Antitumoral compounds

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to synthetic analogues of the ecteinascidins, particularly of ecteinascidin 736 (ET-736), pharmaceutical compositions containing them, methods for their manufacture and their use as antitumoral agents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The ecteinascidins are exceedingly potent antitumor agents isolated from the marine tunicate Ecteinascidia turbinata. One of these compounds, ET-743 of formula:

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is being employed as an anticancer medicament, under the international nonproprietary name (INN) trabectedin, for the treatment of patients with advanced and metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS) after failure of anthracyclines and ifosfamide, or who are unsuited to receive such agents, and for the treatment of relapsed platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin.

Ecteinascidin 736 (ET-736) was first discovered by Rinehart and features a tetrahydro-β-carboline unit in place of the tetrahydroisoquinoline unit more usually found in the ecteinascidin compounds isolated from natural sources; See for example Sakai et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 1992, vol. 89, 11456-11460.

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U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,804 describes Ecteinascidin 736 (ET-736), isolated from the Caribbean tunicate Ecteinascidia turbinata, and it structure. ET-736 protects mice in vivo at very low concentrations against P388 lymphoma, B16 melanoma, and Lewis lung carcinoma.

WO03014127 describes several synthetic analogues of ET-736 and their cytotoxic activity against tumoral cells. In particular, WO03014127 describes compounds A to D together with their cytotoxic activity against a panel of cancer cell lines.

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Another compound described in this patent application, PM01183, is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of cancer. PM01183 has the following chemical structure:

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PM01183 has demonstrated a highly potent in vitro activity against solid and non-solid tumour cell lines as well as a significant in vivo activity in several xenografted human tumor cell lines in mice, such as those for breast, kidney and ovarian cancer. PM01183 exerts its anticancer effects through the covalent modification of guanines in the DNA minor groove that eventually give rise to DNA double-strand break, S-phase arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells.

Despite the positive results obtained in clinical applications in chemotherapy, the search in the field of ecteinascidin compounds is still open to the identification of new compounds with optimal features of activity, selectivity toward the tumour, with a reduced systemic toxicity and/or improved pharmacokinetic properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

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wherein:

X is —NH— or —O—;

R₁is —OH or —CN;

R₂is a —C(═O)R^agroup;

R₃is hydrogen or a —OR^bgroup;

R₄is selected from hydrogen, —CH₂OH, —CH₂OC(═O)R^c, —CH₂NH₂, and —CH₂NHProt^NH;

R^ais selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;

R^bis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;

R^cis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl; and

Prot^NHis a protecting group for amino,

with the proviso that when R₄is hydrogen then X is —O—.

There is also provided a compound of formula IC, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

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wherein:

- X is —NH—;
- R₁is —OH or —CN;
- R₂is a —C(═O)R^agroup;
- R₃is hydrogen or a —OR^bgroup;
- R₄is selected from —CH₂OH, —CH₂O—(C═O)R^c, —CH₂NH₂and —CH₂NHProt^NH;
- R^ais selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;
- R^bis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;
- R^cis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl; and
- Prot^NHis a protecting group for amino.

There is also provided a compound of formula ID, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

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wherein:

- X is —O—;
- R₁is —OH or —CN;
- R₂is a —C(═O)R^agroup;
- R₃is hydrogen or a —OR^bgroup;
- R₄is selected from hydrogen, —CH₂OH, —CH₂O—(C═O)R^c, —CH₂NH₂and —CH₂NHProt^NH;
- R^ais selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;
- R^bis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;
- R^cis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl; and
- Prot^NHis a protecting group for amino.

There is also provided a compound of formula IE, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

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wherein:

- X is —NH— or —O—;
- R₁is —OH or —CN;
- R₂is a —C(═O)R^agroup;
- R₃is hydrogen or a —OR^bgroup;
- R₄is selected from —CH₂NH₂and —CH₂NHProt^NH;
- R^ais selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;
- R^bis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl; and
- Prot^NHis a protecting group for amino.

There is also provided a compound of formula IA or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

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wherein:

- X is —NH— or —O—;
- R₁is —OH or —CN;
- R₂is a —C(═O)R^agroup;
- R₃is hydrogen;
- R₄is selected from hydrogen, —CH₂OH, —CH₂O—(C═O)R^c, —CH₂NH₂and —CH₂NHProt^NH;
- R^ais selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;
- R^cis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl; and
- Prot^NHis a protecting group for amino;
- with the proviso that when R₄is hydrogen then X is —O—.

There is also provided a compound of formula IB or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

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wherein:

- X is —NH— or —O—;
- R₁is —OH or —CN;
- R₂is a —C(═O)R^agroup;
- R₃is a —OR^bgroup;
- R₄is selected from hydrogen, —CH₂OH, —CH₂O—(C═O)R^c, —CH₂NH₂and —CH₂NHProt^NH;
- R^ais selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;
- R^bis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;
- R^cis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl; and
- Prot^NHis a protecting group for amino;
- with the proviso that when R₄is hydrogen then X is —O—.

There is also provided a compound of formula IF or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

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wherein:

X is —NH— or —O—;

R₁is —OH;

R₂is a —C(═O)R^agroup;

R₃is hydrogen or a —OR^bgroup;

R₄is selected from hydrogen, —CH₂OH, —CH₂OC(═O)R^c, —CH₂NH₂, and —CH₂NHProt^NH;

R^ais selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;

R^bis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;

R^cis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl; and

Prot^NHis a protecting group for amino,

with the proviso that when R₄is hydrogen then X is —O—.

There is also provided a compound of formula IG or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

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wherein:

X is —NH— or —O—;

R₁is —OH or —CN;

R₂is acetyl;

R₃is hydrogen or a —OR^bgroup;

R₄is selected from hydrogen, —CH₂OH, —CH₂OC(═O)R^c, —CH₂NH₂, and —CH₂NHProt^NH;

R^bis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;

R^cis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl; and

Prot^NHis a protecting group for amino,

with the proviso that when R₄is hydrogen then X is —O—.

In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dosage form comprising a pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention.

In a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a compound, pharmaceutical composition or dosage form according to the present invention for use as a medicament.

In a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a compound, pharmaceutical composition or dosage form according to the present invention for use in the treatment of cancer.

In a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of a compound, pharmaceutical composition or dosage form according to the present invention for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cancer.

In a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for the prevention or treatment of cancer, comprising administering an effective amount of a compound according to the present invention, administering an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention, or administering an effective amount of a dosage form according to the present invention to a patient in need thereof, notably a human.

In a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of a compound according to the present invention for the treatment of cancer, or in the preparation of a medicament preferably for the treatment of cancer.

In a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The kit is for use in the treatment of cancer.

In a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for obtaining compounds of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, compounds of formula IA or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, compounds of formula IB or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, compounds of formula IC or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, compounds of formula ID or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, compounds of formula IE or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, compounds of formula IF or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, compounds of formula IG or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof; comprising the step of reacting a compound of formula II with a compound of formula III to give a compound of formula IV:

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- wherein (insofar as allowed by possible substituent groups):
- X is —NH— or —O—;
- R₂is a —C(═O)R^agroup;
- R₃is hydrogen or a —OR^bgroup;
- R₄is selected from hydrogen, —CH₂OH, —CH₂OC(═O)R^c, and —CH₂NHProt^NH;
- R^ais selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;
- R^bis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;
- R^cis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl; and
- Prot^NHis a protecting group for amino;
- with the proviso that when R₄is hydrogen then X is —O—.
- The process may include the further step of replacing the cyano group in the compound of formula IV with a hydroxy group to give a compound of formula I, IA, IB, IC, ID, IE, IF, or IG where R₁is OH.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1. Tumor total diameter evaluation of HT1080 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound C, 4-S, and 12-S.

FIG. 2. Tumor volume evaluation of MDA-MB-231 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound C, 4-S, and 12-S.

FIG. 3. Tumor volume evaluation of H460 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound C, 4-S, and 12-S.

FIG. 4. Tumor volume evaluation of H526 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound C, 4-S, and 12-S.

FIG. 5. Tumor volume evaluation of H82 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound C, 4-S, and 12-S.

FIG. 6. Tumor volume evaluation of A2780 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound C, 4-S, and 12-S.

FIG. 7. Tumor volume evaluation of HGC-27 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound C, 4-S, and 12-S.

FIG. 8. Tumor total diameter evaluation of HT1080 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 4-R.

FIG. 9. Tumor total diameter evaluation of HT1080 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and Compound D.

FIG. 10. Tumor volume evaluation of MDA-MB-231 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 4-R.

FIG. 11. Tumor volume evaluation of MDA-MB-231 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and Compound D.

FIG. 12. Tumor volume evaluation of H460 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 4-R.

FIG. 13. Tumor volume evaluation of H460 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and Compound D.

FIG. 14. Tumor volume evaluation of A2780 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 4-R.

FIG. 15. Tumor volume evaluation of A2780 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and Compound D.

FIG. 16. Tumor volume evaluation of HGC-27 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 4-R.

FIG. 17. Tumor volume evaluation of HGC-27 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and Compound D.

FIG. 18. Tumor total diameter evaluation of HT1080 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound D and 12-R.

FIG. 19. Tumor volume evaluation of MDA-MB-231 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound D and 12-R.

FIG. 20. Tumor volume evaluation of H460 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound D and 12-R.

FIG. 21. Tumor volume evaluation of H526 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound D and 12-R.

FIG. 22. Tumor volume evaluation of H82 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound D and 12-R.

FIG. 23. Tumor volume evaluation of A2780 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound D and 12-R.

FIG. 24. Tumor volume evaluation of HGC-27 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound D and 12-R.

FIG. 25. Tumor total diameter evaluation of HT1080 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 19-S.

FIG. 26. Tumor volume evaluation of MDA-MB-231 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 19-S.

FIG. 27. Tumor volume evaluation of H460 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 19-S.

FIG. 28. Tumor volume evaluation of A2780 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 19-S.

FIG. 29. Tumor volume evaluation of HGC27 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 19-S.

FIG. 30. Tumor total diameter evaluation of HT1080 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 19-R.

FIG. 31. Tumor volume evaluation of MDA-MB-231 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 19-R.

FIG. 32. Tumor volume evaluation of H460 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 19-R.

FIG. 33. Tumor volume evaluation of A2780 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 19-R.

FIG. 34. Tumor volume evaluation of HGC-27 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 19-R.

FIG. 35. Tumor total diameter evaluation of HT1080 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound C and 39-S.

FIG. 36. Tumor volume evaluation of MDA-MB-231 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound C and 39-S.

FIG. 37. Tumor volume evaluation of H460 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound C and 39-S.

FIG. 38. Tumor volume evaluation of H526 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound C and 39-S.

FIG. 39. Tumor volume evaluation of H82 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound C and 39-S.

FIG. 40. Tumor volume evaluation of A2780 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound C and 39-S.

FIG. 41. Tumor volume evaluation of HGC27 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound C and 39-S.

FIG. 42. Tumor total diameter evaluation of HT1080 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound D and 47-R.

FIG. 43. Tumor volume evaluation of MDA-MB-231 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound D and 47-R.

FIG. 44. Tumor volume evaluation of H460 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound D and 47-R.

FIG. 45. Tumor volume evaluation of H526 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound D and 47-R.

FIG. 46. Tumor volume evaluation of H82 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound D and 47-R.

FIG. 47. Tumor volume evaluation of A2780 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound D and 47-R.

FIG. 48. Tumor volume evaluation of HGC27 tumors in mice treated with placebo, compound D and 47-R.

FIG. 49. Tumor total diameter evaluation of HT1080 tumors in mice treated with placebo, ET-736 and 32.

FIG. 50. Tumor volume evaluation of MDA-MB-231 tumors in mice treated with placebo, ET-736 and 32.

FIG. 51. Tumor volume evaluation of H460 tumors in mice treated with placebo, ET-736 and 32.

FIG. 52. Tumor volume evaluation of H526 tumors in mice treated with placebo, ET-736 and 32.

FIG. 53. Tumor volume evaluation of H82 tumors in mice treated with placebo, ET-736 and 32.

FIG. 54. Tumor volume evaluation of A2780 tumors in mice treated with placebo, ET-736 and 32.

FIG. 55. Tumor volume evaluation of HGC27 tumors in mice treated with placebo, ET-736 and 32.

FIG. 56. Tumor total diameter evaluation of HT1080 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 35.

FIG. 57. Tumor volume evaluation of MDA-MB-231 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 35.

FIG. 58. Tumor volume evaluation of H460 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 35.

FIG. 59. Tumor volume evaluation of A2780 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 35.

FIG. 60. Tumor volume evaluation of HGC27 tumors in mice treated with placebo, PM01183 and 35.

FIG. 61. Tumor volume evaluation of PC-3 tumors in mice treated with placebo, 12-S and 12-R.

FIG. 62. Tumor volume evaluation of PC-3 tumors in mice treated with placebo and 4-S.

FIG. 63. Tumor volume evaluation of DU-145 tumors in mice treated with placebo and 4-S.

FIG. 64. Tumor volume evaluation of 22Rv1 tumors in mice treated with placebo and 4-S.

FIG. 65. Tumor volume evaluation of PC-3 tumors in mice treated with placebo and 39-S.

FIG. 66. Tumor volume evaluation of DU-145 tumors in mice treated with placebo and 39-S.

FIG. 67. Tumor volume evaluation of 22Rv1 tumors in mice treated with placebo and 39-S.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following apply to all aspects of the present invention:

In the compounds of the present invention, the alkyl groups may be branched or unbranched, and preferably have from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms. One more preferred class of alkyl groups has from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms. Even more preferred are alkyl groups having 1, 2, 3 or 4 carbon atoms. Methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl and butyl, including n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl are particularly preferred alkyl groups in the compounds of the present invention.

In the compounds of the present invention, the alkenyl groups may be branched or unbranched, have one or more double bonds and from 2 to about 12 carbon atoms. One more preferred class of alkenyl groups has from 2 to about 6 carbon atoms. Even more preferred are alkenyl groups having 2, 3 or 4 carbon atoms. Ethenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 1-methylethenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, and 3-butenyl are particularly preferred alkenyl groups in the compounds of the present invention.

In the compounds of the present invention, the alkynyl groups may be branched or unbranched, have one or more triple bonds and from 2 to about 12 carbon atoms. One more preferred class of alkynyl groups has from 2 to about 6 carbon atoms. Even more preferred are alkynyl groups having 2, 3 or 4 carbon atoms.

Suitable aryl groups in the compounds of the present invention include single and multiple ring compounds, including multiple ring compounds that contain separate and/or fused aryl groups. Typical aryl groups contain from 1 to 3 separated and/or fused rings and from 6 to about 18 carbon ring atoms. Preferably aryl groups contain from 6 to about 10 carbon ring atoms. Specially preferred aryl groups included substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl, substituted or unsubstituted biphenyl, substituted or unsubstituted phenanthryl and substituted or unsubstituted anthryl.

Suitable heterocyclic groups include heteroaromatic and heteroalicyclic groups containing from 1 to 3 separated and/or fused rings and from 5 to about 18 ring atoms. Preferably heteroaromatic and heteroalicyclic groups contain from 5 to about 10 ring atoms, most preferably 5, 6, or 7 ring atoms. Suitable heteroaromatic groups in the compounds of the present invention contain one, two or three heteroatoms selected from N, O or S atoms and include, e.g., coumarinyl including 8-coumarinyl, quinolyl including 8-quinolyl, isoquinolyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolyl, pyrimidinyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxazolyl, imidazolyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, indazolyl, indolizinyl, phthalazinyl, pteridyl, purinyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, furazanyl, pyridazinyl, triazinyl, cinnolinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzofurazanyl, benzothiophenyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, naphthyridinyl and furopyridyl. Suitable heteroalicyclic groups in the compounds of the present invention contain one, two or three heteroatoms selected from N, O or S and include, e.g., pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothienyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, piperidyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, thioxanyl, piperazinyl, azetidinyl, oxetanyl, thietanyl, homopiperidyl, oxepanyl, thiepanyl, oxazepinyl, diazepinyl, thiazepinyl, 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridyl, 2-pirrolinyl, 3-pyrrolinyl, indolinyl, 2H-pyranyl, 4H-pyranyl, dioxanyl, 1,3-dioxolanyl, pyrazolinyl, dithianyl, dithiolanyl, dihydropyranyl, dihydrothienyl, dihydrofuranyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, 3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexyl, 3-azabicyclo[4.1.0]heptyl, 3H-indolyl, and quinolizinyl.

The groups above mentioned may be substituted at one or more available positions by one or more suitable groups such as OR′, ═O, SR′, SOR′, SO₂R′, NO₂, NHR′, NR′R′, ═N—R′, NHCOR′, N(COR′)₂, NHSO₂R′, NR′C(═NR′)NR′R′, CN, halogen, COR′, COOR′, OCOR′, OCONHR′, OCONR′R′, CONHR′, CONR′R′, protected OH, protected amino, protected SH, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group, where each of the R′ groups is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, OH, NO₂, NH₂, SH, CN, halogen, COH, COalkyl, CO₂H, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group. Where such groups are themselves substituted, the substituents may be chosen from the foregoing list. In addition, where there are more than one R′ groups on a substituent, each R′ may be the same or different.

In the compounds for the present invention, the halogen substituents include F, Cl, Br, and I.

The terms “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” and “ester” refers to any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester which, upon administration to the patient is capable of providing (directly or indirectly) a compound as described herein. However, it will be appreciated that non-pharmaceutically acceptable salts also fall within the scope of the invention since those may be useful in the preparation of pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The preparation of salts can be carried out by methods known in the art.

For instance, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds provided herein are synthesized from the parent compounds, which contain a basic or acidic moiety, by conventional chemical methods. Generally, such salts are, for example, prepared by reacting the free acid or base of these compounds with a stoichiometric amount of the appropriate base or acid in water or in an organic solvent or in a mixture of both. Generally, nonaqueous media like ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, 2-propanol or acetonitrile are preferred. Examples of the acid addition salts include mineral acid addition salts such as, for example, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, sulfate, nitrate, phosphate, and organic acid addition salts such as, for example, acetate, trifluoroacetate, maleate, fumarate, citrate, oxalate, succinate, tartrate, malate, mandelate, methanesulfonate and p-toluenesulfonate. Examples of the alkali addition salts include inorganic salts such as, for example, sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium salts, and organic alkali salts such as, for example, ethylenediamine, ethanolamine, N,N-dialkylenethanolamine, triethanolamine and basic aminoacids salts.

The compounds of the invention may be in crystalline or amorphous form either as free compounds or as solvates (e.g. hydrates) and it is intended that all forms are within the scope of the present invention. Methods of solvation are generally known within the art.

Stereoisomerism about the asymmetric carbons with unspecified stereochemistry is possible, therefore in such cases the asymmetric carbons can have (R) or (S) configuration. All diastereomers generated by a specific configuration of such asymmetric carbons in conjunction with the other asymmetric carbons present in the molecule, and mixtures thereof, are considered within the scope of the present invention. Stereoisomerism about the double bond (geometric isomerism) is also possible, therefore in some cases the molecule could exist as (E)-isomer or (Z)-isomer. If the molecule contains several double bonds, each double bond will have its own stereoisomerism, that could be the same or different than the stereoisomerism of the other double bonds of the molecule. Furthermore, compounds referred to herein may exist as atropoisomers. The single stereoisomers including diastereoisomers, geometric isomers and atropoisomers of the compounds referred to herein, and mixtures thereof fall within the scope of the present invention.

In addition, compounds referred to herein may exist in isotopically-labelled forms. All pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters and isotopically labelled forms of the compounds referred to herein, and mixtures thereof, are considered within the scope of the present invention.

Protected forms of the compounds disclosed herein are considered within the scope of the present invention. Suitable protecting groups are well known for the skilled person in the art. A general review of protecting groups in organic chemistry is provided by Wuts, P G M and Greene T W in Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, 4^thEd. Wiley-Interscience, and by Kocienski P J in Protecting Groups, 3^rdEd. Georg Thieme Verlag. These references provide sections on protecting groups for OH, amino and SH groups. All these references are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Within the scope of the present invention an OH protecting group is defined to be the O-bonded moiety resulting from the protection of the OH through the formation of a suitable protected OH group. Examples of such protected OH groups include ethers, silyl ethers, esters, sulfonates, sulfenates and sulfinates, carbonates, and carbamates. In the case of ethers the protecting group for the OH can be selected from methyl, methoxymethyl, methylthiomethyl, (phenyldimethylsilyl)methoxymethyl, benzyloxymethyl, p-methoxybenzyloxymethyl, [(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)oxy]methyl, p-nitrobenzyloxymethyl, o-nitrobenzyloxymethyl, [(R)-1-(2-nitrophenyl)ethoxy]methyl, (4-methoxyphenoxy)methyl, guaiacolmethyl, [(p-phenylphenyl)oxy]methyl, t-butoxymethyl, 4-pentenyloxymethyl, siloxymethyl, 2-methoxyethoxymethyl, 2-cyanoethoxymethyl, bis(2-chloroethoxy)methyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethoxymethyl, 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxymethyl, menthoxymethyl, O-bis(2-acetoxy-ethoxy)methyl, tetrahydropyranyl, fluorous tetrahydropyranyl, 3-bromotetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, 1-methoxycyclohexyl, 4-methoxytetrahydropyranyl, 4-methoxytetrahydrothiopyranyl, 4-methoxytetrahydrothiopyranyl S,S-dioxide, 1-[(2-chloro-4-methyl)-phenyl]-4-methoxypiperidin-4-yl, 1-(2-fluorophenyl)-4-methoxypiperidin-4-yl, 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxypiperidin-4-yl, 1,4-dioxan-2-yl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrothiofuranyl, 2,3,3a,4,5,6,7,7a-octahydro-7,8,8-trimethyl-4,7-methanobenzofuran-2-yl, 1-ethoxyethyl, 1-(2-chloroethoxy)ethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-bromoethyl, 1-[2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy]ethyl, 1-methyl-1-methoxyethyl, 1-methyl-1-benzyloxyethyl, 1-methyl-1-benzyloxy-2-fluoroethyl, 1-methyl-1-phenoxyethyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, 1,1-dianisyl-2,2,2-trichloroethyl, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-phenylisopropyl, 1-(2-cyanoethoxy)ethyl, 2-trimethylsilylethyl, 2-(benzylthio)ethyl, 2-(phenylselenyl)ethyl, t-butyl, cyclohexyl, 1-methyl-1′-cyclopropylmethyl, allyl, prenyl, cinnamyl, 2-phenallyl, propargyl, p-chlorophenyl, p-methoxyphenyl, p-nitrophenyl, 2,4-dinitrophenyl, 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, benzyl, p-methoxybenzyl, 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl, 2,6-dimethoxybenzyl, o-nitrobenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, pentadienylnitrobenzyl, pentadienylnitropiperonyl, halobenzyl, 2,6-dichlorobenzyl, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl, 2,6-difluorobenzyl, p-cyanobenzyl, fluorous benzyl, 4-fluorousalkoxybenzyl, trimethylsilylxylyl, p-phenylbenzyl, 2-phenyl-2-propyl, p-acylaminobenzyl, p-azidobenzyl, 4-azido-3-chlorobenzyl, 2-trifluoromethylbenzyl, 4-trifluoromethylbenzyl, p-(methylsulfinyl)benzyl, p-siletanylbenzyl, 4-acetoxybenzyl, 4-(2-trimethylsilyl)ethoxymethoxybenzyl, 2-naphthylmethyl, 2-picolyl, 4-picolyl, 3-methyl-2-picolyl N-oxide, 2-quinolinylmethyl, 6-methoxy-2-(4-methylphenyl)-4-quinolinemethyl, 1-pyrenylmethyl, diphenylmethyl, 4-methoxydiphenylmethyl, 4-phenyldiphenylmethyl, p,p′-dinitrobenzhydryl, 5-dibenzosuberyl, triphenylmethyl, tris(4-t-butylphenyl)methyl, α-naphthyldiphenylmethyl, p-methoxyphenyldiphenylmethyl, di(p-methoxyphenyl)phenyl-methyl, tri(p-methoxyphenyl)methyl, 4-(4′-bromophenacyloxy)phenyldiphenylmethyl, 4,4′,4″-tris(4,5-dichlorophthalimidophenyl)methyl, 4,4′,4″-tris(levulinoyloxyphenyl)methyl, 4,4′,4″-tris(benzoyloxyphenyl)methyl, 4,4′-dimethoxy-3″-[N-(imidazolylmethyl)]trityl, 4,4′-dimethoxy-3″-[N-(imidazolylethyl)carbamoyl]trityl, bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-1′-pyrenylmethyl, 4-(17-tetrabenzo[a,c,g,i]fluorenylmethyl)-4,4″-dimethoxytrityl, 9-anthryl, 9-(9-phenyl)xanthenyl, 9-phenylthioxanthyl, 9-(9-phenyl-10-oxo)anthryl, 1,3-benzodithiolan-2-yl, 4,5-bis(ethoxycarbonyl)-[1,3]-dioxolan-2-yl, benzisothiazolyl S,S-dioxide. In the case of silyl ethers the protecting group for the OH can be selected from trimethylsilyl, triethylsilyl, triisopropylsilyl, dimethylisopropylsilyl, diethylisopropylsilyl, dimethylhexylsilyl, 2-norbornyldimethylsilyl, t-butyldimethylsilyl, t-butyldiphenylsilyl, tribenzylsilyl, tri-p-xylylsilyl, triphenylsilyl, diphenylmethylsilyl, di-t-butylmethylsilyl, bis(t-butyl)-1-pyrenylmethoxysilyl, tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl, (2-hydroxystyryl)dimethylsilyl, (2-hydroxystyryl)diisopropylsilyl, t-butylmethoxyphenylsilyl, t-butoxydiphenylsilyl, 1,1,3,3-tetraisopropyl-3-[2-(triphenylmethoxy) ethoxy]disiloxane-1-yl, and fluorous silyl. In the case of esters the protecting group for the OH together with the oxygen atom of the unprotected OH to which it is attached form an ester that can be selected from formate, benzoylformate, acetate, chloroacetate, dichloroacetate, trichloroacetate, trichloroacetamidate, trifluoroacetate, methoxyacetate, triphenylmethoxyacetate, phenoxyacetate, p-chlorophenoxyacetate, phenylacetate, diphenylacetate, 3-phenylpropionate, bisfluorous chain type propanoyl, 4-pentenoate, 4-oxopentanoate, 4,4-(ethylenedithio)pentanoate, 5[3-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)hydro-xymethylphenoxy]levulinate, pivaloate, 1-adamantoate, crotonate, 4-methoxycrotonate, benzoate, p-phenylbenzoate, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoate, 4-bromobenzoate, 2,5-difluorobenzoate, p-nitrobenzoate, picolinate, nicotinate, 2-(azidomethyl)benzoate, 4-azido-butyrate, (2-azidomethyl)phenylacetate, 2-{[(tritylthio)oxy]methyl}benzoate, 2-{[(4-methoxytritylthio)oxy]methyl}benzoate, 2-{[methyl(tritylthio)amino]methyl}benzoate, 2-{[(4-methoxytrityl)thio]methylamino}methyl benzoate, 2-(allyloxy)phenylacetate, 2-(prenyloxymethyl)benzoate, 6-(levulinyloxymethyl)-3-methoxy-2-nitrobenzoate, 6-(levulinyloxymethyl)-3-methoxy-4-nitrobenzoate, 4-benzyloxybutyrate, 4-trialkylsilyloxy-butyrate, 4-acetoxy-2,2-dimethylbutyrate, 2,2-dimethyl-4-pentenoate, 2-iodobenzoate, 4-nitro-4-methylpentanoate, o-(dibromomethyl)benzoate, 2-formylbenzenesulfonate, 4-(methylthio-methoxy)butyrate, 2-(methylthiomethoxymethyl)benzoate, 2-(chloroacetoxymethyl)benzoate, 2-[(2-chloroacetoxy)ethyl]benzoate, 2-[2-(benzyloxy)ethyl]benzoate, 2-[2-(4-methoxybenzyl-oxy)ethyl]benzoate, 2,6-dichloro-4-methylphenoxyacetate, 2,6-dichloro-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenoxyacetate, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylpropyl)phenoxyacetate, chlorodiphenyl-acetate, isobutyrate, monosuccinate, (E)-2-methyl-2-butenoate, o-(methoxycarbonyl)benzoate, α-naphthoate, nitrate, alkyl N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylphosphorodiamidate, and 2-chlorobenzoate. In the case of sulfonates, sulfenates and sulfinates the protecting group for the OH together with the oxygen atom of the unprotected OH to which it is attached form a sulfonate, sulfenate or sulfinates that can be selected from sulfate, allylsulfonate, methanesulfonate, benzylsulfonate, tosylate, 2-[(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl]sulfonate, 2-trifluoromethylbenzenesulfonate, 4-monomethoxytritylsulfenate, alkyl 2,4-dinitrophenylsulfenate, 2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidin-3-one-1-sulfinate, and dimethylphosphinothioyl. In the case of carbonates the protecting group for the OH together with the oxygen atom of the unprotected OH to which it is attached form a carbonate that can be selected from methyl carbonate, methoxymethyl carbonate, 9-fluorenylmethyl carbonate, ethyl carbonate, bromoethyl carbonate, 2-(methylthiomethoxy)ethyl carbonate, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl carbonate, 1,1-dimethyl-2,2,2-trichloroethyl carbonate, 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl carbonate, 2-[dimethyl(2-naphthylmethyl)silyl]ethyl carbonate, 2-(phenylsulfonyl)ethyl carbonate, 2-(triphenylphosphonio)ethyl carbonate, cis-[4-[[(methoxytrityl)sulfenyl]oxy]tetrahydrofuran-3-yl]oxy carbonate, isobutyl carbonate, t-butyl carbonate, vinyl carbonate, allyl carbonate, cinnamyl carbonate, propargyl carbonate, p-chlorophenyl carbonate, p-nitrophenyl carbonate, 4-ethoxy-1-naphthyl carbonate, 6-bromo-7-hydroxycoumarin-4-ylmethyl carbonate, benzyl carbonate, o-nitrobenzyl carbonate, p-nitrobenzyl carbonate, p-methoxybenzyl carbonate, 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl carbonate, anthraquinon-2-ylmethyl carbonate, 2-dansylethyl carbonate, 2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl carbonate, 2-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)ethyl carbonate, 2-(2-nitrophenyl)propyl carbonate, 2-(3,4-methylenedioxy-6-nitrophenyl)propyl carbonate, 2-cyano-1-phenylethyl carbonate, 2-(2-pyridyl)amino-1-phenylethyl carbonate, 2-[N-methyl-N-(2-pyridyl)]amino-1-phenylethyl carbonate, phenacyl carbonate, 3′,5′-dimethoxybenzoin carbonate, methyl dithiocarbonate, and S-benzyl thiocarbonate. And in the case of carbamates the protecting group for OH together with the oxygen atom of the unprotected OH to which it is attached forms a carbamate that can be selected from dimethyl thiocarbamate, N-phenyl carbamate, and N-methyl-N-(o-nitrophenyl) carbamate.

Within the scope of the present invention an amino protecting group is defined to be the N-bonded moiety resulting from the protection of the amino group through the formation of a suitable protected amino group. Examples of protected amino groups include carbamates, ureas, amides, heterocyclic systems, N-alkyl amines, N-alkenyl amines, N-alkynyl amines, N-aryl amines, imines, enamines, N-metal derivatives, N—N derivatives, N—P derivatives, N—Si derivatives, and N—S derivatives. In the case of carbamates the protecting group for the amino group together with the amino group to which it is attached form a carbamate that can be selected from methyl carbamate, ethyl carbamate, 9-fluorenylmethyl carbamate, 2,6-di-t-butyl-9-fluorenylmethyl carbamate, 2,7-bis(trimethylsilyl)fluorenylmethyl carbamate, 9-(2-sulfo)fluorenylmethyl carbamate, 9-(2,7-dibromo)fluorenylmethyl carbamate, 17-tetrabenzo[a,c,g,i]fluorenylmethyl carbamate, 2-chloro-3-indenylmethyl carbamate, benz[f]inden-3-ylmethyl carbamate, 1,1-dioxobenzo[b]-thiophene-2-ylmethyl carbamate, 2-methylsulfonyl-3-phenyl-1-prop-2-enyl carbamate, 2,7-di-t-butyl-[9,(10,10-dioxo-10,10,10,10-tetrahydrothioxanthyl)]methyl carbamate, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl carbamate, 2-trimethylsilylethyl carbamate, (2-phenyl-2-trimethylsilyl)ethyl carbamate, 2-phenylethyl carbamate, 2-chloroethyl carbamate, 1,1-dimethyl-2-haloethyl carbamate, 1,1-dimethyl-2,2-dibromoethyl carbamate, 1,1-dimethyl-2,2,2-trichloroethyl carbamate, 2-(2′-pyridyl)ethyl carbamate, 2-(4′-pyridyl)ethyl carbamate, 2,2-bis(4′-nitrophenyl)ethyl carbamate, 2-[(2-nitrophenyl)dithio]-1-phenylethyl carbamate, 2-(N,N-dicyclohexylcarboxamido)ethyl carbamate, t-butyl carbamate, fluorous BOC carbamate, 1-adamantyl carbamate, 2-adamantyl carbamate, 1-(1-adamantyl)-1-methylethyl carbamate, 1-methyl-1-(4-byphenylyl)ethyl carbamate, 1-(3,5-di-t-butylphenyl)-1-methylethyl carbamate, triisopropylsilyloxy carbamate, vinyl carbamate, allyl carbamate, prenyl carbamate, 1-isopropylallyl carbamate, cinnamyl carbamate, 4-nitrocinnamyl carbamate, 3-(3′-pyridyl)prop-2-enyl carbamate, hexadienyl carbamate, propargyl carbamate, 1,4-but-2-ynyl biscarbamate, 8-quinolyl carbamate, N-hydroxypiperidinyl carbamate, alkyl dithiocarbamate, benzyl carbamate, 3,5-di-t-butylbenzyl carbamate, p-methoxybenzyl carbamate, p-nitrobenzyl carbamate, p-bromobenzyl carbamate, p-chlorobenzyl carbamate, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl carbamate, 4-methylsulfinylbenzyl carbamate, 4-trifluoromethylbenzyl carbamate, fluorous benzyl carbamate, 2-naphthylmethyl carbamate, 9-anthrylmethyl carbamate, diphenylmethyl carbamate, 4-phenylacetoxybenzyl carbamate, 4-azidobenzyl carbamate, 4-azido-methoxybenzyl carbamate, m-chloro-p-acyloxybenzyl carbamate, p-(dihydroxyboryl)-benzyl carbamate, 5-benzisoxazolylmethyl carbamate, 2-(trifluoromethyl)-6-chromonylmethyl carbamate, 2-methylthioethyl carbamate, 2-methylsulfonylethyl carbamate, 2-(p-toluenesulfonyl)ethyl carbamate, 2-(4-nitrophenylsulfonyl)ethyl carbamate, 2-(2,4-dinitrophenylsulfonyl)ethyl carbamate, 2-(4-trifluoromethylphenylsulfonyl)ethyl carbamate, [2-(1,3-dithianyl)]methyl carbamate, 2-phosphonioethyl carbamate, 2-[phenyl(methyl)sulfonio]ethyl carbamate, 1-methyl-1-(triphenylphosphonio)ethyl carbamate, 1,1-dimethyl-2-cyanoethyl carbamate, 2-dansylethyl carbamate, 2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl carbamate, 4-methylthiophenyl carbamate, 2,4-dimethylthiophenyl carbamate, m-nitrophenyl carbamate, 3,5-dimethoxybenzyl carbamate, 1-methyl-1-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl carbamate, α-methylnitropiperonyl carbamate, o-nitrobenzyl carbamate, 3,4-dimethoxy-6-nitrobenzyl carbamate, phenyl(o-nitrophenyl)methyl carbamate, 2-nitrophenylethyl carbamate, 6-nitroveratryl carbamate, 4-methoxyphenacyl carbamate, 3′,5′-dimethoxybenzoin carbamate, 9-xanthenylmethyl carbamate, N-methyl-N-(o-nitrophenyl) carbamate, t-amyl carbamate, 1-methylcyclobutyl carbamate, 1-methylcyclohexyl carbamate, 1-methyl-1-cyclopropylmethyl carbamate, cyclobutyl carbamate, cyclopentyl carbamate, cyclohexyl carbamate, isobutyl carbamate, isobornyl carbamate, cyclopropylmethyl carbamate, p-decyloxybenzyl carbamate, diisopropylmethyl carbamate, 2,2-dimethoxy-carbonylvinyl carbamate, o-(N,N-dimethylcarboxamido)benzyl carbamate, 1,1-dimethyl-3-(N,N-dimethyl-carboxamido)propyl carbamate, butynyl carbamate, 1,1-dimethylpropynyl carbamate, 2-iodoethyl carbamate, 1-methyl-1-(4′-pyridyl)ethyl carbamate, 1-methyl-1-(p-phenylazophenyl)ethyl carbamate, p-(p′-methoxyphenylazo)benzyl carbamate, p-(phenylazo)benzyl carbamate, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzyl carbamate, isonicotinyl carbamate, 4-(trimethyl-ammonium)benzyl carbamate, p-cyanobenzyl carbamate, di(2-pyridyl)methyl carbamate, 2-furanylmethyl carbamate, phenyl carbamate, 2,4,6-tri-t-butylphenyl carbamate, 1-methyl-1-phenylethyl carbamate, and S-benzyl thiocarbamate. In the case of ureas the protecting groups for the amino group can be selected from phenothiazinyl-(10)-carbonyl, N′-p-toluenesulfonylaminocarbonyl, N′-phenylaminothiocarbonyl, 4-hydroxyphenylaminocarbonyl, 3-hydroxytryptaminocarbonyl, and N′-phenylaminothiocarbonyl. In the case of amides the protecting group for the amino together with the amino group to which it is attached form an amide that can be selected from formamide, acetamide, chloroacetamide, trichloroacetamide, trifluoroacetamide, phenylacetamide, 3-phenylpropanamide, pent-4-enamide, picolinamide, 3-pyridylcarboxamide, N-benzoylphenylalanyl amide, benzamide, p-phenylbenzamide, o-nitrophenylacetamide, 2,2-dimethyl-2-(o-nitrophenyl)acetamide, o-nitrophenoxyacetamide, 3-(o-nitrophenyl)propanamide, 2-methyl-2-(o-nitrophenoxy)propanamide, 3-methyl-3-nitrobutanamide, o-nitrocinnamide, o-nitrobenzamide, 3-(4-t-butyl-2,6-dinitrophenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanamide, o-(benzoyloxyme-thyl)benzamide, 2-(acetoxymethyl)benzamide, 2-[(t-butyldiphenylsiloxy)methyl]benzamide, 3-(3′,6′-dioxo-2′,4′,5′-trimethylcyclohexa-1′,4′-diene)-3,3-dimethylpropionamide, o-hydroxy-trans-cinnamide, 2-methyl-2-(o-phenylazophenoxy)propanamide, 4-chlorobutanamide, aceto-acetamide, 3-(p-hydroxyphenyl)propanamide, (N-dithiobenzyloxycarbonylamino)acetamide, and N-acetylmethionine amide. In the case of heterocyclic systems the protecting group for the amino group together with the amino group to which it is attached form a heterocyclic system that can be selected from 4,5-diphenyl-3-oxazolin-2-one, N-phthalimide, N-dichlorophthalimide, N-tetrachlorophthalimide, N-4-nitrophthalimide, N-thiodiglycoloyl, N-dithiasuccinimide, N-2,3-diphenylmaleimide, N-2,3-dimethylmaleimide, N-2,5-dimethylpyrrole, N-2,5-bis(triisopropylsiloxy)pyrrole, N-1,1,4,4-tetramethyldisilylazacyclopentane adduct, N-1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-1,3-disilaisoindoline, N-diphenylsilyldiethylene, N-5-substituted-1,3-dimethyl-1,3,5-triazacyclohexan-2-one, N-5-substituted-1,3-benzyl-1,3,5-triazacyclohexan-2-one, 1-substituted 3,5-dinitro-4-pyridone, and 1,3,5-dioxazine. In the case of N-alkyl, N-alkenyl, N-alkynyl or N-aryl amines the protecting group for the amino group can be selected from N-methyl, N-t-butyl, N-allyl, N-prenyl, N-cinnamyl, N-phenylallyl, N-propargyl, N-methoxymethyl, N-[2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy]methyl, N-3-acetoxypropyl, N-cyanomethyl, N-2-azanorbornenes, N-benzyl, N-4-methoxybenzyl, N-2,4-dimethoxybenzyl, N-2-hydroxybenzyl, N-ferrocenylmethyl, N-2,4-dinitrophenyl, o-methoxyphenyl, p-methoxyphenyl, N-9-phenylfluorenyl, N-fluorenyl, N-2-picolylamine N′-oxide, N-7-methoxycoumar-4-ylmethyl, N-diphenylmethyl, N-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)methyl, N-5-dibenzosuberyl, N-triphenylmethyl, N-(4-methylphenyl)diphenylmethyl, and N-(4-methoxyphenyl)diphenylmethyl. In the case of imines the protecting group for the amino group can be selected from N-1,1-dimethylthiomethylene, N-benzylidene, N-p-methoxybenzylidene, N-diphenylmethylene, N-[2-pyridyl)mesityl]methylene, N—(N′,N′-dimethylaminomethylene), N—(N′,N′-dibenzylaminomethylene), N—(N′-t-butylaminomethylene), N,N′-isopropylidene, N-p-nitrobenzylidene, N-salicylidene, N-5-chlorosalicylidene, N-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)phenylmethylene, N-cyclohexylidene, and N-t-butylidene. In the case of enamines the protecting group for the amino group can be selected from N-(5,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-1-cyclohexenyl), N-2,7-dichloro-9-fluorenylmethylene, N-1-(4,4-dimethyl-2,6-dioxocyclohexylidene)ethyl, N-(1,3-dimethyl-2,4,6-(1H,3H,5H)-trioxopyrimidine-5-ylidene)-methyl, N-4,4,4-trifluoro-3-oxo-1-butenyl, and N-(1-isopropyl-4-nitro-2-oxo-3-pyrrolin-3-yl). In the case of N-metal derivatives the protecting group for the amino group can be selected from N-borane, N-diphenylborinic ester, N-diethylborinic ester, N-9-borabicyclononane, N-difluoroborinic ester, and 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenylboronic acid; and also including N-phenyl(pentacarbonylchromium)carbenyl, N-phenyl(pentacarbonyl-tungsten)carbenyl, N-methyl(pentacarbonylchromium)carbenyl, N-methyl(pentacarbonyltungsten)carbenyl, N-copper chelate, N-zinc chelate, and a 18-crown-6-derivative. In the case of N—N derivatives the protecting group for the amino group together with the amino group to which it is attached form a N—N derivative that can be selected from N-nitroamino, N-nitrosoamino, amine N-oxide, azide, triazene derivative, and N-trimethylsilylmethyl-N-benzylhydrazine. In the case of N—P derivatives the protected group for the amino group together with the amino group to which it is attached form a N—P derivative that can be selected from diphenylphosphinamide, dimethylthiophosphinamide, diphenylthiophosphinamide, dialkyl phosphoramidate, dibenzyl phosphoramidate, diphenyl phosphoramidate, and iminotriphenylphosphorane. In the case of N—Si derivatives the protecting group for the NH₂can be selected from t-butyldiphenylsilyl and triphenylsilyl. In the case of N—S derivatives the protected amino group can be selected from N-sulfenyl or N-sulfonyl derivatives. The N-sulfenyl derivatives can be selected from benzenesulfenamide, 2-nitrobenzenesulfenamide, 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfenamide, pentachlorobenzenesulfenamide, 2-nitro-4-methoxybenzenesulfenamide, triphenylmethylsulfenamide, 1-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1,1-diphenyl)ethylsulfenamide, and N-3-nitro-2-pyridinesulfenamide. The N-sulfonyl derivatives can be selected from methanesulfonamide, trifluoromethanesulfonamide, t-butylsulfonamide, benzylsulfonamide, 2-(trimethylsilyl) ethanesulfonamide, p-toluenesulfonamide, benzenesulfonamide, o-anisylsulfonamide, 2-nitrobenzenesulfonamide, 4-nitrobenzenesulfonamide, 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonamide, 2-naphthalenesulfonamide, 4-(4′,8′-dimethoxynaphthylmethyl)benzenesulfonamide, 2-(4-methylphenyl)-6-methoxy-4-methylsulfonamide, 9-anthracenesulfonamide, pyridine-2-sulfonamide, benzothiazole-2-sulfonamide, phenacylsulfonamide, 2,3,6-trimethyl-4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide, 2,4,6-trimethoxybenzenesulfonamide, 2,6-dimethyl-4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide, pentamethylbenzenesulfonamide, 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide, 4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzenesulfonamide, 2,6-dimethoxy-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide, 3-methoxy-4-t-butylbenzenesulfonamide, and 2,2,5,7,8-pentamethylchroman-6-sulfonamide.

Within the scope of the present invention a protecting group for SH is defined to be the S-bonded moiety resulting from the protection of the SH group through the formation of a suitable a protected SH group. Examples of such protected SH groups include thioethers, disulfides, silyl thioethers, thioesters, thiocarbonates, and thiocarbamates. In the case of thioethers the protecting group for the SH can be selected from S-alkyl, S-benzyl, S-p-methoxybenzyl, S-o-hydroxybenzyl, S-p-hydroxybenzyl, S-o-acetoxybenzyl, S-p-acetoxybenzyl, S-p-nitrobenzyl, S-o-nitrobenzyl, S-2,4,6-trimethylbenzyl, S-2,4,6-trimethoxybenzyl, S-4-picolyl, S-2-picolyl-N-oxide, S-2-quinolinylmethyl, S-9-anthrylmethyl, S-9-fluorenylmethyl, S-xanthenyl, S-ferrocenylmethyl, S-diphenylmethyl, S-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)methyl, S-5-dibenzosuberyl, S-triphenylmethyl, 4-methoxytrityl, S-diphenyl-4-pyridylmethyl, S-phenyl, S-2,4-dinitrophenyl, S-2-quinolyl, S-t-butyl, S-1-adamantyl, S-methoxymethyl, S-isobutoxymethyl, S-benzyloxymethyl, S-1-ethoxyethyl, S-2-tetrahydropyranyl, S-benzylthiomethyl, S-phenylthiomethyl, S-acetamidomethyl (Acm), 5-trimethylacetamidomethyl, S-benzamidomethyl, S-allyloxycarbonylaminomethyl, tetrafluoro-4-(N′-piperidino)-phenyl-N-allyloxycarbonylaminomethyl, S-phthalimidomethyl, S-phenylacetamidomethyl, S-acetylmethyl, S-carboxymethyl, 5-cyanomethyl, S-(2-nitro-1-phenyl)ethyl, S-2-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)ethyl, S-2-(4′-pyridyl)ethyl, S-2-cyanoethyl, S-2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl, S-2,2-bis(carboethoxy)ethyl, S-(1-m-nitrophenyl-2-benzoyl)ethyl, S-2-phenylsulfonylethyl, S-1-(4-methylphenylsulfonyl)-2-methylprop-2-yl, and S-p-hydroxyphenacyl. In the case of disulfides the protected SH group can be selected from S-ethyl disulfide, S-t-butyl disulfide, S-2-nitrophenyl disulfide, S-2,4-dinitrophenyl disulfide, S-2-phenylazophenyl disulfide, S-2-carboxyphenyl disulfide, and S-3-nitro-2-pyridyl disulfide. In the case of silyl thioethers the protecting group for the SH can be selected from the list of groups that was listed above for the protection of OH with silyl ethers. In the case of thioesters the protecting group for the SH can be selected from S-acetyl, S-benzoyl, S-2-methoxyisobutyryl, S-trifluoroacetyl, S—N-[[p-biphenylyl)-isopropyloxy]carbonyl]-N-methyl-γ-aminothiobutyrate, and S—N-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-N-methyl-γ-aminothiobutyrate. In the case of thiocarbonate protecting group for the SH can be selected from S-2,2,2-trichloroethoxycarbonyl, S-t-butoxycarbonyl, S-benzyloxycarbonyl, S-p-methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl, and S-fluorenylmethylcarbonyl. In the case of thiocarbamate the protected SH group can be selected from S—(N-ethylcarbamate) and S—(N-methoxymethylcarbamate).

The mention of these groups should not be interpreted as a limitation of the scope of the invention, since they have been mentioned as a mere illustration of protecting groups for OH, amino and SH groups, but further groups having said function may be known by the skilled person in the art, and they are to be understood to be also encompassed by the present invention.

To provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative expressions given herein are not qualified with the term “about”. It is understood that, whether the term “about” is used explicitly or not, every quantity given herein is meant to refer to the actual given value, and it is also meant to refer to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred based on the ordinary skill in the art, including equivalents and approximations due to the experimental and/or measurement conditions for such given value.

In an embodiment, the compound may be a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

In a further embodiment, the compound of formula I may be a compound of formula IC, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

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wherein:

- X is —NH—;
- R₁is —OH or —CN;
- R₂is a —C(═O)R^agroup;
- R₃is hydrogen or a —OR^bgroup;
- R₄is selected from —CH₂OH, —CH₂O—(C═O)R^c, —CH₂NH₂and —CH₂NHProt^NH;
- R^ais selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;
- R^bis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;
- R^cis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl; and
- Prot^NHis a protecting group for amino.

In a yet further embodiment, the compound of formula I may be a compound of formula ID, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

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wherein:

- X is —O—;
- R₁is —OH or —CN;
- R₂is a —C(═O)R^agroup;
- R₃is hydrogen or a —OR^bgroup;
- R₄is selected from hydrogen, —CH₂OH, —CH₂O—(C═O)R^c, —CH₂NH₂and —CH₂NHProt^NH;
- R^ais selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;
- R^bis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;
- R^cis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl; and
- Prot^NHis a protecting group for amino.

In a yet further embodiment, the compound of formula I may be a compound of formula IE, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

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wherein:

- X is —NH— or —O—;
- R₁is —OH or —CN;
- R₂is a —C(═O)R^agroup;
- R₃is hydrogen or a —OR^bgroup;
- R₄is selected from —CH₂NH₂and —CH₂NHProt^NH;
- R^ais selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;
- R^bis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl; and
- Prot^NHis a protecting group for amino.

In a yet further embodiment, the compound of formula I may be a compound of formula IA or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

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wherein:

- X is —NH— or —O—;
- R₁is —OH or —CN;
- R₂is a —C(═O)R^agroup;
- R₃is hydrogen;
- R₄is selected from hydrogen, —CH₂OH, —CH₂O—(C═O)R^c, —CH₂NH₂and —CH₂NHProt^NH;
- R^ais selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;
- R^cis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl; and
- Prot^NHis a protecting group for amino;
- with the proviso that when R₄is hydrogen then X is —O—.

In a yet further embodiment, the compound of formula I may be a compound of formula IB or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

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wherein:

- X is —NH— or —O—;
- R₁is —OH or —CN;
- R₂is a —C(═O)R^agroup;
- R₃is a —OR^bgroup;
- R₄is selected from hydrogen, —CH₂OH, —CH₂O—(C═O)R^c, —CH₂NH₂and —CH₂NHProt^NH;
- R^ais selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;
- R^bis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl;
- R^cis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl; and
- Prot^NHis a protecting group for amino;
- with the proviso that when R₄is hydrogen then X is —O—.

In a yet further embodiment, the compound of formula I may be a compound of formula IF or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

In a yet further embodiment, the compound of formula I may be a compound of formula IG or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

Preferred compounds of the compounds of formula I, IA, IB, IC, ID, IE, IF, or IG, are those having general formula a or b, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

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Note where the compounds have general formula a or b, R₄may not be hydrogen.

Preferred compounds of the compounds of formula I, IA, IB, ID, IF, or IG may be those having formula c or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

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wherein:

R₁is —OH or —CN;

R₂is a —C(═O)R^agroup;

R₃is hydrogen or a —OR^bgroup;

R^ais selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl; and

R^bis selected from substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkynyl.

Preferred compounds include compounds of general formula I, IA, IB, IE, IF, IG, Ia, IAa, IBa, IEa, IFa, IGa, Ib, IAb, IBb, IEb, IFb, and IGb, wherein:

X is —NH—;

and R₁; R₂; R₃; R₄; R^a; R^b; R^c; and Prot^NHare as defined as above.

Preferred compounds include compounds of general formula I, IA, IB, IE, IF, IG, Ia, IAa, IBa, IEa, IFa, IGa, Ib, IAb, IBb, IEb, IFb, and IGb, wherein:

X is —O—;

and R₁; R₂; R₃; R₄; R^a; R^b; R^c; and Prot^NHare as defined as above.

Further preferred compounds include compounds of general formula I, IA, IB, IC, ID, IE, IG, Ia, IAa, IBa, ICa, IDa, IEa, IGa, Ib, IAb, IBb, ICb, IDb, IEb, and IGb, wherein:

R₁is —OH;

and X; R₂; R₃; R₄; R^a; R^b; R^c; and Prot^NHare as defined as above.

Further preferred compounds include compounds of general formula I, IA, IB, IC, ID, IE, IF, Ia, IAa, IBa, ICa, IDa, IEa, IFa, Ib, IAb, IBb, ICb, IDb, IEb, and IFb, wherein:

R₂is a —C(═O)R^agroup where R^ais a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₆alkyl. Particularly preferred R^ais selected from substituted or unsubstituted methyl, substituted or unsubstituted ethyl, substituted or unsubstituted n-propyl, substituted or unsubstituted isopropyl, substituted or unsubstituted n-butyl, substituted or unsubstituted isobutyl, substituted or unsubstituted sec-butyl and substituted or unsubstituted tert-butyl. Most preferred R₂is acetyl;

and X; R₁; R₃; R₄; R^b; R^c; and Prot^NHare as defined as above.

Further preferred compounds include compounds of general formula I, IB, IC, ID, IE, IF, IG, Ia, IBa, ICa, IDa, IEa, IFa, IGa, Ib, IBb, ICb, IDb, IEb, IFb, and IGb, wherein:

R₃is hydrogen or a —OR^bgroup for compounds of formula I, IC, ID, IE, IF, IG, Ia, ICa, IDa, IEa, IFa, IGa, Ib, ICb, IDb, IEb, IFb, or IGb; and R₃is a —OR^bgroup for compounds of formula IB, IBa or IBb; where R^bis a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₆alkyl. Particularly preferred R^bis selected from substituted or unsubstituted methyl, substituted or unsubstituted ethyl, substituted or unsubstituted n-propyl, substituted or unsubstituted isopropyl, substituted or unsubstituted n-butyl, substituted or unsubstituted isobutyl, substituted or unsubstituted sec-butyl and substituted or unsubstituted tert-butyl. More preferred R₃are hydrogen and methoxy, being hydrogen the most preferred R₃group;

and X; R₁; R₂; R₄; R^a; R^c; and Prot^NHare as defined as above.

Further preferred compounds include compounds of general formula I, IA, IB, IC, ID, IE, IF, IG, Ia, IAa, IBa, ICa, IDa, IEa, IFa, IGa, Ib, IAb, IBb, ICb, IDb, IEb, IFb, and IGb, wherein:

R₄is selected from —CH₂OH, —CH₂OC(═O)R^c, —CH₂NH₂, and —CH₂NHProt^NHfor compounds of formula I, IA, IB, IC, ID, IF, IG, Ia, IAa, IBa, ICa, IDa, IFa, IGa, Ib, IAb, IBb, ICb, IDb, IFb, or IGb; and R₄is selected from —CH₂NH₂, and —CH₂NHProt^NHfor compounds of formula IE, IEa or IEb; where R^cis a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₆alkyl. Particularly preferred R^cis selected from substituted or unsubstituted methyl, substituted or unsubstituted ethyl, substituted or unsubstituted n-propyl, substituted or unsubstituted isopropyl, substituted or unsubstituted n-butyl, substituted or unsubstituted isobutyl, substituted or unsubstituted sec-butyl, and substituted or unsubstituted tert-butyl. Most preferred R^cis methyl. More preferred R₄is selected from —CH₂OH and —CH₂NH₂. More preferably, R₄may be —CH₂NH₂. Most preferred R₄is —CH₂OH;

and X; R₁; R₂; R₃; R^a; and R^bare as defined as above.