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Title:
BISHYDROXYUREAS AS INHIBITORS OF THE 5-LIPOXYGENASE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/1999/028291
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Bishydroxyureas are provided that inhibit the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase. These compounds have formula (I) wherein R¿1?, R¿2?, R¿3?, R¿4?, A and M are defined herein. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and methods of inhibiting the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase using such compounds.

Inventors:
MERILL BRYON A
Application Number:
PCT/US1998/025163
Publication Date:
June 10, 1999
Filing Date:
November 24, 1998
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
MINNESOTA MINING & MFG (US)
International Classes:
C07C275/64; (IPC1-7): C07C275/64; A61K31/17
Domestic Patent References:
WO1995005360A11995-02-23
Foreign References:
DE1129151B1962-05-10
GB2191194A1987-12-09
US5516789A1996-05-14
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Howard, Marysusan (MN, US)
Vossius & Partner (Patentanwalte P.O. Box 86 07 67 Munchen, DE)
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Claims:
The claimed invention is:
1. A compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, and a pharmaceutically acceptable metabolically cleavable group; R, and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C16 straight or branche chain alkyl; R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of C,, 4 straight or branche chain alkyl optionally substituted by a group selected from halogen, nitro, hydroxyl, carboxyl and amino, and optionally interrupted byO,S (O) 02,NR wherein R is as defined below, orCO ; and arylalkyl wherein the alkyl group is straight or branche chain and has from one to eight carbon atoms and the aryl group is phenyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C,6 straight or branche chain alkyl and halogen; A is selected from the group consisting of : (a) phenylene optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C, 6 straight or branche chain alkyl and halogen; (b) C3, cycloalkylene; (c) Cl, 2 straight or branche chain alkylene; (d) naphthalene optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of Cl 6 straight or branche chain alkyl and halogen; (e) wherein each R5 and R6 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and Cz 3 straight or branche chain alkyl; and wherein each R7 and R8 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> C 13 straight or branche chain alkyl, Cl 3 straight or branche chain alkoxy, and halogen; m is 2;or n is 1 or 2; and B is selected from the group consisting of (i) a carboncarbon bond, <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (ii) oxy,<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (iii) thio, (iv) sulfone, (v) carbonyl, (vi) wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C13 straight or branche chain alkyl, (vii)(CH2)pwherein p is an integer from 1 to 14, and (vit) wherein R, and R, o are independently selected from the group consisting of<BR> hydrogen, C, 3 straight or branche chain alkyl, C36 cycloalkyl, and trifluoromethyl; with the proviso that R3 and R4 are other than tertiarybutyl and with the further proviso that when A is 2,4toluene then R3 and R4 are other than methyl or ethyl and R, and R2 are other than hydrogen. <BR> <BR> <P>.
2. A compound according to Claim 1, wherein R, and R, are both hydrogen.<BR> <BR> <P>.
3. A compound according to Claim 1, wherein R3 and R4 are the same.
4. A compound according to Claim 3, wherein R3 and R4 are selected from the group consisting of C, _, 4 straight or branche chain alkyl and phenylalkyl wherein the alkyl group is straight or branche chain and has from one to eight carbon atoms.
5. A compound according to Claim 4, wherein R3 and R4 are selected from the group consisting of methyl, isopropyl, 1ethylpropyl and benzyl.
6. A compound according to Claim 1, wherein A is selected from the group consisting of (a) Cl, 2 straight or branche chain alkylene and (b) wherein each R, and R8 is independently selected from the group consisting of <BR> <BR> <BR> hydrogen, C13 straight or branche chain alkyl, Cz 3 straight or branche chain alkoxy, and halogen; m is 1 or 2; n is 1 or 2; and B is selected from the group consisting of (i) a carboncarbon bond, <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (ii) oxy,<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (iii) thio, (iv) sulfone, (v)carbonyl, (vi) wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C, 3 straight or branche chain alkyl, (vii)(CH2)pwherein p is an integer from 1 to 14, and (viii) wherein Rg and R10 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C13 straight or branche chain alkyl, C36 cycloalkyl, and trifluoromethyl.
7. A compound according to Claim 6, wherein R7 and R8 are the same and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, Cl 3 alkoxy and halogen, and m and n are both 1.
8. A compound according to Claim 7, wherein R7 and R8 are hydrogen or chloro.
9. A compound according to Claim 6, wherein B is selected from the group consisting of (a) a carboncarbon bond; (b) oxy; and (c) wherein Rg and R10 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C13 straight or branche chain alkyl and trifluoromethyl.
10. A compound according to Claim 9, wherein R9 and R, o are the same and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and trifluoromethyl.
11. A compound according to Claim 1, wherein M is hydrogen.
12. A compound of the formula or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R'is selected from the group consisting of C, _, 4 straight or branche chain alkyl andbenzyl; R"is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C13 straight or branche chain alkyl, halogen, and C13 straight or branche chain alkoxy; and B is selected ftom the group consisting of (a) a carboncarbon bond; (b) oxy; and (c) the formula wherein Rg and R, o are the same and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and trifluoromethyl; with the proviso that R'is other than tertiarybutyl.
13. A compound according to Claim 12, wherein B is methylene or oxy.
14. A compound according to Claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of 4,4'Methylenebis ( 1hydroxy1isopropyl3phenylurea); 4,4'Methylenebis (1hydroxy1benzyl3phenylurea) ; 4,4'Methylenebis (1hydroxy1methyl3(2,6diethylphenyl) urea); 4,4'Oxybis ( 1hydroxy1methyl3phenylurea); 1,1'(mPhenylene) bis (3hydroxy3methylurea); 1, 1'(1, 5Naphthalene) bis (3hydroxy3methylurea); trans1,4Cyclohexanebis (3hydroxy3methylurea); 1,1'Hexamethylenebis (3hydroxy3benzylurea); 1,1' (4, 4' (2,2'Dimethoxy) biphenyl) bis (3hydroxy3methylurea); 1, 1'(mPhenylene) bis (1methyl1 (3hydroxy3 ( 1ethylpropyl) ureido) ethane); 1, 1'(pPhenylene) bis (3hydroxy3(1ethylpropyl) urea); 1, 1'(4Methylmphenylene) bis (3hydroxy3(1ethylpropyl) urea); 1,1' (2Methylpentamethylene) bis (3hydroxy3(1ethylpropyl) urea); and 1,1'Octamethylenebis (3hydroxy3(1ethylpropyl) urea).
15. A compound according to Claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of 4,4'Methylenebis ( 1hydroxy1methyl3phenylurea); 4,4' (2,2Hexafluoropropane) bis ( 1hydroxy1methyl3phenylurea); 4,4'Methylenebis (1hydroxy1(1ethylpropyl)3phenylurea); 4,4'Oxybis (1hydroxy1 (1ethylpropyl)3phenylurea); and 4,4'Methylenebis (1hydroxy1(1ethylpropyl)3(2chlorophenyl) urea).
16. A pharmaceutical composition comprising (i) a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle; and (ii) a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, and a pharmaceutically acceptable metabolically cleavable group; R, and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and Cl 6 straight or branche chain alkyl; R3 and R4 are independently selected ftom the group consisting of C,, 4 straight or branche chain alkyl optionally substituted by a group selected from halogen, nitro, hydroxyl, carboxyl and amino, and optionally interrupted by O, S(O)02, NR wherein R is as defined below, or CO; and arylalkyl wherein the alkyl group is straight or branche chain and has from one to eight carbon atoms and the aryl group is phenyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of Cri6 straight or branche chain alkyl and halogen; A is selected from the group consisting of: (a) phenylene optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C, 6 straight or branche chain alkyl and halogen; (b) C3, cycloalkylene; (c) C,, 2 straight or branche chain alkylene; (d) naphthalene optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C 16 straight or branche chain alkyl and halogen; (e) wherein each R5 and R6 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and Cl 3 straight or branche chain alkyl; and wherein each R, and R8 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> C13 straight or branche chain alkyl, C, 3 straight or branche chain alkoxy, and halogen;<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> mis 1 or2; n is 1 or 2; and B is selected from the group consisting of (i) a carboncarbon bond, <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (ii) oxy,<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (iii) thio, (iv) sulfone, (v) carbonyl,<BR> <BR> (vi) wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and Cs 3 straight or branche chain alkyl, (vii)(CH2)pwherein p is an integer from 1 to 14, and (viii) wherein Rg and RIO are independently selected from the group consisting of<BR> hydrogen, C, 3 straight or branche chain alkyl, C36 cycloalkyl; and trifluoromethyl.
17. A method of inhibiting the enzyme 5lipoxygenase in an animal comprising administering to the animal, in an amount effective to inhibit the enzyme 5lipoxygenase, a compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, and a pharmaceutically acceptable metabolically cleavable group; R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen and C16 straight or branche chain alkyl; R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of C114 straight or branche chain alkyl optionally substituted by a group selected from halogen, nito, hydroxyl, carboxyl and amino, and optionally interrupted byO,S (O) 02,NRwherein R is as defined below, orCO ; and arylalkyl wherein the alkyl group is straight or branche chain and has from one to eight carbon atoms and the aryl group is phenyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of Cl 6 straight or branche chain alkyl and halogen; A is selected from the group consisting of : (a) phenylene optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C16 straight or branche chain alkyl and halogen; (b) C38 cycloalkylene; (c) C112 straight or branche chain alkylene; (d) naphthalene optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C16 straight or branche chain alkyl and halogen; (e) wherein each R5 and R6 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and Cl 3 straight or branche chain alkyl; and (f) wherein each R, and R8 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> C, 3 straight or branche chain alkyl, C13 straight or branche chain alkoxy, and halogen; m is 1 or 2; n is 1 or 2; and B is selected from the group consisting of (i) a carboncarbon bond, <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (ii) oxy,<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (iii) thio, (iv) sulfone, (v)carbonyl, (vi) wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C, 3 straight or branche chain alkyl, (vii)(CH2)pwherein p is an integer from 1 to 14, and (viii) wherein Rg and R, o are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C13 straight or branche chain alkyl, C36 cycloalkyl, and trifluoromethyl.
18. A method of treating in an animal a condition responsive to the inhibition of the enzyme 5lipoxygenase comprising administering to the animal, in an amount effective to inhibit the enzyme 5lipoxygenase, a compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, and a pharmaceutically acceptable metabolically cleavable group; R, and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting ouf : hydrogen and C, 6 straight or branche chain alkyl; R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of C_4 straight or branche chain alkyl optionally substituted by a group selected from halogen, nitro, hydroxyl, carboxyl and amino, and optionally interrupted byO,S (O) 02,NRwherein R is as defined below, orCO ; and arylalkyl wherein the alkyl group is straight or branche chain and has from one to eight carbon atoms and the aryl group is phenyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C,6 straight or branche chain alkyl and halogen; A is selected from the group consisting ouf : (a) phenylene optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C 16 straight or branche chain alkyl and halogen; (b) C3, cycloalkylene; (c) C112 straight or branche chain alkylene; (d) naphthalene optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C, 6 straight or branche chain alkyl and halogen; (e) wherein each R5 and R6 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C13 straight or branche chain alkyl; and wherein each R7 and R8 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, <BR> <BR> <BR> C, 3 straight or branche chain alkyl, C, 3 straight or branche chain alkoxy, and halogen;<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> mis 1 or2; n is 1 or 2; and B is selected from the group consisting of (i) a carboncarbon bond, <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (ii) oxy,<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (iii) thio, (iv) sulfone, (v) carbonyl, (vi) wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C13 straight or branche chain alkyl, (vii)(CH2)pwherein p is an integer from 1 to 14, and (viii) wherein R9 and Rlo are independently selected from the group consisting of<BR> hydrogen, C, 3 straight or branche chain alkyl, C36 cycloalkyl, and trifluoromethyl.
19. A method according to Claim 18, wherein the condition responsive to the inhibition of the enzyme 5lipoxygenase is selected from the group consisting of adult respiratory distress syndrome, allergic rhinitis, arthritis, asthma, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gout, inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic induced myocardial injury, psoriasis, reperfusion injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, and traumatic brain injury.
20. A method according to Claim 18, wherein the condition responsive to the inhibition of the enzyme 5lipoxygenase is an inflammatory disease.
21. A method according to Claim 18, wherein the condition responsive to the inhibition of the enzyme 5lipoxygenase is asthma.
Description:
BISHYDROXYUREAS AS INHIBITORS OF THE 5-LIPOXYGENASE Field of the Invention This invention relates to bishydroxyurea compound that are useful to inhibit the 5- lipoxygenase mediated metabolism of arachidonic acid. In another aspect this invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising bishydroxyureas. A further aspect of this invention relates to methods of treating diseases mediated by products of the 5- lipoxygenase pathway in a subject in need thereof by administering a bishydroxyurea compound to the subject.

Background of the Invention An important biosynthetic pathway for the metabolism of arachidonic acid is initiated by the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). The first product formed by the oxidation of arachidonic acid with 5-LO is 5-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HPETE) which is subsequently converted to either 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) or the leukotriene intermediate LTA4. Further enzymatic metabolism of LTA4 leads to the production of LTB4 and the peptidoleukotrienes (LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4).

The above mentioned biosynthetic products of the 5-LO pathway are very potent substances. When present in the nanomolar to picomolar concentration range, these compound produce a variety of biological effects which are associated with mammalian disease. For example, 5-HETE stimulates tumor growth in epithelial and squamous cell based cancers. The peptidoleukotrienes are known to be potent constrictors of human airway smooth muscle; aerosol administration of these substances to non-asthmatic volunteers has been shown to induce bronchoconstriction. Both LTB4 and 5-HETE are potent chemotactic factors for inflammatory cells such as polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and both compound have been isolated in the synovial fluids of arthritic patients.

Disease states in which leukotrienes are important mediators include: adult respiratory distress syndrome, allergic rhinitis, arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive

pulmonary disease, gout, inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic induced myocardial injury, psoriasis, reperfusion injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, and traumatic brain injury.

A chemical compound which acts as an inhibitor of the 5-LO enzyme should be an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment or prevention of these diseases, as well as any other disease which is mediated by products of the 5-LO pathway.

Summum of the Invention Certain bishydroxyurea compound have been found that inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). These compound are useful in the treatment of disease states that are mediated by products of the 5-LO pathway, including leukotrienes and 5-HETE. Accordingly, the invention provides compound of Formula I: wherein R,, R2, R3, R4, A and M are defined below.

The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Further, this invention provides a method of inhibiting the enzyme 5- lipoxygenase in an animal and a method of treating an animal having a condition responsive to such inhibition, comprising administering to the animal a compound of Formula I in an amount effective to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase.

Detailed Description of the Invention The bishydroxyurea compound of this invention are compound of Formula I

wherein R,, R2, R3, R4, A and M have the following meanings: R, and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and Cri-6 straight or branche chain alkyl. Preferably R, and R2 are the same. More preferably, R, and R2 are hydrogen.

R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of C_4 straight or branche chain alkyl optionally substituted by a group selected from halogen, nitro, hydroxyl, carboxyl and amino, and optionally interrupted by-O-,-S (0) 0 2-,-NR-wherein R is as defined below, or-CO- ; and arylalkyl wherein the alkyl group is straight or branche chain and has from one to eight carbon atoms and the aryl group is phenyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C1 6 straight or branche chain alkyl and halogen. Preferably R3 and R4 are the same and are selected from the group consisting of Cul-6 straight or branche chain alkyl and phenylalkyl wherein the alkyl group is straight or branche chain and has from one to eight carbon atoms. More preferably R3 and R4 are the same and are selected from the group consisting of methyl, isopropyl, 1-ethylpropyl and benzyl.

A is selected from the group consisting of: (a) phenylene optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C 1-6 straight or branche chain alkyl and halogen; (b) C3 8 cycloalkylene; (c) C, 12 straight or branche chain alkylene; (d) naphthalene optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of Cri-6 straight or branche chain alkyl and halogen; (e)

wherein each R5 and R6 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-3 straight or branche chain alkyl; and wherein each R7 and R8 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-3 straight or branche chain alkyl, C1-3 alkoxy, and halogen; mis 1 or2; n is 1 or 2; and B is selected from the group consisting of (i) a carbon-carbon bond; <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (ii) oxy;<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (iii) thio; (iv) sulfone; (v) carbonyl; (vi) wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-3 straight or branche chain alkyl; (vii)-(CH2)p-wherein p is an integer from 1 to 14; and (vils)

wherein Rg and R, o are independently selected from the group consisting of<BR> <BR> hydrogen, C, 3 straight or branche chain alkyl, C3 6 cycloalkyl, and trifluoromethyl.

Preferably A is selected from the group consisting of (a) C, _, z straight or branche chain alkylene and (b) When A is the urea groups are preferably bonded at the para position of each ring. Preferably R7 and <BR> <BR> R8 are the same and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1 3 straight or branche chain alkoxy and chloro and m and n are both 1. More preferably R, and R8 are hydrogen or chloro.

Preferably B is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a carbon-carbon bond; (b) oxy; and When B is preferably R9 and R,, are the same and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and trifluoromethyl. More preferably B is methylene or oxy.

M is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, and a pharmaceutically acceptable metabolically cleavable group.

Preferably, M is hydrogen.

The term"pharmaceutically acceptable cation"refers to nontoxic cations well known to those skilled in the art and including but not limited to those based on the alkali and alkaline earth metals such as sodium, lithium, potassium, magnesium, aluminum and the like, as well as nontoxic ammonium, quaternary ammonium, and amine cations derived from nitrogenous bases of sufficient basicity to form salts with the N-hydroxy group of compound of Formula I where M is hydrogen.

The term"metabolically cleavable group"denotes a moiety that is readily cleaved in vivo from the compound bearing it. The compound remains or becomes pharmacologically active after cleavage. Metabolically cleavable groups are generally derived from compound known to those skilled in the art that are reactive with the N- hydroxy group of compound of Formula I where M is hydrogen. Such groups inclue, but are not limited to, alkanoyl such as acetyl, propionyl, and the like, unsubstituted and substituted aroyl such as benzoyl and substituted benzol, alkoxycarbonyl such as ethoxycarbonyl and the like, monoesters formed from dicarboxylic acids such as succinyl, unsubstituted and substituted carbamoyl such as dimethylcarbamoyl and so on.

Compound bearing metabolically cleavable groups can act as prodrugs and may exhibait improved bioavailability over the parent compound.

The invention is inclusive of compound that can exist in multiple isomeric forms.

These individual forms, including enantiomers and diastereomers as well as mixtures of the various forms, are part of the invention.

Preferred compound include compound of Formula 11:

wherein R', R"and B are as defined below.

R'is selected from the group consisting of Cl, 4 straight or branche chain alkyl and benzyl. Preferred R'groups include methyl, isopropyl, 1-ethylpropyl and benzyl.

R"is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C, 3 straight or branche chain alkyl, halogen, and C1-3 straight or branche chain alkoxy. Preferably R"is hydrogen or chloro.

B is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a carbon-carbon bond; (b) oxy; and (c)

wherein R9 and RI, are the same and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and trifluoromethyl. B is preferably oxy or methylene.

Preferred compound of the invention include:

4,4'-Methylenebis (1-hydroxy-1-i sopropyl-3-phenylurea); 4,4'-Methylenebis ( 1-hydroxy-1-benzyl-3-phenylurea); 4,4'-Methylenebis (1-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-(2, 6-diethylphenyl) urea); 4,4'-Oxybis ( 1-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-phenylurea); 1,1'- (m-Phenylene) bis (3-hydroxy-3-methylurea); 1, 1'-(1, 5-Naphthalene) bis (3-hydroxy-3-methylurea); trans-1,4-Cyclohexanebis (3-hydroxy-3-methylurea); 1,1'-Hexamethylenebis (3-hydroxy-3-benzylurea); 1, l'- (4, 4'- (2,2'-Dimethoxy) biphenyl) bis (3-hydroxy-3-methylurea); 1, 1'-(m-Phenylene)bis(1-methyl-1-(3-hydroxy-3-(1-ethylpropyl) ureido) ethane); 1, 1'-(p-Phenylene) bis (3-hydroxy-3-(1-ethylpropyl) urea); 1,1'-(4-Methyl-m-phenylene)bis(3-hydroxy-3-(1-ethylpropyl)ur ea); 1,1'- (2-Methylpentamethylene) bis (3-hydroxy-3-(1-ethylpropyl) urea); and 1,1'-Octamethylenebis (3-hydroxy-3-(1-ethylpropyl) urea).

Particularly preferred compound of the invention include: 4,4'-Methylenebis(1-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-phenylurea); 4, 4'-(2, 2-Hexafluoropropane) bis ( 1-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-phenylurea); 4,4'-Methylenebis (1-hydroxy-1- (1-ethylpropyl)-3-phenylurea); and 4,4'-Oxybis (1-hydroxy-1- (1-ethylpropyl)-3-phenylurea); and 4,4'-Methylenebis(1-hydroxy-1-(1-ethylpropyl)-3-(2-chlorophe nyl)urea).

Compound of the invention can be prepared in accordance with the Rection Schemes described below or through modifications thereof that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. A suitable route can be selected with due consideration of the particular R1, R2, R3, R4, A and M substituents, availability of starting materials and the like.

Compound of the invention where Rl, R2 and M are all hydrogen and R3 and A are as defined above can be prepared according to Rection Scheme I.

Rection Scheme I Rection Scheme I involves reacting a hydroxylamine of Formula III with a diisocyanate of Formula IV to provide a bishydroxyurea of Formula V. Many hydroxylamines of Formula III are commercially available. Others may be readily prepared using conventional methods, for example, by conversion of a suitable aldehyde or ketone to its oxime followed by reduction to the hydroxylamine. Many diisocyanates of Formula IV are also commercially available. Others may readily be prepared using conventional methods, for example, Curtius rearrangement, Hofmann rearrangement, Schmidt rection, or by reacting a suitable diamine with phosgene or a phosgene equivalent (e. g. 1, l'-carbonyldiimidazole or 1,1'-carbonylbisbenzotriazole). The rection in Rection Scheme I can be conducted at ambient temperature by combining the hydroxylamine and the diisocyanate in a suitable solvent (e. g. an organic solvent such as diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dichloromethane). When a salt (e. g. hydrochloride) of the hydroxylamine is used, it is converted to the free base using conventional means (e. g. reacting with one equivalent of base in a suitable solvent) prior to its rection with the diisocyanate.

The compound of Formula I wherein M is a pharmaceutically acceptable cation can be prepared by combining a compound of Formula I wherein M is hydrogen with a relatively strong base, e. g., a base of the formula M (OH),, wherein M is the pharmaceutically acceptable cation and x is the valence of such cation in a polar solvent.

Isolation of the salt can be facilitated by the addition of a solvent in which the salt is insoluble.

Compound of Formula I in which R3 and R4 are different can be prepared by reacting one mole of a diisocyanate of Formula IV sequentially with one mole of a <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> hydroxylamine of formula R3NHOH and one mole of a hydroxylamine of formula<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> R4NHOH and isolating the desired bishydroxyurea from the resulting mixture using conventional separation techniques (e. g., flash chromatography, selective recrystallization).

Compound of Formula I in which R, and R2 are other than hydrogen and R3 and R4 are the same can be prepared by the rection of one mole of a diamine with two moles of phosgene or a phosgene equivalent (e. g. 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole or l, 1'- carbonylbisbenzotriazole) followed by two moles of a hydroxylamine of the formula <BR> <BR> <BR> R3NHOH.<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <P> Compound of Formula I in which R,, R2, R3, R4, R, and R8 are as defined above<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> and A is can be prepared by palladium catalyzed coupling of appropriately functionalized hydroxyurea precursors when B is a carbon-carbon bond or methylene (such as the Stille or Suzuki coupling rections); and can be prepared by copper catalyzed coupling of appropriately functionalized hydroxyurea precursors when B is oxy (such as the Ullmann Rection).

A compound of Formula I can be formulated for various routes of administration (e. g. oral, topical, parenteral) in an appropriate pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle suitable for the selected dosage form. Suitable excipients and preparation of pharmaceutical compositions are well known to those skilled in the art and disclosed, e. g. <BR> <BR> <BR> in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18"Edition, 1990, Mack Publishing Company.

A pharmaceutical composition of the invention comprises a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I. The amount that constitutes a therapeutically effective amount will depend on the particular compound, the particular formulation, the route of administration, and the intended therapeutic effect. Those skilled in the art can readily determine a therapeutically effective amount with due consideration of such factors.

Compound of Formula I have been shown to inhibit the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, and therefore have utility in treating conditions mediated by products of the 5- lipoxygenase pathway. Such conditions include but are not limited to adult respiratory distress syndrome, allergic rhinitis, arthritis, asthma, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gout, inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic induced myocardial injury, psoriasis, reperfusion injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, and traumatic brain injury.

The examples below are given to further illustrate the invention. The particular materials used and amounts thereof, as well as other conditions and details, should not be construed to limit the invention.

Example 1 4,4'-Methylenebis ( 1-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-phenylurea)

A mixture of N-methylhydroxylamine-hydrochloride (2.5 g, 30 mmol), water (5 ml), and diethyl ether (100 ml) was cooled to 0 OC and NaOH (1.3 g dissolve in 10 ml of water) was added dropwise over a 10 min period. The mixture was maintained at 0 OC for 10 min followed by the addition of 4,4'-methylenebis (phenylisocyanate) (2.5 g, 10 mmol) as a solid. A white precipitate formed immediately. After 0.5 h, the cooling bath was removed and the rection was maintained at ambient temperature for 15 h. The rection was filtered to provide a white powder. Recrystallization from N, N- dimethylformamide\water yielded 2.0 g of the desired product as white plates: MP: 196.0 OC (decomp); 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO): 8 709. (s, 2H), 8.86 (s, 2H), 7.48 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 4H), 7.06 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 4H), 3.78 (s, 2H), 3.04 (s, 6H); 13C NMR (75 MHz DMSO ! : <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 6 9,137.2,135.2,128.3,119.3,39.9,38.1;157. MS (FAB): m/e 345.1560 (345.1563 calc'd for C17H21N4O4, M+H); Anal. calc'd for C17H20N4O4 : C, 59.29; H, 5.85; N, 16.27.

Found: C, 59.30; H, 5.82; N, 16.36.

Example 2 4,4'-Methylenebis ( 1-hydroxy-1-isopropyl-3-phenylurea) The same general procedure as reporte in Example 1 was followed. 4,4'- Methylenebis (phenylisocyanate) (2.0 g, 8 mmol), N-isopropylhydroxylamine- hydrochloride (2.7 g, 24 mmol), NaOH (1.1 g dissolve in 10 ml of water), diethyl ether

(100 ml), and water (5 ml) were combine. Filtration of the rection mixture yielded 2.9 g of the desired product as a white powder. Recrystallization from N, N- dimethylformamide\water provided an analytically pure sample: MP: 219.0 OC (decomp); 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO): 8 249. (s, 2H), 8.82 (s, 2H), 7.50 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 4H), 7.06 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 4H), 4.30 (septet, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 3.78 (s, 2H) 1.06 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 12H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO): # 9,136.7,134.7,127.8,118.7,47.9,39.4,18.1;156. MS FAB : m/e 401.2189 (401.2189 calc'd for C2lH29N404, M+H); Anal. calc'd for C21H28N4o4: C, 62.98; H, 7.05; N, 13.99. Found: C, 63.04; H, 6.96; N, 13.85.

Example 3 4,4'-Methylenebis ( 1-hydroxy-1-benzyl-3-phenylurea) The same general procedure as reporte in Example 1 was followed. 4,4'- Methylenebis (phenylisocyanate) (2.0 g, 8 mmol), N-benzylhydroxylamine-hydrochloride (3.9 g, 24 mmol), NaOH (1. 1 g dissolve in 10 ml of water), diethyl ether (100 ml), and water (5 ml) were combine. Filtration of the rection mixture yielded 3.7 g of the desired product as a pale tan powder. Recrystallization from N, N-dimethylformamide\water provided an analytically pure sample: MP: 189.0 OC (decomp); 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO): # 909. (s, 2H), 8.92 (s, 2H), 7.52 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 4H), 7.33-7.21 (m, 10 H), 7.08 (d, <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> J=8.6 Hz, 4H), 4.63 (s, 4H), 3.79 (s, 2H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO) : 8 2,137.6,157.

137.2,135.2,128.3,128.0,126.8,119.3,53.2,39.9; IR (KBr): 3379,3062,2919,2852, 1621,1595,1549,1419,1226,1089,775,696 cm-1 ; MS (FAB): m/e 497.2206 (497.2188 calc'd for C29H29N4O4, M+H); Anal. calc'd for C29H28N4O4 : C, 70.15; H, 5.68; N, 11.28. Found: C, 70.23; H, 5.63; N, 11.28.

Exemple 4 4,4'-Methylenebis (1-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-(2,6-diethylphenyl) urea)

The same general procedure as reporte in Example 1 was followed. 4,4'- Methylenebis (2,6-diethylphenylisocyanate) (3.6 g, 10 mmol), N-methylhydroxylamine- hydrochloride (2.5 g, 30 mmol), NaOH (1.3 g dissolve in 15 ml of water), diethyl ether (100 ml), and water (5 ml) were combine. The product formed as a precipitate.

Recrystallization from N, N-dimethylformamide\water provided 1.8 g of the desired product as a white powder: MP: 257.0 OC (decomp); 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO): 6 9.61 (s, 2H), 8.16 (s, 2H), 6.93 (s, 4H), 3.83 (s, 2H), 3.00 (s, 6H), 2.50-2.43 (q, J= 7.5 Hz, 8H), 1.09-1.04 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 12H); IR (Nujol): 3409,1623,1603,1526,1395,1342,1182, 1119 cm-1; MS (FAB ! : m/e 457.2828 (457.2815 calc'd for C2sH37N404, M+H); Anal. calc'd for C25H36N404: C, 65.76; H, 7.95; N, 12.27. Found: C, 65.62; H, 7.99; N, 12. 31.

Example 5 4,4'- (2,2-Hexafluoropropane) bis ( 1-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-phenylurea) The same general procedure as reporte in Example 1 was followed. 2,2-Bis (4- isocyanatophenyl) hexafluoropropane (2.0 g (5.2 mmol) dissolve in 25 ml of diethyl ether), N-methylhydroxylamine-hydrochloride (1.3 g, 15.5 mmol), NaOH (0.7 g dissolve in 10 ml of water), diethyl ether (50 ml), and water (5 ml) were combine. The product formed as a precipitate. Recrystallization from N, N-dimethylformamide\water provided

0.72 g of the desired product as a fine white powder: MP: 182.0 OC (decomp); 1H NMR (300 MHz. DMSO !: 8 909. (broad s, 2H), 9.30 (broad s, 2H), 7.70 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 4H), 7.19<BR> (d, J=8.8 Hz, 4H), 3.08 (s, 6H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO): 8 2,140.1,129.4,157.

125.1,124.6 (q, J=284 Hz), 118.5,37.6; IR KBr : 3332,3047,2822,1598,1550,1422, 1364,1248,1177,968,957,930,835,827 cm-1; MS (FAB): m/e 481.1317 (481. 1310 calc'd for C19H19N4O4F6, M+H); Anal. calc'd for C19H1gN404F6: C, 47.51; H, 3.78; N, 11.66. Found: C, 47.45; H, 3.68; N, 11.88.

Example 6 4,4'-Oxybis ( 1-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-phenylurea) The same general procedure as reporte in Example 1 was followed. 4,4'- oxybis (phenylisocyanate) (2.36 g, 10 mmol), N-methylhydroxylamine-hydrochloride (2.5 g, 30 mmol), NaOH (1.3 g dissolve in 10 ml of water), diethyl ether (100 ml), and water (5 ml) were combine. The product formed as a precipitate. Recrystallization from N, N- dimethylformamide\water provided 1.8 g of the desired product as a white powder: MP: 183.0-184.0 OC; IH NMR (300 MHz, DMSO): # 719. (s, 2H), 8.96 (s, 2H), 7.59-7.56 (d, <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> J=9.0 Hz, 4H), 6.89-6.86 (d, J= 9.0 Hz, 4H), 3.06 (s, 6H); 13C NMR (75 MHz DMSO): 6 157.8,151.7,134.6,120.7,118.0,38.0; IR KBr : 3365,3145,2895,1639,1554,1505, 1412,1344,1304,1262,1221,1196,1012,876,847,814 cm-1; Anal. calc'd for C16H18N4O4 : C, 55. 49; H, 5.24; N, 16.18. Found: C, 55. 54; H, 5.30; N, 16.11.

Example 7 l, 1'- (m-Phenylene) bis (3-hydroxy-3-methylurea)

The same general procedure as reporte in Example 1 was followed. 1,3- Phenylene diisocyanate (2.0 g, 12.5 mmol), N-methylhydroxylamine-hydrochloride (3.1 g, 37 mmol), NaOH (1.6 g dissolve in 10 ml of water), diethyl ether (120 ml), and water (5 ml) were combine. Filtration of the rection mixture provided 3.1 g of the desired <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> product as a light tan powder: MP: 146.0-147.0 OC; 1H NMR (300 MHz. DMSO): 6 809.

(broad s, 2H), 8.77 (s, 2H), 7.80 (t, J=1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.20-7.06 (m, 3H), 3.05 (s, 6H); 13C <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> NMR (75 MHz, DMSO): 6 8,139.2,128.0,113.6,110.8,38.1;157. IR (KBr ! : 3400,3182, 2898,1660,1616,1544,1498,1344,802,737,696,607 cm-1; MS (FAB ! : m/e 255.1076 forC10H15N4O4,M+H),(255.1093calc'd Example 8 1, 1'- (1,5-Naphthalene) bis (3-hydroxy-3-methylurea) The same general procedure as reporte in Example 1 was followed. 1,5- Naphthalene diisocyanate (2.1 ml, 10 mmol), N-methylhydroxylamine-hydrochloride (2.5 g, 30 mmol), NaOH (1.3 g dissolve in 10 ml of water), diethyl ether (100 ml), and water (5 ml) were combine. The product formed as a precipitate. Recrystallization from N, N- dimethylformamide\water provided 1.4 g of the desired product as a white crystalline <BR> <BR> solid: MP: 190.0-191.0 OC (decomp); IH NMR (300 MHz, DMSO ! : 6 929. (s, 2H), 9.00 (s, 2H), 7.73 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.61 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 7.51-7.46 (m, 2H), 3.12 (s, 6H);

13CNMR (75 MHz, DMSO): 6 4,134.0,128.4,125.0,120.5,118.4,38.1;158. IR (KBr ! : 3413,3170,2874,1646,1537,1506,1451,1402,1347,1261,1173,1122, 897,778,754, 715 cm-1 ; MS FAB : m/e 305.1250 (305.1250 calc'd for Cl4Hl7N404, M+H); Anal. calc'd for C14H16N4O4 : C, 55. 26; H, 5.30; N, 18. 41. Found: C, 55. 04; H, 5.26; N, 18. 37.

Exemple 9 trans-1,4-Cyclohexanebis (3-hydroxy-3-methylurea)

The same general procedure as reporte in Example 1 was followed. 1,4- Cyclohexane diisocyanate (2.5 g, 15 mmol), N-methylhydroxylamine-hydrochloride (3.8 g, 45 mmol), NaOH (2.0 g dissolve in 10 ml of water), diethyl ether (120 ml), and water (5 ml) were combine. Filtration of the rection mixture provided 3.8 g of the desired product as an off-white powder: MP: 186 OC (decomp); 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO): # <BR> <BR> <BR> 9.36 (broad s, 2H), 6.56-6.53 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 3.35 (broad s, 2H), 2.92 (s, 6H), 1.76-1.64<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (m, 4H), 1.36-1.29 (m, 4H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO): 6 2,47.9,38.7,31.7;160. MS (FAB): m/e 261. 1557 (261.1563 calc'd for C10H21N4O4, M+H).

Exemple 10 l, 1'-Hexamethylenebis(3-hydroxy-3-benzylurea)

The same general procedure as reporte in Example 1 was followed. 1,6- Diisocyanatohexane (1.3 ml, 8.1 mmol), N-benzylhydroxylamine-hydrochloride (3. 2 g, 20 mmol), NaOH (1.0 g dissolve in 10 ml of water), diethyl ether (100 ml), and water (5 ml) were combine. Filtration of the rection mixture yielded 3.2 g of the desired product as a white powder. Recrystallization from N, N-dimethylformamide\water provided an analytically pure sample: MP: 181.0-182.0 OC; 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO: 6 269. (s, 2H), 7.34-7.20 (m, 10H), 6.94-6.89 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 4.50 (s, 4H), 3.08-3.01 (q, J=6.6 Hz, <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 4H), 1. 43-1. 20 (m, 8H); 13C NMR (75 MHz DMSO): 6 4,138.0,128.0,127.8,126.6,160.

54.0,39.4,29.9,26.1; IR KBr : 3381,3140,2887,1595,1540,1246,1223,1116,744, 723,694 cm-1; MS FAB : m/e 415.2361 (415.2345 calc'd for C22H3IN404, M+H); Anal. calc'd for C22H30N4O4 : C, 63.75; H, 7.30; N, 13.52. Found: C, 63.55; H, 7.49; N, 13.59.

Example 11 1, 1'-(4,4'-(2, 2'-Dimethoxy) biphenyl) bis (3-hydroxy-3-methylurea)

A solution ofN-methylhydroxylamine-hydrochloride (1. 1 g, 13.2 mol), water (5 ml), and tetrahydrofuran (60 ml) was cooled to 0 OC and NaOH (0.65 g in 7 ml water) was added dropwise over a 10 min period. The rection was maintained at 0 OC for 10 min followed by the addition of dianisidine diisocyanate (1.5 g, 5.1 mmol). A precipitate formed within 5 min. The cooling bath was removed and the rection was maintained at ambient temperature overnight. Filtration yielded 1.9 g of the desired product as a tan powder. Recrystallization from N, N-dimethylformamide\water provided an analytically <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> pure sample: MP: 205 OC (decomp); 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO): 6 1010. (s, 2H), 8.43 (s, 2H), 8.14 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.29 (d, J=1.9 Hz, 2H), 7.25-7. 22 (dd, J=8.4,1.9 Hz, 2H), 3.96 (s, 6H), 3.10 (s, 6H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO): X 157.1,147.6,134. 2,126.7, 118.5,117.5,108.7,56. 0, 37. 9; IR KBr): 3399, 3151, 2884,1635,1610,1589,1539, 1254,1122,1027,839,758 cm-1; MS FAB : m/e 391.1625 (391.1618 calc'd for C1gH23N40 (, M+H); Anal. calc'd for C1gH22N40 ( : C, 55. 38; H, 5.68; N, 14. 35.

Found: C, 55.24; H, 5.27; N, 14.34.

Example 12 4,4'-Methylenebis (1-hydroxy-1-(1-ethylpropyl)-3-phenylurea)

A solution of 4,4'-methylenebis (phenylisocyanate) (1.5 g, 6.0 mmol) and tetrahydrofuran (75 ml) was charged with N- (l-ethylpropyl) hydroxylamine (1.5 g, 14.5 mmol) and maintained at ambient temperature for 16 hr. The solvent was removed in vacuo to provide the crude product as a white solid. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate\hexanes provided 1.0 g of the desired product as a white powder: MP: 196.0-198.0 OC (decomp); 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO): 6 169. (s, 2H), 8.78 (s, 2H), 7.50 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 4H), 7.05 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 4H), 3.96-3.87 (m, 2H), 3.77 (s, 2H), 1.59-1.31 (m, 8H), 0.85- <BR> <BR> <BR> 0.80 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 12H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO) : 6 7,137.4,134.9,128.2,119.1,157.

59.6,24.5,11.0; IR KBr : 3395,3147,2966,2931,2875,1641,1590,1528,1461,1413, 1328,1312,1225,1150,815,761 cm-1; MS (FAB) : m/e 457.2804 (457.2815 calc'd for C25H37N404, M+H); Anal. calc'd for C25H36N4O4 : C, 65.76; H, 7.95; N, 12.27.

Found: C, 65.53; H, 7.87; N, 12.11.

Example 13 1,1'-(m-Phenylene)bis(1-methyl-1-(3-hydroxy-3-(1-ethylpropyl )ureido)ethane) A solution of 1,3-Bis (1-isocyanato-1-methylethyl) benzene (2.3 ml, 10 mmol) and dichloromethane (100 ml) was charged with N- (l-ethylpropyl) hydroxylamine (2.2 g, 21.3 mmol). A precipitate formed immediately and the resulting mixture was maintained overnight. The precipitate was recovered by filtration and dried in vacuo to yield 4.0 g of the desired product as a white powder. Recrystallization from N, N- dimethylformamide\water provided an analytically pure sample: MP: 170.5-172.0 OC;

1H NMR (300 MHz. DMSO): 6 918. (s, 2H), 7.37 (s, 1H), 7.18 (apparent d, J=1.0 Hz, 3H), 6.53 (s, 2H), 3.75-3.65 (m, 2H), 1.57 (s, 12H), 1.51-1.30 (m, 8H), 0.80 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 12 H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO): # 159.3,147.7,127.1,122.2,121.0,59.5,54.3,29.8, 24.4,11.2; IR (KBr): 3436,3160,2963,2928,2873,1632,1520,1380,1361,1270,1232, 1160,790,702 cm-1 ; Anal. calc'd for C24H42N404: C, 63.97; H, 9.39; N, 12.43. Found: C, 63.81; H, 9.35; N, 12.48.

Example 14 4,4'-Oxybis (1-hydroxy-1-(1-ethylpropyl)-3-phenylurea) The same general procedure as reporte in Example 13 was followed. 4,4'- Oxybis (phenylisocyanate) (2.52 g, 10 mmol), N- (I-ethylpropyl) hydroxylamine (2.2 g, 21 mmol), and dichloromethane (100 ml) were combine. The product formed as a precipitate. Purification by recrystallization from N, N-dimethylformamide\water yielded 3.5 g of the desired product as a white powder: MP: 182.0 OC (decomp); 1H NMR (300 <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> MHz, DMSO): 6 169. (s, 2H), 8.89 (s, 2H), 7.58 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 4H), 6.86 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 4H), 3.98-3.88 (septet, J=4.7 Hz, 2H), 1.60-1.33 (m, 8H), 0.84 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 12 H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO): # 7,151.6,134.9,120.6,118.0,59.6,24.5,11.0;157. IR (KBr): 3405, 3138,2967,2929,2875,1638,1591,1533,1503,1461,1412,1243,1221, 1161,1106, 831,813,735 cm-1; MS (FAB): m/e 459.2619 (459.2607 calc'd for C24H35N4O5, M+H); Anal. calc'd for C24H34N4O5: C, 62. 86; H, 7.47; N, 12.22. Found: C, 62.56; H, 7.53; N, 12.18.

Example 15 1, 1'-(p-phenylene) bis (3-hydroxy-3-(1-ethylpropyl) urea)

The same general procedure as reporte in Example 13 was followed. 1,4- Phenylene diisocyanate (3.2 g, 20 mmol), N- (l-ethylpropyl) hydroxylamine (4.3 g, 42 mmol), and dichloromethane (200 ml) were combine. The product formed as a precipitate. Purification by recrystallization from N, N-dimethylformamide\water yielded 4.6 g of the desired product as a white powder: MP: 202.0 OC (decomp); 1 H NMR (300 <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> MHz DMSO): 8 139. (s, 2H), 8.72 (s, 2H), 7.44 (s, 4H), 3.96-3.87 (septet, J=4.7 Hz, 2H),<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 1.60-1.33 (ion, 8H), 0.84 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 12 H); 13C NMR (75 MHz DMSO ! : 6 9,134.0,157.

119.3,59.6,24.6,11.1; IR KBr : 3401,3134,2964, 2923, 2873,1634,1541,1462,1412, 1269,1218,1159,1103,1060,833,755,736 cm-1; MS (FAB): m/e 367.2331 (367. 2345 calc'd for C18H3lN4o4 M+H); Anal. calc'd for C18H3oN404: C, 59.00; H, 8.25; N, 15.29. Found: C, 58.72; H, 8.34; N, 15.28.

Example 16 1,1'- (4-Methyl-m-phenylene) bis (3-hydroxy-3-(1-ethylpropyl) urea)

Tolylene 2,4-diisocyanate (2.9 ml, 20 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of N- (I-ethylpropyl) hydroxylamine (4.4 g, 43 mmol) in dichloromethane (200 ml). After a few minutes, a precipitate forme. The resulting mixture was maintained overnight.

Filtration followed by drying of the precipitate (in vacuo) yielded 7.5 g of the desired product as a white powder. Recrystallization from N, N-dimethylformamide\water provided an analytically pure sample: MP: 175.0-177.0 OC; 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO : 8 269. (s, 1H), 9.13 (s, 1H), 8.70 (s, 1H), 8.16 (s, 1H), 7.85 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.24 (dd, J= 8.2,2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.01 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 3.96-3.86 (m, 2H), 2.12 (s, 3H), 1.62-1.33 (m, 8H), 0.85 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 6H), 0.83 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 6H); IR (KBr): 3395,3145, 2967,2930,2875,1640,1529,1488,1458,1422,1242,1150,1123,1105 cm-1; MS FAB : m/e 381.2518 (381.2502 calc'd for C1gH33N404, M+H); Anal. calc'd for C1gH32N404: C, 59.98; H, 8.48; N, 14.72. Found: C, 59.41; H, 8.40; N, 14.75.

Exemple 17 1,1'- (2-Methylpentamethylene) bis (3-hydroxy-3-(1-ethylpropyl) urea) 1,5-Diisocyanato-2-methylpentane (3.2 ml, 20 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of N- (I-ethylpropyl) hydroxylamine (4.4 g, 43 mmol) in dichloromethane (200

ml). The rection was maintained overnight and then concentrated (in vacuo) to a volume of approximately 20 ml. Purification of the sample by flash column chromatography (96: 4 dichloromethane\methanol, Rf 0.26) followed by recrystallization from N, N- dimethylformamide\water provided 2.6 g of the desired product as a white powder: MP: 124.0-125.0°C ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO): # 8. 70 (s, 1H), 8.66 (s, 1H), 6.73 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 6.68 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 3.81-3.72 (m, 2H), 3.02-2.78 (m, 4H), 1.60-0.98 (m, 13H), 0.83-0.77 (m, 15H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO): 6 95,160.92,59.9,45.4,160.

39.6,33.1,31.2,27.5,24.5,17.5,11.1; IR KBr): 3428,3177,2969,2930,2876,1639, 1540,1462,1378,1266,1167,1142,1062,1034,929,770 cm-1; MS (FAB): m/e 375.2957 (375.2971 calc'd for C18H39N4O4, M+H); Anal. calc'd for C18H38N4O4 : C, 57.73; H, 10.23; N, 14.96. Found: C, 57.90; H, 10.19; N, 14.93.

Example 18 1,1'-Octamethylenebis (3-hydroxy-3-(1-ethylpropyl) urea) The same general procedure as reporte in Example 16 was followed. 1,8- Diisocyanatooctane (3.9 ml, 20 mmol), N- (I-ethylpropyl) hydroxylamine (4.3 g, 42 mmol), and dichloromethane (200 ml) were combine to provide 7.4 g of the desired product as a <BR> <BR> white powder: MP: 89.0-90.0 OC; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO: 8 658. (s, 2H), 6.71 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.78 (m, 2H), 3.01 (q, J=6.7 Hz, 4H), 1.49-1.21 (m, 20H), 0.79 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 12H); 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO): # 2,60.1,39.3,29.9,28.9,26.3,24.5,11.1;161.

IR (KBr): 3444,3128,2962,2933,2856,1628,1537,1473,1358,1319,1271,1165, 1140, 1105,1070,1039,927,839,779,748 cm-1; MS (FAB): m/e 403.3277 (403.3284 calc'd or C20H43N4°4, M+H), 300; Anal. calc'd for C2OH42N4o4 : C, 59.67; H, 10.51; N, 13.92. Found: C, 59.71; H, 10.65; N, 13.92.

Example 19 4,4'-Methylenebis (1-hydroxy-1-(1-ethylpropyl)-3-(2-chlorophenyl) urea)

The same general procedure as reporte in Example 16 was followed. 5- Methylenebis (o-chlorophenyl isocyanate) (3.19 g, 10 mmol), N- (l- ethylpropyl) hydroxylamine (2.15 g, 21 mmol), and dichloromethane (100 ml) were combine to provide 4.6 g of the desired product as a white powder: MP: 172.0-173.0 OC <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO): 6 629. (s, 2H), 8.50 (s, 2H), 8.04 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.36 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (dd, J=8.5,1.8 Hz, 2H), 3.94 (septet, J=4.8 Hz, 2H), 3.85 (s, 2H), <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 1.56-1.39 (m, 8H), 0.83 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 12H); 13C NMR (125 MHz. DMSO ! : 6 0,136.7,157.

133.6,128.9,128.0,122.3,120.8,59.9,38.8,24.6,11.0; IR (KBr): 3375,3143,2962, 2931,2875,1645,1602,1575,1525,1403,1305,1269,1232,1157,1101, 1045,821,765, 736 cm-1; MS FAB : m/e 525.2041 (525.2035 calc'd for C25H35N404CI2, M+H).

5-LIPOXYGENASE INHIBITION IN HUMAN LEUKOCYTES The test method described below mesures the ability of compound of the invention to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase activity in human leukocytes.

Blood Cell Preparation Whole human blood is collecte by venipuncture into EDTA (1.4 mL of 0.25M per 60 mL of whole blood). The red blood cells are sedimented with a 6% dextran/0.9% sodium chloride solution at a ratio of 25 mL whole blood to 15 mL dextran solution. The blood/dextran combination is mixed by inversion and the red blood cells are allowed to settle out for 45 minutes at ambient temperature. The plasma/dextran supernatant is

removed then centrifuged at ambient temperature at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes. The plasma/dextran supernatant is removed and the cells are resuspended in 10 mL of the plasma/dextran solution. The cell suspension is combine with 20 mL of water, mixed for 1.5 minutes then immediately combine with 10 mL of 3.6% sodium chloride, mixed and centrifuged at ambient temperature at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes. The pellet is washed with 40 mL of Tris buffer (5.55 mM dextrose, 15.36 mM Tris base, 136.9 mM sodium chloride with pH 7.3-7.4) then centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes. The pellet is then resuspended into Tris buffer containing 1 mM calcium chloride to provide approximately 1.0 X 10'cells/mL.

Compound Preparation Compound are dissolve in dimethyl sulfoxide. Compound are tested at concentrations of 100, 33, 11, 3. 7,1.2 and 0.41 tM. Each concentration is tested in duplicate.

Incubation A 15tL portion of Tris buffer containing 1 mM calcium chloride is added to each well of a 96 well microtiter plate. A 1 pL portion of drug solution or vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide) is added to each well followed by the addition of a 75 pL portion of the cell suspension. The plates are gently mixed then allowed to stand at ambient temperature for 10 minutes. A 10 FOL portion of 30 ZIP A23187 Calcium Gonophore (prepared by dissolving the ionophore in DMSO and then diluting 1: 80 into the Tris buffer) is added to each well except the wells that contain the blanks. The blank wells measure the level of LTC4 production in the absence of A23187. The plates are gently mixed then incubated at 37°C for 10 minutes.

Se ration Following incubation the plates are centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 1.5 minutes and the supernatant is removed as quickly as possible to stop the rection. The supernatants are frozen at-20°C until they are assayed.

Analysis/Calculations The supernatants are assayed for the presence of Leukotriene C4 by radioimmunoassay which is performed according to the manufacturer's instructions (Advanced Magnetics; Cambridge, MA). Inhibition of leukotriene biosynthesis is calculated as the ratio of the amount of LTC4 formed in the presence (LTC4 + cpd) and absence (LTC4 no cpd) of compound according to the following equation.

% Inhibition tLTC4 no cpd)- (LTC4 + cpd ! X 100 (LTC4 no cpd) IC50 values (concentrations of compound producing 50% leukotriene biosynthesis inhibition) are calculated by linear regression analysis of percentage inhibition versus log compound concentration plots.

A number of compound of the invention were tested according to the above method and the results are shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibition in Human Leukocytes Compound of Example IC50 (gm) 4 4.22 5 0.024 6 0.216 7 5.9 8 5.6 9 >10.0 10 0.1 110.1 120.020 1365.0 140.1 Table l 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibition in Human Leukocytes Compound of Example ICso (M) 15 2.1 16 58.6 17 12.0 18 0.33 19 0.11

IN VITRO HUMAN WHOLE BLOOD LEUKOTRIENE B4 INHIBITION The test method described below mesures the ability of compound to inhibit the production of Leukotriene B4 in whole human blood.

Blood Cell Preparation Whole human blood is collecte by venipuncture into a 60 cc syringe containing 100 units of heparin.

Compound Preparation Compound are dissolve in dimethyl sulfoxide. Compound are tested at concentrations of 100,33,11,3.7,1.2 and 0.41 tM. Each concentration is tested in duplicate.

Incubation Aliquots (1 µL) of compound solution are added to 1 mL polyethylene tubes followed by the addition of a 500 tL portion of heparinized blood. The tubes are mixed thoroughly then allowed to preincubate at ambient temperature for 15 minutes. A 25 µL portion of 1mM Calcium Gonophore A23187 in dimethyl sulfoxide/Tris buffer is added to the tubes. The tubes are mixed thoroughly then incubated at 37°C for 30 minutes.

Separation The tubes are centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 10 minutes. 100 pL portions of plasma are transferred to 1 mL polyethylene tubes containing 400 pL portions of methanol. The tubes are vortexed then frozen at-20°C overnight.

Analysis/Calculations The tubes are centrifuged for 10 minutes then 100 pL portions of methanol supernatant are transferred to a 96 well microtiter plate. 10 1L portions are transferred from this plate to a 96 well assay plate. Methanol dilutions of LTB4 standard curve are added to the assay plate. 10 tL portions of blank methanol/plasma supernatant are added to each standard curve well. The assay plate is vacuum dried at ambient temperature. The radioimmunoassay buffer is added, the plate is bath-sonicated for 5 minutes then assayed according to the manufacturer's instructions (Advanced Magnetics; Cambridge, MA).

Inhibition of LTB4 production is calculated as the ratio of the amount of LTB4 formed in the presence (LTB4 + cpd) and absence (LTB4 no cpd) of compound according the equation below.

% Inhibition TB no cpd !- (LTB4 + cpd) X 100 (LTB4 no cpd) IC50 values (concentration of compound producing a 50% inhibition of LTB4 production) are calculated by linear regression analysis of percentage inhibition versus log compound concentration plots.

A number of compound of the invention were tested according to the above method. The results are shown in Table 2 below.

Table 2 In Vitro Human Whole Blood Leukotriene B4 Inhibition Compound of Example ICSO (M) 1 0.55 2 1.7 3 0.32 4 8.2 5 0.7 6 0.5 7 0.55 8 0.7 9 17.2 10 2.0 11 0.35

IN VITRO MOUSE PERITONEAL MACROPHAGE LEUKOTRIENE C4 INHIBITION The test method described below mesures the ability of compound to inhibit the production of Leukotriene C4 in mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Cell Preparation Mice (female, CD-1, weighing 25 g) are euthanized by exposure to carbon dioxide.

The peritoneal cavity is exposed by peeling back the abdominal skin. A 5 mL portion of media (M199 containing 1% fetal bovine serum, 100 units/mL of penicillin, 100 µg/mL of streptomycin, 20 units/mL of heparin and no glutamine) is injecte into the exposed peritoneal cavity of each mouse. The lavage fluid is removed and pooled to yield approximately 1 X 106 macrophages/mL. A 2 mL portion of lavage fluid is added to each well of a 24 well sterile multidish and the macrophages are allowed to adhere to the plate for 2 hours at 37°C in a 5% carbon dioxide atmosphere. The media is removed and each

well is washed with 2 mL of phosphate buffered saline (PBS). A 1 mL portion of media, without heparin, but containing 5pCi/mL of 3H-myoinositol is added to each well and the plates are incubated overnight at 37°C in a 5% carbon dioxide atmosphere. The media is removed and the cells are washed twice with 2 mL portions of PBS. A 1 mL portion of Puck's saline formulation A containing 1 mM calcium chloride, 1 mM magnesium chloride and 10 mM lithium chloride is added to each well. (The Puck's formulation is made first as a l OX solution which contains 4 g of potassium chloride, 80 g of sodium chloride and 10 g of glucose per liter. The Puck's saline formulation A is made using 10 mL of the l OX Puck's formulation, 0.47 mL of 7.5% sodium bicarbonate and 2 mL of 1M N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid per 100 mL.) Compound Preparation Compound are dissolve in dimethyl sulfoxide. Compound are tested at concentrations of 10,1 and 0.1 1M. Each concentration is tested in duplicate.

Incubation A ItL portion of compound solution or vehicle (DMSO) is added to each well and the plates are incubated for 15 minutes at 37°C in a 5% carbon dioxide atmosphere.

Zymosan is then added to provide a final concentration of 50 pg/mL in each well and the plate is incubated for 1 to 2 hours at 37°C in a 5% carbon dioxide atmosphere.

Separation Following incubation 200 IL portions of media are transferred to 12 X 75 mm tubes. The tubes are either assayed immediately or stored at-20°C until they can be assayed.

Analysis/Calcultions The media is assayed for the presence of Leukotriene C4 by radioimmunoassay which is performed according to the manufacturer's instructions (Advanced Magnetics ; Cambridge, MA). Inhibition of LTC4 production is calculated as the ratio of the amount of

LTC4 formed in the presence (LTC4+ cpd) and absence (LTC4 no cpd) of compound according to the equation below.

% Inhibition = (LTCd no cdLLTC + cpd ! X 100 (LTC4 no cpd) IC50 values (concentration of compound producing a 50% inhibition of LTC4 production) are calculated by linear regression analysis of percentage inhibition versus log compound concentration plots.

A number of compound of the invention were tested according to the above method. The results are shown in Table 3 below.

Table 3 <BR> <BR> In Vitro Mouse Peritoneal Macrophage Leukotriene C4 Inhibition Compound Percent Inhibition of Example 10. 0 µM 1.0, uM 0. 1 µM 1 100 95 61 2 54 55 32 5625374 4 67 6-24 5 100 100 91 6 99 99 48 7 98 7-19 8 91 76 55 9-6 1 1 10 94 94 7 11 99 100 42 12 100 93 83

RAT EX VIVO LEUKOTRIENE B4 INHIBITION The test method described below mesures the ability of a compound when administered orally to rats to inhibit the production of Leukotriene B4 in their blood which is drawn and challenged.

Rats (CD, male, non-fasted, 250 g) are lightly anesthetized with carbon dioxide and an approximately 0.75 mL sample of whole blood is obtained via cardiac puncture. The sample is dispense into 12 X 75 mm polypropylene tubes containing 8-10 pL of 10,000 units/mL heparin, mixed and then maintained on ice. The rats are allowed to recover approximately one hour then dosed orally with compound dissolve in PEG 400 at a 5 mL/Kg volume. Five (5) rats are utilized per group. Two (2) hours post dose the rats are again anesthetized with carbon dioxide and the blood sampled again via cardiac puncture.

Duplicate 200 pL portions of blood are added to 1.0 mL polypropylene tubes. A 10 pL portion of 1 mM A23187 Calcium Gonophore in dimethyl sulfoxide/Tris buffer is added to each tube. The tubes are gently vortexed then incubated in a 37°C water bath for 30 minutes. The tubes are then centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 10 minutes. 50 pL portions of plasma are transferred to 1.0 mL tubes containing 200 tL of methanol. The tubes are vortexed then placed in the freezer overnight.

The tubes are removed from the freezer then centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 10 minutes. 20 pL portions of the methanol/plasma supernatant and 10 pL methanol dilutions of LTB4 standard are transferred to 96 well v-bottom microtiter plates. The plates are vacuum dried at 40°C. A 40 pL portion of LTB4 radioimmunoassay buffer is added to each well. The plate is bath sonicated for 5 minutes then assayed according to the manufacturer's instructions (Advanced Magnetics; Cambridge, MA). Percent inhibition values are obtained by comparing the level of LTB4 in the post-dose samples to the level in the pre-dose samples according to the equation below.

% Inhibition- (LTB4pre-dose)-(LTBost-doseX 100 (LTB4 pre-dose) A number of compound of the invention were tested. The results are shown in Table 4 below.

Table 4 Rat Ex Vivo Leukotriene B4 Inhibition Compound of Example Dose (mg/Kg) % Inhibition 1 10 16 1 50 93 2 50 34 6350 7 50 59 4950 10 50 8 11 50 4 12 50 15

The foregoing specification and examples provide a complete description of the invention, which resides in the following claims.