HK1162472B - Dgat inhibitors - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Obesity can be viewed as an energy balance disorder, arising when energy input exceeds energy output, with most of the excess calories converted into triglycerides and stored in the adipose tissue. Medications currently approved for the treatment of obesity attempt to restore energy balance primarily by decreasing energy input by either suppressing appetite or interfering with lipid absorption in the small intestine. Because of the rapid increase in the prevalence of obesity worldwide and the lack of efficacy of current medical therapies, novel pharmacologic therapies for obesity are required.

One potential therapeutic strategy involves inhibiting triglyceride synthesis. Although triglycerides are essential for normal physiology, excess triglyceride accumulation results in obesity and, particularly when it occurs in nonadipose tissues, is associated with insulin resistance. DGAT is an enzyme that catalyzes the last step in triacylglycerol biosynthesis. DGAT catalyzes the coupling of a 1,2-diacylglycerol with a fatty acyl-CoA resulting in Coenzyme A and triacylglycerol. Two enzymes that display DGAT activity have been identified: DGAT1 (acyl coA-diacylglycerol acyl transferase 1, see Cases et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 95:13018-13023, 1998) and DGAT2 (acyl coA-diacylglycerol acyl transferase 2, see Cases et al, J. Biol. Chem. 276:38870-38876, 2001). DGAT1 and DGAT2 do not share significant protein sequence homology. Importantly, DGAT1 knockout mice are protected from high fat diet-induced weight gain and insulin resistance (Smith et al, Nature Genetics 25:87-90, 2000). The phenotype of the DGAT1 knockout mice suggest that a DGAT1 inhibitor has utility for the treatment of obesity and obesity-associated complications.

WO2006113919 discloses aryl alkyl acid derivatives having DGAT inhibitory activity.

WO2006044775 discloses biphenyl-4-yl-carbonylamino acid derivatives having DGAT inhibitory activity.

WO2006134317 discloses oxadiazole derivatives having DGAT inhibitor activity.

WO2006082952 discloses amide derivatives having DGAT inhibitor activity.

WO2006082010 discloses compounds having DGAT inhibitor activity.

WO 2006/019020 A1 and WO 2006/004200 A1 disclose urea derivatives having DGAT inhibitory activity.

WO 2005/044250 A1 disclose sulfonamide compounds having DGAT inhibitory activity.

WO 2005/013907 A2 discloses pyrrolo[1,2-b] derivatives having DGAT inhibitory activity.

WO 2005/072740 A2 discloses compounds having DGAT inhibitory activity.

JP 2005/206492 A2 disloses sulfonamide compounds having DGAT inhibitory activity.

JP 2004/067635 A2 discloses phosphonic acid diesters having DGAT inhibitory activity.

US 2004/0224997 A1 discloses aryl alkyl acid derivatives having DGAT1 inhibitory activity.

WO 2004/04775 A2 discloses fused bicyclic nitrogen-containing heterocycles having DGAT inhibitory activity.

US 2005/0101660 A1 discloses dibenzo-p-dioxane derivatives having DGAT inhibitory activity.

US 2005/0143422 A1 relates to biaryl sulfonamides and their use as metalloproteinase inhibitors.

WO 00/25780 relates to amine compounds of the general structure X-N(R)-B-D and their use as IMPDH inhibitors.

WO 01/42241 relates to substituted pyridazine compounds having cytokine inhibitory activity.

WO 02/055484 A1 relates to a compound of the general formula R¹-X¹-Y-X²-A-B-X³-N(-X⁴-R²)-Z-Ar, wherein A and B represent 5- or 6-membered aromatic rings. The compound can be used as a blood lipid depressant.

WO 02/085891 A1 relates to 2,6-substituted chroman derivatives which are useful in the treatment of beta-3 adrenoreceptor-mediated conditions.

WO 02/11724 A2 relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising 2-pyridinamines which can be used for preventing ischemic cell death.

WO 03/062215 A1 relates to substituted thia-/oxa-/pyrazoles for inhibiting the activity of one or more protein kinases.

WO 2004/000788 A1 relates to ureido-substituted aniline compounds which are useful as serine protease inhibitors.

WO 2004/032882 A2 relates to oxazole derivatives which are useful in the treatment of diseases associated with inappropriate protein kinase activity.

WO 2004/041810 A1 relates to nitrogen-containing heteroaryl compounds which are useful for treatment of protein kinase mediated disorders.

WO 2004/046133 A1 relates to amino-heterocycles useful as VR-1 antagonists for treating pain.

WO 2004/089286 A2 relates to nitrogen-containing heteroaryl compounds which are useful for treating disorders associated with abnormal tyrosine kinase activity.

WO 2004/110350 A2 relates to compounds of the general structure (A)-L_A-(B)-L_B-(C)-L_C-(D) wherein A, B, C and D represent aryl/heteroaryl moieties. The compounds are useful for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

WO 2005/012295 A1 relates to substituted thiazole benzoisothiazoledioxo derivatives which are useful for treating diabetes.

WO 2005/016862 A1 relates to substituted arylalkanoic acid derivatives having prostaglandin production-suppressing activity.

WO 2005/085227 A1 relates to pyridine compounds which are useful as inhibitors of PKB/AKT kinase activity and in the treatment of cancer and arthritis.

WO 2005/100344 A1 relates to compounds which comprise substituted pyridazine and pyrimidine moieties. These compounds are useful for inhibiting the activity of a serine/threonine protein kinase.

WO 2005/116003 A2 relates to substituted oxazolobenzoisothiazole dioxide derivatives which are useful in the treatment of diabetes.

WO 98/46574 relates to pyridazine and phthalazine derivatives which are useful as anticonvulsants.

WO 99/24404 relates to substituted pyridine compounds which are useful as antiinflammatory agents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides derivatives that are useful for treating or preventing conditions or disorders associated with DGAT1 activity in animals, particularly humans.

The compound provided by the present invention has the following structure         A-L1-B-C-D-L2-E or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein

• A is a 7- to 12-membered bicyclic heterocyclyl optionally substituted by 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from halogen, C1-10alkyl, C3-12cycloalkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C1-10alkoxy, hydroxyl and amino;
• L1 is NH;
• B is selected from a pyridine, pyridine N-oxide, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, oxazole and thiazole group and wherein besides the moieties L1 and C-D to which it is attached, moiety B can have from 1 to 3 additional substituents selected from halogen, C1-10alkyl, C3-12cycloalkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C1-10alkoxy, hydroxyl and amino;
• C is a divalent phenyl group which can be unsubstituted or can have from 1 to 4 substituents selected from halogen, C1-10alkyl, C3-12cycloalkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C1-10alkoxy, hydroxyl and amino;
• D is a divalent cyclohexyl group which can be unsubstituted or can have from 1 to 4 substituents selected from halogen, C1-10alkyl, C3-12cycloalkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C1-10alkoxy, hydroxyl and amino;
• L2 is a divalent alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and
• E is selected from a -COOH group and a carboxamide group.

Unless otherwise indicated, the compounds provided in the formula above are meant to include all pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, crystalline forms, or polymorphs thereof.

The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound as defined above and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

The present invention also provides pharmaceutical combinations comprising:

1. i) a compound as described above, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,
2. ii) at least one compound selected from
   1. a) antidiabetic agents,
   2. b) hypolipidemic agents,
   3. c) anti-obesity agents,
   4. d) anti-hypertensive agents,
   5. e) agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activator receptors.

The present invention also provides a compound as described above, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use as a medicament, and for use in the treatment of obesity, diabetes, bulimia, syndrome X, insulin resistance, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia, mixed dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, pancreatitis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, acute heart failure, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, hypertension, hypotension, stroke, ischemia, ischemic reperfusion injury, aneurysm, restenosis and vascular stenosis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Listed below are definitions of various terms used to describe the compounds of the present invention. These definitions apply to the terms as they are used throughout the specification unless they are otherwise limited in specific instances either individually or as part of a larger group, e.g., wherein an attachment point of a certain group is limited to a specific atom within that group.

The term "substituted or unsubstituted alkyl" refers to straight- or branched-chain hydrocarbon groups having 1-20 carbon atoms, preferably 1-10 carbon atoms, containing 0 to 3 substituents. Exemplary unsubstituted alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, heptyl, 4,4-dimethylpentyl and octyl. Substituted alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, alkyl groups substituted by one or more of the following groups: halo, hydroxy, alkanoyl, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyloxy, alkanoyloxy, thiol, alkylthio, alkylthiono, alkylsulfonyl, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, carbamoyl, cyano, carboxy, acyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl, aralkanoyl, aralkylthio, arylsulfonyl, arylthio, aroyl, aroyloxy, aryloxycarbonyl, aralkoxy, guanidino, optionally substituted amino, heterocyclyl.

The term "halogen" or "halo" refers to fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.

The term "cycloalkyl" refers to optionally substituted monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic hydrocarbon groups of 3-12 carbon atoms, each of which may contain one or more carbon to carbon double bonds, or the cycloalkyl may be substituted by one or more substituents, such as alkyl, halo, oxo, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkanoyl, acylamino, carbamoyl, alkylamino, dialkylamino, thiol, alkylthio, cyano, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamido, sulfamoyl and heterocyclyl.

The term "carboxamide" refers to -C(O)-NHR_α, wherein R_α is selected from hydrogen, a C₁-C₈ alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl group, and carboxamide is preferably -C(O)-NH₂.

Exemplary monocyclic hydrocarbon groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexyl and cyclohexenyl.

Exemplary bicyclic hydrocarbon groups include bornyl, indyl, hexahydroindyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, decahydronaphthyl, bicyclo[2.1.1]hexyl, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptenyl, 6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]heptyl, 2,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]heptyl and bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl.

Exemplary tricyclic hydrocarbon groups include adamantyl.

The term "alkoxy" refers to alkyl-O-.

The term "heterocyclyl" refers to an optionally substituted, fully saturated or unsaturated, aromatic or nonaromatic cyclic group, which is a 7- to 12-membered bicyclic ring system, which has at least one heteroatom in at least one carbon atom-containing ring. Each ring of the heterocyclic group containing a heteroatom may have 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen atoms, oxygen atoms and sulfur atoms, where the nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may also optionally be oxidized. The heterocyclic group may be attached at a heteroatom or a carbon atom.

Exemplary bicyclic heterocyclic groups include indolyl, dihydroidolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoxazinyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothienyl, benzothiazinyl, quinuclidinyl, quinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, decahydroquinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, decahydroisoquinolinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzopyranyl, indolizinyl, benzofuryl, chromonyl, coumarinyl, benzopyranyl, cinnolinyl, quinoxalinyl, indazolyl, pyrrolopyridyl, furopyridinyl (such as furo[2,3-c]pyridinyl, furo[3,2-b]-pyridinyl] or furo[2,3-b]pyridinyl), dihydroisoindolyl, 1,3-dioxo-1,3-dihydroisoindol-2-yl, dihydroquinazolinyl (such as 3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-quinazolinyl), phthalazinyl and the like.

The term "heterocyclyl" includes substituted heterocyclic groups. Substituted heterocyclic groups refer to heterocyclic groups substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents.

The term "divalent" refers to a residue linked to at least two residues and optionally having further substituents. As an example, within the context of the present invention the expression "substituted or unsubstituted divalent phenyl residue" is considered to be equivalent to the expression "substituted or unsubstituted phenylene residue".

The present invention provides a compound having the following structure         A-L1-B-C-D-L2-E or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein

• A is a 7- to 12-membered bicyclic heterocyclyl optionally substituted by 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from halogen, C1-10alkyl, C3-12cycloalkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C1-10alkoxy, hydroxyl and amino;
• L1 is NH;
• B is selected from a pyridine, pyridine N-oxide, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, oxazole and thiazole group and wherein besides the moieties L1 and C-D to which it is attached, moiety B can have from 1 to 3 additional substituents selected from halogen, C1-10alkyl, C3-12cycloalkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C1-10alkoxy, hydroxyl and amino;
• C is a divalent phenyl group which can be unsubstituted or can have from 1 to 4 substituents selected from halogen, C1-10alkyl, C3-12cycloalkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C1-10alkoxy, hydroxyl and amino;
• D is a divalent cyclohexyl group which can be unsubstituted or can have from 1 to 4 substituents selected from halogen, C1-10alkyl, C3-12cycloalkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C1-10alkoxy, hydroxyl and amino;
• L2 is a divalent alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and
• E is selected from a -COOH group and a carboxamide group.

Unless otherwise indicated, the compounds provided in the formula above are meant to include all pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, crystalline forms, or polymorphs thereof.

When the moiety A is a bicyclic heterocyclyl, it preferably is a benzimidazole, benzoxazole, benzothiazole, oxazolopyridine, thiazolopyridine, imidazolopyridine, indole, quinoline, isoquinoline, benzofuran, benzothiophene, indazole, cinnoline, quinazoline, quinoxaline or phthalazine residue. More preferably, the bicyclic heterocyclyl group is selected from a benzimidazole, benzoxazole, benzothiazole, oxazolopyridine, thiazolopyridine or imidazolopyridine group.

In a preferred embodiment, the linker moiety L1 is attached to the ring of the bicyclic heteroaryl group containing the heteroatom.

Besides the moieties L1 and C-D to which it is attached, the moiety B can have from 1 to 3 additional substituents.

According to the present invention, the moiety C within the structural element C-D is a divalent phenyl group. As discussed above, the expressions "phenylene" or "benzenediyl" are considered to be equivalent.

The divalent phenyl residue can be unsubstituted or can have from 1 to 4 substituents.

When the moiety D is a substituted or unsubstituted cyclohexyl, the moiety A-L1-B-C- and the moiety -L2-E are in a trans configuration e.g.

Prodrug derivatives of any compound of the invention are derivatives of said compounds which following administration release the parent compound in vivo via some chemical or physiological process, e.g., a prodrug on being brought to the physiological pH or through enzyme action is converted to the parent compound.

In a further embodiement, the present invention concerns compounds of formula; respectively designated as the SIGMA group and the SIGMA' group, wherein the moieties A , L1, B and -L2-E are the same as the preferred moieties described herein above for the structure A-L1-B-C-D-L2-E.

The invention covers the compounds in the SIGMA and SIGMA' groups wherein the moiety -L2-E is equivalent to the below described groups E'.

Preferred are the compounds of formula; respectively designated as the ALPHA group and the ALPHA' group, or the compounds of formula respectively designated as the BETA group and the BETA' group, or the compounds of formula respectively designated as the GAMMA group and the GAMMA' group, or the compounds of formula respectively designated as the DELTA group and the DELTA' group, or the compounds of formula respectively designated as the EPSILON group and the EPSILON' group, or the compounds of formula respectively designated as the KAPPA group and the KAPPA' group, or the compounds of formula respectively designated as the ZETA group and the ZETA' group, wherein;         - E' is -L2-E, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, crystalline forms, or polymorphs thereof.

Preferred are the compounds in the ALPHA, ALPHA', BETA, BETA', GAMMA, GAMMA', DELTA, DELTA', EPSILON, EPSILON', KAPPA, KAPPA', ZETA, ZETA' groups wherein the moieties A and moieties -L2-E are the same as the preferred moieties described herein above for the structure A-L1-B-C-D-L2-E.

The present invention also covers pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, crystalline forms, or polymorphs of thee hereinabove described compounds in the ALPHA, ALPHA', BETA, BETA', GAMMA, GAMMA', DELTA, DELTA', EPSILON, EPSILON', KAPPA, KAPPA', ZETA, ZETA' , SIGMA and SIGMA' groups. The compounds of the invention depending on the nature of the substituents possess one or more stereogenic centers. The resulting diastereoisomers, optical isomers, i.e., enantiomers, and geometric isomers, and mixtures thereof, are encompassed by the instant invention.

Particular embodiments of the invention are the compounds:

• (4-{4-[5-(benzooxazol-2-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid;
• (4-{4-[5-(6-methyl-benzooxazol-2-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid;
• (4-{4-[5-(6-chloro-benzooxazol-2-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid; and
• (4-{4-[5-(5-chloro-6-methoxy-benzooxazol-2-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid;

or in any case a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In a further embodiement, the above listed compounds are in the form of their corresponding potassium, sodium, hydrochloric, methanesulfonic, phosphoric or sulfuric acids salts. The salts can be prepared by the herein described methods.

In a further embodiment, the above listed compounds, wherein the moiety D is a substituted or unsubstituted divalent cyclohexyl group, are in a trans configuration as represented by figure "B"

The processes described herein for the preparation of compounds above may be conducted under inert atmosphere, preferably under nitrogen atmosphere.

In starting compounds and intermediates which are converted to the compounds of the present invention in a manner described herein, functional groups present, such as amino, thiol, carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, are optionally protected by conventional protecting groups that are common in preparative organic chemistry. Protected amino, thiol, carboxyl and hydroxyl groups are those that can be converted under mild conditions into free amino thiol, carboxyl and hydroxyl groups without the molecular framework being destroyed or other undesired side reactions taking place.

The purpose of introducing protecting groups is to protect the functional groups from undesired reactions with reaction components under the conditions used for carrying out a desired chemical transformation. The need and choice of protecting groups for a particular reaction is known to those skilled in the art and depends on the nature of the functional group to be protected (hydroxyl group, amino group, etc.), the structure and stability of the molecule of which the substituent is a part and the reaction conditions.

Well-known protecting groups that meet these conditions and their introduction and removal are described, e.g., in McOmie, "Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry", Plenum Press, London, NY (1973); and Greene and Wuts, "Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis", John Wiley and Sons, Inc., NY (1999).

The above-mentioned reactions are carried out according to standard methods, in the presence or absence of diluent, preferably, such as are inert to the reagents and are solvents thereof, of catalysts, condensing or said other agents, respectively and/or inert atmospheres, at low temperatures, RT or elevated temperatures, preferably at or near the boiling point of the solvents used, and at atmospheric or super-atmospheric pressure. The preferred solvents, catalysts and reaction conditions are set forth in the appended illustrative Examples.

Compounds of the invention and intermediates can also be converted into each other according to methods generally known per se.

Depending on the choice of starting materials and methods, the new compounds may be in the form of one of the possible isomers or mixtures thereof, for example, as substantially pure geometric (cis or trans) isomers, diastereomers, optical isomers (antipodes), racemates or mixtures thereof. The aforesaid possible isomers or mixtures thereof are within the purview of this invention.

Any resulting mixtures of isomers can be separated on the basis of the physicochemical differences of the constituents, into the pure geometric or optical isomers, diastereomers, racemates, for example, by chromatography and/or fractional crystallization.

Finally, compounds of the invention are either obtained in the free form, or in a salt form thereof, preferably, in a pharmaceutically acceptable salt form thereof, or as a prodrug derivative thereof.

Compounds of the instant invention which contain acidic groups may be converted into salts with pharmaceutically acceptable bases. Such salts include alkali metal salts, like sodium, lithium and potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts, like calcium and magnesium salts; ammonium salts with organic bases, e.g., trimethylamine salts, diethylamine salts, tris(hydroxymethyl)methylamine salts, dicyclohexylamine salts and N-methyl-D-glucamine salts; salts with amino acids like arginine and lysine. Salts may be formed using conventional methods, advantageously in the presence of an ethereal or alcoholic solvent, such as a lower alkanol. From the solutions of the latter, the salts may be precipitated with ethers, e.g., diethyl ether or acetonitrile. Resulting salts may be converted into the free compounds by treatment with acids. These or other salts can also be used for purification of the compounds obtained.

Alternatively, alkali metal salts of acidic compounds may also be prepared from the corresponding ester, i.e. the methyl or ethyl carboxylic acid ester. Treatment of the appropriate ester with an alkaline base such as sodium, potassium or lithium hydroxide in an ethereal or alcoholic solvent may directly afford the alkali metal salt, which may be precipitated from a reaction mixture by addition of a co-solvent such as diethyl ether or acetonitrile.

Compounds of the invention, in general, may be converted into acid addition salts, especially pharmaceutically acceptable salts. These are formed, e.g., with inorganic acids, such as mineral acids, e.g., sulfuric acid, phosphoric or hydrohalic acid, or with organic carboxylic acids, such as (C₁-C₄)-alkanecarboxylic acids which, e.g., are unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, e.g., acetic acid, such as saturated or unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, e.g., oxalic, succinic, maleic or fumaric acid, such as hydroxycarboxylic acids, e.g., glycolic, lactic, malic, tartaric or citric acid, such as amino acids, e.g., aspartic or glutamic acid, or with organic sulfonic acids, such as (C₁-C₄)-alkylsulfonic acids, e.g., methanesulfonic acid; or arylsulfonic acids which are unsubstituted or substituted (for example by halogen). Preferred are salts formed with hydrochloric acid, maleic acid and methanesulfonic acid.

These salts may be prepared by suspension or dissolution of the preferred compounds in an organic solvent or water or appropriate mixture of the two, followed by addition of the appropriate acid. The resulting salt may be isolated by precipitation and or removal of solvent. Precipitation of the salt may be enhanced by addition of co-solvents such as ethereal solvents or acetonitrile, cooling, seeding, or other methods known to those skilled in the art.

Prodrug derivatives of any compound of the invention are derivatives of said compounds which following administration release the parent compound in vivo via some chemical or physiological process, e.g., a prodrug on being brought to the physiological pH or through enzyme action is converted to the parent compound. Exemplary prodrug derivatives are, e.g., esters of free carboxylic acids and S-acyl and O-acyl derivatives of thiols, alcohols or phenols, wherein acyl has a meaning as defined herein.

The compounds, including their salts, can also be obtained in the form of their hydrates, or include other solvents used for their crystallization.

As described herein above, the compounds of the present invention may be employed for the treatment of conditions mediated by DGAT1 activity. Such compounds may thus be employed therapeutically for the treatment of impaired glucose tolerance, Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmacologically active compound of the instant invention, alone or in combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

The pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention are those suitable for enteral, such as oral or rectal; transdermal and parenteral administration to mammals, including man, for the treatment of conditions mediated by DGAT1 activity. Such conditions include impaired glucose tolerance, Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Thus, the pharmacologically active compounds of the invention may be employed in the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions comprising an effective amount thereof in conjunction or admixture with excipients or carriers suitable for either enteral or parenteral application. Preferred are tablets and gelatin capsules comprising the active ingredient together with:

1. a) diluents, e.g., lactose, dextrose, sucrose, mannitol, sorbitol, cellulose and/or glycine;
2. b) lubricants, e.g., silica, talcum, stearic acid, its magnesium or calcium salt and/or polyethyleneglycol; for tablets also
3. c) binders, e.g., magnesium aluminum silicate, starch paste, gelatin, tragacanth, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and or polyvinylpyrrolidone; if desired
4. d) disintegrants, e.g., starches, agar, alginic acid or its sodium salt, or effervescent mixtures; and/or
5. e) absorbants, colorants, flavors and sweeteners.

Injectable compositions are preferably aqueous isotonic solutions or suspensions, and suppositories are advantageously prepared from fatty emulsions or suspensions.

Said compositions may be sterilized and/or contain adjuvants, such as preserving, stabilizing, wetting or emulsifying agents, solution promoters, salts for regulating the osmotic pressure and/or buffers. In addition, they may also contain other therapeutically valuable substances. Said compositions are prepared according to conventional mixing, granulating or coating methods, respectively, and contain about 0.1-75%, preferably about 1-50%, of the active ingredient.

Suitable formulations for transdermal application include a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention with carrier. Advantageous carriers include absorbable pharmacologically acceptable solvents to assist passage through the skin of the host. Characteristically, transdermal devices are in the form of a bandage comprising a backing member, a reservoir containing the compound optionally with carriers, optionally a rate controlling barrier to deliver the compound of the skin of the host at a controlled and predetermined rate over a prolonged period of time, and means to secure the device to the skin.

Accordingly, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions as described above for the treatment Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

The pharmaceutical compositions may contain a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention as defined above, either alone or in a combination with another therapeutic agent, e.g., each at an effective therapeutic dose as reported in the art. Such therapeutic agents include:

1. a) antidiabetic agents, such as insulin, insulin derivatives and mimetics; insulin secretagogues such as the sulfonylureas, e.g., Glipizide, glyburide and Amaryl; insulinotropic sulfonylurea receptor ligands such as meglitinides, e.g., nateglinide and repaglinide; protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP-1B) inhibitors such as PTP-112; GSK3 (glycogen synthase kinase-3) inhibitors such as SB-517955, SB-4195052, SB-216763, NN-57-05441 and NN-57-05445; RXR ligands such as GW-0791 and AGN-194204; sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter inhibitors such as T-1095; glycogen phosphorylase A inhibitors such as BAY R3401; biguanides such as metformin; alpha-glucosidase inhibitors such as acarbose; GLP-1 (glucagon like peptide-1), GLP-1 analogs such as Exendin-4 and GLP-1 mimetics; and DPPIV (dipeptidyl peptidase IV) inhibitors such as vildagliptin;
2. b) hypolipidemic agents such as 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, e.g., lovastatin, pitavastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, cerivastatin, mevastatin, velostatin, fluvastatin, dalvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and rivastatin; squalene synthase inhibitors; FXR (farnesoid X receptor) and LXR (liver X receptor) ligands; cholestyramine; fibrates; nicotinic acid bile acid binding resins such as cholestyramine; fibrates; nicotinic acid and other GPR109 agonists; cholesterol absorption inhibitors such as ezetimibe; CETP inhibitors (cholesterol-ester-transfer-protein inhibitors), and aspirin;
3. c) anti-obesity agents such as orlistat, sibutramine and Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1) antagonists e.g. rimonabant; and
4. d) anti-hypertensive agents, e.g., loop diuretics such as ethacrynic acid, furosemide and torsemide; angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perinodopril, quinapril, ramipril and trandolapril; inhibitors of the Na-K-ATPase membrane pump such as digoxin; neutralendopeptidase (NEP) inhibitors; ACE/NEP inhibitors such as omapatrilat, sampatrilat and fasidotril; angiotensin II antagonists such as candesartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, losartan, telmisartan and valsartan, in particular valsartan; renin inhibitors such as ditekiren, zankiren, terlakiren, aliskiren, RO 66-1132 and RO-66-1168; β-adrenergic receptor blockers such as acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol, sotalol and timolol; inotropic agents such as digoxin, dobutamine and milrinone; calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine, bepridil, diltiazem, felodipine, nicardipine, nimodipine, nifedipine, nisoldipine and verapamil; aldosterone receptor antagonists; and aldosterone synthase inhibitors.
5. e) agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activator receptors, such as fenofibrate, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, tesaglitazar, BMS-298585, L-796449, the compounds specifically described in the patent application WO 2004/103995 i.e. compounds of examples 1 to 35 or compounds specifically listed in claim 21, or the compounds specifically described in the patent application WO 03/043985 i.e. compounds of examples 1 to 7 or compounds specifically listed in claim 19 and especially (R)-1-{4-[5-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-oxazol-4-ylmethoxy]-benzenesulfonyl}-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-2-carboxylic or a salt thereof.

Other specific anti-diabetic compounds are described by Patel Mona in Expert Opin Investig Drugs, 2003, 12(4), 623-633, in the figures 1 to 7 A compound of the present invention may be administered either simultaneously, before or after the other active ingredient, either separately by the same or different route of administration or together in the same pharmaceutical formulation.

The structure of the therapeutic agents identified by code numbers, generic or trade names may be taken from the actual edition of the standard compendium "The Merck Index" or from databases, e.g., Patents International (e.g. IMS World Publications).

Accordingly, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of another therapeutic agent, preferably selected from anti-diabetics, hypolipidemic agents, anti-obesity agents or anti-hypertensive agents, most preferably from antidiabetics or hypolipidemic agents as described above.

The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions as described above for use as a medicament.

Thus, the present invention also relates to a compound as defined in the claims and described above for use as a medicament.

A unit dosage for a mammal of about 50-70 kg may contain between about 1 mg and 1000 mg, advantageously between about 5-500 mg of the active ingredient. The therapeutically effective dosage of active compound is dependent on the species of warm-blooded animal (mammal), the body weight, age and individual condition, on the form of administration, and on the compound involved.

In accordance with the foregoing the present invention also provides a therapeutic combination, e.g., a kit, kit of parts, e.g., for use in any method as defined herein, comprising a compound as defined in the claims and described above, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to be used concomitantly or in sequence with at least one pharmaceutical composition comprising at least another therapeutic agent, preferably selected from anti-diabetic agents, hypolipidemic agents, anti-obesity agents and anti-hypertensive agents, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The kit may comprise instructions for its administration. The combination can be a fixed combination (e.g. in the same pharmaceutical composition) or a free combination (e.g. in separate pharmaceutical compositions).

Similarly, the present invention provides a kit of parts comprising: (i) a pharmaceutical composition of the invention; and (ii) a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound selected from an anti-diabetic, a hypolipidemic agent, an anti-obesity agent and an anti-hypertensive agent, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in the form of two separate units of the components (i) to (ii).

Preferably, a compound of the invention is administered to a mammal in need thereof.

As used throughout the specification and in the claims, the term "treatment" embraces all the different forms or modes of treatment as known to those of the pertinent art and in particular includes preventive, curative, delay of progression and palliative treatment.

The above-cited properties are demonstrable in vitro and in vivo tests using advantageously mammals, e.g., mice, rats, dogs, monkeys or isolated organs, tissues and preparations thereof. Said compounds can be applied in vitro in the form of solutions, e.g., preferably aqueous solutions, and in vivo either enterally, parenterally, advantageously intravenously, e.g., as a suspension or in aqueous solution. The dosage in vitro may range between about 10^-2 molar and 10^-9 molar concentrations. A therapeutically effective amount in vivo may range depending on the route of administration, between about 0.1 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg, preferably between about 1 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg.

The activity of compounds according to the invention may be assessed by the following methods or methods well-described in the art:

• The enzyme preparation used in this assay is a membrane preparation from Sf9 cells overexpressing human (His)6DGAT1. During all steps samples were chilled to 4°C. Sf9 cells expressing human (His)6DGAT1 were thawed at RT and re-suspended at a 10:1 ratio (mL buffer/g of cells) in 50 mM HEPES, 1x Complete Protease Inhibitor, pH 7.5. The re-suspended pellet was homogenized for 1 min using a Brinkman PT 10/35 homogenizer with a 20 mm generator. Cells were lysed using Avestin Emulsiflex (chilled to 4°C) at 10000-15000 psi. Lysate was centrifuged at 100,000 x g for 1 h at 4°C. Supernatant was removed and pellets were re-suspended in 50 mM HEPES, 1x Complete Protease Inhibitor, pH 7.5 at 1/6 the volume of supernatant. Re-suspended pellets were pooled and homogenized with 10 strokes of a Glas-Col motor driven teflon pestle on setting 70. The protein concentration of the membrane preparation was quantified using BCA protein assay with 1% SDS. The membrane preparation was aliquoted, frozen on dry ice, and stored at -80°C.

For 50 mL, 25 mL of 0.2 M HEPES stock buffer, 0.5 mL of 1 M MgCl₂ (5 mM final concentration), and 24.5 mL of milli-Q H₂0 are added to the 55 mL Wheaton Potter-Elvehjem homogenizer. Enzyme preparation (0.1 mL) is added to buffer and the mixture is homogenized with 5 strokes on ice using the Glas-Col variable speed homogenizer system on setting 70.

For 50 mL, 0.5 mL 10 mM diolein is added to 9.5 mL of EtOH in a 50 mL Falcon screw cap conical centrifuge tube. Five mL of 10 mM sodium acetate pH 4.5 is added followed by 0.5 mL of 10 mM oleoyl-CoA. Finally, the remaining 4.5 mL of 10 mM sodium acetate pH 4.5 is added followed by 30 mL of milli-Q H₂0. The solution should be gently agitated by hand to induce mixing. The final concentrations of EtOH and sodium acetate are 20% and 2 mM, respectively.

Dry compounds are dissolved in the appropriate volume of DMSO to a final concentration of 10 mM. A 10-point, 3-fold dose response is used to evaluate compound potency. All dilutions are performed in DMSO in a Greiner 384-well microplate.

1. 1. 2 µL of compound in DMSO is added to the appropriate wells. 2 µL of DMSO is added to 100% activity and 100% inhibition controls.
2. 2. 25 µL of enzyme mix is added to all wells and plate(s) are incubated for 10 min at RT.
3. 3. 10 µL of 20% acetic acid quench is added to 100% inhibition control wells. Plate(s) are vortexed using Troemner multi-tube vortexer (setting 7 for 10 sec).
4. 4. 25 µL of substrate mix is added to all wells. Plate(s) are vortexed using Troemner multi-tube vortexer (setting 7 for 10 sec). Plate(s) are incubated for 30 min at RT.
5. 5. 10 µL of 20% acetic acid quench is added to all wells. Plate(s) are vortexed using Troemner multi-tube vortexer (setting 7 for 10 sec).
6. 6. 50 µL of 1-butanol w/ glyceryl tripalmitoleate internal standard is added to all wells.
7. 7. Plate(s) are sealed with super pierce strong plate sealer using the thermo-sealer.
8. 8. Plate(s) are vortexed using Troemner multi-tube vortexer (setting 10 for 5 min).
9. 9. Plate(s) are centrifuged at 162 x g (1000 rpm for GH-3.8 rotor) for 5 min using Beckman GS-6R tabletop centrifuge.

Samples were analyzed by LC/MS/MS using a Waters 1525µ LC and Quattro Micro API MS. Where indicated, tripalmitolein was used as an internal standard to control for instrument variation.

Data is converted to % inhibition prior to curve fitting using the following equation:

Using the method described above, the compounds of the present invention were shown to possess inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging from 0.001 uM to 100 uM.

METHODS OF PREPARATION

Compounds of the present invention may be prepared from commercially available reagents employing general synthetic techniques known to those skilled in the art. Outlined below are reaction schemes suitable for preparing such compounds. Further exemplification is found in the specific examples provided.

As shown in Scheme 1, compounds of the present invention where B is a pyrimidine ring may be prepared from a suitably functionalized starting material. For instance, in the synthetic sequence shown above, Y may be a halogen atom, toluenesulfonate, methanesulfonate, or trifluoromethanesulfonate. The amine derivative (described above as R₁NH2) may be condensed with the functionalized pyrimidine in the presence of acid (i.e., concentrated HCl, sulfuric acid, or ammonium chloride) or base (sodium hydride, alkyl lithiums, lithium amides, triethylamine, DBU), in an organic or aqueous solvent, typically at elevated temperature, to afford the aminopyrimidine adduct. This transformation may also be facilitated through transition metal catalysis; for example, copper or palladium reagents which may be complexed with additional ligands (for example, phosphine ligands such as BINAP, X-Phos, tri-t-butyl phosphine or amino ligands such as N,N-cyclohexane diamine derivatives) in the presence of a base may facilitate the amino pyrimidine synthesis.

The resulting amino pyrimidine may then be coupled to a suitably functionalized arene intermediate. For example, where X is a halogen atom, toluenesulfonate, methanesulfonate, or trifluoromethanesulfonate, W in the scheme above may be an organometallic substituent (for example, boron, tin, zinc, magnesium) that may be subjected to transition-metal cross coupling conditions known to those skilled in the art. Such cross-coupling events may be promoted by palladium complexes such as Pd(OAc)₂ or Pd(PPh₃)₄ that may be additionally supported by ligands (phosphines, N-heterocyclic carbenes). These reactions may be conducted in the presence of inorganic bases such as sodium carbonate or potassium acetate under aqueous or anhydrous conditions.

For cases where Q is a protected carboxylic acid derivative, hydrolysis may be promoted by aqueous bases such as lithium hydroxide or alternatively under acidic conditions to afford the final compound.

As shown in Scheme 2, compounds in the current invention where B is a thiazole ring may be prepared starting from the appropriate phenyl derivative. Acylation with an activated carboxylic acid derivative (acid chloride or acid bromide) in the presence of a Lewis acid such as aluminium trichloride may afford the bromo acetophenone derivative shown above. Condensation of this intermediate with a suitably functionalized thiourea in the presence of a base such as potassium carbonate or triethylamine may produce the amino thiazole shown above.

For compounds of the current invention where B is an oxazole ring, the general synthetic sequence described in Scheme 3 may be used. Conversion of the bromo acetophenone derivative to the corresponding azido intermediate may occur via reaction of sodium or lithium azide in an organic solvent which may or may not contain water. The azido ketone intermediate may then be treated with a triaryl- or trialkylphosphine (such as triphenylphosphine) in the presence of an isothiocyanate to afford the corresponding amino oxazole. This cyclization often requires heating, and is described by Dhar et al in Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett 12 (2002) 3125-3128.

For compounds of the current invention where B is a pyridine ring, the general synthetic sequence described in Scheme 4 may be used. An amino derivative may be reacted with the appropriate pyridine derivative to afford the corresponding amino pyridine intermediate. For example, when Y is a suitably-placed leaving group (i.e., in the 2- or 4-position) such as halogen atom, toluenesulfonate, methansulfonate, or trifluoromethanesulfonate, the amino derivative R₁NH₂ may be reacted in the presence of acid (such as HCl or sulphuric acid) or base (such as sodium hydride, triethylamine, or DBU) to afford the amino pyridine intermediate. The use of transition metals such as palladium or copper may also facilitate this transformation, regardless of where Y is disposed. Alternatively, copper salts may mediate the process where Y is a boronic acid or ester derivative [See Tet. Lett. (1998) vol. 39, p. 2941]. The resulting amino pyridine derivative may then be coupled to the aryl-W intermediate above using transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling methodology. For instance, where W is a boronic acid/ester, trialkyltin, or trialkylsilane, the appropriate aryl-X partner where X is a halogen atom or sulfonate may be reacted in the presence of a transition metal such as palladium with or without a supporting ligand to effect this carbon-carbon bond construction. Alternatively, W and X may be reversed in this bond disconnection.

Alternatively, the sequence above may be re-ordered as follows:

In the above scheme, W may be a boronic ester or suitable equivalent, X may be a halogen or appropriate sulfonate, and Y may be a nitrogen precursor such as nitro or protected nitrogen such as NHBoc. Y may then be elaborated to the corresponding amino derivative, which may then be coupled with the appropriate R1-X derivative under acidic, basic, or metal-promoted conditions as described above.

For compounds of the current invention where B is a pyridazine ring, the synthetic sequence shown in Scheme 5 may be applied. A difunctionalized pyridazine intermediate, for instance 3,6-dichloropyridazine, may be reacted with an amino nucleophile R₁NH₂ in the presence of acid (such as HCl or sulphuric acid) or base (such as sodium hydride, triethylamine, or DBU) to afford the amino pyridazine intermediate. The use of transition metals such as palladium or copper may also facilitate this transformation, regardless of where X and Y are disposed. The resulting amino pyridazine derivative may then be coupled to the aryl-W intermediate above using transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling methodology. For instance, where W is a boronic acid/ester, trialkyltin, or trialkylsilane, the appropriate aryl-X partner where X is a halogen atom or sulfonate may be reacted in the presence of a transition metal such as palladium with or without a supporting ligand to effect this carbon-carbon bond construction. Alternatively, W and X may be reversed in this bond disconnection.

The compounds of the current invention where B is a pyridazine ring may also be prepared by the synthetic sequence shown in Scheme 6. Acylation of the starting arene derivative with the appropriate carboxylic acid derivative (i.e., an acid chloride) in the presence of a Lewis acid such as aluminium trichloride may produce the acetophenone derivative shown. Construction of the pyridazone ring may be effected by analogy to literature precedence (Synthesis (1993) p. 334). Activation of the pyridazone intermediate via the chloro or bromo pyridazine may be accomplished via phosphorous oxychloride, phosphorous bromide, or equivalent activating reagent. Substitution with the amine R₁-NH₂ then may occur under acidic, basic, or transition-metal promoted conditions.

For compounds of the current invention where B is a pyrazine ring, the synthetic sequence shown in Scheme 7 may be applied. A difunctionalized pyrazine intermediate may be reacted with an amino nucleophile R₁NH₂ in the presence of acid (such as HCl or sulphuric acid) or base (such as sodium hydride, triethylamine, or DBU) to afford the amino pyridine intermediate. The use of transition metals such as palladium or copper may also facilitate this transformation, regardless of where X and Y are disposed. The resulting amino pyrazine derivative may then be functionalized with an X group such as halogen or sulfonate, and then coupled to the aryl-W intermediate above using transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling methodology. For instance, where W is a boronic acid/ester, trialkyltin, or trialkylsilane, the appropriate aryl-X partner may be reacted in the presence of a transition metal such as palladium with or without a supporting ligand to effect this carbon-carbon bond construction. Alternatively, W and X may be reversed in this bond disconnection.

EXAMPLES

The following Examples are intended to illustrate the invention and are not to be construed as being limitations thereon. If not mentioned otherwise, all evaporations are performed under reduced pressure, preferably between about 50 mmHg and 100 mmHg. The structure of final products, intermediates and starting materials is confirmed by standard analytical methods, e.g., microanalysis, melting point (m.p.) and spectroscopic characteristics, e.g., MS, IR and NMR. Abbreviations used are those conventional in the art.

HPLC Conditions:

1. A: Inertsil 4.6 mm x 5 cm C8-3 column, 10 to 90% Acetonitrile in 5 mM ammonium formate, 2 min gradient, 4 mL/min, 50 degrees centigrade
2. B: Inertsil 4.6 mm x 5 cm C8-3 column, 40 to 90% Acetonitrile in 5 mM ammonium formate, 2 min gradient, 4 mL/min, 50 degrees centigrade
3. C: Inertsil 4.6 mm x 5 cm C8-3 column, 40 to 90% Acetonitrile in 0.1% acetic acid, 2 min gradient, 4 mL/min, 50 degrees centigrade
4. D: Column: Atlantis C18 (Waters, Inc.), 15 cm x 4.6mm x 5 µm Column temperature: Ambient Flow rate: 1.4 mL/min Injection volume: 3.0 µL Gradient: A= 0.1 % Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA) in Water B = 0.05% Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA) in Acetonitrile 0 - 95% B in 19.0 min, 1.8 min hold
5. E: Gemini C18 4.6 x 50mm, 5um particle size; 5-100% ACN/H2O + 5mM NH40H/8min

Reference Example 1-1. (4-{4-[2-(3-Fluorophenylamino)-pyrimidin-5-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid

A. (5-Bromopyrimidin-2-yl)-(3-fluorophenyl)-amine

In a microwave vial is added 3-fluorophenylamine (0.293 mL, 2.58 mmol), 5-bromo-2-chloropyrimidine (500 mg, 2.58 mmol), EtOH (10 mL) and concentrated HCl (0.2 mL). The reaction mixture is then heated at 50 °C for 15 min. Water (20 mL) is added and it is extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer is washed with NaHCO₃, dried with Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue is purified by column chromatography to give the title compound: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ ppm 6.83 - 6.88 (m, 1 H) 7.24 - 7.26 (m, 1 H) 7.28 (br. s., 1H) 7.34 - 7.40 (m, 1 H)7.74 (dt, J=11.37, 2.27 Hz, 1 H) 8.56 (s, 2 H); (M+H)+ 269.9.

B. (4-{4-[2-(3-Fluorophenylamino)-pyrimidin-5-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid methyl ester

The mixture of (5-bromopyrimidin-2-yl)-(3-fluorophenyl)-amine (75 mg, 0.28 mmol), {4-[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)-phenyl]-cyclohexyl}-acetic acid methyl ester (Patent WO2004 047755 ) (100 mg, 0.28 mmol), PdCl₂dppf (12 mg, 0.014 mmol), sodium carbonate (2M solution, 0.35 mL) and DME (2 mL) is heated in a microwave at 125 °C for 15 min. The reaction mixture is extracted with EtOAc, washed with NH₄Cl solution. The organic phase is dried with MgSO₄, filtered and it is used directly in the next step: (M+H)+ 420.3.

C. (4-{4-[2-(3-Fluorophenylamino)-pyrimidin-5-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid

To a solution of (4-{4-[2-(3-fluorophenylamino)-pyrimidin-5-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid methyl ester (crude from above) in DMF (2.5 mL) is added LiOH (10% solution, 1 mL) and the reaction mixture is heated at 60 °C for 1.5 h. The mixture is then subjected to HPLC purification to give the title compound: ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 1.09 - 1.15 (m, 1 H) 1.50 (td, J=12.44, 9.98 Hz, 1 H) 1.63 (d, J=5.31 Hz, 6 H) 2.37 (d, J=7.58 Hz, 2 H) 6.76 (td, J=8.21, 2.27 Hz, 1 H) 7.28 - 7.39 (m, 4 H) 7.52 (dd, J=8.34, 1.26 Hz, 1 H) 7.65 (s, 1H) 7.63 (t, J=4.04 Hz, 2 H) 7.87 (d, J=12.38 Hz, 1 H) 8.84 - 8.86 (m, 2 H) 9.99 (s, 1 H); (M+H)⁺ = 406.2.

Alternatively, the methyl ester can be dissolved in THF and treated with aqueous sodium hydroxide (4 equiv). The mixture can then be stirred at 50 degrees for 12 hours, at which point water may be added and most of the organic solvent may be removed under reduced pressure. Addition of acetonitrile followed by cooling may yield a precipitate which can be isolated by filtration to afford the title compound as the corresponding sodium salt.

Reference Example 5-17. (4-{4-[5-(3-Fluoro-phenylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid

A. {4-[4-(5-Nitro-pyridin-2-yl)-phenyl]-cyclohexyl}-acetic acid methyl ester

To a solution of 2-bromo-5-nitropyridine (0.81 g, 4.0 mmol, 1.0 equiv) and {4-[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)-phenyl]-cyclohexyl}-acetic acid methyl ester (1.5 g, 4.0 mmol, 1.05 equiv) in 20 MI DME was added 2 MI saturated potassium carbonate solution followed by 50 mg Pd(PPh₃)₄ catalyst. The reaction was then heated to 80 °C over the weekend. Removal of volatiles in vacuo followed by silica gel chromatography (20% EtOAc in hexanes) afforded the title compound: 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ ppm 0.94 - 1.06 (m, 1 H) 1.00 (dd, J=12.76, 2.15 Hz, 2 H) 1.30 - 1.42 (m,J=12.82, 12.60, 12.60, 2.91 Hz, 2 H) 1.65 (br. S., 2 H) 1.68 (d, J=3.54 Hz, 3 H) 2.11 (d, J=6.82 Hz, 2 H) 3.46 (s, 3 H) 7.27 (d, J=8.34 Hz, 2 H) 7.98 (d, J=8.34 Hz, 2 H) 8.08 (dd, J=8.84, 0.51 Hz, 1 H) 8.47 (dd, J=8.84,2.78 Hz, 1 H) 9.27 (d, J=2.27 Hz, 1 H) (M+H)+ 355.1.

B. {4-[4-(5-Amino-pyridin-2-yl)-phenyl]-cyclohexyl}-acetic acid methyl ester

To a solution of {4-[4-(5-Nitro-pyridin-2-yl)-phenyl]-cyclohexyl}-acetic acid methyl ester (1.4 g, 4.0 mmol) in 20 MI EtOH was added Pd/C (0.4 g) followed by ammonium formate (2 g). The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 4 h, then cooled to room temperature and filtered through Celite. Removal of solvent in vacuo afforded the title compound: 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ ppm 1.08 - 1.20 (m, 2 H) 1.43 - 1.54 (m, 1 H) 1.48 (dd, J=12.57, 2.46 Hz, 2H) 1.81 (d, J=11.75 Hz, 6 H) 2.26 (d, J=6.69 Hz, 2 H) 3.61 (s, 3 H) 6.98 (dd, J=8.59, 2.78 Hz, 1 H) 7.24 (d,J=8.34 Hz, 2 H) 7.57 (d, J=8.59 Hz, 1 H) 7.81 (d, J=8.34 Hz, 2 H) 8.00 (d, J=2.65 Hz, 1 H); (M+H)+ 325.2.

C. (4-{4-[5-(3-Fluoro-phenylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid methyl ester

To a solution of {4-[4-(5-amino-pyridin-2-yl)-phenyl]-cyclohexyl}-acetic acid methyl ester (0.10 g, 0.3 mmol, 1.0 equiv) and 3-fluorophenyl boronic acid (0.086 g, 0.61 mmol, 2.0 equiv) in 5 MI dichloromethane was added pyridine (0.05 MI, 0.61 mmol, 2.0 equiv), copper (II) acetate (0.084 g, 0.46 mmol, 1.5 equiv) and 4A molecular sieves. The heterogeneous mixture was allowed to stir open to atmosphere for 18 h. Purification by silica gel chromatography (20-45% EtOAc in hexanes) afforded the title compound: 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ ppm 1.12 - 1.27 (m, 2 H) 1.47 (br. S., 1 H) 1.53 (dd, J=12.51, 2.65 Hz, 1 H) 1.67 (br. S., 1 H) 1.85 (d, J=12.38 Hz, 4 H) 2.29 (d, J=6.57 Hz, 2 H) 3.34 (s, 2 H) 3.64 (s, 3 H) 6.69 (td, J=8.46, 2.53 Hz, 1 H) 6.89 (dt, J=11.62, 2.15 Hz, 1 H) 6.96 (dd, J=7.83, 1.77 Hz, 1 H) 7.33 (d, J=8.34 Hz, 2H) 7.63 (dd, J=8.59, 2.78 Hz, 1 H) 7.84 (d, J=8.59 Hz, 1 H) 7.95 (d, J=8.34 Hz, 2 H) 8.47 (s, 1 H) 8.71 (s, 1H); (M+H)+ 419.3.

D. (4-{4-[5-(3-Fluoro-phenylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid

To a solution of (4-{4-[5-(3-Fluoro-phenylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid methyl ester (0.10 g) in 5 MI THF was added 5 MI of a 4 M LiOH solution. The reaction was stirred overnight at room temperature, then heated to 60 °C overnight. Acidification to Ph 1 using concentrated HCl afforded a precipitate which was filtered to afford the title compound: 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ ppm 0.95 - 1.12 (m, 1 H) 1.02 (dd, J=11.62, 9.35 Hz, 2 H) 1.33 (br. S., 1 H) 1.38 (dd, J=12.51, 2.65 Hz, 2 H) 1.62 (d, J=9.35 Hz, 2 H) 1.71 (d, J=10.11 Hz, 4 H) 2.03 (d, J=6.82 Hz, 2 H) 6.64 - 6.73 (m, 1 H) 6.86 - 6.93 (m, 2 H) 7.29 (d, J=8.34 Hz, 2 H) 7.21 - 7.35 (m, 1 H) 7.78 (d, J=8.34 Hz, 2H) 7.83 - 7.89 (m, 1 H) 7.89 - 7.97 (m, 1 H) 8.30 (s, 1 H) 9.26 (br. S., 1 H); (M+H)+ 405.1.

Example 5-23. (4-{4-[5-(Benzooxazol-2-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid

A. (4-{4-[5-(Benzooxazol-2-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid methyl ester

65 mg of {4-[4-(5-Amino-pyridin-2-yl)-phenyl]-cyclohexyl}-acetic acid methyl ester and 0.3 MI of 2-chlorobenzoxazole were dissolved in 1.5 MI of t-BuOH/DME (1:1) in a 5 MI microwave tube with a stirring bar. 0.1 MI of 4N-HCl in dioxane was added and the reaction vessel was sealed and heated at 120 °C for 2 hours by microwave. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and the resulting precipitates were filtered and washed with ethyl acetate. The filter cake was dried by air in the suction funnel and analyzed by ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ ppm 1.2 (s, 3 H) 1.5 (s, 2 H) 1.8 (s, 6 H) 2.3 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 2 H) 3.6 (s, 4 H) 7.2 (m, 1 H) 7.3 (m, 1 H) 7.3 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2 H) 7.5 (d, J=13.9 Hz, 2 H) 8.0 (m, 3 H) 8.4 (m, 1 H) 8.9 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1 H) 11.0 (s, 1 H); (M+H)+ 442.2.

B. (4-{4-[5-(Benzooxazol-2-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid

(4-]4-[5-(Benzooxazol-2-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid methyl ester was stirred in 4 MI of THF/water (1:1) and treated with 30 mg of LiOH at ambient temperature. The reaction was then heated at 50 °C and stirred overnight. LC-MS analysis indicated the reaction was complete. The reaction was diluted with water (2 MI) and neutralized with 6N HCl. The resulting precipitate was filtered and washed with water and ethyl acetate. The precipitate was dried and analyzed by 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-D6) δ ppm 1.1 (m, 2 H) 1.5 (s, 2 H) 1.8 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 1 H) 1.8 (s, 4 H) 2.2 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 2 H) 7.2 (td, J=7.8, 1.3 Hz, 1H) 7.3 (td, J=7.6, 1.1 Hz, 1 H) 7.3 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2 H) 7.5 (dd, J=13.9, 7.3 Hz, 2 H) 8.0 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 3 H) 8.3 (dd, J=8.7, 2.7 Hz, 1 H) 8.9 (d, J=3.0 Hz, 1 H); (M+H)+ 428.1.

Alternatively, the methyl ester can be dissolved in THF and treated with aqueous sodium hydroxide (4 equiv). The mixture can then be stirred at 50 degrees for 12 hours, at which point water may be added and most of the organic solvent may be removed under reduced pressure. Addition of acetonitrile followed by cooling may yield a precipitate which can be isolated by filtration to afford the title compound as the corresponding sodium salt: ¹H NMR (DMSO-d6, 500 MHz) δ 8.73 (s, 1 H), 8.29 (dd, 1 H, J = 8.7, 2.7 Hz), 7.86 (d, 2 H, J = 8.2 Hz), 7.81 (d, 1 H, J = 8.8 Hz), 7.31 (m, 2 H), 7.21 (d, 2 H, J = 8.2 Hz), 7.09 (t, 1 H, J = 7.6 Hz), 6.97 (t, 1 H, J = 7.7 Hz), 2.40 (m, 1 H), 1.83 (d, 2 H, J = 6.9 Hz), 1.75 (m, 4 H), 1.65 (m, 1 H), 1.40 (m, 2 H), 1.02 (m, 2 H); MS m/z 428 (M-Na+2H)⁺.

Ex. 5-92	(4-{4-[5-(6-Methyl-benzooxazol-2-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid	4.43	E	442
Ex. 5-95	(4-{4-[5-(6-Chloro-benzooxazol-2-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid	13.6	D	462
Ex. 5-96	(4-{4-[5-(5-Chloro-6-methoxy-benzooxazol-2-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid	13.4	D	492.2

The present invention also covers any salts of the hereinabove described examples. In particular, the potassium, sodium, hydrochloric, methansulfonic, phosphoric, sufuric acids salts, tert-butyl amine, and diethylamine. The salts can be prepared by the herein described methods.

Claims (12)

1. A compound of formula         A-L1-B-C-D-L2-E or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein

   A is a 7- to 12-membered bicyclic heterocyclyl optionally substituted by 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from halogen, C_1-10alkyl, C_3-12cycloalkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C_1-10alkoxy, hydroxyl and amino;

   L1 is NH;

   B is selected from a pyridine, pyridine N-oxide, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, oxazole and thiazole group and wherein besides the moieties L1 and C-D to which it is attached, moiety B can have from 1 to 3 additional substituents selected from halogen, C_1-10alkyl, C_3-12cycloalkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C_1-10alkoxy, hydroxyl and amino;

   C is a divalent phenyl group which can be unsubstituted or can have from 1 to 4 substituents selected from halogen, C_1-10alkyl, C_3-12cycloalkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C_1-10alkoxy, hydroxyl and amino;

   D is a divalent cyclohexyl group which can be unsubstituted or can have from 1 to 4 substituents selected from halogen, C_1-10alkyl, C_3-12cycloalkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C_1-10alkoxy, hydroxyl and amino;

   L2 is a divalent alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and

   E is selected from a -COOH group and a carboxamide group.
2. A compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein A is selected from a benzimidazole, benzoxazole, benzothiazole, oxazolopyridine, thiazolopyridine and imidazolopyridine group each of which is optionally substituted by 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from halogen, C_1-10alkyl, C_3-12cycloalkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C_1-10alkoxy, hydroxyl and amino.
3. A compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is selected from:

   (4-{4-[5-(6-methyl-benzooxazol-2-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid;

   (4-{4-[5-(6-chloro-benzooxazol-2-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid; and

   (4-{4-[5-(5-chloro-6-methoxy-benzooxazol-2-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid.
4. A compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is (4-{4-[5-(benzooxazol-2-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
5. A compound according to claim 4, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, having the structural formula
6. A compound according to claim 4 or claim 5, in sodium salt form.
7. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising the compound according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.
8. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of another therapeutic agent.
9. A pharmaceutical combination comprising:

   i) a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,

   ii) at least one compound selected from

   a) antidiabetic agents,

   b) hypolipidemic agents,

   c) anti-obesity agents,

   d) anti-hypertensive agents,

   e) agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activator receptors.
10. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use as a medicament.
11. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the treatment of obesity, diabetes, bulimia, syndrome X, insulin resistance, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia, mixed dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, pancreatitis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, acute heart failure, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, hypertension, hypotension, stroke, ischemia, ischemic reperfusion injury, aneurysm, restenosis and vascular stenosis.
12. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.