Method to treat cystic fibrosis

Abstract

The invention is directed to methods to treat cystic fibrosis by administering certain imidazole derivatives.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention is directed to a method to treat cystic fibrosis using indole derivatives. This application claims priority to U.S. App. No. 60/338,209, filed Nov. 9, 2001, incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] PCT publication WO00/71535 published Dec. 7, 2000 discloses indole derived compounds that are specific inhibitors of p38 kinase α. The disclosure of this document is incorporated herein by reference. It is disclosed in that document that inhibitors of the kinase activity of p38-α are useful anti-inflammatory agents. It is further understood that p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK) plays a role in pulmonary inflammation.

[0003] More specifically, a paper by Nick, J. A., et al., J. Immunol. (2000) 164:2151-2159 describes a murine model of mild LPS induced lung inflammation. It had been shown in vitro that exposure to an inhibitor of p38-MAPK blocks TNF-α and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2) release from murine and human neutrophils and macrophage and eliminates migration of murine neutrophils toward the chemokines MIP-2 and KC. In contrast, alveolar macrophage required a thousand-fold greater concentration of the inhibitor to block release of TNF-α and MIP-2 in the mouse model itself, inhibition of p38-MAPK decreased the release of TNF-α and neutrophil accumulation in air spaces, but recovery of MIP-2 and KC from air spaces was not affected by this. Also accumulation of mononuclear cells was not significantly reduced. The authors conclude that the greater dependence by neutrophils when compared to other leukocytes on p38-MAPK cascades suggests a method to modulate early inflammation in the lung.

[0004] Underwood, D. C., et al., Am. J. Physiol. Lung Cell Mol. Physiol. (2000) 279:L895-L902 studied the effects of a p38-MAPK kinase inhibitor in murine models of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and in a model of lung fibrosis. They found that airway neutrophil infiltration and IL-6 levels were decreased by administration of the inhibitor in a bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis model in rats. The inhibitor depleted right ventricular hypertrophy which is indicative of secondary pulmonary hypertension. The authors concluded that the inhibitor is effective against a range of sequelae commonly associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and fibrosis.

[0005] In addition, Loitsch, S. M., et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. (2000) 276:571-578 in in vitro studies using bronchial epithelial cells concluded that p38-MAPK inhibitors reduced hyperosmolarity-induced IL-8 synthesis. Antioxidants were shown to block the activation of p38-MAPK that is induced by hyperosmolarity.

[0006] PCT publication WO99/19473 speculates that inhibitors of p38 (and a multiplicity of other proteins) may be useful in treating cardiac hypertrophy. This document further speculates that among cardiac hypertrophy induced dysfunctions may be included cystic fibrosis.

[0007] The foregoing documents are exemplary of the general knowledge that p38-α kinase or p38-MAPK inhibitors exert anti-inflammatory effects and reduce neutrophil migration.

[0008] Reddi, K., et al., FASEB Journal (2001) 15:A588 disclose that an inhibitor of p38 kinase inhibits the secretion of IL-8 by human lung epithelial cells after infection of these cells with B. cepacia, which is stated to be a prevalent pulmonary pathogen in cystic fibrosis.

[0009] Cystic fibrosis itself is known to be the result of a genetic defect in a gene which encodes a chloride ion channel. The chloride ion channel must be present in active form in order to prevent plugging secretory ducts in various tissues, most importantly in lung, but also in the pancreas and in the reproductive organs of the male. Because the secretory ducts are plugged, mucus tends to accumulate in these organs, and the organs, especially the lung, become targets for infection which is difficult to control. The inflammatory responses and migration of neutrophils into the lungs of cystic fibrosis sufferers may be a response to this infection.

[0010] In general, cystic fibrosis is characterized by chronic lung inflammation including a massive infiltration of lung by neutrophils. The inflammation precedes bacterial or microbial infection and this infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. There is considerable mucus plugging and elastase and inflammatory mediators cause progressive damage.

[0011] Baudouin-Legros, M., et al., Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol. (2000) 278:C49-56 note the importance of the action of hypertonicity on cystic fibrosis gene expression. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is the cAMP-regulated chloride channel which regulates ion transport across secretory epithelia. It is this gene which is defective in individuals with cystic fibrosis. Expression of this gene is decreased by added chloride ion, but this decrease requires p38 kinase cascade activity as shown by the effects of administering inhibitors of this enzyme. The authors note, however, the overall complexity of this process.

[0012] In summary, the effects of p38-α which have been established in the art include inhibition of chemotaxis but not chemokinesis of lung neutrophils; blockage of MIP-2 and TNF-α secretion by neutrophils; blockage of stress-induced apoptosis of neutrophils, inhibition of IL-8 secretion from bronchial epithelial cells; inhibition of stiffening of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells; and reduction of neutrophil migration. Some of these observations have been verified in animal models where it has been shown that inhibitors of p38-α kinase attenuate the secretion of IL-6 and MMP-9 as well as TNF-α production by neutrophils.

[0013] It is also understood that lung macrophage are refractory to p38 inhibition, and in an additional study on P. aeruginosa, which is a persistent pathogen in the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis, Terada, L. S., et al., Infect. Immun. (1999) 67:2371-2376 suggest that control of this infection is mediated by pathways that are independent of p38-α kinase. CFTR mutant mice are hyper-responsive to Pseudomonas, so amelioration of cystic fibrosis would desirably involve control of this infection.

[0014] Current treatments of cystic fibrosis are not entirely satisfactory. High dose ibuprofen and dosages of prednisone, while efficacious, have unacceptable side effects, and although the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation recommends chronic ibuprofen treatment, less than 10% of patients are treated in this manner because of the side effects.

[0015] It is apparent that although it is understood that p38-α kinase is required for response to stimulants that mobilize neutrophil migration into the lung such as those found in disease states and thus the release of cytokines by the neutrophils, the ability of inhibitors of p38-α kinase to ameliorate the symptoms of, or successfully treat or prevent, cystic fibrosis is unclear. There is a multiplicity of mechanisms at work, and the complete inhibition of neutrophil migration would constitute an undesirable side effect of inhibiting the inflammatory response since the presence of the neutrophils is a major factor in controlling the infections attracted by the excess of mucus. Accordingly, the present invention resolves this ambiguity by providing a method to treat cystic fibrosis using certain derivatives of indole.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The invention is directed to methods and compounds useful in treating cystic fibrosis in humans.

[0017] The compounds of the invention are of the formula 1

[0018] and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, wherein

[0019] represents a single or double bond;

[0020] one Z2 is CA or CR8A and the other is CR1, CR12, NR6 or N wherein each R1, R6 and R8 is independently hydrogen or noninterfering substituent;

[0021] A is -Wi-COXjY wherein Y is COR2 or an isostere thereof and R2 is hydrogen or a noninterfering substituent, each of W and X is a spacer of 2-6 Å, and each of i and j is independently 0 or 1;

[0022] Z3 is NR7 or O;

[0023] R7 is a noninterfering substituent;

[0024] each R3 is independently a noninterfering substituent;

[0025] n is 0-3;

[0026] each of L1 and L2 is a linker;

[0027] each R4 is independently a noninterfering substituent;

[0028] m is 0-4;

[0029] Z1 is CR5 or N wherein R5 is hydrogen or a noninterfering substituent;

[0030] each of l and k is an integer from 0-2 wherein the sum of l and k is 0-3;

[0031] Ar is an aryl group substituted with 0-5 noninterfering substituents, wherein two noninterfering substituents can form a fused ring; and

[0032] the distance between the atom of Ar linked to L2 and the center of the α ring is 4.5-24 Å.

[0033] The invention is directed to methods of treating cystic fibrosis conditions using these compounds or pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The method comprises administering to a subject in need of such treatment an effective amount of the compound of formula (1) or a pharmaceutical composition thereof.

MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0034] The Compounds of Formula (1) are Useful in Treating Cystic Fibrosis

[0035] The compounds useful in the invention are derivatives of indole-type compounds containing a mandatory substituent, A, at a position corresponding to the 2- or 3-position of indole. In general, an indole-type nucleus is preferred, although alternatives within the scope of the invention are also illustrated below.

[0036] In the description above, certain positions of the molecule are described as permitting “noninterfering substituents.” This terminology is used because the substituents in these positions generally speaking are not relevant to the essential activity of the molecule taken as a whole. A wide variety of substituents can be employed in these positions, and it is well within ordinary skill to determine whether any particular arbitrary substituent is or is not “noninterfering.”

[0037] As used herein, a “noninterfering substituent” is a substituent which leaves the ability of the compound of formula (1) to inhibit p38-α activity qualitatively intact. Thus, the substituent may alter the degree of inhibition of p38-α. However, as long as the compound of formula (1) retains the ability to inhibit p38-α activity, the substituent will be classified as “noninterfering.” A number of assays for determining the ability of any compound to inhibit p38-α activity are available in the art. A whole blood assay for this evaluation is illustrated below: the gene for p38-α has been cloned and the protein can be prepared recombinantly and its activity assessed, including an assessment of the ability of an arbitrarily chosen compound to interfere with this activity. The essential features of the molecule are tightly defined. The positions which are occupied by “noninterfering substituents” can be substituted by conventional organic moieties as is understood in the art. It is irrelevant to the present invention to test the outer limits of such substitutions. The essential features of the compounds are those set forth with particularity herein.

[0038] In addition, L1 and L2 are described herein as linkers. The nature of such linkers is less important that the distance they impart between the portions of the molecule. Typical linkers include alkylene, i.e. (CH2)n—R; alkenylene—i.e., an alkylene moiety which contains a double bond, including a double bond at one terminus. Other suitable linkers include, for example, substituted alkylenes or alkenylenes, carbonyl moieties, and the like.

[0039] As used herein, “hydrocarbyl residue” refers to a residue which contains only carbon and hydrogen. The residue may be aliphatic or aromatic, straight-chain, cyclic, branched, saturated or unsaturated. The hydrocarbyl residue, when so stated however, may contain heteroatoms over and above the carbon and hydrogen members of the substituent residue. Thus, when specifically noted as containing such heteroatoms, the hydrocarbyl residue may also contain carbonyl groups, amino groups, hydroxyl groups and the like, or contain heteroatoms within the “backbone” of the hydrocarbyl residue.

[0040] As used herein, “inorganic residue” refers to a residue that does not contain carbon. Examples include, but are not limited to, halo, hydroxy, NO2 or NH2.

[0041] As used herein, the term “alkyl,” “alkenyl” and “alkynyl” include straight- and branched-chain and cyclic monovalent substituents. Examples include methyl, ethyl, isobutyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentylethyl, 2-propenyl, 3-butynyl, and the like. Typically, the alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl substituents contain 1-1° C. (alkyl) or 2-1° C. (alkenyl or alkynyl). Preferably they contain 1-6C (alkyl) or 2-6C (alkenyl or alkynyl). Heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl and heteroalkynyl are similarly defined but may contain 1-2 O, S or N heteroatoms or combinations thereof within the backbone residue.

[0042] As used herein, “acyl” encompasses the definitions of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and the related hetero-forms which are coupled to an additional residue through a carbonyl group.

[0043] “Aromatic” moiety refers to a monocyclic or fused bicyclic moiety such as phenyl or naphthyl; “heteroaromatic” also refers to monocyclic or fused bicyclic ring systems containing one or more heteroatoms selected from O, S and N. The inclusion of a heteroatom permits inclusion of 5-membered rings as well as 6-membered rings. Thus, typical aromatic systems include pyridyl, pyrimidyl, indolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzotriazolyl, isoquinolyl, quinolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzofuranyl, thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, imidazolyl and the like. Any monocyclic or fused ring bicyclic system which has the characteristics of aromaticity in terms of electron distribution throughout the ring system is included in this definition. Typically, the ring systems contain 5-12 ring member atoms.

[0044] Similarly, “arylalkyl” and “heteroalkyl” refer to aromatic and heteroaromatic systems which are coupled to another residue through a carbon chain, including substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, carbon chains, typically of 1-6C. These carbon chains may also include a carbonyl group, thus making them able to provide substituents as an acyl moiety.

[0045] When the compounds of Formula 1 contain one or more chiral centers, the invention includes optically pure forms as well as mixtures of stereoisomers or enantiomers

[0046] With respect to the portion of the compound between the atom of Ar bound to L and ring α, L1 and L2 are linkers which space the substituent Ar from ring a at a distance of 4.5-24 Å, preferably 6-20 Å, more preferably 7.5-10 Å. The distance is measured from the center of the α ring to the atom of Ar to which the linker L2 is attached. Typical, but nonlimiting, embodiments of L1 and L2 are CO and isosteres thereof, or optionally substituted isosteres, or longer chain forms. L2, in particular, may be alkylene or alkenylene optionally substituted with noninterfering substituents or L1 or L2 may be or may include a heteroatom such as N, S or O. Such substituents include, but are limited to, a moiety selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, acyl, aroyl, heteroaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, heteroalkylaryl, NH-aroyl, halo, OR, NR2, SR, SOR, SO2R, OCOR, NRCOR, NRCONR2, NRCOOR, OCONR2, RCO, COOR, alkyl-OOR, SO3R, CONR2, SO2NR2, NRSO2NR2, CN, CF3, R3Si, and NO2, wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl or heteroforms thereof, and wherein two substituents on L2 can be joined to form a non-aromatic saturated or unsaturated ring that includes 0-3 heteroatoms which are O, S and/or N and which contains 3 to 8 members or said two substituents can be joined to form a carbonyl moiety or an oxime, oximeether, oximeester or ketal of said carbonyl moiety.

[0047] Isosteres of CO and CH2, include SO, SO2, or CHOH. CO and CH2 are preferred.

[0048] Thus, L2 is substituted with 0-2 substituents. Where appropriate, two optional substituents on L2 can be joined to form a non-aromatic saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl ring that includes 0-3 heteroatoms such as O, S and/or N and which contains 3 to 8 members. Two optional substituents on L2 can be joined to form a carbonyl moiety which can be subsequently converted to an oxime, an oximeether, an oximeester, or a ketal.

[0049] Ar is aryl, heteroaryl, including 6-5 fused heteroaryl, cycloaliphatic or cycloheteroaliphatic that can be optionally substituted. Ar is preferably optionally substituted phenyl.

[0050] Each substituent on Ar is independently a hydrocarbyl residue (1-20C) containing 0-5 heteroatoms selected from O, S and N, or is an inorganic residue. Preferred substituents include those selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, acyl, aroyl, heteroaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, heteroalkylaryl, NH-aroyl, halo, OR, NR2, SR, SOR, SO2R, OCOR, NRCOR, NRCONR2, NRCOOR, OCONR2, RCO, COOR, alkyl-OOR, SO3R, CONR2, SO2NR2, NRSO2NR2, CN, CF3, R3Si, and NO2, wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl or heteroforms thereof, and wherein two of said optional substituents on adjacent positions can be joined to form a fused, optionally substituted aromatic or nonaromatic, saturated or unsaturated ring which contains 3-8 members. More preferred substituents include halo, alkyl (1-4C) and more preferably, fluoro, chloro and methyl. These substituents may occupy all available positions of the aryl ring of Ar, preferably 1-2 positions, most preferably one position. These substituents may be optionally substituted with substituents similar to those listed. Of course some substituents, such as halo, are not further substituted, as known to one skilled in the art.

[0051] Two substituents on Ar can be joined to form a fused, optionally substituted aromatic or nonaromatic, saturated or unsaturated ring which contains 3-8 members.

[0052] Between L1 and L2 is a piperidine-type moiety of the following formula: 2

[0053] Z1 is CR5 or N wherein R5 is H or a noninterfering substituent. Each of l and k is an integer from 0-2 wherein the sum of l and k is 0-3. The noninterfering substituents R5 include, without limitation, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, arylalkyl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, acyl, carboxy, or hydroxy. Preferably, R5 is H, alkyl, OR, NR2, SR or halo, where R is H or alkyl. Additionally, R5 can be joined with an R4 substituent to form an optionally substituted non-aromatic saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl ring which contains 3-8 members and 0-3 heteroatoms such as O, N and/or S. Preferred embodiments include compounds wherein Z1 is CH or N, and those wherein both l and k are 1.

[0054] R4 represents a noninterfering substituent such as a hydrocarbyl residue (1-20C) containing 0-5 heteroatoms selected from O, S and N. Preferably R4 is alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, arylalkyl, aryloxy, heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, RCO, ═O, acyl, halo, CN, OR, NRCOR, NR, wherein R is H, alkyl (preferably 1-4C), aryl, or hetero forms thereof. Each appropriate substituent is itself unsubstituted or substituted with 1-3 substituents. The substituents are preferably independently selected from a group that includes alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, acyl, aroyl, heteroaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, heteroalkylaryl, NH-aroyl, halo, OR, NR2, SR, SOR, SO2R, OCOR, NRCOR, NRCONR2, NRCOOR, OCONR2, RCO, COOR, alkyl-OOR, SO3R, CONR2, SO2NR2, NRSO2NR2, CN, CF3, R3Si, and NO2, wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl or heteroforms thereof and two of R4 on adjacent positions can be joined to form a fused, optionally substituted aromatic or nonaromatic, saturated or unsaturated ring which contains 3-8 members, or R4 is ═O or an oxime, oximeether, oximeester or ketal thereof. R4 may occur m times on the ring; m is an integer of 0-4. Preferred embodiments of R4 comprise alkyl (1-4C) especially two alkyl substituents and carbonyl. Most preferably R4 comprises two methyl groups at positions 2 and 5 or 3 and 6 of a piperidinyl or piperazinyl ring or ═O preferably at the 5-position of the ring. The substituted forms may be chiral and an isolated enantiomer may be preferred.

[0055] R3 also represents a noninterfering substituent. Such substituents include hydrocarbyl residues (1-6C) containing 0-2 heteroatoms selected from O, S and/or N and inorganic residues. n is an integer of 0-3, preferably 0 or 1. Preferably, the substituents represented by R3 are independently halo, alkyl, heteroalkyl, OCOR, OR, NRCOR, SR, or NR2, wherein R is H, alkyl, aryl, or heteroforms thereof. More preferably R3 substituents are selected from alkyl, alkoxy or halo, and most preferably methoxy, methyl, and chloro. Most preferably, n is 0 and the a ring is unsubstituted, except for L1 or n is 1 and R3 is halo or methoxy.

[0056] In the ring labeled β, Z3 may be NR7 or O—i.e., the compounds may be related to indole or benzofuran. If C3 is NR7, preferred embodiments of R7 include H or optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, acyl, aroyl, heteroaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, heteroalkylaryl, or is SOR, SO2R, RCO, COOR, alkyl-COR, SO3R, CONR2, SO2NR2, CN, CF3, NR2, OR, alkyl-SR, alkyl-SOR, alkyl-SO2R, alkyl-OCOR, alkyl-COOR, alkyl-CN, alkyl-CONR2, or R3Si, wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl or heteroforms thereof. More preferably, R7 is hydrogen or is alkyl (1-4C), preferably methyl or is acyl (1-4C), or is COOR wherein R is H, alkyl, alkenyl of aryl or hetero forms thereof. R7 is also preferably a substituted alkyl wherein the preferred substituents are form ether linkages or contain sulfinic or sulfonic acid moieties. Other preferred substituents include sulfhydryl substituted alkyl substituents. Still other preferred substituents include CONR2 wherein R is defined as above.

[0057] It is preferred that the indicated dotted line represents a double bond; however, compounds which contain a saturated β ring are also included within the scope of the invention.

[0058] Preferably, the mandatory substituent CA or CR8A is in the 3-position; regardless of which position this substituent occupies, the other position is CR1, CR12, NR6 or N. CR1 is preferred. Preferred embodiments of R1 include hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, acyl, aroyl, heteroaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, heteroalkylaryl, NH-aroyl, halo, OR, NR2, SR, SOR, SO2R, OCOR, NRCOR, NRCONR2, NRCOOR, OCONR2, RCO, COOR, alkyl-OOR, SO3R, CONR2, SO2NR2, NRSO2NR2 CN, CF3, R3Si, and NO2, wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl or heteroforms thereof and two of R1 can be joined to form a fused, optionally substituted aromatic or nonaromatic, saturated or unsaturated ring which contains 3-8 members. Most preferably, R1 is H, alkyl, such as methyl, most preferably, the ring labeled a contains a double bond and CR1 is CH or C-alkyl. Other preferable forms of R1 include H, alkyl, acyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, halo, OR, NR2, SR, NRCOR, alkyl-OOR, RCO, COOR, and CN, wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, or aryl or heteroforms thereof.

[0059] While the position not occupied by CA is preferred to include CR1, the position can also be N or NR6. While NR6 is less preferred (as in that case the ring labeled β would be saturated), if NR6 is present, preferred embodiments of R6 include H, or alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, acyl, aroyl, heteroaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, heteroalkylaryl, or is SOR, SO2R, RCO, COOR, alkyl-COR, SO3R, CONR2, SO2NR2, CN, CF3, or R3Si wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl or heteroforms thereof.

[0060] Preferably, CR8A or CA occupy position 3—and preferably Z2 in that position is CA. However, if the β ring is saturated and R8 is present, preferred embodiments for R8 include H, halo, alkyl, alkenyl and the like. Preferably R is a relatively small substituent corresponding, for example, to H or lower alkyl 1-4C.

[0061] A is -Wi-COXjY wherein Y is COR2 or an isostere thereof and R2 is a noninterfering substituent. Each of W and X is a spacer and may be, for example, optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl, each of i and j is 0 or 1. Preferably, W and X are unsubstituted. Preferably, j is 0 so that the two carbonyl groups are adjacent to each other. Preferably, also, i is 0 so that the proximal CO is adjacent the ring. However, compounds wherein the proximal CO is spaced from the ring can readily be prepared by selective reduction of an initially glyoxal substituted β ring. In the most preferred embodiments of the invention, the α/β ring system is an indole containing CA in position 3—and wherein A is COCOR2.

[0062] The noninterfering substituent represented by R2, when R2 is other than H, is a hydrocarbyl residue (1-20C) containing 0-5 heteroatoms selected from O, S and/or N or is an inorganic residue. Preferred are embodiments wherein R2 is H, or is straight or branched chain alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylalkyl, each optionally substituted with halo, alkyl, heteroalkyl, SR, OR, NR2, OCOR, NRCOR, NRCONR2, NRSO2R, NRSO2NR2, OCONR2, CN, COOR, CONR2, COR, or R3Si wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl or the heteroatom-containing forms thereof, or wherein R2 is OR, NR2, SR, NRCONR2, OCONR2, or NRSO2NR2, wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl or the heteroatom-containing forms thereof, and wherein two R attached to the same atom may form a 3-8 member ring and wherein said ring may further be substituted by alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, each optionally substituted with halo, SR, OR, NR2, OCOR, NRCOR, NRCONR2, NRSO2R, NRSO2NR2, OCONR2, or R3Si wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl or the heteroatom-containing forms thereof wherein two R attached to the same atom may form a 3-8 member ring, optionally substituted as above defined.

[0063] Other preferred embodiments of R2 are H, heteroarylalkyl, —NR2, heteroaryl, —COOR, —NHRNR2, heteroaryl-COOR, heteroaryloxy, —OR, heteroaryl-NR2, —NROR and alkyl. Most preferably R2 is isopropyl piperazinyl, methyl piperazinyl, dimethylamine, piperazinyl, isobutyl carboxylate, oxycarbonylethyl, morpholinyl, aminoethyldimethylamine, isobutyl carboxylate piperazinyl, oxypiperazinyl, ethylcarboxylate piperazinyl, methoxy, ethoxy, hydroxy, methyl, amine, aminoethyl pyrrolidinyl, aminopropanediol, piperidinyl, pyrrolidinyl-piperidinyl, or methyl piperidinyl.

[0064] Isosteres of COR2 as represented by Y are defined as follows.

[0065] The isosteres have varying lipophilicity and may contribute to enhanced metabolic stability. Thus, Y, as shown, may be replaced by the isosteres in Table 1. 3

TABLE 1
Acid Isosteres
Names of Groups	Chemical Structures	Substitution Groups (SG)
tetrazole	4	n/a
1,2,3-triazole	5	H; SCH3; COCH3; Br; SOCH3; SO2CH3; NO2; CF3; CN; COOMe
1,2,4-triazole	6	H; SCH3; COCH3; Br; SOCH3; SO2CH3; NO2
imidazole	7	H; SCH3; COCH3; Br; SOCH3; SO2CH3; NO2

[0066] Thus, isosteres include tetrazole, 1,2,3-triazole, 1,2,4-triazole and imidazole.

[0067] The compounds of formula (1) may be supplied in the form of their pharmaceutically acceptable acid-addition salts including salts of inorganic acids such as hydrochloric, sulfuric, hydrobromic, or phosphoric acid or salts of organic acids such as acetic, tartaric, succinic, benzoic, salicylic, and the like. If a carboxyl moiety is present on the compound of formula (1), the compound may also be supplied as a salt with a pharmaceutically acceptable cation.

[0068] The compounds of the invention may also be supplied in a prodrug form. Where chiral centers exist by virtue of the substituents in the compounds of the invention, individual stereoisomers or mixtures of stereoisomers may be used in the methods of the invention.

[0069] Utility and Administration

[0070] The methods and compositions of the invention are successful to treat or ameliorate cystic fibrosis in humans.

[0071] As used herein, “treat” or “treatment” include effecting postponement of development of undesirable conditions and/or reduction in the severity of such symptoms that will or are expected to develop. Treatment includes ameliorating existing symptoms, preventing additional symptoms, ameliorating or preventing the underlying metabolic causes of symptoms, preventing the severity of the condition or reversing the condition, at least partially. Thus, the terms denote that a beneficial result has been conferred on a subject with cystic fibrosis.

[0072] Treatment generally comprises “administering” a subject compound which includes providing the subject compound in a therapeutically effective amount. “Therapeutically effective amount” means the amount of the compound that will treat cystic fibrosis by eliciting a favorable response in a cell, tissue, organ, system, in a human. The response may be preventive or therapeutic. The administering may be of the compound per se in a pharmaceutically acceptable composition, or this composition may include combinations with other active ingredients that are suitable to the treatment of this condition. The compounds may be administered in a prodrug form.

[0073] The manner of administration and formulation of the compounds useful in the invention and their related compounds will depend on the nature of the condition, the severity of the condition, the particular subject to be treated, and the judgement of the practitioner; formulation will also depend on mode of administration. As the compounds of the invention are “small molecules,” they are conveniently administered by oral administration by compounding them with suitable pharmaceutical excipients so as to provide tablets, capsules, syrups, and the like. Suitable formulations for oral administration may also include minor components such as buffers, flavoring agents and the like. Typically, the amount of active ingredient in the formulations will be in the range of 5%-95% of the total formulation, but wide variation is permitted depending on the carrier. Suitable carriers include sucrose, pectin, magnesium stearate, lactose, peanut oil, olive oil, water, and the like. This method is preferred if the subject can tolerate oral administration. Severe cystic fibrosis impairs gut absorption and metabolism so that it may not be possible to use this route when the condition is advanced.

[0074] The compounds useful in the invention may also be administered through suppositories or other transmucosal vehicles. Typically, such formulations will include excipients that facilitate the passage of the compound through the mucosa such as pharmaceutically acceptable detergents.

[0075] The compounds may also be administered topically, for topical conditions such as psoriasis, or in formulation intended to penetrate the skin. These include lotions, creams, ointments and the like which can be formulated by known methods.

[0076] The compounds may also be administered by injection, including intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection. Typical formulations for such use are liquid formulations in isotonic vehicles such as Hank's solution or Ringer's solution.

[0077] Intravenous administration is preferred for acute conditions; generally in these circumstances, the subject will be hospitalized. The intravenous route avoids any problems with inability to absorb the orally administered drug.

[0078] Alternative formulations include nasal sprays, liposomal formulations, slow-release formulations, and the like, as are known in the art. As cystic fibrosis severely affects the lungs, delivery via nebulizer, inhaler and otherwise directly into the lungs is also a preferred route of administration as the effects are relatively localized.

[0079] Any suitable formulation may be used. A compendium of art-known formulations is found in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, latest edition, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa. Reference to this manual is routine in the art.

[0080] Thus, the compounds useful in the method of the invention may be administered systemically or locally. For systemic use, the compounds are formulated for parenteral (e.g., intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intranasal or transdermal) or enteral (e.g., oral or rectal) delivery according to conventional methods. Intravenous administration can be by a series of injections or by continuous infusion over an extended period. Administration by injection or other routes of discretely spaced administration can be performed at intervals ranging from weekly to once to three times daily. Alternatively, the compounds may be administered in a cyclical manner (administration of compound; followed by no administration; followed by administration of compound, and the like). Treatment will continue until the desired outcome is achieved. In general, pharmaceutical formulations will include an active ingredient in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, such as saline, buffered saline, 5% dextrose in water, borate-buffered saline containing trace metals or the like. Formulations may further include one or more excipients, preservatives, solubilizers, buffering agents, albumin to prevent protein loss on vial surfaces, lubricants, fillers, stabilizers, etc.

[0081] Pharmaceutical compositions can be in the form of sterile, non-pyrogenic liquid solutions or suspensions, coated capsules, suppositories, lyophilized powders, transdermal patches or other forms known in the art.

[0082] Biodegradable films or matrices may be used in the invention methods. These include calcium sulfate, tricalcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, polylactic acid, polyanhydrides, bone or dermal collagen, pure proteins, extracellular matrix components and the like and combinations thereof. Such biodegradable materials may be used in combination with non-biodegradable materials, to provide desired mechanical, cosmetic or tissue or matrix interface properties.

[0083] Alternative methods for delivery may include osmotic minipumps; sustained release matrix materials such as electrically charged dextran beads; collagen-based delivery systems, for example; methylcellulose gel systems; alginate-based systems, and the like.

[0084] Aqueous suspensions may contain the active ingredient in admixture with pharmacologically acceptable excipients, comprising suspending agents, such as methyl cellulose; and wetting agents, such as lecithin, lysolecithin or long-chain fatty alcohols. The said aqueous suspensions may also contain preservatives, coloring agents, flavoring agents, sweetening agents and the like in accordance with industry standards.

[0085] Preparations for topical and local application comprise aerosol sprays, lotions, gels and ointments in pharmaceutically appropriate vehicles which may comprise lower aliphatic alcohols, polyglycols such as glycerol, polyethylene glycol, esters of fatty acids, oils and fats, and silicones. The preparations may further comprise antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid or tocopherol, and preservatives, such as p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters.

[0086] Parenteral preparations comprise particularly sterile or sterilized products. Injectable compositions may be provided containing the active compound and any of the well known injectable carriers. These may contain salts for regulating the osmotic pressure.

[0087] Liposomes may also be used as a vehicle, prepared from any of the conventional synthetic or natural phospholipid liposome materials including phospholipids from natural sources such as egg, plant or animal sources such as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylserine, or phosphatidylinositol and the like. Synthetic phospholipids may also be used.

[0088] The dosages of the compounds of the invention will depend on a number of factors which will vary from subject to subject. However, it is believed that generally, the daily oral dosage in humans will utilize 0.1 μg-5 mg/kg body weight, preferably from 1 μg-0.5 mg/kg and more preferably about 1 μg-50 μg/kg. The dose regimen will vary, however, depending on the compound and formulation selected, the condition being treated and the judgment of the practitioner. Optimization of dosage, formulation and regimen is routine for practitioners of the art.

[0089] Synthesis of the Invention Compounds

[0090] The synthesis of the invention compounds is set forth in the above-referenced PCT publication WO00/71535, incorporated herein by reference.

[0091] The following compounds of Tables 2 and 3 were prepared and many tested for their ability to inhibit p38-α kinase. It was found that the compounds in Tables 2 and 3 provide IC50 values for inhibition of p38-α in the range of 0.1-1.5 μMol.

TABLE 2
Compd. #	STRUCTURE	MW (Calcd.)	MW (Obsd.)
1	8	466	466
2	9	452	453
3	10	535	534
4	11	573	573
5	12	480	480
6	13	418	418
7	14	551	551
8	15	524	523
9	16	590	590
10	17	521	520
11	18	620	620
12	19	592	592
13	20	579	580
14	21	523	522
15	22	509	509
16	23	484	484
17	24	567	567
18	25	593	592
19	26	537	537
20	27	526	525
21	28	678	678
22	29	579	578
23	30	522	522
24	31	650	650
25	32	480	480
26	33	648	648
27	34	549	548
28	35	620	620
29	36	597	596
30	37	539	538
31	38	519	519
32	39	553	553
33	40	513	513
34	41	609	609
35	42	592	591
36	43	596	595
37	44	542	541
38	45	571	571
39	46	541	541
40	47	494	494
41	48	548	548
42	49	570	570
43	50	514	513
44	51	490	490
45	52	595	595
46	53	566	566
47	54	537	537
48	55	573	573
49	56	536	536
50	57	543	543
51	58	509	509
52	59	507	507
53	60	572	572
54	61	565	565
55	62	599	599
56	63	537	537
57	64	513	513
58	65	456	456
59	66	485	485
60	67	551	551
61	68	511	511
62	69	499	500
63	70	543	543
64	71	584	584
65	72	493	493
66	73	494	494
67	74	477	477
68	75	542	542
69	76	584	584
70	77	530	529
71	78	512	511
72	79	523	522
73	80	539	539
74	81	495	495
75	82	512	511
76	83	528	528
77	84	499	499
78	85	552	551
79	86	512	511
80	87	498	497
81	88	496	495
82	89	525	525
83	90	405	405
84	91	510	509
85	92	540	539
86	93	485	486
87	94	495	495
88	95	552	551
89	96	508	508
90	97	562	562
91	98	558	558
92	99	539	539
93	100	542	542
94	101	590	590
95	102	528	528
96	103	555	555
97	104	510	509
98	105	497	497
99	106	527	527
100	107	550	550
101	108	569	569
102	109	527	527
103	110	526	525
104	111	528	528
105	112	526	525
106	113	540	539
107	114	538	537
108	115	498	498
109	116	524	523
110	117	542	541
111	118	530	529
112	119	499	500
113	120	508	508
114	121	542	541
115	122	504	504
116	123	492	504

[0092]

TABLE 3
Compd. #	MOLSTRUCTURE	MW (Calcd.)	MW (Obs.)
117	124	472.5858	472.5858
118	125	404.4636	404.4636
119	126	390.4368	390.4368
120	127	502.6116	502.6116
121	128	558.6752	558.6752
122	129	458.559	458.559
123	130	389.4527	389.4527
124	131	420.4626	420.4626
125	132	516.6384	516.6384
126	133	504.6027	504.6027
127	134	422.4537	422.4537
128	135	525.021	525.021
129	136	434.4894	434.4894
130	137	422.4537	422.4537
131	138	438.4527	438.4527
132	139	452.4795	452.4795
133	140	408.4269	408.4269
134	141	420.4626	420.4626
135	142	391.4249	391.4249
136	143	528.5582	528.5582
137	144	435.4775	435.4775
138	145	419.4785	419.4785
139	146	486.6126	486.6126
140	147	511.547	511.547
141	148	507.559	507.559
142	149	505.5868	505.5868
143	150	574.6931	574.6931
144	151	465.5222	465.5222
145	152	437.4686	437.4686
146	153	480.9931	480.9931
147	154	518.6106	518.6106
148	155	535.0845	535.0845
149	156	460.5748	460.5748
150	157	548.6553	548.6553
151	158	520.6017	520.6017
152	159	446.548	446.548
153	160	450.4677	450.4677
154	161	494.5639	494.5639
155	162	511.0189	511.0189
156	163	606.6911	606.6911
157	164	521.5858	521.5858
158	165	490.6006	490.6006
159	166	506.5749	506.5749
160	167	490.6006	490.6006
161	168	536.6007	536.6007
162	169	498.9832	498.9832
163	170	469.9415	469.9415
164	171	541.02	541.02
165	172	511.9783	511.9783
166	173	497.9951	497.9951
167	174	497.9951	497.9951
168	175	483.9683	483.9683
169	176	539.0478	539.0478
170	177	549.6434	549.6434
171	178	476.5738	476.5738
172	179	476.5738	476.5738
173	180	476.5738	476.5738
174	181	469.9415	469.9415
175	182	479.549	479.549
176	183	513.01	513.01
177	184	494.5639	494.5639
178	185	534.6285	534.6285
179	186	508.5907	508.5907
180	187	522.6175	522.6175
181	188	483.5123	483.5123

[0093] 189

Claims

1. A method to treat cystic fibrosis in a human subject which method comprises administering to a subject in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the formula: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, a prodrug form thereof or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, wherein represents a single or double bond; one Z2 is CA or CR8A and the other is CR1, CR12, NR6 or N wherein each R1, R6 and R8 is independently hydrogen or noninterfering substituent; A is -Wi-COXjY wherein Y is COR2 or an isostere thereof and R2 is hydrogen or a noninterfering substituent, each of W and X is a spacer of 2-6 Å, and each of i and j is independently 0 or 1; Z3 is NR7 or 0; R7 is a noninterfering substituent; each R3 is independently a noninterfering substituent; n is 0-3; each of L1 and L2 is a linker; each R4 is independently a noninterfering substituent; m is 0-4; Z1 is CR5 or N wherein R5 is hydrogen or a noninterfering substituent; each of l and k is an integer from 0-2 wherein the sum of l and k is 0-3; Ar is an aryl group substituted with 0-5 noninterfering substituents, wherein two noninterfering substituents can form a fused ring; and the distance between the atom of Ar linked to L2 and the center of the α ring is 4.5-24 Å.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein A is COXjCOR2, and wherein R2 is H, or is straight or branched chain alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylalkyl, each optionally substituted with halo, alkyl, heteroalkyl, SR, OR, NR2, OCOR, NRCOR, NRCONR2, NRSO2R, NRSO2NR2 OCONR2, CN, COOR, CONR2, COR, or R3Si wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl or the heteroatom-containing forms thereof, or wherein R2 is OR, NR2, SR, NRCONR2, OCONR2, or NRSO2NR2, wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl or the heteroatom-containing forms thereof, and wherein two R attached to the same atom may form a 3-8 member ring and wherein said ring may further be substituted by alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, each optionally substituted with halo, SR, OR, NR2, OCOR, NRCOR, NRCONR2, NRSO2R, NRSO2NR2, OCONR2, or R3Si wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl or the heteroatom-containing forms thereof wherein two R attached to the same atom may form a 3-8 member ring, optionally substituted as above defined; and X, if present, is alkylene.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein Y is an isostere of COR2.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein Y is tetrazole; 1,2,3-triazole; 1,2,4-triazole; or imidazole.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein each of i and j is 0.

6. The method of claim 2 wherein j is 0.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein Z3 is NR7.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein R7 is H or is optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, acyl, aroyl, heteroaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, heteroalkylaryl, or is SOR, SO2R, RCO, COOR, alkyl-COR, SO3R, CONR2, SO2NR2, CN, CF3, NR2, OR, alkyl-SR, alkyl-SOR, alkyl-SO2R, alkyl-OCOR, alkyl-COOR, alkyl-CN, alkyl-CONR2, or R3Si, wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl or heteroforms thereof.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein R7 is H, or is optionally substituted alkyl, or acyl.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein both k and l are 1.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein L1 is CO, CHOH or CH2.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein L1 is CO.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein Z1 is N.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein Z1 is CR5 wherein R5 is H, OR, NR2, SR or halo, wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl or the heteroatom-containing forms thereof,

15. The method of claim 1 wherein L2 is alkylene (1-4C) or alkenylene (1-4C) optionally substituted with a moiety selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, acyl, aroyl, heteroaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, heteroalkylaryl, NH-aroyl, halo, OR, NR2, SR, SOR, SO2R, OCOR, NRCOR, NRCONR2, NRCOOR, OCONR2, RCO, COOR, alkyl-OOR, SO3R, CONR2, SO2NR2, NRSO2NR2, CN, CF3, R3Si, and NO2, wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl or heteroforms thereof, and wherein two substituents on L2 can be joined to form a non-aromatic saturated or unsaturated ring that includes 0-3 heteroatoms which are O, S and/or N and which contains 3 to 8 members or said two substituents can be joined to form a carbonyl moiety or an oxime, oximeether, oximeester or ketal of said carbonyl moiety.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein L2 is unsubstituted alkylene.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein L2 is unsubstituted methylene, methylene substituted with alkyl, or —CH═.

18. The method of claim 1 wherein Ar is optionally substituted with 0-5 substituents selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, acyl, aroyl, heteroaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, heteroalkylaryl, NH-aroyl, halo, OR, NR2, SR, SOR, SO2R, OCOR, NRCOR, NRCONR2, NRCOOR, OCONR2, RCO, COOR, alkyl-OOR, SO3R, CONR2, SO2NR2, NRSO2NR2, CN, CF3, R3Si, and NO2, wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl or heteroforms thereof, and wherein two of said optional substituents on adjacent positions can be joined to form a fused, optionally substituted aromatic or nonaromatic, saturated or unsaturated ring which contains 3-8 members.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein Ar is optionally substituted phenyl.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein said optional substitution is by halo, OR, or alkyl.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein said phenyl is unsubstituted or has a single substituent.

22. The method of claim 1 wherein R4 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, acyl, aroyl, heteroaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, heteroalkylaryl, NH-aroyl, halo, OR, NR2, SR, SOR, SO2R, OCOR, NRCOR, NRCONR2, NRCOOR, OCONR2, RCO, COOR, alkyl-OOR, SO3R, CONR2, SO2NR2, NRSO2NR2, CN, CF3, R3Si, and NO2, wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl or heteroforms thereof and two of R4 on adjacent positions can be joined to form a fused, optionally substituted aromatic or nonaromatic, saturated or unsaturated ring which contains 3-8 members, or R4 is ═O or an oxime, oximeether, oximeester or ketal thereof.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein each R4 is halo, OR, or alkyl.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein m is 0, 1, or 2.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein m is 2 and both R4 are alkyl.

26. The method of claim 1 wherein each R3 is halo, alkyl, heteroalkyl, OCOR, OR, NRCOR, SR, or NR2, wherein R is H, alkyl, aryl, or heteroforms thereof.

27. The method of claim 26 wherein R3 is halo or alkoxy.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein n is 0, 1 or 2.

29. The method of claim 1 wherein L1 is coupled to the a ring at the 4-, 5- or 6-position.

30. The method of claim 1 wherein Z2 at position 3 is CA or CH1A.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein the Z2 at position 2 is CR1 or CR12.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein R1 is hydrogen, or is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, acyl, aroyl, heteroaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, heteroalkylaryl, NH-aroyl, halo, OR, NR2, SR, SOR, SO2R, OCOR, NRCOR, NRCONR2, NRCOOR, OCONR2, RCO, COOR, alkyl-OOR, SO3R, CONR2, SO2NR2, NRSO2NR2, CN, CF3, R3Si, and NO2, wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl or heteroforms thereof and two of R1 can be joined to form a fused, optionally substituted aromatic or nonaromatic, saturated or unsaturated ring which contains 3-8 members.

33. The method of claim 32 wherein each R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, acyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, halo, OR, NR2, SR, NRCOR, alkyl-OOR, RCO, COOR, and CN, wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, or aryl or heteroforms thereof.

34. The method of claim 30 wherein Z2 at position 2 is N or NR6.

35. The method of claim 34 wherein R6 is H, or alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, acyl, aroyl, heteroaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, heteroalkylaryl, or is SOR, SO2R, RCO, COOR, alkyl-COR, SO3R, CONR2, SO2NR2, CN, CF3, or R3Si wherein each R is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl or heteroforms thereof.

36. The method of claim 1 wherein represents a double bond.

37. The method of claim 1 wherein the distance between the atom on Ar linked to L2 and the center of the a ring is 7.5-11 Å.

38. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound of formula (1) is selected from the group consisting of compounds shown in Tables 2 and 3 herein.

39. A pharmaceutical composition for treating cystic fibrosis in a human subject which composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of or mixtures of compounds of claim 1 in admixture with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

40. The composition of claim 39 which further contains an additional therapeutic agent.