SYNTHESIS OF NOVEL IMIPRIDONE DERIVATIVES AND THEIR EVALUATION FOR THEIR ANTICANCER ACTIVITY

Abstract

The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and stereoisomers thereof, including enantiomers, racemic mixtures, mixtures of enantiomers, or combinations thereof, which are applicable for use in treating cancer diseases. The present invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the above compounds.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I)

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts and stereoisomers thereof, including single enantiomers, racemic mixtures, mixtures of enantiomers, or combinations thereof, which are applicable for use in treating cancer diseases. The present invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the above compounds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Imipridones, a first-in-class small molecule anti-cancer compounds, comprising an angular tricyclic heterocyclic framework of enhanced basicity with two skeletal nitrogen atoms carrying substituents [cf. general structure represented by formula (I)]. This well-defined angularly condensed skeletal structure, comprising suitably positioned ideal number of basic centers and lactam moiety with pending tunable aromatic rings as evenly distributed potential binding sites, render multitargeting character and ideal drug properties to imipridones being essential to their distinct mechanisms of action. Specific G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) controlling critical signaling pathways in cancer cells are important targets of ONC201 (Reference Compound 1), the first imipridone implicated in clinical development directly antagonizing a GPCR called DRD2 dopamine receptor [1].

This molecule has also emerged as an efficient activator of the proapoptotic protein tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its receptors with a wide therapeutic index [2-4]. Kline et al. disclosed that ONC201 triggered dual inhibition of AKT and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERIK) pathways in a number of malignant cell lines (e.g. HCT-116, HEPG-2, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-468) and demonstrated that, besides apoptosis measured by sub-G1 fraction and caspase activation, ONC201 also induced cell cycle arrest in the cell lines which were tested as early as 24 h after treatment [2].

The forgoing cited references [1-4] regard to only ONC201, and do not disclose other imipridone derivatives.

By means of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labelling experiments the authors also confirmed that the proliferation of the cells was inhibited by ONC201 and, as a response to the treatment with this imipridone, the early cell cycle arrest caused a significant decrease in a number of viable cells within 48 h, even including those (e.g. A-549 and SNV-449) that did not undergo apoptosis [2]. Preclinical studies have demonstrated its potency as an exceptionally promising apoptotic anticancer agent having pronounced activity against a large variety of cancer cell lines (including e.g. PANC-1, HCT116, MDA-MB-23, U87, HFF, MRC5 and WI-38) [5-8]. Moreover, in phase II clinical trials this compound has proved to be beneficial in the treatment of patients with a wide range of advanced malignances [9].

With respect to the above mentioned references [5-9] it can also be stated that they relate to only ONC201 and do not disclose other imipridone derivatives. Besides the ONC201, Wagner et al. discloses an isomer of ONC201, which isomer has a linear [4,3-d] structure, therefore said isomer is not covered by the present invention [5]. Zhe-Zhu Jin et al. disclose the uses of ONC201 in combination with AZD-8055, which is a pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivative, therefore it does not covered by the present invention [7].

An intense search for analogues [10] identified a trifluoromethylated derivative named as ONC212 (Reference Compound 2) as a more potent imipridone with intensified and selective involvement in GPCR targeting and in tumor cell death.

This compound produced significantly enhanced activity at nanomolar concentrations against a number of different malignant cell lines, solid tumours, and hematological malignancies [10]. The cited reference [10] does not disclose such ONC201 derivatives, which has substituted benzyl group on the N-7 position.

It is also of importance that ONC212 showed improved preclinical efficacy on pancreatic cancer, melanoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma in a few in vivo models including ONC201-resistant tumours, e.g. PANC-1 and Capan-2 human pancreatic cancer xenograft models [11]. Said reference [11] regards to only ONC201 and its derivatives ONC212 and does not disclose other impiridones. Graves et al. demonstrated that ONC201 and some related analogues are highly potent activators of ClpP [12]. The cited reference [12] does not disclose ONC201 derivatives having di- or trisubstituted benzyl group on the N-7 position.

Since convincing preclinical evidences have been disclosed about the interplay between TRAIL and redox signalling pathways implicated in cancer [17], the inventors of the present invention in an earlier work [21] attempted to identify antiproliferative imipridones with ferrocene-containing substituents capable of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as nitric oxide, superoxide anion and other forms of free radicals [18, 19] that have been shown to be involved in biological regulatory processes leading to programmed cell death (apoptosis) [20]. Based on the reference [21], starting from ferrocene-containing primary amines and a selection of benzylamines a small library of ferrocene-containing derivatives and purely organic analogues were synthesized and tested, including ONC201 and ONC212 to serve as reference models without the potential of ROS-generation [21]. The results of the in vitro antiproliferative tests indicate that—although the organometallic imipridones, particularly the compounds with two ferrocene units (e.g. 7de), display marked cytotoxicity on human malignant cell lines HT-29, HEPG2, PANC1, COLO205, A2058 and EBC1, comparable to that of ONC201—their effects are substantially smaller than those exerted by ONC212. On the other hand, the effects of organic imipridones 7ah and 7ai proved to be comparable to those of ONC212 [21].

U.S. Pat. No. 10,239,877 discloses a new class of 4,7-benzyl-substituted imipridone derivatives, including the lead compound known as ONC201 and some another substituted analogues thereof. The disclosed compounds are potent TRAIL inducers which can be used in cancer therapy.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,376,437 discloses new substituted imipridone derivatives of the following formula (Reference Formula 1)

wherein R₁ and R₂, independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, carboxyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkoxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aralkoxy, aralkylthio, alkanoyl, mercapto, alkylthio, arylthio, alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroaryl, acyl, and heterocycle radicals, and wherein when R₁ represents CH₂-Ph, R₂ does not represent CH₂-(2-CH₃-Ph). In the preferred compounds

• • R₁ is CH₂-Ph and R₂ is CH₂-(2-Cl-Ph),
  • R₁ is CH₂-Ph and R₂ is CH₂-(2-thienyl),
  • R₁ is CH₂-Ph and R₂ is CH₂CH₂-Ph,
  • R₁ is CH₂-Ph and R₂ is CH₂CH₂-(4-N-benzyl-piperazine),
  • R₁ is CH₂-Ph and R₂ is CH₂-(2,4-di-F-Ph),
  • R₁ is H and R₂ is CH₂-(2-CH₃-Ph),
  • R₁ is CH₃ and R₂ is CH₂-(2-CH₃-Ph),
  • R₁ is CH₂CH₂-Ph and R₂ is CH₂-(2-CH₃-Ph).

U.S. Pat. No. 9,845,324 discloses other new substituted imipridone derivatives of above Reference Formula 1, wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkylphenyl, alkylphenylketone, benzyl piperazine, alkylthienyl, alkylpyridinyl, alkylisoxazolidinyl, alkylmorpholinyl, alkylthiazolyl and alkylpyrazinyl, wherein alkyl, alkylphenyl, alkylphenylketone, benzyl piperazine, alkylthienyl, alkylpyridinyl, alkylisoxazolidinyl, alkylmorpholinyl, alkylthiazolyl and alkylpyrazinyl are optionally substituted with alkyl, alkoxyl, hydroxyl, perhalogenated alkyl or halogen, and wherein R₂ is a substituted or an unsubstituted heterocycloalkylalkyl, preferably a morpholinoalkyl or a piperazinylalkyl group, or wherein R₂ is a substituted heteroarylalkyl, preferables a pyridylalkyl or isoxazolidinylalkyl group. Furthermore, the cited document discloses the compounds of Reference Formula 2 and Reference Formula 3, as defined in the cited document:

U.S. patent application No. US 2016/0264574 discloses new substituted imipridone derivatives of above Reference Formula 1, wherein R₁ and R₂ independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, carboxyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkoxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aralkoxy, aralkylthio, alkanoyl, mercapto, alkylthio, arylthio, alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroaryl, acyl, and heterocycle radicals, and wherein when R₁ represents CH₂-Ph, R₂ does not represent CH₂-(2-CH₃-Ph). In the preferred compounds

• • R₁ is CH₂-Ph and R₂ is CH₂-(2-Cl-Ph),
  • R₁ is CH₂-Ph and R₂ is CH₂-(2-thienyl),
  • R₁ is CH₂-Ph and R₂ is CH₂CH₂-Ph,
  • R₁ is CH₂-Ph and R₂ is CH₂CH₂-(4-N-benzyl-piperazine),
  • R₁ is CH₂-Ph and R₂ is CH₂-(2,4-di-F-Ph),
  • R₁ is H and R₂ is CH₂-(2-CH₃-Ph),
  • R₁ is CH₃ and R₂ is CH₂-(2-CH₃-Ph),
  • R₁ is CH₂CH₂-Ph and R₂ is CH₂-(2-CH₃-Ph),
  • R₁ is CH₂CH₂NHCOOC(CH₃)₃ and R₂ is CH₂-(2-CH₃-Ph),
  • R₁ is CH₂CH₂CH₂NH2 and R₂ is CH₂-(2-CH₃-Ph).

U.S. Pat. No. 10,266,533 discloses substituted imipridone derivatives of above formulae (Reference Formula 1, Reference Formula 2 and Reference Formula 3), where in the Reference Formula 1 R₁ and R₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkylphenyl, alkylphenylketone, benzyl piperazine, alkylthienyl, alkylpyridinyl, alkylisoxazolidinyl, alkylmorpholinyl, alkylthiazolyl and alkylpyrazinyl, wherein alkyl, alkylphenyl, alkylphenylketone, benzyl piperazine, alkylthienyl, alkylpyridinyl, alkylisoxazolidinyl, alkylmorpholinyl, alkylthiazolyl and alkylpyrazinyl are optionally substituted with alkyl, alkoxy, hydroxyl, perhalogenated alkyl or halogen, and wherein R₂ is a substituted or an unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl; or where in the Reference Formula 2 R₁ is a hydrogen; and R_a1, R_a2, R_a3, R_a4 and R_a5 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, X, —CH₃, —NO₂, —OCH₃, —CN, —CXH₂, —CX₂H, C₂-C₄ alkyl, —CX₃, —CH₂(CX₃), —CH(CX₃)₂, —C(CX₃)₃, —C_pX_2p+1, —OCX3, —OC_pH_2p+1, —OC_pX_2p+1, OR_m, SR_m, NR_mR_n, NR_mC(O)R_n, SOR_m, SO₂R_m, C(O)R_m and C(O)OR_m; where R_m and R_n are independently selected from hydrogen or a C₁-C₄ alkyl; and X represents a halogen; or derivatives of Reference Formula 4

wherein R_a1, R_a4 and R_a5 are each hydrogen; and R_a2 and R_a1 are each chlorine, or

• • R_a1, R_a3 and R_a5 are each hydrogen; and wherein R_a2 and R_a4 are fluorine, or
  • R_a2, R_a4 and R_a5 are each hydrogen; and wherein R_a1 and R_a3 are chlorine, or
  • R_a2, R_a4 and R_a5 are each hydrogen; and wherein R_a1 is a methyl and R_a3 is a fluorine, or
  • R_a2, R_a4 and R_a5 are each hydrogen; and wherein R_a1 is a fluorine and R_a3 is a CF₃.

U.S. patent No. US 2019/0194201 is a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 10,266,533 and discloses essentially the same substituted imipridone derivatives as its parent application.

U.S. patent No. US 201810141946 discloses imidazole pyrimidine ketones of Reference Formula 5

wherein n=0 or 1; R is selected from the group consisting of H, mono- or multi halos, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, halo-substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, hetero substituent such as nitrogen or oxygen and six-membered heterocyclic ring with zero, one or two hetero atom substitutions; Ar is selected from the group consisting of mono- or di-substituted aryl groups, with at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl and halo-substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl group; and wherein when n=1 and R is H, Ar is not phenyl, 2-chlorophenyl, 2,4-difluorophenyl, or o-methyl-phenyl. The preferred meaning of R is F, Cl, Br, methyl, isobutyl, methoxy, trifluromethyl, morpholinyl or piperazinyl group. The cited document discloses the preparation and efficacy data of 58 specific compounds.

International patent application No. WO 20181031987 discloses further substituted 4,7-di-benzyl- and 4-benzyl-7-(thiophenyl-methyl)-imipridone of formula (Reference Formula 6)

wherein V means substituted benzyl, (thiophen-2-yl)-methyl or (thiophen-3-yl)-methyl group, and the other substituents are as defined in the cited document. The application includes the preparation and efficacy data of 27 specific compounds.

U.S. patent application No. US 20181016277 relates to novel deuterated imidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(1H)-one compounds, such as ONC201 and analogues. This document also discloses compositions comprising a compound of the cited document and the use of such compositions alone or in combination with other therapeutics in the treatment of diseases and conditions that are beneficially treated by administering an inducer of the gene encoding tumor necrosis factor (TNF) related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) superfamily member 10. Further, the cited patent documents disclose the use of imipridone derivatives in cancer therapies. So, the use of compound ONC201 in the treatment of genitourinary cancer is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,456,402.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,688,679 discloses the use of ONC 201 in the treatment of leukemia.

International patent application No. WO20171132661 discloses the use of a compound of above mentioned Reference Formula 1 for treating or preventing a disease, disorder, or condition in a subject in need of selective modulation of the activity of a Class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) or a Class A GPCR signaling pathway, in particular, for treating the cancer is selected from the group consisting of a central nervous system tumor, a brain tumor, a peripheral nervous system tumor, a pheochromocytoma, a paraganglioma, a neuroendocrine tumor, a pancreatic cancer, a prostate cancer, an endometrial cancer, a hematological malignancy, and a lymphatic system tumor. The preferred compounds are ONC 201, 206, 212, 2013 and 236.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,172,862 and No. U.S. Pat. No. 10,369,154 disclose the use of compound ONC201 treatment of midline gliomas.

THE PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

There is a need for novel compounds, which has enhanced anticancer activity as compared to the state of the art, which property makes these compounds suitable for use in medicine.

THE DISCOVERY ACCORDING TO THE PRESENT INVENTION

By means of a close inspection of the structural features of the residual members of imipridones, we have discovered that novel imipridone derivatives, which contain 3,5-disubstituted benzyl group attached to position 7, related to the present invention, have enhanced anticancer activity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1: IC₅₀ curves created based on the results of in vitro test performed on PC3 human prostate cancer cell line.

FIG. 2: IC₅₀ curves created based on the results of in vitro test performed on LNCap human prostate cancer cell line.

FIG. 3: IC₅₀ curves created based on the results of in vitro test performed on BxPC3 pancreatic cancer cell line.

FIG. 4: IC₅₀ curves created based on the results of in vitro test performed on MiaPaCa2 pancreatic cancer cell line.

FIG. 5: IC₅₀ curves created based on the results of in vitro test performed on Panc1 pancreatic cancer cell line.

FIG. 6: IC₅₀ curves created based on the results of in vitro test performed on A549 lung carcinoma cell line.

FIG. 7: IC₅₀ curves created based on the results of in vitro test performed on HCC827 lung carcinoma cell line.

FIG. 8: IC₅₀ curves created based on the results of in vitro test performed on H1993 lung carcinoma cell line.

FIG. 9: IC₅₀ curves created based on the results of in vitro test performed on H520 lung carcinoma cell line.

FIG. 10: IC₅₀ curves created based on the results of in vitro test performed on MDA-MB-453 breast cancer cell line.

FIG. 11: IC₅₀ curves created based on the results of in vitro test performed on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line.

FIG. 12: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/1 (ONC 212) (reference) on DU 145, LNCaP and PC-3 cell lines.

FIG. 13: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/7 (ABB-011) on DU 145, LNCaP and PC-3 cell lines.

FIG. 14: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/3 (CZT-021) (reference) on DU 145, LNCaP and PC-3 cell lines.

FIG. 15: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/124 (TBP-333) on DU 145, LNCaP and PC-3 cell lines.

FIG. 16: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/6 (TBP-218) (reference) on DU 145, LNCaP and PC-3 cell lines.

FIG. 17: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/111 (TBP-272) on DU 145, LNCaP and PC-3 cell lines.

FIG. 18: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/149 (TBP-353) (reference) on DU 145, LNCaP and PC-3 cell lines.

FIG. 19: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/133 (TBP-400) on DU 145, LNCaP and PC-3 cell lines.

FIG. 20: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/30 (TBP-301) on DU 145, LNCaP and PC-3 cell lines.

FIG. 21: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/107 (CZT-136) on DU 145, LNCaP and PC-3 cell lines.

FIG. 22: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/1 (ONC 212) (reference) on Panc-1, Capan-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cell lines.

FIG. 23: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/7 (ABB-011) on Panc-1, Capan-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cell lines.

FIG. 24: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/3 (CZT-021) (reference) on Panc-1, Capan-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cell lines.

FIG. 25: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/124 (TBP-333) on Panc-1, Capan-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cell lines.

FIG. 26: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/6 (TBP-218) (reference) on Panc-1, Capan-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cell lines.

FIG. 27: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/111 (TBP-272) on Panc-1, Capan-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cell lines.

FIG. 28: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/149 (TBP-353) (reference) on Panc-1, Capan-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cell lines.

FIG. 29: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/133 (TBP-400) on Panc-1, Capan-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cell lines.

FIG. 30: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/30 (TBP-301) on Panc-1, Capan-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cell lines.

FIG. 31: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/107 (CZT-136) on Panc-1, Capan-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cell lines.

FIG. 32: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/1 (ONC 212) (reference) on Detroit 562, SCC-25 and Fadu cell lines.

FIG. 33: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/7 (ABB-011) on Detroit 562, SCC-25 and Fadu cell lines.

FIG. 34: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/3 (CZT-021) (reference) on Detroit 562, SCC-25 and Fadu cell lines.

FIG. 35: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/124 (TBP-333) on Detroit 562, SCC-25 and Fadu cell lines.

FIG. 36: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/6 (TBP-218) (reference) on Detroit 562, SCC-25 and Fadu cell lines.

FIG. 37: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/111 (TBP-272) on Detroit 562, SCC-25 and Fadu cell lines.

FIG. 38: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/149 (TBP-353) (reference) on Detroit 562, SCC-25 and Fadu cell lines.

FIG. 39: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/133 (TBP-400) on Detroit 562, SCC-25 and Fadu cell lines.

FIG. 40: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/30 (TBP-301) on Detroit 562, SCC-25 and Fadu cell lines.

FIG. 41: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/107 (CZT-136) on Detroit 562, SCC-25 and Fadu cell lines.

FIG. 42: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/1 (ONC 212) (reference) on EBC-1, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cell lines.

FIG. 43: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/7 (ABB-011) on EBC-1, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cell lines.

FIG. 44: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/3 (CZT-021) (reference) on EBC-1, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cell lines.

FIG. 45: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/124 (TBP-333) on EBC-1, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cell lines.

FIG. 46: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/6 (TBP-218) (reference) on EBC-1, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cell lines.

FIG. 47: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/111 (TBP-272) on EBC-1, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cell lines.

FIG. 48: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/149 (TBP-353) (reference) on EBC-1, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cell lines.

FIG. 49: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/133 (TBP-400) on EBC-1, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cell lines.

FIG. 50: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/30 (TBP-301) on EBC-1, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cell lines.

FIG. 51: Dose-response curve obtained by compound I/107 (CZT-136) on EBC-1, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cell lines.

FIG. 52: Cytotoxic effect of compound I/1 (ONC 212) (reference) on Panc-1 cell line.

FIG. 53: Cytotoxic effect of compound I/3 (CZT-021) (reference) on Panc-1 cell line.

FIG. 54: Cytotoxic effect of compound I/6 (TBP-218) (reference) on Panc-1 cell line.

FIG. 55: Cytotoxic effect of compound I/149 (TBP-353) (reference) on Panc-1 cell line.

FIG. 56: Cytotoxic effect of compound I/30 (TBP-301) on Panc-1 cell line.

FIG. 57: Cytotoxic effect of compound I/7 (ABB-011) on Panc-1 cell line.

FIG. 58: Cytotoxic effect of compound I/124 (TBP-333) on Panc-1 cell line.

FIG. 59: Cytotoxic effect of compound I/111 (TBP-272) on Panc-1 cell line.

FIG. 60: Cytotoxic effect of compound I/133 (TBP-400) on Panc-1 cell line.

FIG. 61: Cytotoxic effect of compound I/107 (CZT-136) on Panc-1 cell line.

FIG. 62: Change of the animal weight in the experiment disclosed in Example 23.

FIG. 63: Change of tumor volumes [<: p<0.05 (Student's t-test)] in the experiment disclosed in Example 23.

FIG. 64: Tumor size after termination (weight) [*: p<0.05 (Student's t-test)] in the experiment disclosed in Example 23.

FIG. 65: Tumors after termination in the experiment disclosed in Example 23.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

1. Compounds of formula (I)

• • wherein
  • if Y is phenyl and Z is H, then X is 3-fluorophenyl-methyl (Compound I/44), 3-(aminomethyl)phenyl (Compound I/58), 4-(aminomethyl)phenyl (Compound I/62), 3-azetidinyl (Compound I/90), 4-piperidinyl (Compound I/96), 3-azidophenyl (Compound I/102), 4-azidophenyl (Compound I/104), (4-ferrocenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)phenyl (Compound I/121) or:

or

• • if Y is 3-fluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 2-iodoferrocenyl (Compound I/52), 3-(aminomethyl)phenyl (Compound I/60), 4-(aminomethyl)phenyl (Compound I/63), 3-azidophenyl (Compound I/105) or 4-azidophenyl (Compound I/106); or
  • if Y is 3,5-difluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 3-(aminomethyl)phenyl (Compound I/61), 4-(aminomethyl)phenyl (Compound I/64), 4-azidophenyl (Compound I/107), 3-azidophenyl (Compound I/127), (4-ferrocenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)phenyl (Compound I/132); or
  • if Y is 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl and Z is H, then X is or 3-(aminomethyl)phenyl (Compound I/68); or
  • if Y is 3-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl and Z is H, then X is 3-(aminomethyl)phenyl (Compound I/73); or
  • if Y is 3-fluorophenylmethyl and Z is H, then X is 2-methylphenyl (Compound I/45); or
  • if Y is 3-(aminomethyl)phenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-iodophenyl (Compound I/59), ferrocenyl (Compound I/67), 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/69) or ferrocenylmethyl (Compound I/70); or
  • if Y is ferrocenyl and Z is H, then X is 3-(aminomethyl)phenyl (Compound I/65); or
  • if Y is ferrocenylmethyl and Z is H, then X is 3-(aminomethyl)phenyl (Compound I/66); or
  • if Y is 3-(methoxycarbonylaminomethyl)phenyl and Z is H, then X is ferrocenylmethyl (Compound I/71) or ferrocenyl (Compound I/72); or
  • if Y is 4-aminophenyl and Z is H, then X is 3-azetidinyl (Compound I/91) or 4-piperidinyl (Compound I/93); or
  • if Y is 3-azetidinyl and Z is H, then X is 2-methylphenyl (Compound I/92); or
  • if Y is 4-piperidinyl and Z is H, then X is 2-methylphenyl (Compound I/94) or 4-fluorophenyl (Compound I/95); or
  • if Y is 3-pyrrolidinyl and Z is H, then X is 2-methylphenyl (Compound I/97) or 4-fluorophenyl (Compound I/98); or
  • if Y is 2-pyrrolidinyl and Z is H, then X is 2-methylphenyl (Compound I/99) or 4-fluorophenyl (Compound I/100); or
  • if Y is 4-azidophenyl and Z is H, then X is 2-methylphenyl (Compound I/101); 3-fluorophenyl (Compound I/108), 4-fluorophenyl (Compound I/109), 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/110), 3-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/114), 4-iodophenyl (Compound I/115), 3,4,5-trimethoxy-phenyl (Compound I/116), 4-azidophenyl (Compound I/117), 3-azetidinyl (Compound I/118) or 4-piperidinyl (Compound I/119); or
  • if Y is 3-azidophenyl and Z is H, then X is 2-methylphenyl (Compound I/103), 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/111), 3-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/112), 4-iodophenyl (Compound I/113) or 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/133); or
  • if Y is (4-ferrocenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)phenyl and Z is H, then X is 2-methylphenyl (Compound I/120); or
  • if Y is

• • then X is 2-methylphenyl (Compound I/122); or
  • if Y is 3,5-diazidophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/138) or 4-(trifluromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/139); or
  • if Y is 3-thiocyanatophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/142) or 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/143); or
  • if Y is 3-selenocyanatophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/145) or 4-(trifluromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/146);
  • or a stereoisomer, enantiomer, mixture of enantiomers, mixture of diastereomers or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

2. The compounds according to Point 1, wherein

• • if Y is 3-fluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-azidophenyl (Compound I/106); or
  • if Y is 3,5-difluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-azidophenyl (Compound I/107); or
  • if Y is 3-azidophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/111) or 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/133); or
  • if Y is 3,5-diazidophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/138) or 4-(trifluromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/139);
  • or a stereoisomer, enantiomer, mixture of enantiomers, mixture of diastereomers or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

3. The compounds according to Point 1, wherein

• • if Y is 3,5-difluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-azidophenyl (Compound I/107); or
  • if Y is 3-azidophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/111) or 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/133);
  • or a stereoisomer, enantiomer, mixture of enantiomers, mixture of diastereomers or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

4. The compounds of formula (I)

• • wherein
  • if Y is phenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-fluorophenyl (Compound I/5), 3-fluorophenyl (Compound I/8), 3,4,5-trifluorophenyl (Compound I/9), 2,3,4-trifluorophenyl (Compound I/29), 2-fluoro-4-nitrophenyl (Compound I/48) or 3-aminophenyl (Compound I/75); or
  • if Y is 3-fluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 3-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/31), 4-iodophenyl (Compound I/46), 2-fluoro-4-nitrophenyl (Compound I/49), 2-methylphenyl (Compound I/53) or 4-aminophenyl (Compound I/84); or
  • if Y is 3,5-difluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-fluorophenyl (Compound I/7), 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/30), 4-iodophenyl (Compound I/38), 4-bromophenyl (Compound I/39), 2-fluoro-4-nitrophenyl (Compound I/50), 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/124) or 3-aminophenyl (Compound I/126) or 2-methylphenyl (Compound I/37); or
  • if Y is 2-fluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 3-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/26) or 4-iodophenyl (Compound I/54); or
  • if Y is 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl and Z is H, then X is 3-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/27); or
  • if Y is 4-fluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 3-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/28) or 4-iodophenyl (Compound I/55); or
  • if Y is 4-aminophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/81), 4-fluorophenyl (Compound I/86), 4-iodophenyl (Compound I/87) or 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl (Compound I/89); or
  • if Y is 3,5-difluorophenyl and Z is hydroxymethyl, then X is 4-chlorophenyl (racemic) (Compound I/128), 4-fluorophenyl (R-enantiomer) (Compound I/129 (R)) or 4-fluorophenyl (S-enantiomer) (Compound I/129 (S));
  • if Y is 3,5-dicyanophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/136) or 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/137); or
  • if Y is phenyl and Z is H, then X is 2-iodophenyl (Compound I/11);
  • or a stereoisomer, enantiomer, mixture of enantiomers, mixture of diastereomers or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use as a medicament.

5. The compounds of formula (I)

• • wherein
  • if Y is phenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-fluorophenyl (Compound I/5), 3-fluorophenyl (Compound I/8), 3,4,5-trifluorophenyl (Compound I/9), 2,3,4-trifluorophenyl (Compound I/29), 2-fluoro-4-nitrophenyl (Compound I/48) or 3-aminophenyl (Compound I/75); or
  • if Y is 3-fluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 3-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/31), 4-iodophenyl (Compound I/46), 2-fluoro-4-nitrophenyl (Compound I/49), 2-methylphenyl (Compound I/53) or 4-aminophenyl (Compound I/84); or
  • if Y is 3,5-difluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-fluorophenyl (Compound I/7), 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/30), 4-iodophenyl (Compound I/38), 4-bromophenyl (Compound I/39), 2-fluoro-4-nitrophenyl (Compound I/50), 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/124) or 3-aminophenyl (Compound I/126) or 2-methylphenyl (Compound I/37); or
  • if Y is 2-fluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 3-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/26) or 4-iodophenyl (Compound I/54); or
  • if Y is 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl and Z is H, then X is 3-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/27); or
  • if Y is 4-fluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 3-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/28) or 4-iodophenyl (Compound I/55); or
  • if Y is 4-aminophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/81), 4-fluorophenyl (Compound I/86), 4-iodophenyl (Compound I/87) or 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl (Compound I/89); or
  • if Y is 3,5-difluorophenyl and Z is hydroxymethyl, then X is 4-chlorophenyl (racemic) (Compound I/128), 4-fluorophenyl (R-enantiomer) (Compound I/129 (R)) or 4-fluorophenyl (S-enantiomer) (Compound I/129 (S));
  • if Y is 3,5-dicyanophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/136) or 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/137); or
  • if Y is phenyl and Z is H, then X is 2-iodophenyl (Compound I/11);
  • or a stereoisomer, enantiomer, mixture of enantiomers, mixture of diastereomers or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in the treatment of cancer.

6. The compounds for use according to the Point 5, wherein the cancer is selected form the group consisting of prostate carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, lung carcinoma, breast cancer, glioma, cancers of head and neck, colon cancer, skin cancer.

7. The compounds for use according to Points 4 to 6, wherein

• • if Y is 3-fluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 2-methylphenyl (Compound I/53); or
  • if Y is 3,5-difluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-fluorophenyl (Compound I/7), 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/30), 4-bromophenyl (Compound I/39), 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/124) or 2-methylphenyl (Compound I/37); or
  • if Y is 3,5-dicyanophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/136) or 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/137); or
  • if Y is phenyl and Z is H, then X is 2-iodophenyl (Compound I/11);
  • or a stereoisomer, enantiomer, mixture of enantiomers, mixture of diastereomers or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

8. The compounds for use according to Points 4 to 6, wherein

• • if Y is 3,5-difluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-fluorophenyl (Compound I/7), 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/30) or 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/124);
  • or a stereoisomer, enantiomer, mixture of enantiomers, mixture of diastereomers or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

9. The compounds according to the Points 1-3 for use as a medicament.

10. The compounds according to the Points 1-3 for use in the treatment of cancer.

11. The compounds for use according to the Point 10, wherein the cancer is selected form the group consisting of prostate carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, lung carcinoma, breast cancer, glioma, cancers of head and neck, colon cancer, skin cancer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) as described above in Item 1, wherein the identifiers in the formula are as defined in Item 1, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers thereof, including single enantiomers, racemic mixtures, mixtures of enantiomers, or combinations thereof.

A group of compounds of the present invention is a compound of formula (I) as described above, wherein the identifiers in the formula are as defined in Item 2, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers thereof, including single enantiomers, racemic mixtures, mixtures of enantiomers, or combinations thereof.

Another group of compounds of the present invention are compounds of formula (I) as described above in Item 3, wherein the identifiers in the formulae are as defined in Item 3, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers thereof, including single enantiomers, racemic mixtures, mixtures of enantiomers, or combinations thereof.

A further group of compounds of the present invention is a compound of formula (I) as described above in Item 4, wherein the identifiers in the formula are as defined in Item 4, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers thereof, including single enantiomers, racemic mixtures, mixtures of enantiomers, or combinations thereof.

A further group of compounds of the present invention is a compound of formula (I) as described above in Item 5, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers thereof, including enantiomers, racemic mixtures, mixtures of enantiomers, or combinations thereof. As noted above, the compounds of the present invention may exist as racemic mixtures and as optical isomers, in the form of one enantiomer, which is pure or predominantly present. It will be appreciated that both racemic mixtures and enantiomers in pure form or in the mixture predominantly as compared to the other enantiomer belong to the subject matter of the invention.

The invention also relates to the compounds of the invention for use in the treatment of cancer diseases selected from the group consisting of prostate carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, lung carcinoma, breast cancer, glioma, cancers of head and neck, colon cancer, skin cancer.

By means of a close inspection of the structural features of the residual members of imipridones described in the prior art, it can be established that besides the limited versatility of the substituents bonded to N-4 and N-7, except for ONC234 (Reference Compound 1), the known impiridones do not contain di- or trisubstituted benzyl group attached to position 7 indicating that the accessible chemical space is underexplored. This realization has lead to identify novel lead compounds of more pronounced potential in chemotherapeutic applications which, in addition to enhanced anticancer activity, have additional beneficial properties, e.g. in terms of therapeutic window and bioavailability superior to those of the state of the art collection.

Accordingly, following our convergent synthetic route presented on Reaction Scheme 1 we performed a diversity oriented synthesis of novel imipridones with a variety of mono-, di- and trisubstituted benzyl groups and amine-based molecular fragment on both terminals of the heterocyclic skeleton (see Table 1).

To expand the scope of the functional groups on the pending skeletal substituents, the compounds prepared from commercially available building blocks containing Boc-protected aromatic amine residue(s), were converted into azido derivatives (see Table 1) by a one-pot procedure comprising simultaneous acid-catalyzed N-deprotection and diazotation followed by diazonium→azide exchange (see Reaction Scheme 2). By means of copper(I)-catalysis two azides were coupled with ethynylferrocene and erlotinib to get triazole-tethered hybrids (see Table 1).

In the course of inventive work the results of biological tests, disclosing characteristic structure activity relationships (SAR), were continuously taken into account for the structural refinement in the design and synthesis of the further members of novel imipridones that displayed enhanced cytotoxic effects. Since only a limited set of data resulted from the bioassays of imipridones known from the prior art are accessible (WO 2018031987 A1), besides ONC212 three additional known halogenated analogues [I/2 (ONC217), I/3 (2185824-99-9P) and I/4 (2185824-98-8P) in Table 1] were also prepared to serve as references in our biological tests.

As a result of stepwise refinement we identified three novel halogenated imipridones [I/7 (ABB-011), I/30 (TBP-301) and I/39 (TBP-302)] as the most potent drug candidates displaying extremely strong cytotoxicity on representative cell lines characterized by IC₅₀ values in a range of ca. 3-8 nM unambiguously indicating their superiority over each on reference compounds known from the prior art (Tables 2 and 3) We have also disclosed that the R-enantiomer of a hydroxymethyl substituted imipridone I/129(R) [TBP-339(R)] exhibits much stronger antiproliferative effect on PANC1 cell line that does the S-enantiomer I(129(S) [(TBP-339(S)] (IC₅₀=15 nM vs 265 nM: Table 2).

A clear structure-activity relationship, associated with the stepwise introduction of fluorine substituents in the “metd” position(s) of the N-7-benzyl group, can be established from the tendency observed in the gradual increase in the cytotoxicity produced by ONC212, 2185824-99-9P and I/30 (TBP-301). The very same tendency is discernible in the antiproliferative effects of the series I/5 (TBP-134), I/6 (TBP-218), I/7 (ABB-011) and I/41 (TBP-285), 2185824-98-8P I/39 (TBP-302) the 3,5-difluorobenzyl-substituted derivatives being far the most active ones.

Preparation of Compounds of the Invention

The convergent synthesis of the novel imipridones of general formula (I) (except for the compounds containing N₃, CN, SCN and SeCN substituents in the side chains pending on positions 4 and 7) (Reaction scheme 1) are based on straightforward coupling reactions and anullations utilizing readily available precursors, such as 2-(methylthio)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (1), methylacrylate and primary amines types 3 and 5.

Materials and Methods

All fine chemicals were obtained from commercially available sources (Merck, Fluorochem, Molar Chemicals, VWR) and used without further purification. Dioxane was distilled from sodium benzophenone. Merck Kieselgel (230-400 mesh, 60 {acute over (Å)}) was used for flash column chromatography. Melting points (uncorrected) were determined with a Büchi M-560. The ¹H- and ¹³C NMR spectra of all compounds were recorded in CDCl₃ solution in 5 mm tubes at RT, on a Bruker DRX-500 spectrometer at 500 (¹H) and 125 (¹³C) MHz, with the deuterium signal of the solvent as the lock and TMS as the internal standard. The HSQC, HMBC, COSY and NOESY spectra, which support the exact assignments the of ¹H- and ¹³C NMR signals were obtained by using the standard Bruker pulse programs.

General Procedures of the Synthetic Steps Finally Leading to Compounds of Formula (I) as Presented on Reaction Scheme 1

1. Methyl 2-(methylthio)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-1-carboxylate (2)

Commercially available 2-methylthio-4,5-dihydroimidazolium iodide (12.21 g, 50 mmol) and triethylamine (TEA, 16 mL, 11.62 g, 115 mmol) were dissolved in DCM (50 mL). Methylchloroformate (5 mL, 6.12 g, 65 mmol) was added dropwise to the solution previously cooled down to 0° C. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm up to 25° C. and was stirred overnight. After addition of EtOAc (200 mL) and stirring for 15 min, the precipitated ammonium salts were filtered off and washed through with EtOAc (50 mL). The combined solution was evaporated to dryness. The solid residue was triturated with water filtered off and dried under vacuo to obtain 5 as white solid. Yield: 5.55 g (64%).

2. N-substituted-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-amine (4)

To the solution of primary amine type 3 (2 mmol) dissolved in a mixture of MeOH:AcOH (4 mL:1 mL) methyl 2-(methylthio)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-1-carboxylate 2 (0.47 g, 2.4 mmol) was added and the resulting solution was stirred at reflux for 20 h. After cooling down the reaction was concentrated in vacuo and the oily residue was dissolved in DCM (30 mL). The solution was washed with 3 M NaOH (10 mL), brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to dryness. The colorless oil was crystallised from ether and used without further purification for the cyclisation to imipridone framework.

3. Impiridone Forming Cyclisation

Primary amine 5 (1 mmol), dissolved in MeOH (4 mL), methylacrylate (0.23 mL, 2.5 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred for 24 h at room temperature, concentrated in vacuo and the obtained crude dipropionate type 6 was dissolved in anhydrous THF (4 mL). Under argon atmosphere NaH (0.12 g, 5 mmol,) was added in small portions to the intensively stirred solution that previously was cooled down to 0° C. The resulting suspension was stirred for additional 2 h at reflux temperature and concentrated to dryness under vacuo. The resulting solid residue containing the crude sodium salt of methyl N-substituted oxopiperidine-3-carboxylate (7) was dissolved in anhydrous MeOH (5 mL). To this solution was added N-substituted-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-amine (4) (1 mmol) prepared in separate steps as described above. The basic solution was stirred at a reflux for 12 h, under argon atmosphere then cooled down by ice-water. The cooled reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h and the precipitated solid was collected by filtration, washed with cold methanol and dried to produce the pure imipridone product of formula (I).

4. Synthesis of Amine-Containing Imipridones

For the synthesis of the target compounds with pending primary amine or cyclic secondary amine moiety, the corresponding diamine (3 or 5) mono-Boc-protected either in X or in Y group was used as coupling component in the general procedures described above. The isolated Boc-protected imipridone (2 mmol) was dissolved in cc HCl (5 mL) and the resulting solution was heated at reflux for 5 minutes and cooled down to room temperature. The pH of this solution was then set to ca. 13-14 by concentrated aqueous potassium hydroxide. The precipitated amine product was collected by filtration, thoroughly washed with cold water and dried in desiccator over potassium hydride pellets.

5. Synthesis of Azidobenzyl Imipridones

The corresponding aminobenzyl imipridone (1 mmol) was dissolved in cc HCl (5 mL). To this solution cooled down to 0° C. was dropwise added an aqueous solution of NaNO₂ (137.8 mg, 2 mmol dissolved in 2.5 mL of water). The diazotation reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion, NaN₃ (324 mg, 5 mmol) was added at 0° C. to the reaction mixture which was then stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The pH of the solution was adjusted to 10-11 by a careful addition of solid Na₂CO₃. The resulting mixture was extracted by CH₂Cl₂ (2×40 mL) and the organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄ then evaporated to dryness. The oily residue was crystallized by n-hexane to obtain the product as colourless solid.

6. Synthesis of Aryltriazolylbenzyl Imipridones from Azidobenzyl Imipridones

The corresponding azidobenzyl imipridone (1 mmol), the terminal alkyne component (1 mmol) and CuI (29.3 mg, 0.15 mmol) were dissolved in DMSO (5 mL). In a closed vessel the reaction mixture was stirred for 24 h at room temperature and poured on water (50 mL). The precipitated solid was collected by filtration, washed with water (100 mL) and suspended in aqueous ammonia solution (20 mL). The suspension was stirred for 20 min and filtered. The residue was washed with water (50 mL), dried and dissolved in a 9:1 mixture of CH₂Cl₂ and MeOH (10 mL). The solution was passed through silica and evaporated. The solid residue was crystallized with ether.

In the following, the invention will be illustrated by means of exemplary embodiments which, however, are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

7-(3,5-Difluorobenzyl)-4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)-2,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(1H)-one (TBP-301) (Compound I/30)

Yield: 387 mg (81%). Mp.: 168.0° C. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.53 and 7.50 (A and B part of an AA′BB′ spin system, J_AB=8.9 Hz, 2×2H, H-3″,5″ and H-2″,6″, resp.); 6.84 (br dt, J˜7 Hz and ˜2 Hz, 2H, H-2′,6′); 6.67 (tt, J=9.0 Hz and 2.3 Hz, 1H, H-4′); 5.06 (s, 2H, H-11); 3.88 (s, 4H, H-1 and H-2); 3.60 (s, 2H, H-10); 3.24 (br s, 2H, H-6); 2.64 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-8); 2.46 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-9). ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃): 163.1 (dd, J=250.2 Hz and 15.6 Hz, C-3′,5′); 161.3 (C-5); 152.9 (C-3a); 145.8 (C-9a); 142.2 (t, J=8.4 Hz, C-1′); 140.8 (C-1″); 129.6 (qa, J=32.5 Hz, C-4″); 128.8 (C-2″,6″); 125.3 (qa, J=3.8 Hz, C-3″,5″); 124.4 (qa, J=272.5 Hz, CF₃); 111.3 (dd, J=19.3 Hz and 4.9 Hz, C-2′,6′); 102.8 (t, J=25.8 Hz, C-4′); 101.6 (C-5a); 61.4 (C-10); 50.6 (C-2); 49.3 (C-6); 48.4 (C-8); 46.9 (C-1); 45.0 (C-11); 26.8 (C-9).

Example 2

4-(4-Bromobenzyl)-7-(3,5-difluorobenzyl)-2,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(1H)-one (TBP-302) (Compound I/39)

Yield: 271 mg (56%). Mp.: 173.5° C. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.36 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H, H-3″,5″); 7.32 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H, H-2″,6″); 6.84 (br dt, J˜7 Hz and ˜2 Hz, 2H, H-2′,6′); 6.66 (tt, J=9.0 Hz and 2.3 Hz, 1H, H-4′); 4.95 (s, 2H, H-11); 3.87 (s, 4H, H-1 and H-2); 3.60 (s, 2H, H-10); 3.23 (br s, 2H, H-6); 2.62 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-8); 2.44 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-9). ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃): 163.1 (dd, J=250.2 Hz and 15.6 Hz, C-3′,5′); 161.3 (C-5); 152.9 (C-3a); 145.8 (C-9a); 142.2 (t, J=8.4 Hz, C-1′); 135.9 (C-1″); 131.4 (C-3″,5″); 130.6 (C-2″,6″); 121.4 (C-4″); 111.3 (dd, J=19.3 Hz and 4.9 Hz, C-2′,6′); 102.8 (t, J=25.7 Hz, C-4′); 101.6 (C-5a); 61.4 (C-10); 50.6 (C-2); 49.4 (C-6); 48.4 (C-8); 46.9 (C-1); 44.8 (C-11); 26.8 (C-9).

Example 3

4-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-7-(3,5-difluorobenzyl)-2,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(1H)-one (ABB-011) (Compound I/7)

Yield: 290 mg (68%). Mp.: 190.5° C. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.44 (dd, J=8.7 Hz and 5.7 Hz, 2H, H-2″,6″); 6.92 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H, H-3″,5″); 6.84 (br dt, J˜7 Hz and ˜2 Hz, 2H, H-2′,6′); 6.66 (tt, P8.9 Hz and 2.3 Hz, 1H, H-4′); 4.97 (s, 2H, H-11); 3.92-3.83 (m, 4H, H-1 and H-2); 3.59 (s, 2H, H-10); 3.23 (br s, 2H, H-6); 2.62 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-8); 2.44 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-9). ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃): 162.2 (d, J=162.2 Hz, C-4″); 163.1 (dd, J=250.0 Hz and 15.2 Hz, C-3′,5′); 161.4 (C-5); 152.9 (C-3a); 145.5 (C-9a); 142.2 (t, J=8.4 Hz, C-1′); 132.7 (C-1″); 130.7 (d, J=7.9 Hz, C-2″,6″); 115.0 (d, J=21.3 Hz, C-3″,5″); 111.4 (dd, J=19.3 Hz and 4.9 Hz, C-2′,6′); 102.7 (t, J=25.7 Hz, C-T); 101.6 (C-5a); 61.4 (C-10); 50.6 (C-2); 49.4 (C-6); 48.4 (C-8); 46.9 (C-1); 44.7 (C-11); 26.7 (C-9).

Example 4

4-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-7-(3,5-difluorobenzyl)-2,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(1H)-one (TBP-333) (Compound I/124)

Yield: 332 mg (75%). Mp.: 162.4° C. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.38 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H, H-2″,6″); 7.20 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H, H-3″,5″); 6.84 (br dt, J˜7 Hz and ˜2 Hz, 2H, H-2′,6′); 6.66 (tt, J=9.0 Hz and 2.3 Hz, 1H, H-4′); 4.97 (s, 2H, H-11); 3.90-3.83 (m, 4H, H-1 and H-2); 3.59 (s, 2H, H-10); 3.22 (br s, 2H, H-6); 2.62 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-8); 2.44 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-9). ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃): 163.1 (dd, J=248.2 Hz and 14.6 Hz, C-3′,5′); 161.3 (C-5); 152.9 (C-3a); 145.6 (C-9a); 142.2 (t, J=8.4 Hz, C-1′); 135.4 (C-1″); 133.2 (C-4″); 130.6 (C-2″,6″); 128.4 (C-3″,5″); 111.7 (dd, J=19.3 Hz and 4.9 Hz, C-2′,6′); 102.7 (t, J=25.7 Hz, C-4′); 101.6 (C-5a); 61.4 (C-10); 50.6 (C-2); 49.4 (C-6); 48.4 (C-8); 46.9 (C-1); 44.7 (C-11); 26.7 (C-9).

Example 5

4-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-7-(3,5-difluorobenzyl)-2,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(1H)-one (TBP-344) (Compound I/125)

Yield: 302 mg (68%). Mp.: 204.8° C. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.40 (br s, 1H, H-2″); 7.30 (m, 1H, H-5″); 7.18-7.15 (m, 2H, H-4″,6″); 6.84 (br dt, J˜7 Hz and ˜2 Hz, 2H, H-2′,6′); 6.66 (tt, J=8.9 Hz and 2.2 Hz, 1H, H-4′); 4.98 (s, 2H, H-11); 3.87 (br ˜s, 4H, H-1 and H-2); 3.59 (s, 2H, H-10); 3.24 (br s, 2H, H-6); 2.63 (t, 2H, J=5.6 Hz, H-8); 2.45 (t, 2H, J=5.6 Hz, H-9). ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃): 163.1 (dd, J=248.6 Hz and 14.0 Hz, C-3′,5′); 161.3 (C-5); 152.9 (C-3a); 145.7 (C-9a); 142.3 (t, J=8.4 Hz, C-1′); 138.8 (C-1″); 134.1 (C-3″); 128.4 (two coalesced lines, C-2″ and C-4″); 127.6 (C-6″); 126.8 (C-5″); 111.3 (dd, J=19.6 Hz and 5.1 Hz, C-2′,6′); 102.7 (t, J=25.3 Hz, C-4′); 101.6 (C-5a); 61.3 (C-10); 50.6 (C-2); 49.4 (C-6); 48.4 (C-8); 46.9 (C-1); 44.9 (C-11); 26.8 (C-9).

Example 6

rac-4-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-7-(3,5-difluorobenzyl)-2,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(1H)-one (TBP-342) (Compound I/128 (Racemate))

Yield: 38 mg (8%). Mp.: 86° C. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.28 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H, H-2″,6″); 7.23 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H, H-3″,5″); 6.84 (br dt, J˜7 Hz and ˜2 Hz, 2H, H-2′,6′); 6.67 (tt, J=9.0 Hz and 2.3 Hz, 1H, H-4′); 6.08 (dd, J=5.1 Hz and 1.6 Hz, 1H, H-11); 4.31 (dd, J=12.8 Hz and 5.1 Hz, 1H, H-12_A); 4.06 (dd, J=12.8 Hz and 1.6 Hz, 1H, H-12_B); 3.93-3.85 (m, 3H, H-1 and H-2_A); 3.78 (m, 1H, H-2_B); 3.60 (s, 2H, H-10); 3.24 and 3.21 (A and B parts of an AB spin system, J_AB=14.9 Hz, 2×1H, H-6_A and H-6_B); 2.66 (m, 2H, H-8); 2.50 (m, 2H, H-9). ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃): 163.1 (dd, P248.2 Hz and 13.9 Hz, C-3′,5′); 161.6 (C-5); 153.5 (C-3a); 146.0 (C-9a); 142.2 (t, J=8.4 Hz, C-1′); 135.2 (C-1″); 133.1 (C-4″); 139.0 (C-2″,6″); 128.4 (C-3″,5″); 111.4 (dd, J=19.3 Hz and 4.9 Hz, C-2′,6′); 102.8 (t, J=25.7 Hz, C-4′); 102.4 (C-5a); 62.9 (C-12); 61.3 (C-10); 57.6 (C-11); 49.5 (C-2); 49.4 (C-6); 48.4 (C-8); 46.5 (C-1); 26.8 (C-9).

Example 7

R-4-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-7-(3,5-difluorobenzyl)-2,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(1H)-one (TBP-339) (Compound I/129 (R-Enantiomer))

Yield: 51 mg (11%). Mp.: 76° C. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.36 (dd, J=8.8 Hz and 5.8 Hz, 2H, H-2″,6″); 6.96 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H, H-3″,5″); 6.85 (br dt, J˜7 Hz and ˜2 Hz, 2H, H-2′,6′); 6.67 (tt, J=9.0 Hz and 2.3 Hz, 1H, H-4′); 6.09 (dd, J=5.3 Hz and 1.6 Hz, 1H, H-11); 4.32 (dd, J=12.8 Hz and 5.3 Hz, 1H, H-12_A); 4.07 (dd, J=12.8 Hz and 1.6 Hz, 1H, H-12_B); 3.94-3.85 (m, 3H, H-1 and H-2_A); 3.81 (m, 1H, H-2_B); 3.61 (s, 2H, H-10); 3.25 and 3.21 (A and B parts of an AB spin system, J_AB=14.9 Hz, 2×1H, H-6_A and H-6_B); 2.66 (m, 2H, H-8); 2.50 (m, 2H, H-9). ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃): 163.1 (dd, J=248.2 Hz and 13.9 Hz, C-3′,5′); 162.0 (d, J=245.8 Hz, C-4″); 161.6 (C-5); 153.5 (C-3a); 145.8 (C-9a); 142.1 (t, J=8.4 Hz, C-1′); 132.5 (br s, C-1″); 129.4 (d, J=7.8 Hz, C-2″,6″); 115.1 (d, J=21.4 Hz, C-3″,5″); 111.3 (dd, J=19.6 Hz and 5.2 Hz, C-2′,6′); 102.8 (t, J=25.6 Hz, C-4′); 102.5 (C-5a); 63.1 (C-12); 61.3 (C-10); 57.6 (C-11); 49.5 (two coalesced lines, C-2 and C-6); 48.3 (C-8); 46.5 (C-1); 26.8 (C-9).

Example 8

4-(3-(Aminomethyl)benzyl)-7-(3,5-difluorobenzyl)-2,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(1H)-one (TBP-324) (Compound I/61)

Yield: 376 mg (86%). Mp.: 129.5° C. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.33 (br s, 1H, H-2″); 7.30 (br d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H, H-6″); 7.22 (t, J=7.6 Hz 1H, H-5″); 7.15 (br d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H, H-4″); 6.84 (br dt, J˜7 Hz and ˜2 Hz, 2H, H-2′,6′); 6.66 (tt, J=8.9 Hz and 2.3 Hz, 1H, H-4′); 5.00 (s, 2H, H-11); 3.92-3.83 (m, 4H, H-1 and H-2); 3.79 (s, 2H, H-12); 3.59 (s, 2H, H-10); 3.24 (br s, 2H, H-6); 2.63 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-8); 2.45 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-9); 1.77 (br s, 2H, NH₂). ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃): 163.1 (dd, J=248.4 Hz and 14.1 Hz, C-3′,5′); 161.5 (C-5); 153.2 (C-3a); 145.6 (C-9a); 143.2 (C-3″); 142.3 (t, J=8.4 Hz, C-1′); 137.2 (C-1″); 128.6 (C-5″); 127.3 (C-4″); 127.1 (C-2″); 126.2 (C-4″); 111.4 (dd, J=20.0 Hz and 5.0 Hz, C-2′,6′); 102.7 (t, J=25.7 Hz, C-4′); 101.7 (C-5a); 61.4 (C-10); 50.7 (C-2); 49.4 (C-6); 48.4 (C-8); 46.9 (C-1); 46.4 (C-12); 45.4 (C-11); 26.7 (C-9).

Example 9

4-(3-Aminobenzyl)-7-(3,5-difluorobenzyl)-2,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(1H)-one (TBP-346) (Compound I/126)

Yield: 347 mg (82%). Mp.: 114.5° C. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.03 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 1H, H-5″); 6.85 (br dt, J˜7 Hz and ˜2 Hz, 2H, H-2′,6′); 6.82 (br d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H, H-6″); 6.75 (br s, 1H, H-2″); 6.66 (tt, J=8.9 Hz and 2.3 Hz, 1H, H-4′); 6.52 (dd, J=7.6 Hz and 2.2 Hz, 1H, H-4″); 4.93 (s, 2H, H-11); 3.92-3.79 (m, 4H, H-1 and H-2); 3.59 (s, 2H, H-10); 3.24 (br s, 2H, H-6); 2.62 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-8); 2.44 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-9); ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃): 163.1 (dd, J=248.4 Hz and 14.1 Hz, C-3′,5′); 161.5 (C-5); 153.0 (C-3a); 146.4 (C-3″); 145.3 (C-9a); 142.3 (t, J=8.4 Hz, C-1′); 138.0 (C-1″); 129.2 (C-5″); 119.0 (C-6″); 115.2 (C-2″); 114.3 (C-4″); 111.4 (dd, J=20.1 Hz and 5.4 Hz, C-2′,6′); 102.7 (t, J=25.7 Hz, C-4′); 101.7 (C-5a); 61.4 (C-10); 50.6 (C-2); 49.4 (C-6); 48.4 (C-8); 46.8 (C-1); 45.3 (C-11); 26.7 (C-9).

Example 10

4-(4-Azidobenzyl)-7-(3,5-difluorobenzyl)-2,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(1H)-one (CZT-136)

Yield: 270 mg (60%). mp.: 155.5° C. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.44 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H, H-2″,6″); 6.90 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H, H-3″,5″); 6.84 (br ˜dt, J˜7 Hz and ˜2 Hz, 2H, H-2′,6′); 6.66 (tt, J=9.0 Hz and 2.3 Hz, 1H, H-4′); 4.97 (s, 2H, H-11); 3.91-3.84 (m, 4H, H-1 and H-2); 3.59 (s, 2H, H-10); 3.23 (br s, 2H, H-6); 2.63 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-8); 2.44 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-9). ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃): 163.1 (dd, J=250.2 Hz and 15.6 Hz, C-3′,5′); 161.4 (C-5); 152.9 (C-3a); 145.5 (C-9a); 142.2 (t, J=8.4 Hz, C-1′); 139.1 (C-4″); 133.8 (C-1″); 130.4 (C-2″,6″); 118.9 (C-3″,5″); 111.3 (dd, J=19.3 Hz and 4.9 Hz, C-2′,6′); 102.7 (t, J=25.7 Hz, C-4′); 101.7 (C-5a); 61.4 (C-10); 50.6 (C-2); 49.4 (C-6); 48.4 (C-8); 46.9 (C-1); 44.8 (C-11); 26.8 (C-9).

Example 11

7-(3-Azidobenzyl)-4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)-2,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(1H)-one (TBP-272)

Yield: 313 mg (65%). mp.: 128.8° C. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.52 and 7.50 (A and B part of an AA′BB′ spin system, J_AB=8.9 Hz, 2×2H, H-3″,5″ and H-2″,6″, resp.); 7.26 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 1H, H-5′); 7.06 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H, H-6′); 6.99 (t, J=1.5 Hz, 1H, H-2′); 6.90 (dd, J=7.7 Hz and 1.5 Hz, 1H, H-4′); 5.06 (s, 2H, H-11); 3.87 (s, 4H, H-1 and H-2); 3.61 (s, 2H, H-10); 3.24 (br s, 2H, H-6); 2.64 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-8); 2.45 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-9). ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃): 161.7 (C-5); 153.0 (C-3a); 145.9 (C-9a); 140.8 (C-1″); 140.2 (C-3′); 140.0 (C-1′); 129.8 (C-5′); 129.6 (qa, J=32.5 Hz, C-4″); 128.9 (C-2″,6″); 125.5 (C-6′); 125.3 (qa, J=3.5 Hz, C-3″,5″); 124.4 (qa, J=272.5 Hz, CF₃); 119.4 (C-2′); 118.1 (C4′); 101.7 (C-5a); 61.9 (C-10); 50.6 (C-2); 49.4 (C-6); 48.4 (C-8); 46.9 (C-1); 45.0 (C-11); 26.8 (C-9).

Example 12

4-(3-Azidobenzyl)-7-(3,5-difluorobenzyl)-2,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(1H)-one (TBP-347) (Compound I/127)

Yield: 355 mg (79%). Mp.: 158° C. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.23 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 1H, H-5″); 7.18 (br ˜d, J˜8 Hz 1H, H-6″); 7.10 (br s, 1H, H-2″); 6.87 (br ˜d, J˜8 Hz 1H, H-4″); 6.84 (br dt, J˜7 Hz and ˜2 Hz, 2H, H-2′,6′); 6.66 (tt, J=8.9 Hz and 2.3 Hz, 1H, H-4′); 5.00 (s, 2H, H-11); 3.90-3.81 (m, 4H, H-1 and H-2); 3.60 (s, 2H, H-10); 3.24 (br s, 2H, H-6); 2.63 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-8); 2.45 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-9); ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃): 163.1 (dd, J=248.4 Hz and 13.7 Hz, C-3′,5′); 161.3 (C-5); 153.0 (C-3a); 145.6 (C-9a); 142.3 (t, J=9.0 Hz, C-1′); 140.0 (C-3″); 138.9 (C-1″); 129.7 (C-5″); 125.1 (C-6″); 121.2 (C-2″); 118.0 (C-4″); 111.4 (dd, J=20.1 Hz and 5.4 Hz, C-2′,6′); 102.7 (t, P25.7 Hz, C-4′); 101.7 (C-5a); 61.3 (C-10); 50.6 (C-2); 49.4 (C-6); 48.4 (C-8); 46.9 (C-1); 45.0 (C-11); 26.8 (C-9).

Example 13

7-Benzyl-4-(4-(4-ferrocenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)benzyl)-2,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(1H)-one (ABB-030)

Yield: 443 mg (71%). mp.: 165.4° C. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 7.81 (s, 1H, H-12); 7.65 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 2H, H-3″,5″); 7.59 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 2H, H-2″,6″); 7.31-7.26 (m, 4H, H-2′,3′,5′,6′); 7.22 (m, 1H, H-4′); 5.11 (s, 2H, H-11); 4.74 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 2H, H-15,18); 4.29 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 2H, H-16,17); 4.07 (s, η⁵-C₅H₅); 3.87 (br s, 4H, H-1 and H-2); 3.63 (s, 2H, H-10); 3.27 (br s, 2H, H-6); 2.63 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-8); 2.44 (t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz, H-9). ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃): 161.3 (C-5); 153.0 (C-3a); 147.5 (C-4′); 145.9 (C-9a); 130.1 (C-2″,6″); 128.4 (C-2′,6′); 127.4 (C-4′); 126.1 (C-3′,5′); 120.1 (C-3″,5″); 116.6 (C-12); 102.2 (C-5a); 75.0 (C-14); 69.6 (η⁵-C₅H₅); 68.8 (C-16,17); 66.8 (C-15,18); 62.3 (C-10); 50.6 (C-2); 49.5 (C-6); 48.3 (C-8); 46.8 (C-1); 44.9 (C-11); 26.8 (C-9).

Example 14

Synthesis of 4-arylmethyl-substituted 7-(3,5-diazidobenzyl)-2,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-imidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(1H)-ones (Compounds I/138 and I/139)

Sodium azide (0.260 g 4 mmol), sodium ascorbate (0.119 g, 0.60 mmol), N,N-dimethylethylenediamine (0.080 g, 0.9 mmol), NaOH (0.012 g, 0.30 mmol), the corresponding 7-(3,5-dibromobenzyl) imipridone I/134 or I/135 (1 mmol) and CuI (0.057 g, 0.30 mmol) are dissolved in 20 mL of a degassed (argon for 30 min) EtOH/H₂O solvent mixture (7:3) and heated at reflux temperature for 3 h. The reaction mixture is concentrated under reduced pressure to ca. third of its original volume and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (3×4 mL). The combined organic phases are washed with water (3×50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered through paper and concentrated. Final purification is achieved by column chromatography using CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (99:1) as the eluent.

Example 15

Synthesis of 4-arylmethyl-substituted 7-(3,5-dicyanobenzyl)-2,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-imidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(1H)-ones (Compounds I/136 and I/137)

To a stirred solution of the corresponding 7-(3,5-dibromobenzyl) imipridone I/134 or I/135 (1 mmol) in DMF (2 mL), are sequentially added zinc cyanide (0.181 g, 1.2 mmol), 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene ligand (DPPF, 0.065 g, 0.117 mmol) and finally Pd₂dba₃ (45.8 mg, 0.05 mmol). The flask is flushed through with nitrogen and stirred in an oil bath at 110-120° C. for 20 h. After cooling down to room temperature, the reaction mixture is evaporated under vacuo. The resulting crude product is subjected to flash silica gel column chromatography (eluent, ethyl acetate:hexane (1:4)) to obtain the dicyanobenzyl-substituted imipridone as a pure product.

Example 16

Synthesis of 4-arylmethyl-substituted 7-(3-thiocyanatobenzyl)-2,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-imidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(1H)-ones (Compounds I/142 and I/143)

Under an argon atmosphere, a mixture of the corresponding 7-(3-iodobenzyl) imipridone (I/140 or U/141) (1.0 mmol), CuSCN (0.12 g, 1.0 mmol), KSCN (0.095 g, 1.0 mmol) and DMF (3 mL) is heated with stirring in an oil bath and maintained at 140° C. for 12 h. After cooling, the mixture is diluted with toluene (5 mL) and water (5 mL) then filtered through a Celite bed. The aqueous phase is extracted with toluene (2×5 mL) and the combined organic phase is washed with water, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated. The residue is chromatographed over silica gel (hexane as eluent) affording the thiocyanate product that is further purified by recrystallization from hexane.

Example 17

Synthesis of 4-arylmethyl-substituted 7-(3-selenocyanatobenzyl)-2,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-imidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(1H)-ones (Compounds I/145 and I/146)

To a solution of the corresponding 7-(3-iodobenzyl) imipridone (I/79 and I/144) (5 mmol) in dioxane (4 mL) is added 6 N HCl (10 mL). The resulting suspension is cooled to 0° C., then NaNO₂ (0.415 g, 6 mmol) in water (2 mL) is slowly added. After stirring for 30 min, saturated NaOAc solution (ca. 30 mL) is added in portions to adjust the pH of the reaction mixture to 5-6. The resulting suspension is poured into a solution of KSeCN (0.793 g, 5.5 mmol) in water (25 mL) at 0° C. After stirring for 30 min, the reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and extracted with ether. The organic layer was washed with water and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated. The residue is purified by column chromatography over silica using ethyl acetate-hexane (1:5) as eluent.

Example 18

In this example we list the compounds of formula (I) according to the present invention and demonstrate the results of their in vitro antiproliferative assays for representative compounds investigated during our systematic experimental work along with relevant references known from prior art.

Cell Cultures for Long Treatment Experiments

The PANC-1 (human pancreatic carcinoma of ductal origin), COLO 205 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma), A2058 (human metastatic melanoma) obtained from European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures (ECACC, Salisbury, UK) and EBC-1 (human lung squamous cell carcinoma) purchased from Japanese Research Resources Bank (Tokyo, Japan) were used to determine the tumor growth inhibitory effects of the imipridone derivatives. PANC-1 cells were maintained in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM, Lonza, Basel, Switzerland); for the culturing of COLO-205 cell line DMEM medium formulated with 4500 mg/L d-glucose was used; EBC-1 cells were cultured in DMEM medium containing 1% non-essential amino acids (NEAR, Gibco®/Invitrogen Corporation, New York, NY, USA), 1 mM sodium pyruvate (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA), while A2058 cell line was grown in RPMI 1640 (Lonza, Basel, Switzerland). In case of all cell lines, the aforementioned basal media were supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS, Gibco®/Invitrogen Corporation, New York, NY, USA), L-glutamine (2 mmol/L) (Lonza, Basel, Switzerland) and 100 μg/mL penicillin/streptomycin (Gibco®/Invitrogen Corporation, New York, NY, USA). (Gibco®/Invitrogen Corporation, New York, NY, USA). All cell lines were cultivated under standard conditions (37° C., humidified 5% CO₂ atmosphere) in plastic culture dishes (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA or Eppendorf AG, Hamburg, Germany).

Viability Assays (Long Treatment Experiments)

Impedance-Based Assay

The cytotoxicity experiments on PANC-1 cells was conducted using the impedance-based xCELLigence SP System (ACEA Biosciences, San Diego, CA, USA). A more detailed description of the basis of impedimetric measurement is given in our previous paper [22]. Monitoring the impedance change, which is proportional to the number of adhered cells on an electrode surface, provides a sensitive way for cytotoxicity studies [23]. The change in the impedance is expressed as in the form of Cell Index (CI) calculated by the software (RTCA 2.0, ACEA Biosciences, San Diego, CA, USA) integrated to xCELLigence System. For determination of IC₅₀ (a concentration that decreases the cell viability by 50%) values the tested imipridones were solved in DMSO and further diluted in supplemented DMEM medium to prepare a concentration range from 2.5×10⁻⁴ to 5×10⁻⁷ M. The steps of our impedimetric experiment proceeded in the same way as what was indicated in [24]. In brief, after gaining a constant CI value during the background measurement, the PANC-1 cells (1.5×10⁴ cells/well) were added to the so-called E-plate, and their adhesion/spreading was monitored for 24 h in order to settle the plateau phase of cell culture. In the last step, the cells in this balanced state were treated with the test compounds (final concentrations: 2.5×10⁻⁵ to 5×10⁻⁸M) and the changes in CI were monitored for at least 72 hours at 10 kHz. In case of the control wells, the adequate volume ratio of DMSO was added. Three parallels were measured for each measurement. The CI values of each concentration obtained at 72 h after the treatment were normalized to that of the DMSO control. The IC₅₀ value was calculated for these normalized CI values by fitting a sigmoidal dose-response curve with the nonlinear regression function of OriginPro 8 (OriginLab Corporation, Northampton, MA, USA).

Colorimetric Assay

The antiproliferative/cytotoxic effects of the imipridones on COLO-205 and A2058 cell lines were measured by the alamarBlue-assay. This colometric assay proved to be the more suitable method for the analysis of these cell lines than the xCELLigence System, because COLO-205 cells show weak/negligible adhesion, while A2058 cell line fails to establish a stable plateau phase during the impedimetric analysis. The inoculation of the cells and the procedure of alamarBlue-assay were analogous to the description reported in our previous paper [24]. The main steps are the following: (i) cell seeding on 96-well plates (Sarstedt AG, Nümbrecht, Germany) at 10⁴ cells/well concentration, (ii) treatment with the test substances at 2.5×10⁻⁵ to 5×10⁻⁸ M final concentrations for 72 h, (iii) addition of alamarBlue reagent (0.15 mg/mL, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) solved in PBS (phosphate-buffered saline, pH=7.2) and (iv) reading the fluorescence intensity of the samples after 6-8 h incubation with alamarBlue reagent. LS-50B Luminescence Spectrometer (Perkin Elmer Ltd., Buckinghamshire United Kingdom) was applied for the fluorescence measurements with the following settings: excitation wavelength=560 nm and emission wavelength=590 nm. Each measurement was done in triplicates. Wells containing adequate volume ratio of DMSO served as control. The fluorescence intensity of each sample was expressed as a ratio of the fluorescence of DMSO control. The nonlinear regression function of OriginPro 8 (OriginLab Corporation, Northampton, MA, USA) was used for fitting sigmoidal dose-response curves to the normalized fluorescence intensities in order to calculate the IC₅₀ values.

Statistical evaluation of data Evaluation of the results was performed using RTCA 2.0 (ACEA Biosciences, San Diego, CA, USA), MS Excel, OriginPro 8 (OriginLab Corporation, Northampton, MA, USA) software. Data obtained from each experiment represent mathematical averages. The standard deviations of IC₅₀ parameters were also obtained with the sigmoidal curve fitting.

Short Term Cytotoxicity Studies Using MTT Assay

For the short term cytotoxicity studies the A-431 (human squamous carcinoma) and U-87 (human primary glioblastoma) cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 10% FCS (fetal calf serum, Sigma Ltd.), 2 mM L-glutamine, and 160 mg/mL gentamicin. Cell cultures were maintained at 37° C. in a humidified atmosphere with 5% CO₂. The cells were grown to confluency and were distributed into 96-well plate with initial cell number of 5.0×10³ per well. After 24 h incubation at 37° C., the cells were treated with the compounds in 200 μL final volume containing 1.0 v/v % DMSO. The cells were incubated with the compounds at 10⁻⁴-10² μM concentration range for 1 h. Control cells were treated with serum free medium (RPMI-1640) only or with DMSO (c=1.0 v/v %) at 37° C. for 1 h. After incubation the cells were washed twice with serum free (RPMI-1640) medium. To determine the in vitro cytostatic effect, the cells were cultured for a further 72 h in 10% serum containing medium. MTT-solution (45 mL, 2 mg/mL, final concentration: 0.37 mg/mL) was added to each well. The respiratory chain [26, 27] and other electron transport systems [28] reduce MTT and thereby form non-water-soluble violet formazane crystals within the cell [29]. The amount of these crystals can be determined spectrophotometrically and serves as an estimate for the number of mitochondria and hence the number of living cells in the well [30]. After 4 h of incubation the cells were centrifuged for 5 min (900 g) and the supernatant was removed. The obtained formazane crystals were dissolved in DMSO (100 mL) and optical density (OD) of the samples was measured at λ=540 and 620 nm, respectively, using ELISA Reader (iEMS Reader, Labsystems, Finland). OD620 values were subtracted from OD540 values. The percent of cytostasis was calculated by using the following equation: Cytostatic effect (%)=[1−(ODtreated/ODcontrol)]×100 Values ODtreated and ODcontrol correspond to the optical densities of the treated and the control cells, respectively. In each case two independent experiments were carried out with 4 parallel measurements. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values were determined from the dose-response curves. The curves were defined using Microcal™ Origin1 (version 7.5) software: cytostasis was plotted as a function of concentration, fitted to a sigmoidal curve, and based on this curve, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value was determined. IC₅₀ represents the concentration of a compound that is required for 50% inhibition in vitro.

High-Throughput Screening on EBC-1 and H2228 Lung Cancer Cell Lines Using CellTiter-Glo Luminescent Cell Viability Assay.

EBC-1 (obtained from JRCB, https://cellbank.nibiohn.go.jp/english/) and H2228 (obtained from ATCC https://www.lgcstandards-atcc.org/) cell lines were maintained according to the instructions provided by JRCB and ATCC in a 5% CO₂ humidified incubator maintained at 37° C. temperature. Effect of compounds on cell viability was measured via CellTiter-Glo® luminescent cell viability assay (Promega, Madison, WI, USA). Cells were plated at 1000 cells/well onto a flat-bottomed, white 96 well plate (BRANDplates, cat. no.: 781965). After 24 h, cells were treated for 72 h with the compounds at 100 nM concentration. After the treatment, medium was removed and CellTiter-Glo® reagent was added. Untreated cells were used as control. The luminescence signal was recorded using a microplate reader (BioTek Synergy 2 Multi-Mode Reader, BioTek, Winooski, VT, USA). Cell viability data (% of untreated control cells) was evaluated with Microsoft Excel.

TABLE 1
The compounds of formula (I) according to the present invention and the results of in vitro antiproliferative assays for some representative compounds
		Studied cell lines and measured cytotoxicity expressed in IC50
		()
No. of					COLO-
compound	structure and code	A-431	U-87	PANC-1	205	A-2058	EBC-1a	H2228a
I/1		n/a	n/a	48 nM	250 nM	>10 μM	<100 nM	>100 nM
I/2		n/a	n/a	4.18 μM	9.97 μM	2.95 μM	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/3		<200 nM	4.16 μM	44 nM	>10 μM	>10 μM	<100 nM	<100 nM
I/4		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	<100 nM	<100 nM
I/5		3.55 μM	>25 μM	250 nM	247 nM	250 nM	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/6		n/a	n/a	<100 nM	n/a	n/a	<100 nM	<100 nM
I/7		n/a	n/a	8 nM	n/a	n/a	<100 nM	<100 nM
I/8		7.29 μM	>25 μM	1.42 μM	4.96 μM	1.73 μM	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/9		1.39 μM	6.02 μM	2.22 μM	>10 μM	>10 μM	n/a	n/a
I/10		n/a	n/a	>10 μM	>10 μM	>10 μM	n/a	n/a
I/11		n/a	n/a	>10 μM	>10 μM	>10 μM	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/12		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/13		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/14		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/15		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/15A		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/16		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/17		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/18		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/19		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/21		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/22		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/23		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/24		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/25		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/26		3.63 μM	3.51 μM	920 nM	>10 μM	>10 μM	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/27		8.95 μM	5.99 μM	25.0 μM	25.0 μM	12.8 μM	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/28		2.66 μM	17.6 μM	960 nM	3.27 μM	>10 μM	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/29		n/a	n/a	660 nM	>10 μM	>10 μM	n/a	n/a
I/30		n/a	n/a	4 nM	n/a	n/a	<100 nM	<100 nM
I/31		<200 nM	>25 μM	76.7 nM	n/a	n/a	<100 nM	<100 nM
I/32		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/33		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/34		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/35		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/36		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/37		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/38		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	<100 nM	<100 nM
I/39		n/a	n/a	3 nM	n/a	n/a	<100 nM	<100 nM
I/41		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	<100 nM
I/43		n/a	n/a	>10 μM	>10 μM	>10 μM	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/44		n/a	n/a	>10 μM	>10 μM	>10 μM	n/a	n/a
I/45		n/a	n/a	>10 μM	>10 μM	>10 μM	n/a	n/a
I/46		6.16 μM	25 μM	25 nM	n/a	>10 μM	<100 nM	~100 nM
I/47		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/48		n/a	n/a	6.16 μM	25 μM	500 nM	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/49		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	<100 nM	<100 nM
I/50		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	<100 nM	<100 nM
I/51		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/52		n/a	n/a	>10 μM	>10 μM	>10 μM	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/53		n/a	n/a	2.0 μM	2.0 μM	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/54		n/a	n/a	1.8 μM	2.0 μM	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/55		n/a	n/a	760 nM	1.0 μM	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/56		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/57		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/58		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/59		n/a	n/a	660 nM	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/60		<200 nM	416 nM	430 nM	>10 μM	>10 μM	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/61		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/62		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/63		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/64		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/65		n/a	n/a	>10 μM	>10 μM	21.4 μM	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/66		n/a 1	n/a	>10 μM	13.1 μM	20.4 μM	n/a	n/a
I/67		n/a	n/a	>10 μM	>10 μM	>10 μM	n/a	n/a
I/68		n/a	n/a	>10 μM	>10 μM	>10 μM	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/69		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/70		n/a	n/a	>10 μM	>10 μM	>10 μM	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/71		n/a	n/a	>10 μM	>10 μM	>10 μM	n/a	n/a
I/72		n/a	n/a	>10 μM	>10 μM	>10 μM	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/73		n/a	n/a	>10 μM	>10 μM	>10 μM	n/a	n/a
I/74		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/75		n/a	n/a	6.1 μM	n/a	25.0 μM	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/76		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/77		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/78		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/79		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/80		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/81		n/a	n/a	21.0 μM	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/82		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/83		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/84		n/a	n/a	23.0 μM	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/85		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/86		n/a	n/a	25.0 μM	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/87		n/a	n/a	16.0 μM	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/88		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/89		n/a	n/a	25 μM	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/90		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/91		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/92		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/93		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/94		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/95		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/96		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/97		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/98		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/99		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/100		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/101		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/102		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/103		n/a	n/a	0.27 μM	n/a	25.0 μM	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/104		n/a	n/a	500 nM	250 nM	2.5 μM	n/a	n/a
I/105		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	<100 nM	~100 nM
I/106		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a 1	~100 nM	>100 nM
I/107		n/a	n/a	11 nM	n/a	n/a	<100 nM	<100 nM
I/108		n/a	n/a /	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/109		n/a	n/a	8.9 μM	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/110		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/111		n/a	n/a	10 nM	n/a	n/a	<100 nM	<100 nM
I/112		n/a	n/a	100 nM	n/a	25.0 μM	<100 nM	<100 nM
I/113		n/a	n/a 1	250 nM	n/a	250 nM	<100 nM	<100 nM
I/114		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/115		n/a	n/a /	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/116		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/117		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/118		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/119		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/120		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	5.0 μM	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/121		n/a	n/a	n/a /	n/a	2.5 μM	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/122		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/123		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	>100 nM	>100 nM
I/124		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/125		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/126		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/127		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/128		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/129 (R)		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/129 (S)		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/130		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/131		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/132		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/133		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/134		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/135		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/136		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/137		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/138		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/139		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/140		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/141		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/142		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/143		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/144		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/145		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/146		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/128 (R)		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/128 (S)		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/147 (R)		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/147 (S)		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/148 (R)		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/148 (S)		n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
I/149
aThe results of High throughput screening (HTS) are presented on lung cancer cell lines EBC-1 and H2228. In subsequent experiments IC50 values were determined for the compounds proved to be potent in the HTS (Table 3).

Example 19

Some representative imipridones and ONC212 as reference were further tested on the following human malignant cell lines: PC3 and LNCap (prostate carcinoma); BxPC3, MiaPaCa2 and Panc1 (pancreatic cancer); A549, HCC827, H1993 and H520 (lung carcinoma); MDA-MB-453 and MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer) (see Table 2 and FIGS. 1-11).

Cell lines were maintained according to the instructions provided by ATCC (https://www.lgcstandards-atcc.org/) in a 5% CO₂ humidified incubator maintained at 37° C. temperature. Effects of compounds on cell viability were measured via CellTiter-Glo® luminescent cell viability assay (Promega, Madison, WI, USA) Cells were plated at 1000 cells/well onto a flat-bottomed, white 96 well plate (BRANDplates, cat. no.: 781965). After 24 h, cells were treated for 72 h with 3-fold serial diluted compound concentrations (300 nM, 100 nM, 33.3 nM, 11.1 nM, 3.7 nM, 1.2 nM). After the treatment, medium was removed and CellTiter-Glo® reagent was added. The luminescence signal was recorded using a microplate reader (BioTek Synergy 2 Multi-Mode Reader, BioTek, Winooski, VT, USA).

Cell viability data (% of untreated control cells) was evaluated with Microsoft Excel. Dose-response curves (using a non-linear regression model, log (inhibitor) vs response, variable slope) were generated and IC₅₀ values were determined using Graph Pad Prism 5.02 software (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA, USA).

In these tests our compounds proved to be extremely efficient antiproliferative agents characterized by IC50 values in low nanomolar range far superior to ONC212. Particularly TBP-301 and TBP-302 can be regarded as exceptionally potent anticancer agents. On the other hand, the potent azide derivatives CZT-136 and TBP-272 provide unique possibility to identify cellular targets, thus to disclose certain mechanisms of action indispensable to drug-approval.

TABLE 2
The results of in vitro tests (IC50 [nM]) of some representative compounds of the
invention and ONC212 (as a reference) on a set of human malignant cell lines
No. of
compound
(code)	PC3	LNCaP	BxPC3	MiaPaCa2	Panc1	A549	HCC827	H1993	H520
I/1	80	52	110	76	74	60	105	90	73
(ONC212)
(reference)
I/7	9	5	12	11	11	8	13	10	7
(ABB-011)
I/107	11	5	14	16	14	16	15	12	8
(CZT-136)
I/111	7	5	13	10	9	8	12	6	6
(TBP-272)
I/30	2	2	4	3	3	4	5	4	3
(TBP-301)
I/39	2	2	3	4	4	4	4	3	3
(TBP-302)
I/124					2
(TBP-333)
I/61					300
TBP-324
I/129 (R)					15
TBP-339 (R)
I/129 (S)					265
TBP-339 (S)
I/128					10
TBP-342

Example 20

Additional data for demonstrating the effectiveness of compounds of the invention.

TABLE 3
The results of additional in vitro tests (IC50 [nM]) of representative compounds of
invention and ONC212 (as a reference) on a set of human malignant cell lines
No. of
compound						Detroit
(code)	MDA-MB-453	MDA-MB-231	EBC-1	H2228	SCC-25	562	Fadu
I/1	16	24	76	105	166	32	90
(ONC212)
(reference)
I/7	1	2	9	10	13	3	10
(ABB-011)
I/107	2	3	17	24	31	7	19
(CZT-136)
I/111	<1	1	8	13	15	3	11
(TBP-272)
I/30	<1	<1	5	5	6	2	5
(TBP-301)
I/39	<1	<1	4	6	7	3	5
(TBP-302)
I/124			3	3	4	<1	2
(TBP-333)
I/61			29	104	89	84	22
(TBP-324)
I/126			288	269	>300	103	290
(TBP-346)
I/127			16	15	21	10	16
(TBP-347)
I/129 (S)			>300	300	>300	120	150
(TBP-339 (S))
I/128			13	12	19	5	12
(TBP-342)

Example 21: Cell Viability Assay Protocols

Effect of the selected compounds on cancer cell viability was measured via CellTiter-Glo® luminescent cell viability assay (Promega, Madison, WI, USA) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Cells were plated onto a flat-bottomed, white 96 well plate (BRANDplates®, cat. no.: 781965). Density of the seeded cells was optimized based on their size and growth rate, as the follows: Panc-1:750 cells/well; DU 145, PC-3, Capan-1, MIA PaCa-2, SCC-25, FaDu and EBC-1: 1000 cells/well; LNCaP, Detroit 562, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 1500 cells/well. After 48 h incubation, cells were treated for 72 h with 3-fold serial diluted compound concentrations (300 nM-1.2 nM range) Untreated cells (incubated during the 72 h treatment in the corresponding cell culture medium) were used as control. After the treatment, the luminescence signal was recorded using a microplate reader (BioTek Synergy 2 Multi-Mode Reader, BioTek, Winooski, VT, USA). Dose-response curves were generated by GraphPad Prism 8.4.2. software using a non-linear regression model (variable slope, four parameters), (see FIGS. 12-51).

TABLE 4
Cell viability measurements on DU 145 cell line
DU 145 (prostate, carcinoma) cell viability (% of control)
	300 nM	100 nM	33.3 nM	11.1 nM	3.7 nM	1.2 nM
I/1 (ONC-212) (ref.)	8.1 ± 2.2	17.5 ± 4.2	103.1 ± 2.5	101.3 ± 4.3	99.0 ± 4.6	98.2 ± 6.9
I/3 (CZT-021) (ref.)	7.2 ± 1.2	7.1 ± 1.6	15.7 ± 4.1	95.9 ± 5.1	102.0 ± 3.5	100.3 ± 7.5
I/6 (TBP-218) (ref.)	7.9 ± 1.6	8.0 ± 1.4	18.7 ± 2.8	93.4 ± 2.2	96.8 ± 3.7	99.0 ± 6.3
I/149 (TBP-353) (ref.)	8.1 ± 0.2	8.0 ± 1.6	7.8 ± 1.2	59.1 ± 11.9	101.0 ± 4.1	95.6 ± 11.3
I/30 (TBP-301)	8.0 ± 2.9	7.0 ± 1.1	6.6 ± 1.0	7.0 ± 0.9	37.2 ± 10.4	99.6 ± 6.9
I/7 (ABB-011)	8.5 ± 2.4	7.2 ± 2.3	7.4 ± 1.4	7.5 ± 0.6	64.1 ± 8.0	97.3 ± 7.2
I/124 (TBP-333)	7.7 ± 1.8	8.0 ± 1.0	7.0 ± 0.9	7.0 ± 1.1	10.0 ± 1.4	90.2 ± 12.9
I/111 (TBP-272)	8.1 ± 1.9	7.1 ± 2.0	7.7 ± 1.3	33.8 ± 5.0	93.6 ± 6.9	97.7 ± 10.8
I/133 (TBP-400)	8.1 ± 2.6	8.0 ± 2.0	7.6 ± 1.1	45.7 ± 4.4	98.8 ± 6.7	97.1 ± 9.4
I/107 (CZT-136)	9.0 ± 2.9	8.3 ± 2.9	8.7 ± 1.9	48.7 ± 1.7	101.2 ± 6.5	100.2 ± 7.7

TABLE 5
Cell viability measurements on LNCaP cell line
LNCaP (prostate, carcinoma) cell viability (% of control)
	300 nM	100 nM	33.3 nM	11.1 nM	3.7 nM	1.2 nM
I/1 (ONC-212) (ref.)	15.2 ± 1.7	28.1 ± 1.7	100.6 ± 4.5	101.4 ± 3.3	98.6 ± 5.7	99.4 ± 6.7
I/3 (CZT-021) (ref.)	12.7 ± 1.2	13.8 ± 1.7	24.9 ± 2.2	95.0 ± 7.4	98.7 ± 7.4	99.7 ± 8.8
I/6 (TBP-218) (ref.)	14.4 ± 0.7	15.4 ± 2.0	26.6 ± 2.3	97.9 ± 7.3	101.8 ± 5.6	99.1 ± 7.2
I/149 (TBP-353) (ref.)	13.7 ± 1.1	13.4 ± 0.8	18.0 ± 1.4	54.5 ± 6.4	98.4 ± 3.5	99.7 ± 1.9
I/30 (TBP-301)	11.3 ± 1.1	11.4 ± 0.6	11.8 ± 0.2	15.0 ± 0.4	29.6 ± 2.5	93.6 ± 5.0
I/7 (ABB-011)	13.9 ± 1.0	13.1 ± 0.8	13.8 ± 0.9	17.2 ± 1.9	45.6 ± 7.0	95.0 ± 8.5
I/124 (TBP-333)	13.0 ± 0.7	12.7 ± 0.8	12.4 ± 1.2	13.3 ± 1.6	20.8 ± 2.0	80.9 ± 12.5
I/111 (TBP-272)	11.7 ± 0.7	11.8 ± 0.7	13.6 ± 0.4	32.4 ± 2.3	97.1 ± 2.6	99.6 ± 3.9
I/133 (TBP-400)	13.3 ± 1.2	12.3 ± 1.1	14.7 ± 1.4	33.4 ± 3.1	95.9 ± 6.1	95.8 ± 5.1
I/107 (CZT-136)	13.6 ± 0.6	13.5 ± 0.7	16.3 ± 1.9	37.9 ± 3.3	95.3 ± 2.3	98.1 ± 3.4

TABLE 6
Cell viability measurements on PC-3 cell line
PC-3 (prostate, adenocarcinoma) cell viability (% of control)
	300 nM	100 nM	33.3 nM	11.1 nM	3.7 nM	1.2 nM
I/1 (ONC-212) (ref.)	33.3 ± 3.3	60.4 ± 5.2	104.5 ± 5.2	102.4 ± 3.7	106.0 ± 2.8	100.9 ± 4.2
I/3 (CZT-021) (ref.)	32.3 ± 2.6	34.7 ± 1.0	56.5 ± 3.3	110.2 ± 4.1	100.8 ± 4.0	102.9 ± 5.1
I/6 (TBP-218) (ref.)	34.1 ± 2.0	35.3 ± 0.5	60.0 ± 13.3	108.7 ± 7.7	103.6 ± 14.4	100.8 ± 2.4
I/149 (TBP-353) (ref.)	33.1 ± 3.3	33.6 ± 2.2	38.4 ± 1.0	98.6 ± 13.6	104.6 ± 6.5	102.7 ± 6.5
I/30 (TBP-301)	31.3 ± 2.5	32.1 ± 3.6	33.0 ± 1.9	36.6 ± 1.8	78.9 ± 4.6	106.0 ± 2.9
I/7 (ABB-011)	34.3 ± 3.4	34.6 ± 3.0	32.5 ± 3.1	38.9 ± 2.1	82.1 ± 1.6	104.6 ± 3.3
I/124 (TBP-333)	32.7 ± 14.4	32.8 ± 3.2	32.1 ± 3.4	33.9 ± 3.3	46.9 ± 4.2	99.4 ± 7.1
I/111 (TBP-272)	31.3 ± 3.0	32.0 ± 3.2	33.2 ± 3.5	75.5 ± 5.9	106.8 ± 2.4	103.7 ± 7.0
I/133 (TBP-400)	32.9 ± 4.6	32.6 ± 3.3	36.2 ± 2.2	83.5 ± 6.4	105.6 ± 1.8	105.4 ± 2.9
I/107 (CZT-136)	32.8 ± 4.1	32.7 ± 2.6	37.2 ± 1.9	82.3 ± 7.0	107.1 ± 5.9	100.3 ± 3.0

TABLE 7
Cell viability measurements on Panc-1 cell line
Panc-1 (pancreas, carcinoma) cell viability (% of control)
	300 nM	100 nM	33.3 nM	11.1 nM	3.7 nM	1.2 nM
I/1 (ONC-212) (ref.)	56.9 ± 2.4	81.8 ± 8.1	105.8 ± 5.8	104.6 ± 7.2	105.8 ± 0.5	100.1 ± 2.0
I/3 (CZT-021) (ref.)	53.9 ± 6.5	59.9 ± 17.3	109.4 ± 13.5	105.7 ± 4.2	105.8 ± 4.0	101.8 ± 5.8
I/6 (TBP-218) (ref.)	57.2 ± 3.2	57.1 ± 0.1	86.8 ± 8.7	109.1 ± 4.2	107.8 ± 16.0	104.4 ± 3.8
I/149 (TBP-353) (ref.)	54.0 ± 3.1	58.3 ± 2.5	66.7 ± 3.6	109.1 ± 6.9	107.1 ± 19.0	103.6 ± 5.7
I/30 (TBP-301)	49.1 ± 0.2	46.4 ± 3.1	46.6 ± 2.4	54.4 ± 3.5	100.8 ± 3.4	103.3 ± 3.3
I/7 (ABB-011)	53.5 ± 0.6	60.0 ± 3.6	57.0 ± 2.0	61.1 ± 3.4	108.6 ± 7.6	105.9 ± 18.4
I/124 (TBP-333)	51.2 ± 0.4	50.9 ± 0.3	52.7 ± 4.3	56.9 ± 0.2	99.7 ± 3.0	102.6 ± 4.0
I/111 (TBP-272)	49.7 ± 1.2	50.1 ± 2.0	56.1 ± 4.9	99.6 ± 1.4	106.1 ± 7.3	103.3 ± 17.0
I/133 (TBP-400)	55.7 ± 2.5	56.1 ± 3.7	60.2 ± 6.0	94.1 ± 4.0	108.9 ± 10.2	107.0 ± 14.9
I/107 (CZT-136)	55.0 ± 3.2	54.2 ± 0.6	60.1 ± 9.1	93.6 ± 8.1	107.9 ± 11.5	104.6 ± 7.6

TABLE 8
Cell viability measurements on Capan-1 cell line
Capan-1 (pancreas, adenocarcinoma) cell viability (% of control)
	300 nM	100 nM	33.3 nM	11.1 nM	3.7 nM	1.2 nM
I/1 (ONC-212) (ref.)	36.8 ± 3.4	88.1 ± 4.2	98.9 ± 5.4	99.2 ± 3.8	100.3 ± 4.0	99.0 ± 7.1
I/3 (CZT-021) (ref.)	33.0 ± 2.2	38.7 ± 2.8	91.6 ± 10.6	101.5 ± 5.5	102.7 ± 6.9	104.9 ± 8.1
I/6 (TBP-218) (ref.)	37.4 ± 3.5	40.1 ± 3.7	90.2 ± 5.9	106.0 ± 8.0	105.9 ± 7.8	100.8 ± 11.1
I/149 (TBP-353) (ref.)	35.3 ± 3.3	34.8 ± 1.9	49.6 ± 5.0	99.6 ± 6.1	99.9 ± 9.6	101.0 ± 8.6
I/30 (TBP-301)	33.1 ± 1.7	34.0 ± 2.8	34.7 ± 2.0	38.4 ± 4.5	100.8 ± 5.3	98.5 ± 5.3
I/7 (ABB-011)	35.5 ± 3.3	36.1 ± 2.8	38.5 ± 5.3	46.0 ± 7.5	101.9 ± 3.8	102.9 ± 9.2
I/124 (TBP-333)	34.6 ± 2.4	33.6 ± 1.1	36.1 ± 1.7	35.3 ± 3.1	88.5 ± 1.8	100.8 ± 3.8
I/111 (TBP-272)	30.8 ± 3.3	31.7 ± 1.7	34.5 ± 3.3	95.1 ± 8.2	102.5 ± 4.0	107.5 ± 2.2
I/133 (TBP-400)	34.0 ± 2.8	32.6 ± 4.0	36.4 ± 3.8	98.8 ± 7.9	108.3 ± 8.3	107.0 ± 8.1
I/107 (CZT-136)	34.7 ± 2.9	37.6 ± 2.3	42.2 ± 3.0	101.2 ± 5.2	103.5 ± 3.0	105.0 ± 4.7

TABLE 9
Cell viability measurements on MIA PaCa-2 cell line
MIA PaCa-2 (pancreas, carcinoma) cell viability (% of control)
	300 nM	100 nM	33.3 nM	11.1 nM	3.7 nM	1.2 nM
I/1 (ONC-212) (ref.)	17.3 ± 8.8	43.4 ± 13.5	106.1 ± 8.9	108.5 ± 11.2	105.7 ± 8.5	105.1 ± 4.9
I/3 (CZT-021) (ref.)	17.2 ± 7.5	17.5 ± 7.9	34.2 ± 10.0	105.2 ± 3.4	107.1 ± 16.4	107.4 ± 2.5
I/6 (TBP-218) (ref.)	19.5 ± 7.5	21.6 ± 9.1	58.7 ± 14.7	110.7 ± 6.4	101.6 ± 10.8	107.0 ± 5.9
I/149 (TBP-353) (ref.)	18.2 ± 8.3	17.8 ± 6.8	21.1 ± 10.1	95.0 ± 11.8	104.7 ± 9.9	106.9 ± 17.5
I/30 (TBP-301)	17.6 ± 7.6	16.7 ± 6.7	16.8 ± 7.1	19.1 ± 8.0	65.7 ± 12.6	105.3 ± 10.4
I/7 (ABB-011)	19.8 ± 8.6	18.5 ± 6.8	18.9 ± 8.3	23.1 ± 6.3	87.4 ± 12.0	107.3 ± 14.0
I/124 (TBP-333)	18.0 ± 7.3	18.7 ± 7.1	17.8 ± 7.0	18.9 ± 7.1	33.5 ± 12.1	102.7 ± 2.6
I/111 (TBP-272)	16.2 ± 6.9	16.5 ± 6.7	18.0 ± 5.9	90.6 ± 19.3	100.2 ± 8.8	106.6 ± 5.1
I/133 (TBP-400)	17.4 ± 7.9	18.4 ± 7.8	21.6 ± 8.9	92.1 ± 13.2	104.0 ± 17.3	110.2 ± 2.5
I/107 (CZT-136)	17.4 ± 7.1	18.8 ± 6.2	23.1 ± 7.8	91.5 ± 6.6	102.5 ± 5.4	106.6 ± 18.0

TABLE 10
Cell viability measurements on Detroit 562 cell line
Detroit 562 (pharynx, carcinoma) cell viability (% of control)
	300 nM	100 nM	33.3 nM	11.1 nM	3.7 nM	1.2 nM
I/1 (ONC-212) (ref.)	32.0 ± 5.0	35.8 ± 14.4	57.0 ± 20.1	104.0 ± 17.2	104.1 ± 4.8	104.6 ± 4.5
I/3 (CZT-021) (ref.)	28.7 ± 4.1	28.9 ± 5.3	31.8 ± 4.9	44.3 ± 11.0	99.5 ± 8.4	101.7 ± 5.1
I/6 (TBP-218) (ref.)	33.0 ± 3.4	31.6 ± 2.1	34.2 ± 3.2	50.9 ± 15.2	99.8 ± 6.4	103.1 ± 7.4
I/149 (TBP-353) (ref.)	34.1 ± 4.4	29.9 ± 4.5	29.3 ± 4.6	33.4 ± 5.2	76.7 ± 9.1	99.2 ± 5.8
I/30 (TBP-301)	28.7 ± 2.5	24.7 ± 2.9	26.1 ± 3.8	27.0 ± 5.5	31.9 ± 6.7	61.9 ± 14.5
I/7 (ABB-011)	33.0 ± 4.8	28.6 ± 13.6	27.0 ± 14.9	28.4 ± 4.2	35.1 ± 5.8	85.6 ± 7.7
I/124 (TBP-333)	31.5 ± 3.7	28.3 ± 3.6	28.1 ± 3.9	27.8 ± 3.6	29.4 ± 4.9	40.4 ± 6.5
I/111 (TBP-272)	28.8 ± 3.8	26.8 ± 2.8	27.3 ± 2.7	32.8 ± 3.7	48.0 ± 21.7	102.3 ± 5.9
I/133 (TBP-400)	31.3 ± 4.1	28.8 ± 3.6	28.5 ± 3.9	31.1 ± 6.5	47.1 ± 16.0	102.1 ± 2.3
I/107 (CZT-136)	34.1 ± 6.5	31.4 ± 2.9	32.9 ± 13.6	36.8 ± 5.1	86.6 ± 5.7	101.7 ± 3.0

TABLE 11
Cell viability measurements on SCC-25 cell line
SCC-25 (tongue, squamous cell carcinoma) cell viability (% of control)
	300 nM	100 nM	33.3 nM	11.1 nM	3.7 nM	1.2 nM
I/1 (ONC-212) (ref.)	37.6 ± 4.3	76.7 ± 19.9	106.7 ± 9.3	105.5 ± 12.7	108.5 ± 8.6	101.3 ± 16.8
I/3 (CZT-021) (ref.)	33.1 ± 1.7	34.9 ± 3.9	64.7 ± 4.6	95.1 ± 5.1	101.0 ± 4.9	103.8 ± 2.7
I/6 (TBP-218) (ref.)	41.5 ± 3.1	42.5 ± 1.8	80.1 ± 10.1	96.2 ± 4.8	101.8 ± 4.3	98.7 ± 46.6
I/149 (TBP-353) (ref.)	42.3 ± 4.7	35.4 ± 2.0	40.2 ± 4.0	89.0 ± 5.5	97.5 ± 7.7	99.4 ± 7.0
I/30 (TBP-301)	36.3 ± 2.6	32.9 ± 2.1	32.6 ± 2.0	35.0 ± 14.5	78.7 ± 15.0	103.4 ± 11.6
I/7 (ABB-011)	39.7 ± 2.7	35.1 ± 2.2	36.5 ± 3.7	45.1 ± 4.7	88.7 ± 5.6	93.6 ± 5.7
I/124 (TBP-333)	42.3 ± 5.2	37.5 ± 1.4	34.8 ± 3.6	34.3 ± 2.0	47.2 ± 5.8	89.3 ± 5.4
I/111 (TBP-272)	36.4 ± 0.9	32.5 ± 1.2	34.4 ± 2.7	79.0 ± 11.0	98.3 ± 4.0	102.1 ± 4.0
I/133 (TBP-400)	40.9 ± 3.7	34.7 ± 4.9	35.5 ± 1.7	72.9 ± 3.0	102.3 ± 4.2	102.3 ± 3.4
I/107 (CZT-136)	42.4 ± 5.7	35.4 ± 5.7	41.7 ± 2.1	75.6 ± 6.8	97.3 ± 3.8	94.2 ± 9.5

TABLE 12
Cell viability measurements on FaDu cell line
FaDu (pharynx, squamous cell carcinoma) cell viability (% of control)
	300 nM	100 nM	33.3 nM	11.1 nM	3.7 nM	1.2 nM
I/1 (ONC-212) (ref.)	25.6 ± 5.3	46.9 ± 5.6	97.7 ± 8.3	98.8 ± 4.7	102.4 ± 7.4	101.7 ± 2.4
I/3 (CZT-021) (ref.)	22.4 ± 5.9	26.2 ± 7.9	51.4 ± 25.3	100.9 ± 5.9	101.6 ± 3.4	98.3 ± 4.2
I/6 (TBP-218) (ref.)	25.2 ± 4.6	27.3 ± 5.2	50.7 ± 8.5	97.8 ± 5.2	97.9 ± 3.9	98.8 ± 10.4
I/149 (TBP-353) (ref.)	23.4 ± 3.6	25.0 ± 5.4	27.9 ± 5.1	83.1 ± 9.5	98.2 ± 3.2	99.5 ± 4.9
1/30 (TBP-301)	22.3 ± 5.2	21.4 ± 4.5	22.4 ± 5.4	24.7 ± 3.7	69.5 ± 11.0	99.4 ± 5.4
I/7 (ABB-011)	26.1 ± 4.5	24.0 ± 3.8	24.6 ± 3.5	29.1 ± 5.6	80.1 ± 13.3	100.8 ± 16.6
I/124 (TBP-333)	24.7 ± 5.0	24.5 ± 4.6	23.8 ± 4.1	26.1 ± 6.2	45.6 ± 20.7	95.3 ± 7.0
I/111 (TBP-272)	22.1 ± 4.8	21.7 ± 5.4	24.8 ± 3.6	66.8 ± 12.0	97.7 ± 3.9	100.7 ± 2.4
I/133 (TBP-400)	24.6 ± 6.8	25.3 ± 6.4	26.5 ± 6.4	70.7 ± 13.1	100.0 ± 6.2	100.3 ± 5.8
I/107 (CZT-136)	25.5 ± 4.3	24.6 ± 3.6	27.1 ± 4.0	74.3 ± 4.2	98.6 ± 1.9	102.2 ± 7.8

TABLE 13
Cell viability measurements on EBC-1 cell line
EBC-1 (lung, squamous cell carcinoma) cell viability (% of control)
	300 nM	100 nM	33.3 nM	11.1 nM	3.7 nM	1.2 nM
I/1 (ONC-212) (ref.)	24.2 ± 2.1	43.4 ± 6.8	99.2 ± 0.9	110.1 ± 11.9	98.8 ± 5.8	95.3 ± 2.2
I/3 (CZT-021) (ref.)	22.2 ± 0.1	25.1 ± 0.2	82.6 ± 6.4	96.3 ± 1.4	97.8 ± 4.0	99.7 ± 0.8
I/6 (TBP-218) (ref.)	24.1 ± 2.4	25.1 ± 0.3	56.6 ± 0.5	101.7 ± 3.3	101.0 ± 19.5	100.2 ± 1.5
I/149 (TBP-353) (ref.)	23.6 ± 1.3	23.2 ± 0.7	25.8 ± 1.0	89.0 ± 5.6	97.7 ± 13.2	102.7 ± 15.3
I/30 (TBP-301)	20.1 ± 0.0	21.3 ± 0.6	20.8 ± 0.5	24.8 ± 1.1	76.4 ± 2.2	103.9 ± 17.1
I/7 (ABB-011)	23.8 ± 0.6	23.2 ± 0.9	23.4 ± 0.2	25.6 ± 0.1	79.8 ± 4.1	101.3 ± 0.5
I/124 (TBP-333)	23.5 ± 1.3	22.4 ± 0.5	22.6 ± 1.6	25.3 ± 0.7	70.9 ± 8.3	103.3 ± 1.5
I/111 (TBP-272)	20.0 ± 0.0	20.6 ± 0.6	21.4 ± 0.5	54.0 ± 6.5	94.1 ± 3.0	99.7 ± 3.8
I/133 (TBP-400)	22.2 ± 1.3	23.2 ± 0.7	23.1 ± 2.1	60.1 ± 6.7	97.1 ± 6.0	100.8 ± 4.3
I/107 (CZT-136)	23.5 ± 2.5	23.5 ± 1.0	23.7 ± 1.3	70.3 ± 0.9	99.9 ± 2.5	100.0 ± 5.9

TABLE 14
Cell viability measurements on MDA-MB-231 cell line
MDA-MB-231 (breast, adenocarcinoma) cell viability (% of control)
	300 nM	100 nM	33.3 nM	11.1 nM	3.7 nM	1.2 nM
I/1 (ONC-212) (ref.)	56.8 ± 2.1	87.9 ± 4.4	98.5 ± 1.6	97.9 ± 1.1	101.0 ± 4.4	99.9 ± 6.2
I/3 (CZT-021) (ref.)	53.7 ± 3.1	56.5 ± 3.4	84.2 ± 7.0	99.8 ± 1.8	101.4 ± 1.4	99.3 ± 3.4
I/6 (TBP-218) (ref.)	57.4 ± 1.7	57.7 ± 3.8	91.8 ± 4.3	99.4 ± 4.1	100.5 ± 5.4	98.9 ± 4.7
I/149 (TBP-353) (ref.)	57.5 ± 3.8	59.1 ± 3.5	63.0 ± 14.3	100.0 ± 1.3	101.6 ± 4.0	100.9 ± 2.2
I/30 (TBP-301)	52.6 ± 2.5	52.1 ± 1.8	54.6 ± 1.1	59.9 ± 2.1	100.0 ± 4.5	99.8 ± 3.6
I/7 (ABB-011)	59.4 ± 3.0	58.6 ± 3.0	58.8 ± 1.9	63.6 ± 4.4	99.6 ± 2.2	98.4 ± 2.1
I/124 (TBP-333)	54.2 ± 2.4	55.9 ± 5.3	56.5 ± 2.8	59.4 ± 4.5	82.4 ± 7.2	100.8 ± 0.9
I/111 (TBP-272)	52.8 ± 2.7	56.9 ± 2.2	59.8 ± 3.6	98.5 ± 2.1	102.7 ± 2.8	102.2 ± 3.2
I/133 (TBP-400)	56.4 ± 3.5	58.2 ± 2.5	60.8 ± 2.4	100.4 ± 2.9	101.4 ± 2.0	102.1 ± 2.5
I/107 (CZT-136)	55.7 ± 0.9	57.3 ± 1.8	59.6 ± 3.0	98.6 ± 0.8	102.1 ± 3.5	100.6 ± 5.8

TABLE 15
Cell viability measurements on MDA-MB-453 cell line
MDA-MB-453 (breast, carcinoma) cell viability (% of control)
	300 nM	100 nM	33.3 nM	11.1 nM	3.7 nM	1.2 nM
I/1 (ONC-212) (ref.)	32.5 ± 0.5	37.9 ± 1.3	107.4 ± 12.7	110.8 ± 2.3	111.0 ± 7.3	104.0 ± 3.3
I/3 (CZT-021) (ref.)	29.8 ± 1.5	33.2 ± 2.0	37.3 ± 0.5	97.0 ± 13.3	110.3 ± 7.7	109.9 ± 5.4
I/6 (TBP-218) (ref.)	32.0 ± 1.1	33.9 ± 1.3	39.8 ± 1.9	103.7 ± 10.4	113.6 ± 9.8	113.6 ± 8.3
I/149 (TBP-353) (ref.)	31.2 ± 0.9	33.3 ± 2.6	34.1 ± 2.4	57.0 ± 18.5	108.6 ± 13.2	110.0 ± 3.0
I/30 (TBP-301)	28.9 ± 1.0	31.1 ± 1.8	32.1 ± 2.0	34.8 ± 3.3	58.0 ± 24.4	109.5 ± 10.7
I/7 (ABB-011)	31.6 ± 0.9	33.1 ± 1.1	34.0 ± 1.9	35.8 ± 1.3	55.8 ± 6.5	104.7 ± 14.5
I/124 (TBP-333)	30.9 ± 1.4	31.2 ± 2.2	33.0 ± 1.0	33.5 ± 1.8	37.9 ± 3.2	86.3 ± 23.2
I/111 (TBP-272)	28.8 ± 0.4	30.3 ± 1.0	34.1 ± 2.4	45.7 ± 5.0	107.2 ± 5.9	115.8 ± 7.5
I/133 (TBP-400)	31.7 ± 0.5	31.9 ± 1.3	35.0 ± 1.7	50.1 ± 10.6	108.6 ± 19.7	110.3 ± 8.8
I/107 (CZT-136)	32.2 ± 1.3	32.3 ± 1.3	35.2 ± 2.1	47.8 ± 6.2	107.2 ± 9.1	108.1 ± 7.7

Example 22

This example demonstrates the cytotoxic effect of some compounds according to the invention on Panc-1 human cell line. The IC₅₀ values were determined in xCELLigence SP instrument (see FIGS. 52-61). The following table shows the IC₅₀ values obtained after 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h treating.

TABLE 16
Results of cytotoxicity measurements on Panc-1 cell line
	IC50	IC50
No. of compound	(24 h)	(48 h)	IC50 (72 h)	IC50 (96 h)
(code)	[nM]	[nM]	[nM]	[nM]
I/1 (ONC-212) (ref.)	ND	ND	274 ± 15.9	185 ± 44.4
I/3 (CZT-021) (ref.)	ND	ND	45.3 ± 3.34	22.6 ± 0.856
I/6 (TBP-218) (ref.)	ND	ND	126 ± 5.96	75.5 ± 6.76
I/149 (TBP-353) (ref.)	ND	ND	45.0 ± 27.3	21.8 ± 5.29
I/30 (TBP-301)	ND	ND	2.08 ± 0.267	0.517 ± 0.0232
I/7 (ABB-011)	ND	ND	27.3 ± 15.4	22.1 ± 5.98
I/124 (TBP-333)	ND	ND	1.31 ± 0.286	<0.25
I/111 (TBP-272)	ND	ND	20.1 ± 1.68	8.58 ± 0.256
I/133 (TBP-400)	ND	ND	9.05 ± 0.669	4.73 ± 0.109
I/107 (CZT-136)	ND	ND	102 ± 24.4	49.6 ± 17.0
ND: not detectable

Example 23

This example demonstrates the antitumoral effects of compounds I/1 (ONC 212), I/7 (ABB-011), I/124 (TBP-333) and I/107 (CZT-136) on subcutaneously growing MDA-MB-231 tumor xenografts in SCID mice (immunsuprimized mice).

MDA-MB-231 human triple-negative breast cancer xenografts were formed by subcutaneous inoculation of tumor cells into the back of the immunodeficient (SCID) mice. The investigated materials were injected into the animals intraperitoneal every two-three days for 3 weeks.

The experimental results showed that all of the investigated compounds reduced the tumor volume, however, this effect was significant only in the case of I/124 (TBP-333).

Experimental Design:

The Tested Compounds:

• • I/1 (ONC 212) as reference: 0.022 mg/animal/treatment; dose: 0.88 mg/kg
    • 0.036 mg/animal/treatment; dose: 1.466 mg/kg
  • I/7 (ABB-011): 0.0213 mg/animal/treatment, dose: 0.85 mg/kg
    • 0.0355 mg/animal/treatment; dose: 1.416 mg/kg
  • I/124 (TBP-333): 0.022 mg/animal/treatment dose: 0.89 mg/kg
    • 0.036 mg/animal/treatment; dose: 1.466 mg/kg
  • I/107 (CZT-136): 0.022 mg/animal/treatment, dose: 0.89 mg/kg
    • 0.036 mg/animal/treatment; dose: 1.466 mg/kg
  • and physiological saline solution with 1% DMSO as control.

Forty SCID mice were included in the experiment. Each animal group was kept in separate cage during the experiments. On each cage, there was an identification card with birth date, the date of tumor cell injection, number and gender of animals. The injection of each substance was written on the identification card. Eight animals per substance were used and identified by ear cutting.

The animals used in these studies were cared for according to the “Guiding Principles for the Care and Use of Animals” based upon the Helsinki declaration, and the studies were approved by the local ethics committee.

Animals were housed in IVC (Individually Ventilated Cages) system in sterilized cages, with a controlled cycle of 12 hours light and 12 hours dark, the light phase being between 07:00 h and 19:00 h. Temperature and humidity were recorded daily during the whole experiment. Sterilized rodent special quality control diet (VRF1, Special Diets Services Ltd, Witham, UK) and acidified (pH=3) sterilized distilled water were available ad libitum throughout the study periods.

Each batch of diet was delivered with an accompanying certificate of analysis detailing nutritional composition. The health status of the mice was assessed by animal house staff.

MDA-MB-231 human triple-negative breast cancer cells were grown in RPMI-1640 Medium (Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO), supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (Sigma) and 1% penicillin-streptomycin (Sigma) at 37° C. in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO₂. Cells from monolayer culture were detached with 0.02% EDTA (Sigma), washed twice with serum-free medium, and one-cell suspension was inoculated subcutaneously into the back of SCID mice with a number of 1.3×10⁶ cells/animal. When the tumor volumes reached the detectable size (˜100-200 mm³, 12 days after tumor cell inoculation) the test products were inoculated intraperitoneal.

All of the test compounds were provided as powder. The powders were dissolved in DMSO. For the final treatment concentration, the compounds were diluted in physiological saline solution 1:100 (1% DMSO).

All of the test compounds were planned to be administered by intraperitoneal injection in a 0.3 ml volume in physiological saline solution with 1% DMSO three times per week. However, during the experiment this schedule was modified: from 07.19 intraperitoneal injection in a 0.5 ml volume every day was executed (Table 17).

TABLE 17
Treatment schedule
2021.06.14	2021.06.15	2021.06.16	2021.06.17	2021.06.18
		Tumor	Tumor
		inoculation*	growth
2021.06.21	2021.06.22	2021.06.23	2021.06.24	2021.06.25
2021.06.28	2021.06.29	2021.06.30	2021.07.01	2021.07.02
2021.07.05	2021.07.06	2021.07.07	2021.07.08	2021.07.09
First treatment		300 μl		300 μl
300 μl		≈0.88 mg/kg		≈0.88 mg/kg
≈0.88 mg/kg
2021.07.12	2021.07.13	2021.07.14	2021.07.15	2021.07.16
300 μl		300 μl	300 μl	300 μl
≈0.88 mg/kg		≈0.88 mg/kg	≈0.88 mg/kg	≈0.88 mg/kg
2021.07.19	2021.07.20	2021.07.21	2021.07.22	2021.07.23
500 μl	500 μl	500 μl	500 μl	Termination
≈1.4 mg/kg	≈1.4 mg/kg	≈1.4 mg/kg	≈1.4 mg/kg
*Number of inoculated cell: 1.3 * 106

During the experiment weight of the animals and size of the tumors were recorded. The investigated compounds did not cause weight loss (FIG. 62).

Tumor volume was determined three times a week during the experiment. All of the investigated compounds reduced the tumor growth, but the effect was significant only in the case of TBP-333 (FIG. 63).

Anti-tumor effect of compounds was evaluated also measuring tumor weight in each group after termination of experiment (FIGS. 64 and 65). Based on tumor weight we could obtain that the highest, significant inhibition showed TBP-333, but all of the investigated compounds decreased the tumor weight in comparison to control.

The experimental results showed that the tested drugs have an antitumor effect, which was shown both in the volumes and in the tumor masses at the end of the experiment, however, this effect was significant only in the case of TBP-333. It can be assumed that if the solubility of the materials can be improved, or the amount delivered can be increased in any other way, even more significant effects can be achieved.

Based on the forgoing results it should be noted the following:

As for the effect of the substitution pattern of the benzyl groups attached to 4 and 7 positions of the imipridone skeletone, we have unambiguously established that [7-(3″,5″-difluorobenzyl)]-substituted compounds with identical substituent in position 4′ (in benzyl group on N-4 atom) exhibit significantly stronger antiproliferative activity than their [7-(3″-fluorobenzyl)]-substituted counterparts (TBP-301 vs. CZT-021, ABB-011 vs. TBP-218 and TBP-333 vs. TBP-353) as clearly reflected from the IC₅₀ values (Table 16) and cell viability data demonstrated in Example 21 obtained by in vitro assays performed on human malignant cell lines by different methods. It must be emphasized that even all [7-(3″-fluorobenzyl)]-imipridones including our original azidobenzyl derivatives are far more active than ONC-212 in each comparative in vitro test of this invention. The original monoazido derivatives also demonstrated an exceptionally outstanding activity profile against the investigated cell lines. It is of pronounced significance and novelty in efficiency profile that [7-(3″-azidobenzyl)]imipridones TBP-272 and TBP-400 show higher degree of cytotoxicity than the corresponding [7-(3″-fluorobenzyl)]imipridones CZT-021 and TBP-353, respectively, as demonstrated by the IC₅₀ values measured on PANC-1 cell line (Table 16). This tendency was also manifested in the assays carried out by CellTiter-Glo® luminescent cell viability assay on a series of cell lines (see Example 21).

Finally, taking all the measured IC₅₀ and cell viability data into account it can be stated that at in vitro level imipridone 4-(4-chlorobenzyl)-7-(3,5-difluorobenzyl)-2,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(1H)-one (TBP-333), prepared and investigated by us for the first time, is the most potent representative of the members of small molecule anticancer imipridone family physically identified so far.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The compounds of the invention has anticancer activity, thus these compounds are suitable for use in medicine.

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Claims

1. Compounds of formula (I)

2. The compounds according to claim 1, wherein if Y is 3-fluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-azidophenyl (Compound I/106); orif Y is 3,5-difluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-azidophenyl (Compound I/107); orif Y is 3-azidophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/111) or 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/133); orif Y is 3,5-diazidophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/138) or 4-(trifluromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/139);or a stereoisomer, enantiomer, mixture of enantiomers, mixture of diastereomers or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

3. The compounds according to claim 1, wherein if Y is 3,5-difluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-azidophenyl (Compound I/107); orif Y is 3-azidophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/111) or 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/133);or a stereoisomer, enantiomer, mixture of enantiomers, mixture of diastereomers or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

4. The compounds of formula (I)

5. A medicament comprising one or more compounds of claim 4.

6. A cancer treating medicament comprising the compounds of formula (I)

7. The medicament of claim 6, wherein said cancer is selected from the group consisting of prostate carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, lung carcinoma, breast cancer, glioma, cancers of head and neck, colon cancer, and skin cancer.

8. The compounds according to claim 4, wherein if Y is 3-fluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 2-methylphenyl (Compound I/53); orif Y is 3,5-difluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-fluorophenyl (Compound I/7), 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/30), 4-bromophenyl (Compound I/39), 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/124) or 2-methylphenyl (Compound I/37); orif Y is 3,5-dicyanophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/136) or 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/137); orif Y is phenyl and Z is H, then X is 2-iodophenyl (Compound I/11);or a stereoisomer, enantiomer, mixture of enantiomers, mixture of diastereomers or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

9. A medicament comprising one or more compounds of claim 8.

10. The medicament of claim 9, wherein said medicament is a cancer treating medicament.

11. The medicament of claim 10, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of prostate carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, lung carcinoma, breast cancer, glioma, cancers of head and neck, colon cancer, and skin cancer.

12. The compounds according to claim 4, wherein if Y is 3,5-difluorophenyl and Z is H, then X is 4-fluorophenyl (Compound I/7), 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Compound I/30) or 4-chlorophenyl (Compound I/124);or a stereoisomer, enantiomer, mixture of enantiomers, mixture of diastereomers or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

13. A medicament comprising one or more compounds of claim 12.

14. The medicament of claim 13, wherein said medicament is a cancer treating medicament.

15. The medicament of claim 14, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of prostate carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, lung carcinoma, breast cancer, glioma, cancers of head and neck, colon cancer, and skin cancer.

16. A medicament comprising one or more compounds of claim 1.

17. The medicament of claim 16, wherein said medicament is a cancer treating medicament.

18. A medicament comprising one or more compounds of claim 2.

19. The medicament of claim 18, wherein said medicament is a cancer treating medicament.

20. A medicament comprising one or more compounds of claim 3.

21. The medicament of claim 20, wherein said medicament is a cancer treating medicament.