell death,
(iv) increasing the neurite growth of a neuron, or
(v) neurostimulation comprising increasing the expression and/or the release of one or more neurotransmitters from a neuron, the method comprising contacting said neurons with an effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative or a GGA derivative.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said pre-contacted neuron exhibits one or more of:
(i) a reduction in the axon growth ability,
(ii) a reduced expression level of one or more neurotransmitters,
(iii) a reduction in the formation of synapses, and
(iv) a reduction in electrical excitability.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the neurostimulation comprises one or more of:
(i) enhancing or inducing synapse formation of a neuron,
(ii) increasing or enhancing electrical excitability of a neuron,
(iii) modulating the activity of G proteins in neurons,
(iv) enhancing the activation of G proteins in neurons.
12. A method for inhibiting the loss of cognitive abilities in a mammal that is at risk of dementia or suffering from incipient or partial dementia while retaining some cognitive skills which method comprises contacting said neuron with an effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative.
13. A method for inhibiting the death of neurons due to formation of or further formation of pathogenic protein aggregates either between, outside or inside neurons, wherein said method comprises contacting said neurons at risk of developing said pathogenic protein aggregates with a protein aggregate inhibiting amount of GGA or a GGA derivative, provided that said pathogenic protein aggregates are not related to SBMA.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein said pathogenic protein aggregates from between, outside, and/or inside said neurons.
15. A method for inhibiting the neurotoxicity of β-amyloid peptide by contacting the β- amyloid peptide with an effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the β-amyloid peptide is between or outside of neurons, or is part of the β-amyloid plaque.
17. A method for increasing neural activity and/or inhibiting neural death in a mammal suffering from a neural disease, wherein the etiology of said neural disease comprises formation of protein aggregates which are pathogenic to neurons which method comprises administering to said mammal an amount of GGA or a GGA derivative, which will inhibit further pathogenic protein aggregation provided that said pathogenic protein aggregation is not intranuclear.
18. A method for increasing neural activity and/or inhibiting neural death in a mammal suffering from ALS or AD, wherein the etiology of said ALS or AD comprises formation of protein aggregates which are pathogenic to neurons which method comprises administering to said mammal an amount of GGA or a GGA derivative, which will inhibit further pathogenic protein aggregation provided that said pathogenic protein aggregation is not related to SBMA.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said amount of GGA or the GGA derivative alters the pathogenic protein aggregate present into a non-pathogenic form or prevents formation of pathogenic protein aggregates.
20. A method for preventing neural death during seizures in a mammal in need thereof, which method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative.
21. A method for prolonging the survival of a subject with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the GGA is a 5-trans isomer of GGA.
23. A method for reducing mortality of a subject with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the GGA is the 5-trans isomer of GGA.
25. The composition of claim 7 or 8, wherein the neuron improves/affects ambulatoty competence, motor performance, or paralysis of one or more limbs in a mammal.
26. The method of any one of claims 9-23, wherein the neuron affects ambulatoty competence, motor performance, or paralysis of one or more limbs in a mammal.
27. A method of increasing ambulatory competence in a mammal exhibiting deficient ambulatory competence, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative to the mammal in need thereof.
28. A method of increasing motor performance in a mammal exhibiting deficient motor performance, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative to the mammal in need thereof.
29. A method of reducing the progressive degeneration of motor function, or improving motor function in a mammal in need thereof, comprising administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative, wherein the progressive degeneration of motor function or a worsening motor function requiring improvement is caused at least in part by oxidative neuronal damage.
30. A method for increasing the expression of a heat shock protein or mRNA in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a therapeutically effective amount of GGA or a GGA derivative.
31. The composition of any one of claims 5, 7, 8, or 25, wherein the GGA is 5-trans (or all trans) GGA.
32. The method of any one of claims 9-23 and 27-31, wherein the GGA is 5-trans GGA (or all trans).
33. The method of claim 30, wherein the effective amount is from about 1 mg/kg/day to about 12 mg/kg/day, or from about 1 mg/kg/day to about 5 mg/kg/day, or from about 6 mg/kg/day to about 12 mg/kg/day, or about 3 mg/kg/day, or about 6 mg/kg/day, or about 12 mg/kg/day.
34. An enteric formulation of GGA or a GGA derivative.
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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003035052A1 (en) * 2001-10-25 2003-05-01 Eisai Co., Ltd. Preventives/remedies for viral infection
US20110158983A1 (en) * 2008-03-05 2011-06-30 Newell Bascomb Compositions and methods for mucositis and oncology therapies
WO2012031028A2 (en) * 2010-09-01 2012-03-08 Coyote Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Methods for treating neurodegenerative diseases

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003035052A1 (en) * 2001-10-25 2003-05-01 Eisai Co., Ltd. Preventives/remedies for viral infection
US20110158983A1 (en) * 2008-03-05 2011-06-30 Newell Bascomb Compositions and methods for mucositis and oncology therapies
WO2012031028A2 (en) * 2010-09-01 2012-03-08 Coyote Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Methods for treating neurodegenerative diseases
US20120172453A1 (en) * 2010-09-01 2012-07-05 Coyote Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Methods for treating neurodegenerative diseases

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