COMPOUNDS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20220281846
  • Publication Number
    20220281846
  • Date Filed
    November 07, 2019
    5 years ago
  • Date Published
    September 08, 2022
    2 years ago
Abstract
The present invention relates to new compounds that are useful in the prevention or treatment of respiratory diseases, such as asthma, acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, and fibrotic diseases or conditions in which fibrosis contributes to the pathology of the condition. The invention also relates to the preparation of the compounds, and to compositions including the compounds. The present invention also relates to the use of the compounds, as well as compositions including the compounds, in treating or preventing respiratory diseases, acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, and fibrotic diseases or conditions in which fibrosis contributes to the pathology of the condition.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides imidazole-based compounds that show potential in the treatment of respiratory diseases, such as asthma and related conditions, acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, and fibrotic diseases or conditions in which fibrosis contributes to the pathology of the condition.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Asthma is a syndrome that encompasses various different types of diseases, which vary in their severity and in their causes and triggers. The common features of the asthma syndrome are reversible airway obstruction, airway hyper-responsiveness and airway inflammation, with infiltration of the airway wall by eosinophils and T lymphocytes the most prominent features in addition to activation of mast cells.


Current asthma medications include short- and long-acting β2-adrenoceptor selective agonists (SABA and LABA) and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Ultra-LABA are now also available. Short and long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists (SAMA and LAMA) are used in some patients, usually in combination with other bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, especially ICS. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) may also be added to different therapeutic regimens. More recently, the monoclonal antibody mepolizumab, which neutralises a chemoattractant for eosinophils, interleukin-5, has been shown to have benefit additional to the ICS and LABA combinations in selected patients. Nevertheless, for severe asthma in particular, patients are still symptomatic and have periodic worsening of disease, referred to as exacerbations. There is a considerable unmet need in the drug treatment of severe asthma. In the majority of cases these asthma exacerbations are considered to be caused by respiratory viral infection of the lower respiratory tract. The viruses that cause these exacerbations include respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus and rhinoviruses, which infect the respiratory epithelium. The epithelium of asthmatic individuals is considered to be especially susceptible to such infections and is implicated in the worsening of the inflammatory response.


Research has shown that TGF-β is able to compromise the effectiveness of ICS. Furthermore, the inventors have demonstrated that viral infection of the airway epithelium compromises ICS activity through induction of TGF-β activity. Drug targeting of TGF-β carries risk of autoimmune and mitral valve defects. The inventors surprisingly identified casein kinase 1δ/ε as a mediator of TGF-β induced ICS insensitivity, using the compound PF670462 (WO2016/149756), and demonstrated the utility of this agent to reverse steroid insensitivity.


It would be useful to develop further compounds that can prevent or treat respiratory diseases, acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, and fibrotic diseases or conditions in which fibrosis contributes to the pathology of the condition.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Described herein is a compound of formula (I) or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof:




embedded image


wherein:


R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C1alkylC6aryl, C3-6cycloalkyl and C3-6heterocyclyl;


R3 is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl and CH3;


R4 is selected from the group consisting of C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkyl and C1-12alkyl; wherein each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is optionally substituted.


In some embodiments, the invention provides a compound of formula (I), or salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof,


wherein


R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, C2-6alkyl, hydroxyC1-6alkyl, C1alkylC6aryl, C1alkylC12aryl, C1alkylC6arylhalo, C1alkyl(C1alkyl)C6aryl, C3-6cycloalkyl, haloC3-6cycloalkyl, hydroxyC3-6cycloalkyl, and C3-5heterocyclyl;


R2 is H;

R3 is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl and CH3;


R4 is selected from the group consisting of C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkyl, C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkylhalo, C1-12alkyl and haloC1-12alkyl;


wherein each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is optionally substituted; and


wherein when R1 is H, R4 is selected from the group consisting of C0-3alkylC4-12cycloalkyl and C1-12alkyl, wherein when R4 is C6cycloalkyl, R4 is substituted by one or more groups selected from C1-6alkyl, C1-6haloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and halo, and


when R4 is C1-3alkyl, R4 is substituted by one or more halo groups, and


when R1 is C3cycloalkyl, C1alkylC6aryl or C1alkyl(C1alkyl)C6aryl, R4 is selected from haloC1-12alkyl, C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkyl, and C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkylhalo.


In another aspect, there is provided a method of treating or preventing a respiratory disease in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, thereby treating or preventing the respiratory disease in the subject.


There is further provided a compound of formula (I) or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof for use in the treatment or prevention of a respiratory disease in a subject.


The respiratory disease may be selected from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung diseases (such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) and other conditions relating to tissue remodelling, primary or secondary lung tumour, hayfever, chronic and acute sinusitis, and chronic and acute viral, fungal and bacterial infections of the respiratory tract.


In another aspect, there is provided a method of improving respiratory function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, thereby improving respiratory function of the subject.


There is further provided a compound of formula (I) or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof for use in improving respiratory function in a subject.


The improvement in respiratory function may be selected from a decrease in the level of constriction of the lungs, a decrease in the elastic stiffness of the respiratory system, and/or an increase in the ease with which the respiratory system can be extended. Preferably, the improvement is selected from a decrease in the level of constriction of the lungs, and a decrease in the elastic stiffness of the respiratory system. In yet another aspect, there is provided a composition comprising a compound according to formula (I) or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.


The composition may be formulated for oral administration or administration by inhalation or injection.


Use of a compound of the invention, or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, or composition of the invention in the preparation of medicaments for the treatment or prevention of a respiratory disease in a subject is also described.


As used herein, except where the context requires otherwise, the term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising”, “comprises” and “comprised”, are not intended to exclude further additives, components, integers or steps.


Reference to any prior art in the specification is not an acknowledgment or suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be understood, regarded as relevant, and/or combined with other pieces of prior art by a skilled person in the art.


Further aspects of the present invention and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS


FIG. 1. Defines a number of known compounds.



FIG. 2. PIC50 values (the negative log of the concentration suppressing IL-11 level by 50%) for inhibition of TGF-β-induced IL-11 (interpolated from the linear regression of log concentration small molecule versus IL-11 level).



FIG. 3. Defines compounds disclosed in WO2018/201192.



FIG. 4. Plasma concentrations over time following IV or oral administration of PF670462 (A) and ZH3-138 (B) to male C57BL/6 mice.



FIG. 5. Comparison of PF670462 and ZH3-138 for inhibition of TGF-β-induced IL-11 levels (A—a chart of concentration of IL-11 in supernatant taken from MRC5 cells following exposure to vehicle, PF670462 and ZH3-138 at 0.1 μM, 1 μM and 10 μM; B—a chart of IL-11 concentration in supernatant of A549 cells treated with various concentrations of PF670462 or ZH3-138 30 minutes prior to TGF-β for 24 h).



FIG. 6. Effects of ZH3-126 on TGF-β-induced IL-11 concentration in supernatant taken from MRC5 cells at 0.1 μM, 1 μM and 10 μM compared to vehicle.



FIG. 7. Comparison of effects of PF670462 and compounds of the invention (ZH3-126 and ZH3-138) on supernatant concentrations of various inflammatory biomarkers (A: IL-6; B: IL-8; C: GM-CSF) across a range of concentrations.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.


Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the embodiments, it will be understood that the intention is not to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.


One skilled in the art will recognize many methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein, which could be used in the practice of the present invention. The present invention is in no way limited to the methods and materials described. It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.


All of the patents and publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.


For purposes of interpreting this specification, terms used in the singular will also include the plural and vice versa.


The present invention provides a compound of formula (I) or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof:




embedded image


wherein:


R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C1alkylC6aryl, C3-6cycloalkyl and C3-6heterocyclyl;


R3 is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl and CH3;


R4 is selected from the group consisting of C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkyl and C1-12alkyl;


wherein each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is optionally substituted.


In some embodiments, the invention provides a compound of formula (I),


wherein


R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, C2-6alkyl, hydroxyC1-6alkyl, C1alkylC6aryl, C1alkylC12aryl, C1alkylC6arylhalo, C1alkyl(C1alkyl)C6aryl, C3-6cycloalkyl, haloC3-cycloalkyl, hydroxyC3-6cycloalkyl, and C3-5heterocyclyl;


R2 is H;

R3 is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl and CH3;


R4 is selected from the group consisting of C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkyl, C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkylhalo, C1-12alkyl and haloC1-12alkyl;


wherein each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is optionally substituted


wherein when R1 is H, R4 is selected from the group consisting of C0-3alkylC4-12cycloalkyl and C1-12alkyl, wherein when R4 is C6cycloalkyl, R4 is substituted by one or more groups selected from C1-6alkyl, C1-6haloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and halo, and


when R4 is C1-3alkyl, R4 is substituted by one or more halo groups, and


when R1 is C3cycloalkyl, C1alkylC6aryl or C1alkyl(C1alkyl)C6aryl, R4 is selected from haloC1-12alkyl and C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkyl.


The inventors found that the compounds of Formula (I) are inhibitors of CK1δ. Advantageously, at least preferred embodiments of these compounds are selective inhibitors of CK1δ compared with other kinases. Selective CK1δ inhibitors may avoid undesired effects associated with the activity of the other kinases (ie the kinases for which the CK1δ inhibitors select against). Also advantageously, at least preferred embodiments provided lower clearance rates following administration (eg IV or oral administration) compared to known CK1δ inhibitors, such as PF670462.


In any one of the embodiments, the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) provided that the compound is not selected from the list of compounds in FIGS. 1 and/or 3. Various compounds are also described in Keenan, et al. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2018, vol 9, article 738; WO2016/149756A1; WO1996/021654A1; WO1999/032121A1; WO1997/035856A1; Kim, D-K., et al. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 2008, 18, 4006-4010; WO1999/001136A1; U.S. Pat. No. 6,369,068B1; and WO2018/201192A1. In some embodiments, any specific compound described in one or more of these documents may be excluded by way of proviso.


In any one of the embodiments, R1 is C2-6alkyl, preferably C2-3alkyl. When R1 is C2-3alkyl, R2 may be H. R1 may be C1-3alkyl substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups.


In any one of the embodiments, R1 may be hydroxyC1-6alkyl. In some embodiments, the hydroxyC1-6alkyl comprises one hydroxyl substituent.


In any one of the embodiments, the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein R2 is H.


In any one of the embodiments, R1 is C3-6cycloalkyl. R1 may be selected from cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl. When R1 is C3-6cycloalkyl, R1 may be substituted or unsubstituted. When substituted, the substituent may be selected from one or more OH groups and/or one or more halo groups. When R1 is C3-6cycloalkyl, R2 may be H.


In any one of the embodiments, R1 is haloC3-6cycloalkyl. In these embodiments, R1 may comprise 1 or 2 halo groups, which may be the same or different. In some embodiments, R1 comprises 2 halo groups, which may be attached to the same carbon atom. In some embodiments, the haloC3-6cycloalkyl is a fluoroC3-6cycloalkyl. Typically, the halo group is in a para position relative to the point of attachment of R1 to the pyrimidyl amine of formula (I).


In any one of the embodiments, R1 is hydroxyC3-6cycloalkyl. In these embodiments, R1 may comprise 1 hydroxy group. Typically, the hydroxy group is in a para position relative to the point of attachment to the pyrimidyl amine of formula (I).


In any one of the embodiments, R1 is C3-6heterocyclyl. R1 may be selected from an oxygen-containing heterocyclyl group, a nitrogen-containing heterocyclyl group, or a sulphur-containing heterocyclyl group, or a heterocyclyl group containing a combination of two or more oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur atoms. In some embodiments, R1 is an optionally substituted 4-7 membered heterocyclyl or a 4-6 membered heterocyclyl. In some embodiments, R1 is selected from oxetanyl, thietanyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, terahydrofuranyl, 1,3-dioxolanyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrothipheneyl, and 1,2- and 1,3-oxathiolanyl groups. In one embodiment, when R1 is C3-5heterocyclyl, R2 is H.


In any one of the embodiments, the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are both the same. For example, R1 and R2 may both be H, or R1 and R2 may both be C1-6alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl).


In any one of the embodiments, R1 is C1alkylC6aryl. The C1alkylC6aryl group may be substituted. The substituents may be selected from one or more alkyl groups, one or more hydroxyl groups and one or more halo groups. The aryl group may be substituted. The alkyl group may be substituted.


In any one of the embodiments, R1 is C1alkylC12aryl. Typically, the C12aryl is biphenyl. In some embodiments, the covalent bond between the phenyl rings is para relative to the C1alkyl moiety. Typically, the C1alkylC12aryl group is connected to the pyrimidyl amine through the C1alkyl moiety.


In any one of the embodiments, R1 is C1alkylC6arylhalo. Typically, the halo moiety is a substituent of the C6aryl ring. The halo group may be at any one or more of ortho, meta or para position(s) relative to the C1alkyl moiety. Typically, the C1alkylC6arylhalo is a C1alkylC6arylfluoro. Typically, the C1alkylC6arylhalo group is connected to the pyrimidyl amine through the C1alkyl moiety.


In any one of the embodiments, R1 is C1alkyl(C1alkyl)C6aryl. Typically, the C1alkyl(C1alkyl)C6aryl group is connected to the pyrimidyl amine through the C1alkyl moiety, which may be denoted as —C1alkyl(C1alkyl)C6aryl.


In any one of the embodiments, R1 is selected from H, ethyl, hydroxyethyl, halobenzyl, hydroxypropyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, oxetanyl, halocyclobutyl (eg difluorocyclobutyl), hydroxycyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, halocyclohexyl (eg difluorocyclohexyl), pyranyl and S,S-dioxythianyl.


In any one of the embodiments, R3 is CH3. In any one of the embodiments, R3 is F or Cl. Preferably, R3 is F.


In any one of the embodiments, R4 is C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkyl. R4 may be C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkyl, wherein the C3-12cycloalkyl group is selected from cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl. In a preferred form, R4 is C3-12cycloalkyl. More preferably, R4 is selected from cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl.


In any one of the embodiments, R4 is C1-2alkylC3-12cycloalkyl. R4 may be C1alkylC3-12cycloalkyl. The C3-12cycloalkyl group may be selected from cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl.


In any one of the embodiments, where R4 is C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkyl, R4 may be substituted. The substituent may be selected from one or more OH groups, one or more C1-6alkyl groups, and one or more halo groups.


In any one of the embodiments, R4 is selected from C0-3alkylC4-12cycloalkyl and C3cycloalkyl and C2-3alkylC3cycloalkyl, each of which may be optionally substituted.


In any one of the embodiments, R4 is C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkylhalo. Typically the halo is a substituent of the cycloalkyl moiety. The group may comprise 1 or 2 halo groups. In embodiments comprising 2 halo groups, these may be attached to the same carbon atom. Typically, the halo substituent is attached to a position of the cycloalkyl group para to the C0-3alkyl moiety or the point of attachment to the imidazole of formula (I). The C3-12cycloalkyl and/or C0-3alkyl moiety of the C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkylhalo group may be any of the preferred C0-3alkyl and/or C3-12cycloalkyl groups described for any embodiment of R4. Preferred groups include dihalocyclobutyl (eg 3,3-difluorocyclobut-1-yl), dihalocyclobutylmethyl (eg 3,3-difluorocyclobutyl-1-methyl), dihalocyclohexyl (eg 4,4-difluorocyclohex-1-yl) and dihalocyclohexylmethyl (eg 4,4-difluorocyclohexyl-1-methyl). Preferably, the halo is fluoro. Typically, the C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkylhalo is connected to the imidazole nitrogen through the C0-3alkyl moiety (when present) which may be denoted as —C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkyl.


In any one of the embodiments, R4 is C1-12alkyl. R4 may be a methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl group. R4 may be a branched C1-12alkyl group, such as a branched C3, C4 or C5 alkyl group. R4 may be substituted by one or more groups selected from halo and OH. For example, R4 may be substituted by one, two, or more halo groups.


In any one of the embodiments, R4 is haloC1-12alkyl. In some embodiments, R4 is a haloC1-6alkyl or a haloC1-4alkyl. The group may comprise 1, 2 or 3 halo groups. In embodiments comprising 2 or more halo groups, these may be attached to the same carbon atom. Typically, the halo group is attached the carbon atom distal from the point of attachment to the imidazole moiety of formula (I). Preferably, the halo is fluoro. In some embodiments, R4 is selected from trihalomethyl, trihaloethyl (eg 2,2,2-trifluoroeth-1-yl), dihalomethyl (eg difluoromethyl), halomethyl (eg fluoromethyl), dihaloethyl (eg 2,2-difluoroeth-1-yl), hexahalopropyl (eg 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroprop-2-yl), trihalopropyl (eg 3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-yl and 1,1,1-trifluoroprop-2-yl), halopropyl (eg 2-fluoroprop-2-yl), dihalopropyl (eg 3,3-difluoroprop-1-yl), haloethyl (eg 2-fluoroeth-1-yl).


In some embodiments, R4 is selected from ethyl, pentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, halocyclohexylmethyl, halocyclohexyl and haloethyl. In some embodiments, R4 is selected from ethyl, pentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, difluorocyclohexyl (eg 4,4-diflurocyclohex-1-yl), difluorocyclohexylmethyl (eg 4,4-diflurocyclohexyl-1-methyl) and trifluoroethyl (eg 2,2,2-trifluoroeth-1-yl).


In any one of the embodiments, when R1 is H, R4 is selected from the group consisting of C0-3alkylC4-12cycloalkyl and C1-12alkyl. In these embodiments, when R4 is C6cycloalkyl, R4 is substituted by one or more groups selected from C1-6alkyl, C1-6haloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and halo, preferably halo (eg fluoro); and when R4 is C1-3alkyl, R4 is substituted by one or more halo groups.


In any one of the embodiments, when R1 is C3cycloalkyl, C1alkylC6aryl or C1alkyl(C1alkyl)C6aryl, R4 is selected from haloC1-12alkyl and C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkyl.


In any one of the embodiments, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from OH, C1-6alkoxy, halo, amino, mercapto and C1-6alkyl. In some embodiments, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are unsubstituted.


As used herein the term “C1-12alkyl” refers to a straight or branched chain hydrocarbon radical having from one to twelve carbon atoms, or any range between, i.e. it contains 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 carbon atoms. The alkyl group is optionally substituted with substituents, multiple degrees of substitution being allowed. Examples of “C1-12alkyl” as used herein include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl and the like.


“C1-3alkyl”, “C1-4alkyl” and “C1-6alkyl” are preferred. These groups refer to an alkyl group containing 1-3, 1-4 or 1-6 carbon atoms, respectively, or any range in between (e.g. alkyl groups containing 2-5 carbon atoms, i.e. 2, 3, 4 or 5 carbon atoms, are also within the range of C1-6). Where the term “C0-2 alkyl”, or the like, is used, there may be no alkyl group, or an alkyl group containing 1 or 2 carbon atoms.


The term “C2-6alkenyl” refers to optionally substituted straight chain or branched chain hydrocarbon groups having at least one double bond of either E or Z stereochemistry where applicable and 2 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples include vinyl, 1-propenyl, 1- and 2-butenyl and 2-methyl-2-propenyl. Unless the context requires otherwise, the term “C2-6alkenyl” also encompasses alkenyl groups containing one less hydrogen atom such that the group is attached via two positions i.e. divalent. “C2-4alkenyl” and “C2-3alkenyl” including ethenyl, propenyl and butenyl are preferred with ethenyl being particularly preferred.


The term “C2-6alkynyl” refers to optionally substituted straight chain or branched chain hydrocarbon groups having at least one triple bond and 2 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples include ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 1- and 2-butynyl, 2-methyl-2-propynyl, 2-pentynyl, 3-pentynyl, 4-pentynyl, 2-hexynyl, 3-hexynyl, 4-hexynyl and 5-hexynyl and the like. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the term “C2-6alkynyl” also encompasses alkynyl groups containing one less hydrogen atom such that the group is attached via two positions i.e. divalent. C2-3alkynyl is preferred.


As used herein, the term “halogen” refers to fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), or iodine (I) and the term “halo” refers to the halogen radicals fluoro (—F), chloro (—Cl), bromo (—Br), and iodo (—I). Preferably, ‘halo’ is fluoro.


As used herein, the term “cycloalkyl” refers to a non-aromatic cyclic hydrocarbon ring. The term “C3-7cycloalkyl” refers to a non-aromatic cyclic hydrocarbon ring having from three to seven carbon atoms, or any range of integers in between. For example, the C3-7cycloalkyl group would also include cycloalkyl groups containing 4 to 6 (i.e. 4, 5 or 6) carbon atoms. The alkyl group is as defined above, and may be substituted. Exemplary “C3-7cycloalkyl” groups useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl.


Cycloalkyl groups may optionally be fused to one or more heterocyclic or cycloalkyl rings. Cycloalkyl rings may be substituted at any of the carbon atoms on the ring with another cycloalkyl or heterocyclic moiety to form a spirocycloalkyl or spiroheteroalkyl compound.


Two non-adjacent atoms on the cycloalkyl group may be bridged by an alkyl or heteroalkyl group to form a bridged system. Preferably, the bridging group is 1-3 atoms in length.


As used herein, the terms “heterocyclic” or “heterocyclyl” refer to a non-aromatic heterocyclic ring, being saturated or having one or more degrees of unsaturation, containing one or more heteroatom substitution selected from S, S(O), S(O)2, O, or N. The term “C3-7heterocyclyl” refers to a non-aromatic cyclic hydrocarbon ring having from three to seven carbon atoms (i.e. 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 carbon atoms) containing one or more heteroatom substitutions as referred to herein. The heterocyclic moiety may be substituted, multiple degrees of substitution being allowed. The term “C3-7 heterocyclyl” also includes heterocyclyl groups containing C4-5, C5-7, C6-7, C4-7, C4-6 and C5-6 carbon atoms. Preferably, the heterocyclic ring contains four to six carbon atoms and one or two heteroatoms. More preferably, the heterocyclic ring contains five carbon atoms and one heteroatom, or four carbon atoms and two heteroatom substitutions, or five carbon atoms and one heteroatom. The heterocyclyl groups may be 3 to 10-membered ring systems, which denotes the total number of atoms (carbon atoms and heteroatoms) contained within the ring system. In this context, the prefixs 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9- and 10-membered denote the number of ring atoms, or range of ring atoms, whether carbon atoms or heteroatoms. For example, the term “3-10 membered heterocylyl”, as used herein, pertains to a heterocyclyl group having 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 ring atoms. Examples of heterocylyl groups include 5-6-membered monocyclic heterocyclyls and 9-10 membered fused bicyclic heterocyclyls. Accordingly, heterocyclyl heterocyclyl rings may be optionally fused to one or more other “heterocyclic” ring(s), cycloalkyl ring(s), aryl ring(s) or heteroaryl ring(s). Examples of “heterocyclic” moieties include, but are not limited to, tetrahydrofuran, pyran, oxetane, 1,4-dioxane, 1,3-dioxane, piperidine, piperazine, N-methylpiperazinyl, 2,4-piperazinedione, pyrrolidine, imidazolidine, pyrazolidine, morpholine, thiomorpholine, tetrahydrothiopyran, tetrahydrothiophene, and the like.


Heterocyclic groups may be substituted at any of the carbons on the ring with another heterocyclic or cycloalkyl moiety to form a spirocycloalkyl or spiroheterocyclyl compound.


Two non-adjacent atoms on the heterocyclic group may further be bridged by an alkyl or heteroalkyl group to form a bridged system. Preferably, the bridging group is 1-3 atoms in length.


As an example of substituted heterocyclic groups, the term “C0-2alkylC3-7heterocyclyl” includes heterocyclyl groups containing either no alkyl group as a linker between the compound and the heterocycle, or an alkyl group containing 1 or 2 carbon atoms as a linker between the compound and the heterocycle (i.e. heterocycle, —CH2-heterocycle or —CH2CH2-heterocycle). These heterocycles may be further substituted.


Substituted cycloalkyl and heterocyclyl groups may be substituted with any suitable substituent as described below.


As used herein, the term “aryl” refers to an optionally substituted benzene ring or to an optionally substituted benzene ring system fused to one or more optionally substituted benzene rings to form, for example, anthracene, phenanthrene, or naphthalene ring systems. Examples of “aryl” groups include, but are not limited to, phenyl, 2-naphthyl, 1-naphthyl, biphenyl, as well as substituted derivatives thereof.


Preferred substituted aryl groups include arylamino, arylalkyl, arylalkylhalo, arylhalo, and aralkoxy groups.


As used herein, the term “heteroaryl” refers to a monocyclic five, six or seven membered aromatic ring, or to a fused bicyclic or tricyclic aromatic ring system comprising at least one monocyclic five, six or seven membered aromatic ring. These heteroaryl rings contain one or more nitrogen, sulfur, and/or oxygen heteroatoms, and may be optionally substituted with up to three members. N-containing heteroaryls may be in the form of an N-oxide and S-containing heteroaryls may be in the form of sulfur oxides and dioxides. Examples of “heteroaryl” groups used herein include furanyl, thiophenyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, oxo-pyridyl, thiadiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridyl, pyridazyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, indolyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, and substituted versions thereof.


The terms “hydroxy” and “hydroxyl” refer to the group —OH.


The term “oxo” refers to the group ═O.


The term “C1-6alkoxy” refers to an alkyl group as defined above covalently bound via an O linkage containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isoproxy, butoxy, tert-butoxy and pentoxy. “C1-4alkoxy” and “C1-3alkoxy” including methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy and butoxy are preferred with methoxy being particularly preferred.


The terms “haloC1-6alkyl” and “C1-6alkylhalo” refer to a C1-6alkyl which is substituted with one or more halogens. HaloC1-3alkyl groups are preferred, such as for example, —CH2CF3, and —CF3.


The terms “haloC1-6alkoxy” and “C1-6alkoxyhalo” refer to a C1-6alkoxy which is substituted with one or more halogens. C1-3alkoxyhalo groups are preferred, such as for example, —OCF3.


The term “carboxylate” or “carboxyl” refers to the group —COO— or —COOH.


The term “ester” refers to a carboxyl group having the hydrogen replaced with, for example a C1-6alkyl group (“carboxylC1-6alkyl” or “alkylester”), an aryl or aralkyl group (“arylester” or “aralkylester”) and so on. CO2C1-3alkyl groups are preferred, such as for example, methylester (CO2Me), ethylester (CO2Et) and propylester (CO2Pr) and includes reverse esters thereof (e.g. —OC(O)Me, —OC(O)Et and —OC(O)Pr).


The terms “cyano” and “nitrile” refer to the group —CN.


The term “nitro” refers to the group —NO2.


The term “amino” refers to the group —NH2.


The term “substituted amino” or “secondary amino” refers to an amino group having a hydrogen replaced with, for example a C1-6alkyl group (“C1-6alkylamino”), an aryl or aralkyl group (“arylamino”, “aralkylamino”) and so on. C1-3alkylamino groups are preferred, such as for example, methylamino (NHMe), ethylamino (NHEt) and propylamino (NHPr).


The term “disubstituted amino” or “tertiary amino” refers to an amino group having the two hydrogens replaced with, for example a C1-6alkyl group, which may be the same or different (“dialkylamino”), an aryl and alkyl group (“aryl(alkyl)amino”) and so on. Di(C1-3alkyl)amino groups are preferred, such as for example, dimethylamino (NMe2), diethylamino (NEt2), dipropylamino (NPr2) and variations thereof (e.g. N(Me)(Et) and so on).


The term “aldehyde” refers to the group —C(═O)H.


The term “acyl” refers to the group —C(O)CH3.


The term “ketone” refers to a carbonyl group which may be represented by —C(O)—.


The term “substituted ketone” refers to a ketone group covalently linked to at least one further group, for example, a C1-6alkyl group (“C1-6alkylacyl” or “alkylketone” or “ketoalkyl”), an aryl group (“arylketone”), an aralkyl group (“aralkylketone) and so on. C1-3alkylacyl groups are preferred.


The term “amido” or “amide” refers to the group —C(O)NH2.


The term “substituted amido” or “substituted amide” refers to an amido group having a hydrogen replaced with, for example a C1-6alkyl group (“C1-6alkylamido” or “C1-6alkylamide”), an aryl (“arylamido”), aralkyl group (“aralkylamido”) and so on. C1-3alkylamide groups are preferred, such as for example, methylamide (—C(O)NHMe), ethylamide (—C(O)NHEt) and propylamide (—C(O)NHPr) and includes reverse amides thereof (e.g. —NHMeC(O)—, —NHEtC(O)— and —NHPrC(O)—).


The term “disubstituted amido” or “disubstituted amide” refers to an amido group having the two hydrogens replaced with, for example a C1-6alkyl group (“di(C1-6alkyl)amido” or “di(C1-6alkyl)amide”), an aralkyl and alkyl group (“alkyl(aralkyl)amido”) and so on. Di(C1-3alkyl)amide groups are preferred, such as for example, dimethylamide (—C(O)NMe2), diethylamide (—C(O)NEt2) and dipropylamide ((—C(O)NPr2) and variations thereof (e.g. —C(O)N(Me)Et and so on) and includes reverse amides thereof.


The term “thiol” refers to the group —SH.


The term “C1-6alkylthio” refers to a thiol group having the hydrogen replaced with a C1-6alkyl group. C1-3alkylthio groups are preferred, such as for example, thiolmethyl, thiolethyl and thiolpropyl.


The terms “thioxo” refer to the group ═S.


The term “sulfinyl” refers to the group —S(═O)H.


The term “substituted sulfinyl” or “sulfoxide” refers to a sulfinyl group having the hydrogen replaced with, for example a C1-6alkyl group (“C1-6alkylsulfinyl” or “C1-6alkylsulfoxide”), an aryl (“arylsulfinyl”), an aralkyl (“aralkyl sulfinyl”) and so on. C1-3alkylsulfinyl groups are preferred, such as for example, —SOmethyl, —SOethyl and —SOpropyl.


The term “sulfonyl” refers to the group —SO2H.


The term “substituted sulfonyl” refers to a sulfonyl group having the hydrogen replaced with, for example a C1-6alkyl group (“sulfonylC1-6alkyl”), an aryl (“arylsulfonyl”), an aralkyl (“aralkylsulfonyl”) and so on. SulfonylC1-3alkyl groups are preferred, such as for example, —SO2Me, —SO2Et and —SO2Pr.


The term “sulfonylamido” or “sulfonamide” refers to the group —SO2NH2.


The term “substituted sulfonamido” or “substituted sulphonamide” refers to an sulfonylamido group having a hydrogen replaced with, for example a C1-6alkyl group (“sulfonylamidoC1-6alkyl”), an aryl (“arylsulfonamide”), aralkyl (“aralkylsulfonamide”) and so on. SulfonylamidoC1-3alkyl groups are preferred, such as for example, —SO2NHMe, —SO2NHEt and —SO2NHPr and includes reverse sulfonamides thereof (e.g. —NHSO2Me, —NHSO2Et and —NHSO2Pr).


The term “disubstituted sufonamido” or “disubstituted sulphonamide” refers to an sulfonylamido group having the two hydrogens replaced with, for example a C1-6alkyl group, which may be the same or different (“sulfonylamidodi(C1-6alkyl)”), an aralkyl and alkyl group (“sulfonamido(aralkyl)alkyl”) and so on. Sulfonylamidodi(C1-3alkyl) groups are preferred, such as for example, —SO2NMe2, —SO2NEt2 and —SO2NPr2 and variations thereof (e.g. —SO2N(Me)Et and so on) and includes reserve sulfonamides thereof (e.g. —N(Me)SO2Me and so on).


The term “sulfate” refers to the group OS(O)2OH and includes groups having the hydrogen replaced with, for example a C1-6alkyl group (“alkylsulfates”), an aryl (“arylsulfate”), an aralkyl (“aralkylsulfate”) and so on. C1-3sulfates are preferred, such as for example, OS(O)2OMe, OS(O)2OEt and OS(O)2OPr.


The term “sulfonate” refers to the group SO3H and includes groups having the hydrogen replaced with, for example a C1-6alkyl group (“alkylsulfonate”), an aryl (“arylsulfonate”), an aralkyl (“aralkylsulfonate”) and so on. C1-3sulfonates are preferred, such as for example, SO3Me, SO3Et and SO3Pr.


A “substituent” as used herein, refers to a molecular moiety that is covalently bonded to an atom within a molecule of interest. For example, a “ring substituent” may be a moiety such as a halogen, alkyl group, or other substituent described herein that is covalently bonded to an atom, preferably a carbon or nitrogen atom, that is a ring member. The term “substituted,” as used herein, means that any one or more hydrogens on the designated atom is replaced with a selection from the indicated substituents, provided that the designated atom's normal valence is not exceeded, and that the substitution results in a stable compound, i.e., a compound that can be isolated, characterized and tested for biological activity.


The terms “optionally substituted” or “may be substituted” and the like, as used throughout the specification, denotes that the group may or may not be further substituted or fused (so as to form a polycyclic system), with one or more non-hydrogen substituent groups. Suitable chemically viable substituents for a particular functional group will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, an optionally substituted moiety may or may not be further substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4 or more groups, preferably 1, 2 or 3, more preferably 1 or 2 groups.


Examples of substituents include but are not limited to:


C1-6alkyl, C1-6haloalkyl, C1-6 haloalkoxy, C1-6hydroxyalkyl, C3-7heterocyclyl, C3-7cycloalkyl, C1-6alkoxy, C1-6alkylsulfanyl, C1-6alkylsulfenyl, C1-6alkylsulfonyl, C1-6alkylsulfonylamino, arylsulfonoamino, alkylcarboxy, alkylcarboxyamide, oxo, hydroxy, mercapto, amino, acyl, carboxy, carbamoyl, aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, aminosulfonyl, aroyl, aroylamino, heteroaroyl, acyloxy, aroyloxy, heteroaroyloxy, alkoxycarbonyl, nitro, cyano, halo, ureido, C1-6perfluoroalkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C2-6alkynyl, C1-6alkoxyaryl, esters, substituted amino, disubstituted amino, acyl, ketones, substituted ketones, amides, aminoacyl, substituted amides, disubstituted amides, thiol, alkylthio, thioxo, sulfates, sulfonates, sulfinyl, substituted sulfinyl, sulfonyl, substituted sulfonyl, sulfonylamides, substituted sulfonamides, disubstituted sulfonamides, arylC1-6alkyl, heterocyclylC1-6alkyl, and C3-7cycloalkylC1-6alkyl wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and heterocyclyl and groups containing them may be further optionally substituted. In some embodiments, a moiety may be optionally substituted by any subset of optional substituents selected from those described above.


Optional substituents in the case of heterocycles (heterocyclyl and heteroaryl groups) containing N may also include but are not limited to C1-6alkyl i.e. N—C1-3alkyl, more preferably methyl particularly N-methyl.


In one embodiment, cyclic or heterocyclic substituents may form a spirocycloalkyl or spiroheteroalkyl substituent with a carbon in the moiety from which the cyclic or heterocyclic group is substituted. In another embodiment, cyclic or heterocyclic substituents may be bridged.


For optionally substituted “C1-6alkyl”, “C2-6alkenyl” and “C2-6alkynyl”, the optional substituent or substituents are preferably selected from halo, aryl, heterocyclyl, C3-8cycloalkyl, C1-6alkoxy, hydroxyl, oxo, aryloxy, haloC1-6alkyl, haloC1-6alkoxyl and carboxyl. In some embodiments, the optionally substituted “C1-6alkyl”, “C2-6alkenyl” and “C2-6alkynyl” may be optionally substituted by any subset of optional substituents selected from those described above.


Any of these groups may be further substituted by any of the above-mentioned groups, where appropriate. For example, alkylamino, or dialkylamino, C1-6alkoxy, etc.


Examples of compounds of the present invention are given below in Table 1.









TABLE 1







Examples of compounds of the present invention.








Number
Structure





10 (ZH3-114)


embedded image







11 (ZH3-118)


embedded image







5 (ZH3-122)


embedded image







6 (ZH3-126)


embedded image







25 (ZH2-66)


embedded image







16 (ZH2-114)


embedded image







17 (ZH2-118)


embedded image







18 (ZH2-122)


embedded image







20 (ZH2-146)


embedded image







21 (ZH2-38)


embedded image







22 (ZH2-46)


embedded image







23 (ZH2-54)


embedded image







24 (ZH2-58)


embedded image







26 (ZH2-78)


embedded image







29 (ZH3-50)


embedded image







30 (ZH3-62)


embedded image







31 (ZH3-70)


embedded image







33 (ZH3-86)


embedded image







ZH3-134


embedded image







42 (ZH3-58)


embedded image







45 (ZH3-138)


embedded image







48 (ZH3-130)


embedded image







51 (ZH3-78)


embedded image







68


embedded image







69


embedded image







70


embedded image







71


embedded image







72


embedded image







73


embedded image







56 (ZH5-38)


embedded image







59 (ZH4-174)


embedded image







57 (ZH5-6)


embedded image







58 (ZH4-154)


embedded image







74


embedded image







75


embedded image







76


embedded image







77


embedded image







78


embedded image







79


embedded image







80


embedded image







81


embedded image







82


embedded image







83


embedded image







84


embedded image







85


embedded image







86


embedded image







87


embedded image







88


embedded image







89


embedded image







90


embedded image







91


embedded image







92


embedded image







93


embedded image







94


embedded image







95


embedded image







96


embedded image







97


embedded image







98


embedded image







99


embedded image







100


embedded image







101


embedded image







102


embedded image







103


embedded image







104


embedded image







105


embedded image







106


embedded image







107


embedded image







108


embedded image







109


embedded image







110


embedded image







111


embedded image







112


embedded image







113


embedded image







114


embedded image







115


embedded image







116


embedded image







117


embedded image







118


embedded image







119


embedded image







120


embedded image







121


embedded image







122


embedded image







123


embedded image







124


embedded image







125


embedded image







126


embedded image







127


embedded image







128


embedded image







129


embedded image







130


embedded image







131


embedded image







132


embedded image







133


embedded image







134


embedded image







135


embedded image







136


embedded image







137


embedded image







138


embedded image







139


embedded image







140


embedded image







141


embedded image







142


embedded image







143


embedded image







144


embedded image







145


embedded image







146


embedded image







147


embedded image







148


embedded image







149


embedded image







150


embedded image







151


embedded image







152


embedded image







153


embedded image







55 (ZH4-186)


embedded image







60 (ZH5-30 (cis)) 61 (ZH5-34 (trans))


embedded image







62 (ZH5-10)


embedded image







63 (ZH5-2)


embedded image







64 (ZH5-14)


embedded image







65 (ZH4-170)


embedded image







154


embedded image







155


embedded image







156


embedded image







157


embedded image







158


embedded image







159


embedded image







160


embedded image







161


embedded image







162


embedded image







163


embedded image







164


embedded image







165


embedded image







166


embedded image







66 (ZH4-146)


embedded image







67 (ZH4-150)


embedded image







37 (ZH2-142)


embedded image











The salts of the compounds of formula (I) are preferably pharmaceutically acceptable, but it will be appreciated that non-pharmaceutically acceptable salts also fall within the scope of the present disclosure, since these may be useful as intermediates in the preparation of pharmaceutically acceptable salts.


The term “pharmaceutically acceptable” may be used to describe any pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, tautomer, N-oxide, stereoisomer polymorph and/or prodrug, or any other compound which upon administration to a subject, is capable of providing (directly or indirectly) a compound of formula (I), or an active metabolite or residue thereof and typically that is not deleterious to the subject.


Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, salts of pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic acids such as hydrochloric, sulphuric, phosphoric, nitric, carbonic, boric, sulfamic, and hydrobromic acids, or salts of pharmaceutically acceptable organic acids such as acetic, propionic, butyric, tartaric, maleic, hydroxymaleic, fumaric, malic, citric, lactic, mucic, gluconic, benzoic, succinic, oxalic, phenylacetic, methanesulphonic, toluenesulphonic, benzenesulphonic, salicylic, sulphanilic, aspartic, glutamic, edetic, stearic, palmitic, oleic, lauric, pantothenic, tannic, ascorbic, valeric and xinafoic acids.


Base salts include, but are not limited to, those formed with pharmaceutically acceptable cations, such as sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, ammonium, alkylammonium such as salts formed from triethylamine, alkoxyammonium such as those formed with ethanolamine and salts formed from ethylenediamine, choline or amino acids such as arginine, lysine or histidine.


General information on types of pharmaceutically acceptable salts and their formation is known to those skilled in the art and is as described in general texts such as “Handbook of Pharmaceutical salts” P. H. Stahl, C. G. Wermuth, 1st edition, 2002, Wiley-VCH.


Basic nitrogen-containing groups may be quarternised with such agents as lower alkyl halide, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl chlorides, bromides and iodides; dialkyl sulfates like dimethyl and diethyl sulfate; and others.


A “prodrug” is a compound that may not fully satisfy the structural requirements of the compounds provided herein, but is modified in vivo, following administration to a subject or patient, to produce a compound of formula (I) provided herein. For example, a prodrug may be an acylated derivative of a compound as provided herein. Prodrugs include compounds wherein hydroxy, carboxy, amine or sulfhydryl groups are bonded to any group that, when administered to a mammalian subject, cleaves to form a free hydroxy, carboxy, amino, or sulfhydryl group, respectively. Examples of prodrugs include, but are not limited to, acetate, formate, phosphate and benzoate derivatives of alcohol and amine functional groups within the compounds provided herein. Prodrugs of the compounds provided herein may be prepared by modifying functional groups present in the compounds in such a way that the modifications are cleaved in vivo to generate the parent compounds.


Prodrugs include compounds wherein an amino acid residue, or a polypeptide chain of two or more (e.g., two, three or four) amino acid residues which are covalently joined to free amino and/or amido groups of compounds of formula (I). The amino acid residues include the 20 naturally occurring amino acids commonly designated by three letter symbols and also include, 4-hydroxyproline, hydroxylysine, demosine, isodemosine, 3-methylhistidine, norvlin, beta-alanine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, citrulline, homocysteine, homoserine, ornithine and methionine sulfone. Prodrugs also include compounds wherein carbonates, carbamates, amides and alkyl esters which are covalently bonded to the above substituents of formula (I) through the carbonyl carbon prodrug sidechain. Prodrugs can include covalent irreversible and reversible inhibitors.


In the case of compounds that are solids, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the inventive compounds, agents and salts may exist in different crystalline or polymorphic forms, all of which are intended to be within the scope of the present invention and specified formulae.


The invention includes all crystalline forms of a compound of Formula (I) including anhydrous crystalline forms, hydrates, solvates and mixed solvates. If any of these crystalline forms demonstrates polymorphism, all polymorphs are within the scope of this invention.


Formula (I) is intended to cover, where applicable, solvated as well as unsolvated forms of the compounds. Thus, Formula (I) includes compounds having the indicated structures, including the hydrated or solvated forms, as well as the non-hydrated and non-solvated forms.


The compounds of Formula (I) or salts, tautomers, N-oxides, polymorphs or prodrugs thereof may be provided in the form of solvates. Solvates contain either stoichiometric or non-stoichiometric amounts of a solvent, and may be formed during the process of crystallization with pharmaceutically acceptable solvents such as water, alcohols such as methanol, ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, DMSO, acetonitrile, dimethyl formamide (DMF), acetic acid, and the like with the solvate forming part of the crystal lattice by either non-covalent binding or by occupying a hole in the crystal lattice. Hydrates are formed when the solvent is water, alcoholates are formed when the solvent is alcohol. Solvates of the compounds of the present invention can be conveniently prepared or formed during the processes described herein. In general, the solvated forms are considered equivalent to the unsolvated forms for the purposes of the invention.


The compound of Formula (I) or salts, tautomers, N-oxides, solvates and/or prodrugs thereof that form crystalline solids may demonstrate polymorphism. All polymorphic forms of the compounds, salts, tautomers, N-oxides, solvates and/or prodrugs are within the scope of the invention.


The compound of Formula (I) may demonstrate tautomerism. Tautomers are two interchangeable forms of a molecule that typically exist within an equilibrium. Any tautomers of the compounds of Formula (I) are to be understood as being within the scope of the invention.


The compound of Formula (I) may contain one or more stereocentres. All stereoisomers of the compounds of formula (I) are within the scope of the invention. Stereoisomers include enantiomers, diastereomers, geometric isomers (E and Z olephinic forms and cis and trans substitution patterns) and atropisomers. In some embodiments, the compound is a stereoisomerically enriched form of the compound of formula (I) at any stereocentre. The compound may be enriched in one stereoisomer over another by at least about 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, 98 or 99%.


The compound of Formula (I) or its salts, tautomers, solvates, N-oxides, and/or stereoisomers, may be isotopically enriched with one or more of the isotopes of the atoms present in the compound. For example, the compound may be enriched with one or more of the following minor isotopes: 2H, 3H, 13C, 14C 15N and/or 17O. An isotope may be considered enriched when its abundance is greater than its natural abundance.


In some embodiments, the compounds of formula (I) or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof have a pIC50 of at least 7 M. The inhibitory activity can be determined using a kinase assay. Such assays are well-known to a person skilled in the art, and an example of a suitable assay is that described in the Examples.


In yet another aspect, there is provided a composition comprising a compound according to formula (I) or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.


An appropriate dosage level will generally be about 0.01 to 500 mg per kg patient body weight per day which can be administered in single or multiple doses. Preferably, the dosage level will be about 0.1 to about 250 mg/kg per day; more preferably about 0.5 to about 100 mg/kg per day. A suitable dosage level may be about 0.01 to 250 mg/kg per day, about 0.05 to 100 mg/kg per day, or about 0.1 to 50 mg/kg per day. Within this range the dosage may be 0.05 to 0.5, 0.5 to 5, or 5 to 50 mg/kg per day. For oral administration, the compositions are preferably provided in the form of tablets containing 1.0 to 1000 milligrams of the active ingredient, particularly 1.0, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0, 25.0, 50.0, 75.0, 100.0, 150.0, 200.0, 250.0, 300.0, 400.0, 500.0, 600.0, 750.0, 800.0, 900.0, and 1000.0 milligrams of the active ingredient for the symptomatic adjustment of the dosage to the patient to be treated. The compounds may be administered on a regimen of 1 to 4 times per day, preferably once or twice per day. It will be understood, however, that the specific dose level and frequency of dosage for any particular patient may be varied and will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the specific compound employed, the metabolic stability and length of action of that compound, the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, mode and time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, the severity of the particular condition, and the host undergoing therapy. The amount of a compound of the present invention in the composition will also depend upon the particular compound in the composition.


In the case of inhaled products, the typical inhalation dose is less than with other forms of dosing starting at 1 microgram and rising to 1000 microgram for a single puff. In a preferred form, the dose ranges from 25 microgram to 250 microgram per puff. In another preferred form, the dosage ranges from 500 to 1000 micrograms per puff. In another form, the dosage is selected from the group consisting of 1, 2.5, 10.0, 25.0, 50.0, 75.0, 100.0, 150.0, 200.0, 250.0, 300.0, 400.0, 500.0, 600.0, 750.0, 800.0, 900.0, and 1000.0 micrograms per puff or any range in between and including two of these values. The medication may be one puff per day or increase up to two puffs four times a day.


The pharmaceutical composition may further comprise other therapeutically active compounds which are usually applied in the treatment of the disclosed disorders or conditions. Selection of the appropriate agents for use in combination therapy may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art, according to conventional pharmaceutical principles. The combination of therapeutic agents may act synergistically to effect the treatment or prevention of the various disorders or conditions disclosed herein. Using this approach, one may be able to achieve therapeutic efficacy with lower dosages of each agent, thus reducing the potential for adverse side effects.


Compounds and compositions of the invention may be formulated for any appropriate route of administration including, for example, topical (for example, transdermal or ocular), pulmonary, oral, buccal, nasal, vaginal, rectal or parenteral administration. The term parenteral as used herein includes subcutaneous, intradermal, intravascular (for example, intravenous), intramuscular, spinal, intracranial, intrathecal, intraocular, periocular, intraorbital, intrasynovial and intraperitoneal injection, as well as any similar injection or infusion technique. In certain embodiments, compositions in a form suitable for oral use or parenteral use are preferred. Suitable oral forms include, for example, tablets, troches, lozenges, aqueous or oily suspensions, dispersible powders or granules, emulsions, hard or soft capsules, or syrups or elixirs. Within yet other embodiments, compositions provided herein may be formulated as a lyophilizate.


In a preferred form, the composition is suitable for administration to the respiratory tract. In another form, the composition is suitable for oral administration.


The various dosage units are each preferably provided as a discrete dosage tablet, capsules, lozenge, dragee, gum, or other type of solid formulation. Capsules may encapsulate a powder, liquid, or gel. The solid formulation may be swallowed, or may be of a suckable or chewable type (either frangible or gum-like). The present invention contemplates dosage unit retaining devices other than blister packs; for example, packages such as bottles, tubes, canisters, packets. The dosage units may further include conventional excipients well-known in pharmaceutical formulation practice, such as binding agents, gellants, fillers, tableting lubricants, disintegrants, surfactants, and colorants; and for suckable or chewable formulations.


Compositions intended for oral use may further comprise one or more components such as sweetening agents, flavouring agents, colouring agents and/or preserving agents in order to provide appealing and palatable preparations. Tablets contain the active ingredient in admixture with physiologically acceptable excipients that are suitable for the manufacture of tablets. Such excipients include, for example, inert diluents such as calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, lactose, calcium phosphate or sodium phosphate, granulating and disintegrating agents such as corn starch or alginic acid, binding agents such as starch, gelatine or acacia, and lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate, stearic acid or talc. The tablets may be uncoated or they may be coated by known techniques to delay disintegration and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby provide a sustained action over a longer period. For example, a time delay material such as glyceryl monosterate or glyceryl distearate may be employed.


Formulations for oral use may also be presented as hard gelatine capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with an inert solid diluent such as calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or kaolin, or as soft gelatine capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with water or an oil medium such as peanut oil, liquid paraffin or olive oil.


Aqueous suspensions contain the active ingredient(s) in admixture with excipients suitable for the manufacture of aqueous suspensions. Such excipients include suspending agents such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, gum tragacanth and gum acacia, and dispersing or wetting agents such as naturally-occurring phosphatides (for example, lecithin), condensation products of an alkylene oxide with fatty acids such as polyoxyethylene stearate, condensation products of ethylene oxide with long chain aliphatic alcohols such as heptadecaethyleneoxycetanol, condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and a hexitol such as polyoxyethylene sorbitol mono-oleate, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides such as polyethylene sorbitan monooleate. Aqueous suspensions may also comprise one or more preservatives, for example ethyl or n-propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, one or more colouring agents, one or more flavouring agents, and one or more sweetening agents, such as sucrose or saccharin.


Oily suspensions may be formulated by suspending the active ingredients in a vegetable oil such as arachis oil, olive oil, sesame oil or coconut oil, or in a mineral oil such as liquid paraffin. The oily suspensions may contain a thickening agent such as beeswax, hard paraffin or cetyl alcohol. Sweetening agents such as those set forth above, and/or flavouring agents may be added to provide palatable oral preparations. Such suspensions may be preserved by the addition of an antioxidant such as ascorbic acid.


Dispersible powders and granules suitable for preparation of an aqueous suspension by the addition of water provide the active ingredient in admixture with a dispersing or wetting agent, suspending agent and one or more preservatives. Suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents are exemplified by those already mentioned above. Additional excipients, such as sweetening, flavouring and colouring agents, may also be present.


Pharmaceutical compositions may also be in the form of oil-in-water emulsions. The oily phase may be a vegetable oil such as olive oil or arachis oil, a mineral oil such as liquid paraffin, or a mixture thereof. Suitable emulsifying agents include naturally-occurring gums such as gum acacia or gum tragacanth, naturally-occurring phosphatides such as soy bean lecithin, and esters or partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol, anhydrides such as sorbitan monoleate, and condensation products of partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol with ethylene oxide such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan monoleate. An emulsion may also comprise one or more sweetening and/or flavouring agents.


Syrups and elixirs may be formulated with sweetening agents, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol or sucrose. Such formulations may also comprise one or more demulcents, preservatives, flavouring agents and/or colouring agents.


Compositions of the invention may be formulated for local or topical administration, such as for topical application to the skin. Formulations for topical administration typically comprise a topical vehicle combined with active agent(s), with or without additional optional components.


Suitable topical vehicles and additional components are well known in the art, and it will be apparent that the choice of a vehicle will depend on the particular physical form and mode of delivery. Topical vehicles include organic solvents such as alcohols (for example, ethanol, iso-propyl alcohol or glycerine), glycols such as butylene, isoprene or propylene glycol, aliphatic alcohols such as lanolin, mixtures of water and organic solvents and mixtures of organic solvents such as alcohol and glycerine, lipid-based materials such as fatty acids, acylglycerols including oils such as mineral oil, and fats of natural or synthetic origin, phosphoglycerides, sphingolipids and waxes, protein-based materials such as collagen and gelatine, silicone-based materials (both nonvolatile and volatile), and hydrocarbon-based materials such as microsponges and polymer matrices.


A composition may further include one or more components adapted to improve the stability or effectiveness of the applied formulation, such as stabilizing agents, suspending agents, emulsifying agents, viscosity adjusters, gelling agents, preservatives, antioxidants, skin penetration enhancers, moisturizers and sustained release materials. Examples of such components are described in Martindale—The Extra Pharmacopoeia (Pharmaceutical Press, London 1993) and Martin (ed.), Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences. Formulations may comprise microcapsules, such as hydroxymethylcellulose or gelatine-microcapsules, liposomes, albumin microspheres, microemulsions, nanoparticles or nanocapsules.


A topical formulation may be prepared in a variety of physical forms including, for example, solids, pastes, creams, foams, lotions, gels, powders, aqueous liquids, emulsions, sprays and skin patches. The physical appearance and viscosity of such forms can be governed by the presence and amount of emulsifier(s) and viscosity adjuster(s) present in the formulation. Solids are generally firm and non-pourable and commonly are formulated as bars or sticks, or in particulate form. Solids can be opaque or transparent, and optionally can contain solvents, emulsifiers, moisturizers, emollients, fragrances, dyes/colorants, preservatives and other active ingredients that increase or enhance the efficacy of the final product. Creams and lotions are often similar to one another, differing mainly in their viscosity. Both lotions and creams may be opaque, translucent or clear and often contain emulsifiers, solvents, and viscosity adjusting agents, as well as moisturizers, emollients, fragrances, dyes/colorants, preservatives and other active ingredients that increase or enhance the efficacy of the final product. Gels can be prepared with a range of viscosities, from thick or high viscosity to thin or low viscosity. These formulations, like those of lotions and creams, may also contain solvents, emulsifiers, moisturizers, emollients, fragrances, dyes/colorants, preservatives and other active ingredients that increase or enhance the efficacy of the final product. Liquids are thinner than creams, lotions, or gels, and often do not contain emulsifiers. Liquid topical products often contain solvents, emulsifiers, moisturizers, emollients, fragrances, dyes/colorants, preservatives and other active ingredients that increase or enhance the efficacy of the final product.


Emulsifiers for use in topical formulations include, but are not limited to, ionic emulsifiers, cetearyl alcohol, non-ionic emulsifiers like polyoxyethylene oleyl ether, PEG-40 stearate, ceteareth-12, ceteareth-20, ceteareth-30, ceteareth alcohol, PEG-100 stearate and glyceryl stearate. Suitable viscosity adjusting agents include, but are not limited to, protective colloids or nonionic gums such as hydroxyethylcellulose, xanthan gum, magnesium aluminum silicate, silica, microcrystalline wax, beeswax, paraffin, and cetyl palmitate. A gel composition may be formed by the addition of a gelling agent such as chitosan, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyquaterniums, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, carbomer or ammoniated glycyrrhizinate. Suitable surfactants include, but are not limited to, nonionic, amphoteric, ionic and anionic surfactants. For example, one or more of dimethicone copolyol, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, lauramide DEA, cocamide DEA, and cocamide MEA, oleyl betaine, cocamidopropyl phosphatidyl PG-diimonium chloride, and ammonium laureth sulfate may be used within topical formulations.


Preservatives include, but are not limited to, antimicrobials such as methylparaben, propylparaben, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, and formaldehyde, as well as physical stabilizers and antioxidants such as vitamin E, sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid and propyl gallate. Suitable moisturizers include, but are not limited to, lactic acid and other hydroxy acids and their salts, glycerine, propylene glycol, and butylene glycol. Suitable emollients include lanolin alcohol, lanolin, lanolin derivatives, cholesterol, petrolatum, isostearyl neopentanoate and mineral oils. Suitable fragrances and colours include, but are not limited to, FD&C Red No. 40 and FD&C Yellow No. 5. Other suitable additional ingredients that may be included in a topical formulation include, but are not limited to, abrasives, absorbents, anticaking agents, antifoaming agents, antistatic agents, astringents (such as witch hazel), alcohol and herbal extracts such as chamomile extract, binders/excipients, buffering agents, chelating agents, film forming agents, conditioning agents, propellants, opacifying agents, pH adjusters and protectants.


Typical modes of delivery for topical compositions include application using the fingers, application using a physical applicator such as a cloth, tissue, swab, stick or brush, spraying including mist, aerosol or foam spraying, dropper application, sprinkling, soaking, and rinsing. Controlled release vehicles can also be used, and compositions may be formulated for transdermal administration (for example, as a transdermal patch).


Pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated as sustained release formulations such as a capsule that creates a slow release of modulator following administration. Such formulations may generally be prepared using well-known technology and administered by, for example, oral, rectal or subcutaneous implantation, or by implantation at the desired target site. Carriers for use within such formulations are biocompatible, and may also be biodegradable. Preferably, the formulation provides a relatively constant level of modulator release. The amount of modulator contained within a sustained release formulation depends upon, for example, the site of implantation, the rate and expected duration of release and the nature of the disorder to be treated or prevented.


A pharmaceutical composition may be formulated as inhaled formulations, including sprays, mists, or aerosols. For example, for administration to the respiratory tract. This may be particularly preferred for treatment of a respiratory disease, a condition of the airway or lung involving fibrosis as described herein. The inhaled formulation may be for application to the upper (including the nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx) and lower respiratory tract (including trachea, bronchi and lungs). For inhalation formulations, the composition or combination provided herein may be delivered via any inhalation methods known to a person skilled in the art. Such inhalation methods and devices include, but are not limited to, metered dose inhalers with propellants such as HFA or propellants that are physiologically and environmentally acceptable. Other suitable devices are breath operated inhalers, multidose dry powder inhalers and aerosol nebulizers. Aerosol formulations for use in the subject method typically include propellants, surfactants and co-solvents and may be filled into conventional aerosol containers that are closed by a suitable metering valve. Different devices and excipients can be used depending on whether the application is to the upper (including the nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx) or lower respiratory tract (including trachea, bronchi and lungs) and can be determined by those skilled in the art. Further, processes for micronisation and nanoparticle formation for the preparation of compounds described herein for use in an inhaler, such as a dry powder inhaler, are also known by those skilled in the art.


Inhalant compositions may comprise liquid or powdered compositions containing the active ingredient that are suitable for nebulization and intrabronchial use, or aerosol compositions administered via an aerosol unit dispensing metered doses. Suitable liquid compositions comprise the active ingredient in an aqueous, pharmaceutically acceptable inhalant solvent such as isotonic saline or bacteriostatic water. The solutions are administered by means of a pump or squeeze-actuated nebulized spray dispenser, or by any other conventional means for causing or enabling the requisite dosage amount of the liquid composition to be inhaled into the patient's lungs. Suitable formulations, wherein the carrier is a liquid, for administration, as for example, a nasal spray or as nasal drops, include aqueous or oily solutions of the active ingredient. Examples of inhalation drug delivery devices are described in Ibrahim et al. Medical Devices: Evidence and Research 2015:8 131-139, are contemplated for use in the present invention.


In another aspect, there is provided a method of treating or preventing a respiratory disease in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, thereby treating or preventing a respiratory disease in a subject.


There is further provided a compound of formula (I) or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof for use in the treatment or prevention of a respiratory disease in a subject in need thereof.


Use of a compound of formula (I) or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a respiratory disease in a subject in need thereof is also described.


As used herein, ‘preventing’ or ‘prevention’ is intended to refer to at least the reduction of likelihood of the risk of (or susceptibility to) acquiring a disease or disorder (i.e., causing at least one of the clinical symptoms of the disease not to develop in a patient that may be exposed to or predisposed to the disease but does not yet experience or display symptoms of the disease). Biological and physiological parameters for identifying such patients are provided herein and are also well known by physicians.


The terms ‘treatment’ or ‘treating’ of a subject includes the application or administration of a compound of the invention to a subject (or application or administration of a compound of the invention to a cell or tissue from a subject) with the purpose of delaying, slowing, stabilizing, curing, healing, alleviating, relieving, altering, remedying, lessening, worsening, ameliorating, improving, or affecting the disease or condition, the symptom of the disease or condition, or the risk of (or susceptibility to) the disease or condition. The term ‘treating’ refers to any indication of success in the treatment or amelioration of an injury, pathology or condition, including any objective or subjective parameter such as abatement; remission; lessening of the rate of worsening; lessening severity of the disease; stabilization, diminishing of symptoms or making the injury, pathology or condition more tolerable to the subject; slowing in the rate of degeneration or decline; making the final point of degeneration less debilitating; or improving a subject's physical or mental well-being.


The term ‘antagonizing’ used herein is intended to mean ‘decreasing’ or ‘reducing’. A sufficient period of time can be during one week, or between 1 week to 1 month, or between 1 to 2 months, or 2 months or more. For chronic conditions, the compound of the present invention can be advantageously administered for life time period.


The term ‘respiratory’ refers to the process by which oxygen is taken into the body and carbon dioxide is discharged, through the bodily system including the nose, throat, larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs.


The term ‘respiratory disease’ or ‘respiratory condition’ refers to any one of several ailments that may involve inflammation and/or tissue remodelling affecting a component of the respiratory system including the upper (including the nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx) and lower respiratory tract (including trachea, bronchi and lungs). Such ailments include pulmonary fibrosis (interstitial lung diseases), rhino sinusitis, influenza, sarcoidosis, bronchial carcinoma (including but not limited to non-small cell and small cell carcinoma of the lung, and lung metastases from tumours of other organs), silicosis, pneumoconiosis, acute lung injury, ventilation-induced lung injury, congenital emphysema, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, bronchiectasis, atelectasis, nasal polyps, asbestosis, mesothelioma, pulmonary eosinophilia, diffuse pulmonary haemorrhage syndromes, bronchiolitis obliterans, alveolar proteinosis, collagen and vascular disorders affecting the lung, and cough. Preferably, the respiratory disease is an obstructive airway disease, such ailments include asthmatic conditions including hay fever, allergen-induced asthma, exercise-induced asthma, pollution-induced asthma, cold-induced asthma, stress-induced asthma and viral-induced-asthma, obesity-related asthma, occupational asthma, thunderstorm-induced asthma, asthma COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases including chronic bronchitis with normal airflow, chronic bronchitis with airway obstruction (chronic obstructive bronchitis), emphysema, asthmatic bronchitis, and bullous disease, and other pulmonary diseases involving inflammation including cystic fibrosis, pigeon fancier's disease, farmer's lung, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia of fungal, viral, bacterial, mixed or unknown aetiology, aspiration or inhalation injury, fat embolism in the lung, acidosis inflammation of the lung, acute pulmonary edema, acute mountain sickness, post-cardiac surgery, acute pulmonary hypertension, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, perinatal aspiration syndrome, hyaline membrane disease, acute pulmonary thromboembolism, heparin-protamine reactions, sepsis, status asthmaticus and hypoxia. The inflammation in the upper and lower respiratory tract may be associated with or caused by viral infection or an allergen. It is expected that the anti-inflammatory activity of the compounds either alone or when co-administered with a glucocorticoid would make them particularly suitable for treatment of these disease or conditions.


The respiratory disease or condition may be associated with or caused by an allergen, such as house dust mite. The respiratory disease or condition may be the result of an allergen-induced inflammation. The present invention finds particular application to allergic disease of the airway or lung and exacerbations of that disease, such as exacerbations resulting from viral infection (e.g. RSV infection).


A symptom of respiratory disease may include cough, excess sputum production, a sense of breathlessness or chest tightness with audible wheeze. Exercise capacity may be quite limited. In asthma the FEV1.0 (forced expiratory volume in one second) as a percentage of that predicted nomographically based on weight, height and age, may be decreased as may the peak expiratory flow rate in a forced expiration. In COPD the FEV1.0 as a ratio of the forced vital capacity (FVC) is typically reduced to less than 0.7. In IPF there is a progressive fall in FVC. The impact of each of these conditions may also be measured by days of lost work/school, disturbed sleep, requirement for bronchodilator drugs, requirement for glucocorticoids including oral glucocorticoids. Further measures of the impact of these conditions include validated health-related quality of life measurements. Medical imaging procedures including but not limited to X-ray, high resolution computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, ultra sound, optical coherence tomography and fluoroscopy may also be used to assess disease and therapeutic response.


The existence of, improvement in, treatment of or prevention of a respiratory disease may be by any clinically or biochemically relevant method of the subject or a biopsy therefrom. For example, a parameter measured may be the presence or degree of lung function, signs and symptoms of obstruction; exercise tolerance; night time awakenings; days lost to school or work; bronchodilator usage; ICS dose; oral GC usage; need for other medications; need for medical treatment; hospital admission.


As used herein, the term ‘asthma’ refers to a respiratory disorder characterized by episodic difficulty in breathing brought on by any one or a combination of three primary factors including: 1) bronchospasm (i.e., variable and reversible airway obstruction due to airway muscle contraction), 2) inflammation of the airway lining, and 3) bronchial hyper-responsiveness resulting in excessive mucous in the airways, which may be triggered by exposure to an allergen or combination of allergens (i.e., dust mites and mold), viral or bacterial infection (i.e., common cold virus), environmental pollutants (i.e., chemical fumes or smoke), physical exertion (i.e., during exercise), stress, or inhalation of cold air. The term ‘asthmatic condition,’ as used herein, refers to the characteristic of an individual to suffer from an attack of asthma upon exposure to any one or a number of asthma triggers for that individual. An individual may be characterized as suffering from, for example, allergen-induced asthma, exercise-induced asthma, pollution-induced asthma, viral-induced asthma, or cold-induced asthma.


The efficacy of a treatment for asthma may be measured by methods well-known in the art, for example, increase in pulmonary function (spirometry), decrease in asthma exacerbations, increase in morning peak expiratory flow rate, decrease in rescue medication use, decrease in daytime and night-time asthma symptoms, increase in asthma-free days, increase in time to asthma exacerbation, and increase in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1.0).


The terms ‘chronic obstructive pulmonary disease’ and ‘COPD’ as used interchangeably herein refers to a chronic disorder or combination of disorders characterized by reduced maximal expiratory flow and slow forced emptying of the lungs that does not change markedly over several months and is not, or is only minimally, reversible with traditional bronchodilators. Most commonly, COPD is a combination of chronic bronchitis, i.e. the presence of cough and sputum for more than three months for about two consecutive years, and emphysema, i.e. alveolar damage. However, COPD can involve chronic bronchitis with normal airflow, chronic bronchitis with airway obstruction (chronic obstructive bronchitis), emphysema, asthmatic bronchitis, and bullous disease, and combinations thereof. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a condition usually but not exclusively resulting from chronic lung damage induced by exposure to tobacco smoke. Other noxious airborne pollutants, such as indoor cooking exhaust and car exhaust may over the long-term cause or increase the risk of COPD, as does ageing.


The phrase ‘a condition of the airway or lung involving fibrosis’ or ‘a condition of the airway or lung having a fibrotic component’ includes any disease or condition where there is the formation or development of excess fibrous connective tissue (fibrosis) in the airway or lung thereby resulting in the development of scarred (fibrotic) tissue. This includes interstitial lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, lung fibrosis or Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). More precisely, pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic disease that causes swelling and scarring of the alveoli and interstitial tissues of the lungs. The scar tissue replaces healthy tissue and causes inflammation. This damage to the lung tissue causes stiffness of the lungs which subsequently makes breathing more and more difficult. Lung fibrosis may result from radiation injury or from exposure to therapeutic agents such as bleomycin.


‘Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)’ is a specific manifestation of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP), a type of interstitial lung disease. Interstitial lung disease, also known as diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD), refers to a group of lung diseases affecting the interstitium. Microscopically, lung tissue from IPF patients shows a characteristic set of histological features known as usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). UIP is therefore the pathologic presentation of IPF.


The existence of, improvement in, treatment of or prevention of a condition of the airway or lung involving fibrosis, particularly pulmonary fibrosis/lung fibrosis or Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may be by any clinically or biochemically relevant method of the subject or a biopsy therefrom. For example, the rate of decline in FVC or the appearance of high resolution computed tomographic images of the lung may be useful in diagnosing IPF. Further, a parameter measured may be the presence or degree of fibrosis, the content of collagen, fibronectin, or another extracellular matrix protein, the proliferation rate of the cells or any extracellular matrix components in the cells or transdifferentiation of the cells to myofibroblasts.


In one embodiment, the respiratory disease is selected from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung diseases (such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) and other conditions relating to tissue remodelling, primary or secondary lung tumour, hayfever, chronic and acute sinusitis, and chronic and acute viral, fungal and bacterial infections of the respiratory tract.


In one embodiment, the improvement in respiratory function may be selected from a decrease in the level of constriction of the lungs, a decrease in the elastic stiffness of the respiratory system, and/or an increase in the ease with which the respiratory system can be extended. Preferably, the improvement is selected from a decrease in the level of constriction of the lungs, and a decrease in the elastic stiffness of the respiratory system. In yet another aspect, there is provided a composition comprising a compound according to formula (I) or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.


The therapeutically effective amount of the formulation depends on the severity of the specific respiratory disease indication (e.g. severe chronic asthma), the patient's clinical history and response, and the discretion of the attending physician. The formulation may be administered to the patient at one time or over a series of treatments. An initial candidate dosage may be administered to a patient and the proper dosage and treatment regimen established by monitoring the progress of this patient using conventional techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, the therapeutically effective concentration of the active compound will be in the range 0.1 nM to 100 μM. More preferably the range will be 0.1-10 μM. However, it will be appreciated that delivery by inhalation can result in cells within the airway being exposed for short periods of time to concentrations exceeding those quoted above, for a period of time whilst the drug is being diluted in the airway surface fluid and also being absorbed from the airway and lung surfaces.


In one aspect, the method of treatment of the present invention further comprises administering a concomitant medication for the target disease indication. For example, concomitant asthma medications (for both chronic and acute) that may be used with the method of the present invention include but are not limited to: inhaled and oral steroids (e.g. beclomethasone, budesonide, flunisolide, fluticasone, triamcinolone, mometasone); systemic corticosteroids (e.g. methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, dexamethasone, and deflazacort); inhaled or oral β2-adrenoceptor agonists (e.g. salmeterol, formoterol, bitolterol, pirbuterol, vilanterol, terbutaline, bambuterol and albuterol); cromolyn and nedocromil; anti-allergic opthalmic medications (e.g. dexamethasone); agents that modulate the production and action of transforming growth factor-beta, including pirfenidone and nintedanib; methylxanthines and other phosphodiesterase inhibitors (e.g. theophylline and mepyramine-theophylline acetate, roflumilast); leukotriene modifying agents (e.g. zafirlukast, zileuton, montekulast and pranlukast); anticholinergics (e.g. ipatropium bromide); other therapeutic antibodies of any format (e.g. antibodies directed against interleukin 5, such as mepolizumab, or against IgE, such as omalizumab, those antibodies in monoclonal form, Fab, scFV, multivalent compositions, xenoantibodies etc.), natural or engineered antibody mimetics (e.g. anticalin) or natural, engineered or synthetic peptides; thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitors; thromboxane prostanoid receptor antagonists; other eicosanoid modifiers (e.g. alprostadil vs. PGE1, dinoprostone vs. PGE2, epoprostenol vs. prostacyclin and PGI2 analogues (e.g. PG12 beraprost), seratrodast, phosphodiesterase 4 isoenzyme inhibitors, thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitors (e.g. ozmagrel, dazmegrel or ozagrel); ditec (low dose disodium cromoglycate and fenoterol); platelet activating factor receptor antagonists; antihistamines or histamine antagonists: promethazine, chlorpheniramine, loratadine, cetirazine, azelastine; thromboxane A2 receptor antagonists; bradykinin receptor antagonists (e.g. icatibant); agents that inhibit activated eosinophils and T-cell recruitment (e.g. ketotifen), IL-13 blockers (e.g. soluble IL-13 receptor fragments), IL-4 blockers (e.g. soluble IL-4 receptor fragments); ligands that bind and block the activity of IL-13 or IL-4, and xanthine derivatives (e.g. pentoxifylline); chemokine receptor antagonists and antagonists of the CRTH2 receptor.


In certain embodiments, the method of treatment of the present invention includes the concomitant provision to the subject of inhibitory RNA molecules (RNA interference molecules), for the purpose of reducing, inhibiting or preventing the expression of genes which encode target proteins. For example, the inhibitory RNA molecules may be used for reducing or inhibiting the expression of one or more of: proteins associated with pathogens (viral, bacterial, fungal) or mammalian cells, including but not limited to casein kinase 1 isoforms and other components of the CLOCK regulatory network (eg ARNT1, period 1-3) and other proteins that contribute to the inflammatory response in the respiratory system such as interleukin-5 and the NALP inflammasome.


The skilled person will be familiar with various means for utilising inhibitory RNA molecules for the purpose of interfering with gene expression in the subject. For example, the inhibitory RNA molecules may be any one of: short interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA mimetic (miRNA), short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or long double stranded RNA (long dsRNA) molecules. The inhibitory RNA molecule may be administered directly to the subject requiring treatment (for example by inhalation, intratracheal, oral or nasal administration or by parenteral administration), or alternatively, be formed in the subject receiving treatment, following the administration of a polynucleotide (vector) construct which encodes a double stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecule which is capable of forming an inhibitory RNA molecule. The skilled person will also be familiar with various methods known in the art for formulating inhibitory RNA molecules for administration (for example, in liposomes, nanoparticles and the like). The invention also includes the administration of an inhibitor of casein kinase 1 and a medication for the target disease indication as described above where either or both are administered by inhalation or formulated for oral administration.


Although the invention finds application in humans, the invention is also useful for therapeutic veterinary purposes. The invention is useful for domestic or farm animals such as cattle, sheep, horses and poultry; for companion animals such as cats and dogs; and for zoo animals.


As used herein, a ‘subject’ refers to an animal, such as a mammalian or an avian species, including a human, an ape, a horse, a cow, a sheep, a goat, a dog, a cat, a guinea pig, a rat, a mouse, a chicken etc.


CK1δ homologues are ubiquitious in nature, including in protozoa such as malaria, and in funghi and bacteria. Therefore, it is envisioned that the compounds of this invention may be used in any application requiring inhibition of CK1δ homologues. Such uses may include administration of a compound of the invention to a subject suffering from a disease, condition and/or disorder associated with infection and/or infestation with protozoa, fungii and/or bacteria.


In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of inhibiting casein kinase 1δ (CK1δ), comprising contacting a cell with an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) as defined herein, or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof.


Surprisingly, the compounds of the present invention or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof may serve as a selective inhibitor of CK1δ. The compounds of the invention in any of their disclosed forms, may selectively inhibit CK1δ compared to one or more other kinases, such as ERBB4/HER4, MINK/MINK1 and the like. In some embodiments, the compounds of the invention may be selective for CK1δ over at least one kinase by at least about 1, 5, 10 or 100-fold.


In another aspect the present invention provides a kit or article of manufacture including a compound of formula (I) or pharmaceutical compositions including a compound of formula (I) as described herein.


In other embodiments there is provided a kit for use in a therapeutic or prophylactic application mentioned herein, the kit including: a container holding a compound of formula (I) or pharmaceutical composition including a compound of formula (I); and a label or package insert with instructions for use.


The kit or ‘article of manufacture’ may comprise a container and a label or package insert on or associated with the container. Suitable containers include, for example, bottles, vials, syringes, blister pack(s), etc. The containers may be formed from a variety of materials such as glass or plastic. The container holds a compound of formula (I), or composition which is effective for treating the condition and may have a sterile access port (for example the container may be an intravenous solution bag or a vial having a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle). The label or package insert indicates that the composition is used for treating a disorder. In one embodiment, the label or package insert includes instructions for use and indicates that the therapeutic or prophylactic composition can be used to treat a disorder described herein.


The kit may comprise (a) a therapeutic or prophylactic composition; and (b) a second container with a second active principle or ingredient contained therein. The kit in this embodiment of the invention may further comprise a package insert indicating the composition and other active principle can be used to treat a disorder or prevent a complication stemming from a disorder described herein. Alternatively, or additionally, the kit may further comprise a second (or third) container comprising a pharmaceutically-acceptable buffer, such as bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI), phosphate-buffered saline, Ringer's solution and dextrose solution. It may further include other materials desirable from a commercial and user standpoint, including other buffers, diluents, filters, needles, and syringes.


In certain embodiments the therapeutic composition may be provided in the form of a device, disposable or reusable, including a receptacle for holding the compound of formula (I) or therapeutic or prophylactic pharmaceutical composition including a compound of formula (I). In one embodiment, the device is a syringe. The therapeutic or prophylactic composition may be provided in the device in a state that is ready for use or in a state requiring mixing or addition of further components.


EXAMPLES

In Vitro Assays


Kinase Inhibition Assay


The assay used was the HotSpot assay (Reaction Biology Corp).


Compounds were tested in 10-dose IC50 mode with a 3-fold serial dilution starting at 10 μM. Control Compound, D4476, was tested in 10-dose IC50 mode with 4-fold serial dilution starting at 20 μM. Reactions were carried out at 10 μM ATP.


Reagents


Base Reaction buffer; 20 mM Hepes (pH 7.5), 10 mM MgCl2, 1 mM EGTA, 0.02% Brij35, 0.02 mg/mL BSA, 0.1 mM Na3VO4, 2 mM DTT, 1% DMSO.


*Required cofactors are added individually to each kinase reaction


Reaction Procedure

    • 1. The peptide substrate was freshly prepared in Base Reaction Buffer
    • 2. Any required cofactors were delivered to the substrate solution above
    • 3. The human recombinant Casein kinase 18 was delivered into the substrate solution and gently mixed
    • 4. The compounds in DMSO were delivered into the kinase reaction mixture by Acoustic technology (Echo550; nanoliter range), and incubated for 20 minutes at room temperature
    • 5. 33P-ATP (specific activity 10 mCi/mL) together with ATP (10 μM) was delivered into the reaction mixture to initiate the reaction.
    • 6. The kinase reaction was incubated for 2 hours at room temperature
    • 7. The reaction mixtures were spotted onto P81 ion exchange paper
    • 8. The kinase activity was detected by measuring 33P-ATP-labelled product peptide using a filter-binding method.


      The results of the assay (conducted on casein kinase 18) are given below in Table 2 (PIC50) and Table 3 (IC50).









TABLE 2







Inhibitory activity of a number of


compounds of the present invention










Compound
pIC50














ZH3-114
8.93



ZH3-118
8.67



ZH3-122
8.38



ZH3-126
9.19



ZH2-114
8.44



ZH2-118
8.02



ZH2-122
8.29



ZH2-146
8.31



ZH2-38
8.74



ZH2-46
8.30



ZH2-54
8.76



ZH2-58
7.71



ZH2-78
8.33



ZH3-50
8.87



ZH3-62
8.88



ZH3-70
9.00



ZH3-86
8.12



ZH3-134
8.94



ZH3-58
8.08



ZH3-130
8.21



ZH3-138
8.03



ZH3-78
7.23



D4476
6.67

















TABLE 3







IC50 for various compounds for


CK1δ, ERBB4/HER4 and MINK/MINK1









Compound IC50 (M)










Compound ID
CK1δ
ERBB4/HER4
MINK/MINK1





ZH3-114
1.17 × 10−9
3.00 × 10−6
9.44 × 10−8


ZH3-118
2.13 × 10−9
5.13 × 10−7
1.97 × 10−7


ZH3-122
4.16 × 10−9
4.42 × 10−6
1.83 × 10−8


ZH3-126

6.38 × 10−10

9.52 × 10−6
1.99 × 10−7


ZH2-114
3.67 × 10−9
{circumflex over ( )}
3.33 × 10−8


ZH2-118
9.60 × 10−9
3.66 × 10−6
4.21 × 10−8


ZH2-122
5.07 × 10−9
{circumflex over ( )}
1.95 × 10−8


ZH2-146
4.93 × 10−9
{circumflex over ( )}
1.10 × 10−7


ZH2-38
1.82 × 10−9
3.12 × 10−6
4.16 × 10−8


ZH2-46
4.99 × 10−9
9.01 × 10−6
6.69 × 10−8


ZH2-54
1.73 × 10−9
{circumflex over ( )}
1.70 × 10−7


ZH2-58
1.95 × 10−8
>1.00 × 10−5
2.36 × 10−7


ZH2-78
4.70 × 10−9
7.50 × 10−7
2.26 × 10−8


ZH3-50
1.36 × 10−9
4.41 × 10−6
1.73 × 10−8


ZH3-62
1.31 × 10−9
>1.00 × 10−5
7.53 × 10−9


ZH3-70
1.00 × 10−9
{circumflex over ( )}
2.16 × 10−8


ZH3-86
7.59 × 10−9
1.48 × 10−6
1.06 × 10−8


ZH3-134
1.15 × 10−9
{circumflex over ( )}
3.77 × 10−8


ZH3-58
8.33 × 10−9
1.39 × 10−6
2.17 × 10−7


ZH3-130
6.13 × 10−9
1.42 × 10−6
8.90 × 10−7


ZH3-138
9.32 × 10−9
9.98 × 10−6
1.15 × 10−6


ZH3-78
5.93 × 10−8
8.35 × 10−6
8.09 × 10−7





Notes:


{circumflex over ( )} no inhibition or compound activity could not be fit to an IC50 curve






Human Parenchymal Fibroblast Cell Assay


Primary human parenchymal fibroblast cells (pFbs) were cultured from parenchyma of lung resection specimens and from non-transplanted lungs of donors without chronic respiratory disease. pFbs were passaged in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Media (DMEM) containing 10% (v/v) heat-inactivated fetal calf serum (FCS), 15 mM HEPES, 0.2% (v/v) sodium bicarbonate, 2 mM L-glutamine, 1% (v/v) non-essential amino acids, 1% (v/v) sodium pyruvate, 2.5 μg/mL amphotericin, 5 IU/mL penicillin and 50 μg/mL streptomycin. In some experiments the human lung fibroblast cell line, MRC5 (sourced from ATTC) was used as indicated. The MRC5 line was maintained under the same conditions as described for the pFb.


Prior to experimentation, pFb were incubated in serum-free DMEM containing 0.25% bovine serum albumin (BSA) and insulin-transferrin-selenium-containing supplement (Monomed A; CSL, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia). The cells were incubated with small molecular CK1δ inhibitors (0.1-10 μM) for 30 min prior to 100 μM TGF-β1 (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, Minn.) and the incubation continued for 16-24 hours prior to harvest of supernatant for detection of immunoreactive IL-11. Stock solutions were made as 10 mM in 100% DMSO and diluted to the required concentration in medium containing 0.1% DMSO (final concentration).


Supernatants were collected for measurement of IL-11 (R&D DuoSet, DY218) by ELISA following the manufacturers' instructions. Generally, capture antibodies were initially diluted to the recommended concentrations using PBS buffer, and then used to coat the wells of 96-well microplates (Greiner, #655061) by adding 50 μL/well and incubated overnight at room temperature. Next day, solutions were discarded and wells were washed 3 times with wash buffer (PBS containing 0.1% (v/v) Tween-20) prior to the addition of 200 μL of blocking solution (PBS containing 1% (v/v) BSA) for 1 hour to block non-specific sites. Plates were then washed 3 times with wash buffer and 50 μL of samples or standards were then added to wells and incubated for 2 hours at room temperature. After the incubation, plates were washed 3 times with wash buffer and 50 μL of detection antibodies were added to wells and incubated for 2 hours at room temperature. Plates were then washed 3 times before adding streptavidin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase (at the recommended concentrations) for 45 min. Plates were then washed 5 times with wash buffer and 100 μL TMB substrate solution (equal parts A and B, BD Biosciences) was added to each well until sufficient signals emerged. The reactions were inactivated by adding 100 μL sulphuric acid (2M H2SO4). The absorbance was measured at 450 nm using the Multiskan Ascent® plate reader. The absorbance of the cytokine standards was fitted to a logistic equation, allowing the concentrations of cytokine in samples to be determined.



PIC50 values (the negative log of the concentration suppressing IL-11 level by 50%) for inhibition of TGF-β-induced IL-11 were interpolated from the linear regression of log concentration small molecule versus IL-11 level (Table 4 and FIG. 2).









TABLE 4







IL-11 suppression activity of a number


of compounds of the present invention











pIC50 IL-11



Compound
suppression














ZH3-114
4.98



ZH3-118
5.08



ZH3-122
6.75



ZH3-126
5.73



ZH2-114
4.00*



ZH2-118
5.84



ZH2-122
5.61



ZH2-146
4.94



ZH2-38
4.00*



ZH2-46
4.00*



ZH2-54
5.36



ZH2-58
4.53



ZH2-78
6.53



ZH3-50
6.38



ZH3-62
6.00



ZH3-70
4.00*



ZH3-86
6.47



ZH3-134
4.00*



ZH3-58
6.26



ZH3-130
6.08



ZH3-138
4.70



ZH3-78
5.07







*a value of 4.00 is assigned to the pIC50 of compounds that failed to cause 50% or more inhibition at 10 mM.






Cellular Assays (MRC5 and A549) Assessing TGF-β-Elicited IL-11 Levels Following Exposure to ZH3-138, ZH3-126 and PF670462


A further set of experiments to ascertain the potency of ZH3-138 compared with PF670462 in regulating TGF-β-elicited IL-11 levels was conducted in MRC5 cells. Data are presented in FIG. 5A as the means and SEM of 3 replicates.


A549 cells were treated with various concentrations of PF670462 or ZH3-138 30 min prior to TGF-b (40 μM) for 24 h. Supernatant was collected for the determination of IL-11 or PAI-1 by ELISA. Data are presented in FIG. 5B as mean±SEM of three replicates. A similar experiment assessing the ability of ZH3-126 to effect IL-11 levels following administration was also carried out. Data from this experiment are presented in FIG. 6 as mean±SEM of three replicates.


These examples demonstrate that inhibition of CK1δ by the compounds of the invention is able to lower the levels of inflammatory biomarkers.


Cellular Assay (A549 Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells) Assessing Effect of ZH3-138, ZH3-126 and PF670462 Against IL1α-Mediated Cytokine Production


In addition, compounds of the invention (eg ZH3-138 and ZH3-126) demonstrate the ability to reduce supernatant concentrations of other inflammatory biomarkers (such as interleukin-1α (IL1α)-mediated cytokine production) in a dose dependant manner. The anti-inflammatory potential of selected compounds was examined by establishing the effects on interleukin-1α (IL1α)-mediated cytokine production by the lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549. Serum starved A549 cells were treated with various concentrations of the relevant CK1δ inhibitor (PF670462, ZH3-126 and ZH3-138) 30 min prior to IL-1α (1 ng/ml) for 24 h. Supernatant was collected and concentration of IL-6, IL-8 and GM-CSF was detected by ELISA. Data are presented as mean±SEM across three replicates in FIG. 7 (A: IL-6; B: IL-8 and C: GM-CSF).


Human Microsomal Stability of Compounds of the Invention


In Vitro Metabolic Stability

Incubation: The metabolic stability assay was performed by incubating each test compound in human liver microsomes at 37° C. and a protein concentration of 0.4 mg/mL. The metabolic reaction was initiated by the addition of an NADPH-regenerating system and quenched at various time points over a 60 minute incubation period by the addition of acetonitrile containing diazepam as internal standard. Control samples (containing no NADPH) were included (and quenched at 2, 30 and 60 minutes) to monitor for potential degradation in the absence of cofactor. The human liver microsomes used in this experiment were supplied by XenoTech, lot #1410230. Microsomal incubations were performed at a substrate concentration of 1 μM.


Data analysis: Species scaling factors from Ring et al. (2011) JPharmSci, 100:4090-4110 were used to convert the in vitro CLint (μL/min/mg) to an in vivo CLint(mL/min/kg). Hepatic blood clearance and the corresponding hepatic extraction ratio (EH) were calculated using the well stirred model of hepatic extraction in each species, according to the “in vitro T1/2” approach described in Obach (1999) DrugMetab. Dispos. 27:1350-1359. The EH was then used to classify compounds as low(<0.3), intermediate (0.3-0.7), high (0.7-0.95) or very high (>0.95) extraction compounds. Predicted in vivo clearance values have not been corrected for microsomal or plasma protein binding. Species scaling calculations are based on two assumptions:


1) NADPH-dependent oxidative metabolism predominates over other metabolic routes (i.e. direct conjugative metabolism, reduction, hydrolysis, etc.), and;


2) rates of metabolism and enzyme activities in vitro are truly reflective of those that exist in vivo. If significant non-NADPH-mediated degradation is observed in microsome control samples, then assumption (1) is invalid and predicted clearance parameters are therefore not reported.









TABLE 5







Metabolic evaluation of compounds of the invention


















CLint, in vitro
Predicted
Predicted





Compound
Microsome
T1/2
(μL/min/mg
CLint, in vivo
CLblood
Predicted
Clearance


ID
species
(min)
protein)
(mL/min/kg)
(mL/min/kg)
EH
classification
Notes


















PF670462
Mouse
4
428
1105
108
0.90
High
{circumflex over ( )}


PF670462
Human
9
192
158
18
0.88
High
{circumflex over ( )}


ZH3-126
Human
242
7
6
5
0.22
Low


ZH3-138
Human
>255
<7
<6
<5
<0.22
Low
#





Notes:


# This compound showed minimal degradation (<15%) over the course of the incubation in human microsomes; {circumflex over ( )} obtained by incubation at a concentration of 1 μM in human or mouse liver microsomes.






Pharmacokinetics: PF670462 and a Compound of the Invention


PF670462 (2HCl.0.4 mol. eq. isopropanol) and ZH3-138 (unionised) were administered to male C57BL/6 mice by IV (3 mg/kg) or orally (10 mg/kg). IV administration was achieved by bolus injection into the tail vein of mice using 1 mL syringe with 25G×1″ needle at a volume of 3 mL/kg. Oral administration was achieved by gavage needle at a volume of 3 mL/kg.


Blood was collected from mice at 15 min and 1 h post-dose of each compound for the purposes of determining the whole blood-to-plasma (B/P) ratio. The apparent whole blood-to-plasma ratio (B/P) in mouse blood was 1.0 for PF670462 and 0.91 for ZH3-138, suggesting that all compounds distributed effectively into red blood cells. No adverse reactions or compound-related side effects observed in any mice during the 24 h sampling period after dosing any of the compounds. Plasma samples were also taken from 2 mice that were not administered test compound for use as analytical tool.


The experimental protocol is summarised in the following Table 6









TABLE 6





Summary of experimental protocol for pharmacokinetic study

















STUDY DESIGN
Species
Male C57BL/6 mice



Dose Route
IV and Oral



Target Dose
IV: 3 mg/kg | Oral: 10 mg/kg



Dosing Details
IV: Bolus IV Injection into the tail vein using 1 mL syringe with 25G x 1″




needle at a volume of 3 mL/kg




Oral: Via gavage needle at a volume of 3 mL/kg



Post-dose plasma
IV: 1, 2, 5, 15, and 30 min; 1, 2, 4, 7.5, and 24 h



collectionb
Oral: 15 and 30 min; 1, 2, 4, 7.5, and 24 h


FORMULATION
Vehicle
5% (v/v) DMSO in an aqueous solution containing 10% (w/v) Captisol




(pH modified with 1M hydrochloric acid to solubilize ZH3-134 and ZH3-138)












Appearance
IV: Clear solution
IV: Clear solution
IV: Clear solution




(pH 3.0)
(pH 3.1)
(pH 2.8)




Oral: Clear solution
Oral: Clear solution
Oral: Clear solution




(pH 2.6)
(pH 2.5)
(pH 3.0)










Concentration
IV: 1.00 mg/mL | Oral: 3.33 mg/mL










Concentration of PF670462 was only measurable up to 4 h post-dose and the apparent half-life was short (approximately 0.5 h), which is consistent with literature precedent (Neuropsychopharmacology 2012; 37: 2121-2131 and CPT Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology 2013; 2: e57). The apparent blood volume of distribution and the blood clearance values were moderate for PF670462.


The concentration-time profile for ZH3-138 was distinctly different to PF670462 (FIG. 4). Plasma concentrations remained above the analytical lower limit of quantitation (LLQ) for the duration of the 24 h sampling period, and the apparent half-life was approximately 3 h. In addition the concentration-time profile exhibited an apparent secondary peak at 2 h post-dose; this may be indicative of enterohepatic recirculation where compound is excreted in bile (either unchanged, or as a conjugated metabolite) and then reabsorbed into the systemic circulation from the gastrointestinal tract. The apparent blood volume of distribution was moderate and the apparent blood clearance was low for ZH3-138. Given the possibility contribution of enterohepatic recirculation to plasma exposure, calculated PK parameters for ZH3-138 should be viewed as apparent values only. Furthermore, it should be noted that while secondary peaks were not observed for PF670462, this does not preclude potential susceptibility of those compounds to biliary excretion.


These apparent blood clearance values are consistent with their relative metabolic stability in mouse liver microsomes, where the in vivo predicted hepatic extraction ratios were 0.90 for PF670462 (0.88 for PF670462 in human microsomes and <0.22 for ZH3-138 in human microsomes (see Table 5 above)).


Formulation Preparation and Analysis


Intravenous (IV) and oral formulations were prepared using the same method. On the day of dosing, each of the solid compound was dissolved in DMSO to which an aqueous solution containing 10% Captisol was added. Hydrochloric acid (1 M) was used to modify pH for the formulation of ZH3-138 with the purpose of solubilising the compound (see Section B for the final pH of each formulation). The formulations of each compound were thoroughly vortexed, producing colourless solutions for all three compounds.


The IV formulation was filtered through a 0.22 μm syringe filter prior to IV dosing. The average measured concentration of compound in aliquots (n=2) of the filtered solution was 0.806 mg/mL for PF670462 and 0.908 mg/mL for ZH3-138. For the oral formulation, the average measured concentration of compound in aliquots (n=3) of the bulk formulation was 3.38 mg/mL (range 3.34-3.45 mg/mL) for PF670462, and 3.00 mg/mL (range 2.59-3.28 mg/mL) for ZH3-138.


Mouse Pharmacokinetics


All animal studies were conducted using established procedures in accordance with the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, and the study protocols were reviewed and approved by the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Animal Ethics Committee.


The systemic exposure of PF670462 and ZH3-138 was studied in non-fasted male C57BL/6 mice weighing 19.8-26.8 g. Mice had access to food and water ad libitum throughout the pre- and post-dose sampling period.


Compounds were dosed to mice by bolus injection into the lateral tail vein (3 mL/kg) for IV administration and by gavage (3 mL/kg) for oral administration. Following IV and oral administration, blood samples were collected up to 24 h (n=3 mice per time point) with a maximum of three samples from each mouse. Samples were collected via submandibular bleed (approximately 120 μL; conscious sampling). No urine samples were collected as mice were housed in bedded cages.


Blood was collected into polypropylene Eppendorf tubes containing heparin as anticoagulant and stabilisation cocktail (containing Complete® (a protease inhibitor cocktail) and potassium fluoride) to minimise the potential for ex vivo compound degradation in blood/plasma samples.


Once collected, blood samples were centrifuged immediately, supernatant plasma was removed, and stored at −80° C. until analysis by LC-MS.


Plasma samples were quantified against calibration standards prepared by spiking blank mouse plasma (50 μL) with solution standards (10 μL) obtained by diluting a stock solution of test compound (1 mg/mL in DMSO) with 50% acetonitrile in water. Diazepam (10 μL of 5 μg/mL in 50% acetonitrile/water) was added to all plasma calibration standards and samples as an internal standard (IS). The extraction of the test compound and IS from plasma was conducted using protein precipitation with acetonitrile. Protein precipitation was carried out by the addition of acetonitrile followed by vortexing and centrifugation (10,000 rpm) for 3 minutes to obtain supernatant for analysis using the LC-MS conditions described in Table 7.









TABLE 7





Summary of bioanalytical method
















Instrument
Waters Xevo TQS Micro coupled



to a Waters Acquity UPLC


Detection
Positive electrospray ionisation



multiple-reaction monitoring mode


Column
Supelco Ascentis Express RP Amide



column (50 × 2.1 mm, 2.7 μm)


LC conditions
Gradient cycle time: 4 min; Injection



vol: 3 μL; Flow rate: 0.4 mL/min


Mobile phase
Acetonitrile-water gradient



with 0.05% formic acid


Extraction
Protein precipitation using



acetonitrile (2-fold volume ratio)















TR
Transition
Cone
CID


Analyte
(min)
(m/z)
Voltage
(V)





PF670462
1.63
338.31 > 256.16
40
20


Diazepam
2.32
285.16 > 154.08
40
25


(internal


standard


for PF670462)


ZH3-138
1.96
374.29 > 256.17
40
30


Diazepam
2.67
285.16 > 154.08
40
25


(internal


standard


for ZH3-138)









Analysis of B/P partitioning samples was conducted similarly and quantified against calibration standards samples prepared using a 1:1 v/v mixture of blank mouse blood and plasma. The matrix matched B/P partitioning samples and standards were processed using protein precipitation with acetonitrile as described above.


Formulation aliquots were analysed against standard samples prepared in 50% acetonitrile/water. Formulation aliquots (50 or 100 μL) were dissolved in DMSO (1 mL final volume) and diluted using 50% acetonitrile/water to be within the calibration range.


The accuracy and precision of the assays were within the CDCO's acceptance criteria as summarised in Table 8.









TABLE 8







Replicate analysis and calibration










QC Data
Calibration Data
















QC
Accuracy
Precision
Range

LLQ a


Compound
Matrix{circumflex over ( )}
(ng/mL
(% bias)*
(% RSD)
(ng/mL)
R2
(ng/mL)


















PF670462
Plasma
50
(n = 7)
1.6
3.2
 1-10,000
0.9997
1.0




500
(n = 7)
−1.2
6.0



1:1 (v/v)
100
(n = 3)
0.5
3.4
2-1,000
0.9996
2.0



blood:plasma
1000
(n = 3)
1.6
2.7



Solvent
500
(n = 3)
2.5
0.5
2.5-2,500  
0.9997
2.5


ZH3-138
Plasma
50
(n = 6)
12.4
4.7
 1-10,000
0.9998
1.0




500
(n = 6)
9.3
3.7



1:1 (v/v)
100
(n = 3)
1.8
0.7
1-2,000
1.0000
2.0



blood:plasma
1000
(n = 3)
−3.1
3.0



Solvent
500
(n = 3)
−1.6
1.5
2.5-5,000  
0.9998
2.5









In Vivo Determination of Whole Blood-to-Plasma Ration


Blood was collected via cardiac puncture (whilst under gaseous isoflurane anaesthesia) into tubes containing heparin and stabilisation cocktail. The haematocrit was determined via centrifugation (13000×g for 4 min using a Clemets® Microhematocrit centrifuge and Safecap® Plain Self-sealing Mylar Wrapped capillary tubes), and values ranged from 38% to 40% for PF670462 and 38% to 44% for ZH3-138.


Aliquots of blood (4×25 μL) were collected and matrix matched with equivalent volumes of blank plasma. The remainder of the blood samples were centrifuged and 4×25 μL plasma aliquots from each mouse were collected and matrix matched with equivalent volumes of blank blood. Samples were frozen on dry ice and stored at −80° C. until analysis by LC-MS.


The B/P ratio was obtained by dividing the average measured concentration in blood by the average concentration measured in plasma following centrifugation of whole blood.









TABLE 9







Plasma concentrations of PF670462 in male C57BL/6


mice following IV administration at 2.42 mg/kg









Plasma Concentration (μM)











Time (h)
Mouse ID
Individual
Mean
SD














0.017
7A
18.4 
15.5
4.1



8A
10.9 



9A
17.3 


0.033
10A 
8.83
8.14
0.63



11A 
8.03



12A 
7.57


0.083
1A
5.58
6.09
0.57



2A
5.99



3A
6.70


0.25
1A
2.38
2.48
0.23



2A
2.32



3A
2.75


0.5
4A
 0.900
0.851
0.26



5A
 0.566



6A
1.09


1.0
4A
 0.193
0.190
0.024



5A
 0.165



6A
 0.212


2.0
7A
 0.0263
0.253
0.0043



8A
 0.0207



9A
 0.0290


4.0
10A 
  0.00222 a
0.00209
0.0069



11A 
  0.00134 a



12A 
  0.00270 a


7.5
7A
ND





8A
ND



9A
ND


24
10A 
ND





11A 
ND



12A 
ND






a Included in the PK data analysis as the value is only marginally below the LLQ.



ND Not detected













TABLE 10







Plasma concentrations of PF670462 in male C57BL/6


mice following oral administration at 10.1 mg/kg










Plasma Concentration (μM)












Time (h)
Mouse ID
Individual
Mean
SD














0.25
13A
1.45
1.25
0.33



14A
0.873



15A
1.44


0.50
16A
1.95
0.941
0.886



17A
0.508



18A
0.366


1.0
19A
0.260
0.292
0.042



20A
0.340



21A
0.277


2.0
13A
0.140
0.103
0.038



14A
0.0641



15A
0.104


4.0
16A
0.0318
0.0165
0.013



17A
0.0106



18A
0.00703


7.5
19A
ND





20A
ND



21A
ND


24
16A
ND





17A
ND



18A
ND





ND Not detected













TABLE 11







Plasma concentrations of ZH3-138 in male C57BL/6


mice following IV administration at 2.69 mg/kg










Plasma Concentration (μM)












Time (h)
Mouse ID
Individual
Mean
SD














0.017
1
11.1
10.8
0.84



2
11.4



3
9.81


0.033
4
7.86
7.84
1.53



5
6.30



6
9.37


0.083a
1
5.29
5.73
0.38



2
5.94



3
5.95


0.25
1
5.04
4.65
0.42



2
4.68



3
4.21


0.5
4
4.01
4.14
0.14



5
4.12



6
4.28


1.0
4
2.93
3.12
0.51



5
2.73



6
3.70


2.0
7
4.42
4.55
0.63



8
5.24



9
4.00


4.0
10
3.74
3.63
0.11



11
3.53



12
3.63


7.5
7
1.84
1.72
0.16



8
1.77



9
1.54


24
10
0.0237
0.0245
0.0039



11
0.0287



12
0.0211






aThe actual sampling time was 0.10 h.














TABLE 12







Plasma concentrations of ZH3-138 in male C57BL/6


mice following oral administration at 8.96 mg/kg










Plasma Concentration (μM)












Time (h)
Mouse ID
Individual
Mean
SD














0.25
13
12.1
11.9
2.9



14
14.7



15
8.96


0.50
16
13.7
15.8
5.9



17
11.3



18
22.5


1.0
19
13.9
14.8
1.2



20
16.2



21
14.4


2.0
13
13.8
16.3
2.2



14
17.4



15
17.7


4.0
16
11.0
12.1
2.6



17
10.2



18
15.1


7.5
19
6.59
7.09
1.4



20
5.97



21
8.71


24
16
0.0513
0.0557
0.018



17
0.0400



18
0.0758









Synthesis


General


Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra (1H NMR, 400, 600 MHz) and proton decoupled carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectra (13C NMR, 100, 150 MHz) were obtained in deuterated solvents, with residual protonated solvent as internal standard. Chemical shifts are followed by multiplicity, coupling constant(s) (J, Hz), integration and assignments where possible. Flash chromatography was carried out according to the procedure of Still et al. using an automated system.1 Analytical thin layer chromatography (t.l.c.) was conducted on aluminium-backed 2 mm thick silica gel 60 GF254 and chromatograms were visualized under an ultraviolet lamp. High resolution mass spectra (HRMS) were obtained by ionizing samples using electrospray ionization (ESI) and a time of flight mass analyzer. Dry THF and CH2Cl2 were obtained by the method of Pangborn et al.2 Pet. spirits refers to petroleum ether, boiling range 40-60° C. All other commercially available reagents were used as received.

  • 1 W. C. Still, M. Kahn and A. M. Mitra, J. Org. Chem., 1978, 43, 2923.
  • 2 A. B. Pangborn, M. A. Giardello, R. H. Grubbs, R. K. Rosen and F. J. Timmers, Organometallics, 1996, 15, 1518.




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2-(Methylsulfanyl)pyrimidine-4-carbaldehyde (1)

Aqueous 4 M HCl (13 mL) was added to a solution of 4-dimethoxymethyl-2-methylsulfanyl-pyrimidine (4.10 g, 20.5 mmol). The resulting mixture was heated at 50° C. for 18 h. 1H NMR analysis indicated conversion to the carbaldehyde so the mixture was cooled to r.t. The reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc and neutralized with K2CO3 solution. The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated. The crude material was used in the next step without purification (2.74 g, 87%). 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz) δ 2.64 (3H, s), 7.44 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz), 8.77 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz), 9.96 (1H, s).


N-Ethyl-1-(2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl)methanimine (2)

A solution of 2.0 M ethylamine in THF (1.37 mL, 2.74 mmol) and 20% aqueous K2CO3 (0.230 g, 1.64 mmol) were added to a solution of the crude aldehyde (0.21 g, 1.37 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (5 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at r.t. overnight. 1H NMR analysis indicated complete consumption of the aldehyde. The reaction mixture containing the imine was used directly in the next step without isolation.


4-(1-Ethyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidine (3)

A mixture of α-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-4-fluorobenzylisonitrile (0.474 g, 1.64 mmol), 2 (0.248 g, 1.37 mmol) and aq. K2CO3 20% w/v (1.13 mL, 1.64 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (5 ml) was stirred at r.t. for 5 d. The reaction mixture was diluted with CH2Cl2, and washed with water, dried (MgSO4), filtered and concentrated. Flash chromatography of the residue (EtOAc/pet. spirits 20% to 80%) afforded a light orange oil (0.340 g, 79%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.33 (3H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 2.53 (3H, s,), 4.32 (2H, q, J=7.2 Hz), 6.75 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz), 6.97 (2H, t, J=8.6 Hz), 7.40 (2H, dd, J=5.8, 7.9 Hz), 7.63 (1H, s), 8.27 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 14.1, 16.7, 42.0, 115.4, 115.6, 116.2, 130.2 (d, JC-F=8.1 Hz), 130.4 (d, JC-F=3.1 Hz), 139.3, 143.8, 156.9, 157.7, 162.5 (d, JC-F=247 Hz), 172.8; HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C16H16FN4S [M+H]+ 315.1080. Found 315.1075.


4-(1-Ethyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-2-(methylsulfonyl)pyrimidine (4)

mCPBA (57-86%) (0.559 g, 3.24 mmol) was added portionwise to a mixture of sulfide (0.340 g, 1.08 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (10 mL) and the mixture was stirred at r.t. overnight. TLC indicated conversion to a more polar compound. The mixture was quenched with aq. Na2CO3 10% w/v, water, brine, dried (MgSO4), and concentrated in vacuum to give the sulfone as a pale yellow oil (0.294 g, 79%). 1H-NMR (500 MHz; CDCl3): δ 0.97 (3H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 2.88 (3H, s), 3.99 (2H, q, J=7.2 Hz), 6.59 (2H, t, J=8.7 Hz), 6.81 (1H, d, J=5.4 Hz), 6.96 (3H, m), 8.10 (1H, d, J=5.4 Hz); 13C-NMR (126 MHz; CDCl3): δ 16.7, 39.1, 42.9, 115.9, 116.1, 122.1, 122.9, 130.1 (d, JC-F=3.4 Hz), 130.5 (d, JC-F=8.2 Hz), 140.9, 146.4, 157.4, 159.1, 162.9 (d, JC-F=248 Hz), 166.0; HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C16H16FN4O2S [M+H]+ 347.0978. Found 347.0970.


N-Cyclobutyl-4-(1-ethyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (5; ZH3-122)

Cyclobutylamine (61.0 μL, 0.854 mmol) was added to a mixture of 4 (37.0 mg, 0.107 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 4 d. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 70%) to give a pale orange solid (31.6 mg, 88%). 1H-NMR (500 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.38 (3H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 1.71-1.82 (2H, m), 1.90-1.9 (2H, m), 2.42 (2H, m), 4.31-4.35 (2H, m), 4.44-4.52 (1H, m), 5.46-5.50 (1H, m), 6.40 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 7.00 (2H, t, J=8.7 Hz), 7.48 (2H, dd, J=5.5, 8.6 Hz), 7.63 (1H, s), 8.11 (1H, m); 13C-NMR (126 MHz; CDCl3): δ 15.2, 16.8, 31.7, 41.8, 46.7, 111.3, 115.3, 115.5, 125.2, 130.20 (d, JC-F=8.0 Hz), 130.8 (d, JC-F=2.9 Hz), 138.6, 142.6, 158.0, 158.7, 162.4 (d, JC-F=247 Hz); HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C21H21FN5 [M+H]+ 338.1781. Found 338.1773.


2-((4-(1-Ethyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)amino)ethan-1-ol (6; ZH3-126)

Ethanolamine (46.0 μL, 0.762 mmol) was added to a mixture of 4 (33.0 mg, 0.095 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 3 d. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc 100% to MeOH/EtOAc 20%) to give a pale orange oil (24.9 mg, 78%). 1H-NMR (500 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.36 (3H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 3.60 (2H, m), 3.83 (2H, m), 4.30 (2H, q, J=7.2 Hz), 5.90-5.97 (1H, m), 6.41 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz), 7.00 (2H, m, J=4.8, 8.7 Hz), 7.45 (2H, m, J=4.9, 5.3 Hz), 7.63 (1H, s), 8.09 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz); 13C-NMR (126 MHz; CDCl3): δ 16.8, 41.8, 45.9, 58.4, 111.4, 115.4, 115.6, 125.0, 130.2 (d, JC-F=8.1 Hz), 130.6 (d, JC-F=3.4 Hz), 138.7, 142.6, 158.8, 162.5 (d, JC-F=247 Hz), 162.8; HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C17H19FN5O [M+H]+ 328.1574. Found 328.1570.




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N-(Cyclohexylmethyl)-1-(2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-4-yl)methanimine (7)

Cyclohexylmethylamine (356 μL, 2.74 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.227 g, 1.64 mmol) were added to a solution of the crude aldehyde 1 (0.211 g, 1.37 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (5 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at r.t. overnight. 1H NMR analysis indicated complete consumption of the aldehyde. The reaction mixture containing the imine was used directly in the next step without isolation.


4-(1-(Cyclohexylmethyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidine (8)

A mixture of α-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-4-fluorobenzylisonitrile (0.474 g, 1.64 mmol), 7 (0.342 g, 1.37 mmol) and aq. K2CO3 20% w/v (1.13 mL, 1.64 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (5 ml) was stirred at r.t. for 5 d. The reaction mixture was diluted with CH2Cl2, and washed with water, dried (MgSO4), filtered and concentrated. Flash chromatography of the residue (EtOAc/pet. spirits 50%) afforded a yellow oil (0.410 g, 78%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 0.85 (2H, q, J=10.8 Hz), 1.09 (3H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 1.53-1.65 (6H, m), 2.55 (3H, s), 4.12 (2H, d, J=6.7 Hz), 6.75 (1H, d, J=5.3 Hz), 6.98 (2H, t, J=8.6 Hz), 7.42 (2H, dd, J=5.5, 8.5 Hz), 7.55 (1H, s), 8.28 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 14.1, 25.6, 26.1, 30.5, 38.7, 53.1, 115.4, 115.6, 116.3, 124.2, 130.3 (d, JC-F=7.9 Hz), 130.4 (d, JC-F=3.2 Hz), 140.6, 143.7, 156.9, 157.82, 162.5 (d, JC-F=248 Hz), 172.8; HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C21H24FN4S [M+H]+ 383.1706. Found 383.1698.


4-(1-(Cyclohexylmethyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-2-(methylsulfonyl)pyrimidine (9)

mCPBA (57-86% purity) (0.459 g, 2.66 mmol) was added portionwise to a mixture of sulfide (0.339 g, 0.886 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (15 mL) and the mixture was stirred at r.t. overnight. The mixture was quenched with aq. Na2CO3, water, brine, dried (MgSO4), and concentrated in vacuo to give the sulfone as a pale yellow solid (0.308 g, 84%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 0.88-0.96 (2H, m), 1.15 (3H, m), 1.67 (6H, m), 3.36 (3H, s), 4.28 (2H, d, J=6.9 Hz), 7.08 (2H, t, J=8.6 Hz), 7.28 (1H, d, J=5.4 Hz), 7.45 (2H, dd, J=5.4, 8.5 Hz), 7.68 (1H, s), 8.56 (1H, d, J=5.4 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 25.6, 26.3, 30.4, 38.7, 39.2, 54.1, 116.1, 116.3, 122.2, 123.2, 130.0 (d, JC-F=3.0 Hz), 130.7 (d, JC-F=8.1 Hz), 142.3, 146.4, 157.4, 159.5, 163.1 (d, JC-F=249 Hz), 166.2; HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C21H24FN4O2S [M+H]+ 415.1604. Found 415.1597.


4-(1-(Cyclohexylmethyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-N-(oxetan-3-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (10; ZH3-114)

3-Oxetanamine (100 μL, 1.18 mmol) was added to a mixture of 9 (49.0 mg, 0.118 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 5 d. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits (50% to 100%) to give a pale yellow oil (31.9 mg, 66%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 0.85-1.69 (11H, m), 4.10 (2H, d, J=6.8 Hz), 4.63 (2H, t, J=6.3 Hz), 5.00 (2H, t, J=6.9 Hz), 5.15 (1H, dt, J=6.8, 13.6 Hz), 6.08 (1H, bs), 6.47 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz), 6.99 (2H, t, J=8.5 Hz), 7.45 (2H, dd, J=5.6, 8.3 Hz), 7.57 (1H, s), 8.15 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 25.7, 26.2, 30.7, 38.9, 46.6, 52.8, 79.2, 112.4, 115.4, 115.6, 125.0, 130.2 (d, JC-F=8.2 Hz), 130.5 (d, JC-F=3.2 Hz), 140.0, 142.7, 158.2, 159.1, 161.3, 162.5 (d, JC-F=248 Hz).


2-((4-(1-(Cyclohexylmethyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)amino)ethan-1-ol (11; ZH3-118)

Ethanolamine (75.0 μL, 1.25 mmol) was added to a mixture of 9 (52.0 mg, 0.125 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 5 d. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 70% to 100%) to give a pale yellow foam (41.7 mg, 85%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 0.84-1.67 (10H, m), 2.04 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 3.61 (2H, q, J=5.1 Hz), 3.83 (2H, t, J=4.9 Hz), 4.09 (3H, m, J=6.6 Hz), 5.93 (1H, bs), 6.41 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 6.99 (2H, t, J=8.6 Hz), 7.45 (2H, dd, J=5.6, 8.4 Hz), 7.56 (1H, s), 8.10 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 25.7, 26.2, 30.7, 38.8, 44.4, 52.8, 62.7, 111.6, 115.3, 115.6, 125.2, 130.2 (d, JC-F=8.0 Hz), 130.5 (d, JC-F=3.1 Hz), 140.0, 142.5, 157.8, 159.1, 162.5 (d, JC-F=248 Hz), 162.7; HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C22H27FN5O [M+H]+ 396.2200. Found 396.2193.




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4-((Cyclohexylimino)-methyl)-N-methylsulfanylpyrimidin-2-amine (12)

Aqueous K2CO3 20% w/v (0.55 g, 0.39 mmol) and cyclohexylamine (2.45 mL, 21.4 mmol) were added to a solution of the crude aldehyde (2.74 g, 17.8 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (15 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at r.t. overnight. 1H NMR analysis indicated complete consumption of the aldehyde. The reaction mixture containing the imine was used directly in the next step without isolation.


4-(1-Cyclohexyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-2-(methylsulfanyl)pyrimidine (13)

A mixture of α-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-4-fluorobenzylisonitrile (5.67 g, 19.6 mmol), 12 (2.74 g, 17.8 mmol) and K2CO3 (2.71 g, 19.6 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (15 ml) was stirred at r.t. overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with CH2Cl2, and washed with water, dried (MgSO4), filtered and concentrated. Flash chromatography of the residue (EtOAc/pet. spirits 1:1) afforded a solid with at which was recrystallized from EtOAc/pet. spirits) to give the sulfide as pale yellow crystals, (2.32 g, 35%), m.p. 192-195° C. 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.41-1.19 (3H, m), 1.75-1.59 (3H, m), 1.88 (2H, d, J=13.3 Hz), 2.16 (2H, d, J=11.3 Hz), 2.58 (3H, s), 4.62 (1H, tt, J=11.9, 3.4 Hz), 6.76 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz), 6.99 (2H, t, J=8.6 Hz), 7.40 (2H, dd, J=8.5, 5.5 Hz), 7.76 (1H, s), 8.31 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 14.2, 25.4, 26.0, 34.7, 55.9, 115.5, 115.71 (s, 1C), 117.2, 124.2, 130.3 (d, JC-F=8.0 Hz), 130.6 (d, JC-F=3.2 Hz), 136.6, 143.1, 157.1, 158.2, 162.6 (d, JC-F=247 Hz), 173.0; HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C20H22FN4S (M+H) 369.1549. Found 369.1545.


4-(1-Cyclohexyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-2-methylsulfonylpyrimidin-2-amine (14)

mCPBA (55-86%) (0.569 g, 3.30 mmol) was added portionwise to a mixture of 13 (0.404 g, 1.10 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (20 mL) and the mixture was stirred at r.t. overnight. The mixture was quenched with aq. Na2CO3, water, brine, dried with Na2SO4, and concentrated in vacuum to give the sulfone as a colourless solid (0.440 g, 87%), m.p. 196-202° C. 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.93-1.21 (8H, m), 2.23 (2H, d, J=11.3 Hz), 3.39 (3H, s), 4.85 (1H, tt, J=11.8, 3.4 Hz), 7.08 (2H, t, J=8.6 Hz), 7.27 (1H, m), 7.43 (2H, dd, J=8.5, 5.5 Hz), 7.86 (1H, s), 8.59 (1H, d, J=5.4 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 25.5, 25.8, 34.9, 39.2, 56.9, 116.0, 116.3, 123.1, 130.3 (d, JC-F=3.6 Hz, 1C), 130.7 (d, JC-F=8.2 Hz), 138.2, 146.0, 157.5, 159.8, 163.1 (d, JC-F=249 Hz), 166.3; HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C20H22FN4O2S (M+H) 401.1447. Found 401.1444.


4-(1-Cyclohexyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-N-(3-fluorobenzyl)pyrimidin-2-amine (16; ZH2-114)

3-Fluorobenzylamine (118 μL, 1.03 mmol) was added to a solution of 14 (41.3 mg, 0.103 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 5 d. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 40% to 70%) to give a colourless solid (45.1 mg, 99%). 1H-NMR (500 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.12-1.20 (3H, m), 1.55-1.65 (3H, m), 1.79-1.81 (2H, m), 2.09 (2H, m, J=11.8 Hz), 4.47-4.52 (1H, m), 4.71 (2H, d, J=6.2 Hz), 5.90 (1H, s), 6.44 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 6.94-7.00 (3H, m), 7.06 (1H, d, J=9.8 Hz), 7.13 (1H, d, J=7.6 Hz), 7.30 (1H, td, J=6.0, 7.9 Hz), 7.42-7.45 (2H, m), 7.71 (1H, s), 8.12-8.13 (1H, m); 13C-NMR (126 MHz; CDCl3): δ 25.4, 25.7, 34.6, 44.8, 55.5, 112.6, 113.9, 114.1, 114.1, 114.3, 115.3, 115.4, 122.7 (d, JC-F=2.3 Hz), 125.0, 130.1 (d, JC-F=8.0 Hz), 130.3 (d, JC-F=8.2 Hz), 130.7 (d, JC-F=3.2 Hz), 135.9, 141.7, 142.0, 142.1, 158.4, 159.2, 162.4 (d, JC-F=247 Hz), 162.5, 163.2 (d, JC-F=247 Hz); HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C26H26F2N5 [M+H]+ 446.2156. Found 446.2148.


4-(1-Cyclohexyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-N-(2-fluorobenzyl)pyrimidin-2-amine (17; ZH2-118)

2-Fluorobenzylamine (87.0 μL, 0.759 mmol) was added to a solution of 14 (30.4 mg, 0.076 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 5 d. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 40% to 70%) to give a colourless solid (33.2 mg, 98%). 1H-NMR (500 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.22-2.14 (10H, m), 4.56 (1H, ddd, J=3.3, 8.7, 11.7 Hz), 4.78 (2H, d, J=6.2 Hz), 5.78 (1H, s), 6.45 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 6.97-7.01 (2H, m), 7.06-7.14 (2H, m), 7.30-7.26 (1H, m), 7.39-7.47 (3H, m), 7.74 (1H, s), 8.14 (1H, d, J=4.2 Hz); 13C-NMR (126 MHz; CDCl3): δ 25.4, 25.8, 34.7, 39.5, 55.6, 112.5, 115.3, 115.4, 115.5, 115.7, 124.3, 124.4, 125.1, 126.1, 126.2, 129.2 (d, JC-F=8.0 Hz), 129.4 (d, JC-F=2.8 Hz), 130.1 (d, JC-F=8.1 Hz), 130.8 (d, JC-F=3.2 Hz), 135.9, 141.7, 158.4, 159.1, 161.1 (d, J=246 Hz), 162.4 (d, J=247 Hz), 162.5; HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C26H25F2N5 [M+H]+ 446.2156. Found 446.1195.


4-(1-Cyclohexyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-N-(4-fluorobenzyl)pyrimidin-2-amine (18; ZH2-122)

4-Fluorobenzylamine (79.0 μL, 0.694 mmol) was added to a solution of 14 (27.8 mg, 0.069 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 5 d. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 40% to 70%) to give a colourless solid (21.4 mg, 70%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.22 (3H, m), 1.63 (3H, m), 1.83 (2H, m), 2.12 (2H, m), 4.52 (1H, tt, J=3.3, 11.9, Hz), 4.67 (2H, d, J=6.0 Hz), 5.66 (1H, dd, J=0.7, 1.4 Hz), 6.45 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 7.02 (4H, dt, J=9.0, 18.3, Hz), 7.33 (2H, dd, J=5.5, 8.2 Hz), 7.45 (2H, dd, J=5.6, 8.4 Hz), 7.76 (1H, s), 8.16 (1H, d, J=4.7 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 25.4, 25.8, 34.6, 44.8, 55.7, 112.5, 115.3, 115.6 (2C), 115.8, 125.1, 128.9, 129.0 (d, JC-F=8.1 Hz), 130.1 (d, JC-F=8.0 Hz), 130.4 (d, JC-F=3.2 Hz), 134.8 (d, J=3.0 Hz, 1C), 135.8, 141.5, 158.3, 159.0, 162.3 (d, JC-F=246 Hz), 162.4, 162.5 (d, JC-F=247 Hz); HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C26H26F2N5 [M+H]+ 446.2156. Found 446.2147.


4-(1-Cyclohexyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-N-(4,4-difluorocyclohexyl)pyrimidin-2-amine (20; ZH2-146)

4,4-Difluorocyclohexan-1-amine (67.0 mg, 0.499 mmol) was added to a solution of 14 (20.0 mg, 0.050 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 3 d. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 70% to 100%) to give a pale orange solid (22.2 mg, 98%). 1H-NMR (500 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.27-1.34 (2H, m), 1.63-1.92 (10H, m), 2.12-2.17 (6H, m), 3.96-4.01 (1H, m), 4.48 (1H, tt, J=3.6, 12.0 Hz), 5.21 (1H, s), 6.43 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 6.96-7.01 (2H, m), 7.41-7.45 (2H, m), 7.76 (1H, s), 8.15 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz); 13C-NMR (126 MHz; CDCl3): δ 25.4, 26.1, 28.9 (d, J=9.9 Hz), 32.3 (t, J=24.8 Hz), 34.7, 47.9, 55.6, 112.4, 115.3, 115.5, 120.8, 122.7, 124.6, 125.2, 130.1 (d, JC-F=8.0 Hz), 130.6 (d, JC-F=3.3 Hz), 135.9, 141.5, 158.4, 160.0, 161.9. 162.4 (d, JC-F=247 Hz).


3-((4-(1-Cyclohexyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)amino)propan-1-ol (21; ZH2-38)

3-Amino-1-propanol (46.0 μL, 0.100 mmol) was added to a solution of 14 (45.0 mg, 0.600 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at r.t. for 18 h. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc 100% to EtOAc/MeOH 90%) to give a pale yellow oil (39.0 mg, 99%). 1H-NMR (500 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.29-1.39 (2H, m), 1.63-1.83 (8H, m), 2.15-2.17 (2H, m), 3.63 (2H, q, J=6.2 Hz), 3.71 (2H, t, J=5.7 Hz), 4.48-4.55 (1H, m), 5.43 (1H, s), 6.41 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 6.97-7.01 (2H, m), 7.42-7.46 (2H, m), 7.73 (1H, s), 8.14 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz); 13C-NMR (126 MHz; CDCl3): δ 25.5, 26.0, 29.9, 33.1, 34.7, 38.1, 55.7, 59.4, 112.0, 115.3, 115.5, 124.9, 130.1 (d, JC-F=8.0 Hz), 130.7 (d, JC-F=3.4 Hz), 136.0, 141.9, 158.2, 159.4, 162.4 (d, JC-F=247 Hz), 163.0; HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C22H27FN5O [M+H]+ 396.2200. Found 396.2191.


4-(1-Cyclohexyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-N-cyclopentylpyrimidin-2-amine (22; ZH2-46)

Cyclopentylamine (110 μL, 1.12 mmol) was added to a solution of 14 (75.0 mg, 0.187 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 4 d. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 50% to 70%) to give a colourless solid (75.0 mg, 99%). 1H-NMR (500 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.23-2.17 (18H, m), 4.32 (1H, q, J=6.8 Hz), 4.61 (1H, s), 5.29 (1H, s), 6.37 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 6.96-6.99 (2H, m), 7.44-7.47 (2H, m), 7.73 (1H, s), 8.12 (1H, d, J=4.7 Hz); 13C-NMR (126 MHz; CDCl3): δ 23.6, 25.2, 25.7, 33.4, 34.4, 52.8, 55.2, 111.5, 115.0, 115.1, 125.1, 129.8 (d, JC-F=8.0 Hz), 130.59 (d, JC-F=3.1 Hz), 135.5, 141.2, 157.9, 158.8, 162.1, 162.1 (d, JC-F=247 Hz); HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C24H29FN5 [M+H]+ 406.2407. Found 406.2403.


4-(1-Cyclohexyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-N-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (23; ZH2-54)

4-Aminotetrahydropyran (67.0 μL, 0.649 mmol) was added to a solution of 14 (32.5 mg, 0.081 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 6 d. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 50% to 100%) to give a colourless oil (30.9 mg, 91%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.24-2.19 (14H, m), 3.52 (2H, t, J=11.3 Hz), 4.01-4.15 (3H, m), 4.51 (1H, ddd, J=3.4, 8.6, 12 Hz), 5.29 (1H, s), 6.42 (1 HM, d, J=5.1 Hz), 6.99 (2H, t, J=8.7 Hz), 7.44 (2H, dd, J=5.5, 8.6 Hz), 7.76 (1H, s), 8.15 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 25.4, 26.1, 33.5, 34.7, 47.4, 55.6, 67.0, 112.2, 115.3, 115.5, 125.2, 130.1 (d, JC-F=8.1 Hz), 130.6 (d, JC-F=3.2 Hz), 135.8, 141.5, 158.4, 159.0, 161.8, 162.4 (d, JC-F=248 Hz).


N-Cyclohexyl-4-(1-cyclohexyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (24; ZH2-58)

Cyclohexylamine (75.0 μL, 0.659 mmol) was added to a solution of 14 (33.0 mg, 0.082 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 6 d. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 40% to 100%) to give a pale yellow oil (32.7 mg, 95%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.19-1.43 (6H, m), 1.60-1.73 (4H, m), 1.73-1.80 (4H, m), 1.87-1.94 (2H, m), 2.05-2.22 (4H, m), 3.82-3.89 (2H, m), 4.54-4.59 (1H, m), 5.25 (1H, bs, J=0.5 Hz), 6.36 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 6.98 (2H, t, J=8.6 Hz), 7.45 (2H, dd, J=5.5, 8.4 Hz), 7.74 (1H, s), 8.11 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 25.1, 25.5, 25.8, 26.0, 33.5, 34.7, 49.9, 55.51, 111.7, 115.2, 115.4, 125.4, 130.1 (d, JC-F=8.2 Hz), 130.7 (d, JC-F=3.1 Hz), 135.8, 141.4, 158.2, 159.0, 161.9, 162.4 (d, JC-F=247 Hz); HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C25H31FN5 [M+H]+ 420.2563. Found 420.2553.


4-(1-Cyclohexyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-N-ethylpyrimidin-2-amine (26; ZH2-78)

Ethylamine solution (2.0 M in THF) (377 μL, 0.754 mmol) was added to a solution of 14 (30.2 mg, 0.075 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 3 d. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 50%) to give a pale yellow solid (29.1 mg, 98%). 1H-NMR (500 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.32-2.19 (13H, m), 3.49 (2H, qd, J=7.2, 5.7 Hz), 4.59 (1H, m), 5.25 (1H, t, J=0.6 Hz), 6.39 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 6.96-7.00 (2H, m), 7.46 (2H, ddd, J=2.7, 5.4, 9.3 Hz), 7.73 (1H, s, 1H), 8.13 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz); 13C-NMR (126 MHz; CDCl3): δ 15.3, 25.5, 26.0, 34.7, 36.4, 55.6, 111.9, 115.2, 115.4, 125.3, 130.1 (d, JC-F=8.0 Hz), 130.8 (d, JC-F=3.2 Hz), 135.8, 141.5, 158.2, 159.0, 162.4 (d, JC-F=247 Hz), 162.5; HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C21H25FN5 [M+H]+ 366.2094. Found 366.2087.


trans-3-((4-(1-Cyclohexyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)amino)cyclobutan-1-ol (29; ZH3-50)

trans-3-Amino-cyclobutanol (29.0 mg, 0.328 mmol) was added to a solution of 14 (26.3 mg, 0.066 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at r.t. for 5 d. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 80% to 10%) to give a pale yellow solid (26.5 mg, 99%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.21-1.41 (5H, m), 1.59-1.75 (3H, m), 1.87-1.91 (2H, m), 2.31-2.45 (4H, m), 4.51-4.63 (4H, m), 6.38 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 6.98 (2H, t, J=8.6 Hz), 7.42 (2H, dd, J=5.5, 8.4 Hz), 7.80 (1H, s), 8.07 (1H, d, J=4.5 Hz); 13C-NMR (126 MHz; CDCl3): δ 25.4, 26.0, 34.6, 40.5, 42.9, 55.9, 65.2, 112.1, 115.5, 115.7, 125.1, 129.9 (d, JC-F=2.0 Hz), 130.3 (d, JC-F=8.1 Hz), 135.9, 157.2, 159.2, 161.4, 162.7 (d, JC-F=247 Hz).


cis-3-((4-(1-Cyclohexyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)amino)cyclobutan-1-ol (30; ZH3-62)

cis-3-Amino-cyclobutanol (20.0 mg, 0.226 mmol) was added to a solution of 14 (22.7 mg, 0.057 mmol) in THF (4 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 7 d. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 80% to 100%) to give a pale yellow solid (26.5 mg, 91%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CD3OD): δ 1.29-1.41 (3H, m), 1.76 (3H, m), 1.89-1.96 (4H, m), 2.12 (2H, m), 2.74-2.81 (2H, m), 4.01 (2H, m), 4.58-4.64 (1H, m), 6.36 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 7.06 (2H, t, J=8.6 Hz), 7.39 (2H, dd, J=5.5, 8.4 Hz), 8.01 (1H, s), 8.13 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CD3OD): δ 26.3, 26.9, 35.3, 38.9, 42.1, 57.0, 61.5, 112.6, 116.1, 116.4, 131.3 (d, JC-F=8.3 Hz), 131.6 (d, JC-F=2.7 Hz), 137.4, 159.5, 163.2, 163.8 (d, JC-F=247 Hz); HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C23H27FN5O [M+H]+ 408.2200. Found 408.2187.


4-(1-Cyclohexyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-N-(3,3-difluorocyclobutyl)pyrimidin-2-amine (31; ZH3-70)

3,3-Difluorocyclobutanamine hydrochloride (67.0 mg, 0.469 mmol) and K2CO3 (65.0 mg, 0.469 mmol) was added to a solution of 14 (47.0 mg, 0.117 mmol) in THF/H2O (5:1, 6 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 5 d. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 30% to 100%) to give a colourless solid (32.2 mg, 64%). 1H-NMR (500 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.25-1.37 (3H, m), 1.62-1.78 (3H, m), 1.91-1.93 (2H, m), 2.15-2.17 (2H, m), 2.51-2.61 (2H, m), 3.03-3.11 (2H, m), 4.35-4.41 (1H, m), 4.52-4.57 (1H, m), 5.71 (1H, bs), 6.48 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 7.00 (2H, t, J=8.7 Hz), 7.43 (2H, dd, J=5.5, 8.6 Hz), 7.78 (1H, s), 8.16 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz); 13C-NMR (126 MHz; CDCl3): δ 22.8, 25.4, 26.0, 29.4-29.8 (m), 32.1, 34.7, 36.5-36.7 (m), 43.6-43.9 (m), 55.7, 113.0, 115.4, 115.5, 116.7, 118.9, 118.9, 121.1, 125.0, 130.2 (d, JC-F=8.0 Hz), 130.5 (d, JC-F=3.0 Hz), 136.0, 141.8, 158.2, 159.2, 161.8, 162.5 (d, JC-F=247 Hz); HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C23H25F3N5 [M+H]+ 428.2062. Found 428.2056.


4-(1-Cyclohexyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-N-cyclopropylpyrimidin-2-amine (33; ZH3-86)

Cyclopropyl amine (34.0 mg, 0.599 mmol) was added to a solution of 14 (24.0 mg, 0.060 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 3 d. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 50% to 80%) to give a pale yellow solid (11.8 mg, 51%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): 50.59-0.63 (2H, m), 0.80-0.90 (2H, m), 1.19-1.41 (3H, m), 1.59-1.75 (3H, m), 1.87-1.90 (2H, m), 2.16-2.19 (2H, t, J=12.0 Hz), 2.82 (1H, qd, J=3.5, 6.5 Hz), 4.67-4.73 (1H, m), 5.58 (1H, d, J=13.9 Hz), 6.45 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 6.99 (2H, t, J=8.6 Hz), 7.41-7.48 (2H, m), 7.78 (1H, s), 8.17 (1H, d, J=3.9 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 7.7, 24.2, 25.5, 26.0, 34.6, 55.6, 112.5, 115.3, 115.5, 125.3, 130.2 (d, JC-F=8.0 Hz), 130.5 (d, JC-F=2.2 Hz), 135.9, 141.7, 158.0, 159.1, 161.2, 162.5 (d, JC-F=248 Hz); HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C22H25FN5 [M+H]+ 378.2094. Found 378.2086.


4-(1-Cyclohexyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-N-(tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (37; ZH2-142)

Tetrahydrothiopyran-4-ylamine (57.0 mg, 0.486 mmol) was added to a solution of 14 (29.9 mg, 0.075 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 3 d. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 50% to 70%) to give a pale yellow solid (27.0 mg, 83%). 1H-NMR (500 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.27-1.33 (2H, m), 1.62-1.76 (6H, m), 1.90-1.93 (2H, m), 2.15-2.18 (2H, m), 2.35-2.38 (2H, m), 2.69-2.79 (4H, m), 3.87-3.90 (1H, m), 4.46-4.51 (1H, m), 5.29 (1H, bs), 6.41 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 6.97-7.01 (2H, m), 7.42-7.45 (2H, m), 7.76 (1H, s), 8.14 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz); 13C-NMR (126 MHz; CDCl3): δ 25.4, 26.1, 28.0, 34.5, 34.7, 49.3, 55.6, 112.2, 115.3, 115.5, 125.2, 130.1 (d, JC-F=8.0 Hz), 130.5 (d, JC-F=3.2 Hz), 135.8, 141.5, 158.3, 159.1, 161.6, 162.4 (d, JC-F=248 Hz); HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C24H29FN5 [M+H]+ HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C27H35FN5 [M+H]+ 438.2128. Found 438.2119.




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4-((4-(1-Cyclohexyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)amino)tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran 1,1-dioxide (38; ZH3-134)

mCPBA (57-86%) (32.0 mg, 0.185 mmol) was added to a mixture of ZH2-142 (27.0 mg, 0.062 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (10 mL) and the mixture was stirred at r.t. overnight. The mixture was quenched with aq. NaHCO3, water, brine, dried (MgSO4). The residue was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 50% to 100%) to give the sulfone as a yellow oil (12.0 mg, 41%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.24-1.31 (3H, m), 1.64-1.77 (4H, m), 1.93 (2H, m), 2.14-2.30-2.14 (5H, m), 2.44 (2H, m), 3.05-3.18 (4H, m), 4.13 (1H, m), 4.39-4.45 (1H, m), 5.40 (1H, bs), 6.50 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz), 6.99 (2H, t, J=8.5 Hz), 7.42 (2H, dd, J=5.6, 8.0 Hz), 7.81 (1H, s), 8.19 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 25.3, 26.1, 29.9, 34.7, 47.0, 49.6, 55.8, 112.9, 115.4, 115.6, 130.1 (d, JC-F=8.0 Hz), 136.0, 158.3, 159.2, 161.5, 162.5 (d, JC-F=248 Hz); HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C24H29FN5O2S [M+H]+ 470.2026. Found 470.2014.




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Benzyl 4-formylpyrimidin-2-ylcarbamate hydrochloride (39)

Aqueous 4 M HCl (2 ml) was added to a solution of dimethyl acetal (0.133 g, 0.438 mmol) in THF (1 mL). The resulting mixture was heated to 40° C. overnight and then cooled r.t. The reaction mixture containing the hydrochloride salt of the aldehyde was used directly in the next step without isolation.


Benzyl (4-((cyclopentylimino)methyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)carbamate hydrochloride (40)

45% aq. KOH (0.449 g, 8.00 mmol) was added to an ice-cold solution of crude aldehyde 39 (0.113 g, 0.438 mmol) in aq. HCl (2 ml, 8.00 mmol), while the temperature was maintained below 15° C. To the neutralized solution, CH2Cl2 (5 ml) and K2CO3 (0.073 g, 0.523 mmol) were added followed by cyclopentylamine (87.0 μL, 0.877 mmol). The reaction mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature and stirring was continued for 18 h. 1H NMR analysis of the reaction mixture showed complete consumption of the aldehyde. The crude material was used in the next step without isolation.


Benzyl (4-(1-cyclopentyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)carbamate (41)

A mixture of α-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-4-fluorobenzylisonitrile (0.152 g, 0.526 mmol), 40 (0.142 g, 0.438 mmol) and aq. K2CO3 20% w/v (0.365 mL, 0.526 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (10 mL) was stirred at r.t. for 3 d. The reaction mixture was diluted with CH2Cl2, and washed with water, dried (MgSO4), filtered and concentrated. Flash chromatography of the residue (EtOAc/pet. spirits 20% to 80%) afforded a mixture of inseparable components (137 mg).


4-(1-Cyclopentyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (42; ZH3-58)

20 wt % Pd(OH)2/C (33.0 mg) was added to a solution of difluorocyclohexyl carbamate (25.0 mg, 0.135 mmol) in THF/MeOH 5:3 (8 mL). The resulting mixture was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen at 200 psi for 2 h. The mixture was filtered through Celite, concentrated and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 80% to 100%) to afford a pale yellow solid (29.8 mg, 21% over 3 steps). 1H-NMR (500 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.69-1.75 (2H, m), 1.82-1.89 (4H, m), 2.11-2.17 (2H, m), 4.98-5.04 (1H, m), 5.20 (2H, s), 6.52 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 6.98-7.02 (2H, m), 7.44-7.47 (2H, m), 7.81 (1H, s), 8.20 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz); 13C-NMR (126 MHz; CDCl3): δ 24.1, 33.9, 57.8, 113.2, 115.5, 115.7, 125.6, 129.7 (d, JC-F=1.4 Hz), 130.0 (d, JC-F=8.2 Hz), 135.7, 141.3, 158.3, 159.4, 162.6 (d, JC-F=248 Hz), 163.0; HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C18H19FN5 [M+H]+ 324.1624. Found 324.1620.


Benzyl (4-(((4,4-difluorocyclohexyl)imino)methyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)carbamate (43)

Aqueous KOH 45% w/v (0.449 g, 8.00 mmol) was added to an ice-cold solution of crude aldehyde 39 (0.116 g, 0.451 mmol) in aq. HCl (2 ml, 8.00 mmol), while the temperature was maintained below 15° C. To the neutralized solution, CH2Cl2 (5 mL) and K2CO3 (0.075 g, 0.541 mmol) were added followed by difluorocyclohexyl amine (125 μL, 0.901 mmol). The reaction mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature and stirring was continued for 18 h. 1H NMR analysis of the reaction mixture showed complete consumption of the aldehyde. The crude material was used in the next step without isolation.


Benzyl (4-(1-(4,4-difluorocyclohexyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)carbamate (44)

A mixture of α-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-4-fluorobenzylisonitrile (0.156 g, 0.541 mmol), 43 (0.142 g, 0.451 mmol) and aq. K2CO3 20% w/v (0.374 mL, 0.541 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (5 mL) was stirred at r.t. for 2 d. The reaction mixture was diluted with CH2Cl2, and washed with water, dried (MgSO4), filtered and concentrated. Flash chromatography of the residue (EtOAc/pet. spirits 20% to 100%), followed by recrystallization from Et2O/pet. spirits afforded the difluorocyclohexyl carbamate as colourless crystals (30.4 mg, 13%), m.p. 224-231° C. 1H-NMR (500 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.98-2.20 (8H, m), 5.24 (2H, s), 5.87-5.90 (1H, m), 6.78 (1H, d, J=5.3 Hz), 7.06-7.09 (2H, m), 7.34-7.48 (7H, m), 7.99 (1H, s), 8.08 (1H, s), 8.29 (1H, d, J=5.3 Hz); 13C-NMR (126 MHz; CDCl3): δ 30.1, 30.2, 32.7 (m), 53.4, 67.8, 116.1 (m), 124.1, 128.8, 128.9, 130.9 (d, J=8.3 Hz), 135.5, 136.3, 151.4, 157.3, 158., 163.2 (d, J=248 Hz).


4-(1-(4,4-Difluorocyclohexyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (45; ZH3-138)

20 wt % Pd(OH)2/C (9.00 mg) was added to a solution of the difluorocyclohexyl carbamate 44 (25.0 mg, 0.135 mmol) in THF/MeOH 2:1 (6 mL). The resulting mixture was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen at 200 psi for 3 h. The mixture was filtered through Celite, concentrated and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 50% to 100%) to afford a pale yellow solid (29.8 mg, 82%). 1H-NMR (500 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.80-1.93 (2H, m), 2.00-2.07 (2H, m), 2.20-2.28 (4H, m), 4.68-4.74 (1H, m), 5.34 (2H, bs), 6.48 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz), 6.99-7.02 (2H, m), 7.41-7.44 (2H, m), 7.78 (1H, s), 8.14 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz); 13C-NMR (126 MHz; CDCl3): δ 29.9, 29.9, 32.8-33.2 (m), 53.6, 112.8, 115.4, 115.6, 119.9, 121.8, 123.7, 124.6, 130.0 (d, JC-F=3.1 Hz), 130.2 (d, JC-F=8.1 Hz), 135.8, 142.4, 158.1, 159.1, 162.6 (d, JC-F=248 Hz), 162.8; HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C19H19F3N5 [M+H]+ 374.1593. Found 374.1587.


Benzyl (4-((((4,4-difluorocyclohexyl)methyl)imino)methyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)carbamate (46)

45% aq. KOH (0.449 g, 8.00 mmol) was added to an ice-cold solution of crude aldehyde 39 (0.101 g, 0.393 mmol) in aq. HCl (2 ml, 8.00 mmol), while the temperature was maintained below 15° C. To the neutralized solution, CH2Cl2 (5 mL) and K2CO3 (0.119 g, 0.786 mmol) were added followed by 4,4-difluorocyclohexylmethanamine hydrochloride (146 mg, 0.786 mmol). The reaction mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature and stirring was continued for 18 h. 1H NMR analysis of the reaction mixture showed complete consumption of the aldehyde. The crude material was used in the next step without isolation.


Benzyl (4-(1-((4,4-difluorocyclohexyl)methyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)carbamate (47)

A mixture of α-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-4-fluorobenzylisonitrile (0.137 g, 0.472 mmol), 46 (0.153 g, 0.393 mmol) and aq. 20% K2CO3 (0.326 mL, 0.472 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (5 mL) was stirred at r.t. for 4 d. The reaction mixture was diluted with CH2Cl2, and washed with water, dried (MgSO4), filtered and concentrated. Flash chromatography of the residue (EtOAc/pet. spirits 30% to 100%) afforded a mixture of inseparable components (97.2 mg), which was used in the next step.


4-(1-((4,4-Difluorocyclohexyl)methyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (48; ZH3-130)

20 wt % Pd(OH)2/C (65.0 mg) was added to a solution of the difluorocyclohexylmethyl carbamate (90.0 mg, 0.173 mmol) in THF/MeOH 5:3 (8 mL). The resulting mixture was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen at 200 psi for 2 h. The mixture was filtered through Celite, concentrated and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 80% to 100%) to afford a pale yellow solid (45.3 mg, 30% over 3 steps). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CD3OD): δ 1.25-1.35 (2H, m), 1.59-1.71 (4H, m), 1.97-1.99 (2H, m), 4.33 (2H, d, J=7.1 Hz), 6.40 (1H, d, J=4.6 Hz), 7.09 (2H, t, J=8.4 Hz), 7.44 (2H, t, J=6.6 Hz), 7.87 (1H, bs), 8.12 (1H, bs); 13C-NMR (126 MHz; CD3OD): δ 27.4, 27.5, 33.6-34.0 (m), 38.0, 52.3, 116.3, 116.5, 124.4, 131.5 (d, JC-F=8.2 Hz), 159.3, 161.9, 164.0 (d, JC-F=248 Hz), 164.9; HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C20H21F3N5 [M+H]+ 388.1749. Found 388.1742.


Benzyl (4-((neopentylimino)methyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)carbamate (49)

45% aq. KOH (0.449 g, 8.00 mmol) was added to an ice-cold solution of crude aldehyde 39 (0.155 g, 0.603 mmol) in aq. HCl (2 ml, 8.00 mmol), while the temperature was maintained below 15° C. To the neutralized solution, CH2Cl2 (5 mL) and K2CO3 (0.100 g, 0.724 mmol) were added followed by neopentyl amine (105 mg, 1.21 mmol). The reaction mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature and stirring was continued for 18 h. 1H NMR analysis of the reaction mixture showed complete consumption of the aldehyde. The crude material was used in the next step without isolation.


Benzyl (4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-neopentyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)carbamate (50)

A mixture of α-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-4-fluorobenzylisonitrile (0.209 g, 0.724 mmol), 49 (0.197 g, 0.603 mmol) and aq. 20% K2CO3 (0.500 mL, 0.724 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (5 mL) was stirred at r.t. for 3 d. The reaction mixture was diluted with CH2Cl2, and washed with water, dried (MgSO4), filtered and concentrated. Flash chromatography of the residue (EtOAc/pet. spirits 30% to 100%) afforded a mixture of inseparable components (185 mg), which was used in the next step.


4-(4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1-neopentyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (51; ZH3-78)

20% wt Pd(OH)2/C (52.0 mg) was added to a solution of the impure neopentyl carbamate (109 mg) in THF/MeOH 5:1 (6 mL). The resulting mixture was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen at 200 psi for 18 h. The mixture was filtered through Celite, concentrated and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 50% to 100%), followed by recrystallization from toluene to afford pale yellow crystals (29.3 mg, 15% over 3 steps). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 0.78 (9H, s,) 4.22 (2H, s), 5.32 (2H, bs), 6.48 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 6.99 (2H, t, J=8.6 Hz), 7.45 (2H, dd, J=5.6, 8.4 Hz), 7.58 (1H, s), 8.15 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 27.8, 33.3, 53.5, 56.7, 102.4, 108.9, 113.1, 115.3, 115.5, 125.5, 130.2 (d, JC-F=8.2 Hz), 130.5 (d, JC-F=3.2 Hz), 140.5, 141.9, 158.4, 159.2, 159.9, 162.5 (d, JC-F=248 Hz), 163.1; HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C18H21FN5 [M+H]+ 326.1781. Found 326.1775.




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2-(Methylthio)pyrimidine-4-carbaldehyde (1)

Aqueous 4 M HCl (13 mL) was added to a solution of 4-dimethoxymethyl-2-methylsulfanyl-pyrimidine (2.42 g, 12.1 mmol). The resulting mixture was heated at 50° C. for 18 h. 1H NMR analysis indicated conversion to the carbaldehyde so the mixture was cooled to r.t. The reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc and neutralized with 45% KOH solution. The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc, dried with MgSO4 and concentrated. The crude material was used in the next step without purification (2.74 g, 87%). 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz) δ 2.64 (3H, s), 7.44 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz), 8.77 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz), 9.96 (1H, s).


1-(2-(Methylthio)pyrimidin-4-yl)-N-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)methanimine (52)

2,2,2-Trifluoroethylamine hydrochloride (1.96 g, 14.5 mmol) and K2CO3 (3.68 g, 26.6 mmol) were added to a solution of the crude aldehyde (1.87 g, 12.1 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (20 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at r.t. overnight. 1H NMR analysis indicated complete consumption of the aldehyde. The reaction mixture containing the imine was used directly in the next step without isolation.


4-(4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-2-(methylthio)pyrimidine (53)

A mixture of α-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-4-fluorobenzylisonitrile (3.33 g, 11.5 mmol), 2 (2.26 g, 9.60 mmol) and 20% aq. K2CO3 (8.00 mL, 11.5 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (50 mL) was stirred at r.t. for 5 days. The reaction mixture was diluted with CH2Cl2, and washed with water, dried (MgSO4), filtered and concentrated. Flash chromatography of the residue (EtOAc/pet. spirits 10% to 50%) afforded a mixture of inseparable products (3.04 g crude).


4-(4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-2-(methylsulfonyl)pyrimidine (54)

mCPBA (57-86%) (4.27 g, 24.7 mmol) was added portionwise to a mixture of the crude sulfide (3.04 g, 8.24 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (20 mL) and the mixture was stirred at r.t. overnight. The mixture was quenched with aq. Na2CO3, water, brine, dried with MgSO4, and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 50%) and concentrated to afford the sulfone as a yellow solid (0.438 g, 9% over 4 steps). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 3.37 (3H, s), 5.41 (2H, q, J=8.4 Hz), 7.13 (2H, t, J=8.5 Hz), 7.32 (1H, d, J=5.4 Hz), 7.49 (2H, dd, J=8.4, 5.4 Hz), 7.87 (1H, s), 8.65 (1H, d, J=5.4 Hz).


N-Ethyl-4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (55; ZH4-186)

Ethylamine solution (2.0 M) in THF (115 μL, 0.230 mmol) was added to a mixture of sulfone (22.5 mg, 0.057 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 24 h. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the compound purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 30% to 50%) to afford a pale yellow solid (15.0 mg, 72%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.28 (3H, t, J=7.2 Hz), 3.48 (2H, m), 5.22 (2H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 6.40 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 7.04 (2H, t, J=8.7 Hz), 7.49 (2H, dd, J=5.5, 8.6 Hz), 7.70 (1H, s), 8.13 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 15.1, 36.5, 46.7 (q, JC-F=35.4 Hz), 111.0, 115.5, 115.7, 121.8, 124.5, 125.1, 130.1 (d, JC-F=3.0 Hz), 130.5 (d, JC-F=8.2 Hz), 140.1, 143.2, 157.6, 158.7, 162.3, 162.8 (d, JC-F=248 Hz). HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C17H16F4N5 (M+H) 366.1342. Found 366.1337.


2-((4-(4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)amino)ethan-1-ol (56; ZH5-38)

Ethanolamine (8.00 μL, 0.130 mmol) was added to a mixture of sulfone (13.0 mg, 0.032 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at r.t. for 48 h. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the compound purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 50% to 100%) to afford an oil (8.10 mg, 66%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 3.66 (2H, q, J=5.1 Hz), 3.88 (2H, t, J=4.9 Hz), 5.20 (2H, q, J=8.5 Hz), 6.46 (1H, d, J=5.3 Hz), 7.05 (2H, t, J=8.6 Hz), 7.48 (2H, dd, J=5.5, 8.4 Hz), 7.74 (1H, s), 8.08 (1H, s). HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C17H16F4N5O (M+H) 382.1291. Found 382.1284.


3-((4-(4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)amino)propan-1-ol (57; ZH5-6)

3-Amino-1-propanol (18.0 μL, 0.237 mmol) was added to a mixture of sulfone (23.7 mg, 0.059 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 48 h. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the compound purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 20% to 100%) to afford a pale yellow oil (15.3 mg, 66%). 1H-NMR (500 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.81-1.86 (2H, m), 3.62 (2H, q, J=6.2 Hz), 3.73 (2H, t, J=5.5 Hz), 5.17 (2H, q, J=8.5 Hz), 5.50 (1H, s), 6.41 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz), 7.02-7.06 (2H, m), 7.46-7.50 (2H, m), 7.70 (1H, s), 8.12 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz); 13C-NMR (126 MHz; CDCl3): δ 32.8, 38.4, 46.8 (q, JC-F=35.4 Hz), 59.5, 107.9, 111.2, 115.6, 115.8, 119.8, 122.0, 124.2, 124.9, 126.5, 130.0 (d, JC-F=3.3 Hz), 130.5 (d, JC-F=8.0 Hz), 140.3, 143.4, 158.0, 158.4, 162.7, 162.8 (d, JC-F=248 Hz). HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C18H18F4N5O (M+H) 396.1447. Found 396.1443.


N-Cyclopropyl-4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (58; ZH4-154)

Cyclopropylamine (14.0 μL, 0.252 mmol) was added to a mixture of sulfone (25.2 mg, 0.063 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 48 h. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the compound purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 30% to 40%) to afford a pale yellow solid (18.8 mg, 79%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 0.58-0.62 (2H, m), 0.79-0.87 (2H, m), 2.78 (1H, m), 5.34-5.42 (2H, m), 5.57-5.62 (1H, m), 6.46 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 7.05 (2H, t, J=8.7 Hz), 7.47-7.52 (2H, m), 7.71 (1H, s), 8.13 (1H, d, J=4.8 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 7.47, 24.1, 46.8 (q, JC-F=35.2 Hz), 111.2, 115.6, 115.8, 121.9, 122.1, 124.6, 124.9, 130.2 (d, JC-F=3.2 Hz), 130.7 (d, JC-F=8.3 Hz), 140.5, 143.7, 157.7, 158.4, 162.9 (d, JC-F=248 Hz), 163.2. HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C18H16F4N5 (M+H) 378.1342. Found 378.1336.


N-Cyclobutyl-4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (59; ZH4-174)

Cyclobutylamine (20.0 μL, 0.236 mmol) was added to a mixture of sulfone (23.6 mg, 0.059 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 72 h. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the compound purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 20% to 60%) to afford a pale yellow solid (17.3 mg, 75%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.76-1.88 (2H, m), 1.94-2.11 (2H, m), 2.43-2.49 (2H, m), 4.47 (1H, q, J=7.8 Hz), 5.23-5.25 (2H, m), 5.59 (1H, s), 6.43 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 7.06 (2H, t, J=8.6 Hz), 7.51 (2H, dd, J=5.5, 8.5 Hz), 7.73 (1H, s), 8.13 (1H, d, J=4.6 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 15.3, 31.6, 47.2-46.2, 111.1, 115.6, 115.8, 121.8, 124.5, 125.0, 130.1 (d, JC-F=3.5 Hz), 130.6 (d, JC-F=8.3 Hz), 140.2, 143.5, 157.9, 158.2, 161.1, 162.8 (d, JC-F=248 Hz). HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C19H18F4N5 (M+H) 392.1498. Found 392.1493.


Cis-3-((4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)amino)cyclobutan-1-ol (60; ZH5-30)

Cis-3-amincyclobutanol (17.0 μL, 0.190 mmol) was added to a mixture of sulfone (19.1 mg, 0.047 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 72 h. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the compound purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 50% to 100%) to afford a pale yellow oil (15.8 mg, 83%). 1H-NMR (500 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.90-1.95 (2H, m), 2.87-2.93 (2H, m), 3.99-4.04 (1H, m), 4.15 (1H, quintet, J=7.1 Hz), 5.16-5.19 (2H, m), 5.38 (1H, s), 6.42 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 7.02-7.05 (2H, m), 7.48 (2H, td, J=2.7, 6.0 Hz), 7.70 (1H, s), 8.13 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz); 13C-NMR (126 MHz; CDCl3): δ 38.0, 42.1, 46.7 (q, JC-F=35.4 Hz), 61.3, 111.5), 115.6, 115.8, 119.8, 122.0, 124.2, 125.0, 126.5, 130.0 (d, JC-F=3.2 Hz), 130.5 (d, JC-F=8.2 Hz), 140.1, 143.3, 157.7, 158.7, 161.5, 162.8 (d, JC-F=248 Hz). HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C19H18F4N5O (M+H) 408.1447. Found 408.1442.


Trans-3-((4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)amino)cyclobutan-1-ol (61; ZH5-34)

Trans-3-amincyclobutanol (19.0 μL, 0.214 mmol) was added to a mixture of sulfone (21.4 mg, 0.053 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 72 h. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the compound purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 50% to 100%) to afford a pale yellow oil (4.1 mg, 20%). 1H-NMR (500 MHz; CDCl3): δ 2.32-2.36 (2H, m), 2.43-2.48 (2H, m), 4.51 (1H, m), 4.62 (1H, m)), 5.23 (2H, m), 5.40 (1H, bs), 6.44 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 7.04 (2H, t, J=8.8 Hz), 7.47-7.50 (2H, m), 7.70 (1H, s), 8.13 (1H, dd, J=4.8 Hz); 13C-NMR (126 MHz; CDCl3): δ 40.5, 42.7, 46.7 (q, JC-F=35.3 Hz), 65.3, 111.5, 115.6, 115.8, 122.0, 124.3, 125.0, 130.1 (d, JC-F=2.9 Hz), 130.6 (d, JC-F=8.2 Hz), 140.3, 143.5, 157.7, 158.6, 161.7, 162.9 (d, JC-F=248 Hz). HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C19H18F4N5O (M+H) 408.1447. Found 408.1436.


N-(3,3-Difluorocyclobutyl)-4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (62; ZH5-10)

3,3-Difluorocyclobutanamine hydrochloride (30.0 mg, 0.206 mmol) was added to a mixture of sulfone (20.6 mg, 0.051 mmol) and aq. 20% K2CO3 (140 μL, 0.206 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at r.t. for 48 h. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the compound purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 20% to 40%) to afford a pale yellow solid (11.2 mg, 51%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 2.51-2.64 (2H, m), 3.09 (2H, m), 4.33-4.37 (1H, m), 5.18 (2H, q, J=8.5 Hz), 6.49 (1H, d, J=5.2 Hz), 7.04 (2H, t, J=8.6 Hz), 7.48 (2H, dd, J=5.5, 8.6 Hz), 7.73 (1H, s), 8.14 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz). HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C19H16F6N5 (M+H) 428.1310. Found 428.1305.


N-Cyclopentyl-4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (63; ZH5-2)

Cyclopentylamine (24.0 μL, 0.242 mmol) was added to a mixture of sulfone (24.2 mg, 0.060 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at r.t. for 48 h. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the compound purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 10% to 50%) to afford an oil (17.7 mg, 73%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.49-1.81 (8H, m), 2.06 (2H, m), 4.28 (1H, dq, J=6.6, 13 Hz), 5.23 (3H, m), 6.39 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 7.04 (2H, t, J=8.7 Hz), 7.50 (2H, dd, J=8.6, 5.5 Hz), 7.70 (1H, s), 8.12 (1H, d, J=4.9 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 23.9, 33.6, 46.7 (q, JC-F=35.4 Hz), 53.1, 110.9, 115.5, 115.7, 119.0, 121.8, 124.6, 125.1, 127.3, 130.2 (d, JC-F=3.2 Hz), 130.5 (d, JC-F=8.2 Hz), 140.1, 143.2, 157.6, 158.7, 162.0, 162.8 (d, JC-F=248 Hz). HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C20H19F4N5 (M+H) 406.1655. Found 406.1651.


4-(4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-N-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (64; ZH5-14)

4-Aminotetrahydropyran (17 mg, 0.170 mmol) was added to a mixture of sulfone (17.8 mg, 0.042 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 48 h. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the compound purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 50% to 70%) to afford a pale yellow oil (13.1 mg, 74%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.59-1.67 (2H, m), 2.04 (2H, d, J=11.0 Hz), 3.51-3.57 (2H, m), 4.04 (3H, m), 5.16 (3H, dt, J=7.6, 16.1 Hz), 6.43 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 7.04 (2H, t, J=8.7 Hz), 7.49 (2H, dd, J=5.5, 8.6 Hz), 7.71 (1H, s), 8.14 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 33.5, 46.7 (q, JC-F=35.4 Hz), 47.5, 66.9, 111.4, 115.6, 115.8, 121.8, 124.5, 125.0, 127.3, 130.1 (d, JC-F=3.5 Hz), 130.5 (d, JC-F=8.0 Hz), 140.1, 143.4, 156.2, 157.7, 158.8, 162.5 (d, JC-F=248 Hz). HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C20H20F4N5O (M+H) 422.1604. Found 422.1600.


N-(4,4-Difluorocyclohexyl)-4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (65; ZH4-170)

4,4-Difluorocyclohexanamine (40.0 μL, 0.301 mmol) was added to a mixture of sulfone (30.0 mg, 0.075 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 48 h. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the compound purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 20% to 50%) to afford a pale yellow solid (27.4 mg, 80%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 1.63-1.71 (2H, m), 1.83-1.99 (2H, m), 2.15 (4H, m), 3.94-4.01 (1H, m), 5.16 (3H, m, J=8.5 Hz), 6.44 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 7.04 (2H, t, J=8.6 Hz), 7.49 (2H, dd, J=5.5, 8.5 Hz), 7.71 (1H, s), 8.14 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 28.9 (d, JC-F=9.9 Hz), 32.3 (t, JC-F=24.9 Hz), 46.7 (q, JC-F=35.3 Hz), 48.0, 111.5, 115.6, 115.8, 116.3, 116.5, 120.3, 121.8, 122.7, 124.5, 125.0, 125.1, 130.1 (d, JC-F=3.2 Hz), 130.5 (d, JC-F=8.1 Hz), 140.2, 143.4, 157.8, 158.7, 161.7, 162.8 (d, JC-F=248 Hz). HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C21H20F6N5 (M+H) 456.1623 Found 456.1619.


N-(2-Fluorobenzyl)-4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (66; ZH4-146)

2-Fluorobenzylamine (28.0 μL, 0.247 mmol) was added to a mixture of sulfone (24.7 mg, 0.062 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 48 h. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the compound purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 10% to 80%) to afford a pale yellow oil (24.7 mg, 89%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 4.74 (2H, d, J=6.1 Hz), 4.96 (2H, bs), 5.69 (1H, bs), 6.46 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 7.01-7.14 (4H, m), 7.26-7.29 (1H, m), 7.38 (1H, t, J=7.3 Hz), 7.46-7.50 (2H, m), 7.66 (1H, s), 8.17 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz). HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C22H17F5N5 (M+H) 446.1404. Found 446.1401.


N-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (67; ZH4-150)

4-Fluorobenzylamine (28.0 μL, 0.244 mmol) was added to a mixture of sulfone (24.4 mg, 0.061 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 48 h. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum and the compound purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/pet. spirits 30% to 80%) to afford a pale yellow oil (24.4 mg, 90%). 1H-NMR (400 MHz; CDCl3): δ 4.64 (2H, d, J=5.9 Hz), 4.87 (2H, s), 5.76 (1H, s), 6.46 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz), 7.04 (4H, m), 7.33 (2H, dd, J=5.4, 8.2 Hz), 7.48 (2H, dd, J=5.5, 8.5 Hz), 7.64 (1H, s), 8.16 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz); 13C-NMR (101 MHz; CDCl3): δ 44.9, 46.4 (q, JC-F=35.9 Hz), 111.8, 115.5, 115.7, 115.8, 115.9, 121.6, 124.4, 125.0, 128.6, 130.0 (d, JC-F=3.2 Hz), 130.5 (d, JC-F=8.0 Hz), 134.8 (d, JC-F=3.2 Hz), 140.2, 143.3, 157.8, 158.8, 161.0, 162.2, 162.3 (d, JC-F=247 Hz), 162.8 (d, JC-F=249 Hz). HRMS (ESI+) calcd for C22H17F5N5 (M+H) 446.1404. Found 446.1397.


Other compounds described herein may be prepared by methods similar to those described above.


Also described herein are the following embodiments:


1. A compound of formula (I) or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof:




embedded image


wherein:


R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C1alkylC6aryl, C3-6cycloalkyl and C3-5heterocyclyl;


R3 is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl and CH3;


R4 is selected from the group consisting of C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkyl and C1-12alkyl;


wherein each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is optionally substituted.


2. A compound according to embodiment 1, wherein the compound is not selected from the list of compounds in FIG. 1.


3. A compound according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein R1 is C1-3alkyl.


4. A compound according to embodiment 3, wherein R1 is substituted.


5. A compound according to embodiment 4, wherein the substituent is selected from one or more hydroxyl groups.


6. A compound according to embodiment 1, wherein R1 is C3-6cycloalkyl.


7. A compound according to embodiment 6, wherein R1 is selected from cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl.


8. A compound according to embodiment 6 or embodiment 7, wherein R1 is substituted.


9. A compound according to embodiment 8, wherein the substituent is selected from one or more OH groups and/or one or more halo groups.


10. A compound according to embodiment 1, wherein R1 is C3-6heterocyclyl.


11. A compound according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein R1 is C1alkylC6aryl.


12. A compound according to embodiment 11, wherein the C1alkyl group is substituted.


13. A compound according to embodiment 12, wherein the substituent is selected from one or more alkyl groups, one or more hydroxyl groups and/or one or more halo groups.


14. A compound according to any one of embodiments 11 to 13, wherein the C6aryl group is substituted.


15. A compound according to embodiment 14, wherein the substituent is selected from one or more alkyl groups, one or more hydroxyl groups and/or one or more halo groups.


16. A compound according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein R2 is H.


17. A compound according to embodiment 1, wherein R1 and R2 are both the same.


18. A compound according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein R3 is CH3.


19. A compound according to any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein R3 is F or C1.


20. A compound according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein R4 is C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkyl.


21. A compound according to embodiment 20, wherein R4 is C1-2alkylC3-12cycloalkyl.


22. A compound according to embodiment 20, wherein R4 is C3-12cycloalkyl.


23. A compound according to any one of embodiments 20 to 22, wherein the C3-12cycloalkyl group is selected from cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl.


24. A compound according to any one of embodiments 20 to 23, wherein R4 is substituted on the C1-3alkyl group.


25. A compound according to any one of embodiments 20 to 24, wherein R4 is substituted on the C3-12cycloalkyl group.


26. A compound according to embodiment 24 or embodiment 25, wherein the substituent is selected from one or more C1-6alkyl groups, one or more OH groups and one or more halo groups.


27. A compound according to any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein R4 is C1-12alkyl.


28. A compound according to embodiment 27, wherein R4 is a methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl group.


29. A compound according to embodiment 27, wherein R4 is a branched alkyl group.


30. A compound according to any one of embodiments 27 to 29, wherein R4 is substituted.


31. A compound according to embodiment 30, wherein by the substituent is selected from one or more OH groups and/or one or more halo groups.


32. A compound according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from OH, C1-6alkoxy, halo, amino, mercapto and C1-6alkyl.


33. A method of treating or preventing a respiratory disease in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 32, thereby treating or preventing a respiratory disease in a subject.


34. A compound of formula (I) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 32 for use in the treatment or prevention of a respiratory disease in a subject.


35. A composition comprising a compound of formula (I) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 32, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.


36. Use of a compound according to any one of embodiments 1 to 32, or a composition according to embodiment 35, in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a respiratory disease in a subject.

Claims
  • 1. A compound of formula (I) or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof:
  • 2. A compound according to claim 1, or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, wherein the compound is not selected from the list of compounds in FIG. 1.
  • 3. A compound according to claim 1, or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, wherein the compound is not selected from the list of compounds in FIG. 3.
  • 4. A compound according to claim 1, or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, wherein R1 is selected from C2-3alkyl, hydroxyC2-3alkyl, C3-6cycloalkyl, haloC3-6cycloalkyl, hydroxyC3-6cycloalkyl, C3-6heterocyclyl, C1alkylC6aryl, C1alkylC12aryl, C1alkylC6arylhalo and C1alkyl(C1alkyl)C6aryl.
  • 5-7. (canceled)
  • 8. A compound according to claim 4, or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, wherein R1 is selected from cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl, each of which being optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from hydroxy and halo.
  • 9. A compound according to claim 8, or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, wherein the one or more halo groups are one or more fluoro groups.
  • 10. (canceled)
  • 11. (canceled)
  • 12. A compound according to claim 4, or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, wherein R1 is C1alkylC6aryl or C1alkylC6arylhalo.
  • 13. A compound according to claim 1, or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, wherein R1 is H.
  • 14. A compound according to claim 1, or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, wherein R3 is F.
  • 15. A compound according to claim 1, or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, wherein R4 is selected from C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkyl, C0-3alkylC3-12cycloalkylhalo, C1-12alkyl and haloC1-12alkyl.
  • 16. A compound according to claim 15, or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, wherein R4 is selected from C1-2alkylC3-12cycloalkyl and C1-2alkylC3-12cycloalkylhalo.
  • 17. A compound according to claim 15, or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, wherein R4 is selected from C3-12cycloalkyl and C3-12cycloalkylhalo.
  • 18. A compound according to claim 15, or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, wherein R4 is selected from C0-3alkylC3-7cycloalkyl and C0-3alkylC3-7cycloalkylhalo.
  • 19. A compound according to claim 18, or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, wherein R4 is C0-3alkylC3-7 cycloalkylhalo and wherein C3-7cycloalkyl moiety is substituted by the one or more halo groups.
  • 20. (canceled)
  • 21. A compound according to claim 1, or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, wherein R4 is a methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl group, each optionally substituted by one or more halo groups.
  • 22. A compound according to claim 15, or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, wherein R4 comprises a branched alkyl group.
  • 23. A compound selected from Table 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, prodrug and/or polymorph thereof.
  • 24. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, prodrug and/or polymorph thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
  • 25. A method of treating or preventing a respiratory disease in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof:
  • 26. The method according to claim 25, or a salt, solvate, N-oxide, tautomer, stereoisomer, polymorph and/or prodrug thereof, wherein the compound of formula (I) is as defined in claim 1.
Priority Claims (2)
Number Date Country Kind
2018904241 Nov 2018 AU national
2018904242 Nov 2018 AU national
Parent Case Info

This application is a § 371 national stage filing of International Application No. PCT/AU2019/051224, filed on Nov. 7, 2019, which claims priority to AU2018904241 and AU2018904242, filed on 7 Nov. 2018. The entire contents of each of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference.

PCT Information
Filing Document Filing Date Country Kind
PCT/AU2019/051224 11/7/2019 WO