ZA200507844B - Condensed N-heterocyclic compounds and their use as CRF receptor antagonists - Google Patents

Description

CONDENSED N-HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS AND THEIR USE AS CRF RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS

The present invention-relates to bicyclic derivatives, to processes for their preparation, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them and to their use in therapy.

The first corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) was isolated from ovine hypothalami and identified as a 41-amino acid peptide (Vale et al., Science 213: 1394-1397, 1981).

CRF has been found to produce profound alterations in endocrine, nervous and immune system function. CRF is believed to be the major physiological regulator of the basal and stress-release of adrenocorticotropic hormone ("ACTH"), Bendorphin and other propiomelanocortin ("POMC")-derived peptides from the anterior pituitary (Vale et al.,

Science 213: 1394-1397, 1981).

In addition to its role in stimulating the production of ACTH and POMC, CRF appears to be one of the pivotal central nervous system neurotransmitters and plays a crucial role in integrating the body's overall response to stress.

Administration of CRF directly to the brain elicits behavioral, physiological and endocrine responses identical to those observed for an animal exposed to a stressful environment.

Accordingly, clinical data suggests that CRF receptor antagonists may represent novel antidepressant and/or anxiolytic drugs that may be useful in the treatment of the neuropsychiatric disorders manifesting hypersecretion of CRF.

The first CRF receptor antagonists were peptides (see, e.g., Rivier et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,605,642; Rivier et al, Science 224: 889, 1984). While these peptides established that

CRF receptor antagonists can attenuate the pharmacological responses to CRF, peptide

CRF receptor antagonists suffer from the usual drawbacks of peptide therapeutics including lack of stability and limited oral activity. More recently, small molecule CRF receptor antagonists have been reported.

WO 95/10506 describes inter alia compounds of general formula (A) with general CRF antagonist activity

R3

A

J

R1 Ay RE ~

Key . wherein Y may be CR29; V may be nitrogen, Z may be carbon or nitrogen, R3 may correspond to an amine derivative and R4 may be taken together with R29 to form a 5- membered ring and is -CH(R28) when R29 is-CH(R30). ;

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

activity,

R4 Re

R16

A R17 B

Az Y

R3 “R5 in which A and Y may be nitrogen and carbon and B may correspond to an amine derivative.

Recently a patent application has been published as WO 02/08895 in which the following compounds, CRF antagonists, are objects of the Patent Application:

NR,R,

MA

R; N

R

In particular, R; and Rs; with N may form a saturated or unsaturated heterocycle, which may be substituted by a 5-6 membered heterocycle, which may be substituted by 1 to 3 groups selected among: C1-C6 alkyl, halo C1-C2 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, halogen, nitro or cyano.

Another recent patent application has been published as WO 03/008412 in which the following compounds, CRF antagonists, are objects of the Patent Application:

NRR,

Re | AN (CH,In :

Ry; 7

In particular, R; and Rs with N may form a 5-14 membered heterocycle, which may be substituted by a 5-6 membered heterocycle, which may be saturated or may contain one to three double bonds, and which may be substituted by 1 or more groups such as C3-C7 cycloalkyl, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, halo C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, halo C1-C6 alkoxy, hydroxy, halogen, nitro, cyano, or C(O)NRgR;.

None of the above references disclosed compounds falling into the scope of the present invention.

Due to the physiological significance of CRF, the development of biologically-active smal] molecules having significant CRF receptor binding activity and which are capable of 2

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

antagonizing the CRF receptor remains a desirable goal. Such CRF receptor antagonists would be useful in the treatment of endocrine, psychiatric and neurologic conditions or illnesses, including stress-related disorders in general.

While significant strides have been made toward achieving CRF regulation through administration of CRF receptor antagonists, there remains a need in the art for effective small molecule CRF receptor antagonists. There is also a need for pharmaceutical compositions containing such CRF receptor antagonists, as well as methods relating to the use thereof to treat, for example, stress-related disorders. The present invention fulfills these needs, and provides other related advantages.

In particular the invention relates to novel compounds which are potent and specific antagonists of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptors.

The present invention provides compounds of formula (1) including stereoisomers, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof

A

YON D

Ps [1 m

R; 7 xX

R wherein the dashed line may represent a double bond:

R is-aryl or heteroaryl, each of which may be substituted by 1 to 4 groups J selected from: halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, halo C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-

C6 alkynyl, halo C1-C6 alkoxy, -C(O)R,, nitro, hydroxy, -NRsRs, cyano or a group Z;

R4 is hydrogen, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, C1-C6 thioalkyi,

C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, halo C1-C6 alkyl, halo C1-C6 alkoxy, halogen, NRs;R, or cyano;

Rz is a C1-C4 alkyl, -OR; or -NR3Ry;

Rs is hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl;

R4 is hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl;

Rs is a C1-C6 alkyl, halo C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, halo C1-C6 alkoxy, C3-

C7 cycloalkyl, hydroxy, halogen, nitro, cyano, -NRsRs; -C(O)Ry;

Rs is a C1-C6 alkyl, halo C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, halo C1-C6 alkoxy, C3-

C7 cycloalkyl, hydroxy, halogen, nitro, cyano, -NRsRs; -C(O)R,;

R; is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, halogen or halo C1-C6 alkyl; ) 3

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Rs is hydrogen, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl,

NRaR, or cyano;

Rg is hydrogen, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, C1-C6 alkyi, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl,

NR;R, or cyano;

Rio is hydrogen, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl,

NR;R; or cyano;

Riu is hydrogen, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl,

NRsR, or cyano;

R12 is Ra or -C(O)R;;

D is CRgRy or is CR; when double bonded with G;

G is CR1oR14 or is CR1o when double bonded with D or is CR, when double bonded with X when X is carbon;

X is carbon or nitrogen;

Y is nitrogen or —CRy;

Ww is a 4-8 membered ring, which may be saturated or may contain one to three double bonds, and in which: - one carbon atom is replaced by a carbonyl or S(O); and - one to four carbon atoms may optionally be replaced by oxygen, nitrogen or NR12, S(O), carbonyl, and such ring may be further substituted by 1 to 8

Re groups;

Z is a 5-6 membered heterocycle, which may be substituted by 1 to 8 Rs groups or a phenyl ring, which may be substituted by 1 to 4 Rs groups; m is an integer from 0 to 2.

The compounds of the present invention may be in the form of and/or may be administered as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. For a review on suitable salts see

Berge et al, J. Pharm. Sci., 1977, 66, 1-19.

Typically, a pharmaceutical acceptable salt may be readily prepared by using a desired acid or base as appropriate. The salt may precipitate from solution and be collected by filtration or may be recovered by evaporation of the solvent.

Suitable addition salts are formed from acids which form non-toxic salts and examples are hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, sulphate, bisulphate, nitrate, phosphate, hydrogen phosphate, acetate, maleate, malate, fumarate, lactate, tartrate, citrate, formate, gluconate, succinate, piruvate, oxalate, oxaloacetate, trifluoroacetate, saccharate, benzoate, methansuiphonate, ethanesulphonate, benzenesulphonate, p- toluensulphonate, methanesulphonic, ethanesulphonic, p-toluenesulphonic, and 40 isethionate.

Pharmaceutically acceptable base salts include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts such as those of sodium and potassium, alkaline earth metal salts such as those of calcium 4

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

and magnesium and salts with organic bases, including salts of primary, secondary and tertiary amines, such as isopropylamine, diethylamine, ethanolamine, trimethylamine, dicyclohexyl amine and N-methyl-D-glucamine.

Those skilled in the art of organic chemistry will appreciate that many organic compounds can form complexes with solvents in which they are reacted or from which they are precipitated or crystallized. These complexes are known as “solvates”. For example, a complex with water is known as a “hydrate”. Solvates of the compound of the invention are within the scope of the invention.

In addition, prodrugs are also included within the context of this invention.

As used herein, the term “prodrug” means a compound which is converted within the body, e.g. by hydrolysis in the blood, into its active form that has medical effects.

Pharmaceutically acceptable prodrugs are described in T. Higuchi and V. Stella, 16 Prodrugs as Novel Delivery Systems, Vol. 14 of the A.C.S. Symposium Series, Edward

B. Roche, ed., Bioreversible Carriers in Drug Design, American Pharmaceutical

Association and Pergamon Press, 1987, and in D. Fleisher, S. Ramon and H. Barbra “Improved oral drug delivery: solubility limitations overcome by the use of prodrugs”,

Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews (1996) 19(2) 115-130, each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Prodrugs are any covalently bonded carriers that release a compound of structure (1) in vivo when such prodrug is administered to a patient. Prodrugs are generally prepared by modifying functional groups in a way such that the modification is cleaved, either by routine manipulation or in vivo, yielding the parent compound. Prodrugs include, for example, compounds of this invention wherein hydroxy, amine or sulfhydryl groups are bonded to any group that, when administered to a patient, cleaves to form the hydroxy, amine or suifhydryi groups. Thus, representative examples of prodrugs include (but are not limited to) acetate, formate and benzoate derivatives of alcohol, sulfhydryl and amine functional groups of the compounds of structure (I). Further, in the case of a carboxylic acid (-COOH), esters may be employed, such as methyl esters, ethyl esters, and the like. Esters may be active in their own right and /or be hydrolysable under in vivo conditions in the human body. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable in vivo hydrolysable ester groups include those which break down readily in the human body to leave the parent acid or its salt.

With regard to stereoisomers, the compounds of structure (1) may have one or more asymmetric carbon atom and may occur as recemates, racemic mixtures and as individual enantiomers or diastereomers. All such isomeric forms are included within the 40 present invention, including mixtures thereof.

Where a compound of the invention contains an alkenyl or alkenylene group, cis (E) and trans (Z) isomerism may also occur. The present invention includes the individual : 5

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

stereoisomers of the compound of the invention and, where appropriate, the individual tautomeric forms thereof, together with mixtures thereof.

Separation of diasterecisomers or cis and trans isomers may be achieved by conventional techniques, e.g. by fractional crystallisation, chromatography or H.P.L.C. of a stereoisomeric mixture of the agent may also be prepared from a corresponding optically pure intermediate or by resolution, such as H.P.L.C. of the corresponding racemate using a suitable chiral support or by fractional crystallisation of the diastereoisomeric salts formed by reaction of the corresponding racemate with a suitable optically active acid or base, as appropriate.

Those skilled in the art of organic chemistry will appreciate that many organic compounds can form complexes with solvents in which they are reacted or from which they are precipitated or crystallized. These complexes are known as “solvates”. For example, a 16 complex with water is known as a “hydrate”. Solvates of the compounds of the invention are within the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, some of the crystalline forms of the compounds of structure (I) may exist as polymorphs, which are included in the present invention.

The term C1-C6 alkyl as used herein as a group or a part of the group refers to a linear or branched alkyl group containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; examples of such groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, tert butyl, pentyl or hexyl.

The term C3-C7 cycloalkyl group means a non aromatic monocyclic hydrocarbon ring of 3 to 7 carbon atom such as, for example, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl; while unsaturated cycloalkyls include cyclopentenyl and cyclohexenyl, and the like.

The term halogen refers to a fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine atom. .The term halo C1-C6 alkyl, or halo C1-C2 alkyl means an alkyl group having one or more carbon atoms and wherein at least one hydrogen atom is replaced with halogen such as for example a trifluoromethyl group and the like.

The term C1-C6 thioalkyl may be a linear or a branched chain thioalkyl group, for example thiomethyl, thioethyl, thiopropyl, thicisopropyl, thiobutyl, thiosec-butyl, thiotert-butyl and the like. 40 The term C2-C6 alkenyl defines straight or branched chain hydrocarbon radicals containing one or more double bond and having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms such as, for example, ethenyl, 2-propenyl, 3-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-pentenyl, 3-methyi-2- butenyl or 3-hexenyl and the like. 6

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

The term C1-C6 alkoxy group may be a linear or a branched chain alkoxy group, for example methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, prop-2-oxy, butoxy, but-2-oxy or methylprop-2-oxy and the like.

The term halo C1-C6 alkoxy group may be a C1-C6 alkoxy group as defined before substituted with at least one halogen, preferably fluorine, such as OCHF,, or OCF.

The term C2-C6 alkynyl defines straight or branched chain hydrocarbon radicals containing one or more triple bond and having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms including acetylenyl, propynyl, 1-butynyl, 1-pentynyl, 3-methyl-1-butynyl and the like.

The term aryl means an aromatic carbocyclic moiety such as phenyl, biphenyl! or naphthyl.

The term heteroaryl means an aromatic heterocycle ring of 5 to 10 members and having at least one heteroatom selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and containing at least 1 carbon atom, including both mono-and bicyclic ring systems.

Representative heteroaryls include (but are not limited to) furyl, benzofuranyl, thiophenyl, benzothiophenyl, pyrrolyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, azaindolyl, pyridyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, oxazolyl, isooxazolyl, benzoxazolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, benzimidazolyl, thiazolyl, benzothiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, quinazolinyl, and benzodioxolyl.

The term 5-6 membered heterocycle means, according to the above definition, a 5-6 monocyclic heterocyclic ring which is either saturated, unsaturated or aromatic, and which contains from 1 to 4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and wherein the nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may be optionally oxidized, and the nitrogen heteroatom may be optionally quatemnized. Heterocycles include heteroaryls as defined above. The heterocycle may be attached via any heteroatom or carbon atom.

Thus, the term include (but are not limited to) morpholinyl, pyridinyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, triazolyl, imidazolyl, oxadiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyrrolidinonyl, pyrrolidinyi, piperidinyl, hydantoinyl, valerolactamyl, oxiranyl, oxetanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydropyridinyl, tetrahydropyrimidinyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, and the like.

The term W defines a 4-8 membered ring, which may be saturated or may contain from one to three double bonds, and in which: - one carbon atom is replaced by a carbonyl! or S(O),,; and 40 - one to four carbon atoms may optionally be replaced by oxygen, nitrogen or NR,,,

S(O)m, carbonyl, and such ring may be further substituted by 1 to 8 Rg groups, 7

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

The 4-8 membered ring means a 4-8 monocyclic carbocyclic ring which is either saturated, or unsaturated o aromatic and one to four carbon atoms may be replaced by an heteroatom as defined above. The carbocycle may be attached via any heteroatom or carbon atom. Thus, the term include (but are not limited to): cyclobutane, cyclopentane,

S cyclohexane, cycloheptane, cyclooctane, azirydinyl, azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, imidazolidinyl, morpholinyl, piperazinyl, hydantoinyi, valerolactamyl, oxetanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydropyridinyl, tetrahydropyrimidinyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, 1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazol-2-one, imidazolidin- 2-one, tetrahydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one, 2,5-dihydro-1,2,5-thiadiazole 1-oxide, 1,2,5- thiadiazolidine 1-oxide, 2,5-dihydro-1,2,5-thiadiazole 1,1-dioxide, 1,2,6-thiadiazinane 1- oxide, pyrrolidin-2-one, 2,5-dihydro-1,2,5-thiadiazolidine 1,1-dioxide, 1,3-oxazolidin-2-one derivative, isothiazolidine 1,1-dioxide, 2(1H)-pyridinone, 3(2H)-pyridazinone, 2,3- piperazinedione and the like.

Representative ring of the W definition include, but are not limited to, the following structure and derivatives: =o oo FT

A R,s x R, N NR, ing Re AN AR

TUTTO wl w2 w3 w4 ws fo Lab A J fo

NR,, NG Ry NR,

CITY TORT

W6 w7 ws wo wi10 q Rely (Re), J (Re) = = N

J IN GING hil ANd U's Ld o o o Fe) wit wi12 wi13 wi4 w15 in which:

W1 represents a 1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazol-2-one derivative:

W2 represents a imidazolidin-2-one derivative;

Wa represents a tetrahydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one derivative:

WA4 represents a 2,5-dihydro-1,2,5-thiadiazole 1-oxide derivative;

WS represents a 1,2,5-thiadiazolidine 1-oxide derivative;

W6 represents a 2,5-dihydro-1,2,5-thiadiazole 1,1-dioxide derivative;

W7 represents a 1,2,6-thiadiazinane 1-oxide derivative;

W8 represents a 1,2,6-thiadiazinane 1,1-dioxide derivative;

W9 represents a pyrrolidin-2-one derivative; 8

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

W10 represents a 2,5-dihydro-1,2,5-thiadiazolidine 1,1-dioxide derivative;

W11 represents a 1,3-oxazolidin-2-one derivative; :

W12 represents a isothiazolidine 1,1-dioxide derivative;

W13 represents a 2(1H)-pyridinone derivative;

W14 represents a 3(2H)-pyridazinone;

W15 represents a 2,3-piperazinedione derivative; and q is an integer from 0 to 4, n is an integer from 0 to 6, p is an integer from 0 to 3 and m, R6 and R12 are defined as above.

The compounds of formula (Il) and (lla) are representatives of the present invention.

WN AN

JesiP en ; ZA_.2G

RW NC RYTON k R (Im (ila)

In particular they correspond to compounds (1) in which X is nitrogen or carbon and R, R1,

Y, Z, W, D, and G have the meanings as previously defined.

The compounds of formula (il) are specific representatives of the present invention.

Particularly preferred are the compounds of formula (11), in which W is selected in the group consisting from: W1, W2, W3, W9, W10, W11, W12, W13, and W14.

Equally preferred are the compounds of formula (il), in which Z is selected in a group consisting from: pyrimidine, pyridine, thiazol, pyrazol, triazol and phenyl.

Equally preferred are the compounds of formula (Il), in which W is selected in the group consisting from: W1, W2, W3, W9, W10, W11, W12, W13, and W14 and in which Z is selected in a group consisting from: pyrimidine, pyridine, thiazol, pyrazol, triazol and phenyl.

Examples of compounds of formula (If) are reported in the Experimental Part.

The compounds of formula (lib), (ilc), (iid), (lle), (11f), (lig), (Ih), (It), (IN), (Im), (lin), (lio), (Itp) and (liq) are illustratives of the compounds of formula (Il).

W Ww Ww pos pow pow

G G

R; NZ N RY” NZ . Re” NZ N~

R R R

(Ub) (Mc) (1d) 9

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

A A

\ Dl | BD OE BD

AN . A ne A n°

R R R

(Ie) [1143] (ig) ~ ~ a MW

R

Yr YI Yr YS

PA] G G

Rj NZ ’ Ry N Ry NZ R; Nd ZC

R R R R

(Ith) (Im) my) (Im)

NW WN A W

NT | NT NT NTR D i) | 7 | i i

AN 2 G A G AN G ANE Pe]

R R R R

(Lin) (Ilo) (Ip) {llq)

They correspond to the compounds of formula (1), depending on the meaning of X and Y, andwhereR, R1, R7, Z, W, D, and G have the meanings as previously defined.

Particularly preferred are the compounds of formula (lib), (lic), (Id), (le), (iif), (lg), (Ih), (13), ¢1B, (Nim), (lin), (Wo), (I'p) and (liq) in which W is selected in the group consisting from: W1, W2, W3, W9, W10, W11, W12, W13, and W14.

Equally preferred are the compounds of formula (lIb), (lic), (lid), (lle), (lif), (11g), (1th), (Ili), (li), (tim), (lin), (lo), (Ip) and (lq) in which Z is selected in a group consisting from: pyrimidine, pyridine, thiazol, pyrazol, triazol and phenyl.

Equally preferred are the compounds of formula (1Ib), (lic), (lid), (lle), (If), (lig), (IIh), (Ii), (1), (im), (tin), (lio), (lip) and (lig) in which W is selected in the group consisting from:

W1, W2, W3, W9, W10, W11, W12, W13, and W14 and in which Z is selected in a group 165 consisting from: pyrimidine, pyridine, thiazol, pyrazol, triazol and phenyl.

The compounds of formula (lir), (ls) and (lit), which correspond to the compounds of formula (il) in which D and G are —CH; are preferred. 10

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

MW WN WV z

NT X DS NSN

Pe _ : _ : PI _ :

R; N N R; N N R; N N

R R R

(ir) (lis) (ht)

Particularly preferred are the compounds of formula (Iir), (lis) and (It), in which W is selected in the group consisting from: W1, W2, W3, W9, W10, W11, W12, W13, and W14.

Equally preferred are the compounds of formula (iIr), in which Z is selected in a group consisting from: pyrimidine, pyridine, thiazol, pyrazol, triazol and phenyl.

Equally preferred are the compounds of formula (lir), (lls) and (I1t), in which W is selected in the group consisting from: W1, W2, W3, W9, W10, W11, W12, W13, and W14 and in which Z is selected in a group consisting from: pyrimidine, pyridine, thiazol, pyrazol, triazol and phenyl.

In particular, the compounds of formula (lil) are representatives of the compounds of formula (II). moi],

No

Ry NZ N

R

They correspond to the compounds of formula (1), in which Z is a pyrazolyl derivative and R,Ry, Rs, Y, W, D, mand G have the meanings as previously defined and the dashed line may represent a double bond.

The compounds of formula (lila), (IIIb), (lic) and (lIld) are specific representatives of the compounds of formula (111). 1"

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

wef, —sy

N R, N

Rn A , Rn Rs

Are

Ri | Ru Ri N N Rio

R R

(Ia) (Ib) w

Reda~ \ maf, = 3,

Ry sul sul

NE N R, Ryo NE N Ri

R R

(LS) (Mid)

They correspond to the compounds of formula (lll) depending on the meaning of Y, in which R, Ry, Rs, Ry, Rg, Rg, Ry, Ri1, W, D, m and G have the meanings as previously defined.

Particularly preferred are the compounds of formula (lta), (llib), (llc) and (lid), in which

W is selected in the group consisting from: W1, W2, W3, W9, W10, W11, W12, W13, and

W14 and R, Ry, Rs, Ry, Rg, Rg, Rio, R14, m, have the meanings as previously defined.

In particular, the compounds of formula (IV) are representatives of the compounds of formula (Ill). (Re), 2% —Ry, ~ (Re) \ (o}

NT

NF 5 ~ Ie (av)

Ry N N

R

They correspond to compounds of formula (111), in which W corresponds to a W2 derivative and R, Ry, Rs, Rg, Ry, R12, m, gq, D and G have the meanings as previously defined and the dashed line may represent a double bond.

The compounds of formula (IVa), (IVb) and (IVc) are specific representatives of the compound of formula (IV) 12

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

(Rody ” Re) Re),

Ny —R,; —Re 0, SN, i

Ry), Ren 0 gl, o] 3) Nai lo} s & g NR, Ry

Z Z " = ~ ~ - 2 ~~ N Rig

Ry” ON Ry” °N ° RN { i jt (Va) (ve) (Ve)

They correspond to the compounds of formula (IV), in which Ry is hydrogen and R, Ry, Rs,

Re, R7, R12, m, q, D and G have the meanings as previously defined and the dashed line may represent a double bond.

The compounds of formula (V) are equally representatives of the compounds of formula (mn. (Re)

S Ry

Jy lo} — I Ne x N ™

Ry N \

R

They correspond to the compounds of formula (ll), in which W is a W2 derivative and Z,

R, Ri, Re, q, Y, W, D and G have the meanings as previously defined and the dashed line may represent a double bond.

The compounds of formula (V1) are specific representatives of the compounds of formula (V), in which Y is -CR; and Z, R, Ry, Rg, R7, q, Y, W, D and G have the meanings as previously and the dashed line may represent a double bond. (Re)y 2 fo)

NF 2

ME 0

Li

R

The compounds of formula (Via), (VIb) and (Vic) are specific representatives of the compound of formula (Vi) 13

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

BS _R, EN 9 —R,

A { / = 4 0 0 Ry Re R,

RS GL a

R R R

(Via) (Vib) (Vic)

They correspond to the compounds of formula (VI) in which R7 is hydrogen and R, R,, Res,

Rs, Rg, Ryo, R14, Rez, g, D and G have the meanings as previously defined and the dashed line may represent a double bond.

Particularly preferred are the compounds of formula (Va), (VIb) and (Vic), in which Z is selected in a group consisting from: pyrimidine, pyridine, thiazol, pyrazol, triazol and phenyl and R, Rs, Re, Rs, Rg, Ryo, Ri1, Riz, , D and G have the meanings as previously defined.

Even more preferred embodiments of the invention include, but are not limited to, compounds of the formula (1), (IIb), (lic), (lid), (lle), (If), (ig), (Ith), (i), (1), (im), (In), (lo), (itp), (lq), (IN), (a), (Ib), (Hic), (id), (IV), (IVa), (IVb), (IVc), (V), (V1), (Via), (Vib), (Vic) wherein:

Ris C1-C3 alkyl group or halo C1-C3 alkyl group, preferably methyt or trifluoromethyl;

Rz is hydrogen;

Rs, (Re), R10 (R11) are hydrogen;

Ris an aryl group selected from: 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2-chloro-4-methyiphenyl, 2-chloro-4- trifluoromethyiphenyl, 2-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl, 2.,4,5-trimethylphenyl, 2.4- dimethylphenyl, 2-methyl-4-methoxyphenyl, 2-methyi-4-ethoxyphenyl, 2-methyl-4- isopropoxyphenyl, 2-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenyl, 2-methyl-4- trifluoromethylphenyl, 2,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 2-methoxy-4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 2- methoxy-4-chlorophenyl, 3-methoxy-4-chlorophenyl, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chlorophenyl, 2- methoxy-4-isopropylphenyl, 2-methoxy-4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 2-methoxy-4- isopropylphenyl, 2-methoxy-4-methyiphenyl, 2-trifluoromethyl-4-chlorophenyl, 2,4-bis- trifluoromethylpheny, 2-trifluoromethyl-4-methyiphenyl, 2-trifluoromethyl-4- methoxyphenyl, 2-difluoromethyl-4-methoxypheny!, 2-bromo-4-isopropyiphenyl, 2-methyl- 4-cyanophenyl, 2-chloro-4-cyanophenyl, 2-trifluoromethyl-4-cyanophenyl, 2- trifluoromethoxy-4-cyanophenyl, 2-ethyl-4-cyanophenyl, 2-methyl-4-trifluoromethoxy- phenyl, 4-methyl-6-dimethylaminopyridin-3-yl, 2,6-bismethoxy-pyridin-3-yl, 2-methyi-6- methoxy-pyridin-3-yl, 2-trifluoromethyl-6-methoxy-pyridin-3-yl 3-chloro-5-trichloromethyl- pyridin-2-yl, 2-methyl-4-(pyrazol-1-yl}-phenyl, 2-methoxy-4-(pyrazol-1-yl)-phenyl, 2.4,6- trimethoxyphenyl, 2-methyl-4,5-benzodioxolyl, 2-methyl-3,4-benzodioxolyl.

Preferred compounds according to the invention are: 14

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

1-{1{1-(4-Methoxy-2-methylphenyl)-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolof2,3-b]pyridin-4-yl}- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}imidazolidin-2-one (compound 1-1); 1-{1-[1-(4-Methoxy-2-methylphenyl)-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yi]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-3-methylimidazolidin-2-one (compound 1-2); 1-{1{1-(2,4-Dichlorophenyt)-6-methyi-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yl}-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}imidazolidin-2-one (compound 1-3); 1-(1-{1-[2,4-Bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yl}- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-4); 1-{1-{1-(4-Hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)-6-methyi-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2, 3-b]pyridin-4-yl}- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-5); 1-Acetyl-3-(1-{6-methyl-1-[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyi]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3- blpyridin-4-yl}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-5); 1-Acetyl-3-(1-{6-methyl-1-[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl}-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2, 3- b]pyridin-4-yl}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-6); 1-(1-{1-4-(Ethyloxy)-2-methylphenyl]-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3-blpyridin-4-yli}- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-7); 1-[1-(6-Methyi-1-{2-methyl-4-[(1-methylethyl)oxylphenyl}-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3- b]pyridin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-8); 1-[1-(6-Methyl-1-{2-methyl-4-[(trifluoromethyi)oxy]phenyl}-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3- b]pyridin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-9); 3-Methyl-4-{6-methyl-4-[3-(2-ox0-1-imidazolidinyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yi}-2,3-dihydro-1H- pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-1-yl}benzonitrile (compound 1-10); 1-(1-{6-Methyl-1-[2-methyl-4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyi]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3- b]pyridin-4-yl}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-11); 4-{6-Methyl-4-[3-(2-oxo-1-imidazolidinyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl}-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3- bpyridin-1-yl}-3-(trifluoromethyt)benzonitrile (compound 1-12); 1-(1-{1-[2-(Difluoromethyl)}-4-(methyloxy)phenyl}-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3- blpyridin-4-yi}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-13); 4-{6-Methyl-4-{3-(2-ox0-1-imidazolidinyl}-1H-pyrazol-1-yi}-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3- bjpyridin-1-y1}-3-[(triflucromethyl)oxy]benzonitrile (compound 1-14); 3-Ethyl-4-{6-methyl-4-[3-(2-oxo-1-imidazolidinyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-2,3-dihydro-1H- pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-1-yl}benzonitrile (compound 1-15); 1-(1-{6-Methyl-1-[2-(methyloxy)-4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3- b]pyridin-4-yl}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-16); ‘ 1-{1-{6-Methyl-1-(6-methyi-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4- yll-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-17); 1-(1{6-Methyl-1-[2,4,6-tris(methyloxy)phenyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yi}- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-18); 1{1-{6-Methyl-1-(6-methyl-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yI}-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4- 40 yil-1H-pyrazol-3-yi}-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-19); 1-(6-{6-Methyl-1{2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4- yi}-2-pyridinyl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-20); 15

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

1-(4-{6-Methyl-1 -[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4- yI}-2-pyrimidinyl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-21); 1~(2-{6-Methyl-1 -[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl}-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrroloj2,3-b]pyridin-4- yl}-4-pyrimidinyl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-22); 1-(1-{6-Methyl-1 -[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4- yi}-1H-pyrazol-3-yi)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-23); 1~(1{2,6-Dimethyl-1-[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl]-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3-b)pyridin- 4-yl}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-24); 1-(3-{6-Methyl-1 -[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyi]-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4- yl}phenyl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-25); 1-(5-Methyl-1-{6-methyi-1 -[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl]-2,3-dihydro~1H-pyrrolo[2,3- blpyridin-4-yl}-1H-pyrazol-3-y1)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-26); 1-[1-(1 <{4-{(difluoromethyl)oxy]-2-methylphenyl}-6-methyi-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3- b]pyridin-4-y1)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-27); 1{11 -(4-Methoxy-2-methylphenyl)-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yi]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}pyrrolidin-2-one (compound 2-1 )i 1-{1-[1-(4-Methoxy-2-methylphenyl)-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yi]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yi}tetrahydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one (compound 3-1); 3-(1-{6-Methyl-1 ~[2-methyi-4-(methyloxy)phenyl]-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4- yi}1H-pyrazol-3-yi)-1,3-0xazolidin-2-one (compound 4-1);

Methyl 5-(1-{6-methyl-1-[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyf]-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]- pyridin-4-yi}-1H-pyrazol-3-yi)-1 .2,5-thiadiazolidine-2-carboxylate 1,1-dioxide) (compound 5-1); 4-[3-(1,1-Dioxido-1,2,5-thiadiazolidin-2-yt)-1H-pyrazol-1 -yi]-6-methyl-1-[2-methyl-4- (methyloxy)phenyl}-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine (compound 5-2). 4-[3-(1,1-Dioxido-2-isothiazolidinyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl}-6-methyl-1 -[2-methyi-4- (methyloxy)phenyl}-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine (compound 6-1); 3-Methyl-1-(1-{6-methyl-1 -[2-methyi-4-(methyloxy)phenyl}-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3- b]pyridin-4-yl}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2(1H)-pyridinone (compound 7-1 ) 2-(1-{6-Methyl-1-[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyi]-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4- yi}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-3(2H)-pyridazinone (compound 8-1); 1-(1-{6-Methyl-1-[2-methyi-4-(methyloxy)phenyl]-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4- yl}-1H-pyrazol-3-y1)-1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazol-2-one (compound 9-1); 1-(1-{6-Methyl-1-[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl]-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yl}-1H-pyrazol- 3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 10-1); 1-(6-{6-Methyl-1 -[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl]-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4- yi}-3-pyridinyl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 11-1); 1-{1-[7-(2,4-Dichlorophenyl)-2-methyl-6, 7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolof2, 3-d)pyrimidin-4-yi]-1H- pyrazol-3-yi}-2-pyrrolidinone (compound 11-2). 40 16

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

In general, the compounds of structure (1) may be made according to the organic synthesis techniques known to those skilled in this field, as well as by the representative methods set forth in the Examples.

Compounds of formula (I), and salts and solvates thereof, may be prepared by the general methods outlined hereinafter. In the following description, the groups R, Rs, Re,

Ra Re, Rs, Re, Ry, Re, Rg, Rio, Rit, Riz, m, 0, q, D, G, Z, W, X, Y have the meanings as previously defined for compounds of formula (1) unless otherwise stated.

Compounds of formula (11) may be conveniently prepared, starting from compounds of formula (VII), according to the following Scheme 1: 17

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Scheme 1 pd Ww AVP)

E E

Foe ES GIN “rr HD CH

Ry” "N” “Hal Ry” NN” “Hal Ry” N” "Hal Ry” N* “Hal

In vi) (vim (1X) Jo (Pw, R, WP) WP) _W-(P) on oe 0 Kwon ho nan vl

Ry” N” “Hal Ry” N° “Hal Ry” N” “Hal Ry” "N" “Hal lo) xl) 9) (PW (P)-W (Py=W (P)-w

D. h) p..On 1! po MN D...OH

CHO G ee te deen te ep x

Ry” N” “Hal Ry” N® “Hal 1° Ry” "N° “Hal RN” "Hal xv) (xXv1) OVI vin) » - P)~W - ” PW, ) (Py=W SN — deer rer — pees

R; N's NH R7N® NH aA Hal oon © 009) ox) ew, Ww, we n) or 5

Je ro) Nm

RON TR ey N (odin) R in which step a stands for conversion of the leaving group L, selected in a group consisting from: halogen or reactive residue of sulphonic acid (e.g. mesylate, tosylate), preferably chloride, in the compounds (Vill), by reaction with the suitable Z-W derivative; step b stands for reduction of the ester group (E) with a suitable reducing agent (such as DIBAI-H) to hydroxy group of compounds (IX); stepc stands for suitable protection of an NH group eventually present in

W group with a P group, such as a p-methoxybenzyl group; step d stands for oxidation of the hydroxy group with a suitable oxidizing agent (such as Dess-Martin periodinane) to the aldehyde group of compounds (XI); 18

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

stepse +f stands for formation of the aldehyde group of compounds (XIII) by

Wittig reaction in the usual conditions, through formation of enol ether followed by acid hydrolysis (step f); step g stands for the optional alkylation of the a position of the aldehyde by deprotonation with a suitable base (such as LiN(SiMe3)2), followed by the addition of a suitable alkylating agent (such as

Mel) to form the alkylated aldehyde of compounds (XIV), XV); step h stands for the conversion of the aldehyde group by a Grignard reagent (such as MeMgBr) into an alcohol group of compounds (XVI) and (Xvi); step i stands for oxidation of the hydroxy group with a suitable oxidizing agent (such as Dess-Martin periodinane) to the ketone group of compounds (XVII); step j stands for conversion of the hydroxy group in the suitable protecting group of compounds (XIX) (such as TBS: tert- butyldimethylsilyl); step k stands for a Buchwald coupling reaction with the suitable amine

RNH2 to give the compounds of formula (XX); step | stands for the deprotection reaction to give the hydroxy group of compounds (XXI); step m stands for intramolecular cyclisation after conversion of the hydroxy group of compounds (XXI) in a suitable leaving group (such as bromide, by reaction with CBr4 and PPh3) to give the cyclized compounds (XXII), step n stands for the deprotection reaction of the protected NH group eventually present in W group, to give final compounds (ll); step o stands for oxidation by a suitable oxidating agent (such as DDQ) in order to give formation of the double bond of compounds (ll), when

D is CHR8 and G is CHR10.

Compounds of formula (Vil) are known compounds or may be prepared according to known method in the literature.

Alternatively, compounds of formula (lir) may be conveniently prepared, starting from compounds of formula (XX}l), in which R, Ry Z and W are defined as above, according to the following Scheme 2: 19

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Scheme 2 (XXIVa)

E._ Act

Act, hy 9, RL . ) J) > R (XXVa) AN

E iy

NH, ay be) ! oo hy — RENN

XX) XIV) (XXIVb) Act =E (XXXVI)

X1=0,NH ,

AN = | d)

Bt (XXv) _ Y XVII)

Y=N RAN? N

R

» Hal ey z fy or f) +0) oo (in) DG or Ay \ «—— RONTN

Ae f+ m)orfy +0) + n R (XXII f) or fy +0) NL 4 or fY +n)orf) +o) +n Poe M= B(OH), SnAll,

RN \ (XIX) in which: step a’ stands for the formation of the pyrrolidinone moiety of compounds (XXIV), which will form the cycle B present in the final compounds (lr), by reacting the compounds (XXIII) with a reactive derivative of the butyric acid, such as 4-chlorobutyryl chioride; followed by a cyclisation reaction in basic conditions (e.g. KOtBu); step b’ stands for amidine formation by reacting the compounds (XXIV) with a 3-aminocrotonate derivative and POCI; when X; is oxygen; or stands for alkylation of the amidine formation by reacting the compound (XXIV) with a butynoate derivative, when X, is NH; step ¢' stands for the cyclisation of the compounds (XXV) or (XXVa) in basic conditions (e.g. tBuOK) to give the hydroxy pyridine precursor of cycle A in the final compounds (lIr); step d’ stands for the formation of a reactive derivative (i.e. a leaving group, Lg) of the hydroxy pyridine (for example selected in a group consisting of

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

triflate, halogen, and mesylate) of compounds (XXXVI) by reaction with, for example, triflic anhydride; step e’ stands for nucleophilic displacement of the leaving group of compounds (XXVIl) to give the halogenated compounds (XXVII), preferably iodinated or brominated compounds; step f stands for the arylation reaction with the suitable —Z-W derivative by a metal catalysed coupling reaction (for example a Buchwald reaction or a

Suzuki coupling) procedure to give the final compounds (llr); such —-Z-W derivative may be suitably protected with a P group, as defined in

Scheme 1, step g’ stands for activation of carbon 3 by the addition of an electron- withdrawing group (e.g. acylation to give an ester group such as acylation with diethyl carbonate to give the ethyl ester derivative, E); step h’ corresponds to step b)’ when X1 is oxygen. step i’ stands for a metal-halogen exchange reaction (with a suitable base, such as n-BuLi) followed by a trans-metalation reaction with a suitable metalating agent (such as a trialkylborate or a trialkylstannyl chloride); step |’ stands for the cyclisation of the B-amidoester of formula (XXIVb) with a salt (e.g. hydrochloride) of a substituted amidine (such as acetamidine hydrochloride) in order to form the pyrimidine cycle A, when Y is N; stepm’ stands for conversion of the hydroxy group into an halogen by the halogenation reaction carried out using, for example, treatment with

PO(Hal)s, wherein Hal is preferably chlorine.

In general, the starting compounds of formula (XXlIl) are known compounds or may be prepared according to known methods in the literature.

The process of Scheme 2 is particularly convenient for the preparation of compounds of general formula (IV), (V), (VI).

The compounds of general formula (XXIV), (XXIVb), (XXVI), (XXXVI), (XXVIII), (XXIX) are novel intermediates useful for the preparation of the CRF antagonists object of the present invention or other CRF antagonists, which may be conveniently prepared using such intermediates. Representative CRF antagonists which may be prepared using the above intermediates include, but are not limited to, those disclosed in the above cited

Patent Applications: WO 95/10506, WO 95/33750, WO 02/08895 and WO 03/008412.

The above cited publications, inciuding but not limited to patents and patent applications, are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein as though fully set forth. 40 : 21

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

In particular, the compounds of formula (XXVIA), corresponding to the compounds of formula (XXV1) when Y corresponds to a carbon atom, may exist in the tautomeric form (XXVIB).

H

ES fo. — fou

N

R; \ R; N N

R R

(XXVIA) PXXVIB)

The compounds of general formula (lit) may be prepared in an alternative way according to the method described in the International Patent Application WO 02/088095, as illustrated in the following Scheme 3.

Hal Hal Hal p " OH \» (o)

SAETIS Quite

RN? L RN L RON L oxi (XXX) (XXX) c)"

Hal Hal Hal oon JX HY har er

RY NSN RAN NH RAN NH (oa)

R R R

» PXXIV)

WwW, o POX)

RyNTTN

R in which step a” stands for reduction of the ester with a suitable reducing agent (such as

DIBAI-H) to give compounds (XXXI); step b” stands for conversion of the hydroxy group in the suitable protecting group of compounds (XXXIlI)(such as TBS: tert-butyldimethyisilyl); step ¢” stands for a nucleophilic displacement reaction with the suitable amine

RNH. to give the compounds of formula (XXXII); step d” stands for the deprotection reaction to give the hydroxy group of compounds (XXXIV); stepe” stands for intramolecular cyclisation after conversion of the hydroxy group of compounds (XXXIV) in a suitable leaving group (such as mesylate, by reaction with Et;N and CH;SO,Cl) to give the cyclized compounds (XXXV); 22

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

step f* stands for a metal mediated coupling reaction with a suitable Z-W derivative to give compounds

The starting material is already known in literature, as acid derivative (see Snider, Barry

B.; Ahn, Yong; Foxman, Bruce M. Synthesis of the tricyclic triamine core of martinelline and martinellic acid. Tetrahedron Letters (1 999), 40(17), 3339-3342).

When the ~Z-W moiety of compounds of formula (1) is not a known compound already described in the literature, it may be prepared in analogy to the following Schemes.

The Schemes represent the preparation of specific derivatives of -Z-W moieties, sometimes without the presence of further substituents as defined above, in order to simplify the understanding of the chemical processes.

This does not limit at all the availability of such processes for the preparations of derivatives containing more substituents or linked to different moieties.

Examples of the following preparations can be found in the Experimental section.

Scheme for the synthesis of a derivative suitable for the preparation of the compounds of formula (II) in which Z corresponds to a pyrazolyl derivative and W is a W2 derivative, for example 1-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)imidazolidin-2-one (intermediate 8):

Scheme 4

H H

NH, RN oy oy "er " 0 wm

Gog = ged oH yo oho intermediate 8 in which step a” stands for the reaction of 3-aminopyrazole with chloroethyl isocyanate in

DMF at 0°C; step b™ stands for cyclisation reaction with KOt-Bu in THF at r.t.: step ¢'” stands for deprotection reaction by LIOH in MeOH/H,O at 80°C.

Scheme for the synthesis of a derivative suitable for the preparation of the compounds of formula (It) in which Z corresponds to a pyrazolyl derivative and W is a W9 derivative, for example of 1-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyrrolidin-2-one (intermediate 10):

Scheme 5

NH, i» Oy 0 0 rs _° rs bY o_o rf ° . —= {N —_— N — Nr

NN NN

Intermediate 10 in which 23

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

step a" stands for reaction of 3-aminopyrazole with 4-chloro butyryl chloride in presence of K,HPO,, and in CH,Cl,; step b" stands for cyclisation reaction with NaH, in DMF, at rt; step ¢" stands for deprotection reaction by MeONa/MeOH, atr.t..

Scheme for the synthesis of a derivative suitable for the preparation of the compounds of formula (1), in which Z corresponds to a pyrazoly! derivative and W is a W3 derivative, for example of 1-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)tetrahydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one (intermediate 13)

Scheme 6 x SD NH SD. NH

N HN” NT N N oe Ia Ho pv $b ov re

NN — NN — aN —_— NY

H

Intermediate 13 in which step a’ stands for the reaction of 3-aminopyrazole with chloropropyl isocyanate, in

DMF, at 0°C; step b¥ stands for cyclisation reaction with KOt-Bu, in THF, at r.t.: stepc’ stands deprotection reaction by LiOH, in MeOH/H,0, at 80°C.

Scheme for the synthesis of a derivative suitable for the preparation of the compounds of formula (Il), in which Z corresponds to a pyridyl derivative and W is a W2 derivative, for example, protected 1-(6-bromo-2-pyridinyl)-2-imidazolidinone (intermediate 96).

Scheme7

OMe 0 £

NH, gu XN RNs pi Pv ov N oe

QQ or or

Br Br r Br

Intermediate 96 in which step a” stands for the condensation of 1-chloro-2-isocyanatoethane with 6-bromo- 2-pyridinamine to give the urea; step b* stands for the cyclisation reaction in basic conditions (-BuOK in THF); step ¢' stands for protection of the urea NH group with a suitable protecting group (such as a para-methoxybenzyl group).

Scheme for the synthesis of derivatives suitable for the preparation of the compounds of formula (I), in which Z corresponds to a pyrimidinyl derivative and W is a W2 derivative, 24

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

for example, protected 1-(4-bromo-2-pyrimidinyl)-2-imidazolidinone (intermediate 102) and protected 1-(2-bromo-4-pyrimidinyl)-2-imidazolidinone (intermediate 104).

Scheme 8

OMe ol o OMe

H » = ¢ N - Hl » : ia X

OMe OMe

Po Ne

Da! YY

N ©O NN ©

IS

I I

OMe OMe " oF oF

Cr oY hg r Br

Intermediate 102 Intermediate 104 in which step a" stands for the condensation of 1-chloro-2-isocyanatoethane with 4- methoxybenzyl amine to give the urea derivative; step b" stands for the cyclisation reaction in basic conditions (t-BuOK in THF); step? stands for the nucleophilic substitution of the cyclic urea on 2,4- dichloropyrimidine in basic conditions (such as NaH in DMF); step d stands for exchange of the chioride group into a bromide group by reaction with TMSBr (trimethylsilyl bromide).

Scheme for the synthesis of the compounds of formula (ll), in which Z is a triazolyl or pyrazolyl derivative. In particular the synthesis of the compounds (llr) in which Z is triazolyl or pyrazolyl derivative and W is a W2 derivative, 1-(1H-1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl)-2- imidazolidinone substituent (Rs=H, X=N) and 1-(5~-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazo- lidinone substituent (Rs=Me, X= C)

Scheme 9

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Cl i) NH (NH x«( © “ 0

Hal Re Re GpN a!

PRAT pa JE pa J

RN R7NTTN, RON RYN,

OXVlila) in which step a" stands for the arylation reaction with a 3-aminoheterocycle by a metal catalysed coupling reaction (for example a Buchwald reaction) procedure; step b™ stands for the condensation of 1-chloro-2-isocyanatoethane with the amino heterocycle to give the urea; step ci stands for the cyclisation reaction in basic conditions (£-BuOK in THF).

Scheme for the synthesis of a derivative suitable for the preparation of the compounds of formula (I), in which Z corresponds to a pheny! derivative and W is a W2 derivative, for example, 1-phenyl-2-imidazolidinone substituent.

Scheme 10 q (Ro), H, (RY), Hn (Rely LL

C : o} lo]

Hal ax bi cx oo — > p1 pi —_— >

RN b Ry ON L RN \ Ry7N L in which step a* stands for step f)' as defined in Scheme 2 (Suzuki coupling with the boronic acid derivative); step b* stands for the condensation of 1-chloro-2-isocyanatoethane with 6-bromo- 2-pyridinamine to give the urea; step c* stands for the cyclisation reaction in basic conditions (£-BuOK in THF).

Scheme for the synthesis of a derivative suitable for the preparation of the compounds of formula (Il), in which Z corresponds to a pyrazolyl derivative and W is a W11, W13, or a

W14 derivative, for example, 3-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one (intermediate 16), 3-methyl-1-(1H-pyrazol-3-yi)-2(1H)-pyridinone (intermediate 26) and 2-(1H-pyrazol-3-y|)- 3(2H)-pyridazinone (intermediate 28).

Scheme 11 26

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Br Br Het Het ax bx [02 a la

A id ¥ i 4 w 2S ¥ 0 WY bo Yo

Intermediates 16, 26 and 28 in which step a* stands for the protection of 3-bromopyrazole with a suitable protecting group (such as a trityl group); step b* stands for the copper catalysed coupling reaction between the protected bromopyrazole and 1,3-oxazolidin-2-one, 3-methyl-2(1H)-pyridinone and 3(2H)-pyridazinone, respectively; step ¢* stands for the deprotection reaction to give the desired bicyclic derivative.

Scheme for the synthesis of a derivative suitable for the preparation of the compounds of formula (llr), in which Z corresponds to a pyrazolyl derivative and W is a W10 derivative, for example, 2-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-1,2,5-thiadiazolidine 1,1-dioxide substituent.

Scheme 12 . NH, H_/CO:Me i _/ OH (oS & SE ax bx 0 = 00 2 0

N“ TN N

RYN 3 Ri R RN 3

H N-COMe 3 (5 yA 0 = In

N

N R AAR in which step a® stands for alkylation of the amino group using ethyl 2-bromoacetate as an alkylating agent; step b” stands for reduction of the ester group into the alcohol, using a suitable reducing agent (such as LiAIH,); step ¢® stands for cyclisation of the amino alcohol using Burgess’ reagent ((methoxycarbonylsulfamoyi)triethylammonium hydroxide inner salt) to give the cyclic sulfonylurea; step d* stands for the deprotection of the sulfonylurea using basic conditions (such as NaOH in a CH,Cl,/MeOH mixture). 27

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Scheme for the synthesis of a derivative suitable for the preparation of the compounds of formula (Ii), in which Z corresponds to a pyrazolyi derivative and W is a W12 derivative, for example, 2-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)isothiazolidine 1,1-dioxide substituent.

Scheme 13 of 0 of" Ro, Ar

CY rs 3 0 == 00 == 00

R; 4 RN N RYN N in which step a" stands for alkylation of the amino group using 1,2-oxathiolane 2,2-dioxide as an alkylating agent; step b stands for the cyclisation step mediated by the addition of POC.

Scheme for the synthesis of a derivative suitable for the preparation of the compounds of formula (lir), in which Z corresponds to a pyrazolyl derivative and W is a W1 derivative, for example, 1-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazol-2-one substituent.

Scheme 14

EtQ

H OPh ost oH

NH, N= ~ N

N N' N’ N° 0 00 = 00 = ny

Pl a | — — 1

N

RYN RN" RYN R7NTTN in which step a? stands for the preparation of the phenyl carbamate using phenyl chloroformate; step b stands for the addition of aminoacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal to the activated carbamate group; step stands for the cyclisation reaction in the presence of an acid (such as HCI) to give the 2H-imidazol-2-one substituent.

The R group present in compounds of formula (1) is generally a known compound.

When such R group is not a compound already described in the literature, it may be prepared in analogy to the following Schemes.

The Schemes represent the preparation of specific derivatives of R groups, sometimes without the presence of further substituents J as defined above, in order to simplify the understanding of the chemical processes. 28

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Claims (1)

1. Claims

   1. Compounds of formula (I) including stereoisomers, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof A IAN Sew il re WC x R wherein the dashed line may represent a double bond; R is aryl or heteroaryl, each of which may be substituted by 1 to 4 groups J selected from: halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, halo C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, halo C1-C6 alkoxy, -C(O)R;, nitro, hydroxy, -NR3R;, cyano or a group Z; Ry is hydrogen, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, C1-C6 thioalkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, halo C1-C6 alkyl, halo C1- C6 alkoxy, halogen, NR3R4 Or cyano; R2 is a C1-C4 alkyl, -OR3 or -NRsRy; Ra is hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl; Ry is hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl; Rs is a C1-C6 alkyl, halo C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, halo C1-C6 alkoxy, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, hydroxy, halogen, nitro, cyano, -NRsRy; -C(O)Rz; Rs is a C1-C6 alkyl, halo C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, halo C1-C6 alkoxy, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, hydroxy, halogen, nitro, cyano, -NRsRg; ~C(O)Ry; R7 is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, halogen or halo C1-C6 alkyl; ) Rs is hydrogen, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, NRsR, or cyano; Rg is hydrogen, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, NR;R, or cyano; Ro is hydrogen, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, NRaR; or cyano; R11 is hydrogen, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, NR;R, or cyano; Ri2 is Rz or -C(O)Rz; D is CRsRg or is CRs when double bonded with G; 111 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

   G is CRyoR41 Or is CR1o When double bonded with D or is CRio when double bonded with X when X is carbon; X is carbon or nitrogen; Y is nitrogen or ~CR7. ] w is a 4-8 membered ring, which may be saturated or may contain one to three double bonds, and in which: - one carbon atom is replaced by a carbonyl or S(O)x; and - one to four carbon atoms may optionally be replaced by oxygen, nitrogen or NRy, S(O), carbonyl, and such ring may be further substituted by 1 to 8 Rg groups; ya is a 5-6 membered heterocycle, which may be substituted by ito 8 Rs groups or a phenyl ring, which may be substituted by 1t04Rs groups; m is an integer from 0 to 2.

   2. Compounds according to claim 1, in which W is selected among the following groups: = Boo FT ARy Na Lg da A die NR,, A AN i Oo [oe] [0] wil w2 w3 wa ws Bot ord A No Ru ANRe AR, wh NNR X 0 a Le J id oF Xo w6 w7 wa wo w10 a Rk ke AB of of of Lo] YOK Ny A © © 0 0 0 wil wi2 w13 wis wis in which: W1 represents a 1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazol-2-one derivative; W2 represents a imidazolidin-2-one derivative; W3 represents a tetrahydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one derivative; W4 represents a 2,5-dihydro-1,2,5-thiadiazole 1-oxide derivative; WS5 represents a 1,2,5-thiadiazolidine 1-oxide derivative; W6 represents a 2,5-dihydro-1,2,5-thiadiazole 1,1-dioxide derivative; WT represents a 1,2,6-thiadiazinane 1-oxide derivative; 112 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

   W8 represents a 1,2,6-thiadiazinane 1,1-dioxide derivative; WO represents a pyrrolidin-2-one derivative; W10 represents a 2,5-dihydro-1,2,5-thiadiazolidine 1,1-dioxide derivative; W11 represents a 1,3-oxazolidin-2-one derivative; W12 represents a isothiazolidine 1,1-dioxide derivative; W413 represents a 2(1H)-pyridinone derivative; W14 represents a 3(2H)-pyridazinone; W15 represents a 2,3-piperazinedione derivative; and q is an integer from 0 to 4, n is an integer from 0 to 6, p is an integer from 0 to 3 and m, Rg and Ry; are defined as in claim 1.

   3. Compounds according to claim 1, having formula (if) ~V TR BY AG 0 Ry N R in which X is nitrogen or carbon and R, Ry, Y, Z, W, D, and G have the meanings as defined in claim 1.

   4. Compounds according to claim 3, of formula (Il), in which W is selected in the group consisting from: W1, W2, W3, WS, W10, W11, W12, W13, and W14.

   5. Compounds according to claim 3 of formula (ll), in which Z is selected in the following group: pyrimidine, pyridine, thiazole, pyrazole, triazole and phenyl.

   6. Compounds according to any of claims from 2 to 3 of formula (il), in which W is selected in the group consisting from: W1, W2, W3, W9, W10, W11, W12, W13 and W14 and in which Z is selected from the following heterocyclic groups: pyrimidine, pyridine, thiazole, pyrazole, triazole and phenyl.

   7. Compounds according to any one from claim 1 to claim 6 of formula (lib), (lic), (id), (te), (lif), and (lig) 113 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

   AV PAL AW ) pow poivee . \ G G Ry Ne v R; NZ NV R; NZ Nv R R R (Ib) (tic) (ld) Ww W Pj NTR y NTR NTR D JORIBOUIBOw Ry” TN N Ry” TN N Ry” ON v R R R (lle) {uf (Tig) where R, Ry, R7, Z, W, D, and G have the meanings as defined in claim 1.

   8. Compounds according to claim 7 of formula (Ib), (fic), (11d), (lle), (1if) and (lig), in which W is selected in the group consisting from: W1, W2, W3, W9, W10, W11, W12, W13 and W14.

   9. Compounds according to claims 7 and 8 of formula (lb), (llc), (lid), (lle), (If) and (lig), in which Z is selected in the group consisting from: pyrimidine, pyridine, thiazole, pyrazole, triazole and phenyl.

   10. Compounds according to any of claims from 7 to 9 of formula (lib), (lic), (lid), (lle), (If) and (llg), in which W is selected in the group consisting from: Wi, WwW2, W3, W9, W10, W11, W12, W13 and W14 and in which Z is a derivative of the following heterocyclic group: pyrimidine, pyridine, thiazol, pyrazol, triazol and phenyl.

   11. Compounds according to claim 7 of formula (Ir), which correspond to the compounds of formula (il), where D and G are —=CHa~. Ww = 7 Pe Pp ; (ir) R; N \ .R

   12. Compounds according to claim 11 of formula (llr), in which W is selected in the group consisting from: W1, W2, W3, W9, W10, W11, W12, W13 and W14, 114 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

   13. Compounds according to claims 41 and 12 of formula (lir), in which Z is selected in the group consisting from: pyrimidine, pyridine, thiazol, pyrazol, triazol and phenyl.

   14. Compounds according to any of claims from 11 to 13 of formula (lir), in which W is selected in the group consisting from: W1, W2, W3, W9, W10, W11, W12, W13 and W14 and in which Z is selected in the group consisting from: pyrimidine, pyridine, thiazol, pyrazol, triazol and phenyl.

   15. Compounds according to claim 3 of formula (ill), our, N Re” NTN R in which Z is a pyrazolyl derivative and R, Ry, Rs, Y, W, D, m and G have the meanings as defined in claim 1 and the dashed line may represent a double bond.

   16. Compounds according to claim 15 of formula (Mla), (IIb), (lic) and (iild), Rm~f otf, Rin T R, Rn Fo Sp Ri | Rau Ri N \ Rig R R (ina) (ib) WwW (Re) hn N N fe Ry Sua oul NF nL NE NT SR, Le 4 (illic) (lid) in which R, R,, Rs, R7, Rs, Rs, Rio, R11, W, D, m and G have the meanings as defined in claim 1.

   17. Compounds according to claim 16 of formula (Illa), (lib), (illic) and (lid), in which W is selected in the group consisting from: W1, W2, W3, WS, W1o, 115 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

   W11, W12, W13, W14 and R, Ry, Rs, R7, Re, Re, Ro, R4, and m have the meanings as defined in claim 1.

   18. Compounds according to claim 15 of formula (IV), (Rg), IS —Ry, a (Re fo) ) NT R, 2 D JP av) Re” NTN R in which R, Ry, Rs, Rs, R7, Riz, m, g, D and G have the meanings as defined in claim 1 and 2 and the dashed line may represent a double bond.

   19. Compounds according to claim 18 of formula (IVa), (Ivb) and (IVc), oe Eve ES . ng, 0 mg, 0 if, o \ \ \ NS NT R, nN” Ry 2 Z Zz N RY” ON © Ry” ON R; \ ! \ (Wa) (IVb) {ve R, Ry, Rs, Rs, Rr, Riz, m, q, D and G have the meanings as defined in claim 1 and the dashed line may represent a double bond.

   20. Compounds according to claim 3 of formula (V), (Rg), << ~~ Ry $d 4 fo] = o Ws Vv) Re” WNT TN R ZR, Ry, Re, 0, Y, W, D and G have the meanings as defined in claim 1 and 2, and the dashed line may represent a double bond.

   21. Compounds according to claim 20 of formula (V1), 116 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

   (Re), 9 —Riz i lo] R, Zz D UW 0) R; N N R in which Z, R, Ry, Re, R7, @. Y. W, D and G have the meanings as defined in claim 1 and 2, and the dashed line may represent a double bond.

   22. Compounds according to claim 21 of formula (Via), (Vib) and (Vic), ( (Relq _ (Re) _ Boe WN, Riz NX Ria A / No / 0 z 0 Ry Re Ry Jes “7 Ru a8 Rg Sh of R; Sh Rio R Sw oe . R R R (Via) (Vib) Vic) in which R, Ry, Re, Rs, Ra, Rio, R11, Riz, , D and G have the meanings as defined in claim 1 and 2 and the dashed line may represent a double bond.

   23. Compounds according to claim 22 of formula (Via), (Vib) and (Vie), in which Z is selected in the group consisting from: pyrimidine, pyridine, thiazol, pyrazol, triazol and phenyl and R, Ry, Re, Rs, Ra, Rio, Ri, Riz, G, D and G have the meanings as defined in claim 1 and 2.

   24. Compounds according to any of claims from 1 to 23 of formula (1), (ib), (lc), (lid), (le), (1if), (i1g), (lr), (1), (Wa), (Wb), (Mic), (Iltd), (IV), (IVa), (IVb), (Ve), (V), (V1), (Via), (Vib), (Vic), wherein: R, is C1-C3 alkyl group or halo C1-C3 alkyl group, R; is hydrogen; Rs, (Re), Rio, (R14) are hydrogen; R is an aryl group selected from: 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2-chloro-4-methylphenyl, 2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenyi, 2-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl, 2,4,5-tri- methylphenyl, 2,4-dimethyiphenyl, 2-methyl-4-methoxyphenyl, 2-methyl4- ethoxyphenyl, 2-methyl-4-isopropoxyphenyl, 2-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl, 2- methyl-4-chlorophenyl, 2-methyl-4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 2,4-di- methoxyphenyl, 2-methoxy-4-trifluoromethyiphenyl, 2-methoxy-4-chloro- phenyl, 3-methoxy-4-chlorophenyl, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chlorophenyl, 2-methoxy- 4-isopropylphenyl, 2-methoxy-4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 2-methoxy-4- 117 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

   isopropylphenyl, 2-methoxy-4-methylphenyl, 2-trifluoromethyl-4-chiorophenyl, 2,4-bis-trifluoromethyiphenyl, 2-trifluoromethyl-4-methyiphenyl, 2-trifluoro- methyl-4-methoxyphenyl, 2-difluoromethyl-4-methoxyphenyl, ~~ 2-bromo-4- isopropylphenyl, 2-methyl-4-cyanophenyl, ~~ 2-chloro-4-cyanophenyl, 2- 5° trifluoromethyl-4-cyanophenyl, 2-trifluoromethoxy-4-cyanophenyl, 2-ethyl-4- cyanophenyl, 2-methyl-4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl, 4-methyl-6-dimethyl- aminopyridin-3-yl, 2,6-bismethoxy-pyridin-3-yl, 2-methyl-6-methoxy-pyridin-3- wi, 2-trifluoromethyl-6-methoxy-pyridin-3-yl 3-chloro-5-trichloromethyl-pyridin- 2-yl, 2-methyl-4-(pyrazol-1-yl)-phenyl, 2-methoxy-4-(pyrazol-1-yl)-phenyl, 2,4 6-trimethoxyphenyl, 2-methyl-4,5-benzodioxolyl, ~~ 2-methyi-3,4-benzo- dioxolyl.

   25. Compounds of formula (1), (Ib), (lic), (iid), (18), (IH), (lig), (I), (Ma), (Nib), (lic), (Id), (IV), (Va), (IVb), (Ve), (V), (VI), (Via), (Vib), (Vc), according to any of claims from 1 to 24 selected in the group consisting from: 1-{1{1 +(4-Methoxy-2-methylphenyl)-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolof2,3- b]pyridin-4-yi]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}imidazolidin-2-one (compound 1-1); 1-{1{1 -(4-Methoxy-2-methyiphenyl)-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3- blpyridin-4-yl]-1 H-pyrazol-3-yi}-3-methylimidazolidin-2-one (compound 1-2); 1-{1-[1-(2,4-Dichlorophenyl)-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4- yi]-1H-pyrazol-3-yi}imidazolidin-2-one (compound 1-3); 1-(1{1 -[2,4-Bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3- blpyridin-4-yi}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-4), 1-{1-{1<4-Hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)-6-methyi-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3- b]pyridin-4-yf}-1H-pyrazol-3-yi}-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-5); 1-Acetyl-3-(1-{6-methyl-1 4{2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H- pyrrolo[2,3-blpyridin-4-yl}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-5); 1-Acetyl-3-(1-{6-methyl-1 -[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H- pyrrolof2,3-b]pyridin-4-yi}-1 H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-6); 1-(1-{1 [4~(Ethyloxy)-2-methylphenyl]-6-methyi-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3- b]pyridin-4-yi}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-7); 1-[1-(6-Methyl-1-{2-methyl-4-[(1 -methylethyl)oxylphenyl}-2,3-dihydro-1H- pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-8); 1-[1-(6-Methyl-1 {2-methyl-4-[(trifluoromethyl)oxylphenyi}-2,3-dihydro-1H- pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yi)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-9); 3-Methyl-4-{6-methyl-4-[3-(2-oxo-1-imidazolidinyl)-1H-pyrazol-1 -yi}-2,3- dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-blpyridin-1-yl}benzonitrile (compound 1-1 0); 1-(14{6-Methyl-1-[2-methyl-4-(1H-pyrazol-1 -yl)phenyl}-2,3-dihydro-1H- pyrrolof2,3-b]pyridin-4-yl}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1- 40 11); 4-{6-Methyl-4-[3-(2-0x0-1-imidazolidinyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yi}-2,3-dihydro-1H- pyrrolo{2,3-b}pyridin-1-yl}-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile (compound 1-12), 118 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

   1-(1-{1 -{2-(Difluoromethyl)-4-(methyloxy)phenyl}-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1 H- pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yi}-1 H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1- 13); 4-{B-Methyl-4-[3-(2-oxo-1-imidazolidinyl}-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-2,3-dihydro-1 H-

   pyrrolo[2,3-bjpyridin-1-yl}-3-[(trifluoromethyljoxylbenzonitrile (compound 1-14); 3-Ethyl-4<{6-methyl-4-[3-(2-oxo-1-imidazolidiny!)-1 H-pyrazol-1-yl}-2,3-dihydro- 1H-pyrrolof2,3-bpyridin-1-yl}benzonitrile (compound 1-15); 1-(14{6-Methyl-1-[2-(methyloxy)-4-(1H-pyrazol-1 -yl)phenyl}-2,3-dihydro-1H- pyrrolof2,3-b]pyridin-4-yi}-1 H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound

   1-16); 1-{1-[6-Methyl-1-(6-methyl-1 ,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolof2,3- bipyridin-4-yi}-1H-pyrazol-3-yi}-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-17); 1-(1-{6-Methyl-1 -[2,4,6-tris(methyloxy)phenyl]-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3- blpyridin-4-yl}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-18);

   1-{1{6-Methyl-1-(6-methyl-1 ,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolof2,3- bpyridin-4-yi]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-19); 1-(6-{6-Methyi-1 -[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl]-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolof2,3- blpyridin-4-yl}-2-pyridinyl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-20); 1-(4{6-Methyl-1 -[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl]-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3-

   bipyridin-4-yl}-2-pyrimidinyl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-21); 1-(2-{6-Methyl-1-[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl}-2,3-dihyd ro-1H-pyrrolof2,3- bpyridin-4-yi}-4-pyrimidinyl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-22); 1-(14{6-Methyl-1-[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyi]-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3- b]pyridin-4-yi}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-23);

   1-(142,6-Dimethyi-1 -[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl}-2,3-dihydro-1H- pyrrolo[2,3-blpyridin-4-yl}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound

   1-24); 1-(3{6-Methyl-1-[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl]-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3- blpyridin-4-yl}phenyl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-25);

   1-(5-Methyl-1-{6-methyi-1-[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl}-2,3-dihydro-1H- pyrrolo[2,3-blpyridin-4-yi}-1H-pyrazol-3-yi)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-26); 1-[1-(144-[(difluioromethyl)oxy]-2-methyiphenyl}-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1H- pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yi)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-2-imidazolidinone (compound 1-

   27);

   141{14-Methoxy-2-methylphenyl)-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolof2,3- b]pyridin-4-yl}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}pyrrolidin-2-one (compound 2-1); 1-{1-{1-(4-Methoxy-2-methylphenyl)-6-methy!-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3- bpyridin-4-yi]-1H-pyrazol-3-yljtetrahydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one (compound 3-1); 40 3-(1-{6-Methyl-1-[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3- blpyridin-4-yl}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-1,3-oxazolidin-2-ons (compound 4-1); 119 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

   Methyl 5~(1-{6-methyi-1 -[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyi}-2,3-dihydro-1 H- pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yl}-1 H-pyrazol-3-yl)-1 ,2,5-thiadiazolidine-2-carboxylate 1,1-dioxide) (compound 5-1); 4-3-(1,1-Dioxido-1,2,5-thiadiazolidin-2-yl)-1 H-pyrazol-1-yi]-6-methyh-1-[2- methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyll-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine (compound 5-2). 43-(1,1-Dioxido-2-isothiazolidinyl}-1 H-pyrazol-1-yl}-6-methyl-1-[2-methyl-4- (methyloxy)phenyl}-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine (compound 6-1); 3-Methyl-1-(1-{6-methyl-1 -{2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl}-2,3-dihydro-1 H- pyrrolo[2,3-bpyridin-4-yi}~1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2(1 H)-pyridinone (compound 7-1); 2-(1-{6-Methyl-1 -[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl}-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3- bjpyridin-4-yi}-1H-pyrazoi-3-yl)-3(2H)-pyridazinone {compound 8-1); 1-(1{6-Methyl-1 -[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl}-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3- bjpyridin-4-yi}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-1 3-dihydro-2H-imidazol-2-one (compound 9-1); 1-(1-{6-Methyl-1-[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyl}-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yi}- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 10-1); 1-(6-{6-Methyl-1-[2-methyl-4-(methyloxy)phenyi}-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3- blpyridin-4-yl}-3-pyridiny!)-2-imidazolidinone (compound 11-1); 1-{1-[7-(2.4-Dichlorophenyl)-2-methyi-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin- 4-yl]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-2-pyrrolidinone (compound 1 1-2).

   26. Process for the preparation of the compounds of formula (ll), starting from compounds of formula (Vt), comprising the following steps as in Scheme 1: 120 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

   Scheme 1 Ww W-P) E Jou EN eo EN Bead Ry” NT “Hal Ry” "N” "Hal Ry” TN” "Hal Ry” "N” "Hal I) 0) (1X) " Prw R, W-(P) W-(P) _W-(P) CHO (Iv) fale ) yee one Pat 0) Ry” N° “Ha Ry” "N “Hal Ry” N” “Hal Ry” N° “Hal xn ol) 9) (Py-W PW (PW. Py-w

   D. h) o. oH ©" po Nn A LOH i CHO Poe YY — X he — XG G Ry” N° Hal RN Ha Ry N® “Hal © Ry” N® “Hal ov) OVI PAY] vy )] - PI-W_ — m) (PW , Cw Py -— ee -— yer -— Leer RYN RYN AH RN? Hal 00x) (x) (XIX) PW w, ! G 4 1) N n +o) l NI REN TR oo N (XX) R in which stepa stands for conversion of the leaving group L, selected in a group consisting from: halogen or reactive residue of sulphonic acid (e.g. mesylate, tosylate), preferably chloride, in the compounds (Vil), by reaction with the suitable Z-W derivative; step b stands for reduction of the ester group (E) with a suitable reducing agent (such as DIBAI-H) to hydroxy group of compounds (1X); step ¢ stands for suitable protection of an NH group eventually present in W group with a P group, such as a p-methoxybenzy! group; step d stands for oxidation of the hydroxy group with a suitable oxidizing agent (such as Dess-Martin periodinane) to the aldehyde group of compounds (XI); 121 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

   steps e +f stands for formation of the aldehyde group of compounds (XN) by Wittig reaction in the usual conditions, through formation of enol ether followed by acid hydrolysis (step f); stepg stands for the optional alkylation of the a position of the aldehyde by deprotonation with a suitable base (such as LiN(SiMes)2), followed by the addition of a suitable alkylating agent (such as Mel) to form the alkylated aldehyde of compounds (XIV), (XV); steph stands for the conversion of the aldehyde group group by a Grignard reagent (such as MeMgBr) into an alcohol group of compounds (XVI) and (XVIII); stepi stands for oxidation of the hydroxy group with a suitable oxidizing agent (such as Dess-Martin periodinane) to the ketone group of compounds (XVII); stepj stands for conversion of the hydroxy group in the suitable protecting group of compounds (XIX) (such as TBS: tert- butyldimethyisilyl); step k stands for a Buchwald coupling reaction with the suitable amine RNH; to give the compounds of formula (XX); stepl stands for the deprotection reaction to give the hydroxy group of compounds (XXI); stepm stands for intramolecular cyclisation after conversion of the hydroxy group of compounds (XXI) in a suitable leaving group (such as bromide, by reaction with CBry and PPh) to give the } cyclized compounds (XXIt); stepn stands for the deprotection reaction of the protected NH group eventually present in W group, to give final compounds (ll); step o stands for oxidation by a suitable oxidating agent (such as DDQ) in order to give formation of the double bond of compounds (ll), when D is CHRg and G is CHR.

   27. The use of a compound according to any of claims from 1 to 25, in the preparation of a medicament for use in the treatment of conditions mediated by CRF (corticotropin-releasing factor).

   28. The use of a compound according to claim 27, in the preparation of a medicament for use in the treatment of depression and anxiety.

   20. The use of a compound according to claim 27, in the preparation of a medicament for use in the treatment of IBS (irritable bowel! disease) and IBD 40 (inflammatory bowel disease). 122 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

   } : 30. A compound according to any of claims from 1 to 25, for use in the treatment of conditions mediated by CRF (corticotropin-releasing factor).

   31. A compound according to claim 30, for use in the treatment of depression and anxiety.

   32. A compound according to claim 30, for use in the treatment of 18S (irritable bowel disease) and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease).

   33. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to any of claims from 1 to 25, in admixture with one or more physiologically acceptable carriers or excipients.

   34. Compounds according to claim 1 or 25, substantially as herein described and exemplified.

   35. Process for the preparation of compounds according to claim 26, substantially as herein described and exemplified.

   20 .

   36. Use of a compound according to claim 27, substantially as herein described and exemplified.

   37. A compound according to claim 30, substantially as herein described and exemplified.

   38. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 33, substantially as herein described and exemplified. 123 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) AMENDED SHEET