The present invention relates to organic compounds useful for therapy and/or prophylaxis in a mammal, and in particular to compounds that modulate cGAS activity.

In particular, the present invention relates to a compound of formula (I) wherein

R ¹ is alkyl or halogen;

R ² is alkyl, halogen, haloalkyl, alkoxy or cycloalkyl;

R ³ is hydrogen or halogen; and R ⁴ is hydrogen, (oxo-hexahydropyrrolo[l,2-a]pyrazinyl)alkyl, haloalkylpiperazinylalkyl, cycloalkylpiperazinylalkyl, phenylalkyl(oxopiperazinyl)alkyl, alkyl(oxopiperazinyl)alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, phenylamino, halopiperidinylalkyl, alkylcarbonylpiperazinylalkyl, phenyl(alkylamino)alkyl, phenylalkylpiperazinylalkyl, phenylpiperazinylalkyl, oxopiperazinylalkyl, hydroxypiperidinylalkyl, alkylpiperazinylalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, piperidinylalkyl, phenylaminoalkyl, phenylalkyl, halophenylalkyl, morpholinylalkyl, haloalkyl, alkyl or phenylalkylamino; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof.

Cytokines are responsible for modulation of the innate immune response and the dysregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines has been associated with severe systemic inflammation and autoimmune diseases, many of which lack efficient therapy as of today.

Vertebrates possess an innate and adaptive immune system as protection against pathogens and other challenges. The innate immune system is an evolutionary old system that is present beyond vertebrates. Unlike the adaptive immune system, it does not require priming or training, but works as a general physical barrier (e.g. skin) or by detection of specific patterns. One universal pattern to trigger the innate immune system is the detection of cytosolic double stranded DNA, which leads to Type I Interferon response. Sources of cytosolic dsDNA could be from bacterial or viral infection but as well accumulated self- DNA. The cytosolic enzyme cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase (cGAS) is a sensor for cytosolic double stranded DNA. Binding of dsDNA results in the generation of the cyclic di nucleotide 2,3-cGAMP by enzymatic linkage of ATP and GTP. 2,3-cGAMP acts as secondary messenger and binds to the Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING), which resides in the endoplasmatic reticulum. Upon binding of 2,3-cGAMP, STING translocates to the perinuclear Golgi, where it associates with the TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and recruits and phosphorylates Interferon Response Factor 3 (IRF3). Ultimately this results in the production of Type I Interferon (I IFN), other cytokines like IL-6, TNFa, IL l b and chemokines - essential factors for host defense against invading pathogens. However, inappropriate or chronic production of type I IFN and other pro-inflammatory cytokines are associated with severe systemic inflammation and autoimmune diseases. For instance, IFN signaling is involved in SLE, cutaneous skin diseases (dermatomyositis, and cutaneous lupus), interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, Sjogren syndrome, and type I diabetes (G. Trinchieri, J Exp Med. 2010207(10): 2053-63). Other pro-inflammatory cytokine such as TNFa and PHb play an important role in inflammatory bowel disease, NASH, juvenile inflammatory arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and gout. Chronic activation of cGAS/STING causes severe systemic inflammation. Evidence for its role in inflammation in the clinic comes from monogenic diseases. Patients with deficiencies in nucleic acid modifying enzymes, like Trexl, RNaseH2 and SAMHD1, suffer from Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome (AGS). The involvement of cGAS/STING was supported in Trexl deficient mice that serve as a model for AGS.

Inhibition of the cGAS pathway which is upstream from the disease mediating cytokines is therefore a novel strategy in treating patients from multiple autoimmune diseases. Indications could include those linked to IFN signaling or those driven by TNFa and ILip.

As of today many diseases caused by dysregulation of the innate immune system lack efficient therapies.

The compound of the invention binds to and modulates cGAS activity.

The compound of formula (I) is particularly useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of e.g. systemic lupus erythrematosus (SLE), cutaneous skin diseases like dermatomyositis or cutaneous lupus, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, Sjogren syndrome, type I diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), juvenile inflammatory arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout or Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome (AGS).

In the present description the term “alkyl”, alone or in combination, signifies a straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl group with 1 to 8 carbon atoms, particularly a straight or branched-chain alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms and more particularly a straight or branched-chain alkyl group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples of straight- chain and branched-chain C1-C8 alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert.-butyl, sec. -butyl, the isomeric pentyls, the isomeric hexyls, the isomeric heptyls and the isomeric octyls, particularly methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl and pentyl. Particular examples of alkyl are methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert.- butyl, sec. -butyl and pentyl. Methyl and ethyl are particular examples of “alkyl” in the compound of formula (I).

The term “cycloalkyl”, alone or in combination, signifies a cycloalkyl ring with 3 to 8 carbon atoms and particularly a cycloalkyl ring with 3 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples of cycloalkyl are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl. A particular example of “cycloalkyl” is cyclopropyl.

The term “alkoxy” or “alkyloxy”, alone or in combination, signifies a group of the formula alkyl-O- in which the term "alkyl" has the previously given significance, such as methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy and tert.- butoxy. Particular examples of “alkoxy” are methoxy and ethoxy.

The term “oxy”, alone or in combination, signifies the -O- group.

The term “oxo”, alone or in combination, signifies the =0 group.

The terms “halogen” or “halo”, alone or in combination, signifies fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine and particularly fluorine, chlorine or bromine, more particularly fluorine and chlorine. The term “halo”, in combination with another group, denotes the substitution of said group with at least one halogen, particularly substituted with one to five halogens, particularly one to four halogens, i.e. one, two, three or four halogens.

The term “fluoro”, alone or in combination, signifies fluorine. The term “fluoro” in combination with another group, denotes the substitution of said group with at least one fluorine, particularly substituted with one to three fluorines, i.e. one, two or three fluorines.

The term “haloalkyl”, alone or in combination, denotes an alkyl group substituted with at least one halogen, particularly substituted with one to five halogens, particularly one to three halogens. Particular “haloalkyl” are fluoromethyl and fluoroethyl.

The terms “hydroxyl” and “hydroxy”, alone or in combination, signify the -OH group.

The term “carbonyl”, alone or in combination, signifies the -C(O)- group.

The term “amino”, alone or in combination, signifies the primary amino group (- NH2), the secondary amino group (-NH-), or the tertiary amino group (-N-).

The term “alkylamino”, alone or in combination, denotes an amino group substituted with at least one alkyl, unless specified otherwise. Particular “aminoalkyl” are aminomethyl and aminoethyl. A particular “aminoalkyl” is aminomethyl”. The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refers to those salts which retain the biological effectiveness and properties of the free bases or free acids, which are not biologically or otherwise undesirable. The salts are formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, particularly hydrochloric acid, and organic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, salicylic acid, N-acetylcystein. In addition these salts may be prepared form addition of an inorganic base or an organic base to the free acid. Salts derived from an inorganic base include, but are not limited to, the sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, calcium, magnesium salts. Salts derived from organic bases include, but are not limited to salts of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, substituted amines including naturally occurring substituted amines, cyclic amines and basic ion exchange resins, such as isopropylamine, trimethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, ethanolamine, lysine, arginine, N-ethylpiperidine, piperidine, polyamine resins. The compound of formula (I) can also be present in the form of zwitterions. Particularly preferred pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of formula (I) are the salts of hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, sodium and potassium. The term "pharmaceutically acceptable esters" means that compounds of general formula (I) may be derivatised at functional groups to provide derivatives which are capable of conversion back to the parent compounds in vivo. Examples of such compounds include physiologically acceptable and metabolically labile ester derivatives, such as methoxymethyl esters, methylthiomethyl esters and pivaloyloxymethyl esters. Additionally, any physiologically acceptable equivalents of the compounds of general formula (I), similar to the metabolically labile esters, which are capable of producing the parent compounds of general formula (I) in vivo, are within the scope of this invention.

If one of the starting materials or compounds of formula (I) contain one or more functional groups which are not stable or are reactive under the reaction conditions of one or more reaction steps, appropriate protecting groups (as described e.g. in “Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry” by T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts, 3 ^rd Ed., 1999, Wiley, New York) can be introduced before the critical step applying methods well known in the art. Such protecting groups can be removed at a later stage of the synthesis using standard methods described in the literature. Examples of protecting groups are tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc), 9-fluorenylmethyl carbamate (Fmoc), 2-trimethylsilylethyl carbamate (Teoc), carbobenzyloxy (Cbz) and p-methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl (Moz). A particularly preferred protecting group is tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc).

The compound of formula (I) can contain several asymmetric centers and can be present in the form of optically pure enantiomers, mixtures of enantiomers such as, for example, racemates, mixtures of diastereoisomers, diastereoisomeric racemates or mixtures of diastereoisomeric racemates.

The term “asymmetric carbon atom” means a carbon atom with four different substituents. According to the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog Convention an asymmetric carbon atom can be of the “R” or “S” configuration.

The invention thus relates to:

A compound according to the invention wherein R ¹ is alkyl or halogen;

A compound according to the invention wherein R ² is alkyl, halogen, haloalkyl, alkoxy or cycloalkyl;

A compound according to the invention wherein R ³ is hydrogen or halogen;

A compound according to the invention wherein R ⁴ is hydrogen, (oxo- hexahydropyrrolo[ 1 ,2-a]pyrazinyl)alkyl, haloalkylpiperazinylalkyl, cycloalkylpiperazinylalkyl, phenylalkyl(oxopiperazinyl)alkyl, alkyl(oxopiperazinyl)alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, phenylamino, halopiperidinylalkyl, alkylcarbonylpiperazinylalkyl, phenyl(alkylamino)alkyl, phenylalkylpiperazinylalkyl, phenylpiperazinylalkyl, oxopiperazinylalkyl, hydroxypiperidinylalkyl, alkylpiperazinylalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, piperidinylalkyl, phenylaminoalkyl, phenylalkyl, halophenylalkyl, morpholinylalkyl, haloalkyl, alkyl or phenylalkylamino;

A compound according to the invention wherein R ¹ is methyl or chlorine;

A compound according to the invention wherein R ¹ is halogen;

A compound according to the invention wherein R ¹ is chlorine; A compound according to the invention wherein R ² is methyl, chlorine, trifluoromethyl, ethoxy or cyclopropyl;

A compound according to the invention wherein R ² is alkyl;

A compound according to the invention wherein R ² is methyl;

A compound according to the invention wherein R ³ is hydrogen or fluoride;

A compound according to the invention wherein R ⁴ is hydrogen, (oxo- hexahydropyrrolo[ 1 ,2-a]pyrazinyl)methyl, trifluoroethylpiperazinylmethyl, cyclopropylpiperazinylmethyl, phenylmethyl(oxopiperazinyl)methyl, trifluoromethylpiperazinylmethyl, methyl(oxopiperazinyl)m ethyl, hydroxymethyl, phenylamino, difluoropiperidinylmethyl, methylcarbonylpiperazinylmethyl, phenyl(methylamino)methyl, phenylmethylpiperazinylmethyl, phenylpiperazinylmethyl, oxopiperazinylmethyl, hydroxypiperidinylmethyl, methylpiperazinylmethyl, diethylaminomethyl, piperidinylmethyl, phenylaminomethyl, phenylmethyl, chlorophenylmethyl, morpholinylmethyl, dimethylaminomethyl, trifluoromethyl, methyl or phenylmethylamino;

A compound according to the invention wherein R ⁴ is hydrogen, (oxo- hexahydropyrrolo[ 1 ,2-a]pyrazinyl)alkyl, cycloalkylpiperazinylalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, halopiperidinylalkyl, phenylalkylpiperazinylalkyl, oxopiperazinylalkyl, alkylpiperazinylalkyl, piperidinylalkyl, phenylaminoalkyl, phenylalkyl, morpholinylalkyl or phenylalkylamino; and

A compound according to the invention wherein R ⁴ is hydrogen, (oxo- hexahydropyrrolo[ 1 ,2-a]pyrazinyl)methyl, cyclopropylpiperazinylmethyl, hydroxymethyl, halopiperidinylmethyl, phenylmethylpiperazinylmethyl, oxopiperazinylmethyl, methylpiperazinylmethyl, piperidinylmethyl, phenylaminomethyl, phenylmethyl, morpholinylmethyl or phenylmethylamino.

The invention further relates to a compound of formula (I) selected from 6-(2-chloro-4-cyclopropylphenyl)- 1 -benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-5-fluoro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole -4-carboxylic acid; 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxyli c acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-ethoxyphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carbox ylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazo le-4-carboxylic acid;

6-(4-chloro-2-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carbox ylic acid; 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(6-oxo-l,3,4,7,8,8-hexahydrop yrrolo[l,2-a]pyrazin-2- yl)methyl]-lH-benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[[4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)p iperazin-l-yl]methyl]-lH- benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(4-cyclopropylpiperazin-l- yl)methyl]-lH-benzimidazole- 4-carboxylic acid;

2-[(4-benzyl-3-oxopiperazin-l-yl)methyl]-6-(2-chloro-4-me thylphenyl)-lH- benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[[3-(trifluoromethyl)pipera zin-l-yl]methyl]-lH- benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid; 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(4-methyl-2-oxopiperazin-l-yl )methyl]-lH- benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chl oro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(hydroxym ethyl)- lH-benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(phenylamino)-lH-benzo[d]im idazole-4-carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(4,4-difluoropiperidin-l-y l)methyl]-lH-benzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid;

2-[(4-acetylpiperazin-l-yl)methyl]-6-(2-chloro-4-methylph enyl)-lH-benzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(N-methylanilino)methyl]-l H-benzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid; 2-[(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)methyl]-6-(2-chloro-4-methylpheny l)-lH-benzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(4-phenylpiperazin-l-yl)me thyl]-lH-benzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid; 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(3-oxopiperazin-l-yl)methyl]- lH-benzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(4-hydroxypiperidin-l-yl)m ethyl]-lH-benzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloiO-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)me thyl]-l -benzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(diethylaminomethyl)-l-benz imidazole-4-carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(piperidin-l-ylmethyl)-lH-b enzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid;

2-(anilinomethyl)-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzimid azole-4-carboxylic acid; 2-benzyl-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4- carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-lH -benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(morpholin-4-ylmethyl)-lH-b enzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid; 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-lH-ben zimidazole-4-carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(trifluoromethyl)-lH-benzim idazole-4-carboxylic acid;

2-(benzylamino)-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]im idazole-4-carboxylic acid; and 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxyli c acid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof.

The invention further relates in particular to a compound of formula (I) selected from

6-(2-chloro-5-fluoro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole -4-carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carbox ylic acid; 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(6-oxo-l,3,4,7,8,8a-hexahydro pyrrolo[l,2-a]pyrazin-2- yl)methyl]-lH-benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(4-cyclopropylpiperazin-l- yl)methyl]-lH-benzimidazole- 4-carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chl oro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(hydroxym ethyl)- lH-benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid; 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(4,4-difluoropiperidin-l-yl)m ethyl]-lH-benzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid;

2-[(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)methyl]-6-(2-chloro-4-methylph enyl)-lH-benzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(3-oxopiperazin-l-yl)methy l]-lH-benzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)me thyl]-l -benzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(piperidin-l-ylmethyl)-lH-b enzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid; 2-(anilinomethyl)-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzimidazo le-4-carboxylic acid;

2-benzyl-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole -4-carboxylic acid;

6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(morpholin-4-ylmethyl)-lH-b enzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid; and

2-(benzylamino)-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]im idazole-4-carboxylic acid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof.

The synthesis of the compound of formula (I) can, for example, be accomplished according to the following schemes.

The compound of formula (I) according to the invention, wherein R ⁴ is hydrogen can be prepared according to scheme 1.

Scheme 1

In scheme 1, R ¹ , R ² and R ³ are as defined above, R ⁵ is alkyl; and R ⁶ is hydrogen or alkyl. PG is protecting group.

In scheme 1, methyl is a convenient R ⁵ and hydrogen is a convenient R ⁶ .

Step A Protection of the nitrogen can be accomplished by reacting benzimidazole 1 with a suitable reagent such as di-tert-butyl-dicarbonate in presence of a base such as cesium carbonate, 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), triethylamine or ethyl diisopropylamine at 0°C-75°C in a suitable solvent such as dichloromethane, dichloroethane, tetrahydrofuran or acetonitrile.

A convenient protecting group is the tert-butyloxycarbonyl group and convenient conditions for the introduction are the use of di-tert-butyl-dicarbonate and DMAP in dichloromethane for 18 h at room temperature. Step B : Coupling of the bromoderivative 1 with a suitable boronic acid or boronic acid ester 2 can be accomplished by using a palladium catalyst such as palladium(II)- acetate, palladium(II)-chloride, 1, l'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene- palladium(II)dichloride dichloromethane complex, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium-chloroform adduct, or tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) in combination with a ligand such as triphenylphosphine, tricyclohexylphosphine, X-phos, Xantphos or the like, and a base such as potassium phosphate, potassium carbonate, cesium carbonate, triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine in a suitable solvent such as dioxane, toluene, dim ethyl acetamide, dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, dimethoxyethane, diglyme, ethanol, methanol, water or mixtures of the solvents mentioned above at 20°C to 180°C for 5 min to 18 hrs with or without microwave irradiation.

Convenient conditions are the use of l,r-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene- palladium(II)dichloride dichloromethane complex, X-phos and cesium carbonate in a mixture of dioxane and water at 100°C for lh.

Step C : Deprotection can be accomplished by reaction of benzimidazole 4 with a suitable reagent such as trifluoroacetic acid or hydrochloric acid in dichloromethane or dioxane at room temperature for 1 - 18 h in case the convenient tert-butyloxycarbonyl group (PG=Boc) has been used. Furthermore the tert-butyloxycarbonyl group can be removed by heating with a base such as potassium carbonate or cesium carbonate in water and dioxane during the Suzuki reaction.

Convenient conditions are the heating with cesium carbonate in a mixture of water and dioxane at 90°C for 1 h.

Step D: Saponification can be accomplished by reaction of the alkyl ester 5 with a base such as lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or the like in a suitable solvent such as water, tetrahydrofuran, ethanol, methanol or mixtures thereof for 1 - 18 h at 0°C to 70°C. Saponification can be furthermore accomplished by reacting the alkyl ester 5 with an acid such as hydrobromic acid or hydrochlorid acid in water or acetic acid or a mixture thereof at 20°C - 110°C for 1 - 24 h.

Advantageous conditions are the use of lithium hydroxide in a mixture of tetrahydrofuran and water at 65 °C for 18 h. The compound of formula (I) according to the invention, wherein R ⁴ is not hydrogen, phenylamino or phenylaminoalkyl, can be prepared according to scheme 2.

Scheme 2 In scheme 2, R'-R ⁴ are as defined above; R ⁴ is phenylalkyl, halophenylalkyl, haloalkyl or alkyl; R ⁵ is alkyl; R ⁶ is hydrogen or alkyl; R ⁷ and R ⁸ are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl and phenyl, or R ⁷ and R ⁸ , together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form (oxo-hexahydropyrrolo[l,2-a]pyrazinyl), haloalkylpiperazinyl, cycloalkylpiperazinyl, phenylalkyl(oxopiperazinyl), alkyl(oxopiperazinyl), halopiperidinyl, alkylcarbonylpiperazinyl, phenylalkylpiperazinyl, phenylpiperazinyl, oxopiperazinyl, hydroxypiperidinyl, alkylpiperazinyl, piperidinyl or morpholinyl.

Conveniently in scheme 2, R ⁶ is hydrogen. Step A: Ring closure to form benzimidazole 2 can be accomplished by reacting diamine 1 with an acid R ⁴ COOH with or without addition of an inorganic acid chloride such as phosphorous oxychloride or thionyl chloride with or without using an additonal solvent such as 1,2-dichloroethane, di chi orom ethane or toluene at 0°C - 120°C for 1 h - 18 h.

Convenient conditions are the use of phosphorous oxychloride without additional solvent at 100°C for 2 h.

Step B: Coupling of the bromoderivative 2 with a suitable boronic acid or boronic acid ester 3 can be accomplished by using a palladium catalyst such as palladium(II)- acetate, palladium(II)-chloride, 1, l'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene- palladium(II)dichloride dichloromethane complex, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium-chloroform adduct, or tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) in combination with a ligand such as triphenylphosphine, tricyclohexylphosphine, X-phos, Xantphos or the like, and a base such as potassium phosphate, potassium carbonate, cesium carbonate, triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine in a suitable solvent such as dioxane, toluene, dim ethyl acetamide, dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, dimethoxyethane, diglyme, ethanol, methanol, water or mixtures of the solvents mentioned above at 20°C to 180°C for 5 min to 18 hrs with or without microwave irradiation.

Convenient conditions are the use of tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium chloroform adduct, X-phos and potassium carbonate in a mixture of dioxane and water at 100°C for lh.

Step C: Ring closure to form benzimidazole 5 can be accomplished by reacting diamine 1 with an chloroacetic acid derivative in an organic solvent or in water. Chloroacetic acid can be used in presence of hydrochloric acid in water at elevated temperatures followed by re-esterification with methanol and sulfuric acid.

Convenient conditions are the use of chloroacetic acid in aqueous hydrochloric acid at 100°C for 18 h followed by reaction with methanol and concentrated sulfuric acid at reflux for 18 h.

Step D: Substitution to form benzimidazole 6 can be accomplished by reacting with the amine R ⁷ R ⁸ NH in an approbate solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, dichloromethane, dioxane, dimethylformamide or the like with or without presence of a base such as triethylamine, ethyldiisopropylamine or N-methylmorpholine at 0°C - 140°C for 1 - 24 h.

Convenient conditions are the use of triethylamine and tetrahydrofuran at room temperature for 18 h. Step E: Coupling of the bromoderivative 6 with a suitable boronic acid or boronic acid ester 3 can be accomplished by using a palladium catalyst such as palladium(II)- acetate, palladium(II)-chloride, 1, l'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene- palladium(II)dichloride dichloromethane complex, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium-chloroform adduct, or tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) in combination with a ligand such as triphenylphosphine, tricyclohexylphosphine, X-phos, Xantphos or the like, and a base such as potassium phosphate, potassium carbonate, cesium carbonate, triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine in a suitable solvent such as dioxane, toluene, dim ethyl acetamide, dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, dimethoxyethane, diglyme, ethanol, methanol, water or mixtures of the solvents mentioned above at 20°C to 180°C for 5 min to 18 hrs with or without microwave irradiation.

Convenient conditions are the use of tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium chloroform adduct, X-phos and potassium carbonate in a mixture of dioxane and water at 100°C for lh. Step F: Coupling of the bromoderivative 5 with a suitable boronic acid or boronic acid ester 3 can be accomplished by using a palladium catalyst such as palladium(II)- acetate, palladium(II)-chloride, 1, r-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene- palladium(II)dichloride dichloromethane complex, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium-chloroform adduct, or tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) in combination with a ligand such as triphenylphosphine, tricyclohexylphosphine, X-phos, Xantphos or the like, and a base such as potassium phosphate, potassium carbonate, cesium carbonate, triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine in a suitable solvent such as dioxane, toluene, dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, dimethoxyethane, diglyme, ethanol, methanol, water or mixtures of the solvents mentioned above at 20°C to 180°C for 5 min to 18 hrs. Convenient conditions are the use of tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium chloroform adduct, X-phos and potassium carbonate in a mixture of dioxane and water at 100°C for lh.

Step G Saponification can be accomplished by reaction of the alkyl ester of any one of compounds 4, 7 or 8 with a base such as lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or the like in a suitable solvent such as water, tetrahydrofuran, ethanol, methanol or mixtures thereof for 1 - 18 h at 0°C to 70°C. Saponification can be furthermore accomplished by reacting the alkyl ester of any one of compounds 4, 7 or 8 with an acid such as hydrobromic acid or hydrochlorid acid in water or acetic acid or a mixture thereof at 20°C - 110°C for 1 - 24 h.

Advantageous conditions are the use of lithium hydroxide in a mixture of tetrahydrofuran and water at 65°C for 4 h.

The compound of formula (I) according to the invention, wherein R ⁴ is phenylamino or phenylaminoalkyl, can be prepared according to scheme 3.

Scheme 3

In scheme 3, R'-R’ are as defined above; R ⁵ is alkyl; R ⁶ is hydrogen or alkyl; X is a leaving group, such as a halogen, mesylat or tosylat.

Conveniently in scheme 3, R ⁵ is methyl. Conveniently in scheme 3, R ⁶ is hydrogen.

Step A Formation of benzimidazole derivative 2 can be accomplished by reaction of diamino compound 1 with l,3-di-boc-2-methyl-isothiourea and an acid such as and (+)- campher-10-sulfonic acid monohydrate in ethanol or methanol at 25°C - 75°C for 1 h - 24 h.

Convenient conditions are the use of l,3-di-boc-2-methyl-isothiourea and (+)- campher-10-sulfonic acid monohydrate in ethanol for 3 h at reflux.

Step B : Alkylation/benzylation can be accomplished by reacting the benzimidazole 2 with R ⁴ -X, wherein R ⁴ is an optionally substituted alkyl or benzyl and wherein X is a leaving group. Examples for R ⁴ -X are alkylchlorides, alkylbromides, alkyliodides, alkyltosylates, benzylbromides, benzylchlorides or the like and a base such as cesium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, triethylamine or ethyldiisopropylamine in a solvent such as as dioxane, dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran at 0°C-150°C for 1 h to 18 h. If regioisomeric mixtures of alkylation products are obtained they can be separated by column chromatography on silica gel using mixtures of organic solvents such as heptane, ethylacetate, methanol and dichloromethane to yield the described regioisomer as a pure compound.

Convenient conditions are the use of benzylbromide and cesium carbonate in dimethylformamide for 18 h at room temperature. Step C : Coupling of the bromoderivative 3 with a suitable boronic acid or boronic acid ester 4 and subsequent removal of the Boc group can be accomplished by using a palladium catalyst such as palladium(II)-acetate, palladium(II)-chloride, 1,1'- bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene-palladium(II)dichloride dichloromethane complex, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium-chloroform adduct, or tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) in combination with a ligand such as triphenylphosphine, tricyclohexylphosphine, X-phos, Xantphos or the like, and a base such as potassium phosphate, potassium carbonate, cesium carbonate in a suitable solvent such as dioxane or tetrahydrofuran in presence of water at 50°C to 180°C for 5 min to 18 hrs with or without microwave irradiation. Convenient conditions are the use of tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium chloroform adduct, X-phos and potassium carbonate in a mixture of dioxane and water at 100°C for lh.

Step D: Deprotection can be accomplished by reaction of benzimidazole 5 with a suitable reagent such as trifluoroacetic acid or hydrochloric acid in dichloromethane or dioxane at room temperature for 1 - 18 hours.

Convenient conditions are the use of hydrochloric acid in dioxane at 20°C for 1-2 days.

Step E: Coupling of the bromoderivative 1 with a suitable boronic acid or boronic acid ester 4 can be accomplished by using a palladium catalyst such as palladium(II)- acetate, palladium(II)-chloride, 1, l'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene- palladium(II)dichloride dichloromethane complex, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium-chloroform adduct, or tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) in combination with a ligand such as triphenylphosphine, tricyclohexylphosphine, X-phos, Xantphos or the like, and a base such as potassium phosphate, potassium carbonate, cesium carbonate, triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine in a suitable solvent such as dioxane, toluene, dim ethyl acetamide, dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, dimethoxyethane, diglyme, ethanol, methanol, water or mixtures of the solvents mentioned above at 20°C to 180°C for 5 min to 18 hrs with or without microwave irradiation.

Convenient conditions are the use of tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium chloroform adduct, X-phos and potassium carbonate in a mixture of dioxane and water at 100°C for lh.

Step F: Formation of benzimidazole derivative 8 can be accomplished by reaction of diamino compound 7 with l,3-di-boc-2-methyl-isothiourea and an acid such as (+)- campher-10-sulfonic acid monohydrate in ethanol or methanol at 25°C - 75°C for 1 h -24 h.

Convenient conditions are the use of l,3-di-boc-2-methyl-isothiourea and (+)- campher-10-sulfonic acid monohydrate in ethanol for 3 h at reflux. Step G Coupling of the bromoderivative 2 with a suitable boronic acid or boronic acid ester 4 can be accomplished by using a palladium catalyst such as palladium(II)- acetate, palladium(II)-chloride, 1, l'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene- palladium(II)dichloride dichloromethane complex, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium-chloroform adduct, or tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) in combination with a ligand such as triphenylphosphine, tricyclohexylphosphine, X-phos, Xantphos or the like, and a base such as potassium phosphate, potassium carbonate, cesium carbonate, triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine in a suitable solvent such as dioxane, toluene, dim ethyl acetamide, dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, dimethoxyethane, diglyme, ethanol, methanol, water or mixtures of the solvents mentioned above at 20°C to 180°C for 5 min to 18 hrs with or without microwave irradiation.

Convenient conditions are the use of tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium chloroform adduct, X-phos and potassium carbonate in a mixture of dioxane and water at 100°C for lh.

Step H: Deprotection can be accomplished by reaction of benzimidazole 8 with a suitable reagent such as trifluoroacetic acid or hydrochloric acid in dichloromethane or dioxane at room temperature for 1 - 18 hours.

Convenient conditions are the use of hydrochloric acid in dioxane at 20°C for 1-2 days.

Step I: Formation of bromo compound 10 can be accomplished by reaction of benzimidazole compound 9 with sodium nitrite an acid such as hydrochloric acid in water, or by reaction with tert.-butyl nitrite or isoamyl nitrite in an organic solvent such as acetonitrile at 25-80°C.

Convenient conditions are the use of tert.-butyl nitrite and copper (II) bromide in acetonitrile at 75°C for 2 hours.

Step J: Substitution can be accomplished by reaction of benzimidazole compound 10 with an amine R ⁴ -NH2 with or without an additional base and with or without an organic solvent such as dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, tetrahydrofuran, dichloromethane or 1,2-dichloroethane. Convenient conditions are the use of an excess of the amine and heating the mixture to 90°C for 18 h.

Step K: Saponification can be accomplished by reaction of the alkyl ester 6 with a base such as lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or the like in a suitable solvent such as water, tetrahydrofuran, ethanol, methanol or mixtures thereof for 1 - 18 h at 0°C to 70°C. Saponification can be furthermore accomplished by reacting the alkyl ester 5 with an acid such as hydrobromic acid or hydrochlorid acid in water or acetic acid or a mixture thereof at 20°C - 110°C for 1 - 24 h.

Advantageous conditions are the use of lithium hydroxide in a mixture of tetrahydrofuran and water at around 65 °C for 4 h.

The invention thus also relates to a process for the preparation of a compound according to the invention, comprising the saponification of a compound of formula (Al) in the presence of a base or an acid; wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are as defined above and R ⁵ is alkyl.

R ⁵ is conveniently methyl.

The saponification can be conveniently carried out in a solvent. The solvent can be for example water, tetrahydrofuran, ethanol, methanol, acetic acid or mixtures thereof.

In the saponification the base can be for example lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. In the saponification the acid can be for example hydrobromic acid or hydrochlorid acid.

Convenient conditions for the saponification under basic conditions can be between around 0°C - 100°C, particularly around 40°C - 90°C, more particularly around 50°C - 80°C, in particular around 65°C.

Preferred conditions for saponification under basic conditions are the use of lithium hydroxide in a mixture of tetrahydrofuran and water at around 65 °C for around 4 h.

Convenient conditions for the saponification under acidic conditions can be between around 0°C - 170°C, particularly around 20°C - 150°C, more particularly around 80°C - 120°C, in particular around 110°C.

Preferred conditions for saponification under acidic conditions are the use of hydrobromic acid in acetic acid at around 110°C for around 3 h.

The invention also relates to a compound according to the invention when manufactured according to a process of the invention. Another embodiment of the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition or medicament containing a compound of the invention and a therapeutically inert carrier, diluent or excipient, as well as a method of using the compounds of the invention to prepare such composition and medicament. In one example, the compound of formula (I) may be formulated by mixing at ambient temperature at the appropriate pH, and at the desired degree of purity, with physiologically acceptable carriers, i.e., carriers that are non toxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed into a galenical administration form. The pH of the formulation depends mainly on the particular use and the concentration of compound, but preferably ranges anywhere from about 3 to about 8.

In one example, a compound of formula (I) is formulated in an acetate buffer, at pH 5. In another embodiment, the compound of formula (I) is sterile. The compound may be stored, for example, as a solid or amorphous composition, as a lyophilized formulation or as an aqueous solution.

Compositions are formulated, dosed, and administered in a fashion consistent with good medical practice. Factors for consideration in this context include the particular disorder being treated, the particular mammal being treated, the clinical condition of the individual patient, the cause of the disorder, the site of delivery of the agent, the method of administration, the scheduling of administration, and other factors known to medical practitioners.

The compounds of the invention may be administered by any suitable means, including oral, topical (including buccal and sublingual), rectal, vaginal, transdermal, parenteral, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intrapulmonary, intradermal, intrathecal and epidural and intranasal, and, if desired for local treatment, intralesional administration. Parenteral infusions include intramuscular, intravenous, intraarterial, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous administration. The compounds of the present invention may be administered in any convenient administrative form, e.g., tablets, powders, capsules, solutions, dispersions, suspensions, syrups, sprays, suppositories, gels, emulsions, patches, etc. Such compositions may contain components conventional in pharmaceutical preparations, e.g., diluents, carriers, pH modifiers, sweeteners, bulking agents, and further active agents. A typical formulation is prepared by mixing a compound of the present invention and a carrier or excipient. Suitable carriers and excipients are well known to those skilled in the art and are described in detail in, e.g., Ansel, Howard C., et ah, Ansel’s Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2004; Gennaro, Alfonso R., et al. Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2000; and Rowe, Raymond C. Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients. Chicago, Pharmaceutical Press, 2005. The formulations may also include one or more buffers, stabilizing agents, surfactants, wetting agents, lubricating agents, emulsifiers, suspending agents, preservatives, antioxidants, opaquing agents, glidants, processing aids, colorants, sweeteners, perfuming agents, flavoring agents, diluents and other known additives to provide an elegant presentation of the drug (i.e., a compound of the present invention or pharmaceutical composition thereof) or aid in the manufacturing of the pharmaceutical product (i.e., medicament).

The invention also relates in particular to:

A compound of formula (I) for use in the treatment of a disease modulated by cGAS; The use of a compound of formula (I) for the treatment or prophylaxis of systemic lupus erythrematosus (SLE), cutaneous skin diseases like dermatomyositis or cutaneous lupus, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, Sjogren syndrome, type I diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), juvenile inflammatory arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout or Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome (AGS);

The use of a compound of formula (I) for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of systemic lupus erythrematosus (SLE), cutaneous skin diseases like dermatomyositis or cutaneous lupus, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, Sjogren syndrome, type I diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), juvenile inflammatory arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout or Aicardi- Goutieres syndrome (AGS);

A compound of formula (I) for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of systemic lupus erythrematosus (SLE), cutaneous skin diseases like dermatomyositis or cutaneous lupus, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, Sjogren syndrome, type I diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), juvenile inflammatory arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout or Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome (AGS); and

A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of systemic lupus erythrematosus (SLE), cutaneous skin diseases like dermatomyositis or cutaneous lupus, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, Sjogren syndrome, type I diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), juvenile inflammatory arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout or Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome (AGS), which method comprises administering an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) to a patient in need thereof.

The invention will now be illustrated by the following examples which have no limiting character. Examples

Abbreviations

DCM = dichloromethane; DMSO = dimethyl sulfoxide; ESI = electrospray ionization; EtOAc = ethyl acetate; HPLC = high performance liquid chromatography; MeOH = methanol; MS = mass spectrometry; RT = room temperature; TFA = trifluoroacetic acid; THF = tetrahydrofuran.

Example 1

6-(2-Chloro-4-cyclopropylphenyl)-l-benzimidazole-4-carbox ylic acid a) l-(tert-Butyl) 4-methyl 6-bromo-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-l,4-dicarboxylate

To a suspension of methyl 6-bromo-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate (750 mg, 2.94 mmol, Eq: 1) and N-ethyldiisopropylamine (988 mg, 1.31 ml, 7.64 mmol, Eq: 2.6) in dichloromethane (20 ml) were added di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (1.35 g, 6.17 mmol, Eq: 2.1) and DMAP (36.7 mg, 294 pmol, Eq: 0.1). The reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight, then it was poured into 50 ml of water and extracted with EtOAc (2 x 50 mL). The organic layers were dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 40 g, 0% to 100% EtOAc in heptane) to obtain the title compound 1 -(tert-butyl) 4-methyl 6-bromo-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-l,4- dicarboxylate (846.9 mg, 2.38 mmol, 80.8 % yield) as white solid, MS (ESI): 355.029 [M+H]+. b) Methyl 6-(2-chloro-4-cyclopropylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carb oxylate

To a light yellow solution of 1 -(tert-butyl) 4-methyl 6-bromo-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-l,4- dicarboxylate (50 mg, 134 pmol, Eq: 1) in 1,4-dioxane (1.2 ml) was added (2-chloro-4- cyclopropylphenyl)boronic acid (39.4 mg, 201 pmol, Eq: 1.5). Cesium carbonate (88 mg, 267 pmol, Eq: 2) dissolved in water (0.6 ml) was added. The reaction mixture was degassed with Argon before l,r-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene-palladium(II)di chloride dichloromethane complex (5.46 mg, 6.69 pmol, Eq: 0.05) was added. The mixture was heated to 90°C for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was poured into 20 ml of water and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 20 ml). The crude material was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 12 g, 0% to 10% MeOH in DCM) to obtain the title compound methyl 6-(2-chloro-4-cyclopropylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carb oxylate (31.6 mg, 95.4 pmol, 71.4 % yield) as light brown solid , MS (ESI): 327.13 [M+H]+. c) 6-(2-Chloro-4-cyclopropylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carb oxylic acid

To a solution of methyl 6-(2-chloro-4-cyclopropylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4- carboxylate (30 mg, 91.8 pmol, Eq: 1) in tetrahydrofuran (1.2 ml) was added lithium hydroxide monohydrate (7.7 mg, 184 pmol, Eq: 2) dissolved in water (0.6 ml). The reaction mixture was warmed to 65°C and stirred for 3h. For work-up HC1 (2M, 91.8 pi, 184 pmol, Eq: 2) was added, the mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was treated with methyltetrahydrofuran and the crystals were filtered off to obtain the title compound 6-(2-chloro-4-cyclopropylphenyl)-l-benzimidazole-4-carboxyli c acid (20.6 mg, 65 pmol, 70.8 % yield) as white solid, MS (ESI): 313.074 [M+H]+.

Example 2 6-(2-Chloro-5-fluoro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4- carboxylic acid

The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 1 using (2-chloro-5-fluoro-4-methylphenyl)boronic acid instead of (2-chloro-4-cyclopropylphenyl)boronic acid in step b), off-white solid, MS (ESI): 305.1 [M+H]+.

Example 3

6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carbox ylic acid

The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 1 using (2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)boronic acid instead of (2- chloro-5-fluoro-4-methylphenyl)boronic acid in step b), off-white solid, MS (ESI): 287.1 [M+H]+. Example 4

6-(2-Chloro-4-ethoxyphenyl)-lH-benzo [d] imidazole-4-carboxylic acid a) Methyl 6-(2-chloro-4-ethoxyphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxyla te

(2-Chloro-4-ethoxyphenyl)boronic acid (84.6 mg, 401 pmol, Eq: 1.5) and l-(tert-butyl) 4- methyl 6-bromo-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-l,4-dicarboxylate (100 mg, 267 pmol, Eq: 1) were solved in 1,4-dioxane (6 ml) and water (3 ml). Cesium carbonate (352 mg, 1.07 mmol, Eq: 4) was added and the mixture was degassed by bubbling argon through the mixture (5 min) l,r-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene-palladium(II)dichloride dichloromethane complex (10.9 mg, 13.4 mihoΐ, Eq: 0.05) was added. The reaction was stirred in a sealed tube at 90°C. The mixture was taken up in EtOAc and washed with water, saturated NEECl solution and brine. The organic layer was dried over NaiSCE, filtrated and evaporated. The residue was diluted with CEhCh, evaporated with silica gel to dryness and purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 40 g, with 0% to 100% EtOAc in heptane) to obtain the title compound methyl 6-(2-chloro-4-ethoxyphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxyla te (58.6 mg, 177 pmol, 44.1 % yield) as off-white solid, MS (ESI): 331.2 [M+H]+. b) 6-(2-Chloro-4-ethoxyphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxyli c acid

Methyl 6-(2-chloro-4-ethoxyphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxyla te (56 mg, 169 pmol, Eq: 1) was solved in acetic acid (1.18 g, 1.09 ml, 19.6 mmol, Eq: 116).

Hydrobromic acid (816 mg, 544 pi, 4.84 mmol, Eq: 28.6) was added at room temperature. The mixture was stirred at 110°C for 3 h, then it was concentrated at high vacuum at 50°C. The residue was taken up in 15% Na ₂ C0 ₃ -solution, the aqueous layer was extracted twice with diethylether, the organic layer was washed with water and the combined aqueous layers were acidified with HC1 37% to pH3 and extracted twice with 2- methyltetrahydrofuran. The combined organic layers were dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ , filtrated and evaporated. The crude product was purified by preparative HPLC (Gemini NX, 12 nm, 5 pm, 100 x 30 mm, eluent acetonitrile/water). The solvent acetonitrile was evaporated and the remaining aqueous layer was extracted with 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, the organic layer was washed with water, then dried over Na ₂ SC> ₄ , filtrated and evaporated to yield the title compound 6-(2-chloro-4-ethoxyphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxyli c acid (16.6 mg, 52.4 pmol, 31.0 % yield) as light yellow solid, MS (ESI): 317.1 [M+H]+.

Example 5

6-(2-Chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-lH-benzo [d] imidazole-4-carboxylic acid The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 4 using (2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)boronic acid instead of (2-chloro-4-ethoxyphenyl)boronic acid in step a), light yellow solid, MS (ESI): 341.1 [M+H]+. Example 6

6-(4-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carbox ylic acid

The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 4 using (4-chloro-2-methylphenyl)boronic acid instead of (2- chloro-4-ethoxyphenyl)boronic acid in step a), light yellow solid, MS (ESI): 287.1 [M+H]+.

Example 7

6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(6-oxo-l,3,4,7,8,8a-hexahy dropyrrolo[l,2-a]pyrazin- 2-yl)methyl]-lH-benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid a) Methyl 6-bromo-2-(chloromethyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate To a light yellow solution of methyl 2,3-diamino-5-bromobenzoate (10 g, 40.8 mmol, Eq: 1) in water (100 ml) and HC1 cone (100 ml) was added chloroacetic acid (4.24 g, 44.9 mmol, Eq: 1.1). The mixture was heated to 100°C overnight. The reaction mixture was poured into 25 ml of water and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 100 ml). The organic layers were dried over MgSCE and concentrated in vacuo to obtain the crude intermediate 6- bromo-2-(chloromethyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylic acid (7.14 g, 24.7 mmol,

60.4 % yield) as red solid, which was taken up with methanol (150 ml). Sulfuric acid (16 g, 8.7 ml, 163 mmol, Eq: 4) was added. The mixture was heated to reflux over night. The crude reaction mixture was partly concentrated in vacuo, then it was slowly poured into 150 ml saturated NaElCCE solution and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 150 ml). The organic layers were dried over MgS0 ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 80g, 0% to 100% EtOAc in heptane) to afford the title compound methyl 6-bromo-2-(chloromethyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate (4.72 g, 15.3 mmol, 37.5 % yield) as brown semisolid, (ESI): 304.94 [M+H]+. b) Methyl 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-((6-oxohexahydropyrrolo[l,2-a] pyrazin-2(lH)- yl)methyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate

To a light brown solution of methyl 6-bromo-2-(chloromethyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4- carboxylate (100 mg, 329 pmol, Eq: 1) and triethylamine (133 mg, 184 mΐ, 1.32 mmol, Eq: 4) in tetrahydrofuran (2 ml) was added hexahydropyrrolo[l,2-a]pyrazin-6(2H)-one (55.4 mg, 395 pmol, Eq: 1.2). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temp overnight. The mixture was poured into 10 ml of water and extracted twice with EtOAc (2 x 10 ml). The organic layers were dried over MgS0 ₄ and concentrated in vacuo to obtain the intermediate which was taken up in dioxane (1.5 ml). (2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)boronic acid (56.1 mg, 329 pmol, Eq: 1) was added. Potassium phosphate (210 mg, 81.8 pi, 988 pmol, Eq: 3) dissolved in water (0.375 ml) was added. The misture was degassed during 2 min before X-phos (7.85 mg, 16.5 pmol, Eq: 0.05) and tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium chloroform adduct (8.53 mg, 8.24 pmol, Eq: 0.025) were added. The mixture was heated to 100°C for 1 hours. The reaction mixture was poured into 20 ml of water and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 20 ml). The organic layers were dried over MgS0 ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 12g, 0% to 5% MeOH in DCM) to afford the title compound methyl 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-((6-oxohexahydropyrrolo[l,2-a] pyrazin-2(lH)- yl)methyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate (22.5 mg, 41.8 mihoΐ, 12.7 % yield) as light brown solid, MS (ESI): 453.3 [M+H]+. c) 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(6-oxo-l,3,4,7,8,8a-hexahydro pyrrolo[l,2-a]pyrazin-2- yl)methyl]-lH-benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid To a light yellow solution of methyl 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-((6- oxohexahydropyrrolo[l,2-a]pyrazin-2(lH)-yl)methyl)-lH-benzo[ d]imidazole-4- carboxylate (20 mg, 44.2 pmol, Eq: 1) in tetrahydrofuran (1.5 ml) was added lithium hydroxide monohydrate (3.71 mg, 88.3 pmol, Eq: 2) dissolved in water (375 mΐ) . The reaction mixture was heated to 65°C and stirred during 4 hours. The mixture was quenched with HC1 (2M, 44.2 pi, 88.3 pmol, Eq: 2) and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was purified by preparative HPLC (Gemini NX, 12 nm, 5 pm, 100 x 30 mm, eluent acetonitrile/water) to obtain the title compound 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(6-oxo- l,3,4,7,8,8a-hexahydropyrrolo[l,2-a]pyrazin-2-yl)methyl]-lH- benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid (7 mg, 15.2 pmol, 34.4 % yield) as white solid, MS (ESI): 439.27 [M+H]+. Example 8

6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-((4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)p iperazin-l-yl)methyl)-lH- benzo [d] imidazole-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 7 using l-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)piperazine hydrochloride instead of hexahydropyrrolo[l,2-a]pyrazin-6(2H)-one in step b), light yellow solid, (MS (ESI): 467.33 [M+H]+. Example 9

6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(4-cyclopropylpiperazin-l- yl)methyl]-lH- benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 7 using 1-cyclopropylpiperazine instead of hexahydropyrrolo[l,2- a]pyrazin-6(2H)-one in step b), light brown solid, (MS (ESI): 425.31 [M+H]+.

Example 10

2- [(4-Benzyl-3-oxopiper azin- l-yl)methyl] -6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)- 1H- benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 7 using l-benzylpiperazin-2-one instead of hexahydropyrrolo[l,2- a]pyrazin-6(2H)-one in step b), light yellow solid, (MS (ESI): 489.31 [M+H]+.

Example 11 6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[[3-(trifluoromethyl)piperazin -l-yl]methyl]-lH- benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 7 using 2-(trifluoromethyl)piperazine instead of hexahydropyrrolo[l,2-a]pyrazin-6(2H)-one in step b), light yellow solid, MS (ESI): 453.22 [M+H]+.

Example 12

6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(4-methyl-2-oxopiperazin-l -yl)methyl]-lH- benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 7 using 4-methylpiperazin-2-one instead of hexahydropyrrolo[l,2- a]pyrazin-6(2H)-one in step b), light yellow solid, MS (ESI): 413.23 [M+H]+.

Example 13

6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-lH-benzimid azole-4-carboxylic acid a) Methyl 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(hydroxym ethyl)- lH-benzimidazole-4- carboxylate

To a light yellow solution of methyl 6-bromo-2-(chloromethyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4- carboxylate (see Example 7, 40 mg, 132 pmol, Eq: 1) in dioxane (2 ml) was added (2- chloro-4-methylphenyl)boronic acid (23.6 mg, 138 pmol, Eq: 1.05). Potassium phosphate (tribasic) (55.9 mg, 264 pmol, Eq: 2) solved in water (500 pi) was added. The misture was degassed during 2 min before X-phos (3.14 mg, 6.59 pmol, Eq: 0.05) and tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium chloroform adduct (3.41 mg, 3.29 pmol, Eq: 0.025) were added. The mixture was heated to 100°C for 1 hours. For work-up the reaction mixture was poured into 20 ml of water and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 20 ml). The organic layers were dried over MgSCE and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 12g, 0% to 10% MeOH in DCM) to afford the title compound methyl 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-lH- benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate as light yellow solid, MS (ESI): 331.09 [M+H]+. b) 6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-lH-benzimidazo le-4-carboxylic acid

To a light yellow solution of methyl 6-(2-chl oro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(hydroxym ethyl)- 1H- benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate (12 mg, 36.3 pmol, Eq: 1) in tetrahydrofuran (1 ml) was added lithium hydroxide monohydrate (3.04 mg, 72.6 pmol, Eq: 2) dissolved in water (250 pL). The mixture was heated to 65°C during 4 h, then quenched with HC1 (2M, 36.3 pi, 72.6 pmol, Eq: 2) and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was triturated with diethyl ether (2 x 5 ml) to obtain the title compound 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2- (hydroxymethyl)-lH-benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid (12.1 mg, 33.3 pmol, 91.9 % yield) as light yellow solid, MS (ESI): 317.13 [M+H]+.

Example 14 6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(phenylamino)-lH-benzo[d]imida zole-4-carboxylic acid a) Methyl 4,5-diamino-2'-chloro-4'-methyl-[l, l'-biphenyl]-3-carboxylate

To a solution of methyl 2,3-diamino-5-bromobenzoate (2 g, 8.16 mmol, Eq: 1) in dioxane (40 ml) was added (2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)boronic acid (1.39 g, 8.16 mmol, Eq: 1). Potassium phosphate (tribasic) (3.46 g, 16.3 mmol, Eq: 2) dissolved in water (10 ml) was added. The reaction mixture was degassed during 2 min before X-phos (195 mg, 408 pmol, Eq: 0.05) and tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium chloroform adduct (211 mg, 204 pmol, Eq: 0.025) were added. The mixture was heated to 110°C for 2 hours, then poured into 100 ml of water and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 100 ml). The organic layers were dried over MgSCE and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 80g, 0% to 70% EtOAc in heptane) to afford the title compound methyl 4,5-diamino-2'-chloro-4'-methyl-[l,r-biphenyl]-3-carboxylate (2.06 g, 6.85 mmol, 84 % yield) as dark brown gum, 291.11 [M+H]+. b) Methyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-l H- benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate

A mixture of methyl 4,5-diamino-2'-chloro-4'-methyl-[l,r-biphenyl]-3-carboxylate (450 mg, 1.55 mmol, Eq: 1), l,3-di-boc-2-methylisothiourea (714 mg, 2.38 mmol, Eq: 1.54) and (+)-campher-10-sulfonic acid monohydrate (27.3 mg, 107 pmol, Eq: 0.069) in ethanol (10.8 ml) was refluxed for 3h, then the mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered. The grey filter cake was washed three times with 2ml of ethanol and dried to afford the title compound methyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-6-(2-chloro-4- methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate (582 mg, 1.35 mmol, 87.3 % yield) as grey solid, 416.23 [M+H]+. c) Methyl 2-amino-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-c arboxylate

In a 25 ml round-bottomed flask, methyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-6-(2-chloro-4- methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate (778 mg, 1.87 mmol, Eq: 1) and HC1 (IN in dioxane, 11.7 ml, 46.8 mmol, Eq: 25) were combined with dioxane (6.68 ml). The reaction was heated for 5h at 60°C. For work-up the reaction mixture was diluted with diethyl ether and heptan, the precipitate was filtered off, dried in vacuo to afford the title compound methyl 2-amino-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4- carboxylate (546 mg, 1.73 mmol, 92% yield) as an off-white solid, MS (ESI): 316.12 [M+H]+. d) Methyl 2-bromo-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-c arboxylate

To a dark green solution of tert.-butyl nitrite (196 mg, 226 mΐ, 1.9 mmol, Eq: 1.5) and copper (II) bromide (424 mg, 1.9 mmol, Eq: 1.5) in acetonitrile (12 ml) at 60°C methyl 2- amino-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-car boxylate (400 mg, 1.27 mmol, Eq: 1) was added portionwise. After complete addition the mixture was heated up to 75°C for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was quenched with 100 ml of 1M HC1 and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 100 ml). The organic layers were dried over MgSCE and concentrated in vacuo. Crude material was suspended in MeOH (10 ml). Suspension was stirred for 30min before solids were filterd off. Solids were washed with MeOH. The crude material (487mg) was purified by preparative HPLC (Gemini NX, 12 nm, 5 pm, 100 x 30 mm, eluent acetonitrile/water) to obtain the title compound methyl 2-bromo-6-(2-chloro-4- methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate (91.7 mg, 229 pmol, 18.1 % yield) as a white solid, MS (ESI): 381.04 [M+H]+. e) Methyl 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(phenylamino)-lH-benzo[d]imida zole-4- carboxyl ate In a 5ml vial, methyl 2-bromo-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4- carboxylate (40 mg, 105 pmol, Eq: 1) and aniline (98.1 mg, 96.2 pi, 1.05 mmol, Eq: 10) were combined with ethanol (0.5 ml). The reaction mixture was heated to 90°C and stirred overnight. For work-up the reaction mixture was poured into 20 ml of 1M HC1 and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 25 ml). The organic layers were combined, dried over MgS0 ₄ , filtered through sintered glass, concentrated and dried in vacuo. The crude material was purified by chromatography (silica gel, 12 g, 0% to 50% EtOAc in heptane to afford the title compound methyl 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(phenylamino)-lH- benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate (36.4 mg, 91.5 pmol, 86.8 % yield), off-white solid, MS (ESI): 392.19 [M+H]+. f) 6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(phenylamino)-lH-benzo[d]imida zole-4-carboxylic acid

To a light yellow solution of methyl 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(phenylamino)-lH- benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate (19 mg, 48.5 pmol, Eq: 1) in tetrahydrofuran (500 pi) was added lithium hydroxide (4.07 mg, 97 pmol, Eq: 2) dissolved in water (250 pi). The reaction mixture was heated to 65°C during 4 hours, then quenched with HC1 (48.5 pi, 97 pmol, Eq: 2) and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was dissolved with a few drops of diethyl ether and than triturated with Heptan (2 x 10 ml) to obtain the title compound 6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(phenylamino)-lH-benzo[d]imida zole-4- carboxylic acid (18 mg, 47.1 pmol, 97.2 % yield) as white solid, MS (ESI): 378.13 [M+H]+. Example 15

6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(4,4-difluoropiperidin-l-y l)methyl]-lH- benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 7 using 4,4-difluoropiperidine hydrochloride instead of hexahydropyrrolo[l,2-a]pyrazin-6(2H)-one in step b), light red solid, MS (ESI): 420.21 [M+H]+.

Example 16 2-[(4-Acetylpiperazin-l-yl)methyl]-6-(2-chloro-4-methylpheny l)-lH-benzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid

The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 7 using 1 -acetylpiperazine instead of hexahydropyrrolo[ 1,2- a]pyrazin-6(2H)-one in step b), white solid, MS (ESI): 427.26 [M+H]+.

Example 17

6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(N-methylanilino)methyl]-l H-benzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid

The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 7 using N-methylaniline instead of hexahydropyrrolo[l,2- a]pyrazin-6(2H)-one in step b), light yellow solid, MS (ESI): 406.18 [M+H]+.

Example 18 2-[(4-Benzylpiperazin-l-yl)methyl]-6-(2-chloro-4-methylpheny l)-lH-benzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 7 using 1 -benzyl -piperazine instead of hexahydropyrrolo[l,2- a]pyrazin-6(2H)-one in step b), light brown solid, MS (ESI): 475.28 [M+H]+. Example 19

6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(4-phenylpiperazin-l-yl)me thyl]-lH-benzimidazole- 4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 7 using 1 -phenyl -piperazine instead of hexahydropyrrolo[l,2- a]pyrazin-6(2H)-one in step b), light brown solid, MS (ESI): 461.29 [M+H]+.

Example 20

6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(3-oxopiperazin-l-yl)methy l]-lH-benzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 7 using piperazin-2-one instead of hexahydropyrrolo[l,2-a]pyrazin- 6(2H)-one in step b), off-white solid, MS (ESI): 399.17 [M+H]+. Example 21

6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(4-hydroxypiperidin-l-yl)m ethyl]-lH-benzimidazole- 4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 7 using piperidin-4-ol instead of hexahydropyrrolo[ 1 ,2-a]pyrazin- 6(2H)-one in step b), white solid, MS (ESI): 400.18 [M+H]+.

Example 22

6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)me thyl]-l-benzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 7 using 1 -methyl-piperazine instead of hexahydropyrrolo[l,2- a]pyrazin-6(2H)-one in step b), white solid, MS (ESI): 399.158 [M+H]+. Example 23

6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(diethylaminomethyl)-l-benz imidazole-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 7 using diethylamine instead of hexahydropyrrolo[ 1 ,2-a]pyrazin- 6(2H)-one in step b), light brown solid, MS (ESI): 372.147 [M+H]+.

Example 24

6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(piperidin-l-ylmethyl)-lH-b enzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 7 using piperidine instead of hexahydropyrrolo[l,2-a]pyrazin- 6(2H)-one in step b), light brown solid, MS (ESI): 384.20 [M+H]+.

Example 25

2-(Anilinomethyl)-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzimid azole-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 7 using anline instead of hexahydropyrrolo[l,2-a]pyrazin-6(2H)- one in step b), white solid, MS (ESI): 392.19 [M+H]+.

Example 26

2-Benzyl-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole -4-carboxylic acid a) Methyl 2 -benzyl -6-bromo-lH-benzimidazole-4-carboxylate

To a mix of methyl 2,3-diamino-5-bromobenzoate (100 mg, 408 mihoΐ, Eq: 1) and 2- phenylacetic acid (55.6 mg, 408 mihoΐ, Eq: 1) under argon was added phosphorus oxychloride (1 ml). Vial was closed and RM was heated to 110°C for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was quenched by adding it slowly on 25 ml of saturated NaHCCE solution. The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (3 x 25 ml). The organic layers were dried over MgSCE and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 12g, 0% to 70% EtOAc in heptane) to afford the title compound methyl 2-benzyl-6-bromo-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate (113 mg, 315 pmol, 77.3 % yield) as off-white solid, MS (ESI): 347.07 [M+H]+. b) Methyl 2-benzyl-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4- carboxylate

Methyl 2-benzyl-6-bromo-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate (107 mg, 310 pmol, Eq:

1), (2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)boronic acid (52.8 mg, 310 pmol, Eq: 1) and potassium carbonate (tribasic) (132 mg, 620 pmol, Eq: 2) were combined with dioxane (1.71 ml) and water (428 mΐ). The vial was degassed with argon before X-phos (7.39 mg, 15.5 pmol, Eq: 0.05) and tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium chloroform adduct (8.02 mg, 7.75 pmol, Eq: 0.025) were added. The vial was closed and the reaction mixture was heated to 110 °C and stirred for 1.5 h. For work-up the reaction mixture was poured into 20 ml of water and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 20 ml). The organic layers were combined, dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ , filtered through sintered glass, concentrated and dried in vacuo. The crude material was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 12 g, 0% to 60% EtOAc in heptane) to afford the title compound methyl methyl 2 -benzyl -6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH- benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate (68.2 mg, 167 pmol, 53.9 % yield) as brown oil, MS (ESI): 391.121 [M+H]+. c) 2-Benzyl-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4- carboxylic acid

To a colorless solution of methyl 2-benzyl-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH- benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate (63.2 mg, 162 pmol, Eq: 1) in tetrahydrofuran (2.34 ml) was added lithium hydroxide monohydrate (13.6 mg, 323 pmol, Eq: 2) dissolved in water (1.17 ml). The mixture was warmed to 65°C and stirred for 3h. For work-up HC1 (2M, 162 pi, 323 pmol, Eq: 2) was added and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was purified by preparative HPLC (Gemini NX, 12 nm, 5 pm, 100 x 30 mm, eluent acetonitrile/water) to obtain the title compound 2-benzyl-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH- benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylic acid (3.9 mg, 9.94 pmol, 6.14 % yield) as white solid, MS (ESI): 377.105 [M+H]+.

Example 27 6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-lH-be nzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid

The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 26 using 2-(4-chlorophenyl)acetic acid instead of 2 -phenyl acetic acid in step a), white solid, MS (ESI): 411.13 [M+H]+.

Example 28

6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(morpholin-4-ylmethyl)-lH-b enzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 7 using morpholine instead of hexahydropyrrolo[l,2-a]pyrazin- 6(2H)-one in step b), light brown solid, MS (ESI): 386.19 [M+H]+. Example 29

6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-lH- benzimidazole-4- carboxylic acid The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 7 using dimethylamine instead of hexahydropyrrolo[l,2-a]pyrazin- 6(2H)-one in step b), white solid, MS (ESI): 344.14 [M+H]+.

Example 30

6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(trifluoromethyl)-lH-benzim idazole-4-carboxylic acid a) Methyl 6-bromo-2-(trifluoromethyl)- lH-benzimidazole-4-carboxylate

Methyl 2,3-diamino-5-bromobenzoate (100 mg, 408 pmol, Eq: 1) was combined with TFA (1.5 ml) to give a light yellow solution. Vial was closed under Argon and heated to 70°C over night. LC-MS showed the reaction was complete. The reaction mixture was quenched with 25 ml sat NaHCCE and extracted with DCM (3 x 25 ml). The organic layers were dried over MgSCE and concentrated in vacuo to obtain the crude title compound methyl 6- bromo-2-(trifluoromethyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate (124 mg, 376 pmol, 92.3 % yield) as light brown solid, MS (ESI): 323.00 [M+H]+. b) 6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-(trifluoromethyl)-lH-benzimida zole-4-carboxylic acid

The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 26 using methyl 6-bromo-2-(trifluoromethyl)-lH-benzimidazole-4- carboxylate instead of methyl 2-benzyl-6-bromo-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate in step b), white solid, MS (ESI): 355.09 [M+H]+.

Example 31

2-(Benzylamino)-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]im idazole-4-carboxylic acid a) Methyl 6-bromo-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole- 4-carboxylate

A mixture of methyl 2,3-diamino-5-bromobenzoate (200 mg, 816 pmol, Eq: 1), 1,3-di- boc-2-methylisothiourea (376 mg, 1.26 mmol, Eq: 1.54) and (+)-campher-10-sulfonic acid monohydrate (14.4 mg, 56.3 pmol, Eq: 0.069) in ethanol (6 ml) was refluxed for 3h. For work-up the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered. The grey filter cake was washed three times with EtOH and dried. It was used without purification in the next step, (281.5 mg, 760 pmol, 93.1 % yield) as grey solid, MS (ESI): 370.0372 [M+H]+. b) Methyl 2-(benzyl(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-6-bromo-lH-benzo[d]imid azole-4- carboxyl ate

In a three-necked flask, methyl 6-bromo-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-lH- benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate (150 mg, 405 pmol, Eq: 1) and cesium carbonate (158 mg, 486 pmol, Eq: 1.2) were combined with dimethylformamide (12ml) to give a grey suspension. Then benzylbromide (84.9 mg, 59 pi, 486 pmol, Eq: 1.2) was added at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. For work-up the mixture was concentrated in vacuo, the residue was diluted with dichloromethane and evaporated with silica gel to dryness and separated from regioisomers by flash chromatography (silica gel, 80 g, 0% to 40% EtOAc in heptane) to afford the title compound methyl 2-(benzyl(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-6-bromo-lH-benzo[d]imid azole- 4-carboxylate (108 mg, 235 pmol, 58.0 % yield) as white foam, MS (ESI): 458.1, 460.1 [M-H]-. c) Methyl 2-(benzyl(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphe nyl)-lH- benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate

Methyl 2-(benzyl(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-6-bromo-lH-benzo[d]imid azole-4- carboxylate (50 mg, 109 mihoΐ, Eq: 1) and (2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)boronic acid (27.8 mg, 163 pmol, Eq: 1.5) were solved in 1,4-dioxane (3 ml) and water (1.5 ml). Cesium carbonate (143 mg, 434 pmol, Eq: 4) was added and the mixture was degassed by bubbling argon through the mixture (5 min), then l,l'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene- palladium(II)dichloride dichloromethane complex (4.44 mg, 5.43 pmol, Eq: 0.05) was added. The reaction was stirred in a sealed tube at 90°C for 15min. For work-up the mixture was taken up in EtOAc and washed with saturated NFECl solution and brine, the organic layer was dried over NaiSCE, filtrated and evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 40 g, 0% to 20% EtOAc in heptane) to afford the title compound methyl 2-(benzylamino)-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imida zole- 4-carboxylate (51.5 mg, 102 pmol, 93.5 % yield) as white foam, MS (ESI): 506.2 [M+H]+. d) Methyl 2-(benzylamino)-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imida zole-4- carboxyl ate

Methyl 2-(benzyl(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphe nyl)-lH- benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate (94 mg, 182 pmol, Eq: 1) was solved in 1,4-dioxane (1 ml). At room temperature 4M HC1 in dioxane (1.39 ml, 5.56 mmol, Eq: 30.5) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature for 2 days. For work-up the mixture was taken up in EtOAc and washed with saturated NaHC0 ₃ solution. The organic layer was dried over Na ₂ S0 ₄ , filtrated and evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 40 g, 0% to 65% EtOAc in heptane) to afford the title compound methyl 2-(benzylamino)-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imida zole- 4-carboxylate (51.3 mg, 126 mihoΐ, 69.2 % yield) as white foam, MS (ESI): 406.2 [M+H]+. e) 2-(Benzylamino)-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imida zole-4-carboxylic acid

Methyl 2-(benzylamino)-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imida zole-4- carboxylate (49.5 mg, 120 pmol, Eq: 1) was solved in THF (1 ml). At room temperature aqueous lithium hydroxide solution (1M, 301 mΐ, 301 mihoΐ, Eq: 2.5) was added and the mixture was stirred at 65°C overnight. For work-up the mixture was diluted with water, HC1 (2M, 150 mΐ, 301 pmol, Eq: 2.5) was added and the pH was adjusted to 3. The mixture was extracted three times with 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, the combined organic layers were dried over NaiSCE, filtrated and evaporated to afford the title compound 2- (benzylamino)-6-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazo le-4-carboxylic acid (44 mg, 112 pmol, 93.3 % yield) as white solid, MS (ESI): 392.3 [M+H]+.

Example 32

6-(2-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carbox ylic acid

The title compound was obtained in comparable yield analogous to the procedure described for Example 26 using methyl 6-bromo-2-methyl-lH-benzimidazole-4- carboxylate instead of methyl 2-benzyl-6-bromo-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate in step b), white solid, MS (ESI): 301.1 [M+H]+.

Example 33

Malachite Green assay to measure cGAS activity

Compounds were tested for cGAS inhibition in a coupled enzymatic assay based on Phosphate detection by Malachite Green. Final assay conditions were 20 mM TRIS pH 7.5 (Applichem), 5 mM MgCh (Sigma) and 0.01% BSA (Sigma) supplemented with 80 mM ATP (Sigma), 80 pM GTP (Sigma) and 100 nM Interferon Stimulating DNA (ISD) (Microsynth). Recombinantly expressed purified human cGAS (residues 161-522) was used at 25nM. All compounds were prepared as 10 mM stock solutions in DMSO and a 16pt dilution series in DMSO with a dilution factor of 2.5 was prepared. lpL of DMSO dilution series was transferred to 32.3 pL reaction buffer, mixed by pipetting up/down, spun for 1 minute at 3000 rpm and was visually inspected for precipitation. 5 pL of 3-fold enzyme stock solution were transferred to an empty 384-well Black/Clear Flat Bottom Polystyrene NBS (Coming) rows 3-24. Rows 1-2 were filled with assay buffer. Plates were spun 10 seconds at 1000 rpm (164 x g). 5 pL of compound intermediate dilution was added and mixed by pipetting up/down to rows 3-24. Rows 1-2 were filled with 3.1% DMSO assay buffer. Plates were spun 10 seconds at 1000 rpm (164 x g). 5 pL 3-fold Nucleotide/DNA mix was added to all wells to start the reaction. Plates were spun 10 seconds at 1000 rpm (164 x g) and incubated for 4 hour at room temperature (RT) in the dark. 5 pL 4U/mL PPase (Sigma) were added to all wells. Plates spun 10 seconds at 1000 rpm (164 x g). 10 pL BioMol green Solution (Enzo Life Sciences) was added to all wells. Plates spun 10 seconds at 1000 rpm (164 x g) and incubated 30 minutes at RT in the dark. Absorbance data was collected 620 nm on an EnVision Multilable Reader (Perkin Elmer) and the following measurement settings were used: excitation filter photometric was 620 nm; excitation from the top; measurement height was 1 mm; number of flashes was 30; number of flashes integrated was 1.

All plates are checked for abnormalities and outliers in the Blank Control (no protein, row 1) and the Neutral Control (no compound, row 2) are excluded using the 3*SD rule. Data was normalized to 0 and 100% by Blank and Neutral Control and each curve was fitted and judged using the 4 parameter logistic equation to determine the IC50 for cGAS inhibition.

The results of this assay are provided in Table 1. Table 1 provides IC50 values (pM) for cGAS inhibition obtained for particular examples of the present invention as measured by the above-described assay.

Example A

Film coated tablets containing the following ingredients can be manufactured in a conventional manner:

The active ingredient is sieved and mixed with microcrystalline cellulose and the mixture is granulated with a solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone in water. The granulate is then mixed with sodium starch glycolate and magnesium stearate and compressed to yield kernels of 120 or 350 mg respectively. The kernels are lacquered with an aq. solution / suspension of the above mentioned film coat.

Example B Capsules containing the following ingredients can be manufactured in a conventional manner:

The components are sieved and mixed and filled into capsules of size 2. Example C

Injection solutions can have the following composition:

The active ingredient is dissolved in a mixture of Polyethylene glycol 400 and water for injection (part). The pH is adjusted to 5.0 by addition of acetic acid. The volume is adjusted to 1.0 ml by addition of the residual amount of water. The solution is filtered, filled into vials using an appropriate overage and sterilized.