TETRACYCLIC ANTHRAQUINONES POSSESSING ANTI-CANCER PROPERTIES

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20120308646
  • Publication Number
    20120308646
  • Date Filed
    August 13, 2012
    11 years ago
  • Date Published
    December 06, 2012
    11 years ago
Abstract
Aminoside tetracyclic anthraquinones represented by formula (I) and (II). Peptides are introduced to connect tetracyclic anthraquinones and fatty acid to enable selective absorption and release of the anticancer agents. In addition, aminosaccharide and tetracyclic moieties are introduced into the branched chain to improve water-solubility. The compounds of formula (I) and (II) are pharmaceutically active components useful for treating diseases that are cured by aminoside tetracyclic anthraquinones, including cancer.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention


The invention relates to tetracyclic anthraquinone compounds, a method of their preparation, and a method of using the same as anticancer agents.


2. Description of the Related Art


Cancer is one of the most significant diseases endangering human health, causing about 13% of all deaths. Current cancer treatments focus on surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immune therapy. Gene therapy is still in the experimental stage. Drug therapy, which has been changing from conventional palliative treatment to eradication treatment, has become increasingly important and necessary means for treating cancers.


More than 500,000 compounds have been studied globally in the search for anti-cancer drugs, but only about 70 are have been approved for use. Of those approved, many suffer from problems such as low selectivity and strong side effects. Therefore, a continued search for anticancer drugs having high efficiency and low toxicity is necessary.


Tetracyclic anthraquinone compounds, including doxorubicin, epirubicin, and daunorubicin, are widely used for treatment of cancers. Daunorubicin is one of the most effective drugs for treatment of leukemia. Doxorubicin exhibits significant effect for treatment of solid tumors such as liver cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and various blood cancers. However, due to potential myocardial toxicity, the clinical use of tetracyclic anthraquinones has been limited to a certain degree (Doroshow J. H. N. Eng. J. Med. 1991, 324: 843).


Until now, in order to obtain a new generation of anticancer drugs having lower toxicity and higher activity, hundreds of tetracyclic anthraquinone derivatives have been isolated from natural sources or synthesized artificially, but the results have not been promising.


Lately tetracyclic anthraquinones have been conjugated to monoclonal antibodies so that targeted drug delivery could be achieved with the goal of decreasing myocardial toxicity. For example, gastric cancer-specific IL prepared by anti-gastric cancer monoclonal antibody MGb2 was conjugated to doxorubicin. Studies show that IL-doxorubicin can specifically recognize gastric cancer cells SGL-7901 and release doxorubicin therein, which greatly improved the lethality against the gastric cancer cells SGL-7901 (Xu Wang, et. al., Journal of Fourth Military Medical University, 1992, 13, 63-69). However, monoclonal antibodies in human body readily cause immunotoxicity, and their production is complex and costly.


Most natural fatty acids including oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are essential for the growth and development of human tissues. These essential fatty acids are mainly acquired from dietary sources. Studies have shown that, due to its exponential proliferation, cancer cells can selectively accumulate fatty acids including DHA. This is important for the development of DHA-conjugated anticancer drugs because while cancer cells are selectively absorbing DHA-conjugated drugs, drugs will not be accumulated in normal cells (Jim Rosack Psychiatric News 36(9), 2001).


Based on the absorption difference between the two kinds of cells, drug concentration in cancer cells can be enhanced, while the toxicity against normal cells is decreased, greatly improving the therapeutic index. According to this principle, Chinese Patent Application No. 200310106919.0 disclosed a method of decreasing the toxicity of anticancer drugs against normal cells while maintaining the anti-cancer activity by binding a polypeptide labeled by a long chain fatty acid to an amino group of doxorubicin, epirubicin, and daunorubicin. However, studies have shown this kind of compounds has a poor solubility in water, so it is very difficult for the development of injection preparations.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In embodiments of the invention, a polypeptide or derivative thereof is provided to bind a tetracyclic anthraquinone compound and a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid.


The polypeptide or derivative thereof can be selectively hydrolyzed by a proteolytic enzyme which is a product of over-expression of cancer cells and tissues. Accordingly, the characteristics of a new generation of anticancer drugs of the invention are as follows:

    • first, due to a strong absorption of fatty acids by tumor tissues, these anticancer compounds are accumulated therein; and
    • second, these accumulated compounds are hydrolyzed by the proteolytic enzymes to release anticancer components.


A double accumulation of anticancer drugs by selective absorption (targeted drug delivery) and release is achieved, leading to a highly effective and lower toxicity anticancer drugs.


Additionally, water-soluble groups can be bound respectively or synchronously to branch chain, amino sugar, and tetracyclic part of the compounds. These groups can further form physiologically acceptable salts. Accordingly, the solubility of these compounds in water has been improved, and injection preparations can be successfully produced.


Accordingly, in view of the above-described problems, it is one objective of the invention to provide an aminoglycoside tetracyclic anthraquinone compound, derivative, physiologically-acceptable salt, or hydrate thereof that has a low toxicity against normal cells, high anti-cancer activity, and good water solubility.


It is another objective of the invention to provide a pharmaceutical composition comprising an aminoglycoside tetracyclic anthraquinone compound, derivative, physiologically-acceptable salt, or hydrate thereof that has a low toxicity against normal cells, high anti-cancer activity, and good water solubility.


It is still another objective of the invention to provide a method of preparing an aminoglycoside tetracyclic anthraquinone compound, derivative, physiologically-acceptable salt, or hydrate thereof that has a low toxicity against normal cells, high anti-cancer activity, and good water solubility.


It is yet objective of the invention to provide a use of an aminoglycoside tetracyclic anthraquinone compound, derivative, physiologically-acceptable salt, or hydrate thereof that has a low toxicity against normal cells, high anti-cancer activity, and good water solubility.


To achieve the above objectives, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there is provided an aminoglycoside tetracyclic anthraquinone compound of formula (I) or formula (II), derivative, physiologically-acceptable salt, or hydrate thereof,




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    • wherein,

    • R1 represents H or OR7;

    • R2 represents H or OR9;

    • R6 represents H or OR10;

    • R8 represents H or OR11;

    • R3, R7, R9, R10, R11 at each occurrence independently represent H, C1-4alkyl, prolyl, N-substituted prolyl, phosphate, sulfo, or a group of formula (IV),







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    • wherein R3, R6, and R8 or R3, R10, and R11 do not represent H simultaneously,

    • R4 represents H, OH, or O(C1-4alkyl);

    • R5 represents H, C1-40alkyl, NHC1-40alkyl, or OC1-40alkyl;

    • R12 represents H, or from 1 to 4 same or different occurrences of occurrences of F, Cl, Br, I, CN,NO2, CF3, (CH2)0-4OH, (CH2)0-4NH2, C1-4alkyl, Ph, Ph(C1-4alkyl)0-5, (CH2)0-4OC1-4alkyl, CH2)0-4NH(C1-4alkyl), (CH2)0-4N(C1-4alkyl)2, (CH2)0-4COOH, (CH2)0-4phosphate, (CH2)0-4phosphono, (CH2)0-4sulfo, (CH2)0-4OC(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4NHC(O)H, (CH2)0-4NHC(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4NHC(O)—(C1-4alkyl)-NHC1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4N(C1-4alkyl)C(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4C(O)OC1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHOH, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHSO2C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHSO2Ph, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHSO2Ph(C1-4alkyl)0-5, (CH2)0-4tetrazole, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHC(O)CF3, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHC1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4C(O)N(C1-4alkyl)2, (CH2)0-4C(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4S(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4SO2C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4SO2NH(C1-4alkyl), (CH2)0-4SO2—N(C1-4alkyl)2, (CH2)0-4pyrrole, (CH2)0-4pyrroline, (CH2)0-4pyrrolidine, (CH2)0-4pyrazole, (CH2)0-4-pyrazoline, (CH2)0-4-pirazole, (CH2)0-4-imidazole, (CH2)0-4-thiazole, (CH2)0-4-oxazole, (CH2)0-4-piperidine, (CH2)0-4-morpholine, or (CH2)0-4-piperazine;

    • A represents C1-10alkylene or an aromatic subunit having from 0 to 4 heteroatoms;

    • W represents O or NH;

    • Linker represents a subunit of formula (V) or formula (XI),







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wherein p represents an integer from 1 to 100;

    • X1, X2, X3, . . . , Xp at each occurrence independently represent —O—, —S—, —N(R13)—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —S(O)—, —SO2—, —C(O)N(R14)—, or —N(R15)C(O)—;
    • Z1, Z2, Z3, . . . , Zp at each occurrence independently represent —O—, —S—, —N(R13)—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —S(O)—, —SO2—, —C(O)N(R14)—, or —N(R15)C(O)—;
    • B1, B2, B3, . . . , Bp at each occurrence independently represent C1-8alkylene or an aromatic subunit having from 0 to 4 heteroatoms;
    • q represents an integer from 1 to 100;
    • R13 represents H, C1-4alkyl, or C1-4acyl;
    • R13 and R15 at each occurrence independently represent H or C1-4alkyl; and
    • Peptide represents a peptide chain comprising from 2 to 4 same or different amino acids.


In a class of certain embodiments of the invention, C1-4alkyl, C1-6alkyl, C1-8alkylene, C1-10alkylene are straight chain alkyl, branched chain alkyl, or cyclic alkyl, saturated or unsaturated alkyl, cis form or trans form alkyl, an E/Z isomer, or an R/S isomer, and optionally substituted with F, OH, SH, COOH, CO2(C1-4alkyl), C(O)NH2, C(O)NH(C1-4alkyl), C(O)N(C1-4alkyl)2, NHC(O)(C1-4alkyl), NH2, NH(C1-4alkyl), N(C1-4alkyl)2, NHC(O)NH2, NHC(NH)NH2, O(C1-4alkyl), or S(C1-4alkyl).


In a class of certain embodiments of the invention, the compound of formula (I) or formula (II) suitable for being used as medical active ingredient comprises compounds wherein A represents a C2-10 straight chain alkylene, particularly, a C2-6 straight chain alkylene, and more particularly, a C2-3 straight chain alkylene.


In a class of certain embodiments of the invention, the compound of formula (I) or formula (II) suitable for being used as medical active ingredient comprises the compounds wherein A represents a C3-10 cyclic chain alkylene, and particularly, a C3-6 cyclic chain alkylene.


When A represent an aromatic ring, the ring is a 5-membered or 6-membered single ring, or fused rings composed of multiple aromatic rings or aromatic rings and non-aromatic rings, and comprises from 1 to 4 same or different heteroatoms, such as N, O or S, or comprises no heteroatoms.


In a class of certain embodiments of the invention, the compound of formula (I) or formula (II) suitable for being used as medical active ingredient comprises the compounds wherein A represents benzene, pyridine, thiophene, furan, pyrrole, pyrimidine, thiazole, imidazole, oxazole, pirazole, indole, benzo-thiophene, benzofuraN, Naphthalene, and particularly, benzene, pyridine, thiophene, furan, or pyrrole.


In a class of certain embodiments of the invention, the compound of formula (I) or formula (II) suitable for being used as medical active ingredient comprises the compounds wherein R12 represents H, or from 1 to 4 same or different occurrences of F, Cl, Br, CN,NO2, CF3, OH, NH2, CH3, CH2CH3, n-Pr, i-Pr, n-Bu, i-Bu, t-Bu, benzyl, OCH3, OCH2CH3, O(n-Pr), O(i-Pr), O(n-Bu), O(i-Bu), NHCH3, NHCH2CH3, NH(n-Pr), NH(i-Pr), NH(n-Bu), NH(i-Bu), N(CH3)2, NEt2, NMeEt, N(n-Pr)2, piperidyl, pyrrolinyl, piperazinyl, CH2NHCH3, CH2NH2, CH2N(CH3)2, CH2NEt2, CH2-piperidine, CH2-pyrroline, CH2-piperazine, NHC(O)CH3, COOH, SO3H, CH2CO2H, C(O)NH2, C(O)NHOH, CONHSO2CH3, CONHSO2Et, CONHSO2Pr-n, CONHSO2Pr-i, CONHSO2Ph, CONHSO2CH2Ph, CONHSO2-Ph-CH3, tetrazolyl, or NHC(O)CH2NHCH3.


In a class of certain embodiments of the invention, the compound of formula (I) or formula (II) suitable for preparation of anticancer drugs comprises the compounds wherein R12 represents H, or from 1 to 4 same or different occurrences of F, Cl, Br, CN, CF3, OH, NH2, CH3, CH2CH3, n-Pr, i-Pr, benzyl, OCH3, OCH2CH3, O(n-Pr), O(i-Pr), NHCH3, NHCH2CH3, NH(n-Pr), NH(i-Pr), N(CH3)2, NEt2, piperidyl, pyrrolinyl, CH2NHCH3, CH2NH2, CH2N(CH3)2, CH2NEt2, CH2-piperidine, CH2-pyrroline, NHC(O)CH3, COOH, SO3H, CH2CO2H, C(O)NH2, C(O)NHOH, CONHSO2CH3, CONHSO2Ph, or tetrazolyl.


In a class of certain embodiments of the invention, the compound of formula (I) or formula (II) suitable for being used as medical active ingredient comprises the compounds wherein OR3, OR7, OR9, OR10, OR11 at each occurrence independently represents amino acid ester, or physiologically acceptable salt thereof, including but not limited to hydrochlorate, sulfonate, sulfate, succinate, or benzoate.


In a class of certain embodiments of the invention, the compound of formula (I) or formula (II) suitable for being used as medical active ingredient comprises the compounds wherein OR3, OR7, OR9, OR10, OR11 at each occurrence independently represents an ester having an acid group, such as COOH, SO3H, CONHSO2CH3, or biologically equivalent acid, or physiologically acceptable salt thereof, including but not limited to sodium salt, potassium salt, or ammonium salt.


MTS assay shows the compound of formula (I) or formula (II) of the invention has anti-cancer activity against a wide range of intestinal cancer cells, and has a certain growth inhibitory activity against human adenocarcinoma HeLa cell line.


Tests of solubility in water of certain compounds represented by formula (I) or formula (II) show that the solubility of the tested compounds is more than 1 mg/mL, which meets the physical and chemical performance requirements for preparation of injection preparations.


Tolerance dose of certain compounds represented by formula (I) or formula (II) was also tested by intraperitoneal administration in mice. As shown in Example 105, the tolerance dose is significantly higher than that of doxorubicin. For these reasons, compounds of formula (I) or formula (II) of the invention are promising candidates for anticancer drugs.


In a class of certain embodiments of the invention, the compound of formula (I) suitable for being used as medical active ingredient comprises the compounds wherein R3, R7, R9 at each occurrence independently represents H, OCCH2CH2COOH, OCCH(Me)CH2COOH, OCCH(Et)CH2COOH, OCCH(n-Pr)CH2COOH, OCCH2CH(Me)COOH, OCCH2CH(Et)COOH, OCCH2CH(n-Pr)COOH, OCCH2CH2CH2COOH, OCCH(Me)CH2CH2COOH, OCCH(Et)CH2CH2COOH, OCCH(n-Pr)CH2CH2COOH, O═CCH═CHCOOH, OCCH2CH(Me)CH2COOH, OCCH2CH(n-Pr)CH2COOH, OCCH2CH(n-Pr)CH2COOH, OCCH2CH2CH(Me)COOH, OCCH2CH2CH(Et)COOH, OCCH2CH2CH(n-Pr)COOH, OCCH2NH2, OCCH(Me)NH2, OCCH(Et)NH2, OCCH(i-Pr)NH2, OCCH(n-Pr)NH2, OCCH(n-Bu)NH2, OCCH(CHMeEt)NH2, OCCH(CH2CHMe2)NH2, OCCH2NHMe, OCCH(Me)NHMe, OCCH(Et)NHMe, OCCH(CHMe2)NHMe, OCCH(n-Pr)NHMe, OCCH(n-Bu)NHMe, OCCH(CH MeEt)NHMe, OCCH(CH2CHMe2)NHMe, OCCH2NHEt, OCCH(Me)NHEt, OCCH(Et)NHEt, OCCH(i-Pr)NHEt, OCCH(n-Pr)NHEt, OCCH(n-Bu)NHEt, OCCH(CH(CH3)CH2CH3)NHEt, OCCH(CH2CH(CH3)2)NHEt, OCCH2N(CH3)Et, OCCH(Me)N(CH3)Et, OCCH(Et)N(CH3)Et, OCCH(CH(CH3)2)N(CH3)Et, OCCH(n-Pr)N(CH3)Et, OCCH(n-Bu)N(CH3)Et, OCCH(CHMeEt)N(Me)Et, OCCH(CH2CH(CH3)2)N(CH3)Et, OCCH2NEt2, OCCH(CH3)NEt2, OCCH(Et)NEt2, OCCH(i-Pr)NEt2, OCCH(n-Pr)NEt2, OCCH(n-Bu)NEt2, OCCH(CH(CH3)Et)NEt2, OCCH(CH2CH(CH3)2)NEt2, OCCH2NH(n-Pr), OCCH(CH3)NH(n-Pr), OCCH(Et)NH(n-Pr), OCCH(i-Pr)NH(n-Pr), OCCH(n-Pr)NH(n-Pr), OCCH(n-Bu)NH(n-Pr), OCCH(CH(CH3)Et)NH(n-Pr), OCCH(CH2CH(CH3)2)NH(n-Pr), OCCH2N(CH3)(n-Pr), OCCH(CH3)N(CH3)(n-Pr), OCCH(Et)N(CH3)(n-Pr), OCCH(CHMe2)N(CH3)(n-Pr), OCCH(n-Pr)N(CH3)(n-Pr), OCCH(n-Bu)N(CH3)(n-Pr), OCCH(CH(CH3)CH2CH3)N(CH3)(n-Pr), OCCH(CH2CHMe2)N(CH3)(n-Pr), OCCH2N(Et)(n-Pr), OCCH(Et)N(Et)(n-Pr), OCCH(Et)N(Et)(n-Pr), OCCH(CH(CH3)2)N(Et), OCCH(n-Pr)N(Et)(n-Pr), OCCH(n-Bu)N(Et)(n-Pr), OCCH(CHMeEt)N(Et)(n-Pr), OCCH(CH2CH(CH3)2)N(Et)CH2CH2CH3, OCCH2N(n-Pr)2, OCCH(Me)N(n-Pr)2, OCCH(Et)N(n-Pr)2, OCCH(i-Pr)N(n-Pr)2, OCCH(n-Pr)N(n-Pr)2, OCCH(n-Bu)N(n-Pr)2, OCCH(CHMeEt)N(n-Bu)2, OCCH(CH2CHMe2)N(n-Bu)2, OCCH(Me)pyrroline, OCCH(Et)pyrroline, OCCH(i-Pr)pyrroline, OCCH(n-Pr)pyrroline, OCCH(n-Bu)-pyrroline, OCCH(CH(Me)Et)pyrroline, OCCH(CH2CHMe2)pyrroline, OCCH2-morpholine, OCCH(CH3)-morpholine, OCCH(Et)-morpholine, OCCH(i-Pr)-morpholine, OCCH(n-Pr)-morpholine, OCCH(n-Bu)-morpholine, OCCH(CH(CH3)CH2CH3)-morpholine, OCCH(CH2CH(CH3)2)-morpholine, OCCH═CHCOOH, 2-cabonylbenzoyl, 2-carboxypyridine-3-acyl, 3-carboxypyridine-2-acyl, 4-carboxypyridine-3-acyl, 3-carboxypyridine-4-acyl, 3-carboxythiophene-2-acyl, 2-carboxythiophene-3-acyl, 4-carboxythiophene-3-acyl, 3-carboxyfuran-2-acyl, 2-carboxyfuran-3-acyl, or 4-carboxyfuran-3-acyl.


In a class of certain embodiments of the invention, the compound of formula (II) suitable for being used as medical active ingredient comprises the compounds wherein R3, R10, R11 at each occurrence independently represents H, OCCH2CH2COOH, O═CCH═CHCOOH, OCCH(Me)CH2COOH, OCCH(Et)CH2COOH, OCCH(n-Pr)CH2COOH, OCCH2CH(Me)COOH, OCCH2CH(Et)COOH, OCCH2CH(n-Pr)COOH, OCCH2CH2CH2COOH, OCCH(Me)CH2CH2COOH, OCCH(Et)CH2CH2COOH, OCCH(n-Pr)CH2CH2COOH, OCCH2CH(Me)CH2COOH, OCCH2CH(n-Pr)CH2COOH, OCCH2CH(n-Pr)CH2COOH, OCCH2CH2CH(Me)COOH, OCCH2CH2CH(Et)COOH, OCCH2CH2CH(n-Pr)COOH, OCCH2NH2, OCCH(Me)NH2, OCCH(Et)NH2, OCCH(i-Pr)NH2, OCCH(n-Pr)NH2, OCCH(n-Bu)NH2, OCCH(CHMeEt)NH2, OCCH(CH2CHMe2)NH2, OCCH2NHMe, OCCH(Me)NHMe, OCCH(Et)NHMe, OCCH(CHMe2)NHMe, OCCH(n-Pr)NHMe, OCCH(n-Bu)NHMe, OCCH(CH MeEt)NHMe, OCCH(CH2CHMe2)NHMe, OCCH2NHEt, OCCH(Me)NHEt, OCCH(Et)NHEt, OCCH(i-Pr)NHEt, OCCH(n-Pr)NHEt, OCCH(n-Bu)NHEt, OCCH(CH(CH3)CH2CH3)NHEt, OCCH(CH2CH(CH3)2)NHEt, OCCH2N(CH3)Et, OCCH(Me)N(CH3)Et, OCCH(Et)N(CH3)Et, OCCH(CH(CH3)2)N(CH3)Et, OCCH(n-Pr)N(CH3)Et, OCCH(n-Bu)N(CH3)Et, OCCH(CH(CH3)CH2CH3)N(CH3)Et, OCCH(CH2CH(CH3)2)N(CH3)Et, OCCH2NEt2, OCCH(CH3)NEt2, OCCH(Et)NEt2, OCCH(i-Pr)NEt2, OCCH(n-Pr)NEt2, OCCH(n-Bu)NEt2, OCCH(CH(CH3)Et)NEt2, OCCH(CH2CH(CH3)2)NEt2, OCCH2NH(n-Pr), OCCH(CH3)NH(n-Pr), OCCH(Et)NH(n-Pr), OCCH(i-Pr)NH(n-Pr), OCCH(n-Pr)NH(n-Pr), OCCH(n-Bu)NH(n-Pr), OCCH(CH(CH3)Et)NH(n-Pr), OCCH(CH2CH(CH3)2)NH(n-Pr), OCCH2N(CH3)(n-Pr), OCCH(CH3)N(CH3)(n-Pr), OCCH(Et)N(CH3)(n-Pr), OCCH(CHMe2)N(CH3)(n-Pr), OCCH(n-Pr)N(CH3)(n-Pr), OCCH(n-Bu)N(CH3)(n-Pr), OCCH(CH(CH3)CH2CH3)N(CH3)(n-Pr), OCCH(CH2CHMe2)N(CH3)(n-Pr), OCCH2N(Et)(n-Pr), OCCH(Et)N(Et)(n-Pr), OCCH(Et)N(Et)(n-Pr), OCCH(CH(CH3)2)N(Et), OCCH(n-Pr)N(Et)(n-Pr), OCCH(n-Bu)N(Et)(n-Pr), OCCH(CHMeEt)N(Et)(n-Pr), OCCH(CH2CH(CH3)2)N(Et)CH2CH2CH3, OCCH2N(n-Pr)2, OCCH(Me)N(n-Pr)2, OCCH(Et)N(n-Pr)2, OCCH(i-Pr)N(n-Pr)2, OCCH(n-Pr)N(n-Pr)2, OCCH(n-Bu)N(n-Pr)2, OCCH(CHMeEt)N(n-Bu)2, OCCH(CH2CHMe2)N(n-Bu)2, OCCH(Me)pyrroline, OCCH(Et)pyrroline, OCCH(i-Pr)pyrroline, OCCH(n-Pr)pyrroline, OCCH(n-Bu)-pyrroline, OCCH(CH(Me)Et)pyrroline, OCCH(CH2CHMe2)pyrroline, OCCH2-morpholine, OCCH(CH3)-morpholine, OCCH(Et)-morpholine, OCCH(i-Pr)-morpholine, OCCH(n-Pr)-morpholine, OCCH(n-Bu)-morpholine, OCCH(CH(CH3)CH2CH3)-morpholine, OCCH(CH2CH(CH3)2)-morpholine, OCCH═CHCOOH, 2-cabonylbenzoyl, 2-carboxypyridine-3-acyl, 3-carboxypyridine-2-acyl, 4-carboxypyridine-3-acyl, 3-carboxypyridine-4-acyl, 3-carboxythiophene-2-acyl, 2-carboxythiophene-3-acyl, 4-carboxythiophene-3-acyl, 3-carboxyfuran-2-acyl, 2-carboxyfuran-3-acyl, or 4-carboxyfuran-3-acyl, except that R3, R10, R11 represent H simultaneously.


In a class of certain embodiments of the invention, the compound of formula (I) or formula (II) suitable for being used as medical active ingredient comprises the compounds wherein R5 represents saturated or unsaturated C8-30 alkyl, particularly saturated or unsaturated C12-30 alkyl, and more particularly docosahexaenyl (DHA), eicosapentaenyl, arachidonyl, linolenyl, linolyl, oleyl, hexadecanyl, stearyl, palmityl, or lauryl.


In a class of certain embodiments of the invention, the peptide of the compound of formula (I) or formula (II) comprises from 2 to 4 same or different natural or non-natural amino acids, L- or D-amino acids, particularly neutral and lipophilic amino acid, and more particularly a peptide chain comprising Gly, L-Ala, L-Val, L-Leu, L-Ile, L-Glu, L-Ser, L-Thr, L-Cys, L-Met, L-Phe, L-Trp, L-Pro, or L-Hyp.


In a class of certain embodiments of the invention, the compound of formula (I) or formula (II) suitable for being used as medical active ingredient comprises the compounds wherein the peptide is selected from Gly-L-Ala, L-Ala-L-Ala, L-Val-L-Ala, L-Leu-L-Ala, L-Ile-L-Ala, L-Asp-L-Ala, L-Glu-L-Ala, L-Arg-L-Ala, L-Lys-L-Ala, L-Ser-L-Ala, L-Thr-L-Ala, L-Cys-L-Ala, L-Met-L-Ala, L-Phe-L-Ala, L-His-L-Ala, L-Trp-L-Ala, L-Pro-L-Ala, L-Hyp-L-Ala, L-Ala-D-Ala, L-Val-D-Ala, L-Leu-D-Ala, L-Ile-D-Ala, L-Asp-D-Ala, L-Glu-D-Ala, L-Arg-D-Ala, L-Lys-D-Ala, L-Ser-D-Ala, L-Thr-D-Ala, L-Cys-D-Ala, L-Met-D-Ala, L-Phe-D-Ala, L-His-D-Ala, L-Trp-D-Ala, L-Pro-D-Ala, L-H-D-Ala, Gly-L-Val, L-Ala-L-Val, L-Val-L-Val, L-Leu-L-Val, L-Ile-L-Val, L-Asp-L-Val, L-Glu-L-Val, L-Arg-L-Val, L-Lys-L-Val, L-Ser-L-Val, L-Thr-L-Val, L-Cys-L-Val, L-Met-L-Val, L-Phe-L-Val, L-His-L-Val, L-Trp-L-Val, L-Pro-L-Val, L-Ala-L-Pro, L-Val-L-Pro, L-Leu-L-Pro, L-Ile-L-Pro, L-Phe-L-Pro, Gly-L-Pro, L-Pro-L-Pro, L-H-L-Pro, Gly-L-Ala-L-Val, Gly-L-Val-L-Val, Gly-L-Leu-L-Val, Gly-L-Ile-L-Val, Gly-L-Asp-L-Val, Gly-L-Glu-L-Val, Gly-L-Arg-L-Val, Gly-L-Lys-L-Val, Gly-L-Ser-L-Val, Gly-L-Thr-L-Val, Gly-L-Cys-L-Val, Gly-L-Met-L-Val, Gly-L-Phe-L-Val, Gly-L-His-L-Val, Gly-L-Trp-L-Val, Gly-L-Pro-L-Val, Gly-L-Ala-L-Pro, Gly-L-Val-L-Pro, Gly-L-Leu-L-Pro, Gly-L-Ile-L-Pro, Gly-L-Phe-L-Pro, Gly-Gly-L-Pro, Gly-L-Pro-L-Pro, Gly-L-H-L-Pro, particularly, L-Ala-L-Val, L-Val-L-Val, L-Leu-L-Val, L-Ile-L-Val, L-Asp-L-Val, L-Glu-L-Val, L-Lys-L-Val, L-Ser-L-Val, L-Thr-L-Val, Gly-L-Val, L-Met-L-Val, L-Phe-L-Val, L-His-L-Val, L-Trp-L-Val, L-Pro-L-Val, L-Hyp-L-Val, L-Ala-L-Ala, L-Val-L-Ala, L-Leu-L-Ala, L-Ile-L-Ala, L-Asp-L-Ala, L-Glu-L-Ala, L-Arg-L-Ala, L-Lys-L-Ala, L-Ser-L-Ala, L-Thr-L-Ala, L-Cys-L-Ala, L-Met-L-Ala, L-Phe-L-Ala, L-His-L-Ala, L-Trp-L-Ala, L-Pro-L-Ala, L-Hyp-L-Ala, L-Pro-L-Ala, L-Pro-L-Val, L-Pro-L-Leu, L-Pro-L-Ile, L-Pro-L-Asp, L-Pro-L-Glu, L-Pro-L-Arg, L-Pro-L-Lys, L-Pro-L-Ser, L-Pro-L-Thr, L-Pro-L-Cys, L-Pro-L-Met, L-Pro-L-Phe, L-Pro-L-His, L-Pro-L-Trp, L-Ala-L-Pro, L-Val-L-Pro, L-Leu-L-Pro, L-Ile-L-Pro, L-Phe-L-Pro, Gly-L-Pro, L-Pro-L-Pro, Gly-L-Ala-L-Val, Gly-L-Val-L-Val, Gly-L-Leu-L-Val, Gly-L-Ile-L-Val; and more particularly L-Ala-L-Val, L-Val-L-Val, L-Leu-L-Val, L-Ile-L-Val, L-Phe-L-Val, Gly-L-Val, L-Pro-L-Val, L-Ala-L-Pro, L-Val-L-Pro, L-Leu-L-Pro, L-Ile-L-Pro, L-Phe-L-Pro, Gly-L-Pro, L-Pro-L-Pro, Gly-L-Ala-L-Val, Gly-L-Val-L-Val, Gly-L-Leu-L-Val, or Gly-L-Ile-L-Val.


The Linker in formula (I) is lipophilic or hydrophilic, neutral, alkaline, or acidic, and has a random length. A hydrophilic and neutral linker with molecular weight less than 5,000 is preferable, and more preferably is a hydrophilic and neutral linker with molecular weight less than 2,500.


In a class of certain embodiments of the invention, the compound of formula (I) suitable for being used as medical active ingredient comprises the compounds wherein, when Linker represents formula (V) or formula (XI), q is an integer from 1 to 50, particularly an integer from 1 to 20, and more particularly an integer from 1 to 10.


In a class of certain embodiments of the invention, the compound of formula (I) suitable for being used as medical active ingredient comprises the compounds wherein, when Linker represents formula (V) or formula (XI),




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and X1, X2, X3, Xp at each occurrence independently represent —O—, —S—, —NH—, —NMe-, —N(OCH)—, —N(OCMe)-, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —S(O)—, —SO2—, —C(O)NH—, —C(O)NMe-, —NHC(O)—, or —N(Me)C(O)—, particularly —O—, —N(OCH)—, —N(OCMe)-, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —S(O)—, —SO2—, —C(O)NH—, —C(O)NMe-, —NHC(O)—, or —N(Me)C(O)—, and more particularly —O—, —N(C(O)H)—, —N(C(O)Me)-, —C(O)NH—, —C(O)NMe-, —NHC(O)—, or —N(Me)C(O)—.


The compound of formula (I) suitable for being used as medical active ingredient comprises the compounds wherein, when Linker represents formula (V) or formula (XI), and Z1, Z2, Z3, Zp at each occurrence independently represent —O—, —S—, —NH—, —NMe-, —N(OCH)—, —N(OCMe)-, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —S(O)—, —SO2—, —C(O)NH—, —C(O)NMe-, —NHC(O)—, or —N(Me)C(O)—, particularly —O—, —N(OCH)—, —N(OCMe)-, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —S(O)—, —SO2—, —C(O)NH—, —C(O)NMe-, —NHC(O)—, or —N(Me)C(O)—, and more particularly —O—, —N(C(O)H)—, —N(C(O)Me)-, —C(O)NH—, —C(O)NMe-, —NHC(O)—, or —N(Me)C(O)—.


The compound of formula (I) suitable for being used as medical active ingredient comprises the compounds, when Linker represents formula (V) or formula (XI), and B1, B2, B3, . . . , Bp at each occurrence independently represent —(CH2)2—, —(CH2)3—, —(CH2)4—, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, piperidine, tetrahydrofuran, pyrroline, benzene, pyridine, thiophene, furan, pyrrole, pyrimidine, thiazole, imidazole, oxazole, pirazole, indole, benzo-thiophene, benzofuran, or naphthalene, particularly —(CH2)2—, —(CH2)3—, —(CH2)4—, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, or cyclohexyl, and more particularly —(CH2)2— or —(CH2)3—.


Included in the invention are also prodrugs and active metabolites of compounds of formula (I) or formula (II), which are themselves suitable for being used as medical active ingredients.


In other aspects of the invention, provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least a compound of formula (I) or formula (II),




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    • wherein,

    • R1 represents H or OR7;

    • R2 represents H or OR9;

    • R6 represents H or OR10;

    • R8 represents H or OR11;

    • R3, R7, R9, R10, R11 at each occurrence independently represents H, C1-4alkyl, prolyl, N-substituted prolyl, phosphate, sulfo, or a group of formula (IV),







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except that R3, R6, and R8 or R3, R10, and R11 represent H simultaneously,

    • R4 represents H, OH, or O(C1-4alkyl);
    • R5 represents H, C1-40alkyl, NHC1-40alkyl, or OC1-40alkyl;
    • R12 represents H, or from 1 to 4 same or different occurrences of F, Cl, Br, I, CN,NO2, CF3, (CH2)0-4OH, (CH2)0-4NH2, C1-4alkyl, Ph, Ph(C1-4alkyl)0-5, (CH2)0-4OC1-4alkyl, CH2)0-4NH(C1-4alkyl), (CH2)0-4N(C1-4alkyl)2, (CH2)0-4COOH, (CH2)0-4Phosphate, (CH2)0-4phosphono, (CH2)0-4sulfo, (CH2)0-4OC(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4NHC(O)H, (CH2)0-4NHC(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4NHC(O)—(C1-4alkyl)-NHC1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4N(C1-4alkyl)C(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4C(O)OC1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHOH, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHSO2C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHSO2Ph, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHSO2Ph(C1-4alkyl)0-5, (CH2)0-4tetrazole, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHC(O)CF3, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHC1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4C(O)N(C1-4alkyl)2, (CH2)0-4C(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4S(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4SO2C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4SO2NH(C1-4alkyl), (CH2)0-4SO2—N(C1-4alkyl)2, (CH2)0-4pyrrole, (CH2)0-4pyrroline, (CH2)0-4pyrrolidine, (CH2)0-4pyrazole, (CH2)0-4-pyrazoline, (CH2)0-4-pirazole, (CH2)0-4-imidazole, (CH2)0-4-thiazole, (CH2)0-4-oxazole, (CH2)0-4-piperidine, (CH2)0-4-morpholine, or (CH2)0-4-piperazine;
    • A represents C1-10alkylene or an aromatic subunit having from 0 to 4 heteroatoms;
    • W represents O or NH;
    • Linker represents a subunit of formula (V) or formula (XI),




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wherein p represents an integer from 1 to 100;

    • X1, X2, X3, . . . , Xp at each occurrence independently represent —O—, —S—, —N(R13)—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —S(O)—, —SO2—, —C(O)N(R14)—, or —N(R15)C(O)—;
    • Z1, Z2, Z3, . . . , Zp at each occurrence independently represents —O—, —S—, —N(R13)—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —S(O)—, —SO2—, —C(O)N(R14)—, or —N(R15)C(O)—;
    • B1, B2, B3, . . . , Bp at each occurrence independently represent C1-8alkylene or an aromatic subunit having from 0 to 4 heteroatoms;
    • q represents an integer from 1 to 100;
    • R13 represents H, C1-4alkyl, or C1-4acyl;
    • R14 and R15 at each occurrence independently represent H or C1-4alkyl; and
    • Peptide represents a peptide chain comprising from 2 to 4 same or different amino acids.


In a class of this embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises an excipient.


In a class of this embodiment, an administration mode of the pharmaceutical composition is gastrointestinal or non-gastrointestinal.


In a class of this embodiment, the excipient is a carrier, filler, a solvent, a diluent, a colorant, a buffer, an adhesive, or a mixture thereof.


The selection of the excipient and dosage thereof is determined by the route of administration, which includes but not limited to gastrointestinal administration, intravenous injection, peritoneal injection, dermal injection, intramuscular injection, intranasal administration, inhalation, or local administration.


In a class of this embodiment, a dosage form of the pharmaceutical composition includes but is not limited to a solution, an injectable powder, a lyophilized injectable powder, gel, emulsion, suspension, a microsphere-liposome (microplex) vector, a powder, an ointment, a patch, or a suppository.


In a class of this embodiment, a preferable administration mode of the pharmaceutical composition is intravenous injection, and a preferable dosage form thereof is a solution, an injectable powder, a lyophilized injectable powder, emulsion, or a microsphere-liposome (microplex) vector.


In a class of this embodiment, an injection of the pharmaceutical composition is an isosmotic solution prepared by the compound of formula (I) or formula (II) and fructose, sodium chloride, or glucose.


In a class of this embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is suitable for treatment of indications for which an aminoglycoside tetracyclic anthraquinone compound is effective, the indications including but not limited to cancers and diseases which can be treated by immunosuppressive agents.


In a class of this embodiment, the cancers which can be treated by an aminoglycoside tetracyclic anthraquinone compound include, but are not limited to, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, throat cancer, oral cancer, nose cancer, head and neck cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, glioma, lymphoma, skin cancer, melanoma, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, bone cancer, multiple myeloma, and leukemia.


In a class of this embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition can be used in combination with other anticancer drugs, immunoenhancers, or hormones.


In other aspect of the invention, provided is a method of preparation of a compound of formula (I),




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    • wherein

    • R1 represents H or OR7;

    • R2 represents H or OR9;

    • R3, R7, and R9 at each occurrence independently represent H, C1-4alkyl, prolyl, N-substituted prolyl, phosphate, sulfo, or a group of formula (IV),







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    • R4 represents H, OH, or O(C1-4alkyl);

    • R5 represents H, C1-40alkyl, NHC1-40alkyl, or OC1-40alkyl;

    • R12 represents H, or from 1 to 4 same or different occurrences of F, Cl, Br, I, CN,NO2, CF3, (CH2)0-4OH, (CH2)0-4NH2, C1-4alkyl, Ph, Ph(C1-4alkyl)0-5, (CH2)0-4OC1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4NH(C1-4alkyl), (CH2)0-4N(C1-4alkyl)2, (CH2)0-4COOH, (CH2)0-4phosphate, (CH2)0-4phosphono, (CH2)0-4sulfo, (CH2)0-4OC(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4NHC(O)H, (CH2)0-4NHC(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4NHC(O)—(C1-4alkyl)-NHC1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4N(C1-4alkyl)C(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4C(O)OC1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHOH, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHSO2C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHSO2Ph, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHSO2Ph(C1-4alkyl)0-5, (CH2)0-4tetrazole, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHC(O)CF3, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHC1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4C(O)N(C1-4alkyl)2, (CH2)0-4C(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4S(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4SO2C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4SO2NH(C1-4alkyl), (CH2)0-4SO2—N(C1-4alkyl)2, (CH2)0-4pyrrole, (CH2)0-4pyrroline, (CH2)0-4pyrrolidine, (CH2)0-4pyrazole, (CH2)0-4-pyrazoline, (CH2)0-4-pirazole, (CH2)0-4-imidazole, (CH2)0-4-thiazole, (CH2)0-4-oxazole, (CH2)0-4-piperidine, (CH2)0-4-morpholine, or (CH2)0-4-piperazine;

    • A represents C1-10alkylene or an aromatic subunit having from 0 to 4 heteroatoms;

    • W represents O or NH;

    • Linker represents a subunit of formula (V) or formula (XI),







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wherein p represents an integer from 1 to 100;

    • X1, X2, X3, . . . , Xp at each occurrence independently represent —O—, —S—, —N(R13)—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —S(O)—, —SO2—, —C(O)N(R14)—, or —N(R15)C(O)—;
    • Z1, Z2, Z3, . . . , Zp at each occurrence independently represent —O—, —S—, —N(R13)—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —S(O)—, —SO2—, —C(O)N(R14)—, or —N(R15)C(O)—;
    • B1, B2, B3, . . . , Bp at each occurrence independently represent C1-8alkylene or an aromatic subunit having from 0 to 4 heteroatoms;
    • q represents an integer from 1 to 100;
    • R13 represents H, C1-4alkyl, or C1-4acyl;
    • R14 and R15 at each occurrence independently represents H or C1-4alkyl;
    • Peptide represents a peptide chain comprising from 2 to 4 same or different amino acids;
    • the method comprising steps of:
      • a) contacting an acyl chloride or active ester of formula R5COOH with Linker to yield R5C(O)-Linker, wherein the definitions of Linker and R5 are the same as that for formula (I); the reaction is conducted in water, an organic solvent, or a mixture thereof, and the organic solvent is dichloromethane, chloroform, acetone, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, isopropanol, tetrahydrofuran, or acetonitrile; an organic base or inorganic base can be used as a neutralizing reagent, and pyridine organic base such as 4-dimethyl-aminopyridine or 4-(1-pyrrolyl)pyridine is optionally used as a catalyst, the concentration of the catalyst being between 1% and 20% by mole;
      • b) transforming the carboxyl group of R5C(O)-Linker into a corresponding acyl chloride or active ester thereof;
      • c) contacting the acyl chloride or active ester of R5C(O)-Linker with peptide to yield R5C(O)-Linker-peptide, wherein the definition of peptide is the same as that for formula (I) above; the reaction is conducted in water, an organic solvent, or a mixture thereof, and the organic solvent is dichloromethane, chloroform, acetone, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, isopropanol, tetrahydrofuran, or acetonitrile; an organic base or inorganic base can be used as a neutralizing reagent, and pyridine organic base such as 4-dimethyl-aminopyridine or 4-(1-pyrrolyl)pyridine is optionally used as a catalyst, the concentration of the catalyst being between 1% and 20% by mole;
      • d) transforming the carboxyl group of R5C(O)-Linker-peptide into a corresponding acyl chloride or active ester thereof;
      • e) contacting the acyl chloride or active ester of R5C(O)-Linker-peptide with a compound of formula (VI) to yield a compound of formula (VII),




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      • wherein the definitions of W and R4 are the same as that for formula (I), and R16 and R17 at each occurrence independently represent H, or OH; the reaction is conducted in water, an organic solvent, or a mixture thereof, and the organic solvent is dichloromethane, chloroform, acetone, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, isopropanol, tetrahydrofuran, or acetonitrile; an organic base or inorganic base can be used as a neutralizing reagent, and pyridine organic base such as 4-dimethyl-aminopyridine or 4-(1-pyrrolyl)pyridine is optionally used as a catalyst, the concentration of the catalyst being between 1% and 20% by mole;

      • f) contacting the compound of formula (VII) wherein R16 and R17 at each occurrence independently represents H, or OH with an alcohol of formula R7OH in the presence of a condensing agent to yield a compound of formula (VII) wherein R16 represents OR7, and the definition of R7 is the same as that for formula (I); the condensing agent is carbodiimide or carbonyldiimidazole; the reaction can be catalyzed by an organic base, particularly pyridine organic base, e.g., 4-dimethyl-aminopyridine or 4-(1-pyrrolyl)pyridine, and the concentration of the catalyst is between 1% and 20% by mole;

      • g) contacting the compound of formula (VII) wherein R16 represents H, or OR7 and R17 represents OH with an alcohol of formula R9OH in the presence of a condensing agent to yield a compound of formula (VII), wherein R16 represents H, or OR7 and R17 represents OR9, and the definition of R9 is the same as that for formula (I); the condensing agent is carbodiimide or carbonyldiimidazole; the reaction can be catalyzed by an organic base, particularly pyridine organic base, e.g., 4-dimethyl-aminopyridine or 4-(1-pyrrolyl)pyridine, and the concentration of the catalyst is between 1% and 20% by mole; and

      • h) contacting the compound of formula (VII) wherein R16 represents H, or OR7 and R17 represents H, or OR9 with an alcohol of formula R3OH in the presence of a condensing agent to yield a compound of formula (I), wherein the definition of R3 is the same as that for formula (I); the condensing agent is carbodiimide or carbonyldiimidazole; the reaction can be catalyzed by an organic base, particularly pyridine organic base, e.g., 4-dimethyl-aminopyridine or 4-(1-pyrrolyl)pyridine, and the concentration of the catalyst is between 1% and 20% by mole.







In another aspect of the invention, provided is another method of preparation of the compound of formula (I), comprising steps of:

    • a) contacting a compound of formula (VII) wherein R16 and R17 at each occurrence independently represent H or OH with a compound of formula (VIII) or formula (IX) to yield a compound of formula (VII) wherein R16 represents H, or OR7, the definition of R12 is the same as that for formula (I), D and Y independently represent CH, O, S, NR18 and CH═CH, R18 represents H or C1-4 alkyl; the reaction is conducted in an organic solvent selected from dichloromethane, chloroform, acetone, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, isopropanol, tetrahydrofuran, or acetonitrile; pyridine organic base such as 4-dimethyl-aminopyridine or 4-(1-pyrrolyl)pyridine is optionally used as a catalyst, the concentration of the catalyst being between 1% and 500% by mole; an organic base (triethylamine, pyridine, diisopropylethylamine, 4-dimethyl-aminopyridine or 4-(1-pyrrolyl)pyridine) or inorganic base can be used as a neutralizing reagent;
    • b) contacting the compound of formula (VII) wherein R16 represents H, or OR7 and R17 represents OH with the compound of formula (VIII) or formula (IX) to yield a compound of formula (VII) wherein R16 represents H, or OR7 and R17 represents OR9; the reaction is conducted in an organic solvent selected from dichloromethane, chloroform, acetone, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, isopropanol, tetrahydrofuran, or acetonitrile; pyridine organic base such as 4-dimethyl-aminopyridine or 4-(1-pyrrolyl)pyridine is optionally used as a catalyst, the concentration of the catalyst being between 1% and 500% by mole; an organic base (triethylamine, pyridine, diisopropylethylamine, 4-dimethyl-aminopyridine or 4-(1-pyrrolyl)pyridine) or inorganic base can be used as a neutralizing reagent; and
    • c) contacting the compound of formula (VII) wherein R16 represents H or OR7, and R17 represents H or OR9 with a compound of formula (VIII) or formula (IX)




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    • to yield the compound of formula (I); the reaction is conducted in an organic solvent selected from dichloromethane, chloroform, acetone, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, isopropanol, tetrahydrofuran, or acetonitrile; pyridine organic base such as 4-dimethyl-aminopyridine or 4-(1-pyrrolyl)pyridine is optionally used as a catalyst, the concentration of the catalyst being between 1% and 500% by mole; an organic base (triethylamine, pyridine, diisopropylethylamine, 4-dimethyl-aminopyridine or 4-(1-pyrrolyl)pyridine) or inorganic base can be used as a neutralizing reagent.





In the three-step reaction, the first two steps, the last two steps, or all three steps can be conducted in situ in a reactor.


In accordance with yet another embodiment, provided is a method of preparation of a compound formula (II),




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    • wherein,

    • R6 represents H or OR10;

    • R8 represents H or OR11;

    • R3, R16, and RH at each occurrence independently represent H, C1-4alkyl, prolyl, N-substituted prolyl, phosphate, sulfo, or a group of formula (IV),







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    • except that R3, R6, and R8 or R3, R16, and RH do not represent H simultaneously,

    • R4 represents H, OH, or O(C1-4alkyl);

    • R5 represents H, C1-40alkyl, NHC1-40alkyl, or OC1-40alkyl;

    • R12 represents H, or from 1 to 4 same or different occurrences of F, Cl, Br, I, CN,NO2, CF3, (CH2)0-4OH, (CH2)0-4NH2, C1-4alkyl, Ph, Ph(C1-4alkyl)0-5, (CH2)0-4OC1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4NH(C1-4alkyl), (CH2)0-4N(C1-4alkyl)2, (CH2)0-4COOH, (CH2)0-4Phosphate, (CH2)0-4phosphono, (CH2)0-4sulfo, (CH2)0-4OC(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4NHC(O)H, (CH2)0-4NHC(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4NHC(O)—(C1-4alkyl)-NHC1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4N(C1-4alkyl)C(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4C(O)OC1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHOH, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHSO2C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHSO2Ph, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHSO2Ph(C1-4alkyl)0-5, (CH2)0-4tetrazole, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHC(O)CF3, (CH2)0-4C(O)NHC1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4C(O)N(C1-4alkyl)2, (CH2)0-4C(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4S(O)C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4SO2C1-4alkyl, (CH2)0-4SO2NH(C1-4alkyl), (CH2)0-4SO2—N(C1-4alkyl)2, (CH2)0-4pyrrole, (CH2)0-4pyrroline, (CH2)0-4pyrrolidine, (CH2)0-4pyrazole, (CH2)0-4-pyrazoline, (CH2)0-4-pirazole, (CH2)0-4-imidazole, (CH2)0-4-thiazole, (CH2)0-4-oxazole, (CH2)0-4-piperidine, (CH2)0-4-morpholine, or (CH2)0-4-piperazine;

    • A represents C1-10alkylene or an aromatic subunit having from 0 to 4 heteroatoms;

    • W represents O or NH;

    • Peptide represents a peptide chain comprising from 2 to 4 same or different amino acids;





the method comprising steps of:

    • a) contacting a compound of formula (X) wherein the definitions of W, R4, and R5 are the same as that for formula (II), and R16 and R17 independently represent H, or OH with a compound of formula (VIII) or formula (IX)




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    • to yield a compound of formula (X) wherein R16 represents OR10, and the definition of R10 is the same as that for formula (II);

    • b) contacting the compound of formula (X) wherein R16 represents H, or OR10 with the compound of formula (VIII) or formula (IX) to yield a compound of formula (X) wherein R16 represents OR10 and R17 represents OR11, and the definition of R11 is the same as that for formula (II); and

    • c) contacting the compound of formula (X) wherein R16 represent H, or OR10 and R17 represents H, or OR11 with the compound of formula (VIII) or formula (IX) to yield the compound of formula (II).





The above three steps ((a)-(c)) are conducted in an organic solvent selected from dichloromethane, chloroform, acetone, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, isopropanol, tetrahydrofuran, or acetonitrile; pyridine organic base such as 4-dimethyl-aminopyridine or 4-(1-pyrrolyl)pyridine is optionally used as a catalyst, the concentration of the catalyst being between 1% and 500% by mole; an organic base (triethylamine, pyridine, diisopropylethylamine, 4-dimethyl-aminopyridine or 4-(1-pyrrolyl)pyridine) or inorganic base can be used as a neutralizing reagent.


The first two steps, the last two steps, or all three steps can be conducted in situ in a reactor.


In another aspect of the invention, provided is another method of preparation of the compound of formula (II), comprising the steps of:

    • a) contacting a compound of formula (X) with an alcohol of formula R10OH in the presence of a condensing agent to yield a compound of formula (X) wherein R16 represents OR10, and the definition of R10 is the same as that for formula (II);
    • b) contacting the compound of formula (X) wherein R16 represents H, or OR10 with an alcohol of formula R11OH in the presence of a condensing agent to yield a compound of formula (X) wherein R16 represents H, or OR10 and R17 represents OR11, and the definition of R11 is the same as that for formula (II); and
    • c) contacting the compound of formula (X) wherein R16 represents H, or OR10 and R17 represents H, or OR11 with an alcohol of formula R3OH in the presence of a condensing agent to yield the compound of formula (II).


The above three steps ((a)-(c)) are conducted in an organic solvent selected from dichloromethane, chloroform, acetone, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, isopropanol, tetrahydrofuran, or acetonitrile. The condensing agent is carbodiimide or carbonyldiimidazole. The reaction can be catalyzed by an organic base, particularly pyridine organic base, e.g., 4-dimethyl-aminopyridine or 4-(1-pyrrolyl)pyridine, and the concentration of the catalyst is between 1% and 20% by mole.







DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Abbreviations


BOC: t-butoxycarbonyl; DCC: dicyclohexylcarbodiimide; DCM: dichloromethane; DHA: docosahexaenoic acid; DIEA: diisopropylethylamine; DMAP: 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine; DMF: N,N-dimethylformamide; Dox: doxorubicin; Su: succinimide; THF: tetrahydrofuran; TFA: trifluoroacetic acid.


Example 1
Tert-butyl 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethylcarbamate

In a three-necked flask (1000 mL) equipped with a mechanical stirrer, 52.5 g (500 mmol) of diglycolamine and 200 mL of chloroform were dissolved and cooled to 20° C. on an ice-water bath. To the flask, a mixture prepared by dissolving 109 g (500 mmol) of (Boc)2O in 200 mL of chloroform was added with stirring. The resultant solution was stirred overnight at room temperature. After reaction completion, 400 mL of water were added, and the organic and aqueous phases were allowed to separate. The resultant organic phase was removed, washed with water twice, saturated brine twice, dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, and vacuum dried to yield 99.607 g of the title compound 1.


Example 2
2-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)ethoxy)ethyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate

To a three-necked flask (500 mL) equipped with a mechanical stirrer, 99.607 g of the compound 1 and 102.0 g of p-toluenesulfonyl chloride were added, and the resultant solution was cooled to 15° C. on an ice-water bath. To the flask, 160 mL of 20% NaOH aqueous solution was added. The resultant solution was stirred overnight at room temperature and then extracted with ethyl acetate three times. The resultant organic phases were combined, washed with saturated brine once, dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, and dried to yield 150.258 g of the title compound 2.


Example 3
Tert-butyl 2-(2-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)ethoxy)ethylcarbamate

To a one-necked flask (250 mL), 87.689 g (244.2 mmol) of the compound 2, 67.766 g (366.3 mmol) of potassium phthalimide, and 150 mL of anhydrous DMF were added and first stirred at room temperature for 1 hour, then stirred overnight at 55° C. After the reaction, 2000 mL of water was added, and the resultant solution was extracted with ethyl acetate three times. The organic phases were combined, washed with water twice, 5% NaOH once, saturated brine twice, dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, and dried to yield 62.192 g of the title compound 3. 1H NMR: δ 7.831 (m, 2H), δ 7.702 (m, 2H), δ 4.915 (s, 1H), δ 4.099 (t, 2H), δ 3.866 (t, 2H), δ 3.669 (t, 2H), δ 3.500 (t, 2H), δ 3.238 (t, 2H), δ 1.389 (s, 9H).


Example 4
Tert-butyl 2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethylcarbamate

To a one-necked flask (250 mL), 14.912 g (44.65 mmol) of the compound 3 and 52 mL of methylamine aqueous solution were added and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. After reaction completion, 150 mL of water were added. The solution was extracted with 100 mL of chloroform three times. The resultant organic phases were combined, washed with water twice, and saturated brine once, dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, and dried to give a crude product. The crude product was dissolved in chloroform and extracted with 5% citric acid aqueous solution. The organic phase was removed; the pH value of the citric acid layer was adjusted to 14, and the layer was extracted with chloroform three times. The resultant organic Phases were combined, washed with saturated brine once, dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, and dried to give 7.362 g of the title compound 4.


Example 5
4-(2-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)ethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxobutanoic acid

In a one-necked flask (250 mL), 20.155 g (98.7 mmol) of the compound 4 and 50 mL of THF (dried over molecular sieves) were dissolved and the reaction mixture was cooled on an ice-water bath. To the flask, a mixture prepared by dissolving 12.844 g (128.4 mmol) of succinic anhydride in 50 mL of THF was added slowly, and then 42 mL of triethylamine was also added slowly with stirring on an ice-water bath. After reaction completion, the solution was dried to remove the solvent, and the resultant concentrate was dissolved in chloroform, washed with 5% citric acid twice, saturated brine once, dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, and dried to yield the title compound 5.


Example 6
Tert-butyl 2-aminoethylcarbamate

To a one-necked flask (250 mL), 27 g (30 mL, 450 mmol) of ethylenediamine and 120 mL of DCM were added, and then a mixture prepared by dissolving 13.2 g (60 mmol) of (Boc)2O in 20 mL of DCM was further added with stirring. The solution was stirred for 1 hour, and then 76 mL of water were added. Organic and aqueous phases were allowed to separate. The resultant organic phase was removed and washed with 40 mL of water, and the pH value was adjusted to 1.5 with HCl. Organic and aqueous phases were again allowed to separate. Subsequently, the organic phase was removed, and the pH value of the aqueous phase was adjusted to 12 with 28% NaOH, extracted with DCM (2×70 mL), dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, and dried to yield 4.486 g of the title compound 6.


Example 7
4-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)ethylamino)-4-oxobutanoic acid

In a one-necked flask (250 mL), 4.486 g (28 mmol) of the compound 6 was dissolved in 10 mL of THF and 5 mL of triethylamine. To the flask, a mixture prepared by dissolving 3.1 g (31 mmol) of succinic anhydride in 40 mL of THF (dried over molecular sieves) was further added. The solution was stirred overnight at room temperature. After reaction completion, the solution was dried to remove the solvent, and 30 mL of water and 40 mL of DCM were added. The pH value of the aqueous phase was adjusted to 11. Organic and aqueous phases were allowed to separate. The aqueous phase was extracted with 20 mL of DCM, and the organic phase was removed. 30 mL of chloroform was added to the aqueous phase, and the pH value was adjusted to 2. Organic and aqueous phases were allowed to separate and a large amount of white solid precipitated. After filtering, a filter cake was obtained, washed with water and ether to yield the title compound 7. 1H NMR: δ 12.044 (s, 1H), δ 7.836 (s, 1H), δ 6.755 (s, 1H), δ 3.004 (s, 2H), δ 2.915 (s, 2H), δ 2.382 (s, 2H), δ 2.258 (s, 2H), δ 1.336 (s, 9H).


Example 8
N-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl)oleoylamide

To a one-necked flask (500 mL), 28.2 g (100 mmol) of oleic acid, 16.2 g (120 mmol) of HOBt, and 120 mL of DCM (dried over molecular sieves) were added and the reaction mixture was cooled on an ice-water bath. To the flask, a mixture prepared by dissolving 24.72 g (120 mmol) of DCC in 80 mL of DCM (dried over molecular sieves) was added with stirring on an ice-water bath. The solution was stirred overnight. After reaction completion, 12 mL (120 mmol) of diglycolamine was dissolved in 10 mL of DCM (dried over molecular sieves) and the resultant solution was added to the flask with stirring on an ice-water bath. After reaction completion, the resultant mixture was filtered, and the obtained filtrate was washed with 2N HCl three times, saturated NaHCO3 three times, water three times, and saturated brine twice, dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, and dried to yield 38.436 g of the title compound 8.


Example 9
2-(2-oleoylamidoethoxy)ethyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate

1.868 g (46.7 mmol) of NaOH was dissolved in 7.5 mL of water to give a 20% NaOH solution. 10.433 g (28.3 mmol) of the compound 8 and 5.946 g (31.1 mmol) of p-toluenesulfonyl chloride were dissolved in 100 mL of THF, cooled to 15° C., and then the NaOH solution was added with stirring. The resultant mixture was stirred overnight, 300 mL of water were added, and the solution was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×80 mL). The ethyl acetate layers were combined, washed with water twice, saturated NaHCO3 once, saturated brine once, dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, and dried to yield 12.994 g of the title compound 9.


Example 10
N-(2-(2-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)ethoxy)ethyl)oleoylamide

To a one-necked flask (100 mL), 12.994 g (24.85 mmol) of the compound 9, 6.895 g (37.27 mmol) of potassium phthalimide, and 40 mL of DMF (dried over molecular sieves) were added and stirred at room temperature. After reaction completion, 300 mL of water were added and the resultant mixture was extracted with chloroform (3×80 mL). The chloroform layers were combined, washed with water twice and saturated brine once, dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, and dried to yield the title compound 10.


Example 11
N-(2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethyl)oleoylamide

To a flask, 17.579 g (35.30 mmol) of the compound 10, 20 mL of THF, and 50 mL of 25% methylamine aqueous solution were added and stirred overnight at room temperature. After reaction completion, 300 mL of water were added and the resultant mixture was extracted with chloroform (3×80 mL). The chloroform layer was combined, washed with water once and saturated brine once, dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, and dried to yield the title compound 11.


Optionally, there provided is another method for preparing the compound 11: oleic acid active ester was contacted with the compound 4; TFA was added to remove the protective group of the resultant compound, and the title compound 11 was obtained.


Example 12
4-(2-(2-oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxobutanoic acid

The compound 11 was dissolved in 15 mL of DCM (dried over molecular sieves), and 4.236 g of succinic anhydride, 427 mg of DMAP, and 5.9 mL of triethylamine were added. The mixture was stirred on an ice-water bath, 150 mL of DCM and a small amount of water were added, and the pH value was adjusted to 2-3 with concentrated hydrochloric acid. The organic and aqueous phases were allowed to separate. The resultant organic phase was washed with water once and saturated brine once, dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, dried, purified by column chromatography, eluted with chloroform:methanol:acetic acid=9:1:0.1, and dried to give the title compound 12.


Example 13
4-(2-(2-oleoylaminoethoxy)ethoxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid

Following the method of Example 12 except that N-(2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethyl)oleoylamide was substituted with N-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl)oleoylamide, the title compound 13 was prepared.


Example 14
2-(2-(2-(2-(trityloxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethanol

19.4 g (100 mmol) of tetraethylene glycol and 2.147 g (17.6 mmol) of DMAP were dissolved in 230 mL of pyridine (dried over molecular sieves), and then 27.572 g (99 mmol) of triphenylchloromethane was added at room temperature. The solution was stirred overnight at 35° C. After reaction completion, the solution was dried to remove solvent, purified by column chromatography, eluted with petroleum ether:ethyl acetate=1:1, and dried to give the title compound 14.


Example 15
N-2-(2-(2-(2-(2-(2-trityloxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl-oleoylamide

9.8 g (22.48 mmol) of the compound 14 was dissolved in 200 mL of anhydrous THF and 50 mL of anhydrous DMF, and nitrogen was charged, the solution was cooled on an ice-water bath. 540 mg (22.48 mmol) of NaH was added in batches, and the reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min on an ice-water bath. After reaction completion, 12 g (23 mmol) of the compound 9 was added, stirred for 1 hour, and cooled on an ice-water bath. Then, the solution was added to a mixture of ethyl acetate and water. Organic and aqueous phases were allowed to separate. The organic phase was removed and washed with saturated brine once, filtered, dried, purified by column chromatography, eluted with chloroform:methanol=95:5, and dried to give the title compound 15.


Example 16
N-2-(2-(2-(2-(2-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl-oleoylamide

5.6 g (7.1 mmol) of the compound 15 was dissolved in 100 mL of DCM solution having 5% TFA. The solution was cooled on an ice-water bath and stirred for 30 min. After reaction completion, the solution was poured into a saturated NaHCO3 solution. Organic and aqueous phases were allowed to separate. The organic phase was washed with saturated brine once, dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, dried, purified by column chromatography, eluted with chloroform:methanol=9:1, and dried to give the title compound 16.


Example 17
2-(2-(2-(2-(2-(2-(2-oleoylamino-ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)acetic acid

2.1 g (3.85 mmol) of the compound 16 was dissolved in 50 mL of anhydrous THF and 10 mL of anhydrous DMF under the flow of nitrogen. The solution was cooled on an ice-water bath. 94 mg (3.9 mmol) of NaH was added in batches and the reaction mixture was stirred. After reaction completion, 556 mg (4 mmol) of bromoacetic acid was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature. Then, the solution was poured into water, and the pH value was adjusted to 2-3 with concentrated hydrochloric acid. The solution was extracted with chloroform. The chloroform layers were combined, dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, dried, purified by column chromatography, eluted with chloroform:methanol=9:1, and dried to give the title compound 17.


Example 18
N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-L-Alanine N-hydroxysuccinimide ester

9.45 g (50 mmol) of Boc-L-Alanine and 75 mL of DCM (dried over molecular sieves) were added to a flask. The reaction mixture was stirred until all solids had dissolved. Then, 6.038 g (52.5 mmol) of N-hydroxysuccinimide were added. The reaction mixture was stirred, and cooled to 0° C. on an ice-water bath. 11.33 g (55 mmol) of DCC were dissolved in 50 mL of DCM (dried over molecular sieves), and the resultant mixture was added to the flask, and stirred overnight on an ice-water bath. After reaction completion, the solution was filtered, dried, and the resultant solid was recrystallized from isopropyl alcohol. The solid was filtered and washed separately with a little isopropyl alcohol and ether, and vacuum dried to give 12.533 g of the title compound 18.


Example 19
N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valine

6.047 g (71.993 mmol) of NaHCO3 and 100 mL of water were added to a flask. The reaction mixture was stirred until all solids had dissolved. The reaction mixture was cooled on an ice-water bath. 8.423 g (71.993 mmol) of L-Valine were added in batches. The reaction mixture was stirred until all solids had dissolved. 20.59 g (71.993 mmol) of the compound 18 were dissolved in 160 mL of THF, and the resultant mixture was added to the flask on an ice-water bath. The solution was stirred overnight at low temperature. Then 200 mL of water were added, and the pH value was adjusted to 2-3 with 6N HCl solution. The solution was extracted with chloroform three times. The chloroform was combined, washed with water once, saturated brine twice, dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, and dried. The resultant solid was recrystallized from ethyl acetate to yield 13 g of the title compound 19.


Following the method of Example 19, compounds of Examples 20-23 were prepared.


Example 20
N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-L-Valyl-L-Valine
Example 21
N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-L-Phenylalanyl-L-Valine
Example 22
N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-L-Prolyl-L-Valine
Example 23
N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-Glycine-L-Alanyl-L-Valine
Example 24
L-Alanyl-L-Valine trifluoroacetate

6.986 g of the compound 18 were added to a flask. 15 mL of TFA (redistilled) and 45 mL of DCM (dried over molecular sieves) were mixed, and the mixture was added to the flask on an ice-water bath. The solution was allowed to react for 8 hours at low temperature. Then the solution was evaporated to remove solvent, and vacuum filtered to give the title compound 24.


Following the method of Example 24, compounds of Examples 25-30 were prepared.


Example 25
L-Valyl-L-Valine trifluoroacetate
Example 26
L-Phenylalanyl-L-Valine trifluoroacetate
Example 27
L-Prolyl-L-Valine trifluoroacetate
Example 28
Glycyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valine trifluoroacetate
Example 29
4-(2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoic acid trifluoroacetate
Example 30
4-(2-aminoethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoic acid trifluoroacetate
Example 31
N-Oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valine

To a flask, 19.74 g (70 mmol) of oleic acid, 80 mL of DCM (dried over molecular sieves), and 9.66 g (84 mmol) of N-hydroxysuccinimide were added. The reaction mixture was stirred, and cooled on an ice-water bath. 17.304 g (84 mmol) of DCC were dissolved in 50 mL of DCM (dried over molecular sieves), and the resultant mixture was added to the flask on an ice-water bath. The solution was stirred overnight, and then filtered to give a filtrate.


25.368 g of the compound 24 was dissolved in 100 mL of DCM, and cooled on an ice-water bath. 25 mL of triethylamine was added to adjust the pH value to 9-10. The above-mentioned filtrate was added to the solution and stirred overnight on an ice-water bath. After reaction completion, water was added, and the pH value was adjusted to 2-3 with concentrated hydrochloric acid. The organic and aqueous phases were allowed to separate. The organic phase was removed and washed with 2N HCl twice, saturated brine once, dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, dried, purified by column chromatography, eluted with chloroform:methanol:acetic acid=95:5:0.05, and dried to give the title compound 31. MS: 451M.


Following the method of Example 31, compounds of Examples 32-47 were prepared.


Example 32
N-Oleoyl-L-Valyl-L-Valine

MS: 480M


Example 33
N-Oleoyl-L-Phenylalanyl-L-Valine

MS: 528M


Example 34
N-Oleoyl-L-Prolyl-L-Valine

MS: 494M


Example 35
N-Oleoyl-Glycyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valine

MS: 509M


Example 36
4-(2-(2-oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoic acid

MS: 467M


Example 37
N-(4-(2-(2-oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl)-L-Alanyl-L-Valine

MS: 637M


Example 38
4-(2-oleoylaminoethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoic acid

MS: 424M


Example 39
N-(4-(2-oleoylaminoethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl)-L-Alanyl-L-Valine

MS: 594M


Example 40
Linoleic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valine

MS: 449M


Example 41
Linolenic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valine

MS: 447M


Example 42
DHA acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valine

MS: 497M


Example 43
Stearic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valine

MS: 454M


Example 44
Palmic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valine

MS: 426M


Example 45
Lauric acyl-L-Alanyl-L Valine

MS: 370M


Example 46
2-(2-(2-(2-(2-(2-(2-oleoylaminoethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)acetyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valine

MS: 773M


Example 47
(4-(2-(2-oleoylaminoethoxy)ethoxy)-4-oxo-butanoyl)-L-Alanyl-L-Valine

MS: 638M


Example 48
Oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valine (Method 2)

Following the method of Example 31, L-alanyl-L-valine was substituted with L-alanine to yield oleoyl-Alanine; oleic acid was substituted with oleoyl-Alanine, and L-alanyl-L-valine was substituted with L-valine to yield Oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valine.


The compounds of Examples 32-47 can also be prepared following the method of Example 48.


Example 49
Oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin

To a flask, 4.234 g (9.37 mmol) of the compound 31, 30 mL of DCM (dried over molecular sieves), and 1.293 g (11.24 mmol) of N-hydroxysuccinimide were added, and the reaction mixture was stirred, and cooled on an ice-water bath. 2.316 g (11.24 mmol) of DCC were dissolved in 15 mL of DCM (dried over molecular sieves), and the resultant mixture was added to the flask on an ice-water bath. The solution was stirred overnight on the ice-water bath, filtered, and dried to give a solid.


1.311 g (2.2659 mmol) of Dox.HCl was dissolved in 150 mL of DMF (dried over molecular sieves), cooled on an ice-water bath, and 0.7 mL of DIEA were added with stirring. The above-mentioned solid was dissolved in 20 mL of DMF (dried over molecular sieves) and added to another flask with stirring on an ice-water bath. The solution was allowed to react for 2 hours. After reaction completion, the solvent was removed, and the solid was dissolved in 800 mL of DCM. The resultant solution was washed with water (200 ml×3), saturated brine twice, dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, and dried to yield a crude product. The crude product was purified by column chromatography, eluted with chloroform:methanol=94:6, and dried to give a compound 49. MS: 976M+.


Following this method, the protecting group-L-Ala-L-Val-Dox was prepared. Then, the protecting group was removed to yield L-Ala-L-Val-Dox. The compound was reacted with oleic acid active ester to yield the title compound 49.


Similarly, following the above two methods, compounds of Examples 50-69 were prepared.


Example 50
Oleoyl-L-Valyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin

MS: 1004M+


Example 51
Oleoyl-L-Phenylalanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin

MS: 1052M+


Example 52
Oleoyl-L-Prolyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin

MS: 1018M+


Example 53
Oleoyl-Glycyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin

MS: 1033M+


Example 54
(4-(2-(2-oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl)-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin

MS: 1162M+


Example 55
(4-(2-(2-Linolenic acyl-aminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl)-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin

MS: 1158M+


Example 56
(4-(2-tert butoxycarbonyl-aminoethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl)-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin

MS: 955M+


Example 57
(4-(2-oleoylaminoethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl)-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin

MS: 1118M+


Example 58
4-(2-(4-(2-tert-butoxycarbonyl-aminoethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoylamino)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin

MS: 1097M+


Example 59
4-(2-(4-(2-oleoylaminoethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoylamino)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin

MS: 1262M+


Example 60
Linoleic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin

MS: 974M+


Example 61
Oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Epirubicin

MS: 976M+


Example 62
Oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Daunorubicin

MS: 960M+


Example 63
Linolenic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin

MS: 971M+


Example 64
DHA acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin

MS: 1021M


Example 65
Stearic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin

MS: 978M+


Example 66
Palmic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin

MS: 950M+


Example 67
Lauric acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin

MS: 894M+


Example 68
2-(2-(2-(2-(2-(2-(2-oleoylaminoethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)acetyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin

MS: 1297M+


Example 69
(4-(2-(2-oleoylaminoethoxy)ethoxy)-4-oxo-butanoyl)-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin

MS: 1161M+


Example 70

Oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate


3.832 g (3.9262 mmol) of the compound 49 and 60 mL of DCM (dried over molecular sieves) were added to a flask with stirring. And then 982 mg (9.8155 mmol) of succinic anhydride and 1.188 g (9.8155 mmol) of DMAP were added and stirred on an ice-water bath. After reaction completion, 100 mL of DCM were further added. The resultant solution was washed with 5% citric acid once, water twice, and saturated brine once, dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, dried, purified by column chromatography, eluted with chloroform:methanol:acetic acid=30:1:0.15, and dried to give the title compound 70. MS: 1176M.


Following the method of Example 70, compounds of Examples 71-87 were prepared.


Example 71
Oleoyl-L-Valyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

MS: 1204M+


Example 72
Oleoyl-L-Phenylalanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

MS: 1252M+


Example 73
Oleoyl-L-Prolyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

MS: 1218M+


Example 74
Oleoyl-Glycyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

MS: 1233M+


Example 75
Oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Epirubicin bissuccinate

MS: 1176M+


Example 76
Oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Daunorubicin bissuccinate

MS: 1060M+


Example 77
4-(2-(2-oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

MS: 1362M


Example 78
4-(2-(2-Linolenic acyl amino-ethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

MS: 1358M


Example 79
4-(2-oleoylaminoethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

MS: 1318M+


Example 80
Linoleic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

MS: 1174M+


Example 81
Linolenic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

MS: 1171M+


Example 82
DHA acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

MS: 1221M


Example 83
Stearic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

MS: 1178M


Example 84
Palmic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

MS: 1150M


Example 85
Lauric acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

MS: 1094M


Example 86
2-(2-(2-(2-(2-(2-(2-oleoylamino-ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)actyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate
Example 87
4-(2-(2-oleoylaminoethoxy)ethyl)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

Following the method of Example 70, compounds of Examples 88-99 were prepared.


Example 88
Oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin succinate

MS: 1076M


Example 89
Oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin trisuccinate

MS: 1376M


Example 90
4-(2-(2-Oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin trisuccinate

MS: 1462M


Example 91
4-(2-(2-Linolenic acyl amino-ethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin succinate

MS: 1258M


Example 92
4-(2-(2-Oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin (2-carboxyl)pyridine-3-carboxylate

MS: 1460M


Example 93
4-(2-(2-Oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bis(2-carboxyl-3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzoate)

MS: 1625(M+Na-2H+)


Example 94
4-(2-(2-Oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin maleate

MS: 1261(M−1)


Example 95
4-(2-(2-Oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin (2-carboxyl-3-fluoro)benzoate

MS: 1494(M−1)


Example 96
Mixture of Oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin 2-carboxylpyridine-3-carboxylate and Oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin 3-carboxylpyridine-2-carboxylate

MS: 1125M


Example 97
Oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bis(2-carboxyl-3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzoate)

MS: 1415 (M−1)


Example 98
Oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Vayl-Doxorubicin maleate

MS: 1073(M−1)


Example 99
Mixture of Oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin 2-carboxyl-3-fluorobenzoate and Oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin 2-carboxyl-6-fluorobenzoate

MS: 1141(M−1)


Example 100
4-(2-(2-Oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin N,N-diethylaminoacetate

100 mg (0.086 mmol) of the compound 52, 30 mg (0.172 mmol) of (2-diethylamino)acetic acid hydrochlorate, 36 mg of DCC, and 18 mg of DMAP were dissolved in 15 mL of DCM (dried over molecular sieves). The mixture was stirred overnight on an ice-water bath, and then washed with water once, saturated brine once, dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, dried, and purified by thin layer chromatography to yield the title compound 100. MS: 1275M+


Example 101
4-(2-(2-Oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin (morphine-4-yl)acetate

Following the method of Example 100 except that (2-diethylamino)acetic acid hydrochlorate was substituted with (morpholine-4-yl)acetic acid hydrochlorate, the title compound 101 was prepared. MS: 1289M+


Example 102
4-(2-(2-Oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin N-tert butoxycarbonyl-L-Alanine ester

Following the method of Example 100 except that (2-diethylamino)acetic acid hydrochlorate was substituted with Boc-Alanine, the title compound 101 was prepared. MS: 1289M+


Example 103
4-(2-(2-Oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin L-Alanine ester hydrochlorate

75 mg of 4-(2-(2-Oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin Boc-Alanine ester was dissolved in 1N HCL/EtOH solution and stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, and then the solvent was removed by vacuum drying to yield 68 mg of the title compound 103. MS: 1275 M+


Example 104
4-(2-(2-Oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin nicotinate

100 mg (0.086 mmol) of the compound 52, 30 mg (0.172 mmol) of nicotinoyl chloride hydrochlorate, 36 mg of triethylamine, and 18 mg of DMAP were dissolved in 15 mL of DCM (dried over molecular sieves). The mixture was stirred overnight on an ice-water bath, and then washed with water once, saturated brine once, dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, dried, and purified by thin layer chromatography to yield the title compound 104. MS: 1267M+


Example 105
Bissodium oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

112 mg of oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate was dissolved in 10 mL of methanol. After the mixture was cooled to 0° C., 2 mL of methanol solution containing 10.8 mg of sodium methoxide was added, and stirred for 5 minutes to yield a clear solution. The solution was dried with vacuum drying to yield the title compound as a dark red solid (126 mg). The title compound had a solubility of more than 1 mg/mL in water.


Example 106
Sodium oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin succinate

Following the method of Example 105, oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin succinate was reacted with an equivalent of sodium methoxide to yield the title compound 106. The title compound had a solubility of more than 1 mg/mL in water.


Example 107
Trisodium oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin trisuccinate

Following the method of Example 105, oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin trisuccinate was reacted with three equivalents of sodium methoxide to yield the title compound 107. The title compound had a solubility of more than 1 mg/mL in water.


Example 108
Bissodium linoleic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

Following the method of Example 105, linoleic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate was reacted with two equivalents of sodium methoxide to yield the title compound 108. The title compound had a solubility of more than 1 mg/mL in water.


Example 109
Bissodium linolenic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

Following the method of Example 105, linolenic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate was reacted with two equivalents of sodium methoxide to yield the title compound 109. The title compound had a solubility of more than 1 mg/mL in water.


Example 110
Bissodium DHA acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

Following the method of Example 105, DHL-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate was reacted with two equivalents of sodium methoxide to yield the title compound 110. The title compound had a solubility of more than 1 mg/mL in water.


Example 111
Bissodium stearic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

Following the method of Example 105, stearic


acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate was reacted with two equivalents of sodium methoxide to yield the title compound III. The title compound had a solubility of more than 1 mg/mL in water.


Example 112
Bissodium 4-(2-(2-oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

Following the method of Example 105, 4-(2-(2-oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate was reacted with two equivalents of sodium methoxide to yield the title compound 112. The title compound had a solubility of more than 1 mg/mL in water.


Example 113
Bissodium oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Epirubicin bissuccinate

Following the method of Example 105, oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Epirubicin bissuccinate was reacted with two equivalents of sodium methoxide to yield the title compound 113. The title compound had a solubility of more than 1 mg/mL in water.


Example 114
Sodium oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin succinate

Following the method of Example 105, oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin succinate was reacted with one equivalent of sodium methoxide to yield the title compound 114. The title compound had a solubility of more than 1 mg/mL in water.


Example 115
Bissodium linoleic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Epirubicin bissuccinate

Following the method of Example 105, linoleic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Epirubicin bissuccinate was reacted with two equivalents of sodium methoxide to yield the title compound 115. The title compound had a solubility of more than 1 mg/mL in water.


Example 116
Bissodium linolenic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Epirubicin bissuccinate

Following the method of Example 105, linolenic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Epirubicin bissuccinate was reacted with two equivalents of sodium methoxide to yield the title compound 116. The title compound had a solubility of more than 1 mg/mL in water.


Example 117
Bissodium DHA acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Epirubicin bissuccinate

Following the method of Example 105, DHA-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Epirubicin bissuccinate was reacted with two equivalents of sodium methoxide to yield the title compound 117. The title compound had a solubility of more than 1 mg/mL in water.


Example 118
Sodium oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Daunorubicin succinate

Following the method of Example 105, oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Daunorubicin succinate was reacted with an equivalent of sodium methoxide to yield the title compound 118. The title compound had a solubility of more than 1 mg/mL in water.


Example 119
Bissodium oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bis(2-carboxyl-3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzoate)

Following the method of Example 105, oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bis(2-carboxyl-3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzoate) was reacted with two equivalents of sodium methoxide to yield the title compound 119. The title compound had a solubility of more than 1 mg/mL in water.


Example 120
Sodium oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin maleate

Following the method of Example 105, oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin maleate was reacted with an equivalent of sodium methoxide to yield the title compound 120. The title compound had a solubility of more than 1 mg/mL in water.


Example 121
Trisodium 4-(2-(2-oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin trisuccinate

Following the method of Example 105, 4-(2-(2-oleoylaminoethoxy)ethylamino)-4-oxo-butanoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin trisuccinate was reacted with three equivalents of sodium methoxide to yield the title compound 121. The title compound had a solubility of more than 1 mg/mL in water.


Example 122
Bispotassium linoleic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

Following the method of Example 105, linoleic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate was reacted with two equivalents of sodium methoxide to yield the title compound 122. The title compound had a solubility of more than 1 mg/mL in water.


Example 123
Bisammonium linoleic acyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate

112 mg of oleoyl-L-Alanyl-L-Valyl-Doxorubicin bissuccinate was dissolved in 10 mL of methanol. After the mixture was cooled to 0° C., a methanol solution containing ammonia was added until the pH value was 12. The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes to yield a clear solution. The solution was dried in vacuo to yield the title compound as a dark red solid (123 mg). The title compound had a solubility of more than 1 mg/mL in water.


Example 124
Cell Growth Inhibition Assay (MTS Assay)

1. Cell Strain and Reagents


LoVo: Human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (ATCC catalog #CCL-229);


SW620: Human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line;


HeLa: Human adenocarcinoma cell line (ATCC catalog #CCL-2);


SIT solution (SIGMA), RPMI 1640 culture solution, Phosphate buffer, Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), MTS solution (Promega), 96-well cell culture plate;


Anti-tumor compounds: synthesized by Tianjin Hemay Bio-tech Co., Ltd.;


Positive control drugs: doxorubicin (Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd).


2. Measurement


The above-mentioned cells were cultured for several days (RPMI 1640, 10% of bovine serum), collected and suspended in RPMI1640-SIT serum-free medium, placed into a 96-well cell culture plate with each well containing about 20,000 cells/100 μL. The cells were cultured overnight at 5% CO2 and 37° C. The next day, representative antitumor compounds (between 3 and 10 mM) were dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) to obtain a mother solution. Doxorubicin was used as positive control, DMSO was used as negative control.


The mother solution was diluted and added to the 96 well cell culture plate, culture for 48 hours at 5% CO2 and 37° C. Subsequently, 20 μL of MTS solution was added to each well of the 96 well cell culture plate and cultured for another 2 to 4 hours at 5% CO2 and 37° C. Absorbance was read at 490 nm wavelength, and converted into cell survival rate.


Calculation of Percent Inhibition:





% inhibition=100−[reading of absorbance(compound)/reading of absorbance(blank)]×100


For each concentration, there two measurements were taken and the average value was recorded. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cell growth was calculated by cell growth inhibition curve. Partial results are listed in the Table below.















Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) (μM)










Compound
LoVo cells
HeLa cells
SW620 cells





DMSO
NA
NA
NA


Doxorubicin
2.6
0.3
 0.65


Example 54
25
ND
ND


Example 57
>100
ND
ND


Example 58
75
ND
ND


Example 59
>100
ND
ND


Example 68
30
ND
ND


Example 69
25
NA
12  


Example 70
20
NA
ND


Example 74
8
ND
ND


Example 75
0.8
ND
ND


Example 76
10
ND
ND


Example 77
12
75  
ND


Example 79
50
ND
ND


Example 80
20
NA
ND


Example 81
18
ND
ND


Example 82
25
ND
ND


Example 86
2.5
ND
ND


Example 97
10
ND
ND


Example 98
30
ND
ND


Example 108
15
ND
ND


Example 109
12
ND
ND


Example 112
2.0
3.0
1.5


Example 121
10
5  
ND





Remarks: Na: no activity under concentration of 100 μM; ND: not determined.






While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims
  • 1. A compound of formula (I) or formula (II),
  • 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein for formula (IV), A represents a C2-6 straight chain or cyclic chain alkylene.
  • 3. The compound of claim 1, wherein for formula (IV), A represents benzene, pyridine, thiophene, furan, pyrrole, pyrimidine, thiazole, imidazole, oxazole, pirazole, indole, benzo-thiophene, benzofuran, or naphthalene.
  • 4. The compound of claim 1, wherein R5 represents C12-30 alkyl or NHC12-30alkyl.
  • 5. The compound of claim 1, wherein R12 represents H, or from 1 to 4 same or different occurrences of F, Cl, Br, CN,NO2, CF3, OH, NH2, CH3, CH2CH3, n-Pr, i-Pr, n-Bu, i-Bu, t-Bu, benzyl, OCH3, OCH2CH3, O(n-Pr), O(i-Pr), O(n-Bu), O(i-Bu), NHCH3, NHCH2CH3, NH(n-Pr), NH(i-Pr), NH(n-Bu), NH(i-Bu), N(CH3)2, NEt2, NMeEt, N(n-Pr)2, piperidyl, pyrrolinyl, piperazinyl, CH2NHCH3, CH2NH2, CH2N(CH3)2, CH2NEt2, CH2-piperidine, CH2-pyrroline, CH2-piperazine, NHC(O)CH3, COOH, SO3H, CH2CO2H, C(O)NH2, C(O)NHOH, CONHSO2CH3, CONHSO2Et, CONHSO2Pr-n, CONHSO2Pr-i, CONHSO2Ph, CONHSO2CH2Ph, CONHSO2-Ph-CH3, tetrazolyl, or NHC(O)CH2NHCH3.
  • 6. The compound of claim 1, wherein for formula (I), R3, R7, and R9 at each occurrence independently represent H, O═CCH2COOH, O═CCH2CH2COOH, O═CCH(CH3)CH2COOH, O═CCH═CHCOOH, O═CCH(CH2CH3)CH2COOH2O═CCH2CH(CH3)COOH, O═CCH2CH2CH2COOH, O═CCH(NHCbz)CH2CH2COOH, O═CCH(NH2)CH2CH2COOH, HOOCCH(NHCbz)CH2CH2CO, HOOCCH(NH2)CH2CH2CO, O═CCH2CH(CH3)CH2COOH, O═CCH2CH2CH2CH2COOH, 2-cabonylbenzoyl, 2-carboxyl-3-fluoro-benzoyl, 2-carboxyl-tetrafluoro-benzoyl, 2-carboxypyridine-3-acyl, 3-carboxypyridine-2-acyl, 4-carboxypyridine-3-acyl, 3-carboxypyridine-4-acyl, 3-carboxythiophene-2-acyl, 2-carboxythiophene-3-acyl, 4-carboxythiophene-3-acyl, 3-carboxyfuran-2-acyl, 2-carboxyfuran-3-acyl, 4-carboxyfuran-3-acyl, glycyl, alanyl, phenylalanyl, valyl, leucyl, isoleucyl, glutaminyl, glutamoyl, threonyl, lysyl, prolyl, seryl, O═CCH2N(CH3)Et, O═CCH(CH3)N(CH3)CH2CH3, O═CCH(CH2CH3)N(CH3)CH2CH3, 2-(morpholine-4-yl)acetyl, 2-(morpholine-4-yl) propionyl, 2-(pyrroline-1-yl)acetyl, 2-(piperidine-1-yl)acetyl, nicotinoyl, isonicotinoyl, 2-(4-methylpiperazine-1-yl)acetyl, 2-(4-ethylpiperazine-1-yl)acetyl, O═CCH2CH2CONH2, O═CCH(CH3)CH2CONH2, O═CCH(CH2CH3)CH2CONH2, O═CCH2CH(CH3)CONH2, O═CCH2CH2CH2CONH2, O═CCH2CH(CH3)CH2CONH2, O═CCH2CH2CH2CH2CONH2, or O═CCH═CHCONH2.
  • 7. The compound of claim 1, wherein for formula (I), when Linker represents formula (V) or formula (XI), q represents an integer from 1 to 10.
  • 8. The compound of claim 1, wherein for formula (I), when Linker represents formula (V), X1, X2, X3, . . . , Xp at each occurrence independently represent —O—, —N[C(O)CH3]—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —C(O)NH—, or —NHC(O)—.
  • 9. The compound of claim 1, wherein for formula (I), when Linker represents formula (V) or formula (XI), Z1, Z2, Z3, . . . , Zp at each occurrence independently represent —O—, —N[C(O)CH3]—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —C(O)NH—, or —NHC(O)—.
  • 10. The compound of claim 1, wherein for formula (I), when Linker represents formula (V) or formula (XI), B1, B2, B3, . . . , Bp at each occurrence independently represent C2-4alkylene.
  • 11. The compound of claim 1, wherein for formula (II), R3, R10, and R11 at each occurrence independently represent H, O═CCH2COOH, O═CCH2CH2COOH, O═CCH(CH3)CH2COOH, O═CCH(EOCH2COOH, O═CCH2CH(CH3)COOH, O═CCH2CH2CH2COOH, O═CCH2CH(CH3)CH2COOH, O═CCH═CHCOOH, O═CCH(NH—CO2CH2Ph)CH2CH2COOH, O═CCH(NH2)CH2CH2COOH, HOOCCH(NH—CO2CH2Ph)CH2CH2CO, HOOCCH(NH2)CH2CH2CO3O═CCH2CH2CH2CH2COOH, 2-cabonylbenzoyl, 2-carboxyl-3-fluoro-benzoyl, 2-carboxyl-tetrafluoro-benzoyl, 2-carboxypyridine-3-acyl, 3-carboxypyridine-2-acyl, 4-carboxypyridine-3-acyl, 3-carboxypyridine-4-acyl, 3-carboxythiophene-2-acyl, 2-carboxythiophene-3-acyl, 4-carboxythiophene-3-acyl, 3-carboxyfuran-2-acyl, 2-carboxyfuran-3-acyl, 4-carboxyfuran-3-acyl, glycyl, alanyl, phenylalanyl, valyl, leucyl, isoleucyl, glutaminyl, glutamoyl, threonyl, lysyl, prolyl, seryl, O═CCH2N(CH3)CH2CH3, O═CCH(CH3)N(CH3)CH2CH3, O═CCH(Et)N(CH3)CH2CH3, 2-(morpholine-4-yl)acetyl, 2-(morpholine-4-yl) propionyl, 2-(pyrroline-1-yl)acetyl, 2-(piperidine-1-yl)acetyl, nicotinoyl, isonicotinoyl, 2-(4-methylpiperazine-1-yl)acetyl, 2-(4-ethylpiperazine-1-yl)acetyl, O═CCH2CH2CONH2, O═CCH(CH3)CH2CONH2, O═CCH(Et)CH2CONH2, O═CCH2CH(CH3)CONH2, O═CCH2CH2CH2CONH2, O═CCH2CH(CH3)CH2CONH2, O═CCH2CH2CH2CH2CONH2, or O═CCH═CHCONH2, except that R3, R10, and R11 do not represent H simultaneously.
  • 12. The compound of claim 1, wherein peptide represents a peptide chain comprising from 2 to 4 same or different natural amino acids.
  • 13. The compound of claim 1, wherein peptide represents a peptide chain comprising from 2 to 3 same or different Gly, L-Ala, L-Phe, L-Val, L-Leu, L-Ile, or L-Pro.
  • 14. The compound of claim 1, wherein R5 represents an alkyl selected from docosahexaenyl (DHA), eicosapentaenyl, arachidonyl, linolenyl, linolyl, oleyl, hexadecanyl, stearyl, palmityl, or lauryl.
  • 15. The compound of claim 1, wherein R4 represents H, OH, or OCH3.
  • 16. A method of treating indications which can be treated by an aminoglycoside tetracyclic anthraquinone compound, the method comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of the compound of claim 1.
  • 17. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) or formula (II),
  • 18. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 17, wherein said indications are cancers or diseases which can be treated by immunosuppressive agents.
  • 19. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 18, wherein said indications are selected from colorectal cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, throat cancer, oral cancer, nose cancer, head and neck cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, glioma, lymphoma, skin cancer, melanoma, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, bone cancer, multiple myeloma, and leukemia.
  • 20. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 17, being formulated in a dosage form selected from: a solution, an injectable powder, a lyophilized injectable powder, a gel, an emulsion, a suspension, a microsphere-liposome (microplex) vector, an inhalant, an ointment, a patch, and a suppository.
  • 21. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 17, wherein said non-gastrointestinal administration is by intravenous injection, intraarterial injection, intramuscular injection, peritoneal injection, inhalation, implantation, intranasal administration, eye drops, ear drops, vaginal administration, rectal administration, mucosal administration, or skin administration.
  • 22. A method of preparation of a compound of claim 1 represented by formula (I), the method comprising steps of: a) contacting an acyl chloride or active ester of formula R5COOH with a Linker to yield R5C(O)-Linker, wherein the definitions of Linker and R5 are the same as that for formula (I);b) transforming the carboxyl group of R5C(O)-Linker into a corresponding acyl chloride or active ester thereof;c) contacting the acyl chloride or active ester of R5C(O)-Linker with a peptide to yield R5C(O)-Linker-peptide, wherein the definitions of peptide are the same as that for formula (I);d) transforming the carboxyl group of R5C(O)-Linker-peptide into a corresponding acyl chloride or active ester thereof;e) contacting the acyl chloride or active ester of R5C(O)-Linker-peptide with a compound of formula (VI) to yield a compound of formula (VII),
  • 23. A method of preparation of a compound of claim 1 represented by formula (I), the method comprising steps of: a) contacting a compound of formula (VII) with a compound of formula (VIII) or formula (IX)
  • 24. A method of preparation of a compound of claim 1 represented by formula (II), the method comprising steps of: a) contacting a compound of formula (X)
  • 25. A method of preparation of a compound of claim 1 represented by formula (II), the method comprising steps of: a) contacting a compound of formula (X)
Priority Claims (1)
Number Date Country Kind
200710056476.7 Jan 2007 CN national
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/504,751 filed on Jul. 17, 2009, now pending, which is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2007/000390, with an international filing date of Feb. 5, 2007, which claims foreign priority benefits to Chinese Patent Application No. 200710056476.7, filed on Jan. 18, 2007. The contents of all of the aforementioned applications, including any intervening amendments thereto, are incorporated herein by reference. Inquiries from the public to applicants or assignees concerning this document or the related applications should be directed to: Matthias Scholl P.C., Attn.: Dr. Matthias Scholl Esq., 14781 Memorial Drive, Suite 1319, Houston, Tex. 77079.

Continuations (1)
Number Date Country
Parent PCT/CN2007/000390 Feb 2007 US
Child 12504751 US
Continuation in Parts (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 12504751 Jul 2009 US
Child 13572717 US