2,5-DISUBSTITUTED IMIDAZO[4,5-C]PYRIDINES FOR TREATING MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

[0001] This application claims priority to U.K. Patent Application No. GB08093l4.o, filed May 22, 2008, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein by its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] Provided herein are compounds for the treatment of muscular dystrophy and related conditions, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy, compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of use thereof. Also provided herein is a method for the treatment of muscular dystrophy and related conditions, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a common, genetic neuromuscular disease associated with the progressive deterioration of muscle function, first described over 150 years ago by the French neurologist, Duchenne de Boulogne, after whom the disease is named. DMD has been characterized as an X-linked recessive disorder that affects 1 in 3,500 males caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. The gene is the largest in the human genome, encompassing 2.6 million base pairs of DNA and containing 79 exons. Approximately 60% of dystrophin mutations are large insertion or deletions that lead to frame-shift errors downstream, whereas approximately 40% are point mutations or small frame-shift rearrangements. The vast majority of DMD patients lack the dystrophin protein. Becker muscular dystrophy is a much milder form of DMD caused by reduction in the amount, or alteration in the size, of the dystrophin protein. The high incidence of DMD (1 in 10,000 sperm or eggs) means that genetic screening will never eliminate the disease, so an effective therapy is highly desirable.

[0004] A number of natural and engineered animal models of DMD exist, and provide a mainstay for preclinical studies (Allamand et al., Animal models for muscular dystrophy: valuable tools for the development of therapies, Hum. MoI. Genet. 9, 2459-2467 (2000).) Although the mouse, cat and dog models all have mutations in the DMD gene and exhibit a biochemical dystrophinopathy similar to that seen in humans, they show surprising and considerable variation in terms of their phenotype. Like humans, the canine (golden retriever muscular dystrophy and German short-haired pointer) models have a severe phenotype; these dogs typically die of cardiac failure. Dogs offer the best phenocopy for human disease, and

are considered a high benchmark for preclinical studies. Unfortunately, breeding these animals is expensive and difficult, and the clinical time course can be variable among litters. [0005] The mdx mouse is the most widely used model due to availability, short gestation time, time to mature and relatively low cost (Bulfield et al, X chromosome-linked muscular dystrophy (mdx) in the mouse, Proc. Natl Acad. ScL USA 81, 1189-1192 (1984).). [0006] Since the discovery of the DMD gene about 20 years ago, varying degrees of success in the treatment of DMD have been achieved in preclinical animal studies, some of which are being followed up in humans. Present therapeutic strategies can be broadly divided into three groups: first, gene therapy approaches; second, cell therapy; and last, pharmacological therapy. Gene- and cell-based therapies offer the fundamental advantage of obviating the need to separately correct secondary defects/pathology (for example, contractures), especially if initiated early in the course of the disease. Unfortunately, these approaches face a number of technical hurdles. Immunological responses against viral vectors, myoblasts and newly synthesized dystrophin have been reported, in addition to toxicity, lack of stable expression and difficulty in delivery.

[0007] Pharmacological approaches for the treatment of muscular dystrophy differ from gene- and cell-based approaches in not being designed to deliver either the missing gene and/or protein. In general, the pharmacological strategies use drugs/molecules in an attempt to improve the phenotype by means such as decreasing inflammation, improving calcium homeostasis and increasing muscle progenitor proliferation or commitment. These strategies offer the advantage that they are easy to deliver systemically and can circumvent many of the immunological and/or toxicity issues that are related to vectors and cell-based therapies. Although investigations with corticosteroids and sodium cromoglycate, to reduce inflammation, dantrolene to maintain calcium homeostasis and clenbuterol to increase muscle strength, have produced promising results, none of these potential therapies has yet been shown to be effective in treating DMD.

[0008] An alternative pharmacological approach is upregulation therapy. Upregulation therapy is based on increasing the expression of alternative genes to replace a defective gene and is particularly beneficial when an immune response is mounted against a previously absent protein. Upregulation of utrophin, an autosomal paralogue of dystrophin has been proposed as a potential therapy for DMD (Perkins et al., Neuromuscul. Disord., Sl: S78-S89 (2002); Khurana et al, Nat. Rev. Drug Discov. 2:379-390 (2003).). When utrophin is over- expressed in transgenic mdx mice it localizes to the sarcolemma of muscle cells and restores

the components of the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC), which prevents the dystrophic development and in turn leads to functional improvement of skeletal muscle. Adenoviral delivery of utrophin in the dog has been shown to prevent pathology. Commencement of increased utrophin expression shortly after birth in the mouse model can be effective, and no toxicity is observed when utrophin is ubiquitously expressed, which is promising for the translation of this therapy to humans. Upregulation of endogenous utrophin to sufficient levels to decrease pathology might be achieved by the delivery of small diffusible compounds.

[0009] In earlier applications, PCT/GB2007/050055, PCT/GB2007/050056, UK Patent Application No. 0617739.8, UK Patent Application No. 0619282.7, UK Patent Application No. 0623985.9, UK Patent Application No. 0617740.6, UK Patent Application No. 0619283.5, UK Patent Application No. 0714303.5, and UK Patent Application No. 0803906.7, we disclosed compounds which upregulate endogenous utrophin in predictive screens, and thus may be useful in the treatment of DMD.

SUMMARY

[0010] Provided herein are compounds for the treatment of muscular dystrophy and related conditions, including DMD, compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of use thereof. In one embodiment, provided herein are compounds that upregulate endogenous utrophin, and are useful in the treatment of muscular dystrophy, including DMD. [0011] In one embodiment, provided herein is a compound of formula (I):

(I) or a tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof; wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , and n are defined herein elsewhere, for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, or cachexia.

[0012] In certain embodiments, provided herein is a compound of formula (I), or a tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof.

[0013] Also provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula (I), including an enantiomer, a mixture of enantiomer, or a mixture of two or more diastereomers; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, hydrate, or prodrug thereof; in combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients. [0014] Also provided herein is a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, or cachexia. In one embodiment, the method treats, prevents, or ameliorates one or more symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, or cachexia. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of formula (I). In another embodiment, the method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, hydrate, or prodrug, of a compound of formula (I).

[0015] In one embodiment, the compounds of formula (I) are used to treat or prevent Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, or cachexia. In another embodiment, the compounds of formula (I) are used in the treatment or prophylaxis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy or Becker muscular dystrophy. In another embodiment, the compounds of formula (I) are used in the treatment or prophylaxis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A. Definitions

[0016] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein generally have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. To facilitate understanding of the disclosure set forth herein, a number of terms are defined below.

[0017] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "Ci-C ₆ alkyl" refers to an optionally substituted straight or branched saturated hydrocarbon chain having one to six carbon atoms. In one embodiment, the optional substituent is halo. Examples include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, t-butyl, n-hexyl, trifluoromethyl, and 1,2-dichloroethyl.

[0018] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the terms "Cj-C ₅ alkyl", "Ci-C ₄ alkyl", and "Cj-Cio alkyl" have similar meanings except that they contain respectively from one to five, from one to four, and from one to ten carbon atoms.

[0019] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "C ₃ -C ₇ cycloalkyl" refers to an optionally substituted fully saturated carbocyclic ring having from 3 to 7 ring carbon atoms. Examples include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl.

[0020] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "alkylene" refers to a linear or branched saturated divalent hydrocarbon radical, wherein the alkylene may optionally be substituted as described herein. The term "alkylene" encompasses both linear and branched alkylene, unless otherwise specified. In certain embodiments, the alkylene is a linear saturated divalent hydrocarbon radical that has 1 to 20 (Ci _-20 ), 1 to 15 (Ci _-I5 ), 1 to 10 (Ci-I ₀ ), 1 to 6 (Ci _-6 ), or 1 to 5 (Ci _-5 ) carbon atoms, or branched saturated divalent hydrocarbon radical of 3 to 20 (C _3-20 ), 3 to 15 (C _3-I5 ), 3 to 10 (C _3-10 ), 3 to 6 (C _3-6 ), or 3 to 5 (C _3-5 ) carbon atoms. As used herein, linear Ci _-6 and branched C _3-6 alkylene groups are also referred as "lower alkylene." Examples of alkylene groups include, but are not limited to, methylene, ethylene, propylene (including all isomeric forms), n-propylene, isopropylene, butylene (including all isomeric forms), n-butylene, isobutylene, t-butylene, pentylene (including all isomeric forms), and hexylene (including all isomeric forms). For example, C _1-6 alkylene refers to a linear saturated divalent hydrocarbon radical of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a branched saturated divalent hydrocarbon radical of 3 to 6 carbon atoms [0021] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "carbocyclic" refers to an optionally substituted ring system in which all the ring atoms are carbon atoms. [0022] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "heterocyclic" refers to an optionally substituted ring system in which one or more of the ring atoms is a hetero atom selected from N, O and S.

[0023] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, in the carbocyclic and heterocyclic ring systems, one or more ring CH ₂ groups may be replaced with a C=O to form a cyclic ketone. In certain embodiment, one or more ring CH ₂ groups may be replaced with a C=O to form a cyclic amide.

[0024] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "aromatic" refers to an optionally substituted carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system which has aromatic character. In one embodiment, the aromatic ring has one or two rings and from 5 to 10 ring atoms. In bicyclic systems, one of the rings may have aromatic character. Examples of aromatic ring systems include, but are not limited to, phenyl, naphthalene, pyridine, pyrimidine, furan, thiophene, indole, isoindole, benzofuran, benzimidazole, benzimidazoline, benzodioxyl,

benzodioxane, quinoline, isoquinoline, tetrahydroisoquinoline, quinazoline, thiazole, benzthiazole, benzoxazole, indazole, and imidazole ring systems.

[0025] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "non-aromatic" refers to an optionally substituted carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system which may be fully or partially saturated. In one embodiment, the non-aromatic ring is monocyclic and has from 4 to 7 ring atoms. Examples of non-aromatic ring systems include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, piperidine, piperazine, morpholine, tetrahydrofuran, and pyrrolidine.

[0026] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems are optionally substituted with one or more -X ⁴ R ⁷ , wherein:

X ⁴ is a bond, -NR ⁵ -, -S-, -O-, -(CR ⁵ R ⁵ ) _q -, -(CR ⁵ R ⁵ ) _q O-, -O(CR ⁵ R ⁵ ) _q -NR ⁵ C(O)-, -NR ⁵ C(S)-, -NR ⁵ C(O)O-, -NR ⁵ SO ₂ -, -NR ⁵ C(O)NR ⁵ -, -NR ⁵ C(S)NR ⁵ -, -NR ⁵ C(NH)NR ⁵ -, -NR ⁵ C(NH)-, -C(O)-, -C(S)-, -C(O)NR ⁵ -, -C(S)NR ⁵ -, -SO-, -SO ₂ -, -SO ₂ NR ⁵ -, -OC(O)NR ⁵ -, or -P(O)OR ⁵ -; each R ⁵ is independently H or CpC ₆ alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halo; q is O, 1, or 2; and

R ⁷ is H, Ci-C ₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl, wherein the alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl are each optionally substituted with one or more halo or -0(Ci-C ₆ alkyl), and wherein the cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl are each optionally substituted with one or more Ci-C ₆ alkyl; or when X ⁴ is a bond, R ⁷ may also be halo, NO ₂ , or CN.

[0027] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, aromatic or non-aromatic ring systems are optionally substituted with one or more -X ⁴ R ⁷ , wherein X ⁴ and R ⁷ are defined herein elsewhere.

[0028] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the terms "cycloalkyl" or "non- aromatic carbocyclic" refer to a cyclic saturated bridged and/or non-bridged monovalent hydrocarbon radical, which may be optionally substituted with one or more -X ⁴ R ⁷ , wherein X ⁴ and R ⁷ are defined herein elsewhere. In certain embodiments, the cycloalkyl has from 3 to 20 (C _3-20 ), from 3 to 15 (C _3-I5 ), from 3 to 10 (C _3- I ₀ ), or from 3 to 7 (C _3-7 ) carbon atoms. Examples of cycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, bicyclo[2.1.1]hexyl, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl, decalinyl, and adamantyl.

[0029] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the terms "aryl" or "aromatic carbocyclic" refer to a monocyclic aromatic group and/or multicyclic monovalent aromatic group that contain at least one aromatic hydrocarbon ring. In certain embodiments, the aryl has from 6 to 20 (C ₆ . ₂ o), from 6 to 15 (C _6- I ₅ ), or from 6 to 10 (C _6-10 ) ring atoms. Examples of aryl groups include, but are not limited to, phenyl, naphthyl, fluorenyl, azulenyl, anthryl, phenanthryl, pyrenyl, biphenyl, and terphenyl. Aryl also refers to bicyclic or tricyclic carbon rings, where one of the rings is aromatic and the others of which may be saturated, partially unsaturated, or aromatic, for example, dihydronaphthyl, indenyl, indanyl, or tetrahydronaphthyl (tetralinyl). In certain embodiments, aryl may be optionally substituted with one or more -X ⁴ R ⁷ , wherein X ⁴ and R ⁷ are defined herein elsewhere. [0030] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "aralkyl" or "aryl-alkyl" refers to a monovalent alkyl group substituted with aryl. In certain embodiments, the alkyl and aryl moieties are optionally substituted with one or more substituents. [0031] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the terms "heteroaryl" or "aromatic heterocyclic" refer to a monocyclic aromatic group and/or multicyclic aromatic group that contain at least one aromatic ring, wherein at least one aromatic ring contains one or more heteroatoms independently selected from O, S, and N. Each ring of a heteroaryl group can contain one or two O atoms, one or two S atoms, and/or one to four N atoms, provided that the total number of heteroatoms in each ring is four or less and each ring contains at least one carbon atom. In certain embodiments, the heteroaryl has from 5 to 20, from 5 to 15, or from 5 to 10 ring atoms. Examples of monocyclic heteroaryl groups include, but are not limited to, furanyl, imidazolyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, oxazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, thiadiazolyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, tetrazolyl, triazinyl, and triazolyl. Examples of bicyclic heteroaryl groups include, but are not limited to, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, benzoisoxazolyl, benzopyranyl, benzothiadiazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzothienyl, benzothiophenyl, benzotriazolyl, benzoxazolyl, furopyridyl, imidazopyridinyl, imidazothiazolyl, indolizinyl, indolyl, indazolyl, isobenzofuranyl, isobenzothienyl, isoindolyl, isoquinolinyl, isothiazolyl, naphthyridinyl, oxazolopyridinyl, phthalazinyl, pteridinyl, purinyl, pyridopyridyl, pyrrolopyridyl, quinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl, thiadiazolopyrimidyl, and thienopyridyl. Examples of tricyclic heteroaryl groups include, but are not limited to, acridinyl, benzindolyl, carbazolyl, dibenzofuranyl, perimidinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenanthridinyl, phenarsazinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxazinyl, and xanthenyl. In

certain embodiments, heteroaryl may also be optionally substituted with one or more -X ⁴ R ⁷ , wherein X ⁴ and R ⁷ are defined herein elsewhere.

[0032] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the terms "non-aromatic heterocyclyl" or "non-aromatic heterocyclic" refers to a monocyclic non-aromatic ring system and/or multicyclic ring system that contains at least one non-aromatic ring, wherein one or more of the non-aromatic ring atoms are heteroatoms independently selected from O, S, or N; and the remaining ring atoms are carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, the heterocyclyl or heterocyclic group has from 3 to 20, from 3 to 15, from 3 to 10, from 3 to 8, from 4 to 7, or from 5 to 6 ring atoms. In certain embodiments, the heterocyclyl is a monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic, or tetracyclic ring system, which may include a fused or bridged ring system, and in which the nitrogen or sulfur atoms may be optionally oxidized, the nitrogen atoms may be optionally quaternized, and some rings may be partially or fully saturated, or aromatic. The heterocyclyl may be attached to the main structure at any heteroatom or carbon atom which results in the creation of a stable compound. Examples of such heterocyclic radicals include, but are not limited to, azepinyl, benzodioxanyl, benzodioxolyl, benzofuranonyl, benzopyranonyl, benzopyranyl, benzotetrahydrofuranyl, benzotetrahydrothienyl, benzothiopyranyl, benzoxazinyl, β-carbolinyl, chromanyl, chromonyl, cinnolinyl, coumarinyl, decahydroisoquinolinyl, dihydrobenzisothiazinyl, dihydrobenzisoxazinyl, dihydrofuryl, dihydroisoindolyl, dihydropyranyl, dihydropyrazolyl, dihydropyrazinyl, dihydropyridinyl, dihydropyrimidinyl, dihydropyrrolyl, dioxolanyl, 1 A- dithianyl, furanonyl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, indolinyl, isobenzotetrahydrofuranyl, isobenzotetrahydrothienyl, isochromanyl, isocoumarinyl, isoindolinyl, isothiazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, morpholinyl, octahydroindolyl, octahydroisoindolyl, oxazolidinonyl, oxazolidinyl, oxiranyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, 4-piperidonyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, quinuclidinyl, tetrahydrofuryl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrothienyl, thiamorpholinyl, thiazolidinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, and 1,3,5-trithianyl. In certain embodiments, heterocyclic may also be optionally substituted with one or more -X ⁴ R ⁷ , wherein X ⁴ and R ⁷ are defined herein elsewhere. [0033] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "halo" refers to fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo.

[0034] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, appropriate pharmaceutically and veterinarily acceptable salts include basic addition salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium,

aluminum, zinc, magnesium, and other metal salts, as well as choline, diethanolamine, ethanolamine, ethyl diamine, and other known basic addition salts.

[0035] Where appropriate, pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable salts may also include salts of organic acids, especially carboxylic acids, including but not limited to acetate, trifluoroacetate, lactate, gluconate, citrate, tartrate, maleate, malate, pantothenate, adipate, alginate, aspartate, benzoate, butyrate, digluconate, cyclopentanate, glucoheptanate, glycerophosphate, oxalate, heptanoate, hexanoate, fumarate, nicotinate, pamoate, pectinate,

3-phenylpropionate, picrate, pivalate, proprionate, tartrate, lactobionate, pivolate, camphorate, undecanoate and succinate, organic sulfonic acids such as methanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, 2-hydroxyethane sulfonate, camphorsulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, p-chlorobenzenesulfonate and p-toluenesulfonate; and inorganic acids such as hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, sulfate, bisulfate, hemisulfate, thiocyanate, persulfate, phosphoric and sulfonic acids.

[0036] Salts which are not pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable may still be valuable as intermediates.

[0037] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "prodrug" refers to any covalently bonded compounds which release the active parent drug according to formula (I) in vivo.

[0038] If a chiral center or another form of isomeric center is present in a compound provided herein, all forms of such isomer or isomers, including enantiomers and diastereoisomers, are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure. Compounds provided herein containing a chiral center may be used as a racemic mixture, an enantiomerically enriched mixture, or the racemic mixture may be separated using known techniques and an individual enantiomer may be used alone.

[0039] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "subject" refers to an animal, including but not limited to, a primate (e.g., human), cow, pig, sheep, goat, horse, dog, cat, rabbit, rat, or mouse. The terms "subject" and "patient" are used interchangeably herein in reference, for example, to a mammalian subject, such as a human subject, in one embodiment, a human.

[0040] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the terms "treat," "treating," and

"treatment" are meant to include alleviating or abrogating a disorder, disease, or condition, or one or more of the symptoms associated with the disorder, disease, or condition; or alleviating or eradicating the cause(s) of the disorder, disease, or condition itself.

[0041] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the terms "prevent," "preventing," and "prevention" are meant to include a method of delaying and/or precluding the onset of a disorder, disease, or condition, and/or its attendant symptoms; barring a subject from acquiring a disorder, disease, or condition; or reducing a subject's risk of acquiring a disorder, disease, or condition.

[0042] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "therapeutically effective amount" are meant to include the amount of a compound that, when administered, is sufficient to prevent development of, or alleviate to some extent, one or more of the symptoms of the disorder, disease, or condition being treated. The term "therapeutically effective amount" also refers to the amount of a compound that is sufficient to elicit the biological or medical response of a biological molecule (e.g., a protein, enzyme, RNA, or DNA), cell, tissue, system, animal, or human, which is being sought by a researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor, or clinician.

[0043] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier," "pharmaceutically acceptable excipient," "physiologically acceptable carrier," or "physiologically acceptable excipient" refers to a pharmaceutically-acceptable material, composition, or vehicle, such as a liquid or solid filler, diluent, solvent, or encapsulating material. In one embodiment, each component is "pharmaceutically acceptable" in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of a pharmaceutical formulation, and suitable for use in contact with the tissue or organ of humans and animals without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, immunogenicity, or other problems or complications, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. See, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 21st Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: Philadelphia, PA, 2005; Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, 5th Edition, Rowe et al, Eds., The Pharmaceutical Press and the American Pharmaceutical Association: 2005; and Handbook of Pharmaceutical Additives, 3rd Edition, Ash and Ash Eds., Gower Publishing Company: 2007; Pharmaceutical P reformulation and Formulation, 2nd Edition, Gibson Ed., CRC Press LLC: Boca Raton, FL, 2009.

[0044] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "about" or "approximately" means an acceptable error for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which depends in part on how the value is measured or determined. In certain embodiments, the term "about" or "approximately" means within 1, 2, 3, or 4 standard deviations. In certain embodiments, the term "about" or "approximately" means

within 50%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.05% of a given value or range.

[0045] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the terms "active ingredient" and "active substance" refer to a compound, which is administered, alone or in combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, to a subject for treating, preventing, or ameliorating one or more symptoms of a condition, disorder, or disease. As used herein, "active ingredient" and "active substance" may be an optically active isomer of a compound described herein.

[0046] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the terms "drug," "therapeutic agent," and "chemotherapeutic agent" refer to a compound, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, which is administered to a subject for treating, preventing, or ameliorating one or more symptoms of a condition, disorder, or disease.

[0047] In certain embodiments, "optically active" and "enantiomerically active" refer to a collection of molecules, which has an enantiomeric excess of no less than about 50%, no less than about 70%, no less than about 80%, no less than about 90%, no less than about 91%, no less than about 92%, no less than about 93%, no less than about 94%, no less than about 95%, no less than about 96%, no less than about 97%, no less than about 98%, no less than about 99%, no less than about 99.5%, or no less than about 99.8%. In certain embodiments, the compound comprises about 95% or more of the desired enantiomer and about 5% or less of the less preferred enantiomer based on the total weight of the racemate in question. [0048] In describing an optically active compound, the prefixes R and S are used to denote the absolute configuration of the molecule about its chiral center(s). The (+) and (-) are used to denote the optical rotation of the compound, that is, the direction in which a plane of polarized light is rotated by the optically active compound. The (-) prefix indicates that the compound is levorotatory, that is, the compound rotates the plane of polarized light to the left or counterclockwise. The (+) prefix indicates that the compound is dextrorotatory, that is, the compound rotates the plane of polarized light to the right or clockwise. However, the sign of optical rotation, (+) and (-), is not related to the absolute configuration of the molecule, R and S.

[0049] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "solvate" refers to a compound provided herein or a salt thereof, which further includes a stoichiometric or non- stoichiometric amount of solvent bound by non-covalent intermolecular forces. Where the solvent is water, the solvate is a hydrate.

B. Compounds

[0050] Provided herein is a compound of formula (I):

(I) or a tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof, wherein

R ¹ is optionally substituted 5-10 membered monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic carbocyclic ring system, optionally substituted 5-10 membered non-aromatic carbocyclic ring system, optionally substituted 5-10 membered monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic heterocyclic ring system, or optionally substituted 5-10 membered non-aromatic heterocyclic ring system;

R ² is R ⁶ , SO ₂ R ⁶ or LSO ₂ R ⁶ ; each R ³ is independently halo, CN, NO ₂ , OH, SH, NH ₂ , Cj-C ₄ alkyl, or -0(C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl);

R ⁶ is (i) Ci-C _1O alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halo, -OH, -0(Ci-C ₆ alkyl), or optionally substituted 5-10 membered monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic or 5-10 membered non-aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system; or (ii) optionally substituted C ₃ -C ₇ cycloalkyl;

L is C ₁ -C ₅ alkylene; n is 0, 1, 2, or 3; for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, or cachexia.

[0051] In certain embodiments, provided herein is a compound of formula (I), or a tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof.

[0052] In one embodiment, R ¹ is optionally substituted 5-10 membered monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic carbocyclic ring system. In another embodiment, R ¹ is optionally substituted 5-10 membered monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic heterocyclic ring system. In another embodiment, R ¹ is optionally substituted monocyclic aromatic carbocyclic ring system. In another embodiment, R ¹ is optionally substituted bicyclic aromatic carbocyclic ring system. In another embodiment, R ¹ is optionally substituted monocyclic aromatic heterocyclic ring system. In another embodiment, R ¹ is optionally substituted bicyclic

aromatic heterocyclic ring system. In another embodiment, R ¹ is optionally substituted 5-10 membered non-aromatic carbocyclic ring system. In another embodiment, R ¹ is optionally substituted 5-10 membered non-aromatic heterocyclic ring system. [0053] In one embodiment, R ¹ is unsubstituted aromatic carbocyclic ring system. In another embodiment, R ¹ is aromatic carbocyclic ring system optionally substituted with one or more halo substituents. In certain embodiments, R ¹ is phenyl or naphthyl optionally substituted with one or more halo. In another embodiment, R ¹ is phenyl optionally substituted with one or more halo. In another embodiment, R ¹ is naphthyl optionally substituted with one or more halo. In another embodiment, R ¹ is unsubstituted phenyl. In another embodiment, R ¹ is unsubstituted naphthyl. In another embodiment, R ¹ is phenyl or naphthyl optionally substituted with one or more chloro. In another embodiment, R ¹ is phenyl optionally substituted with one or more chloro. In another embodiment, R ¹ is naphthyl optionally substituted with one or more chloro. In another embodiment, R ¹ is phenyl substituted with two chloro substituents. Specific examples of R ¹ include, but are not limited to, naphthalene-2-yl, phenyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl and 2,3-dichlorophenyl. [0054] In one embodiment, R ² is R ⁶ . In another embodiment, R ² is SO ₂ R ⁶ . In another embodiment, R ² is LSO ₂ R ⁶ .

[0055] In one embodiment, R ⁶ is Ci-Ci o alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halo, -OH, -0(Ci-C ₆ alkyl), or optionally substituted 5-10 membered monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic or 5-10 membered non-aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system. In another embodiment, R ⁶ is optionally substituted Cj,-Cη cycloalkyl. In another embodiment, R ⁶ is Ci- Cio alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halo. In another embodiment, R ⁶ is Ci-Ci ₀ alkyl optionally substituted with one or more -OH. In another embodiment, R ⁶ is Cj-Cio alkyl optionally substituted with one or more -0(Ci-C ₆ alkyl). In another embodiment, R ⁶ is Ci-Cio alkyl optionally substituted with optionally substituted 5-10 membered monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic carbocyclic ring system. In another embodiment, R ⁶ is Q-Cio alkyl optionally substituted with optionally substituted 5-10 membered monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic heterocyclic ring system. In another embodiment, R ⁶ is Cj-Cio alkyl optionally substituted with optionally substituted 5-10 membered non-aromatic carbocyclic ring system. In another embodiment, R ⁶ is Ci-Ci o alkyl optionally substituted with optionally substituted 5-10 membered non-aromatic heterocyclic ring system.

[0056] In one embodiment, R ² is Ci-Cio alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halo. In another embodiment, R ² is straight or branched Ci-C ₆ alkyl optionally substituted

with one or more halo. In another embodiment, R ² is straight or branched C]-C ₆ alkyl optionally substituted with one or more fluoro. In another embodiment, R ² is C]-C ₁₀ alkyl optionally substituted with one or more phenyl. Specific examples of R ² include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, any of which may be optionally substituted with one or more halo substituents, such as fluoro, or phenyl. Other examples of

R ² include, but are not limited to, 3,3,3-trifluoro-propyl and benzyl.

[0057] In one embodiment, R ² is optionally substituted C ₃ -C ₇ cycloalkyl. In another embodiment, R ² is optionally substituted cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl. Specific examples of R ² include, but are not limited to, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl.

[0058] In certain embodiments, n is 0 and R ³ is absent. In another embodiment, n is 1. In another embodiment, n is 2. In another embodiment, n is 3.

[0059] In one embodiment, L is Ci-C ₅ alkylene.

[0060] In one embodiment, R ³ is halo. In another embodiment, R ³ is CN. In another embodiment, R ³ is NO ₂ . In another embodiment, R ³ is OH. In another embodiment, R ³ is

SH. In another embodiment, R ³ is NH ₂ . In another embodiment, R ³ is Ci-C ₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R ³ is -0(Ci-C ₄ alkyl).

[0061] Any combinations of R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , X ⁴ , L, q, and n are encompassed by this disclosure and specifically provided herein.

[0062] In one embodiment, specific examples of compounds of formula (I) include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. 5-benzyl-2-phenyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine;

2. 5-ethyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine;

3. 5-methyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine;

4. 2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5-propyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine;

5. 5-butyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine;

6. 5-benzyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine;

7. 5-isopropyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine;

8. 2-(3,4-dicMorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine;

9. 2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-propyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine;

10. 2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-methyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]ρyridine;

11. 5-cyclopentyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine;

12. 5-cyclopentyl-2-(3,4-dichlo

13. 2-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-5-is

14. 5-cyclopentyl-2-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridi ne;

15. 2-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-5-propyl-5H-irnidazo[4,5-c]ρyridine;

16. 2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-5H-imidazo[ 4,5-c]pyridine;

or a tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof.

[0063] Provided herein is a compound of formula (I) or a tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof. [0064] Specific examples include, but are not limited to, the following:

5-ethyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine;

5-methyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine;

2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5-propyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine;

5-butyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine;

5-benzyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yJ)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine;

5-isopropyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine ;

2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyrid ine;

2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-propyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine ;

2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-methyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine ;

5-cyclopentyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridi ne;

5-cyclopentyl-2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyr idine;

2-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyrid ine;

5-cyclopentyl-2-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyr idine;

2-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-5-propyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine ;

2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-5H-imida zo[4,5-c]pyridine; or a tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof.

[0065] Also provided herein is the use of a compound of formula (I) in the preparation of an agent for the treatment or prophylaxis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, or cachexia.

C. Synthesis of the Compounds

[0066] In one embodiment, provided herein is a method of making a compound of formula (I). The compounds of formula (I) can be synthesized from commercially available starting materials using the following methods.

[0067] Compounds of formula (I) may be prepared by reacting a compound of formula

(II):

(H) wherein R ¹ , R ³ , and n are as defined in herein elsewhere; by reaction with a compound of formula (III):

R ² — x (HI) wherein R ² is as defined herein elsewhere; and X is halo, for example bromo or iodo. [0068] In one embodiment, when R ² is an alkyl, X may be bromo. In another embodiment, when R ² is cycloalkyl, X may be iodo. The reaction may be carried out in the - presence of an aqueous base such as sodium hydroxide, generally at a temperature from 15 to 30 ⁰ C, such as 25°C.

[0069] In one embodiment, when R ² is haloalkyl, for example 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl, X may be iodo. The reaction may be carried out under basic conditions. In some embodiments, the reaction may be carried out in a polar organic solvent such as dimethylformamide in the presence of a base such as sodium hydride. In some embodiments, the reaction is carried out at elevated temperature, for example 80 to 15O ⁰ C.

[0070] Compounds of formula (III) are readily available or may be prepared by methods which are known to those of skills in the art.

[0071] Compounds of formula (II) may be prepared by reacting a compound of general (IV):

R ¹ — COOH

(IV) wherein R ¹ is as defined herein elsewhere; with a 3,4-diaminopyridine of formula (V):

(V) wherein R ³ and n are as defined herein elsewhere.

[0072] The reaction may be carried out in the presence of an acidic dehydrating agent such as polyphosphoric acid and at elevated temperature, for example 150 to 200 ⁰ C. [0073] Compounds of general formulae (IV) and (V) are known and are either readily available or may be prepared by methods known to those of skills in the art. [0074] In the syntheses described herein, suitable protecting groups may be used, as known to one skilled in the art. One skilled in the art would be able to choose appropriate protecting groups and conditions to introduce and remove such protecting groups. Information concerning protecting groups is available in "Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis", Theodora W. Greene and Peter G. M. Wuts, published by John Wiley & Sons Inc.

D. Pharmaceutical Compositions

[0075] In one embodiment, the compounds of formula (I) for use in the treatment of

DMD is administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition. Provided herein is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I), or a tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof; and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

[0076] In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises less than 80% w/w, less than 50% w/w, less than 20% w/w, or between 0.1 to 20% w/w, of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.

[0077] In one embodiment, provided herein is a process for the production of such a pharmaceutical composition which comprises mixing the ingredients.

[0078] In one embodiment, examples of pharmaceutical formulations, compositions, and suitable diluents or carriers, include, but are not limited to, the following: for intravenous injection or infusion - purified water or saline solution; for inhalation compositions - coarse lactose;

for tablets, capsules and dragees - microcrystalline cellulose, calcium phosphate, diatomaceous earth, a sugar such as lactose, dextrose or mannitol, talc, stearic acid, starch, sodium bicarbonate and/or gelatin; for suppositories - natural or hardened oils or waxes.

[0079] In one embodiment, the compound is used in aqueous solution, for example in intravenous infusion, the pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound may further comprise one or more excipients. In certain embodiments, the excipients include, but are not limited to, chelating or sequestering agents, antioxidants, tonicity adjusting agents, pH- modifying agents and buffering agents.

[0080] In one embodiment, solutions containing a compound of formula (I) may, if desired, be evaporated, for example, by freeze drying or spray drying, to give a solid composition, which may be reconstituted prior to use.

[0081] In one embodiment, the compound of formula (I) is not used as a solution. In one embodiment, the compound of formula (I) is in a form having a mass median diameter of from 0.01 to 10 μm. In certain embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) may further contain preserving, stabilizing, and wetting agents, solubilizers, for example, a water-soluble cellulose polymer such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, or a water-soluble glycol such as propylene glycol, sweetening and coloring agents and flavorings. In one embodiment, the compositions may be formulated in sustained release form.

[0082] In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a compound of formula (I) in about 0.01% to about 99.9% w/w, relative to the entire preparation. In certain embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a compound of formula (I) in about 0.1% to about 50% w/w, relative to the entire preparation.

[0083] Provided herein is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I), and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, adjuvant, carrier, buffer, or stabiliser.

[0084] In one embodiment, the pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, adjuvant, carrier, buffer, or stabiliser is non-toxic and does not interfere with the efficacy of the active ingredient. The precise nature of the carrier or other material will depend on the route of administration, which may be oral or by injection, such as cutaneous, subcutaneous, or intravenous injection.

[0085] In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are provided in a dosage form for oral administration, which comprise a compound provided herein, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients or carriers. The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein that are formulated for oral administration may be in tablet, capsule, powder, or liquid form. A tablet may comprise a solid carrier or an adjuvant. Liquid pharmaceutical compositions generally comprise a liquid carrier such as water, petroleum, animal or vegetable oils, or mineral oil or synthetic oil. Physiological saline solution, dextrose or other saccharide solution, or glycols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or polyethylene glycol may be included. A capsule may comprise a solid carrier such as gelatin. [0086] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are provided in a dosage form for parenteral administration, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients or carriers. Where pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated for intravenous, cutaneous or subcutaneous injection, the active ingredient will be in the form of a parenterally acceptable aqueous solution, which is pyrogen-free and has a suitable pH, isotonicity, and stability. Those of relevant skill in the art are well able to prepare suitable solutions using, for example, isotonic vehicles, such as Sodium Chloride injection, Ringer's injection, or Lactated Ringer's injection. Preservatives, stabilisers, buffers, antioxidants, and/or other additives may be included as required.

[0087] In yet another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are provided in a dosage form for topical administration, which comprise a compound provided herein, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients or carriers.

[0088] The pharmaceutical compositions can also be formulated as modified release dosage forms, including delayed-, extended-, prolonged-, sustained-, pulsatile-, controlled-, accelerated- and fast-, targeted-, programmed-release, and gastric retention dosage forms. These dosage forms can be prepared according to conventional methods and techniques known to those skilled in the art (See, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, supra; Modified-Release Drug Delivery Technology, 2nd Edition, Rathbone et al., Eds., Marcel Dekker, Inc.: New York, NY, 2008).

[0089] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be provided in a unit- dosage form or multiple-dosage form. A unit-dosage form, as used herein, refers to physically discrete a unit suitable for administration to a human and animal subject, and packaged individually as is known in the art. Each unit-dose contains a predetermined quantity of an active ingredient(s) sufficient to produce the desired therapeutic effect, in

association with the required pharmaceutical carriers or excipients. Examples of a unit- dosage form include an ampoule, syringe, and individually packaged tablet and capsule. A unit-dosage form may be administered in fractions or multiples thereof. A multiple-dosage form is a plurality of identical unit-dosage forms packaged in a single container to be administered in segregated unit-dosage form. Examples of a multiple-dosage form include a vial, bottle of tablets or capsules, or bottle of pints or gallons.

[0090] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be administered at once, or multiple times at intervals of time. It is understood that the precise dosage and duration of treatment may vary with the age, weight, and condition of the patient being treated, and may be determined empirically using known testing protocols or by extrapolation from in vivo or in vitro test or diagnostic data. It is further understood that for any particular individual, specific dosage regimens should be adjusted over time according to the individual need and the professional judgment of the person administering or supervising the administration of the formulations.

[0091] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein further comprise one or more therapeutic agents for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, or cachexia..

[0092] In yet another embodiment, provided herein is the use of a compound of formula (I) in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, or cachexia. In certain embodiments, the medicament is in tablet, capsule, powder, or liquid form. In certain embodiments, the medicament is formulated as described herein.

1. Oral Administration

[0093] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for oral administration can be provided in solid, semisolid, or liquid dosage forms for oral administration. As used herein, oral administration also includes buccal, lingual, and sublingual administration. Suitable oral dosage forms include, but are not limited to, tablets, fastmelts, chewable tablets, capsules, pills, strips, troches, lozenges, pastilles, cachets, pellets, medicated chewing gum, bulk powders, effervescent or non-effervescent powders or granules, oral mists, solutions, emulsions, suspensions, wafers, sprinkles, elixirs, and syrups. In addition to the active ingredient(s), the pharmaceutical compositions can contain one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients, including, but not limited to, binders, fillers, diluents, disintegrants, wetting agents, lubricants, glidants, coloring agents, dye-migration inhibitors, sweetening agents, flavoring agents, emulsifying agents, suspending and dispersing agents, preservatives, solvents, non-aqueous liquids, organic acids, and sources of carbon dioxide. [0094] Binders or granulators impart cohesiveness to a tablet to ensure the tablet remaining intact after compression. Suitable binders or granulators include, but are not limited to, starches, such as corn starch, potato starch, and pre-gelatinized starch (e.g., STARCH 1500); gelatin; sugars, such as sucrose, glucose, dextrose, molasses, and lactose; natural and synthetic gums, such as acacia, alginic acid, alginates, extract of Irish moss, panwar gum, ghatti gum, mucilage of isabgol husks, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Veegum, larch arabogalactan, powdered tragacanth, and guar gum; celluloses, such as ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, carboxymethyl cellulose calcium, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC); microcrystalline celluloses, such as AVICEL-PH-101, AVICEL-PH- 103, AVICEL RC-581, AVICEL-PH-105 (FMC Corp., Marcus Hook, PA); and mixtures thereof. Suitable fillers include, but are not limited to, talc, calcium carbonate, microcrystalline cellulose, powdered cellulose, dextrates, kaolin, mannitol, silicic acid, sorbitol, starch, pre- gelatinized starch, and mixtures thereof. The amount of a binder or filler in the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein varies upon the type of formulation, and is readily discernible to those of ordinary skill in the art. The binder or filler may be present from about 50 to about 99% by weight in the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein. [0095] Suitable diluents include, but are not limited to, dicalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, lactose, sorbitol, sucrose, inositol, cellulose, kaolin, mannitol, sodium chloride, dry

starch, and powdered sugar. Certain diluents, such as mannitol, lactose, sorbitol, sucrose, and inositol, when present in sufficient quantity, can impart properties to some compressed tablets that permit disintegration in the mouth by chewing. Such compressed tablets can be used as chewable tablets. The amount of a diluent in the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein varies upon the type of formulation, and is readily discernible to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0096] Suitable disintegrants include, but are not limited to, agar; bentonite; celluloses, such as methylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose; wood products; natural sponge; cation- exchange resins; alginic acid; gums, such as guar gum and Veegum HV; citrus pulp; cross- linked celluloses, such as croscarmellose; cross-linked polymers, such as crospovidone; cross-linked starches; calcium carbonate; microcrystalline cellulose, such as sodium starch glycolate; polacrilin potassium; starches, such as corn starch, potato starch, tapioca starch, and pre-gelatinized starch; clays; aligns; and mixtures thereof. The amount of a disintegrant in the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein varies upon the type of formulation, and is readily discernible to those of ordinary skill in the art. The amount of a disintegrant in the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein varies upon the type of formulation, and is readily discernible to those of ordinary skill in the art. The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may contain from about 0.5 to about 15% or from about 1 to about 5% by weight of a disintegrant.

[0097] Suitable lubricants include, but are not limited to, calcium stearate; magnesium stearate; mineral oil; light mineral oil; glycerin; sorbitol; mannitol; glycols, such as glycerol behenate and polyethylene glycol (PEG); stearic acid; sodium lauryl sulfate; talc; hydrogenated vegetable oil, including peanut oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil, and soybean oil; zinc stearate; ethyl oleate; ethyl laureate; agar; starch; lycopodium; silica or silica gels, such as AEROSBL ^® 200 (W.R. Grace Co., Baltimore, MD) and CAB-O-SIL ^® (Cabot Co. of Boston, MA); and mixtures thereof. The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may contain about 0.1 to about 5% by weight of a lubricant. [0098] Suitable glidants include, but are not limited to, colloidal silicon dioxide, CAB-O- SEL ^® (Cabot Co. of Boston, MA), and asbestos-free talc. Suitable coloring agents include, but are not limited to, any of the approved, certified, water soluble FD&C dyes, and water insoluble FD&C dyes suspended on alumina hydrate, and color lakes and mixtures thereof. A color lake is the combination by adsorption of a water-soluble dye to a hydrous oxide of a heavy metal, resulting in an insoluble form of the dye. Suitable flavoring agents include, but

are not limited to, natural flavors extracted from plants, such as fruits, and synthetic blends of compounds which produce a pleasant taste sensation, such as peppermint and methyl salicylate. Suitable sweetening agents include, but are not limited to, sucrose, lactose, mannitol, syrups, glycerin, and artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin and aspartame. Suitable emulsifying agents include, but are not limited to, gelatin, acacia, tragacanth, bentonite, and surfactants, such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (TWEEN ^® 20), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate 80 (TWEEN ^® 80), and triethanolamine oleate. Suitable suspending and dispersing agents include, but are not limited to, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, pectin, tragacanth, Veegum, acacia, sodium carbomethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Suitable preservatives include, but are not limited to, glycerin, methyl and propylparaben, benzoic add, sodium benzoate and alcohol. Suitable wetting agents include, but are not limited to, propylene glycol monostearate, sorbitan monooleate, diethylene glycol monolaurate, and polyoxyethylene lauryl ether. Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, glycerin, sorbitol, ethyl alcohol, and syrup. Suitable non-aqueous liquids utilized in emulsions include, but are not limited to, mineral oil and cottonseed oil. Suitable organic acids include, but are not limited to, citric and tartaric acid. Suitable sources of carbon dioxide include, but are not limited to, sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate.

[0099] It should be understood that many carriers and excipients may serve several functions, even within the same formulation.

[00100] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for oral administration can be provided as compressed tablets, tablet triturates, chewable lozenges, rapidly dissolving tablets, multiple compressed tablets, or enteric-coating tablets, sugar-coated, or film-coated tablets. Enteric-coated tablets are compressed tablets coated with substances that resist the action of stomach acid but dissolve or disintegrate in the intestine, thus protecting the active ingredients from the acidic environment of the stomach. Enteric-coatings include, but are not limited to, fatty acids, fats, phenyl salicylate, waxes, shellac, ammoniated shellac, and cellulose acetate phthalates. Sugar-coated tablets are compressed tablets surrounded by a sugar coating, which may be beneficial in covering up objectionable tastes or odors and in protecting the tablets from oxidation. Film-coated tablets are compressed tablets that are covered with a thin layer or film of a water-soluble material. Film coatings include, but are not limited to, hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol 4000, and cellulose acetate phthalate. Film coating imparts the same general characteristics

as sugar coating. Multiple compressed tablets are compressed tablets made by more than one compression cycle, including layered tablets, and press-coated or dry-coated tablets. [00101] The tablet dosage forms can be prepared from the active ingredient in powdered, crystalline, or granular forms, alone or in combination with one or more carriers or excipients described herein, including binders, disintegrants, controlled-release polymers, lubricants, diluents, and/or colorants. Flavoring and sweetening agents are especially useful in the formation of chewable tablets and lozenges.

[00102] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for oral administration can be provided as soft or hard capsules, which can be made from gelatin, methylcellulose, starch, or calcium alginate. The hard gelatin capsule, also known as the dry-filled capsule (DFC), consists of two sections, one slipping over the other, thus completely enclosing the active ingredient. The soft elastic capsule (SEC) is a soft, globular shell, such as a gelatin shell, which is plasticized by the addition of glycerin, sorbitol, or a similar polyol. The soft gelatin shells may contain a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms. Suitable preservatives are those as described herein, including methyl- and propyl-parabens, and sorbic acid. The liquid, semisolid, and solid dosage forms provided herein may be encapsulated in a capsule. Suitable liquid and semisolid dosage forms include solutions and suspensions in propylene carbonate, vegetable oils, or triglycerides. Capsules containing such solutions can be prepared as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,328,245; 4,409,239; and 4,410,545. The capsules may also be coated as known by those of skill in the art in order to modify or sustain dissolution of the active ingredient.

[00103] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for oral administration can be provided in liquid and semisolid dosage forms, including emulsions, solutions, suspensions, elixirs, and syrups. An emulsion is a two-phase system, in which one liquid is dispersed in the form of small globules throughout another liquid, which can be oil-in-water or water-in- oil. Emulsions may include a pharmaceutically acceptable non-aqueous liquid or solvent, emulsifying agent, and preservative. Suspensions may include a pharmaceutically acceptable suspending agent and preservative. Aqueous alcoholic solutions may include a pharmaceutically acceptable acetal, such as a di(lower alkyl) acetal of a lower alkyl aldehyde, e.g., acetaldehyde diethyl acetal; and a water-miscible solvent having one or more hydroxyl groups, such as propylene glycol and ethanol. Elixirs are clear, sweetened, and hydroalcoholic solutions. Syrups are concentrated aqueous solutions of a sugar, for example, sucrose, and may also contain a preservative. For a liquid dosage form, for example, a

solution in a polyethylene glycol may be diluted with a sufficient quantity of a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid carrier, e.g., water, to be measured conveniently for administration.

[00104] Other useful liquid and semisolid dosage forms include, but are not limited to, those containing the active ingredient(s) provided herein, and a dialkylated mono- or poly- alkylene glycol, including, 1 ,2-dimethoxymethane, diglyme, triglyme, tetraglyme, polyethylene glycol-350-dimethyl ether, polyethylene glycol-550-dimethyl ether, polyethylene glycol-750-dimethyl ether, wherein 350, 550, and 750 refer to the approximate average molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol. These formulations can further comprise one or more antioxidants, such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl gallate, vitamin E, hydroquinone, hydroxycoumarins, ethanolamine, lecithin, cephalin, ascorbic acid, malic acid, sorbitol, phosphoric acid, bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, thiodipropionic acid and its esters, and dithiocarbamates. [00105] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for oral administration can be also provided in the forms of liposomes, micelles, microspheres, or nanosystems. Micellar dosage forms can be prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,458. [00106] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for oral administration can be provided as non-effervescent or effervescent, granules and powders, to be reconstituted into a liquid dosage form. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and excipients used in the non- effervescent granules or powders may include diluents, sweeteners, and wetting agents. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and excipients used in the effervescent granules or powders may include organic acids and a source of carbon dioxide. [00107] Coloring and flavoring agents can be used in all of the dosage forms provided herein.

[00108] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for oral administration can be formulated as immediate or modified release dosage forms, including delayed-, sustained, pulsed-, controlled, targeted-, and programmed-release forms.

2. Parenteral Administration

[00109] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be administered parenterally by injection, infusion, or implantation, for local or systemic administration. Parenteral administration, as used herein, include intravenous, intraarterial, intraperitoneal,

intrathecal, intraventricular, intraurethral, intrasternal, intracranial, intramuscular, intrasynovial, intravesical, and subcutaneous administration.

[00110] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for parenteral administration can be formulated in any dosage forms that are suitable for parenteral administration, including solutions, suspensions, emulsions, micelles, liposomes, microspheres, nanosystems, and solid forms suitable for solutions or suspensions in liquid prior to injection. Such dosage forms can be prepared according to conventional methods known to those skilled in the art of pharmaceutical science (See, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, supra). [00111] The pharmaceutical compositions intended for parenteral administration can include one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and excipients, including, but not limited to, aqueous vehicles, water-miscible vehicles, non-aqueous vehicles, antimicrobial agents or preservatives against the growth of microorganisms, stabilizers, solubility enhancers, isotonic agents, buffering agents, antioxidants, local anesthetics, suspending and dispersing agents, wetting or emulsifying agents, complexing agents, sequestering or chelating agents, cryoprotectants, lyoprotectants, thickening agents, pH adjusting agents, and inert gases.

[00112] Suitable aqueous vehicles include, but are not limited to, water, saline, physiological saline or phosphate buffered saline (PBS), sodium chloride injection, Ringers injection, isotonic dextrose injection, sterile water injection, dextrose and lactated Ringers injection. Suitable non-aqueous vehicles include, but are not limited to, fixed oils of vegetable origin, castor oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, peanut oil, peppermint oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated vegetable oils, hydrogenated soybean oil, and medium-chain triglycerides of coconut oil, and palm seed oil. Suitable water-miscible vehicles include, but are not limited to, ethanol, 1,3-butanediol, liquid polyethylene glycol {e.g., polyethylene glycol 300 and polyethylene glycol 400), propylene glycol, glycerin, N- methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N.N-dimethylacetamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide. [00113] Suitable antimicrobial agents or preservatives include, but are not limited to, phenols, cresols, mercurials, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, methyl and propyl p- hydroxybenzoates, thimerosal, benzalkonium chloride (e.g., benzethonium chloride), methyl- and propyl-parabens, and sorbic acid. Suitable isotonic agents include, but are not limited to, sodium chloride, glycerin, and dextrose. Suitable buffering agents include, but are not limited to, phosphate and citrate. Suitable antioxidants are those as described herein, including bisulfite and sodium metabisulfite. Suitable local anesthetics include, but are not

limited to, procaine hydrochloride. Suitable suspending and dispersing agents are those as described herein, including sodium carboxymethylcelluose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Suitable emulsifying agents are those described herein, including polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate 80, and triethanolamine oleate. Suitable sequestering or chelating agents include, but are not limited to EDTA. Suitable pH adjusting agents include, but are not limited to, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, citric acid, and lactic acid. Suitable complexing agents include, but are not limited to, cyclodextrins, including α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-β- cyclodextrin, sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin, and sulfobutylether 7-β-cyclodextrin (CAPTISOL ^® , CyDex, Lenexa, KS).

[00114] When the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are formulated for multiple dosage administration, the multiple dosage parenteral formulations must contain an antimicrobial agent at bacteriostatic or fungistatic concentrations. All parenteral formulations must be sterile, as known and practiced in the art.

[00115] In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions for parenteral administration are provided as ready-to-use sterile solutions. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are provided as sterile dry soluble products, including lyophilized powders and hypodermic tablets, to be reconstituted with a vehicle prior to use. In yet another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are provided as ready-to-use sterile suspensions. In yet another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are provided as sterile dry insoluble products to be reconstituted with a vehicle prior to use. In still another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are provided as ready-to-use sterile emulsions.

[00116] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for parenteral administration can be formulated as immediate or modified release dosage forms, including delayed-, sustained, pulsed-, controlled, targeted-, and programmed-release forms. [00117] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for parenteral administration can be formulated as a suspension, solid, semi-solid, or thixotropic liquid, for administration as an implanted depot. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are dispersed in a solid inner matrix, which is surrounded by an outer polymeric membrane that is insoluble in body fluids but allows the active ingredient in the pharmaceutical compositions diffuse through.

[00118] Suitable inner matrixes include, but are not limited to, polymethylmethacrylate, polybutyl-methacrylate, plasticized or unplasticized polyvinylchloride, plasticized nylon, plasticized polyethylene terephthalate, natural rubber, polyisoprene, polyisobutylene, polybutadiene, polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, silicone rubbers, polydimethylsiloxanes, silicone carbonate copolymers, hydrophilic polymers, such as hydrogels of esters of acrylic and methacrylic acid, collagen, cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol, and cross-linked partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate.

[00119] Suitable outer polymeric membranes include but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene/propylene copolymers, ethylene/ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers, silicone rubbers, polydimethyl siloxanes, neoprene rubber, chlorinated polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, vinyl chloride copolymers with vinyl acetate, vinylidene chloride, ethylene and propylene, ionomer polyethylene terephthalate, butyl rubber epichlorohydrin rubbers, ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer, ethylene/vinyl acetate/vinyl alcohol terpolymer, and ethylene/vinyloxyethanol copolymer.

3. Topical Administration

[00120] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be administered topically to the skin, orifices, or mucosa. The topical administration, as used herein, includes (intra)dermal, conjunctival, intracorneal, intraocular, ophthalmic, auricular, transdermal, nasal, vaginal, urethral, respiratory, and rectal administration.

[00121] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be formulated in any dosage forms that are suitable for topical administration for local or systemic effect, including emulsions, solutions, suspensions, creams, gels, hydrogels, ointments, dusting powders, dressings, elixirs, lotions, suspensions, tinctures, pastes, foams, films, aerosols, irrigations, sprays, suppositories, bandages, and dermal patches. The topical formulation of the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can also comprise liposomes, micelles, microspheres, nanosystems, and mixtures thereof.

[00122] Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and excipients suitable for use in the topical formulations provided herein include, but are not limited to, aqueous vehicles, water-miscible vehicles, non-aqueous vehicles, antimicrobial agents or preservatives against the growth of microorganisms, stabilizers, solubility enhancers, isotonic agents, buffering agents, antioxidants, local anesthetics, suspending and dispersing agents, wetting or emulsifying

agents, complexing agents, sequestering or chelating agents, penetration enhancers, cryoprotectants, lyoprotectants, thickening agents, and inert gases. [00123] The pharmaceutical compositions can also be administered topically by electroporation, iontophoresis, phonophoresis, sonophoresis, or microneedle or needle-free injection, such as POWDERJECT™ (Chiron Corp., Emeryville, CA), and BIOJECT™ (Bioject Medical Technologies Inc., Tualatin, OR).

[00124] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be provided in the forms of ointments, creams, and gels. Suitable ointment vehicles include oleaginous or hydrocarbon vehicles, including lard, benzoinated lard, olive oil, cottonseed oil, and other oils, white petrolatum; emulsifiable or absorption vehicles, such as hydrophilic petrolatum, hydroxystearin sulfate, and anhydrous lanolin; water-removable vehicles, such as hydrophilic ointment; water-soluble ointment vehicles, including polyethylene glycols of varying molecular weight; emulsion vehicles, either water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions or oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, including cetyl alcohol, glyceryl monostearate, lanolin, and stearic acid (See, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, supra). These vehicles are emollient but generally require addition of antioxidants and preservatives. [00125] Suitable cream base can be oil-in-water or water-in-oil. Suitable cream vehicles may be water-washable, and contain an oil phase, an emulsifier, and an aqueous phase. The oil phase is also called the "internal" phase, which is generally comprised of petrolatum and a fatty alcohol such as cetyl or stearyl alcohol. The aqueous phase usually, although not necessarily, exceeds the oil phase in volume, and generally contains a humectant. The emulsifier in a cream formulation may be a nonionic, anionic, cationic, or amphoteric surfactant.

[00126] Gels are semisolid, suspension-type systems. Single-phase gels contain organic macromolecules distributed substantially uniformly throughout the liquid carrier. Suitable gelling agents include, but are not limited to, crosslinked acrylic acid polymers, such as carbomers, carboxypolyalkylenes, and CARBOPOL ^® ; hydrophilic polymers, such as polyethylene oxides, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymers, and polyvinylalcohol; cellulosic polymers, such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, and methylcellulose; gums, such as tragacanth and xanthan gum; sodium alginate; and gelatin. In order to prepare a uniform gel, dispersing agents such as alcohol or glycerin can be added, or the gelling agent can be dispersed by trituration, mechanical mixing, and/or stirring.

[00127] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be administered rectally, urethrally, vaginally, or perivaginally in the forms of suppositories, pessaries, bougies, poultices or cataplasm, pastes, powders, dressings, creams, plasters, contraceptives, ointments, solutions, emulsions, suspensions, tampons, gels, foams, sprays, or enemas. These dosage forms can be manufactured using conventional processes as described in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, supra.

[00128] Rectal, urethral, and vaginal suppositories are solid bodies for insertion into body orifices, which are solid at ordinary temperatures but melt or soften at body temperature to release the active ingredient(s) inside the orifices. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers utilized in rectal and vaginal suppositories include bases or vehicles, such as stiffening agents, which produce a melting point in the proximity of body temperature, when formulated with the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein; and antioxidants as described herein, including bisulfite and sodium metabisulfite. Suitable vehicles include, but are not limited to, cocoa butter (theobroma oil), glycerin-gelatin, carbowax (polyoxyethylene glycol), spermaceti, paraffin, white and yellow wax, and appropriate mixtures of mono-, di- and triglycerides of fatty acids, and hydrogels, such as polyvinyl alcohol, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and polyacrylic acid;. Combinations of the various vehicles can also be used. Rectal and vaginal suppositories may be prepared by compressing or molding. The typical weight of a rectal and vaginal suppository is about 2 to about 3 g. [00129] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be administered ophthalmically in the forms of solutions, suspensions, ointments, emulsions, gel-forming solutions, powders for solutions, gels, ocular inserts, and implants. [00130] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be administered intranasally or by inhalation to the respiratory tract. The pharmaceutical compositions can be provided in the form of an aerosol or solution for delivery using a pressurized container, pump, spray, atomizer, such as an atomizer using electrohydrodynamics to produce a fine mist, or nebulizer, alone or in combination with a suitable propellant, such as 1,1,1,2- tetrafluoroethane or 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane. The pharmaceutical compositions can also be provided as a dry powder for insufflation, alone or in combination with an inert carrier such as lactose or phospholipids; and nasal drops. For intranasal use, the powder can comprise a bioadhesive agent, including chitosan or cyclodextrin.

[00131] Solutions or suspensions for use in a pressurized container, pump, spray, atomizer, or nebulizer can be formulated to contain ethanol, aqueous ethanol, or a suitable alternative

agent for dispersing, solubilizing, or extending release of the active ingredient provided herein; a propellant as solvent; and/or a surfactant, such as sorbitan trioleate, oleic acid, or an oligolactic acid.

[00132] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be micronized to a size suitable for delivery by inhalation, such as about 50 micrometers or less, or about 10 micrometers or less. Particles of such sizes can be prepared using a comminuting method known to those skilled in the art, such as spiral jet milling, fluid bed jet milling, supercritical fluid processing to form nanoparticles, high pressure homogenization, or spray drying. [00133] Capsules, blisters, and cartridges for use in an inhaler or insufflator can be formulated to contain a powder mix of the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein; a suitable powder base, such as lactose or starch; and a performance modifier, such as l- leucine, mannitol, or magnesium stearate. The lactose may be anhydrous or in the form of the monohydrate. Other suitable excipients or carriers include, but are not limited to, dextran, glucose, maltose, sorbitol, xylitol, fructose, sucrose, and trehalose. The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for inhaled/intranasal administration can further comprise a suitable flavor, such as menthol and levomenthol; and/or sweeteners, such as saccharin and saccharin sodium.

[00134] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for topical administration can be formulated to be immediate release or modified release, including delayed-, sustained-, pulsed-, controlled-, targeted, and programmed release.

4. Modified Release

[00135] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be formulated as a modified release dosage form. As used herein, the term "modified release" refers to a dosage form in which the rate or place of release of the active ingredient(s) is different from that of an immediate dosage form when administered by the same route. Modified release dosage forms include, but are not limited to, delayed-, extended-, prolonged-, sustained-, pulsatile-, controlled-, accelerated- and fast-, targeted-, programmed-release, and gastric retention dosage forms. The pharmaceutical compositions in modified release dosage forms can be prepared using a variety of modified release devices and methods known to those skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, matrix controlled release devices, osmotic controlled release devices, multiparticulate controlled release devices, ion-exchange resins, enteric coatings, multilayered coatings, microspheres, liposomes, and combinations thereof. The

release rate of the active ingredient(s) can also be modified by varying the particle sizes and polymorphorism of the active ingredient(s).

[00136] Examples of modified release include, but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Pat. Nos.: 3,845,770; 3,916,899; 3,536,809; 3,598,123; 4,008,719; 5,674,533; 5,059,595; 5,591,767; 5,120,548; 5,073,543; 5,639,476; 5,354,556; 5,639,480; 5,733,566; 5,739,108; 5,891,474; 5,922,356; 5,972,891; 5,980,945; 5,993,855; 6,045,830; 6,087,324; 6,113,943; 6,197,350; 6,248,363; 6,264,970; 6,267,981; 6,376,461; 6,419,961; 6,589,548; 6,613,358; and 6,699,500.

(a) Matrix Controlled Release Devices

[00137] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein in a modified release dosage form can be fabricated using a matrix controlled release device known to those skilled in the art (See, Takada et al. in "Encyclopedia of Controlled Drug Delivery," Vol. 2, Mathiowitz Ed., Wiley, 1999).

[00138] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein in a modified release dosage form is formulated using an erodible matrix device, which is water- swellable, erodible, or soluble polymers, including, but not limited to, synthetic polymers, and naturally occurring polymers and derivatives, such as polysaccharides and proteins. [00139] Materials useful in forming an erodible matrix include, but are not limited to, chitin, chitosan, dextran, and pullulan; gum agar, gum arabic, gum karaya, locust bean gum, gum tragacanth, carrageenans, gum ghatti, guar gum, xanthan gum, and scleroglucan; starches, such as dextrin and maltodextrin; hydrophilic colloids, such as pectin; phosphatides, such as lecithin; alginates; propylene glycol alginate; gelatin; collagen; cellulosics, such as ethyl cellulose (EC), methylethyl cellulose (MEC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), CMEC, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose propionate (CP), cellulose butyrate (CB), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), CAP, CAT, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), HPMCP, HPMCAS, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose acetate trimellitate (HPMCAT), and ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (EHEC); polyvinyl pyrrolidone; polyvinyl alcohol; polyvinyl acetate; glycerol fatty acid esters; polyacrylamide; polyacrylic acid; copolymers of ethacrylic acid or methacrylic acid (EUDRAGIT ^® , Rohm America, Inc., Piscataway, NJ); poly(2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate); polylactides; copolymers of L-glutamic acid and ethyl-L-glutamate; degradable lactic acid- glycolic acid copolymers; poly-D-(-)-3-hydroxybutyric acid; and other acrylic acid

derivatives, such as homopolymers and copolymers of butylmethacrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, ethylacrylate, (2-dimethylaminoethyl)methacrylate, and (trimethylaminoethyl)methacrylate chloride.

[00140] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are formulated with a non-erodible matrix device. The active ingredient(s) is dissolved or dispersed in an inert matrix and is released primarily by diffusion through the inert matrix once administered. Materials suitable for use as a non-erodible matrix device include, but are not limited to, insoluble plastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyisoprene, polyisobutylene, polybutadiene, polymethylmethacrylate, polybutylmethacrylate, chlorinated polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, methyl acrylate-methyl methacrylate copolymers, ethylene- vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene/propylene copolymers, ethylene/ethyl acrylate copolymers, vinyl chloride copolymers with vinyl acetate, vinylidene chloride, ethylene and propylene, ionomer polyethylene terephthalate, butyl rubbers, epichlorohydrin rubbers, ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer, ethylene/vinyl acetate/vinyl alcohol terpolymer, ethylene/vinyloxyethanol copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, plasticized nylon, plasticized polyethylene terephthalate, natural rubber, silicone rubbers, polydimethylsiloxanes, and silicone carbonate copolymers; hydrophilic polymers, such as ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, crospovidone, and cross-linked partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate; and fatty compounds, such as carnauba wax, microcrystalline wax, and triglycerides. [00141] In a matrix controlled release system, the desired release kinetics can be controlled, for example, via the polymer type employed, the polymer viscosity, the particle sizes of the polymer and/or the active ingredient(s), the ratio of the active ingredient(s) versus the polymer, and other excipients or carriers in the compositions.

[00142] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein in a modified release dosage form can be prepared by methods known to those skilled in the art, including direct compression, dry or wet granulation followed by compression, and melt-granulation followed by compression.

(b) Osmotic Controlled Release Devices

[00143] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein in a modified release dosage form can be fabricated using an osmotic controlled release device, including, but not limited to, one-chamber system, two-chamber system, asymmetric membrane technology (AMT), and extruding core system (ECS). In general, such devices have at least two components: (a)

a core which contains an active ingredient; and (b) a semi-permeable membrane with at least one delivery port, which encapsulates the core. The semi-permeable membrane controls the influx of water to the core from an aqueous environment of use so as to cause drug release by extrusion through the delivery port(s).

[00144] In addition to the active ingredient(s), the core of the osmotic device optionally includes an osmotic agent, which creates a driving force for transport of water from the environment of use into the core of the device. One class of osmotic agents is water- swellable hydrophilic polymers, which are also referred to as "osmopolymers" and "hydrogels." Suitable water-swellable hydrophilic polymers as osmotic agents include, but are not limited to, hydrophilic vinyl and acrylic polymers, polysaccharides such as calcium alginate, polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(acrylic) acid, poly(methacrylic) acid, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), crosslinked PVP, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), PVA/PVP copolymers, PVA/PVP copolymers with hydrophobic monomers such as methyl methacrylate and vinyl acetate, hydrophilic polyurethanes containing large PEO blocks, sodium croscarmellose, carrageenan, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and carboxyethyl, cellulose (CEC), sodium alginate, polycarbophil, gelatin, xanthan gum, and sodium starch glycolate.

[00145] The other class of osmotic agents is osmogens, which are capable of imbibing water to affect an osmotic pressure gradient across the barrier of the surrounding coating. Suitable osmogens include, but are not limited to, inorganic salts, such as magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium chloride, lithium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium phosphates, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfite, lithium sulfate, potassium chloride, and sodium sulfate; sugars, such as dextrose, fructose, glucose, inositol, lactose, maltose, mannitol, raffinose, sorbitol, sucrose, trehalose, and xylitol; organic acids, such as ascorbic acid, benzoic acid, fumaric acid, citric acid, maleic acid, sebacic acid, sorbic acid, adipic acid, edetic acid, glutamic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, succinic acid, and tartaric acid; urea; and mixtures thereof.

[00146] Osmotic agents of different dissolution rates can be employed to influence how rapidly the active ingredient(s) is initially delivered from the dosage form. For example, amorphous sugars, such as MANNOGEM™ EZ (SPI Pharma, Lewes, DE) can be used to provide faster delivery during the first couple of hours to promptly produce the desired

therapeutic effect, and gradually and continually release of the remaining amount to maintain the desired level of therapeutic or prophylactic effect over an extended period of time. In this case, the active ingredient(s) is released at such a rate to replace the amount of the active ingredient metabolized and excreted.

[00147] The core can also include a wide variety of other excipients and carriers as described herein to enhance the performance of the dosage form or to promote stability or processing.

[00148] Materials useful in forming the semi-permeable membrane include various grades of acrylics, vinyls, ethers, polyamides, polyesters, and cellulosic derivatives that are water- permeable and water-insoluble at physiologically relevant pHs, or are susceptible to being rendered water-insoluble by chemical alteration, such as crosslinking. Examples of suitable polymers useful in forming the coating, include plasticized, unplasticized, and reinforced cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose diacetate, cellulose triacetate, CA propionate, cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), CA ethyl carbamate, CAP, CA methyl carbamate, CA succinate, cellulose acetate trimellitate (CAT), CA dimethylaminoacetate, CA ethyl carbonate, CA chloroacetate, CA ethyl oxalate, CA methyl sulfonate, CA butyl sulfonate, CA p-toluene sulfonate, agar acetate, amylose triacetate, beta glucan acetate, beta glucan triacetate, acetaldehyde dimethyl acetate, triacetate of locust bean gum, hydroxylated ethylene-viπylacetate, EC, PEG, PPG, PEG/PPG copolymers, PVP, HEC, HPC, CMC, CMEC, HPMC, HPMCP, HPMCAS, HPMCAT, poly(acrylic) acids and esters and poly- (methacrylic) acids and esters and copolymers thereof, starch, dextran, dextrin, chitosan, collagen, gelatin, polyalkenes, polyethers, polysulfones, polyethersulfones, polystyrenes, polyvinyl halides, polyvinyl esters and ethers, natural waxes, and synthetic waxes. [00149] Semipermeable membrane can also be a hydrophobic microporous membrane, wherein the pores are substantially filled with a gas and are not wetted by the aqueous medium but are permeable to water vapor, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,119. Such hydrophobic but water-vapor permeable membrane are typically composed of hydrophobic polymers such as polyalkenes, polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylic acid derivatives, polyethers, polysulfones, polyethersulfones, polystyrenes, polyvinyl halides, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl esters and ethers, natural waxes, and synthetic waxes.

[00150] The delivery port(s) on the semi-permeable membrane can be formed post-coating by mechanical or laser drilling. Delivery port(s) can also be formed in situ by erosion of a

plug of water-soluble material or by rupture of a thinner portion of the membrane over an indentation in the core. In addition, delivery ports can be formed during coating process, as in the case of asymmetric membrane coatings of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,612,059 and 5,698,220.

[00151] The total amount of the active ingredient(s) released and the release rate can substantially by modulated via the thickness and porosity of the semi-permeable membrane, the composition of the core, and the number, size, and position of the delivery ports. [00152] The pharmaceutical compositions in an osmotic controlled-release dosage form can further comprise additional conventional excipients or carriers as described herein to promote performance or processing of the formulation.

[00153] The osmotic controlled-release dosage forms can be prepared according to conventional methods and techniques known to those skilled in the art (See, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, supra; Santus and Baker, /. Controlled Release 1995, 35, 1-21 ; Verma et al., Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy 2000, 26, 695-708; Verma et al., J. Controlled Release 2002, 79, 7-27).

[00154] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are formulated as AMT controlled-release dosage form, which comprises an asymmetric osmotic membrane that coats a core comprising the active ingredient(s) and other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients or carriers. See, U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,059 and WO 2002/17918. The AMT controlled-release dosage forms can be prepared according to conventional methods and techniques known to those skilled in the art, including direct compression, dry granulation, wet granulation, and a dip-coating method.

[00155] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are formulated as ESC controlled-release dosage form, which comprises an osmotic membrane that coats a core comprising the active ingredient(s), a hydroxylethyl cellulose, and other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients or carriers.

(c) Multiparticulate Controlled Release Devices

[00156] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein in a modified release dosage form can be fabricated as a multiparticulate controlled release device, which comprises a multiplicity of particles, granules, or pellets, ranging from about 10 μm to about 3 mm, about 50 μm to about 2.5 mm, or from about 100 μm to about 1 mm in diameter. Such multiparticulates can be made by the processes known to those skilled in the art, including wet-and dry-granulation, extrusion/spheronization, roller-compaction, melt-congealing, and by spray-coating seed cores. See, for example, Multiparticulate Oral Drug Delivery; Marcel Dekker: 1994; and Pharmaceutical Pelletization Technology; Marcel Dekker: 1989. [00157] Other excipients or carriers as described herein can be blended with the pharmaceutical compositions to aid in processing and forming the multiparticulates. The resulting particles can themselves constitute the multiparticulate device or can be coated by various film-forming materials, such as enteric polymers, water-swellable, and water-soluble polymers. The multiparticulates can be further processed as a capsule or a tablet.

(d) Targeted Delivery

[00158] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can also be formulated to be targeted to a particular tissue, receptor, or other area of the body of the subject to be treated, including liposome-, resealed erythrocyte-, and antibody-based delivery systems. Examples include, but are not limited to, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,316,652; 6,274,552; 6,271,359; 6,253,872; 6,139,865; 6,131,570; 6,120,751; 6,071,495; 6,060,082; 6,048,736; 6,039,975; 6,004,534; 5,985,307; 5,972,366; 5,900,252; 5,840,674; 5,759,542; and 5,709,874.

E. Methods of Use

[00159] Provided herein is a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, or cachexia, the method comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of formula (I), or tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof.

[00160] In one embodiment, the dose of the compound of formula (I) is determined in consideration of age, body weight, general health condition, diet, administration time, administration method, clearance rate, combination of drugs, the level of disease for which

the patient is under treatment for, and other factors. The dose varies depending on the target disease, condition, subject of administration, administration method, and the like. [00161] In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) is administered orally as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in a patient suffering from such a disease. In one embodiment, from about 0.01 mg to about 10 g of the compound is administered. In another embodiment, from about 0.1 mg to about 100 mg of the compound is administered. In one embodiment, the compound is administered in a single dose per day. In another embodiment, the compound is administered in 2 or 3 portions per day.

[00162] In one embodiment, provided herein is a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy or Becker muscular dystrophy, the method comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of formula (I), or tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof.

[00163] In one embodiment, provided herein is a method of treating, preventing, and/or managing a disorder or symptoms related to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, or cachexia, the method comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of formula (I), or tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof.

[00164] In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of treating, preventing, and/or managing a disorder or symptoms related to Duchenne muscular dystrophy or Becker muscular dystrophy, the method comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of formula (I), or tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof.

[00165] In one embodiment, provided herein is a method of treating, preventing, and/or managing Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of treating, preventing, and/or managing Becker muscular dystrophy. In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of treating, preventing, and/or managing cachexia. [00166] In one embodiment, provided herein is the use of a compound of formula (I), or tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof, in the manufacturing of a medicament for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, or cachexia. In another embodiment, provided herein is the use of a compound of formula (I), or tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically

acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof, in the manufacturing of a medicament for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy or Becker muscular dystrophy. In another embodiment, provided herein is the use of a compound of formula (I), or tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof, in the manufacturing of a medicament for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In another embodiment, provided herein is the use of a compound of formula (I), or tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof, in the manufacturing of a medicament for the treatment of Becker muscular dystrophy. In another embodiment, provided herein is the use of a compound of formula (I), or tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof, in the manufacturing of a medicament for the treatment of cachexia.

[00167] In one embodiment, the method comprises administering to a subject (e.g., a human) a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of a composition of a compound of formula (I). In one embodiment, the subject is a human. In another embodiment, the subject is a mammal. In yet another embodiment, the subject is a non- human primate, a farm animal, such as cattle, a sport animal, or a pet such as a horse, dog, or cat.

[00168] In some embodiment, compound activity can be assessed by functional assays described herein elsewhere. In certain embodiments, the efficacious concentration of the compounds provided herein is less than 0.1 nM, less than 1 nM, less than 10 nM, less than 100 nM, less than 1 μM, less than 10 μM, less than 100 μM, or less than 1 mM. In other embodiments, compounds' activity may be assessed in various art-recognized animal models as described herein elsewhere.

[00169] In some embodiments, the compounds provided herein are active in at least one model, which can be used to measure the activity of the compounds and estimate their efficacy in treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, or cachexia. For example, when the model is for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the compounds are active in, for example the mdx mouse model, when compared to vehicle. In some embodiments, the compounds provided herein are active in a dose-dependent manner. In some embodiments, the compounds provided herein produce a similar disparity in measured endpoint between treated animals and animals treated with vehicle.

[00170] Depending on the disorder, disease, or condition to be treated, and the subject's condition, the compounds or pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be administered by oral, parenteral (e.g., intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intravenous, ICV, intracistemal injection or infusion, subcutaneous injection, or implant), inhalation, nasal, vaginal, rectal, sublingual, or topical (e.g., transdermal or local) routes of administration and can be formulated, alone or together, in suitable dosage unit with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, carriers, adjuvants, and vehicles appropriate for each route of administration. Also provided is administration of the compounds or pharmaceutical compositions provided herein in a depot formulation, in which the active ingredient is released over a predefined time period.

[00171] In the treatment, prevention, or amelioration of one or more symptoms of the disorders, diseases, or conditions described herein, an appropriate dosage level generally is ranging from about 0.001 to about 1000 mg per kg subject body weight per day (mg/kg per day), from about 0.001 to about 300 mg/kg per day, from about 0.001 to about 100 mg/kg per day, from about 0.01 to about 75 mg/kg per day, from about 0.1 to about 50 mg/kg per day, from about 0.5 to about 25 mg/kg per day, or from about 1 to about 20 mg/kg per day, which can be administered in single or multiple doses. Within this range, the dosage can be ranging from about 0.005 to about 0.05, from about 0.05 to about 0.5, from about 0.5 to about 5.0, from about 1 to about 15, from about 1 to about 20, or from about 1 to about 50 mg/kg per day.

[00172] In one embodiment, in the treatment, prevention, or amelioration of one or more symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, or cachexia, an appropriate dosage level is less than 0.001 mg/kg per day, less than 0.01 mg/kg per day, less than 0.1 mg/kg per day, less than 0.5 mg/kg per day, less than 1 mg/kg per day, less than 5 mg/kg per day, less than 10 mg/kg per day, less than 15 mg/kg per day, less than 20 mg/kg per day, less than 25 mg/kg per day, less than 50 mg/kg per day, less than 75 mg/kg per day, less than 100 mg/kg per day, less than 200 mg/kg per day, less than 500 mg/kg per day, or less than 1 g/kg per day.

[00173] For oral administration, the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be formulated in the form of tablets containing from about 1.0 to about 1 ,000 mg of the active ingredient, in one embodiment, about 1, about 5, about 10, about 15, about 20, about 25, about 50, about 75, about 100, about 150, about 200, about 250, about 300, about 400, about 500, about 600, about 750, about 800, about 900, and about 1,000 mg of the active ingredient

for the symptomatic adjustment of the dosage to the patient to be treated. The pharmaceutical compositions can be administered on a regimen of 1 to 4 times per day, including once, twice, three times, and four times per day.

[00174] It will be understood, however, that the specific dose level and frequency of dosage for any particular patient can be varied and will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the specific compound employed, the metabolic stability and length of action of that compound, the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, mode and time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, the severity of the particular condition, and the host undergoing therapy.

[00175] In another embodiment, the compounds provided herein, e.g., a compound of formula (I), or tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof, can be combined or used in combination with other agents or therapies useful in the treatment, prevention, or amelioration of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, or cachexia. Suitable other therapeutic agents include, but are not limited to, corticosteroids, such as for example, prednisone and deflazacort. In certain embodiments, the other therapies that may be used in combination with the compounds provided herein include, but are not limited to, physical therapy, gene therapy, or orthopedic appliances, such as braces and wheelchairs. [00176] Such other agents, or drugs, can be administered, by a route and in an amount commonly used therefor, simultaneously or sequentially with the compounds provided herein, or tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof. When a compound provided herein is used contemporaneously with one or more other drugs, a pharmaceutical composition containing such other drugs in addition to the compound provided herein can be utilized, but is not required. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein include those that also contain one or more other active ingredients or therapeutic agents, in addition to a compound provided herein. [00177] The weight ratio of a compound provided herein to the second active ingredient can be varied, and will depend upon the effective dose of each ingredient. Generally, an effective dose of each will be used. Thus, for example, when a compound provided herein is combined with a corticosteroid, the weight ratio of the compound to the corticosteroid can range from about 1,000:1 to about 1:1,000, about 200:1 to about 1:200, about 100:1 to about 1:100, or about 10: 1 to about 1:10. Combinations of a compound provided herein and other

active ingredients will generally also be within the aforementioned range, but in each case, an effective dose of each active ingredient should be used.

[00178] The compounds provided herein can also be provided as an article of manufacture using packaging materials well known to those of skill in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,323,907; 5,052,558; and 5,033,252. Examples of pharmaceutical packaging materials include, but are not limited to, blister packs, bottles, tubes, inhalers, pumps, bags, vials, containers, syringes, and any packaging material suitable for a selected formulation and intended mode of administration and treatment.

[00179] Provided herein also are kits which, when used by the medical practitioner, can simplify the administration of appropriate amounts of active ingredients to a subject. In certain embodiments, the kit provided herein includes a container and a dosage form of a compound provided herein, .

[00180] In certain embodiments, the kit includes a container comprising a dosage form of the compound provided herein, or tautomer, enantiomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, complex, or prodrug thereof, in a container comprising one or more other therapeutic agent(s) described herein.

[00181] Kits provided herein can further include devices that are used to administer the active ingredients. Examples of such devices include, but are not limited to, syringes, needleless injectors drip bags, patches, and inhalers.

[00182] Kits provided herein can further include pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles that can be used to administer one or more active ingredients. For example, if an active ingredient is provided in a solid form that must be reconstituted for parenteral administration, the kit can comprise a sealed container of a suitable vehicle in which the active ingredient can be dissolved to form a particulate-free sterile solution that is suitable for parenteral administration. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles include, but are not limited to: aqueous vehicles, including, but not limited to, Water for Injection USP, Sodium Chloride Injection, Ringer's Injection, Dextrose Injection, Dextrose and Sodium Chloride Injection, and Lactated Ringer's Injection; water-miscible vehicles, including, but not limited to, ethyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, and polypropylene glycol; and non-aqueous vehicles, including, but not limited to, corn oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, ethyl oleate, isopropyl myristate, and benzyl benzoate.

EXAMPLES

[00183] Certain embodiments are illustrated by the following non-limiting examples. [00184] HPLC-UV-MS was performed on a Gilson 321 HPLC with detection performed by a Gilson 170 DAD and a Finnigan AQA mass spectrometer operating in electrospray ionisation mode. The HPLC column used is a Phenomenex Gemini C18 150x4.6mm. [00185] Preparative HPLC was performed on a Gilson 321 with detection performed by a Gilson 170 DAD. Fractions were collected using a Gilson 215 fraction collector or a Dionex Ultimate 3000 system. The preparative HPLC column used is a Phenomenex Gemini Cl 8 150 xlO mm and the mobile phase is acetonitrile/water.

[00186] ¹ H NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker instrument operating at 300 MHz. NMR spectra were obtained as CDCl ₃ solutions (reported in ppm), using chloroform as the reference standard (7.25 ppm) or DMSO-D ₆ (2.50 ppm). When peak multiplicities are reported, the following abbreviations are used s (singlet), d (doublet), t (triplet), m (multiplet), br (broadened), dd (doublet of doublets), dt (doublet of triplets), td (triplet of doublets). Coupling constants, when given, are reported in Hertz (Hz). [00187] Column chromatography was performed either by flash chromatography (40- 65 μm silica gel) or using an automated purification system (SP1™ Purification System from Biotage® or an ISCO Companion). Reactions in the microwave were done in an Initiator 8™ (Biotage) or an Explorer 48 (CEM).

[00188] The abbreviations used are DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide), HATU (O-(7- azabenzotriazol- 1 yl)-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate), HCl (hydrochloric acid), MgSO ₄ (magnesium sulfate), NaOH (sodium hydroxide), Na ₂ CO ₃ (sodium carbonate), NaHCO ₃ (sodium bicarbonate), STAB (sodium triacetoxyborohydride), THF (tetrahydrofuran).

Example 1

Preparation of 5-benzyl-2-phenyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine

(Compound 1)

A. 2-Phenyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine

[00189] A mixture of 3,4-diaminopyridine (4.0 g, 3.7 mmol), benzoic acid (4.477 g, 3.7 mmol) and polyphosphoric acid (100 g) was heated at 190 ⁰ C for 3 hours with stirring. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to 25 ⁰ C and poured into ice/water and the mixture neutralised by the addition of solid Na ₂ CO ₃ . The crude product was collected by filtration

and washed with water to give the final product (3.467 g, 17.76 mmol, 48% yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO) 13.34 (IH, s), 8.95 (IH, s), 8.32 (IH, d, 7=5.6Hz), 8.21-8.24 (2H, m), 7.53-7.62 (4H, m). LCMS RT = 4.06 mins; MH ⁺ 196.2.

B. 5-Benzyl-2-phenyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (Compound 1) [00190] 2-Phenyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (240 mg, 1.23 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (5 mL) and sodium hydroxide (75 mg, 1.85 mmol) dissolved in water (75 μL) was added and the mixture stirred for 20 minutes. Benzyl bromide (176 μL, 1.48 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic extract was reduced in vacuo to give the crude product which was recrystallised from ethyl acetate and 40-60 petroleum ether to give the title compound (109 mg, 0.38 mmol, 31% yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO) 9.11 (IH, s), 8.34-8.38 (2H, m), 8.18 (IH, dd, 7=6.7, 1.6Hz), 7.73 (IH, d, 7=7.0Hz), 7.33-7.50 (8H, m), 5.66 (2H, s). LCMS RT = 4.43 mins; MH ⁺ 286.2.

Example 2

Preparation of 2-(2,3-dichlorophenyr)-5-isopropyl-5H-imidazo[4,5- dpyridine

(Compound 13)

A. 2-(2,3-Dichlorophenyl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine

[00191] A mixture of 3,4-diaminopyridine (2.0 g, 18.35 mmol), 2,3-dichlorobenzoic acid (3.505 g, 18.35 mmol) and polyphosphoric acid (48 g) was heated at 190°C for 3 hours with stirring. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to 25°C and poured into ice/water and the mixture neutralised by the addition of solid Na ₂ CO ₃ . The crude product was collected by filtration and washed with water to give the title compound (3.317 g, 12.56 mmol, 70% yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO) 13.32 (IH, s), 9.01 (IH, s), 8.36 (IH, d, J=5.5Hz), 8.74-8.79 (2H, m), 7.64 (IH, s), 7.57 (IH, t, /=7.8Hz).

B. 2-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (Compound 13)

[00192] 2-(2,3-Dichlorophenyl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (320 mg, 1.21 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (8 mL) and sodium hydroxide (291 mg, 7.27 mmol) dissolved in water (0.4 mL) was added and the mixture stirred for 20 minutes. 2-Iodopropane (723 μL, 7.27 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 25 ⁰ C for 16 hours. Water (70 mL) and ethyl acetate (70 mL) were added and the organic extract was washed with water (2 x 60 mL) and brine (60 mL), dried and concentrated in vacuo to give a crude solid. Recrystallisation from

ethyl acetate and petroleum ether gave the title compound (83 mg, 0.27 mmol, 22% yield). 1H NMR (DMSO) 9.24 (IH, s), 8.27 (IH, d, /=6.3Hz), 7.95 (IH, d, 7=7.6Hz), 7.81 (IH, d, 7=6.7Hz) 7.70-7.73 (IH, m), 7.46 (IH, t, /=7.9Hz), 4.88 (IH, quintet), 1.61 (6H, d, 7=6.6Hz). LCMS RT = 1.56 rrύns; MH ⁺ 306.1.

Example 3

Preparation of 2-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-5-propyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c1pγridine

(Compound 15)

[00193] 2-(2,3-Dichlorophenyl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (320 mg, 1.21 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (8 mL) and sodium hydroxide (291 mg, 7.27 mmol) dissolved in water (0.4 mL) was added and the mixture stirred for 20 minutes. 1-Bromopropane (660 μL, 7.27 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 25 ⁰ C for 16 hours. Water (70 mL) and ethyl acetate (70 mL) were added and the organic extract was washed with water (2 x 60 mL) and brine (60 mL), dried and concentrated in vacuo to give an oil. Recrystallisation from ethyl acetate and petroleum ether gave the desired product (78 mg, 0.25 mmol, 21 % yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO) 9.10 (IH, s), 8.15 (IH, dd, J=6.8Hz, 1.6Hz), 7.96 (IH, dd, 7=7.7Hz, 1.6Hz), 7.80 (IH, d, J=6.8Hz) 7.70 (IH, dd, J=7.9Hz, 1.8Hz), 7.46 (IH, t, y=7.9Hz), 4.43 (2H, t, 7=7.2Hz), 1.88-2.00 (2H, m), 0.88 (3H, t, /=7.5Hz). LCMS RT = 1.59 mins; MH ⁺ 306.1.

Example 4

Preparation of 5-cvclopentyl-2-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-5H-imidazof4,5-clpyridi ne

(Compound 14)

[00194] 2-(2,3-Dichlorophenyl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (320 mg, 1.21 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (8 mL) and sodium hydroxide (291 mg, 7.27 mmol) dissolved in water (0.4 mL) was added and the mixture stirred for 20 minutes. Cyclopentyl iodide (841 μL, 7.27 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 25°C for 16 hours. Water (70 mL) and ethyl acetate (70 mL) were added and the organic extract was washed with water (2 x 60 mL) and brine (60 mL), dried and concentrated in vacuo to give a crude solid. Recrystallisation from ethyl acetate and petroleum ether gave the desired product (182 mg, 0.55 mmol, 45% yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO) 9.18 (IH, d, 7=1.4 Hz), 8.23 (IH, dd, /=7.0Hz, 1.7Hz), 7.96 (IH, dd, 7=7.8Hz, 1.7Hz), 7.80 (IH, d, 7=6.9Hz) 7.71 (IH, dd, J=1.6Hz, 8.0Hz), 7.45 (IH, t, 7=7.8Hz), 5.01 (IH, t, 7=7.9Hz), 2.27-2.39 (2H, m), 1.92-2.07 (4H, m), 1.69-1.76 (2H, m). LCMS RT = 1.63 mins; MH ⁺ 332.1.

Example 5

Pre ^p aration of 2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-methyl-5H-imidazor4,5-c1pyridine

(Compound 10)

A. 2-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine

[00195] A mixture of 3,4-diaminopyridine (2.5 g, 22.94 mmol), 3,4-dichlorobenzoic acid (4.374 g, 22.90 mmol) and polyphosphoric acid (60 g) was heated at 190 ⁰ C for 3 hours with stirring. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to 25°C and poured into ice/water and the mixture neutralised by the addition of solid Na ₂ CO ₃ . The crude product was collected by filtration and washed with water to give the desired product (3.994 g, 15.12 mmol, 66% yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO) 8.96 (IH, d, J=LOHz), 8.44 (IH, d, J=2.0Hz), 8.30 (IH, d, 7=5.6Hz), 8.20 (IH, dd, 7=8.4, 2.1Hz), 7.86 (IH, d, 7=8.4Hz), 7.62 (IH, dd, 7=5.6, 1.1Hz).

B. 2-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-5-methyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (Compound 10) [00196] 2-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (320 mg, 1.21 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (8 mL) and sodium hydroxide (291 mg, 7.27 mmol) dissolved in water (0.4 mL) was added and the mixture stirred for 20 minutes. Methyl iodide (454 μL, 7.27 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 25 ⁰ C for 16 hours. Water (70 mL) and ethyl acetate (70 mL) were added and the organic extract was washed with water (2 x 60 mL) and brine (60 mL), dried and concentrated in vacuo to give a crude solid. Recrystallisation from ethyl acetate and petroleum ether gave the title compound (155 mg, 0.56 mmol, 46% yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO) 8.95 (IH, d, 7=1.3Hz), 8.48 (IH, d, 7=1.9Hz), 8.30 (IH, dd, 7=1.9Hz, 8.3Hz), 8.05 (IH, dd, 7= 1.5Hz, 6.8Hz), 7.72-7.76 (2H, m) 4.23 (3H, s). LCMS RT = 3.98 mins; MH ⁺ 278.0.

Example 6

Preparation of 2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-propyI-5H-imϊdazor4,5-c1pyridine

(Compound 9)

[00197] 2-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (320 mg, 1.21 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (8 mL) and sodium hydroxide (291 mg, 7.27 mmol) dissolved in water (0.4 mL) was added and the mixture stirred for 20 minutes. 1-Bromopropane (661 μL, 7.27 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 25 ⁰ C for 16 hours. Water (70 mL) and ethyl acetate (70 mL) were added and the organic extract was washed with water (2 x 60 mL) and brine (60 mL), dried and concentrated in vacuo to give a crude solid. Recrystallisation

from ethyl acetate and petroleum ether gave the desired compound (142 mg, 0.46 mmol, 38% yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO) 9.03 (IH, d, J=LOHz), 8.48 (IH, d, /=1.8Hz), 8.30 (IH, dd, 7=2.0Hz, 8.4Hz), 8.13 (IH, dd, 7=1.5Hz, 6.7Hz) 7.73-7.77 (2H, m), 4.42 (2H, t, 7=7.0Hz), 1.92 (2H, sextet, 7=7.3), 0.87 (3H, t, /=7.4Hz). LCMS RT = 4.02 mins; MH ⁺ 306.1.

Example 7

Preparation of 2-(3.4-dichlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-5H-imidazor4.5-c1pyridine

(Compound 8)

[00198] 2-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-5H-irnidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (320 mg, 1.21 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (8 mL) and sodium hydroxide (291 mg, 7.27 mmol) dissolved in water (0.4 mL) was added and the mixture stirred for 20 minutes. 2-Iodopropane (732 μL, 7.27 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 25 ⁰ C for 16 hours. Water (70 mL) and ethyl acetate (70 mL) were added and the organic extract was washed with water (2 x 60 mL) and brine (60 mL), dried and concentrated in vacuo to give a crude solid. Recrystallisation from ethyl acetate and petroleum ether gave the desired product (236 mg, 0.77 mmol, 64% yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO) 9.14 (IH, d, J=L3Hz), 8.48 (IH, d, J=I.8Hz), 8.30 (IH, dd, 7=2.0Hz, 8.4Hz), 8.23 (IH, dd, J= 1.6Hz, 7.0Hz), 7.73-7.77 (2H, m), 4.80-4.93 (IH, septet), 1.60 (6H, d, 7=6.9Hz). LCMS RT = 4.01 mins; MH ⁺ 306.1.

Example 8

Preparation of 5-cvcIopentyI-2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-5H-imidazor4,5-c1pyridi ne

(Compound 12)

[00199] 2-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-5H-irnidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (260 mg, 0.98 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (7 mL) and sodium hydroxide (236 mg, 5.91 mmol) dissolved in water (0.35 mL) was added and the mixture stirred for 20 minutes. Cyclopentyl iodide (684 μL, 5.91 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 25 ⁰ C for 16 hours. Water (70 mL) and ethyl acetate (70 mL) were added and the organic extract was washed with water (2 x 60 mL) and brine (60 mL), dried and concentrated in vacuo to give a crude solid. Recrystallisation from ethyl acetate and petroleum ether gave the title compound(57 mg, 0.17 mmol, 18% yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO) 9.10 (IH, s), 8.48 (IH, d, 7=1.5Hz), 8.30 (IH, dd, 7=1.5Hz, 8.3Hz), 8.20 (IH, d, 7=6.8Hz), 7.73-7.76 (2H, m), 4.94-5.05 (IH, m), 2.30-2.34 (2H, m), 1.95-2.05 (4H, m), 1.70-1.74 (2H, m). LCMS RT = 1.70 mins; MH ⁺ 332.1.

Example 9

Preparation of 2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-5H-imidazof 4,5- clpyridine (Compound 16)

[00200] 2-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (1.60 g, 6.06 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (50 mL) and 60% sodium hydride in mineral oil (631 mg, 15.8 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred for 30 minutes. l-Iodo-3,3,3- trifluoropropane (3.55 mL, 30.3 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 100 ⁰ C for 16 hours. Then additional 1- iodo-3,3,3-trifluoropropane (355 μL, 3.0 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred at 120 ⁰ C for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (140 mL) and the precipitate removed by filtration before washing with water (2 x 100 mL). The organic extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to give the crude product (1.256 g). The crude product was purified by column chromatography using a 5-10% gradient of methanol in dichloromethane to a product (661 mg) which contained residual dimethylformamide. This was then dissolved in ethyl acetate (100 mL) and washed with water (5 x 50 mL), then brine (50 mL), dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to give a product (532 mg) containing a small amount of impurities. This was then purified by column chromatography using an isocratic solvent system of 5% methanol in dichloromethane to give the title compound (265 mg, 0.74 mmol, 12% yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO) 9.10 (IH, s), 8.48 (IH, d, 7=1.8Hz), 8.30 (IH, dd, /=1.8Hz, 8.3Hz), 8.20 (IH, dd, 7=1,4, 6.9Hz), 7.74-7.79 (2H, m), 4.76 (2H, t, 7=6.8Hz), 3.05-3.21 (2H, m). LCMS RT = 1.61 mins; MH ⁺ 359.9.

Example 10

Preparation of 5-methyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-clpyridine

(Compound 3)

A. 2-(Naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine

[00201] A mixture of 3,4-diaminopyridine (6.0 g, 5.5 mmol), 2-napthoic acid (9.479 g, 5.5 mmol) and polyphosphoric acid (150 g) was heated at 190 ⁰ C for 3 hours with stirring. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to 25 ⁰ C and poured into ice/water and the mixture neutralised by the addition of solid Na ₂ CO ₃ . The crude product was collected by filtration and washed with water to give the title compound (5.523 g, 0.023 mol, 41% yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO) 8.98 (IH, s), 8.83 (IH, s), 8.30-8.38 (2H, m), 7.99-8.12 (3H, m), 7.60-7.64 (3H, m). LCMS RT = 4.36 mins; MH ⁺ 246.2.

B. 5-Methyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine

[00202] 2-(Naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (240 mg, 0.98 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (8 mL) and sodium hydroxide (118 mg, 2.94 mmol) dissolved in water (0.3 mL) was added and the mixture stirred for 20 minutes. Methyl iodide (185 μL, 2.94 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. Water (25 mL) was added and the precipitate which formed was filtered off and washed with water. The crude product was dried by 16 hours in a vacuum oven and then recrystallised from ethyl acetate and petroleum ether to give the title compound (65.2 mg, 0.25 mmol, 26% yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO) 8.91 (2H, m), 8.51 (IH, dd, 7=8.6, 1.6Hz), 7.93-8.08 (4H, m), 7.73 (IH, d, 7=6.6Hz), 7.51-7.57 (2H, m), 4.23 (3H, s). LCMS RT = 4.41 mins; MH ⁺ 260.1.

Example 11

Preparation of 5-ethyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazor4,5-c1pyridine

(Compound 2)

[00203] 2-(Naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (240 mg, 0.98 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (8 mL) and sodium hydroxide (59 mg, 1.47 mmol) dissolved in water (0.15 mL) was added and the mixture stirred for 20 minutes. Ethyl bromide (88 μL, 1.17 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. Water (25 mL) and ethyl acetate (25 mL) were added and the organic extract was washed with water (30 mL) and brine (30 mL), dried and concentrated in vacuo to give the crude solid. Recrystallisation from ethyl acetate and petroleum ether gave the title compound (72 mg, 0.26 mmol, 27% yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO) 9.00 (IH, d, 7= 1.2Hz), 8.93 (IH, s), 8.53 (IH, dd, y=1.5Hz, 8.5Hz), 7.93-8.14 (4H, m), 7.75 (IH, d, 7=6.7Hz), 7.51-7.58 (2H, m), 4.49 (2H, q, 7=7.3Hz), 1.53 (3H, t, 7=7.3Hz). LCMS RT = 4.42 mins; MH ⁺ 274.2.

Example 12

Preparation of 2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5-propyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-clpyridine

(Compound 4)

[00204] 2-(Naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (400 mg, 1.62 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (6 mL) and sodium hydroxide (194 mg, 4.86 mmol) dissolved in water (0.25 mL) was added and the mixture stirred for 30 minutes. 1-Bromopropane (442 μL, 4.86 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. Water (30 mL) and ethyl acetate (30 mL) were added and the organic extract was washed with water (30 mL) and brine (30 mL), dried and concentrated in vacuo to give the crude solid.

Recrystallisation from chloroform and petroleum ether gave the title compound (28 mg, 0.10 mmol, 6% yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO) 8.99 (IH, d, 7=1.2Hz), 8.93 (IH, s), 8.51 (IH, dd, 7= 1.5Hz, 8.5Hz), 7.93-8.12 (4H, m), 7.74 (IH, d, /=6.7Hz), 7.53-7.56 (2H, m), 4.42 (2H, t, 7=7.0Hz), 1.87-2.00 (m, 2H), 0.89 (3H, t, 7=7.3Hz). LCMS RT = 4.51 mins; MH ⁺ 288.2.

Example 13

Preparation of 5-butyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazor4,5-c]pyridine

(Compound S)

[00205] 2-(Naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (400 mg, 1.62 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (6 mL) and sodium hydroxide (194 mg, 4.86 mmol) dissolved in water (0.25 mL) was added and the mixture stirred for 30 minutes. 1-Bromobutane (522 μL, 4.86 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. Water (30 mL) was added and the precipitate which formed was filtered and washed with water (50 mL). The crude product was dried in a vacuum oven and then recrystallised from chloroform and petroleum ether to give the title compound (148 mg, 0.49 mmol, 30% yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO) 9.00 (IH, d, /=1.2Hz), 8.93 (IH, s), 8.52 (IH, dd, 7=1.5Hz, 8.5Hz), 7.93-8.13 (4H, m), 7.74 (IH, d, J=6.7Hz), 7.53-7.56 (2H, m), 4.45 (2H, t, 7=7.0Hz), 1.89 (2H, quintet, J= 7.2Hz) 1.72 (2H, sextet, 7=7.2Hz), 0.91 (3H, t, 7=7.3Hz). LCMS RT = 4.62 mins; MH ⁺ 302.2.

Example 14

Preparation of 5-benzyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazor4.5-c1pyridine

(Compound 6)

[00206] 2-(Naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (1.0 g, 4.06 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (8 mL) and sodium hydroxide (487 mg, 12.18 mmol) dissolved in water (0.60 mL) was added and the mixture stirred for 30 minutes. Benzyl bromide (1446 μL, 12.18 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. Water (30 mL) and ethyl acetate (30 mL) were added and the organic extract was washed with water (30 mL) and brine (30 mL), dried and concentrated in vacuo to give the crude solid. Recrystallisation from chloroform and petroleum ether gave the title compound (20 mg, 0.06 mmol, 2% yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO) 9.08 (IH, d, J= 1.2Hz), 8.86 (IH, s), 8.44 (IH, dd, /= 1.5Hz, 8.5Hz), 8.14 (IH, dd, 7= 1.6Hz, 6.8Hz) 7.86-8.01 (3H, m), 7.70 (IH, d, 7=6.7Hz), 7.30-7.50 (7H, m), 5.62 (2H, s). LCMS RT = 4.58 mins; MH ⁺ 336.2.

Example 15

Pre ^p aration of 5-isopropyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-iinidazo[4,5-clpyridine

(Compound 7)

[00207] 2-(Naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (600 mg, 2.43 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (8 mL) and sodium hydroxide (292 mg, 7.29 mmol) dissolved in water (0.35 mL) was added and the mixture stirred for 30 minutes. 2-Iodopropane (725 μL, 7.29 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. Water (80 mL) and ethyl acetate (80 mL) were added and the organic extract was washed with water (2 x 80 mL) and brine (80 mL), dried and concentrated in vacuo to give the crude solid. Recrystallisation from chloroform and petroleum ether gave the title compound (100 mg, 0.35 mmol, 14% yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO) 9.10 (IH, d, J=1.2Hz), 8.93 (IH, s), 8.51 (IH, dd, J=1.5Hz, 8.5Hz), 8.21 (IH, dd, 7=1.6Hz, 6.8Hz) 7.93-8.08 (3H, m), 7.74 (IH, d, /=6.7Hz), 7.53-7.56 (2H, m), 4.82-4.91 (IH, s), 1.62 (6H, d, 7=7.1Hz). LCMS RT = 4.48 mins; MH ⁺ 288.2.

Example 16

Preparation of 5-cvclopentyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4 _< 5-c1pyridine

(Compound 11)

[00208] 2-(Naphthalen-2-yl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (260 mg, 1.06 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (7 mL) and sodium hydroxide (254 mg, 6.34 mmol) dissolved in water (0.35 mL) was added and the mixture stirred for 30 minutes. Cyclopentyl iodide (733 μL, 6.34 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. Water (60 mL) and ethyl acetate (60 mL) were added and the organic extract was washed with water (2 x 60 mL) and brine (60 mL), dried and concentrated in vacuo to give a crude solid. Recrystallisation from ethyl acetate and petroleum ether gave the desired product (111.5 mg, 0.36 mmol, 34% yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO) 9.05 (IH, d, J= 1.5Hz), 8.93 (IH, s), 8.51 (IH, dd, y=1.6Hz, 6.9Hz), 8.18 (IH, dd, /=1.6Hz, 6.8Hz) 7.93-8.08 (3H, m), 7.73 (IH, d, J=6.7Hz), 7.53-7.56 (2H, m), 4.95-5.05 (IH, m), 2.26-2.39 (2H, m), 1.94-2.09 (4H, m), 1.71-1.75 (2H, m). LCMS RT = 4.04 mins; MH ⁺ 314.2.

Example 17

[00209] The potential activity of the compounds of formula (I) for use in the treatment of DMD may be demonstrated in the following predictive assay.

Luciferase reporter assay (murine H2K cells)

[00210] The cell line used for the screen is an immortalized mdx mouse H2K cell line that has been stably transfected with a plasmid containing ^ 5kb fragment of the Utrophin A promoter including the first untranslated exon linked to a luciferase reporter gene. [00211] Under conditions of low temperature and interferon containing media, the cells remain as myoblasts. These are plated into 96 well plates and cultured in the presence of compound for three days. The level of luciferase is then determined by cell lysis and reading of the light output from the expressed luciferase gene utilising a plate luminometer.

Luciferase Assay for 96 Well Plates

[00212] The H2K/mdx/Utro A reporter cell line cells were plated out into 96 well plates

(Falcon 353296, white opaque) at a density of approximately 5000 cells/well in 190 μl normal growth medium. The plates were then incubated at 33°C in the presence of 10% CO ₂ for 24 hrs.

[00213] Compounds were dosed by adding 10 μl of diluted compound to each well giving a final concentration of 10 μM (where a different final concentration was required, the amount of compound solution added was amended accordingly). The plates were then incubated for a further 48 hrs. Cells were then lysed in situ following the manufacture's protocols (Promega Steady-Glo Luciferase Assay System(E2520)). Then counted for 10 seconds using a plate luminometer (Victorl420).

Compound Storage

[00214] Compounds for screening were stored at -2O ⁰ C as 10 mM stocks in 100% DMSO until required.

Results

[00215] Biological activity as assessed using the luciferase reporter assay in murine H2K cells, and the results are shown in Table 1, which also lists the concentration of the test compound solution in μM.

Table 1

[00216] The results in Table 1 are classified as follows:

+ Up to 200% relative to control

++ Between 201 % and 300% relative to control

+++ Between 301% and 400% relative to control

++++ Above 401% relative to control

[00217] The results in Table 1 show that all of the exemplified compounds had increased activity in the luciferase reporter assay relative to the control.

[00218] The examples set forth above are provided to give those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how to make and use the claimed embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of what is disclosed herein.

Modifications that are obvious to persons of skill in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

[00219] All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference as if each such publication, patent or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference.